Living for Gospel Impact // Acts 14 // Watermark Community Church

>> All right. Well, hey, welcome to >> All right. Well, hey, welcome to Watermark. So glad you're here. If this Watermark. So glad you're here. If this Watermark. So glad you're here. If this is your first time ever with us on a is your first time ever with us on a is your first time ever with us on a Sunday, thanks for trusting us. And uh Sunday, thanks for trusting us. And uh Sunday, thanks for trusting us. And uh my hope is that this place would feel my hope is that this place would feel my hope is that this place would feel like home for you very quickly. Every like home for you very quickly. Every like home for you very quickly. Every single Sunday, we open up the Bible, the single Sunday, we open up the Bible, the single Sunday, we open up the Bible, the word of God. We believe that God has word of God. We believe that God has word of God. We believe that God has gone to great lengths to speak to us. gone to great lengths to speak to us. gone to great lengths to speak to us. And when we open it and study it, we can And when we open it and study it, we can And when we open it and study it, we can hear from him. hear from him. hear from him. And so one of the things that we do And so one of the things that we do And so one of the things that we do every Sunday just to prepare our hearts every Sunday just to prepare our hearts every Sunday just to prepare our hearts to hear from God is we ask God to speak. to hear from God is we ask God to speak. to hear from God is we ask God to speak. So I want to give you a chance real So I want to give you a chance real So I want to give you a chance real quick quick quick to pause and just pray for yourself. And to pause and just pray for yourself. And to pause and just pray for yourself. And would you take a minute and just say, would you take a minute and just say, would you take a minute and just say, "God, would you speak to me this "God, would you speak to me this "God, would you speak to me this morning?" Pray that for yourself. And then would you pray for the people And then would you pray for the people around you and ask God to speak to them around you and ask God to speak to them around you and ask God to speak to them as well. And then would you pray for me and ask And then would you pray for me and ask God to speak through me to you.

Well, Lord, I pray that this would be Well, Lord, I pray that this would be such an important moment for so many such an important moment for so many such an important moment for so many people in this room. I pray that we people in this room. I pray that we people in this room. I pray that we would leave here having met with you, would leave here having met with you, would leave here having met with you, God. God. God. That thousands of people would leave That thousands of people would leave That thousands of people would leave with the sense that they've heard from with the sense that they've heard from with the sense that they've heard from the living God through the teaching of the living God through the teaching of the living God through the teaching of his word. his word. his word. So God, I pray that you would cancel out So God, I pray that you would cancel out So God, I pray that you would cancel out distractions. distractions. distractions. Lord, for hearts that are callous right Lord, for hearts that are callous right Lord, for hearts that are callous right now, even in this moment, would you now, even in this moment, would you now, even in this moment, would you strip away those calluses? strip away those calluses? strip away those calluses? Would you pierce us in such a clear way Would you pierce us in such a clear way Would you pierce us in such a clear way with your truth with your truth with your truth that there would be life and joy today. today. We want to see you clearly. We want to We want to see you clearly. We want to We want to see you clearly. We want to hear from you, Lord. We want to receive hear from you, Lord. We want to receive hear from you, Lord. We want to receive everything you have for us. So, we give everything you have for us. So, we give everything you have for us. So, we give this time to you in Jesus name. this time to you in Jesus name. this time to you in Jesus name. Amen. Amen. Amen. Uh well, this past week our family took Uh well, this past week our family took Uh well, this past week our family took our annual trip with my wife's family uh our annual trip with my wife's family uh our annual trip with my wife's family uh to Galveston. Uh my boys have still not to Galveston. Uh my boys have still not to Galveston. Uh my boys have still not seen a nice beach. seen a nice beach. seen a nice beach. As far as they know, beaches are As far as they know, beaches are As far as they know, beaches are concrete and brown water.

concrete and brown water. concrete and brown water. But, we went to Galveston. We had a But, we went to Galveston. We had a But, we went to Galveston. We had a great time. We always have a great time. great time. We always have a great time. great time. We always have a great time. We love going to Galveston. We're all We love going to Galveston. We're all We love going to Galveston. We're all about it. It was awesome. about it. It was awesome. about it. It was awesome. Uh but, our trip was cut short. We ended Uh but, our trip was cut short. We ended Uh but, our trip was cut short. We ended up coming home a day early. And the up coming home a day early. And the up coming home a day early. And the reason we came home a day early was reason we came home a day early was reason we came home a day early was because Tropical Storm Arthur was because Tropical Storm Arthur was because Tropical Storm Arthur was heading towards Galveston. And uh a rule heading towards Galveston. And uh a rule heading towards Galveston. And uh a rule that I live by is is if a storm has a that I live by is is if a storm has a that I live by is is if a storm has a name, I'm out. name, I'm out. name, I'm out. Like that I just commend that to you. If Like that I just commend that to you. If Like that I just commend that to you. If they start naming them, I start driving. they start naming them, I start driving. they start naming them, I start driving. I'm out. I'm out. I'm out. And so, we got on the road and we left. And so, we got on the road and we left. And so, we got on the road and we left. And one of the reasons that we just And one of the reasons that we just And one of the reasons that we just wanted to get out of there was because wanted to get out of there was because wanted to get out of there was because our neighborhood had flooded. I'll show our neighborhood had flooded. I'll show our neighborhood had flooded. I'll show you a picture of it. It wasn't too bad, you a picture of it. It wasn't too bad, you a picture of it. It wasn't too bad, but you can see uh right there. That's but you can see uh right there. That's but you can see uh right there. That's just a picture from the balcony of one just a picture from the balcony of one just a picture from the balcony of one of the houses we were staying in. You of the houses we were staying in. You of the houses we were staying in. You can still see the grass, but here's what can still see the grass, but here's what can still see the grass, but here's what that means. that means. that means. When we would pull into the driveway, When we would pull into the driveway, When we would pull into the driveway, just to get out of the car and up into just to get out of the car and up into just to get out of the car and up into the house, you are stepping down into the house, you are stepping down into the house, you are stepping down into water that is up to about if you can see water that is up to about if you can see water that is up to about if you can see that, about right there.

that, about right there. that, about right there. And as a germ freak, when your And as a germ freak, when your And as a germ freak, when your father-in-law is like, "That's basically father-in-law is like, "That's basically father-in-law is like, "That's basically sewer water." you're like, "All right, sewer water." you're like, "All right, sewer water." you're like, "All right, let's wrap this up. It's been a good let's wrap this up. It's been a good let's wrap this up. It's been a good go." go." go." in Galveston. But, that was the experience. It was But, that was the experience. It was like you get out of the car and you like you get out of the car and you like you get out of the car and you waded through water to get into the waded through water to get into the waded through water to get into the house and then you dry off and then if house and then you dry off and then if house and then you dry off and then if you need to leave, you come back out and you need to leave, you come back out and you need to leave, you come back out and do that. And And it was only going to do that. And And it was only going to do that. And And it was only going to get worse. get worse. get worse. And when I took that picture, not And when I took that picture, not And when I took that picture, not pictured in that picture was these pictured in that picture was these pictured in that picture was these trucks of city workers that had shown up trucks of city workers that had shown up trucks of city workers that had shown up to pump water out of the street. So, to pump water out of the street. So, to pump water out of the street. So, they had these big tubes that were that they had these big tubes that were that they had these big tubes that were that were channeling water back out into the were channeling water back out into the were channeling water back out into the Gulf. And we watched these guys. These Gulf. And we watched these guys. These Gulf. And we watched these guys. These guys were there for hours guys were there for hours guys were there for hours and there was no change. and there was no change. and there was no change. For hours. Like to where we began to For hours. Like to where we began to For hours. Like to where we began to talk and we're like, "It's not making a talk and we're like, "It's not making a talk and we're like, "It's not making a dent. Like it is not doing anything. And dent. Like it is not doing anything. And dent. Like it is not doing anything. And if that's the case, let's get out of if that's the case, let's get out of if that's the case, let's get out of here because it's it's only going to get here because it's it's only going to get here because it's it's only going to get worse." And then uh one of the family worse." And then uh one of the family worse." And then uh one of the family members, not uh my my wife's brother, members, not uh my my wife's brother, members, not uh my my wife's brother, they ended up staying the night.

they ended up staying the night. they ended up staying the night. And uh they were delayed in getting out And uh they were delayed in getting out And uh they were delayed in getting out because the waters only got worse. And because the waters only got worse. And because the waters only got worse. And that's the end of the story. that's the end of the story. that's the end of the story. Like there's no right hook. That's it. Like there's no right hook. That's it. Like there's no right hook. That's it. It's all I have for you. It's all I have for you. It's all I have for you. The reason I tell you that is as I The reason I tell you that is as I The reason I tell you that is as I thought about that experience, that can thought about that experience, that can thought about that experience, that can be our experience in the Christian life be our experience in the Christian life be our experience in the Christian life on mission with Jesus. Here's what I on mission with Jesus. Here's what I on mission with Jesus. Here's what I mean. This world is thoroughly flooded mean. This world is thoroughly flooded mean. This world is thoroughly flooded with sin and darkness. It is. You just with sin and darkness. It is. You just with sin and darkness. It is. You just look out in the world and this world is look out in the world and this world is look out in the world and this world is thoroughly flooded with sin and thoroughly flooded with sin and thoroughly flooded with sin and darkness. And we as followers of Jesus darkness. And we as followers of Jesus darkness. And we as followers of Jesus Christ on mission with Jesus, we want to Christ on mission with Jesus, we want to Christ on mission with Jesus, we want to be a part of the solution. We want to be a part of the solution. We want to be a part of the solution. We want to step into our workplaces, in our gyms, step into our workplaces, in our gyms, step into our workplaces, in our gyms, in our neighborhoods, and we want to be in our neighborhoods, and we want to be in our neighborhoods, and we want to be a part of curbing the floods. And we want to be used God. We want to And we want to be used God. We want to be effective for Jesus. Like we want to be effective for Jesus. Like we want to be effective for Jesus. Like we want to take the gospel and we want to see light take the gospel and we want to see light take the gospel and we want to see light shine into darkness and penetrate the shine into darkness and penetrate the shine into darkness and penetrate the darkness.

darkness. darkness. And yet I wouldn't be surprised if And yet I wouldn't be surprised if And yet I wouldn't be surprised if there's many people here who who feel there's many people here who who feel there's many people here who who feel like you've given it your best like you've given it your best like you've given it your best and there's been no change. and there's been no change. and there's been no change. Like you have sought to be on mission, Like you have sought to be on mission, Like you have sought to be on mission, you have sought to to have influence and you have sought to to have influence and you have sought to to have influence and impact for the sake of the gospel with impact for the sake of the gospel with impact for the sake of the gospel with co-workers, neighbors, family members, co-workers, neighbors, family members, co-workers, neighbors, family members, and yet there's no change. and yet there's no change. and yet there's no change. Like you're asking God to use you. Like you're asking God to use you. Like you're asking God to use you. You're faithfully going and engaging and You're faithfully going and engaging and You're faithfully going and engaging and yet you don't see any change. What I yet you don't see any change. What I yet you don't see any change. What I want to do this morning is I just want want to do this morning is I just want want to do this morning is I just want to remind you, hey, God's working in a to remind you, hey, God's working in a to remind you, hey, God's working in a thousand ways that you can't even see thousand ways that you can't even see thousand ways that you can't even see and God is using you and God wants to and God is using you and God wants to and God is using you and God wants to use you. use you. use you. I just want to remind you of that. I just want to remind you of that. I just want to remind you of that. Like God wants to use every person in Like God wants to use every person in Like God wants to use every person in this room that is a follower of Jesus this room that is a follower of Jesus this room that is a follower of Jesus Christ. He wants to use you and he is Christ. He wants to use you and he is Christ. He wants to use you and he is using you. But using you. But using you. But if we are going to have maximum impact if we are going to have maximum impact if we are going to have maximum impact for the sake of the gospel, there are for the sake of the gospel, there are for the sake of the gospel, there are some non-negotiables that will need to some non-negotiables that will need to some non-negotiables that will need to be present in our lives. So that's what be present in our lives. So that's what be present in our lives. So that's what I want to talk about today.

I want to talk about today. I want to talk about today. Like if you're one of those people who's Like if you're one of those people who's Like if you're one of those people who's sitting there and you you're a little sitting there and you you're a little sitting there and you you're a little bit discouraged by the lack of movement bit discouraged by the lack of movement bit discouraged by the lack of movement you see with family members who don't you see with family members who don't you see with family members who don't know Jesus or in your workplace, if it know Jesus or in your workplace, if it know Jesus or in your workplace, if it feels like the the floods aren't being feels like the the floods aren't being feels like the the floods aren't being curbed at all by your effort, I want to curbed at all by your effort, I want to curbed at all by your effort, I want to encourage you. encourage you. encourage you. I want to look at a chapter in the book I want to look at a chapter in the book I want to look at a chapter in the book of Acts that's all about impact. of Acts that's all about impact. of Acts that's all about impact. But what was present in Paul and But what was present in Paul and But what was present in Paul and Barnabas's lives will need to be in will Barnabas's lives will need to be in will Barnabas's lives will need to be in will need to be present need to be present need to be present in our lives as well. So if you have a in our lives as well. So if you have a in our lives as well. So if you have a Bible, I want to invite you to turn with Bible, I want to invite you to turn with Bible, I want to invite you to turn with me to this chapter of impact. Acts me to this chapter of impact. Acts me to this chapter of impact. Acts chapter 14, this is a chapter chapter 14, this is a chapter chapter 14, this is a chapter that we would love to be written about that we would love to be written about that we would love to be written about us. If you've been journeying through the If you've been journeying through the book of Acts with us, book of Acts with us, book of Acts with us, then let me just remind you, Acts then let me just remind you, Acts then let me just remind you, Acts chapter 13 and 14 detail Paul's first chapter 13 and 14 detail Paul's first chapter 13 and 14 detail Paul's first missionary journey. He goes on three in missionary journey. He goes on three in missionary journey. He goes on three in the book of Acts. the book of Acts. the book of Acts. Acts chapter 13 started with the church Acts chapter 13 started with the church Acts chapter 13 started with the church in Antioch and the Holy Spirit sending in Antioch and the Holy Spirit sending in Antioch and the Holy Spirit sending Paul and Barnabas out. Do you know how Paul and Barnabas out. Do you know how Paul and Barnabas out. Do you know how chapter 14 ends? It ends with them chapter 14 ends? It ends with them chapter 14 ends? It ends with them returning to Antioch and telling the returning to Antioch and telling the returning to Antioch and telling the church all of the amazing things God did church all of the amazing things God did church all of the amazing things God did through them.

through them. through them. It's a chapter of of influence and It's a chapter of of influence and It's a chapter of of influence and impact. Let me just show you what I'm impact. Let me just show you what I'm impact. Let me just show you what I'm talking about. Track along, I'm just talking about. Track along, I'm just talking about. Track along, I'm just going to hit the high points going to hit the high points going to hit the high points of this chapter of impact. Verse 1, of this chapter of impact. Verse 1, of this chapter of impact. Verse 1, chapter 14. chapter 14. chapter 14. It says, "Now at Iconium, they entered It says, "Now at Iconium, they entered It says, "Now at Iconium, they entered together into the Jewish synagogue and together into the Jewish synagogue and together into the Jewish synagogue and spoke in such a way that a great number spoke in such a way that a great number spoke in such a way that a great number of both Jews and Greeks believed." of both Jews and Greeks believed." of both Jews and Greeks believed." Isn't that amazing? Isn't that amazing? Isn't that amazing? Wouldn't you love for that to be written Wouldn't you love for that to be written Wouldn't you love for that to be written about you in your workplace or your about you in your workplace or your about you in your workplace or your neighborhood, that you spoke in such a neighborhood, that you spoke in such a neighborhood, that you spoke in such a way that great numbers believed? way that great numbers believed? way that great numbers believed? Verse 3, Verse 3, Verse 3, "So, they remained for a long time "So, they remained for a long time "So, they remained for a long time speaking boldly for the Lord, who bore speaking boldly for the Lord, who bore speaking boldly for the Lord, who bore witness witness witness to the word of his grace, granting signs to the word of his grace, granting signs to the word of his grace, granting signs and wonders to be done by their hands." and wonders to be done by their hands." and wonders to be done by their hands." So, just understand what's happening So, just understand what's happening So, just understand what's happening here. Not only are they speaking boldly, here. Not only are they speaking boldly, here. Not only are they speaking boldly, but God is giving them the ability to but God is giving them the ability to but God is giving them the ability to perform miracles. That's incredible. perform miracles. That's incredible. perform miracles. That's incredible. And we see one of those in the city of And we see one of those in the city of And we see one of those in the city of Lystra. It says this in verse 8, Lystra. It says this in verse 8, Lystra. It says this in verse 8, "Now at Lystra, there was a man sitting "Now at Lystra, there was a man sitting "Now at Lystra, there was a man sitting who could not use his feet. He was who could not use his feet. He was who could not use his feet. He was crippled from birth. He had never crippled from birth. He had never crippled from birth. He had never walked."

walked." walked." He listened to Paul speaking and Paul He listened to Paul speaking and Paul He listened to Paul speaking and Paul looked intently at him looked intently at him looked intently at him and seeing that he had faith to be made and seeing that he had faith to be made and seeing that he had faith to be made well, he said in a loud voice, "Stand up well, he said in a loud voice, "Stand up well, he said in a loud voice, "Stand up right on your feet." And guess what? He right on your feet." And guess what? He right on your feet." And guess what? He sprang up and began walking. How would sprang up and began walking. How would sprang up and began walking. How would you like to be responsible for a grown you like to be responsible for a grown you like to be responsible for a grown man walking for the first time? man walking for the first time? man walking for the first time? That's impact. That's impact. That's impact. Keeps going, verse 21. Says when they had preached the gospel Says when they had preached the gospel to that city and had made many to that city and had made many to that city and had made many disciples. There it is. There's the disciples. There it is. There's the disciples. There it is. There's the impact. They made many disciples. impact. They made many disciples. impact. They made many disciples. They returned to Lystra and Iconium to They returned to Lystra and Iconium to They returned to Lystra and Iconium to Antioch, strengthening the souls of the Antioch, strengthening the souls of the Antioch, strengthening the souls of the disciples. So, there's more impact. disciples. So, there's more impact. disciples. So, there's more impact. Other believers are being strengthened Other believers are being strengthened Other believers are being strengthened by their ministry. by their ministry. by their ministry. They encouraged them to continue in the They encouraged them to continue in the They encouraged them to continue in the faith. faith. faith. And saying that through many And saying that through many And saying that through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom tribulations we must enter the kingdom tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God. Verse 23, "And when they had of God. Verse 23, "And when they had of God. Verse 23, "And when they had appointed elders for them in every appointed elders for them in every appointed elders for them in every church, with prayer and fasting they church, with prayer and fasting they church, with prayer and fasting they committed to them committed to them committed to them They committed them to the Lord They committed them to the Lord They committed them to the Lord in whom they had believed."

in whom they had believed." in whom they had believed." So, what you see is you see them making So, what you see is you see them making So, what you see is you see them making many disciples, strengthening other many disciples, strengthening other many disciples, strengthening other disciples, and what they do is through disciples, and what they do is through disciples, and what they do is through fasting and praying. Do you see it? We fasting and praying. Do you see it? We fasting and praying. Do you see it? We fasted and prayed together as a church fasted and prayed together as a church fasted and prayed together as a church last week. It doesn't have to be a last week. It doesn't have to be a last week. It doesn't have to be a one-time thing. If you need to make a one-time thing. If you need to make a one-time thing. If you need to make a big decision, maybe that's what you do big decision, maybe that's what you do big decision, maybe that's what you do this week. But they're fasting and this week. But they're fasting and this week. But they're fasting and praying, and what are they doing? praying, and what are they doing? praying, and what are they doing? They're installing leadership so that They're installing leadership so that They're installing leadership so that churches are as healthy as possible. I churches are as healthy as possible. I churches are as healthy as possible. I mean, everything Paul and Barnabas do in mean, everything Paul and Barnabas do in mean, everything Paul and Barnabas do in Acts 14 is up and to the right. Acts 14 is up and to the right. Acts 14 is up and to the right. And so, the chapter ends by saying in And so, the chapter ends by saying in And so, the chapter ends by saying in verse 27, "And when they had arrived and verse 27, "And when they had arrived and verse 27, "And when they had arrived and gathered the church together, what did gathered the church together, what did gathered the church together, what did they do?" They declared all that God had they do?" They declared all that God had they do?" They declared all that God had done with them done with them done with them and how he had opened the door of faith and how he had opened the door of faith and how he had opened the door of faith to the Gentiles. to the Gentiles. to the Gentiles. Like, they come back to Antioch, and Like, they come back to Antioch, and Like, they come back to Antioch, and what's true of them? They are packed what's true of them? They are packed what's true of them? They are packed full of God stories. full of God stories. full of God stories. They're packed full. They're packed full. They're packed full. Do you know anyone Do you know anyone Do you know anyone in your life? Do you have anyone in your in your life? Do you have anyone in your in your life? Do you have anyone in your life that like they just are constantly life that like they just are constantly life that like they just are constantly they just constantly have stories to they just constantly have stories to they just constantly have stories to tell about how God's using them to the tell about how God's using them to the tell about how God's using them to the point where it's annoying. It's like I point where it's annoying. It's like I point where it's annoying. It's like I get it.

get it. get it. He likes you more than me. Like that's Paul and Barnabas. They're Like that's Paul and Barnabas. They're just they're just rolling. They've got just they're just rolling. They've got just they're just rolling. They've got so many stories so many stories so many stories of impact how God is working in and of impact how God is working in and of impact how God is working in and through them. Now, let me just say this. through them. Now, let me just say this. through them. Now, let me just say this. Look, I know Look, I know Look, I know that God used the Apostle Paul in a that God used the Apostle Paul in a that God used the Apostle Paul in a unique way in church history, but I just unique way in church history, but I just unique way in church history, but I just want to remind you God wants to use you. want to remind you God wants to use you. want to remind you God wants to use you. He wants to use me. God is using you. He wants to use me. God is using you. He wants to use me. God is using you. God is working through you. God wants to God is working through you. God wants to God is working through you. God wants to fill our lives with fill our lives with fill our lives with God stories. He does. God stories. He does. God stories. He does. Like God is accomplishing his purposes. Like God is accomplishing his purposes. Like God is accomplishing his purposes. He could accomplish them however he He could accomplish them however he He could accomplish them however he wants to. He's decided to do it through wants to. He's decided to do it through wants to. He's decided to do it through his people. his people. his people. And so I tell you that just to say And so I tell you that just to say And so I tell you that just to say um if you're going to have an impact for if you're going to have an impact for the sake of the gospel, there were a few the sake of the gospel, there were a few the sake of the gospel, there were a few things that Paul and Barnabas had that things that Paul and Barnabas had that things that Paul and Barnabas had that you are going to need as well. And I'm you are going to need as well. And I'm you are going to need as well. And I'm just going to identify three things.

just going to identify three things. just going to identify three things. This isn't an exhaustive list. It's just This isn't an exhaustive list. It's just This isn't an exhaustive list. It's just what we see in the text. And I'll give what we see in the text. And I'll give what we see in the text. And I'll give the three things to you right now. the three things to you right now. the three things to you right now. You're going to need supernatural grit, You're going to need supernatural grit, You're going to need supernatural grit, gospel given security, gospel given security, gospel given security, and you're going to need clarity of and you're going to need clarity of and you're going to need clarity of calling. calling. calling. So, let's unpack these. If you want to So, let's unpack these. If you want to So, let's unpack these. If you want to have an impact have an impact have an impact if you want to be used by God in mighty if you want to be used by God in mighty if you want to be used by God in mighty ways, you're going to have to have these ways, you're going to have to have these ways, you're going to have to have these three things. Let's first talk about three things. Let's first talk about three things. Let's first talk about supernatural grit. supernatural grit. supernatural grit. Okay, look back at verse one. Okay, look back at verse one. Okay, look back at verse one. Listen to what it says. It says, "Now Listen to what it says. It says, "Now Listen to what it says. It says, "Now at Iconium, they entered together into at Iconium, they entered together into at Iconium, they entered together into the Jewish synagogue and spoke in such a the Jewish synagogue and spoke in such a the Jewish synagogue and spoke in such a way that a great number of both Jews and way that a great number of both Jews and way that a great number of both Jews and Greeks believed." That's amazing. Isn't Greeks believed." That's amazing. Isn't Greeks believed." That's amazing. Isn't that awesome? Wouldn't you want that to that awesome? Wouldn't you want that to that awesome? Wouldn't you want that to be true of you? But listen to verse two. be true of you? But listen to verse two. be true of you? But listen to verse two. But But But But always starts strikes a contrast in But always starts strikes a contrast in But always starts strikes a contrast in the Bible. But the unbelieving Jews the Bible. But the unbelieving Jews the Bible. But the unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles and poisoned stirred up the Gentiles and poisoned stirred up the Gentiles and poisoned their minds against the brothers. their minds against the brothers. their minds against the brothers. So great things are happening and yet So great things are happening and yet So great things are happening and yet there's resistance to Paul and Barnabas' there's resistance to Paul and Barnabas' there's resistance to Paul and Barnabas' work.

work. work. There are people actively working There are people actively working There are people actively working against them. against them. against them. So what did Paul Paul and Barnabas do So what did Paul Paul and Barnabas do So what did Paul Paul and Barnabas do when they encountered resistance? Look when they encountered resistance? Look when they encountered resistance? Look at verse three. at verse three. at verse three. So in light of that resistance, it says So in light of that resistance, it says So in light of that resistance, it says this, "So they remained for a long time this, "So they remained for a long time this, "So they remained for a long time speaking boldly for the Lord speaking boldly for the Lord speaking boldly for the Lord who bore witness to the word of his who bore witness to the word of his who bore witness to the word of his grace granting signs and wonders to be grace granting signs and wonders to be grace granting signs and wonders to be done by their hands." Do you see? done by their hands." Do you see? done by their hands." Do you see? It doesn't say, "So they gave up. It doesn't say, "So they gave up. It doesn't say, "So they gave up. So they went somewhere else. So they got So they went somewhere else. So they got So they went somewhere else. So they got real discouraged." No, what does it say? real discouraged." No, what does it say? real discouraged." No, what does it say? It says they remained. Like they dug in. It says they remained. Like they dug in. It says they remained. Like they dug in. They didn't back down. They stayed in They didn't back down. They stayed in They didn't back down. They stayed in the battle. They didn't retreat. the battle. They didn't retreat. the battle. They didn't retreat. How was that possible? How was that possible? How was that possible? It was possible because the last verse It was possible because the last verse It was possible because the last verse in chapter 13 tells us in chapter 13 tells us in chapter 13 tells us that they were full of the Holy Spirit. that they were full of the Holy Spirit. that they were full of the Holy Spirit. And then right here in verse three when And then right here in verse three when And then right here in verse three when it says that they were speaking boldly it says that they were speaking boldly it says that they were speaking boldly for the Lord, I think a better for the Lord, I think a better for the Lord, I think a better translation is that they were speaking translation is that they were speaking translation is that they were speaking boldly in the Lord or in reliance upon boldly in the Lord or in reliance upon boldly in the Lord or in reliance upon the Lord. They had supernatural power the Lord. They had supernatural power the Lord. They had supernatural power inside of them.

inside of them. inside of them. That's supernatural That's supernatural That's supernatural grit. grit. grit. It's not their own manpower. It's not their own manpower. It's not their own manpower. It's not self-discipline to just stay in It's not self-discipline to just stay in It's not self-discipline to just stay in the game. No, there is a supernatural the game. No, there is a supernatural the game. No, there is a supernatural Holy Spirit given Holy Spirit given Holy Spirit given grit. grit. grit. And then if you keep reading, you know And then if you keep reading, you know And then if you keep reading, you know what happens is a plot is devised to what happens is a plot is devised to what happens is a plot is devised to attempt to stone them. And so they have attempt to stone them. And so they have attempt to stone them. And so they have to leave the city. But what do they do to leave the city. But what do they do to leave the city. But what do they do when they move on to the next city? They when they move on to the next city? They when they move on to the next city? They just keep preaching the gospel. just keep preaching the gospel. just keep preaching the gospel. They didn't back down. They didn't back down. They didn't back down. They didn't update their LinkedIn They didn't update their LinkedIn They didn't update their LinkedIn profiles thinking maybe it's time profiles thinking maybe it's time profiles thinking maybe it's time to do something else. to do something else. to do something else. They stayed the course. The missionary They stayed the course. The missionary They stayed the course. The missionary journey went on. Why? Supernatural grip. Uh during our first year of marriage Uh during our first year of marriage uh uh uh Cat and I Let me just talk about myself. Cat and I Let me just talk about myself. Cat and I Let me just talk about myself. I don't want to bring Cat into this. I don't want to bring Cat into this. I don't want to bring Cat into this. During my first year of marriage During my first year of marriage During my first year of marriage um I ate a lot and exercised little. um I ate a lot and exercised little. um I ate a lot and exercised little. To the point that when I applied for To the point that when I applied for To the point that when I applied for life insurance, I had to check the box life insurance, I had to check the box life insurance, I had to check the box of excessive weight gain.

of excessive weight gain. of excessive weight gain. Eating a lot, exercising little. Eating a lot, exercising little. Eating a lot, exercising little. You're like, where is this going? I'll You're like, where is this going? I'll You're like, where is this going? I'll tell you where it's going. tell you where it's going. tell you where it's going. So Cat and I So Cat and I So Cat and I I can't remember if it was in the first I can't remember if it was in the first I can't remember if it was in the first or second year of marriage, we we went or second year of marriage, we we went or second year of marriage, we we went on a trip uh to Italy and we decided to on a trip uh to Italy and we decided to on a trip uh to Italy and we decided to visit Cinque Terre. visit Cinque Terre. visit Cinque Terre. Cinque Terre, if you've never been Cinque Terre, if you've never been Cinque Terre, if you've never been there, it's these it's these five towns there, it's these it's these five towns there, it's these it's these five towns that are connected by a pathway and that are connected by a pathway and that are connected by a pathway and they're on the coast and it's absolutely they're on the coast and it's absolutely they're on the coast and it's absolutely beautiful. And you can hike between all beautiful. And you can hike between all beautiful. And you can hike between all five towns. five towns. five towns. It's like it's over 7 miles, but you can It's like it's over 7 miles, but you can It's like it's over 7 miles, but you can hike and so Cat and I are like, we hike and so Cat and I are like, we hike and so Cat and I are like, we should hike between the towns. And this should hike between the towns. And this should hike between the towns. And this is not an exaggeration. I'm telling you is not an exaggeration. I'm telling you is not an exaggeration. I'm telling you exactly how it happened. exactly how it happened. exactly how it happened. We went to the pathway We went to the pathway We went to the pathway and we started the pathway and we started the pathway and we started the pathway and from the start, it was just climbing and from the start, it was just climbing and from the start, it was just climbing stairs. And after And after 2 minutes, not 10 minutes 2 minutes, not 10 minutes 2 minutes, not 10 minutes 2 minutes 2 minutes 2 minutes we stopped and we're like we stopped and we're like we stopped and we're like we're not doing this.

we're not doing this. we're not doing this. And we walked back down and we got on And we walked back down and we got on And we walked back down and we got on the train and we just went between the the train and we just went between the the train and we just went between the towns. The mission changed. towns. The mission changed. towns. The mission changed. We gave up. We gave up. We gave up. And when I think about that, I'm like, And when I think about that, I'm like, And when I think about that, I'm like, you know what? Um it's so subtle. you know what? Um it's so subtle. you know what? Um it's so subtle. It is so subtle, but the same thing can It is so subtle, but the same thing can It is so subtle, but the same thing can happen with being on mission with Jesus happen with being on mission with Jesus happen with being on mission with Jesus where where we experience resistance where where we experience resistance where where we experience resistance and we give up. and we give up. and we give up. Like it's interesting. My my wife's aunt Like it's interesting. My my wife's aunt Like it's interesting. My my wife's aunt is someone who is has been antagonistic is someone who is has been antagonistic is someone who is has been antagonistic to the gospel since we got married and to the gospel since we got married and to the gospel since we got married and we're going on 20 years of marriage. we're going on 20 years of marriage. we're going on 20 years of marriage. And over the course of 20 years, I have And over the course of 20 years, I have And over the course of 20 years, I have had several gospel conversations with had several gospel conversations with had several gospel conversations with her and the resistance has been very her and the resistance has been very her and the resistance has been very strong. And and I I've strong. And and I I've strong. And and I I've I'm just confessing when we were in I'm just confessing when we were in I'm just confessing when we were in Galveston, Kat's aunt was there. Galveston, Kat's aunt was there. Galveston, Kat's aunt was there. And it was like without knowing it, I And it was like without knowing it, I And it was like without knowing it, I had surrendered.

had surrendered. had surrendered. Like I just didn't feel urgency anymore Like I just didn't feel urgency anymore Like I just didn't feel urgency anymore to share with her to share with her to share with her or to engage with her about spiritual or to engage with her about spiritual or to engage with her about spiritual things because I had experienced things because I had experienced things because I had experienced resistance for so long that I was like, resistance for so long that I was like, resistance for so long that I was like, how does how does how does I just there wasn't any urgency. I just there wasn't any urgency. I just there wasn't any urgency. And like we can do that where where And like we can do that where where And like we can do that where where resistance comes and we're like, yeah, resistance comes and we're like, yeah, resistance comes and we're like, yeah, it's dumb thing that they're in. I just it's dumb thing that they're in. I just it's dumb thing that they're in. I just And and and we And and and we And and and we let off the gas or we just say, look, let off the gas or we just say, look, let off the gas or we just say, look, new mission. Let's find something else new mission. Let's find something else new mission. Let's find something else to do. If you're going to have an impact, If you're going to have an impact, there's got to be spirit-empowered there's got to be spirit-empowered there's got to be spirit-empowered supernatural supernatural supernatural grit. Cuz there will be resistance. Cuz there will be resistance. So this is where I want to ground us So this is where I want to ground us So this is where I want to ground us theologically. Like right now, if you're theologically. Like right now, if you're theologically. Like right now, if you're kind of halfway engaged or tuned out, kind of halfway engaged or tuned out, kind of halfway engaged or tuned out, like you just need to come on back. like you just need to come on back. like you just need to come on back. Because what I'm going to do right now Because what I'm going to do right now Because what I'm going to do right now is I'm going to pull back the curtain is I'm going to pull back the curtain is I'm going to pull back the curtain for you, and I want you to see backstage of spiritual resistance. Like, what is of spiritual resistance. Like, what is actually going on?

actually going on? actually going on? It's important for you to understand. Because if you don't understand what's Because if you don't understand what's behind the curtain of spiritual behind the curtain of spiritual behind the curtain of spiritual resistance, then you might get resistance, then you might get resistance, then you might get discouraged, and you might let off the discouraged, and you might let off the discouraged, and you might let off the gas. So, here's what you need to gas. So, here's what you need to gas. So, here's what you need to understand. Anytime there is resistance understand. Anytime there is resistance understand. Anytime there is resistance to the gospel, to the gospel, to the gospel, here is why. here is why. here is why. Like, if you have neighbors, co-workers, Like, if you have neighbors, co-workers, Like, if you have neighbors, co-workers, family members who mock you for your family members who mock you for your family members who mock you for your faith, want nothing to do with you faith, want nothing to do with you faith, want nothing to do with you because of your faith, mistreat you because of your faith, mistreat you because of your faith, mistreat you because of your faith, or just are because of your faith, or just are because of your faith, or just are indifferent to your faith, here's what's indifferent to your faith, here's what's indifferent to your faith, here's what's going on. 2 Corinthians 4:4. going on. 2 Corinthians 4:4. going on. 2 Corinthians 4:4. It says, "In their case, the god of this It says, "In their case, the god of this It says, "In their case, the god of this world," that's Satan, "has blinded the world," that's Satan, "has blinded the world," that's Satan, "has blinded the minds of the unbelievers to keep them minds of the unbelievers to keep them minds of the unbelievers to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of from seeing the light of the gospel of from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of the glory of Christ, who is the image of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God." God." God." So, it should be clear. So, it should be clear. So, it should be clear. Satan is real, he's at work, we Satan is real, he's at work, we Satan is real, he's at work, we shouldn't ignore him or minimize him. He shouldn't ignore him or minimize him. He shouldn't ignore him or minimize him. He is God's enemy, he is our enemy, he is God's enemy, he is our enemy, he is God's enemy, he is our enemy, he hates the gospel, and he is always hates the gospel, and he is always hates the gospel, and he is always actively working to thwart the ministry actively working to thwart the ministry actively working to thwart the ministry of the gospel.

of the gospel. of the gospel. Now, listen to Ephesians 2:1-2. Now, listen to Ephesians 2:1-2. Now, listen to Ephesians 2:1-2. It says, "And you were dead in the It says, "And you were dead in the It says, "And you were dead in the trespasses and sins in which you once trespasses and sins in which you once trespasses and sins in which you once walked." This is walked." This is walked." This is If you don't know Jesus, or before you If you don't know Jesus, or before you If you don't know Jesus, or before you knew Jesus, this is what was true. You knew Jesus, this is what was true. You knew Jesus, this is what was true. You were dead in the trespasses and sins in were dead in the trespasses and sins in were dead in the trespasses and sins in which you once walked, which you once walked, which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the course of this world, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the following the prince of the power of the following the prince of the power of the air, that's Satan. air, that's Satan. air, that's Satan. What's that saying? It's saying, What's that saying? It's saying, What's that saying? It's saying, those who don't know Jesus, they're those who don't know Jesus, they're those who don't know Jesus, they're actually ruled by Satan. actually ruled by Satan. actually ruled by Satan. The spirit that is now at work in the The spirit that is now at work in the The spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience. What that's saying sons of disobedience. What that's saying sons of disobedience. What that's saying is that there is actually a dark force is that there is actually a dark force is that there is actually a dark force from Satan aligned with Satan that is at from Satan aligned with Satan that is at from Satan aligned with Satan that is at work in unbelievers fueling work in unbelievers fueling work in unbelievers fueling disobedience. disobedience. disobedience. So, let's just be clear. Like when I've So, let's just be clear. Like when I've So, let's just be clear. Like when I've talked about our story, our common story talked about our story, our common story talked about our story, our common story as Christians as we were dead and now as Christians as we were dead and now as Christians as we were dead and now we're alive, but it's not just that. Our we're alive, but it's not just that. Our we're alive, but it's not just that. Our story is we were captives and we've been story is we were captives and we've been story is we were captives and we've been set free by Jesus Christ. If you know set free by Jesus Christ. If you know set free by Jesus Christ. If you know Jesus Christ, that's your story. You Jesus Christ, that's your story. You Jesus Christ, that's your story. You were a slave.

were a slave. were a slave. You were a captive. You were a captive. You were a captive. And you've been set free by Jesus. So, And you've been set free by Jesus. So, And you've been set free by Jesus. So, keep that in mind. keep that in mind. keep that in mind. When you're when we're talking about When you're when we're talking about When you're when we're talking about resistance, resistance, resistance, and now listen to Paul's words in and now listen to Paul's words in and now listen to Paul's words in Ephesians 6. He says this, "For we do Ephesians 6. He says this, "For we do Ephesians 6. He says this, "For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, not wrestle against flesh and blood, not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the but against the rulers, against the but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers authorities, against the cosmic powers authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the over this present darkness, against the over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil spiritual forces of evil spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places." So, so this is in the heavenly places." So, so this is in the heavenly places." So, so this is where I just need you to lock in. Listen where I just need you to lock in. Listen where I just need you to lock in. Listen to this. Don't miss it. to this. Don't miss it. to this. Don't miss it. When we engage unbelievers with the When we engage unbelievers with the When we engage unbelievers with the gospel, we aren't just trying to gospel, we aren't just trying to gospel, we aren't just trying to persuade them to believe the gospel. persuade them to believe the gospel. persuade them to believe the gospel. No, when we engage, what we are doing No, when we engage, what we are doing No, when we engage, what we are doing when we engage with the gospel is we are when we engage with the gospel is we are when we engage with the gospel is we are storming the domain of darkness. storming the domain of darkness. storming the domain of darkness. Like we're invading. We are infiltrating Like we're invading. We are infiltrating Like we're invading. We are infiltrating the domain of darkness on a rescue the domain of darkness on a rescue the domain of darkness on a rescue mission seeking to liberate slaves from mission seeking to liberate slaves from mission seeking to liberate slaves from captivity by the powerful name of Jesus captivity by the powerful name of Jesus captivity by the powerful name of Jesus Christ. We are in a battle.

Christ. We are in a battle. Christ. We are in a battle. We're in a battle. We're in a battle. We're in a battle. And some people in our lives have so And some people in our lives have so And some people in our lives have so thoroughly believed thoroughly believed thoroughly believed that darkness is life that darkness is life that darkness is life that the light of the gospel that the light of the gospel that the light of the gospel is like walking out of a dark movie is like walking out of a dark movie is like walking out of a dark movie theater into the sunlight. It is theater into the sunlight. It is theater into the sunlight. It is unbearable to them. unbearable to them. unbearable to them. So, you just need to prepare for battle. So, you just need to prepare for battle. So, you just need to prepare for battle. You have to have supernatural grit. You have to have supernatural grit. You have to have supernatural grit. Because the intensity of someone's Because the intensity of someone's Because the intensity of someone's resistance is actually showing you the resistance is actually showing you the resistance is actually showing you the the intensity of their captivity. Do you the intensity of their captivity. Do you the intensity of their captivity. Do you hear that? The intensity of someone's hear that? The intensity of someone's hear that? The intensity of someone's resistance is showing you the intensity resistance is showing you the intensity resistance is showing you the intensity of their captivity. Their resistance of their captivity. Their resistance of their captivity. Their resistance screams their need for rescue. That's screams their need for rescue. That's screams their need for rescue. That's why we don't grow discouraged. That's why we don't grow discouraged. That's why we don't grow discouraged. That's why we dig in. We don't back down. why we dig in. We don't back down. why we dig in. We don't back down. That's why we rely on the spirit for That's why we rely on the spirit for That's why we rely on the spirit for supernatural supernatural supernatural grit. grit. grit. Now, resistance can Now, resistance can Now, resistance can take a more subtle form.

take a more subtle form. take a more subtle form. Like sometimes, you know, resistance Like sometimes, you know, resistance Like sometimes, you know, resistance immediately because someone will mock immediately because someone will mock immediately because someone will mock you for your faith, ignore you, want you for your faith, ignore you, want you for your faith, ignore you, want nothing to do with you because of your nothing to do with you because of your nothing to do with you because of your faith. But resistance can also take the faith. But resistance can also take the faith. But resistance can also take the form of indifference. form of indifference. form of indifference. And I think that that is something that And I think that that is something that And I think that that is something that more of us experience. It's not that people in your life are It's not that people in your life are against Jesus, they just don't care. against Jesus, they just don't care. against Jesus, they just don't care. What you have to remember is What you have to remember is What you have to remember is is Satan doesn't need everyone is Satan doesn't need everyone is Satan doesn't need everyone to hate Jesus. to hate Jesus. to hate Jesus. He doesn't need people to hate Jesus. He He doesn't need people to hate Jesus. He He doesn't need people to hate Jesus. He just needs them to find Jesus irrelevant just needs them to find Jesus irrelevant just needs them to find Jesus irrelevant to their lives. That's a success for to their lives. That's a success for to their lives. That's a success for him. him. him. But what you need to understand is But what you need to understand is But what you need to understand is sometimes you are going to pour your sometimes you are going to pour your sometimes you are going to pour your life out. life out. life out. You're going to pour your life out for You're going to pour your life out for You're going to pour your life out for your kids to know Jesus. You're going to your kids to know Jesus. You're going to your kids to know Jesus. You're going to be so intentional. You're going to do be so intentional. You're going to do be so intentional. You're going to do all the family devotionals. You're going all the family devotionals. You're going all the family devotionals. You're going to read all the books. You're going to to read all the books. You're going to to read all the books. You're going to spend all the money on the camps. spend all the money on the camps. spend all the money on the camps. And one of your kids is going to love And one of your kids is going to love And one of your kids is going to love Jesus, and the other is still going to Jesus, and the other is still going to Jesus, and the other is still going to be indifferent.

be indifferent. be indifferent. Some of you are going to pour your lives Some of you are going to pour your lives Some of you are going to pour your lives out for 7 years leading students here at out for 7 years leading students here at out for 7 years leading students here at the church, then they're going to go to the church, then they're going to go to the church, then they're going to go to college and wander away. college and wander away. college and wander away. You're going to pour yourself out in You're going to pour yourself out in You're going to pour yourself out in your workplace and and and you're going your workplace and and and you're going your workplace and and and you're going to pour yourself out to unbelievers in to pour yourself out to unbelievers in to pour yourself out to unbelievers in your life and they're still just never your life and they're still just never your life and they're still just never going to have going to have going to have a desire. Don't back down. Don't back down. Don't back down. Don't back down. Don't back down. When you experience indifference, it's When you experience indifference, it's When you experience indifference, it's easy to want to give up. Like I'm just easy to want to give up. Like I'm just easy to want to give up. Like I'm just going to confess. going to confess. going to confess. Like we our family devotionals are are Like we our family devotionals are are Like we our family devotionals are are usually at the dinner table. And usually at the dinner table. And usually at the dinner table. And sometimes they're amazing. Like this is sometimes they're amazing. Like this is sometimes they're amazing. Like this is incredible. Such an amazing dad. incredible. Such an amazing dad. incredible. Such an amazing dad. It's a joke. It's a joke. It's a joke. And then there are other times where I'm And then there are other times where I'm And then there are other times where I'm like like like what is happening? what is happening? what is happening? You know? You know? You know? Like I've got amazing kids. I love my Like I've got amazing kids. I love my Like I've got amazing kids. I love my three boys and I've seen the Lord work three boys and I've seen the Lord work three boys and I've seen the Lord work in each of their their lives in in in each of their their lives in in in each of their their lives in in different ways. But I remember this one different ways. But I remember this one different ways. But I remember this one time that man, I was giving it my best.

time that man, I was giving it my best. time that man, I was giving it my best. Like I was giving it my all at the Like I was giving it my all at the Like I was giving it my all at the dinner table and like it was dinner table and like it was dinner table and like it was it there was it there was it there was there was zero engagement. If anything, there was zero engagement. If anything, there was zero engagement. If anything, like it was like war against dad. It was like it was like war against dad. It was like it was like war against dad. It was like the three gotten together before like the three gotten together before like the three gotten together before and they were like mutiny on three, you and they were like mutiny on three, you and they were like mutiny on three, you know? To the point where in a moment of To the point where in a moment of weakness, here's what I said to my boys. And I'm not proud of this, but I'm just And I'm not proud of this, but I'm just telling you this is what I said to them. telling you this is what I said to them. telling you this is what I said to them. I said, guys, I said, guys, I said, guys, when you grow up when you grow up when you grow up and someone asks you, and someone asks you, and someone asks you, "What was it like having a pastor as a "What was it like having a pastor as a "What was it like having a pastor as a dad?" Here's what you tell them. dad?" Here's what you tell them. dad?" Here's what you tell them. He tried. He tried. He tried. >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> It's what you tell them. You just say, >> It's what you tell them. You just say, >> It's what you tell them. You just say, "He tried." "He tried." "He tried." And I'm not proud of that moment, but And I'm not proud of that moment, but And I'm not proud of that moment, but the reason I share that is like, "Look, the reason I share that is like, "Look, the reason I share that is like, "Look, I get it." I get it." I get it." If you have those moments with your kids If you have those moments with your kids If you have those moments with your kids where you're like, this is not going where you're like, this is not going where you're like, this is not going well. well. well. They're not getting it. They're not getting it. They're not getting it. Yeah, welcome to parenthood.

Yeah, welcome to parenthood. Yeah, welcome to parenthood. But you don't stop. But you don't stop. But you don't stop. You dig in. You dig in. You dig in. There is a war for your kids' heart. There is a war for your kids' heart. There is a war for your kids' heart. Like I didn't give up that night. We Like I didn't give up that night. We Like I didn't give up that night. We were back at it. were back at it. were back at it. And like we're even this past week, like And like we're even this past week, like And like we're even this past week, like we had such a great time. we had such a great time. we had such a great time. Like rehearsing the gospel together. Like rehearsing the gospel together. Like rehearsing the gospel together. Like the Lord is moving and working, but Like the Lord is moving and working, but Like the Lord is moving and working, but you don't give up when there's you don't give up when there's you don't give up when there's resistance. Dig in. Stay in the fight. resistance. Dig in. Stay in the fight. resistance. Dig in. Stay in the fight. Don't give up on the mission. Don't give up on the mission. Don't give up on the mission. Supernatural grip. Supernatural grip. Supernatural grip. Here's the second thing. The first one Here's the second thing. The first one Here's the second thing. The first one takes by far the longest, so just takes by far the longest, so just takes by far the longest, so just settle down. Second thing you're going to need if Second thing you're going to need if you're going to have an impact is you're you're going to have an impact is you're you're going to have an impact is you're going to need gospel-given security. going to need gospel-given security. going to need gospel-given security. Like the scene really changes. They go Like the scene really changes. They go Like the scene really changes. They go to a new city and it's a totally to a new city and it's a totally to a new city and it's a totally different story, at least for a little different story, at least for a little different story, at least for a little bit. It says, "Now at Lystra, there was bit. It says, "Now at Lystra, there was bit. It says, "Now at Lystra, there was a man sitting who could not use his a man sitting who could not use his a man sitting who could not use his feet. He was crippled from birth, had feet. He was crippled from birth, had feet. He was crippled from birth, had never walked."

never walked." never walked." He listened to Paul speaking. He listened to Paul speaking. He listened to Paul speaking. Paul looked intently at him and seeing Paul looked intently at him and seeing Paul looked intently at him and seeing that he had faith to be made well, said that he had faith to be made well, said that he had faith to be made well, said in a loud voice, "Stand up right on your in a loud voice, "Stand up right on your in a loud voice, "Stand up right on your feet." And he sprang up and began feet." And he sprang up and began feet." And he sprang up and began walking. Now watch this. Verse 11, look walking. Now watch this. Verse 11, look walking. Now watch this. Verse 11, look at the response. When the crowd saw what at the response. When the crowd saw what at the response. When the crowd saw what Paul had done, they lifted up their Paul had done, they lifted up their Paul had done, they lifted up their voices saying in like Iconium, "The gods voices saying in like Iconium, "The gods voices saying in like Iconium, "The gods have come down to us in the likeness of have come down to us in the likeness of have come down to us in the likeness of men." men." men." Barnabas they called Zeus and Paul Barnabas they called Zeus and Paul Barnabas they called Zeus and Paul Hermes because he was the chief speaker. Hermes because he was the chief speaker. Hermes because he was the chief speaker. And the priest of Zeus, whose temple was And the priest of Zeus, whose temple was And the priest of Zeus, whose temple was at the entrance of to the city, brought at the entrance of to the city, brought at the entrance of to the city, brought oxen and garlands to the gates oxen and garlands to the gates oxen and garlands to the gates and wanted to offer sacrifice with the and wanted to offer sacrifice with the and wanted to offer sacrifice with the crowd. So, this is a totally different crowd. So, this is a totally different crowd. So, this is a totally different scenario. scenario. scenario. Now Paul and Barnabas are being Now Paul and Barnabas are being Now Paul and Barnabas are being worshipped worshipped worshipped for their ministry. for their ministry. for their ministry. What's their response? Verse 14. What's their response? Verse 14. What's their response? Verse 14. But when the apostles, Barnabas and Paul But when the apostles, Barnabas and Paul But when the apostles, Barnabas and Paul heard of it, heard of it, heard of it, they tore their garments and rushed out they tore their garments and rushed out they tore their garments and rushed out into the crowd crying out, "Men, why are into the crowd crying out, "Men, why are into the crowd crying out, "Men, why are you doing these things? you doing these things? you doing these things? We also are men of like nature with you.

We also are men of like nature with you. We also are men of like nature with you. We bring you good news that you should We bring you good news that you should We bring you good news that you should turn from these vacant things turn from these vacant things turn from these vacant things to a living God, not to them, but to a to a living God, not to them, but to a to a living God, not to them, but to a living God who made the heaven and the living God who made the heaven and the living God who made the heaven and the earth and sea and all that is in them." earth and sea and all that is in them." earth and sea and all that is in them." You see their response? You see their response? You see their response? It isn't turn to us, it's turn to God. It isn't turn to us, it's turn to God. It isn't turn to us, it's turn to God. They know who they are. They're just They know who they are. They're just They know who they are. They're just men. men. men. They're men on a mission. They're men on a mission. They're men on a mission. God is the one they need. God is the one they need. God is the one they need. God is the one who satisfies the heart. God is the one who satisfies the heart. God is the one who satisfies the heart. Here's why this is important. I need you Here's why this is important. I need you Here's why this is important. I need you to follow me on this. to follow me on this. to follow me on this. Okay, rattling around Okay, rattling around Okay, rattling around in so many people's hearts in so many people's hearts in so many people's hearts is this question, is this question, is this question, am I enough? Like I I remember reading years ago Like I I remember reading years ago Jenny Allen's book Nothing to Prove. Jenny Allen's book Nothing to Prove. Jenny Allen's book Nothing to Prove. And she brought up this question, am I And she brought up this question, am I And she brought up this question, am I enough? And it resonated with me deeply. enough? And it resonated with me deeply. enough? And it resonated with me deeply. And it was such a realization as I've And it was such a realization as I've And it was such a realization as I've done ministry over the years, this done ministry over the years, this done ministry over the years, this question is a haunting question for question is a haunting question for question is a haunting question for people. Am I enough? Just think, is that people. Am I enough? Just think, is that people. Am I enough? Just think, is that question inside of you right now?

question inside of you right now? question inside of you right now? And where does it show up? And where does it show up? And where does it show up? It can take different forms. Am I pretty It can take different forms. Am I pretty It can take different forms. Am I pretty enough? enough? enough? Am I funny enough? Godly enough? Am I funny enough? Godly enough? Am I funny enough? Godly enough? Am I smart enough? Am I smart enough? Am I smart enough? Am I capable enough? Am I strong enough? Am I capable enough? Am I strong enough? Am I capable enough? Am I strong enough? Am I intentional enough? Am I intentional enough? Am I intentional enough? Am I strategic enough? Am I successful Am I strategic enough? Am I successful Am I strategic enough? Am I successful enough? Am I likable enough? Am I enough? Am I likable enough? Am I enough? Am I likable enough? Am I extroverted enough? And on and on. extroverted enough? And on and on. extroverted enough? And on and on. When that question comes up in your When that question comes up in your When that question comes up in your life, what's the answer? life, what's the answer? life, what's the answer? Well, a lot people in this world lean on Well, a lot people in this world lean on Well, a lot people in this world lean on self-help and what they want you to do self-help and what they want you to do self-help and what they want you to do is just look yourself in the mirror and is just look yourself in the mirror and is just look yourself in the mirror and you tell yourself, "I'm enough." That's you tell yourself, "I'm enough." That's you tell yourself, "I'm enough." That's not the answer. not the answer. not the answer. The answer is the gospel. The answer is the gospel. The answer is the gospel. What does the gospel tell you? What's What does the gospel tell you? What's What does the gospel tell you? What's the answer to the question, "Are you the answer to the question, "Are you the answer to the question, "Are you enough?" The answer is emphatically, enough?" The answer is emphatically, enough?" The answer is emphatically, "No." "No." "No." No, you aren't. No, you are not enough. No, you aren't. No, you are not enough. No, you aren't. No, you are not enough. In fact, we have all sinned and fall In fact, we have all sinned and fall In fact, we have all sinned and fall short. That's what the Bible says about short. That's what the Bible says about short. That's what the Bible says about us. We all fall short.

us. We all fall short. us. We all fall short. We are all failures. Welcome to church. We are all failures. Welcome to church. We are all failures. Welcome to church. Jesus loves you. Aren't you glad you Jesus loves you. Aren't you glad you Jesus loves you. Aren't you glad you came today? came today? came today? We all fall short. You are not enough. We all fall short. You are not enough. We all fall short. You are not enough. Here's the great news, Jesus Christ is. Here's the great news, Jesus Christ is. Here's the great news, Jesus Christ is. You don't have to be enough because You don't have to be enough because You don't have to be enough because Jesus Christ has been enough for you. Jesus Christ has been enough for you. Jesus Christ has been enough for you. That's why we say he lived the life we That's why we say he lived the life we That's why we say he lived the life we couldn't live. couldn't live. couldn't live. He died the death we deserved to die. He He died the death we deserved to die. He He died the death we deserved to die. He rose from the grave. rose from the grave. rose from the grave. And in rising from the grave, he's made And in rising from the grave, he's made And in rising from the grave, he's made a way for us to be made new. a way for us to be made new. a way for us to be made new. So, our story is not that we're enough, So, our story is not that we're enough, So, our story is not that we're enough, but that Jesus Christ is enough and he but that Jesus Christ is enough and he but that Jesus Christ is enough and he has given us his righteousness, making has given us his righteousness, making has given us his righteousness, making us enough for God. And because we're us enough for God. And because we're us enough for God. And because we're enough for God, that's enough. So, because of Jesus, you don't have to So, because of Jesus, you don't have to spend your life chasing enoughness. Because if you aren't anchored in the Because if you aren't anchored in the gospel, gospel, gospel, insecurity will seep into your ministry.

And you'll find security in things like And you'll find security in things like this. Just check and see. this. Just check and see. this. Just check and see. You'll find security in how much you're You'll find security in how much you're You'll find security in how much you're serving or how many people you're serving or how many people you're serving or how many people you're discipling. You'll find security in how discipling. You'll find security in how discipling. You'll find security in how spiritual your kids are because that is spiritual your kids are because that is spiritual your kids are because that is a reflection upon you. a reflection upon you. a reflection upon you. You'll find security in how many You'll find security in how many You'll find security in how many compliments you get after you lead compliments you get after you lead compliments you get after you lead something or you'll find security in something or you'll find security in something or you'll find security in people people people saying that you changed their life. saying that you changed their life. saying that you changed their life. You'll feel a need to humble brag to You'll feel a need to humble brag to You'll feel a need to humble brag to make sure that people know that you're make sure that people know that you're make sure that people know that you're enough. enough. enough. And you might even resent how God uses And you might even resent how God uses And you might even resent how God uses others. others. others. You know what insecurity does? You know what insecurity does? You know what insecurity does? It causes you to use Jesus more than you It causes you to use Jesus more than you It causes you to use Jesus more than you exalt Jesus. exalt Jesus. exalt Jesus. It causes you to live a look at me life It causes you to live a look at me life It causes you to live a look at me life instead of a look at him life. And that quenches the work of the Spirit And that quenches the work of the Spirit in and through you. in and through you. in and through you. Like I just want to be clear. God will Like I just want to be clear. God will Like I just want to be clear. God will not bless our efforts to steal the not bless our efforts to steal the not bless our efforts to steal the praise that only rightfully belongs to praise that only rightfully belongs to praise that only rightfully belongs to him.

I mean, Paul and Barnabas begin to be I mean, Paul and Barnabas begin to be worshipped and what do they do? They worshipped and what do they do? They worshipped and what do they do? They tear their clothes. tear their clothes. tear their clothes. Herod was worshipped and he received it Herod was worshipped and he received it Herod was worshipped and he received it and what did God do? He took him out. and what did God do? He took him out. and what did God do? He took him out. God will not bless our efforts to steal God will not bless our efforts to steal God will not bless our efforts to steal the praise that only rightfully belongs the praise that only rightfully belongs the praise that only rightfully belongs to him. He will not bless ministry for to him. He will not bless ministry for to him. He will not bless ministry for the sake of your insecurity. the sake of your insecurity. the sake of your insecurity. So, let me just encourage you. I am So, let me just encourage you. I am So, let me just encourage you. I am I have loved John the Baptist for years I have loved John the Baptist for years I have loved John the Baptist for years now. And the reason I love John the now. And the reason I love John the now. And the reason I love John the Baptist is in John chapter 1, the Baptist is in John chapter 1, the Baptist is in John chapter 1, the Pharisees kind of send some of their Pharisees kind of send some of their Pharisees kind of send some of their minions to John the Baptist and they're minions to John the Baptist and they're minions to John the Baptist and they're like, who are you? We need we need to like, who are you? We need we need to like, who are you? We need we need to know, who are you? And this is what John know, who are you? And this is what John know, who are you? And this is what John the Baptist said in John 1:20 because the Baptist said in John 1:20 because the Baptist said in John 1:20 because they're asking him, are you the Messiah? they're asking him, are you the Messiah? they're asking him, are you the Messiah? Are you the one we've been waiting for? Are you the one we've been waiting for? Are you the one we've been waiting for? And here's what John 1:20 says. And here's what John 1:20 says. And here's what John 1:20 says. It says, he confessed and did not deny, It says, he confessed and did not deny, It says, he confessed and did not deny, but confessed, "I am not the Christ." but confessed, "I am not the Christ." but confessed, "I am not the Christ." Can we all just say that together? Can Can we all just say that together? Can Can we all just say that together? Can we all just say, "I am not the Christ"? we all just say, "I am not the Christ"? we all just say, "I am not the Christ"? Say it. Say it. Say it. How freeing is that?

How freeing is that? How freeing is that? Great news, you're not the Christ. Great news, you're not the Christ. Great news, you're not the Christ. You are not the Christ. I am not the You are not the Christ. I am not the You are not the Christ. I am not the Christ. We cannot anyone's lives. Christ. We cannot anyone's lives. Christ. We cannot anyone's lives. We cannot save anyone. People don't need We cannot save anyone. People don't need We cannot save anyone. People don't need us, they need Jesus. us, they need Jesus. us, they need Jesus. And we don't need people's approval, we And we don't need people's approval, we And we don't need people's approval, we need Jesus. need Jesus. need Jesus. I love John the Baptist goes on in verse I love John the Baptist goes on in verse I love John the Baptist goes on in verse 23 of John 1, and he said, they they 23 of John 1, and he said, they they 23 of John 1, and he said, they they pressed him and they're like, "But who pressed him and they're like, "But who pressed him and they're like, "But who are you?" are you?" are you?" "If you're not the Christ, who are you?" "If you're not the Christ, who are you?" "If you're not the Christ, who are you?" And you know what he said? He said, "I'm And you know what he said? He said, "I'm And you know what he said? He said, "I'm the voice the voice the voice of one crying out in the wilderness, of one crying out in the wilderness, of one crying out in the wilderness, make straight the way of the Lord, as make straight the way of the Lord, as make straight the way of the Lord, as the prophet Isaiah said. Do you see a the prophet Isaiah said. Do you see a the prophet Isaiah said. Do you see a voice?" voice?" voice?" No, a voice is only something you hear. No, a voice is only something you hear. No, a voice is only something you hear. So, he's basically saying, "Don't look So, he's basically saying, "Don't look So, he's basically saying, "Don't look at me. at me. at me. I want you to hear me, but look at him." I want you to hear me, but look at him." I want you to hear me, but look at him." In fact, when John the Baptist saw Jesus In fact, when John the Baptist saw Jesus In fact, when John the Baptist saw Jesus walking, and John the Baptist had his walking, and John the Baptist had his walking, and John the Baptist had his disciples with him, do you know what disciples with him, do you know what disciples with him, do you know what John the Baptist said to his disciples? John the Baptist said to his disciples? John the Baptist said to his disciples? He said, "Behold. He said, "Behold. He said, "Behold. Behold the lamb of God who takes away Behold the lamb of God who takes away Behold the lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world." What's his point?

the sin of the world." What's his point? the sin of the world." What's his point? Look at him. Don't look at me, look at Look at him. Don't look at me, look at Look at him. Don't look at me, look at him. him. him. And you know what the result was? If you And you know what the result was? If you And you know what the result was? If you read the text in John 1, his disciples read the text in John 1, his disciples read the text in John 1, his disciples stopped following him and started stopped following him and started stopped following him and started following Jesus. That's the goal. That's following Jesus. That's the goal. That's following Jesus. That's the goal. That's the goal of ministry. We want to be used by God for people We want to be used by God for people to follow Jesus. to follow Jesus. to follow Jesus. But insecurity can creep in. I'm just But insecurity can creep in. I'm just But insecurity can creep in. I'm just going to I'm just making this confession going to I'm just making this confession going to I'm just making this confession Sunday for me. I've already told you Sunday for me. I've already told you Sunday for me. I've already told you about that moment of telling my kids, about that moment of telling my kids, about that moment of telling my kids, "You tell them he tried." "You tell them he tried." "You tell them he tried." Last Sunday Last Sunday Last Sunday was a powerful Sunday here at Watermark. was a powerful Sunday here at Watermark. was a powerful Sunday here at Watermark. Marvin Walker got up here and crushed Marvin Walker got up here and crushed Marvin Walker got up here and crushed it, and people started responding. The it, and people started responding. The it, and people started responding. The people were coming forward. And do you people were coming forward. And do you people were coming forward. And do you know where I was? know where I was? know where I was? I was in Galveston. And I'm getting texts on my phone about And I'm getting texts on my phone about how powerful the morning is and and how how powerful the morning is and and how how powerful the morning is and and how God is moving and working and people are God is moving and working and people are God is moving and working and people are responding. And I shared it with Cath.

responding. And I shared it with Cath. responding. And I shared it with Cath. And do you know what Cath's sweet And do you know what Cath's sweet And do you know what Cath's sweet question to me was? I love how the Holy question to me was? I love how the Holy question to me was? I love how the Holy Spirit will speak through. Spirit will speak through. Spirit will speak through. Man, listen to your wife. It Man, listen to your wife. It Man, listen to your wife. It It could be the Holy Spirit talking. But Cath just very gently she just But Cath just very gently she just asked, "How do you feel about that?" And she didn't know everything she was And she didn't know everything she was packing into those few words. How do you packing into those few words. How do you packing into those few words. How do you feel about that? But do you know what feel about that? But do you know what feel about that? But do you know what was packed into that question? What she was packed into that question? What she was packed into that question? What she was really asking How are you doing with the reminder How are you doing with the reminder today that it's not about you? today that it's not about you? today that it's not about you? Watermark is not your church. Watermark is not your church. Watermark is not your church. And anything good that happens And anything good that happens And anything good that happens is because of the spirit spirit of God is because of the spirit spirit of God is because of the spirit spirit of God moving. How are you doing with that? moving. How are you doing with that? moving. How are you doing with that? And you know what my first response was? And you know what my first response was? And you know what my first response was? My first res- I'm just being honest. My My first res- I'm just being honest. My My first res- I'm just being honest. My first response was insecurity. Why? first response was insecurity. Why? first response was insecurity. Why? Because good things were happening and I Because good things were happening and I Because good things were happening and I was 6 hours away.

But I was so thankful for that question. But I was so thankful for that question. Because it it didn't take long at all Because it it didn't take long at all Because it it didn't take long at all for me to be reacquainted or realigned for me to be reacquainted or realigned for me to be reacquainted or realigned by the gospel by the gospel by the gospel to then celebrate and pray. to then celebrate and pray. to then celebrate and pray. To just move towards celebration and To just move towards celebration and To just move towards celebration and prayer. But just play that out. prayer. But just play that out. prayer. But just play that out. Play out me just living in my Play out me just living in my Play out me just living in my insecurity. If I live in my insecurity, insecurity. If I live in my insecurity, insecurity. If I live in my insecurity, there's no celebration, there's no there's no celebration, there's no there's no celebration, there's no prayer. You know what ends up happening prayer. You know what ends up happening prayer. You know what ends up happening is I just begin to activate in my own is I just begin to activate in my own is I just begin to activate in my own strength strength strength to try and do more. to try and do more. to try and do more. And the end goal is self-reliance, to be And the end goal is self-reliance, to be And the end goal is self-reliance, to be seen, not for Jesus to be seen. So, seen, not for Jesus to be seen. So, seen, not for Jesus to be seen. So, I'm just telling you it's amazing how I'm just telling you it's amazing how I'm just telling you it's amazing how it's it's amazing how we can become it's it's amazing how we can become it's it's amazing how we can become unhitched from the gospel. unhitched from the gospel. unhitched from the gospel. And we need gospel-given security. And we need gospel-given security. And we need gospel-given security. So, I just want to do what Kat did to So, I just want to do what Kat did to So, I just want to do what Kat did to me. I just want to do it to you. Like, me. I just want to do it to you. Like, me. I just want to do it to you. Like, how are How do you feel about the reality about the reality that all ministry isn't about you?

that all ministry isn't about you? that all ministry isn't about you? Like, how are you doing with that? Just Like, how are you doing with that? Just Like, how are you doing with that? Just think about the places where you are think about the places where you are think about the places where you are leading in ministering, whether you're leading in ministering, whether you're leading in ministering, whether you're leading a Bible study group or investing leading a Bible study group or investing leading a Bible study group or investing in kids or you're parenting at home, in kids or you're parenting at home, in kids or you're parenting at home, it's not about you. It's not about you it's not about you. It's not about you it's not about you. It's not about you being seen. It's not about your being seen. It's not about your being seen. It's not about your insecurity being fulfilled. How How are insecurity being fulfilled. How How are insecurity being fulfilled. How How are you doing with that? The message of the gospel is it is not The message of the gospel is it is not about us. It's all about Jesus. Jesus is about us. It's all about Jesus. Jesus is about us. It's all about Jesus. Jesus is the one who came for us. Jesus is the the one who came for us. Jesus is the the one who came for us. Jesus is the one who died for us. Jesus is the one one who died for us. Jesus is the one one who died for us. Jesus is the one who rose for us. Jesus is the one who who rose for us. Jesus is the one who who rose for us. Jesus is the one who made a way when there was no way, when made a way when there was no way, when made a way when there was no way, when we were dead, for us to be made alive. we were dead, for us to be made alive. we were dead, for us to be made alive. It is all about him. We don't want to get in the way of what We don't want to get in the way of what God is doing. God is doing. God is doing. So, we've got to deal with that So, we've got to deal with that So, we've got to deal with that insecurity. And the way to deal with it insecurity. And the way to deal with it insecurity. And the way to deal with it isn't to look in the mirror and tell isn't to look in the mirror and tell isn't to look in the mirror and tell yourself you're enough. yourself you're enough. yourself you're enough. It's to look at Jesus It's to look at Jesus It's to look at Jesus and to allow the gospel to satisfy the and to allow the gospel to satisfy the and to allow the gospel to satisfy the longings of our souls.

longings of our souls. longings of our souls. >> [clears throat] >> [clears throat] >> [clears throat] >> The third thing we need is clarity of calling. is clarity of calling. Look at verse 19. It says, "But Jews Look at verse 19. It says, "But Jews Look at verse 19. It says, "But Jews came from Antioch and Iconium, and came from Antioch and Iconium, and came from Antioch and Iconium, and having persuaded the crowds, they stoned having persuaded the crowds, they stoned having persuaded the crowds, they stoned Paul and dragged him out of the city, Paul and dragged him out of the city, Paul and dragged him out of the city, supposing he was dead." So, I just want supposing he was dead." So, I just want supposing he was dead." So, I just want you to put yourself in the story. Paul gets stoned to the point of people Paul gets stoned to the point of people thinking he is dead. thinking he is dead. thinking he is dead. They drag him out of the city. Verse 20, They drag him out of the city. Verse 20, They drag him out of the city. Verse 20, "But when the disciples gathered around "But when the disciples gathered around "But when the disciples gathered around him, what did he do? He rose up and him, what did he do? He rose up and him, what did he do? He rose up and entered the city. He went right back entered the city. He went right back entered the city. He went right back in." in." in." "And on the next day he went on with "And on the next day he went on with "And on the next day he went on with Barnabas to Derby." Barnabas to Derby." Barnabas to Derby." "When they had preached the gospel to "When they had preached the gospel to "When they had preached the gospel to that city, that city, that city, and watch the wording, had made many and watch the wording, had made many and watch the wording, had made many disciples, they returned to Lystra and disciples, they returned to Lystra and disciples, they returned to Lystra and to Iconium and to Antioch." They're just to Iconium and to Antioch." They're just to Iconium and to Antioch." They're just retracing their steps, strengthening the retracing their steps, strengthening the retracing their steps, strengthening the souls of the disciples, encouraging them souls of the disciples, encouraging them souls of the disciples, encouraging them to continue in the faith, "and saying to continue in the faith, "and saying to continue in the faith, "and saying that through many tribulations we must that through many tribulations we must that through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God."

enter the kingdom of God." enter the kingdom of God." How could Paul get stoned to the point How could Paul get stoned to the point How could Paul get stoned to the point of people thinking he is dead, of people thinking he is dead, of people thinking he is dead, and then just get up and keep preaching? and then just get up and keep preaching? and then just get up and keep preaching? How is that possible? How is that possible? How is that possible? It's possible because Paul was It's possible because Paul was It's possible because Paul was absolutely clear on his calling. absolutely clear on his calling. absolutely clear on his calling. Like, he had crystal clarity on his Like, he had crystal clarity on his Like, he had crystal clarity on his calling in life, that his life was about calling in life, that his life was about calling in life, that his life was about one thing. What was the calling on one thing. What was the calling on one thing. What was the calling on Paul's life? It's embedded in the text. Paul's life? It's embedded in the text. Paul's life? It's embedded in the text. The calling on Paul's life was to make The calling on Paul's life was to make The calling on Paul's life was to make disciples. disciples. disciples. His calling was to make disciples. What His calling was to make disciples. What His calling was to make disciples. What did it look like for Paul to disciples? did it look like for Paul to disciples? did it look like for Paul to disciples? It looked like him calling unbelievers It looked like him calling unbelievers It looked like him calling unbelievers to know Jesus, and calling believers to to know Jesus, and calling believers to to know Jesus, and calling believers to become like Jesus even become like Jesus even become like Jesus even through suffering. through suffering. through suffering. Now, what I need you to understand is Now, what I need you to understand is Now, what I need you to understand is Paul's calling is the same calling that Paul's calling is the same calling that Paul's calling is the same calling that every follower of Jesus has. every follower of Jesus has. every follower of Jesus has. Let me say that one more time. Paul's Let me say that one more time. Paul's Let me say that one more time. Paul's calling calling calling is the same calling that's on the life is the same calling that's on the life is the same calling that's on the life of every follower of Jesus in the room. of every follower of Jesus in the room. of every follower of Jesus in the room. It might get fleshed out differently for It might get fleshed out differently for It might get fleshed out differently for the Apostle Paul than for you, but the the Apostle Paul than for you, but the the Apostle Paul than for you, but the calling's the same. Your calling in calling's the same. Your calling in calling's the same. Your calling in life, the reason you still have breath life, the reason you still have breath life, the reason you still have breath in your lungs, in your lungs, in your lungs, is to make disciples. What do I mean by is to make disciples. What do I mean by is to make disciples. What do I mean by making disciples? I mean helping other making disciples? I mean helping other making disciples? I mean helping other people know Jesus and become more like people know Jesus and become more like people know Jesus and become more like him. That is the point of your life.

him. That is the point of your life. him. That is the point of your life. So, this is where we need to have a very So, this is where we need to have a very So, this is where we need to have a very clarifying conversation. clarifying conversation. clarifying conversation. D.L. Moody said this. He said, "Our D.L. Moody said this. He said, "Our D.L. Moody said this. He said, "Our greatest fear should not be a failure, greatest fear should not be a failure, greatest fear should not be a failure, but of succeeding at things in life that but of succeeding at things in life that but of succeeding at things in life that don't really matter." don't really matter." don't really matter." That should be your greatest fear. Is That should be your greatest fear. Is That should be your greatest fear. Is becoming very successful at things that becoming very successful at things that becoming very successful at things that don't matter. One of the things that don't matter. One of the things that don't matter. One of the things that will minimize your impact is a lack of will minimize your impact is a lack of will minimize your impact is a lack of clarity on your calling. clarity on your calling. clarity on your calling. It's living distracted. It's settling It's living distracted. It's settling It's living distracted. It's settling for a lesser calling. When we were in for a lesser calling. When we were in for a lesser calling. When we were in Galveston, I just had the thought. I Galveston, I just had the thought. I Galveston, I just had the thought. I mean, my kids were trying to use mean, my kids were trying to use mean, my kids were trying to use concrete to build a sand castle. concrete to build a sand castle. concrete to build a sand castle. Or I don't know what they were trying to Or I don't know what they were trying to Or I don't know what they were trying to build. They were trying to do something. build. They were trying to do something. build. They were trying to do something. But when I think about that plot of But when I think about that plot of But when I think about that plot of sand, sand, sand, for decades people have moved onto that for decades people have moved onto that for decades people have moved onto that plot of sand and built different stuff. plot of sand and built different stuff. plot of sand and built different stuff. And then when they've left, it's all And then when they've left, it's all And then when they've left, it's all been washed away and nobody even knows been washed away and nobody even knows been washed away and nobody even knows that they were there. Every single day that they were there. Every single day that they were there. Every single day it's a blank slate. So many people spend it's a blank slate. So many people spend it's a blank slate. So many people spend their lives building sand castles.

their lives building sand castles. their lives building sand castles. Building sand castles of of money and Building sand castles of of money and Building sand castles of of money and success and and possessions. And they success and and possessions. And they success and and possessions. And they build and build and build and their life build and build and build and their life build and build and build and their life is just climbing one ladder after is just climbing one ladder after is just climbing one ladder after another and at some point they die another and at some point they die another and at some point they die somewhere on a ladder. somewhere on a ladder. somewhere on a ladder. But at the end of their lives, But at the end of their lives, But at the end of their lives, they've spent everything just building they've spent everything just building they've spent everything just building sand castles and and death comes and sand castles and and death comes and sand castles and and death comes and wipes it all away. And someone else wipes it all away. And someone else wipes it all away. And someone else moves onto the same plot of sand and moves onto the same plot of sand and moves onto the same plot of sand and just starts building. just starts building. just starts building. Do you know what lasts for eternity? Do you know what lasts for eternity? Do you know what lasts for eternity? Making disciples. Making disciples. Making disciples. Making disciples bears fruit that lasts Making disciples bears fruit that lasts Making disciples bears fruit that lasts for eternity. for eternity. for eternity. And I'm so encouraged here at Watermark. And I'm so encouraged here at Watermark. And I'm so encouraged here at Watermark. I I feel like I've been around so many I I feel like I've been around so many I I feel like I've been around so many men and women who have been wildly men and women who have been wildly men and women who have been wildly successful in the world's eyes. successful in the world's eyes. successful in the world's eyes. Built amazing companies. Built amazing companies. Built amazing companies. Made tons of money. Made tons of money. Made tons of money. More than they could ever More than they could ever More than they could ever spend.

spend. spend. And yet their greatest passion all along And yet their greatest passion all along And yet their greatest passion all along the way has been having a group of men the way has been having a group of men the way has been having a group of men or women that they are helping know or women that they are helping know or women that they are helping know Jesus and become more like him. Their work is just a Their work is just a it's just a vehicle it's just a vehicle it's just a vehicle for them to make disciples. for them to make disciples. for them to make disciples. So many people buy this buy into this So many people buy this buy into this So many people buy this buy into this lie of like, I'm going to be a lie of like, I'm going to be a lie of like, I'm going to be a workaholic now workaholic now workaholic now so that I can make enough to then one so that I can make enough to then one so that I can make enough to then one day be freed up day be freed up day be freed up to make disciples. to make disciples. to make disciples. Why would you put off your calling? Why would you put off your calling? Why would you put off your calling? The greatest joy in life is found in you The greatest joy in life is found in you The greatest joy in life is found in you doing what you were made to do. doing what you were made to do. doing what you were made to do. You were made to make disciples. Does You were made to make disciples. Does You were made to make disciples. Does that mean quit your job? No. that mean quit your job? No. that mean quit your job? No. Make disciples where God has you. God Make disciples where God has you. God Make disciples where God has you. God actually wired you and put you in the actually wired you and put you in the actually wired you and put you in the place where you are place where you are place where you are to make disciples. to make disciples. to make disciples. I remember talking to an older man years I remember talking to an older man years I remember talking to an older man years ago. He's probably in his ago. He's probably in his ago. He's probably in his mid to late 60s and he was coming to the mid to late 60s and he was coming to the mid to late 60s and he was coming to the realization that he had never really realization that he had never really realization that he had never really discipled anyone in his life and he discipled anyone in his life and he discipled anyone in his life and he wanted that to change.

wanted that to change. wanted that to change. I don't care how old you are. I don't care how old you are. I don't care how old you are. You can't go back, but you can get You can't go back, but you can get You can't go back, but you can get going. going. going. You don't need to go back. You don't need to go back. You don't need to go back. Stop looking in the rearview mirror. You Stop looking in the rearview mirror. You Stop looking in the rearview mirror. You can't go back, but you can get going. can't go back, but you can get going. can't go back, but you can get going. So, I just want you to think how How are So, I just want you to think how How are So, I just want you to think how How are you helping you helping you helping at least one other person know Jesus and at least one other person know Jesus and at least one other person know Jesus and become more like him? become more like him? become more like him? Parents, start with your kids. Parents, start with your kids. Parents, start with your kids. You are the primary disciplers of your You are the primary disciplers of your You are the primary disciplers of your kids. The church isn't, you are. kids. The church isn't, you are. kids. The church isn't, you are. It's not the church's job to disciple It's not the church's job to disciple It's not the church's job to disciple your kids. We'll help. your kids. We'll help. your kids. We'll help. But, you're the primary disciplers of But, you're the primary disciplers of But, you're the primary disciplers of your job of of your kids. your job of of your kids. your job of of your kids. And let me just say this, this past year And let me just say this, this past year And let me just say this, this past year Kat and I have experienced the rabbit Kat and I have experienced the rabbit Kat and I have experienced the rabbit hole that competitive sports can be. I'm hole that competitive sports can be. I'm hole that competitive sports can be. I'm not against competitive sports, we're not against competitive sports, we're not against competitive sports, we're engaged with it. engaged with it. engaged with it. But, this year I've seen how easy it is But, this year I've seen how easy it is But, this year I've seen how easy it is to make an idol out of your kids sports. to make an idol out of your kids sports. to make an idol out of your kids sports. If you make an idol out of your kids If you make an idol out of your kids If you make an idol out of your kids sports, what do you expect your kid to sports, what do you expect your kid to sports, what do you expect your kid to do?

So, I just want you to think, does your So, I just want you to think, does your kid's spiritual development get the same kid's spiritual development get the same kid's spiritual development get the same level of time, commitment, level of time, commitment, level of time, commitment, intentionality, strategy, and worry from intentionality, strategy, and worry from intentionality, strategy, and worry from you that your kid's athletic development you that your kid's athletic development you that your kid's athletic development does? If not, something is off. does? If not, something is off. does? If not, something is off. I'd encourage you to go to the kids web I'd encourage you to go to the kids web I'd encourage you to go to the kids web page the kids page on our website. page the kids page on our website. page the kids page on our website. There's great resources there. There's great resources there. There's great resources there. In July, we're doing every generation In July, we're doing every generation In July, we're doing every generation July, which means kids are going to be July, which means kids are going to be July, which means kids are going to be in the service with us. And some of in the service with us. And some of in the service with us. And some of y'all hear that and you're like, "Then y'all hear that and you're like, "Then y'all hear that and you're like, "Then I'm just not coming in July." I'm just not coming in July." I'm just not coming in July." And let me just encourage you to think And let me just encourage you to think And let me just encourage you to think outside of yourself. outside of yourself. outside of yourself. Do you know why we do that? Do you know why we do that? Do you know why we do that? Like, parents, if you are the lead Like, parents, if you are the lead Like, parents, if you are the lead discipler of your kid, discipler of your kid, discipler of your kid, what a great thing for your kid to get what a great thing for your kid to get what a great thing for your kid to get to see you worship. You can disciple to see you worship. You can disciple to see you worship. You can disciple your children in worshipping God. You your children in worshipping God. You your children in worshipping God. You get to We get to show kids what it get to We get to show kids what it get to We get to show kids what it actually means to belong to a body. actually means to belong to a body. actually means to belong to a body. That we don't always have to be That we don't always have to be That we don't always have to be sectioned off like, "You're just with sectioned off like, "You're just with sectioned off like, "You're just with kids." No, the church isn't just made up kids." No, the church isn't just made up kids." No, the church isn't just made up of 5-year-olds.

of 5-year-olds. of 5-year-olds. It's made up of people of all ages. At It's made up of people of all ages. At It's made up of people of all ages. At the night of prayer and worship last the night of prayer and worship last the night of prayer and worship last week, I loved it because some of y'all week, I loved it because some of y'all week, I loved it because some of y'all took me seriously when I was like, took me seriously when I was like, took me seriously when I was like, "Bring your kids." You brought your kids "Bring your kids." You brought your kids "Bring your kids." You brought your kids and you just unleashed them down here and you just unleashed them down here and you just unleashed them down here and it was great. Um I I don't know and it was great. Um I I don't know and it was great. Um I I don't know whose kid it was, so I'm not going to whose kid it was, so I'm not going to whose kid it was, so I'm not going to put the picture up cuz I don't have the put the picture up cuz I don't have the put the picture up cuz I don't have the parents' permission, but someone showed parents' permission, but someone showed parents' permission, but someone showed me this picture. I'm standing right here me this picture. I'm standing right here me this picture. I'm standing right here preaching and there's a kid right here preaching and there's a kid right here preaching and there's a kid right here just with his elbows up on the stage. just with his elbows up on the stage. just with his elbows up on the stage. I love that. Bring your kids in July. I love that. Bring your kids in July. I love that. Bring your kids in July. They're more than I won't be speaking. They're more than I won't be speaking. They're more than I won't be speaking. They can totally come and put their They can totally come and put their They can totally come and put their elbows up and stare down the speaker. Every generation it's our chance to Every generation it's our chance to disciple our kids. disciple our kids. disciple our kids. But for everyone, what step can you take But for everyone, what step can you take But for everyone, what step can you take at work, in your neighborhood, or here at work, in your neighborhood, or here at work, in your neighborhood, or here at the church at the church at the church to help someone know Jesus or become to help someone know Jesus or become to help someone know Jesus or become more like him? And if you don't know more like him? And if you don't know more like him? And if you don't know where to start, look, when we talk about where to start, look, when we talk about where to start, look, when we talk about serving at Watermark, do you know what serving at Watermark, do you know what serving at Watermark, do you know what we're really talking about? We're we're really talking about? We're we're really talking about? We're talking about making disciples. talking about making disciples. talking about making disciples. Serving in kids, that's not babysitting.

Serving in kids, that's not babysitting. Serving in kids, that's not babysitting. It's making disciples. You make It's making disciples. You make It's making disciples. You make disciples of kids, students, college disciples of kids, students, college disciples of kids, students, college students, young adults, students, young adults, students, young adults, men at men's Bible study, women's men at men's Bible study, women's men at men's Bible study, women's women's Bible study, women's Bible study, women's Bible study, merge, people preparing to get married, merge, people preparing to get married, merge, people preparing to get married, foundation groups, people who've been foundation groups, people who've been foundation groups, people who've been married 2 years or less, regeneration, married 2 years or less, regeneration, married 2 years or less, regeneration, re-engage, jump in, make disciples. So, I just want to give you an So, I just want to give you an opportunity to respond. Our care team's going to come, be down Our care team's going to come, be down front. I just want to give you a chance for a I just want to give you a chance for a moment to respond. moment to respond. moment to respond. Maybe before you disciple someone else, Maybe before you disciple someone else, Maybe before you disciple someone else, you need to become a disciple. you need to become a disciple. you need to become a disciple. Maybe you've never put your trust in Maybe you've never put your trust in Maybe you've never put your trust in Jesus. You can do that today. If you're sensing resistance from the If you're sensing resistance from the evil one, dig in. Don't abandon the evil one, dig in. Don't abandon the evil one, dig in. Don't abandon the mission.

mission. mission. Maybe you need to repent of ways that Maybe you need to repent of ways that Maybe you need to repent of ways that insecurity has seeped into your insecurity has seeped into your insecurity has seeped into your ministry. ministry. ministry. Maybe you need to repent of excuses and Maybe you need to repent of excuses and Maybe you need to repent of excuses and distractions that have kept you from distractions that have kept you from distractions that have kept you from calling from your calling of making calling from your calling of making calling from your calling of making disciples. disciples. disciples. Maybe the Lord brought you here for a Maybe the Lord brought you here for a Maybe the Lord brought you here for a different reason today. And even though different reason today. And even though different reason today. And even though we didn't talk about it in the message, we didn't talk about it in the message, we didn't talk about it in the message, maybe God's calling you to repentance in maybe God's calling you to repentance in maybe God's calling you to repentance in your marriage. your marriage. your marriage. Or he's stirring your heart to take the Or he's stirring your heart to take the Or he's stirring your heart to take the gospel to the nations. Maybe he's gospel to the nations. Maybe he's gospel to the nations. Maybe he's inviting you to get baptized. I don't inviting you to get baptized. I don't inviting you to get baptized. I don't know what it is. know what it is. know what it is. But before we move out of here, let's But before we move out of here, let's But before we move out of here, let's just respond to the Lord. just respond to the Lord. just respond to the Lord. >> [clears throat] >> [clears throat] >> [clears throat] >> We're going to just sing briefly. >> We're going to just sing briefly. >> We're going to just sing briefly. If you need to talk to someone, you can If you need to talk to someone, you can If you need to talk to someone, you can come down front. We're calling this down come down front. We're calling this down come down front. We're calling this down front, the altar. There's nothing front, the altar. There's nothing front, the altar. There's nothing magical about it, but it is a place magical about it, but it is a place magical about it, but it is a place where you can come and take a physical where you can come and take a physical where you can come and take a physical posture of surrender before the Lord. posture of surrender before the Lord. posture of surrender before the Lord. So, if you want to come down front, you So, if you want to come down front, you So, if you want to come down front, you absolutely can. absolutely can. absolutely can. I'm just going to give you Let's just I'm just going to give you Let's just I'm just going to give you Let's just take [music] 2 minutes and respond to the Lord. God, I pray and respond to the Lord. God, I pray that you would have your way that you would have your way that you would have your way in the hearts of your people right here in the hearts of your people right here in the hearts of your people right here at Watermark.

at Watermark. at Watermark. If anyone doesn't know you, I pray If anyone doesn't know you, I pray If anyone doesn't know you, I pray that this would be a moment that this would be a moment that this would be a moment of surrender. of surrender. of surrender. But Lord, we want you to have our hearts But Lord, we want you to have our hearts But Lord, we want you to have our hearts today. So, would you lead us in responding now So, would you lead us in responding now in Jesus' name?