Watermark Community Church

>> Heat. >> Heat. [music] [music] [music] Heat. Heat. Heat. [music] >> Heat.

>> Heat. Heat. [music] [music] Oh, Good morning, church family. Let's all

Good morning, church family. Let's all stand to our feet. I'm so glad y'all are stand to our feet. I'm so glad y'all are stand to our feet. I'm so glad y'all are here here here this morning. We have not gathered just this morning. We have not gathered just this morning. We have not gathered just to sing songs, to sing songs, but we to sing songs, to sing songs, but we to sing songs, to sing songs, but we want to declare what is eternally true. want to declare what is eternally true. want to declare what is eternally true. that Jesus [music] Christ is Lord. that Jesus [music] Christ is Lord. that Jesus [music] Christ is Lord. Philippians 2:9-11 says, "Therefore, God Philippians 2:9-11 says, "Therefore, God Philippians 2:9-11 says, "Therefore, God has highly exalted him and bestowed on has highly exalted him and bestowed on has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above [music] every him the name that is above [music] every him the name that is above [music] every name, so that at the name of Jesus, name, so that at the name of Jesus, name, so that at the name of Jesus, every knee should bow in heaven and on every knee should bow in heaven and on every knee should bow in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every earth and under the earth, and every earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God the Father." One to the glory of God the Father." One to the glory of God the Father." One day, all knees will [music] bow before day, all knees will [music] bow before day, all knees will [music] bow before the Lord. the Lord. the Lord. So today, let's join our voices and So today, let's join our voices and So today, let's join our voices and worship him for he is worthy. We're so worship him for he is worthy. We're so worship him for he is worthy. We're so glad you're here. Let's sing together.

In [music] the darkness we were waiting In [music] the darkness we were waiting without hope and without [music] light. without hope and without [music] light. without hope and without [music] light. To from heaven you came running. There To from heaven you came running. There To from heaven you came running. There was [music and singing] mercy in your was [music and singing] mercy in your was [music and singing] mercy in your eyes. to fulfill the law and prophets. eyes. to fulfill the law and prophets. eyes. to fulfill the law and prophets. To [music] a virgin king the [singing] To [music] a virgin king the [singing] To [music] a virgin king the [singing] world to a throne of endless glory to a world to a throne of endless glory to a world to a throne of endless glory to a [music] great praise [music] praise [music] the father. the father. the father. Praise the son. Praise the son. Praise the son. Praise [music and singing] the spirit Praise [music and singing] the spirit Praise [music and singing] the spirit three in one. three in one. three in one. God of glory, God of glory, God of glory, majesty, [music] praise forever praise forever to the king to the king to the king of kings.

to reveal the kingom [music] to reveal the kingom [music] [singing] coming and to reconcile the [singing] coming and to reconcile the [singing] coming and to reconcile the lost to redeem [music] lost to redeem [music] lost to redeem [music] the whole creation. You did not despise the whole creation. You did not despise the whole creation. You did not despise the cross. Glory in your [music] sight. the cross. Glory in your [music] sight. the cross. Glory in your [music] sight. You saw to the other side. Knowing this You saw to the other side. Knowing this You saw to the other side. Knowing this was our [music and singing] salvation, was our [music and singing] salvation, was our [music and singing] salvation, Jesus for Jesus for Jesus for God. God. God. Come on, praise the father. Come on, praise the father. Come on, praise the father. Praise the [music] father. Praise the [music] father. Praise the [music] father. Praise the son. Oh, praise [music] the Praise the son. Oh, praise [music] the Praise the son. Oh, praise [music] the spirit. spirit. spirit. Three in one. Three in one. Three in one. God of glory, [music] God of glory, [music] God of glory, [music] majesty. Praise forever Praise forever to the king [music] of >> [music] >> [music] >> In the morning that you rose all >> In the morning that you rose all >> In the morning that you rose all [singing and music] the feather it

[singing and music] the feather it [singing and music] the feather it till the storms [music and singing] move till the storms [music and singing] move till the storms [music and singing] move for good for the and conquer death. And for good for the and conquer death. And for good for the and conquer death. And the devils from their tombs [music] the devils from their tombs [music] the devils from their tombs [music] and the angels stood long before soul and the angels stood long before soul and the angels stood long before soul gone to the far [music] and the church of Christ was born. Let and the church of Christ was born. Let the spirit in the [music] flame the spirit in the [music] flame the spirit in the [music] flame his goel to the world shall not be shy his goel to the world shall not be shy his goel to the world shall not be shy [music] but his blood in his name is [music] but his blood in his name is [music] but his blood in his name is free I am free for the blood Jesus free I am free for the blood Jesus free I am free for the blood Jesus [music] Christ who has [music] Christ who has [music] Christ who has heaven [music] so We raise the [music] so We raise the [music] praise the sun.

praise the sun. praise the sun. Praise the [music] [music] one one one God. Praise [music] forever Praise [music] forever to the king of [music] kings. Praise the to the king of [music] kings. Praise the to the king of [music] kings. Praise the Lord. Lord. Lord. Praise the sun. Praise the sun. Praise the sun. Praise the Praise the Praise the freesty. [music] Praise Praise to the king to the king to the king of kings. Praise forever of kings. Praise forever of kings. Praise forever to [music] the King to [music] the King to [music] the King of Kings. of Kings. of Kings. Let's praise him this morning. [music] Let's praise him this morning. [music] Let's praise him this morning. [music] [applause] [singing] [singing] >> On my lips, Lord.

>> On my lips, Lord. >> On my lips, Lord. [music] Ever on my lips, Lord. Peace. Peace. Bring it all to peace. [music] Bring it all to peace. [music] Bring it all to peace. [music] The storm surrounding me. Let it break The storm surrounding me. Let it break The storm surrounding me. Let it break [singing] at your name. at your name. And still And still And still call the [music] seed is still call the [music] seed is still call the [music] seed is still the rage in me is still every wave the rage in me is still every wave the rage in me is still every wave at your name. Sing Jesus. Jesus. Jesus, at your name. Sing Jesus. Jesus. Jesus, at your name. Sing Jesus. Jesus. Jesus, you make the darkness [music] tremble. you make the darkness [music] tremble. you make the darkness [music] tremble. Oh Jesus, Jesus, Oh Jesus, Jesus, Oh Jesus, Jesus, you silent [music] you silent [music] you silent [music] fear, this is true. Oh Jesus, Jesus, fear, this is true. Oh Jesus, Jesus, fear, this is true. Oh Jesus, Jesus, you make the darkness [music] you make the darkness [music] you make the darkness [music] tremble. Oh Jesus, Jesus. Oh, breathe. [music] Oh, breathe. [music] Call these bones to live Call these bones to live Call these bones to live and call these lungs to sing once again.

and call these lungs to sing once again. and call these lungs to sing once again. [music] Oh, I will praise, sing, breathe and Oh, I will praise, sing, breathe and breathe. breathe. breathe. Call these bones to live Call these bones to live Call these bones to live and call these lungs to sing once and call these lungs to sing once and call these lungs to sing once [music and singing] again. Lord, [music and singing] again. Lord, [music and singing] again. Lord, oh I will praise oh I will praise oh I will praise Jesus. Jesus, [music] Jesus. Jesus, [music] Jesus. Jesus, [music] you make the darkness tremble. Jesus, you make the darkness tremble. Jesus, you make the darkness tremble. Jesus, [music] [music] [music] Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, you silence fear. you silence fear. you silence fear. Oh Jesus, Jesus, [music and singing] Oh Jesus, Jesus, [music and singing] Oh Jesus, Jesus, [music and singing] you make the darkness tremble. Jesus, you make the darkness tremble. Jesus, you make the darkness tremble. Jesus, Jesus. Jesus. Jesus. We sing the name of [music] Jesus. Oh We sing the name of [music] Jesus. Oh We sing the name of [music] Jesus. Oh Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, you make [music] the darkness tremble. you make [music] the darkness tremble. you make [music] the darkness tremble. Jesus, Jesus. Jesus, Jesus. Jesus, Jesus. Silence, [music] there's no other name Silence, [music] there's no other name Silence, [music] there's no other name but Jesus. Jesus, [music] but Jesus. Jesus, [music] but Jesus. Jesus, [music] you make the darkest tremble. Jesus, you make the darkest tremble. Jesus, you make the darkest tremble. Jesus, Jesus. [music] Your name is a light that the [music] Your name is a light that the [music] shadows can't deny. Come on, church. And shadows can't deny. Come on, church. And shadows can't deny. Come on, church. And your name, oh Jesus, cannot be overcome.

Your name is alive forever [music] Your name is alive forever [music] lifted high. And your name cannot be lifted high. And your name cannot be lifted high. And your name cannot be overcome. [music] Your name is [music] a light that the Your name is [music] a light that the shadows can't [singing] deny. shadows can't [singing] deny. shadows can't [singing] deny. And your name cannot be overcome. [music] Your name is alive [music] Your name is alive forever lifted high. And your name forever lifted high. And your name forever lifted high. And your name [music] [music] [music] can offer your God. Oh, we sing. Jesus. can offer your God. Oh, we sing. Jesus. can offer your God. Oh, we sing. Jesus. [music] [music] [music] Oh Jesus. Jesus, Oh Jesus. Jesus, Oh Jesus. Jesus, [music] you make the darkness tremble [music] you make the darkness tremble [music] you make the darkness tremble for Jesus. Jesus, [music] for Jesus. Jesus, [music] for Jesus. Jesus, [music] you silence. you silence. you silence. Jesus, [music] Jesus, [music] Jesus, [music] Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, you make the darkness tremble. Jesus, you make the darkness tremble. Jesus, you make the darkness tremble. Jesus, Jesus.

Oh [music] Jesus, Jesus. Oh [music] Jesus, Jesus. You make the darkness [music] tremble. You make the darkness [music] tremble. You make the darkness [music] tremble. Oh Jesus. Jesus. How you can stand Oh Jesus. Jesus. How you can stand Oh Jesus. Jesus. How you can stand against the name of Jesus. against the name of Jesus. against the name of Jesus. [music and singing] [music and singing] [music and singing] Oh Jesus. Jesus. Oh Jesus. Jesus. Oh Jesus. Jesus. You make the darkness [music] tremble. You make the darkness [music] tremble. You make the darkness [music] tremble. Jesus. Jesus. Oh Jesus, Jesus, Oh Jesus, Jesus, you make the darkness tremble. Jesus, you make the darkness tremble. Jesus, you make the darkness tremble. Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, you silence [music] fear. Come on, every you silence [music] fear. Come on, every you silence [music] fear. Come on, every voice. Jesus, Jesus, voice. Jesus, Jesus, voice. Jesus, Jesus, you make [music and singing] the you make [music and singing] the you make [music and singing] the darkness. darkness. darkness. Jesus. Jesus.

We praise you Jesus We praise you Jesus for you alone are seated on the throne. for you alone are seated on the throne. for you alone are seated on the throne. So we speak the name of Jesus over every So we speak the name of Jesus over every So we speak the name of Jesus over every circumstance [music] in this room, over circumstance [music] in this room, over circumstance [music] in this room, over families, over marriages. families, over marriages. families, over marriages. Lord, you know exactly [music] what Lord, you know exactly [music] what Lord, you know exactly [music] what every person in this room is walking every person in this room is walking every person in this room is walking through, but you have still occupied the through, but you have still occupied the through, but you have still occupied the throne in every single moment. The rain of darkness [music and singing] The rain of darkness [music and singing] now is now is now is in the kingdom of [singing] light. in the kingdom of [singing] light. in the kingdom of [singing] light. In the [music] kingdom of light forever under your dominion. forever under your dominion. You're the king of my life. You're the king of my life. You're the king of my life. You're the king of You're the king of You're the king of we sing. we sing. we sing. You reign [music and singing] above it You reign [music and singing] above it You reign [music and singing] above it all.

And on the cross the work was [music] And on the cross the work was [music] finished. finished. finished. God, you poured out hope God, you poured out hope God, you poured out hope just to [music] give us new life. Thank just to [music] give us new life. Thank just to [music] give us new life. Thank you, Lord. you, Lord. you, Lord. Now from [music] the lips and forgiven Now from [music] the lips and forgiven Now from [music] the lips and forgiven here and [music and singing] in the here and [music and singing] in the here and [music and singing] in the horizon horizon horizon to Jesus. to Jesus. to Jesus. [music] You reign above it all. You reign above You reign above it all. You reign above it all. it all. it all. over [music] the universe and over over [music] the universe and over over [music] the universe and over your heart and there is no higher name. your heart and there is no higher name. your heart and there is no higher name. [music] Jesus, Jesus, you reign above it [music] Jesus, Jesus, you reign above it [music] Jesus, Jesus, you reign above it [singing] all. So let all of heaven and [singing] all. So let all of heaven and [singing] all. So let all of heaven and the earth in song we [music] sing the earth in song we [music] sing the earth in song we [music] sing halleluah. Sing hallelujah to the halleluah. Sing hallelujah to the halleluah. Sing hallelujah to the everlasting one. [music] everlasting one. [music] everlasting one. [music] There is no higher. There is no higher. There is no higher. Jesus, [singing] you reign Jesus, [singing] you reign Jesus, [singing] you reign above it [music] all.

above it [music] all. above it [music] all. Yes, you reign. Yes, you reign. Yes, you reign. You above [music] it all. [singing] You sent the darkness [music] running You sent the darkness [music] running out of [singing] an empty grave. Now out of [singing] an empty grave. Now out of [singing] an empty grave. Now seated a holy glory. [music] seated a holy glory. [music] seated a holy glory. [music] You thrown on the highest praise. You thrown on the highest praise. You thrown on the highest praise. Oh, you sent the [music] darkness Oh, you sent the [music] darkness Oh, you sent the [music] darkness [singing] ready [singing] ready [singing] ready out of an empty grave. out of an empty grave. out of an empty grave. Now sing it to [music] holy glory. You Now sing it to [music] holy glory. You Now sing it to [music] holy glory. You th we sing. You said [music] you set the th we sing. You said [music] you set the th we sing. You said [music] you set the darkness away darkness away darkness away out of [music] out of [music] out of [music] it. Oh, [music] Oh, [music] the darkness the darkness the darkness of this of this of this out of the empty grave. out of the empty grave. out of the empty grave. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> seated in the holy glory >> seated in the holy glory >> seated in the holy glory on [singing] the highest praise on [singing] the highest praise on [singing] the highest praise in [music] the darkness running in [music] the darkness running in [music] the darkness running out of grace glory glory on [music] the highest on [music] the highest on [music] the highest you see it all glory see it all glory on the [music] highest on the [music] highest on the [music] highest you

you you above [music] it all [music and singing] [music and singing] the earth the earth the earth We sing hallelujah [music] We sing hallelujah [music] We sing hallelujah [music] to the end cuz there's no higher to the end cuz there's no higher to the end cuz there's no higher you [music] Jesus you [music] Jesus you [music] Jesus Jesus you >> Well, we're singing about the rule and >> Well, we're singing about the rule and reign of King Jesus. And I want to reign of King Jesus. And I want to reign of King Jesus. And I want to declare his rule and reign even over the declare his rule and reign even over the declare his rule and reign even over the flooding and the devastation that we've flooding and the devastation that we've flooding and the devastation that we've seen in Nepal and Tibet this week. And seen in Nepal and Tibet this week. And seen in Nepal and Tibet this week. And so, let's just pray right now as the so, let's just pray right now as the so, let's just pray right now as the people of God. I want to invite you to people of God. I want to invite you to people of God. I want to invite you to pray right where you're sitting. And I pray right where you're sitting. And I pray right where you're sitting. And I want to invite you to join me in praying want to invite you to join me in praying want to invite you to join me in praying that we know Jesus rules and reigns even that we know Jesus rules and reigns even that we know Jesus rules and reigns even over that flooding. But we want to ask over that flooding. But we want to ask over that flooding. But we want to ask that his rule and reign would be that his rule and reign would be that his rule and reign would be tangible, invisible tangible, invisible tangible, invisible right now in that part of the world.

right now in that part of the world. right now in that part of the world. And so Lord Jesus, we come before you And so Lord Jesus, we come before you And so Lord Jesus, we come before you today acknowledging that you truly are today acknowledging that you truly are today acknowledging that you truly are the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. God, we acknowledge that the earth is God, we acknowledge that the earth is God, we acknowledge that the earth is yours and everything in it. yours and everything in it. yours and everything in it. You, Jesus, are before all things and in You, Jesus, are before all things and in You, Jesus, are before all things and in you all things hold together. So, we you all things hold together. So, we you all things hold together. So, we remind ourselves that you truly are remind ourselves that you truly are remind ourselves that you truly are sovereign over all things and there is sovereign over all things and there is sovereign over all things and there is not there's not one thing in all of not there's not one thing in all of not there's not one thing in all of creation that is not within the realm of creation that is not within the realm of creation that is not within the realm of your control. your control. your control. And so Lord, I want to ask and pray that And so Lord, I want to ask and pray that And so Lord, I want to ask and pray that your rule and reign would be tangible, your rule and reign would be tangible, your rule and reign would be tangible, invisible invisible invisible in Nepal and Tibet right now in the in Nepal and Tibet right now in the in Nepal and Tibet right now in the midst of the devastation caused by midst of the devastation caused by midst of the devastation caused by flooding. I pray your rule and reign flooding. I pray your rule and reign flooding. I pray your rule and reign and the hearts of family [music] members and the hearts of family [music] members and the hearts of family [music] members grieving the loss of loved ones. Lord, I grieving the loss of loved ones. Lord, I grieving the loss of loved ones. Lord, I pray your rule and reign to be visible pray your rule and reign to be visible pray your rule and reign to be visible in the lives of the rescue teams that in the lives of the rescue teams that in the lives of the rescue teams that are still searching. I pray that you are still searching. I pray that you are still searching. I pray that you would lead and guide their steps, that would lead and guide their steps, that would lead and guide their steps, that you would break down barriers, you would break down barriers, you would break down barriers, and that you would supernaturally rescue and that you would supernaturally rescue and that you would supernaturally rescue through their hands, Lord.

through their hands, Lord. through their hands, Lord. God, I pray your rule and reign in the God, I pray your rule and reign in the God, I pray your rule and reign in the lives of the thousands that are still lives of the thousands that are still lives of the thousands that are still missing. I pray for any that are still missing. I pray for any that are still missing. I pray for any that are still alive, Lord, that you would meet them in alive, Lord, that you would meet them in alive, Lord, that you would meet them in a supernatural way, that you would a supernatural way, that you would a supernatural way, that you would minister to them in a supernatural way, minister to them in a supernatural way, minister to them in a supernatural way, that you would save many of them now that you would save many of them now that you would save many of them now physically and spiritually. Lord, I pray physically and spiritually. Lord, I pray physically and spiritually. Lord, I pray your rule and reign your rule and reign your rule and reign in the midst of the relief efforts and in the midst of the relief efforts and in the midst of the relief efforts and aid. I pray that aid could get [music] aid. I pray that aid could get [music] aid. I pray that aid could get [music] to where it needs to go. Lord, I pray to where it needs to go. Lord, I pray to where it needs to go. Lord, I pray that you would break down those barriers that you would break down those barriers that you would break down those barriers so that people can get the things that so that people can get the things that so that people can get the things that they need, just their most essential they need, just their most essential they need, just their most essential needs. And then I pray that your rule needs. And then I pray that your rule needs. And then I pray that your rule and reign would be displayed through the and reign would be displayed through the and reign would be displayed through the church. I pray that the church would church. I pray that the church would church. I pray that the church would rise up and Lord, that the church would rise up and Lord, that the church would rise up and Lord, that the church would be a bright light in the [music] midst be a bright light in the [music] midst be a bright light in the [music] midst of heavy devastation, heartbreak, and of heavy devastation, heartbreak, and of heavy devastation, heartbreak, and darkness, Lord. So we love you God. We darkness, Lord. So we love you God. We darkness, Lord. So we love you God. We thank you God that even in moments like thank you God that even in moments like thank you God that even in moments like this we can look this we can look this we can look we can look at the cross. We can look at we can look at the cross. We can look at we can look at the cross. We can look at the empty tomb and we are reminded the empty tomb and we are reminded the empty tomb and we are reminded that you have in fact [music] conquered that you have in fact [music] conquered that you have in fact [music] conquered Satan, sin, and death. And a day is Satan, sin, and death. And a day is Satan, sin, and death. And a day is coming, Lord Jesus, where you will make coming, Lord Jesus, where you will make coming, Lord Jesus, where you will make all things new. And there will be no all things new. And there will be no all things new. And there will be no more [music] death, no more tears, no more [music] death, no more tears, no more [music] death, no more tears, no more pain, no more suffering, Lord, more pain, no more suffering, Lord, more pain, no more suffering, Lord, because the old will have passed away because the old will have passed away because the old will have passed away completely.

completely. completely. until that [music] day, Lord, I ask and until that [music] day, Lord, I ask and until that [music] day, Lord, I ask and pray that your kingdom would continually pray that your kingdom would continually pray that your kingdom would continually break forth and that your rule and reign break forth and that your rule and reign break forth and that your rule and reign would be displayed. We love you, Lord. would be displayed. We love you, Lord. would be displayed. We love you, Lord. So, church family, let's just sing one So, church family, let's just sing one So, church family, let's just sing one more time. Christ's rule and reign. And more time. Christ's rule and reign. And more time. Christ's rule and reign. And let's sing it even over the flooding in let's sing it even over the flooding in let's sing it even over the flooding in Nepal in Tibet. Let's sing [music] it all. We reign above it all [music] it all. We reign above it all over over over [music and singing] the universe and [music and singing] the universe and [music and singing] the universe and over every arm we know there is no over every arm we know there is no over every arm we know there is no higher [music] name. Oh Jesus you reign higher [music] name. Oh Jesus you reign higher [music] name. Oh Jesus you reign [music] above it all. So let all of [music] above it all. So let all of [music] above it all. So let all of heaven and the earth heaven and the earth heaven and the earth song we sing. song we sing. song we sing. Say hallelujah [music] Say hallelujah [music] Say hallelujah [music] to the air. Oh, there's no higher to the air. Oh, there's no higher to the air. Oh, there's no higher [music] [music] [music] [singing] Jesus. You reign [music] above it all.

Jesus. You reign [music] above it all. You reign above it all. You reign above You reign above it all. You reign above You reign above it all. You reign above it all. [music] And over the universe and [music] over And over the universe and [music] over every heart. There is my name. every heart. There is my name. every heart. There is my name. Jesus you reign [music] Jesus you reign [music] Jesus you reign [music] above it all. Let all of heaven and the above it all. Let all of heaven and the above it all. Let all of heaven and the earth erupt in [music] soul. earth erupt in [music] soul. earth erupt in [music] soul. Sing hallelujah to the everlasting one. Sing hallelujah to the everlasting one. Sing hallelujah to the everlasting one. There is no [music] higher. There is no [music] higher. There is no [music] higher. Jesus you reign above. Jesus you reign above. Jesus you reign above. You reign above [music] it all. You You reign above [music] it all. You You reign above [music] it all. You reign above it all. Jesus, [music] you reign Jesus, [music] you reign above it all.

above it all. above it all. Lord, thank you that in times like this, Lord, thank you that in times like this, Lord, thank you that in times like this, we can sing from the victory that we we can sing from the victory that we we can sing from the victory that we [music] have in Christ. Lord, knowing [music] have in Christ. Lord, knowing [music] have in Christ. Lord, knowing that when we experience opposition, that when we experience opposition, that when we experience opposition, it is a reminder of our enemy's it is a reminder of our enemy's it is a reminder of our enemy's destruction and a reminder of our destruction and a reminder of our destruction and a reminder of our salvation, of [music] the victory that salvation, of [music] the victory that salvation, of [music] the victory that we have in Christ. we have in Christ. we have in Christ. So, thank you, Jesus, that you truly So, thank you, Jesus, that you truly So, thank you, Jesus, that you truly reign and rule over everything. It's in reign and rule over everything. It's in reign and rule over everything. It's in your name that we pray. Amen. Go ahead your name that we pray. Amen. Go ahead your name that we pray. Amen. Go ahead and take a second to greet those around and take a second to greet those around and take a second to greet those around you. Heat. Hey. Hey. Hey.

Heat. Hey. Hey. Hey. Heat. Well, good morning, Watermark. How are Well, good morning, Watermark. How are we doing today?

we doing today? we doing today? [applause] [applause] [applause] >> Hey, it's uh great to see you. Hope all >> Hey, it's uh great to see you. Hope all >> Hey, it's uh great to see you. Hope all is well. If this is your first time ever is well. If this is your first time ever is well. If this is your first time ever with us on a Sunday morning, I just want with us on a Sunday morning, I just want with us on a Sunday morning, I just want to say I'm so glad you made it today. My to say I'm so glad you made it today. My to say I'm so glad you made it today. My hope for you uh is that you'd be able to hope for you uh is that you'd be able to hope for you uh is that you'd be able to take either a first or a next step with take either a first or a next step with take either a first or a next step with Jesus Christ. We've been journeying Jesus Christ. We've been journeying Jesus Christ. We've been journeying through the book of Acts uh all year so through the book of Acts uh all year so through the book of Acts uh all year so far. And one of the reasons that I love far. And one of the reasons that I love far. And one of the reasons that I love the book of Acts is that it calls us to the book of Acts is that it calls us to the book of Acts is that it calls us to mission. And we've seen through the book mission. And we've seen through the book mission. And we've seen through the book of Acts how the gospel left Jerusalem of Acts how the gospel left Jerusalem of Acts how the gospel left Jerusalem and moved to Judea and Samaria and now and moved to Judea and Samaria and now and moved to Judea and Samaria and now it's going to the end of the earth. And it's going to the end of the earth. And it's going to the end of the earth. And just in line with that, we as a church just in line with that, we as a church just in line with that, we as a church family family family have the privilege today of have the privilege today of have the privilege today of commissioning Silas and Phoebe Rivers as commissioning Silas and Phoebe Rivers as commissioning Silas and Phoebe Rivers as missionaries being sent out uh by missionaries being sent out uh by missionaries being sent out uh by Watermark Community Church. Watermark Community Church. Watermark Community Church. [applause] You might be wondering, why aren't we You might be wondering, why aren't we showing them on the screen? So, here's showing them on the screen? So, here's showing them on the screen? So, here's what you need to know. They're going to what you need to know. They're going to what you need to know. They're going to be serving in a sensitive persecuted be serving in a sensitive persecuted be serving in a sensitive persecuted location of the world. Silas and Phoebe location of the world. Silas and Phoebe location of the world. Silas and Phoebe Rivers are actually pseudonyms that Rivers are actually pseudonyms that Rivers are actually pseudonyms that we're using publicly. And the reason for we're using publicly. And the reason for we're using publicly. And the reason for that is that we want to take every that is that we want to take every that is that we want to take every precaution possible uh to help protect precaution possible uh to help protect precaution possible uh to help protect the work that God is calling them to do.

the work that God is calling them to do. the work that God is calling them to do. Silas and Phoebe have been members at Silas and Phoebe have been members at Silas and Phoebe have been members at Watermark for several years. They've Watermark for several years. They've Watermark for several years. They've served in various ministries. They just served in various ministries. They just served in various ministries. They just welcomed their first child this summer welcomed their first child this summer welcomed their first child this summer and beginning in September. and beginning in September. and beginning in September. They're going to be based in the Middle They're going to be based in the Middle They're going to be based in the Middle East serving churches throughout the East serving churches throughout the East serving churches throughout the 1040 window. And their team will have 1040 window. And their team will have 1040 window. And their team will have the opportunity to share the love of the opportunity to share the love of the opportunity to share the love of Jesus, disciple believers, develop Jesus, disciple believers, develop Jesus, disciple believers, develop leaders, leaders, leaders, uh plant churches, and meet practical uh plant churches, and meet practical uh plant churches, and meet practical needs in times of crisis. needs in times of crisis. needs in times of crisis. We love getting to do this. Uh it is our We love getting to do this. Uh it is our We love getting to do this. Uh it is our joy joy joy to watch God uh place a calling on to watch God uh place a calling on to watch God uh place a calling on people's lives to leave Dallas and to people's lives to leave Dallas and to people's lives to leave Dallas and to take the gospel where it is yet to go. take the gospel where it is yet to go. take the gospel where it is yet to go. And so Silas and Phoebe, I'm so And so Silas and Phoebe, I'm so And so Silas and Phoebe, I'm so encouraged by your uh responsiveness to encouraged by your uh responsiveness to encouraged by your uh responsiveness to the leading of the spirit. We celebrate the leading of the spirit. We celebrate the leading of the spirit. We celebrate it. We love it. And it's our joy to send it. We love it. And it's our joy to send it. We love it. And it's our joy to send you out. So church family, would you you out. So church family, would you you out. So church family, would you pray with me as we commission them today pray with me as we commission them today pray with me as we commission them today as missionaries? Lord, we do ask and as missionaries? Lord, we do ask and as missionaries? Lord, we do ask and pray pray pray for Silas and Phoebe as for Silas and Phoebe as for Silas and Phoebe as they respond to your call upon their they respond to your call upon their they respond to your call upon their lives to go and to make disciples of all lives to go and to make disciples of all lives to go and to make disciples of all nations.

nations. nations. We just affirm that you have called them We just affirm that you have called them We just affirm that you have called them and it is our joy to send them out. It and it is our joy to send them out. It and it is our joy to send them out. It it's so great to see a team of people it's so great to see a team of people it's so great to see a team of people standing on stage around them standing on stage around them standing on stage around them as friends as friends as friends as church family members who would as church family members who would as church family members who would affirm affirm affirm that what they are doing is good and that what they are doing is good and that what they are doing is good and right and obedient. right and obedient. right and obedient. And uh we as a church family are so And uh we as a church family are so And uh we as a church family are so excited to come around them and pray for excited to come around them and pray for excited to come around them and pray for them and to support them as they go. I them and to support them as they go. I them and to support them as they go. I pray that you'd go before them that pray that you'd go before them that pray that you'd go before them that you'd prepare great relationships for you'd prepare great relationships for you'd prepare great relationships for them. We pray from now, God, that that them. We pray from now, God, that that them. We pray from now, God, that that the sewing of the seed of the word, the the sewing of the seed of the word, the the sewing of the seed of the word, the gospel, would fall on fertile soil where gospel, would fall on fertile soil where gospel, would fall on fertile soil where they're going. And would you just use they're going. And would you just use they're going. And would you just use them to them to them to to seek and save the lost and to raise to seek and save the lost and to raise to seek and save the lost and to raise up leaders and to disciple believers, up leaders and to disciple believers, up leaders and to disciple believers, Lord? Lord? Lord? and in times of crisis, I pray and in times of crisis, I pray and in times of crisis, I pray that they would just be the hands and that they would just be the hands and that they would just be the hands and feet of Jesus and that your light would feet of Jesus and that your light would feet of Jesus and that your light would shine through them in the midst of shine through them in the midst of shine through them in the midst of darkness.

darkness. darkness. So, we love you and we love what you're So, we love you and we love what you're So, we love you and we love what you're doing in the river's lives and we pray doing in the river's lives and we pray doing in the river's lives and we pray your blessing upon them. your blessing upon them. your blessing upon them. And now, church family, as we transition And now, church family, as we transition And now, church family, as we transition into our time into our time into our time of studying your word, I just want to of studying your word, I just want to of studying your word, I just want to give you a moment give you a moment give you a moment just like we do every Sunday. just like we do every Sunday. just like we do every Sunday. I want to invite you to take a moment I want to invite you to take a moment I want to invite you to take a moment and to just pray for yourself and to just pray for yourself and to just pray for yourself and just ask God to speak to you. Say, and just ask God to speak to you. Say, and just ask God to speak to you. Say, "God, would you speak to my heart "God, would you speak to my heart "God, would you speak to my heart today?" 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 I want to ask you to pray for And then I want to ask you to pray for me. And would you ask God to speak me. And would you ask God to speak me. And would you ask God to speak through me to you?

Well Lord, you know the content of the Well Lord, you know the content of the message today. And as we talk about something very And as we talk about something very weighty, weighty, weighty, Lord, as we talk about darkness, I pray Lord, as we talk about darkness, I pray Lord, as we talk about darkness, I pray that your light would fill our minds and that your light would fill our minds and that your light would fill our minds and our hearts. Lord, our hearts. Lord, our hearts. Lord, I pray that you would have your way. I pray that you would have your way. I pray that you would have your way. That you would speak abundantly clearly That you would speak abundantly clearly That you would speak abundantly clearly to us, Lord. And for whatever darkness to us, Lord. And for whatever darkness to us, Lord. And for whatever darkness lingers in this room, for anyone whose lingers in this room, for anyone whose lingers in this room, for anyone whose minds have been blinded to you by the minds have been blinded to you by the minds have been blinded to you by the enemy, Lord, I pray that your truth enemy, Lord, I pray that your truth enemy, Lord, I pray that your truth would penetrate would penetrate would penetrate the darkness. Lord, for anyone walking the darkness. Lord, for anyone walking the darkness. Lord, for anyone walking in unrepentant sin, I pray that today in unrepentant sin, I pray that today in unrepentant sin, I pray that today you would strip away the calluses of you would strip away the calluses of you would strip away the calluses of their hearts. Lord, anywhere where we have let down Lord, anywhere where we have let down our guard our guard our guard to the schemes of the enemy, Lord, would to the schemes of the enemy, Lord, would to the schemes of the enemy, Lord, would you convict us and would you lead us you convict us and would you lead us you convict us and would you lead us towards victory? We love you. We towards victory? We love you. We towards victory? We love you. We celebrate the victory that Christ has celebrate the victory that Christ has celebrate the victory that Christ has already had over Satan, sin, and death.

already had over Satan, sin, and death. already had over Satan, sin, and death. And we just invite your rule and reign, And we just invite your rule and reign, And we just invite your rule and reign, Jesus, during this time of studying your Jesus, during this time of studying your Jesus, during this time of studying your word. We need you, Holy Spirit. Would word. We need you, Holy Spirit. Would word. We need you, Holy Spirit. Would you lead and guide us into all truth? I you lead and guide us into all truth? I you lead and guide us into all truth? I pray in Jesus name. pray in Jesus name. pray in Jesus name. Amen. Amen. Amen. >> Well, when we lived in College Station >> Well, when we lived in College Station >> Well, when we lived in College Station several years ago, uh it was pretty several years ago, uh it was pretty several years ago, uh it was pretty normal for me to speak uh at churches in normal for me to speak uh at churches in normal for me to speak uh at churches in Houston on Sundays. So, there was Houston on Sundays. So, there was Houston on Sundays. So, there was several Sundays throughout the year several Sundays throughout the year several Sundays throughout the year where I would wake up uh before most where I would wake up uh before most where I would wake up uh before most people on Sunday mornings and I'd get in people on Sunday mornings and I'd get in people on Sunday mornings and I'd get in my car and I'd make my way to Houston. my car and I'd make my way to Houston. my car and I'd make my way to Houston. And so, normally that drive was a pretty And so, normally that drive was a pretty And so, normally that drive was a pretty lonely drive because there weren't many lonely drive because there weren't many lonely drive because there weren't many people on the road. It was dark and so people on the road. It was dark and so people on the road. It was dark and so it would take me a while to wake up, it would take me a while to wake up, it would take me a while to wake up, take a minute for the coffee to kick in. take a minute for the coffee to kick in. take a minute for the coffee to kick in. Well, there was one time that I was Well, there was one time that I was Well, there was one time that I was driving. It was still dark outside. I driving. It was still dark outside. I driving. It was still dark outside. I was one of the only cars on the road. was one of the only cars on the road. was one of the only cars on the road. And as I'm driving, I get an iPhone And as I'm driving, I get an iPhone And as I'm driving, I get an iPhone emergency weather alert. And that emergency weather alert. And that emergency weather alert. And that emergency weather alert said, "Tornado emergency weather alert said, "Tornado emergency weather alert said, "Tornado warning in this area. Take shelter now."

warning in this area. Take shelter now." warning in this area. Take shelter now." And so as I'm driving and I get that And so as I'm driving and I get that And so as I'm driving and I get that message, message, message, I don't know. That's a weird message to I don't know. That's a weird message to I don't know. That's a weird message to get when you're in the middle of nowhere get when you're in the middle of nowhere get when you're in the middle of nowhere in a car in a car in a car cuz you kind of I'll just tell you my cuz you kind of I'll just tell you my cuz you kind of I'll just tell you my response is I wasn't sure what to do in response is I wasn't sure what to do in response is I wasn't sure what to do in that that moment, you know, because my that that moment, you know, because my that that moment, you know, because my only frame of reference is Bill Paxton only frame of reference is Bill Paxton only frame of reference is Bill Paxton in Twister in Twister in Twister and now I've seen Twisters and so I've and now I've seen Twisters and so I've and now I've seen Twisters and so I've got that that's kind of my frame of got that that's kind of my frame of got that that's kind of my frame of reference. So here's the reality. The reference. So here's the reality. The reference. So here's the reality. The message has said, "Tornado warning, take message has said, "Tornado warning, take message has said, "Tornado warning, take shelter." But I can't see anything. It's shelter." But I can't see anything. It's shelter." But I can't see anything. It's dark outside. So, like, I'm awake in a dark outside. So, like, I'm awake in a dark outside. So, like, I'm awake in a moment and my eyes are glued. Like, I am moment and my eyes are glued. Like, I am moment and my eyes are glued. Like, I am looking to see if I can see a tornado, looking to see if I can see a tornado, looking to see if I can see a tornado, but I can't. And so, there's different but I can't. And so, there's different but I can't. And so, there's different options rolling through my mind, like, options rolling through my mind, like, options rolling through my mind, like, do I just keep driving? But I've seen do I just keep driving? But I've seen do I just keep driving? But I've seen Twister, so I don't want to just I don't Twister, so I don't want to just I don't Twister, so I don't want to just I don't want to be that car that just like want to be that car that just like want to be that car that just like disappears into the eye of the tornado. disappears into the eye of the tornado. disappears into the eye of the tornado. I don't want to just be that guy driving I don't want to just be that guy driving I don't want to just be that guy driving straight into it. So, do I need to turn straight into it. So, do I need to turn straight into it. So, do I need to turn around? But what if the torn is back around? But what if the torn is back around? But what if the torn is back there? You don't know. Like, it could there? You don't know. Like, it could there? You don't know. Like, it could still be 20some miles away and I just still be 20some miles away and I just still be 20some miles away and I just have no clue.

have no clue. have no clue. And then you've heard like, hey, you And then you've heard like, hey, you And then you've heard like, hey, you stop, you get out, and you get into a stop, you get out, and you get into a stop, you get out, and you get into a ditch, but I'm supposed to preach. So, ditch, but I'm supposed to preach. So, ditch, but I'm supposed to preach. So, like, what if I get into a muddy ditch like, what if I get into a muddy ditch like, what if I get into a muddy ditch and then there is no tornado. And so I'm and then there is no tornado. And so I'm and then there is no tornado. And so I'm just some random dude laying in a ditch just some random dude laying in a ditch just some random dude laying in a ditch and then I've got to show up to guest and then I've got to show up to guest and then I've got to show up to guest preach at a church just covered in mud preach at a church just covered in mud preach at a church just covered in mud like well like well like well thought there was a tornado. I curled up thought there was a tornado. I curled up thought there was a tornado. I curled up in a ditch. Turns out there wasn't one. in a ditch. Turns out there wasn't one. in a ditch. Turns out there wasn't one. No big deal. Jesus like what's that? No big deal. Jesus like what's that? No big deal. Jesus like what's that? It's just this weird situation. It's just this weird situation. It's just this weird situation. Turned out being fine. I just kept Turned out being fine. I just kept Turned out being fine. I just kept driving. But like in that moment, I was awake. But like in that moment, I was awake. Like I didn't blink. I My eyes were Like I didn't blink. I My eyes were Like I didn't blink. I My eyes were glued to the windows because here's what glued to the windows because here's what glued to the windows because here's what I knew. There was there was a force at I knew. There was there was a force at I knew. There was there was a force at work in the darkness work in the darkness work in the darkness and its aim was destruction. And so until I had gotten far away from And so until I had gotten far away from that area, man, I was alert. I was that area, man, I was alert. I was that area, man, I was alert. I was awake. And I was looking for any awake. And I was looking for any awake. And I was looking for any potential of heading into harm's way.

potential of heading into harm's way. potential of heading into harm's way. All I could think about, what do I need All I could think about, what do I need All I could think about, what do I need to do to make sure that I live? to do to make sure that I live? to do to make sure that I live? And the reason I tell you that is And the reason I tell you that is And the reason I tell you that is because as we step into Acts chapter 19 because as we step into Acts chapter 19 because as we step into Acts chapter 19 today, we are stepping into a passage today, we are stepping into a passage today, we are stepping into a passage that is going to prompt a discussion that is going to prompt a discussion that is going to prompt a discussion today about Satan and demons. So, if today about Satan and demons. So, if today about Satan and demons. So, if you're visiting, you're visiting, you're visiting, welcome to Watermark Community Church. welcome to Watermark Community Church. welcome to Watermark Community Church. I'm so glad you made it today. If you I'm so glad you made it today. If you I'm so glad you made it today. If you brought them, I'm sorry. You should brought them, I'm sorry. You should brought them, I'm sorry. You should invite them to come again. invite them to come again. invite them to come again. But this is such an important discussion But this is such an important discussion But this is such an important discussion because the conversation we need to have because the conversation we need to have because the conversation we need to have is a conversation where many of us just is a conversation where many of us just is a conversation where many of us just need to wake up. need to wake up. need to wake up. We need to wake up to the reality that We need to wake up to the reality that We need to wake up to the reality that there is a force in the darkness whose there is a force in the darkness whose there is a force in the darkness whose aim is destruction in our lives. aim is destruction in our lives. aim is destruction in our lives. And because of that, we want to be And because of that, we want to be And because of that, we want to be people who are sober and awake. We want people who are sober and awake. We want people who are sober and awake. We want to wake up to the reality of the to wake up to the reality of the to wake up to the reality of the darkness, but we also want to be awake darkness, but we also want to be awake darkness, but we also want to be awake to the light. We want to be awake to the to the light. We want to be awake to the to the light. We want to be awake to the victory of Jesus Christ that has already victory of Jesus Christ that has already victory of Jesus Christ that has already been accomplished. We want to be awake been accomplished. We want to be awake been accomplished. We want to be awake to the power that is available to us in to the power that is available to us in to the power that is available to us in Christ.

Christ. Christ. So, I want to have a conversation today So, I want to have a conversation today So, I want to have a conversation today about spiritual warfare. So, if you have about spiritual warfare. So, if you have about spiritual warfare. So, if you have a Bible, I want to invite you to turn a Bible, I want to invite you to turn a Bible, I want to invite you to turn with me to Acts chapter 19. with me to Acts chapter 19. with me to Acts chapter 19. Acts chapter 19 is where we're going to Acts chapter 19 is where we're going to Acts chapter 19 is where we're going to be. I'm going to warn you today. I'm going I'm going to warn you today. I'm going to teach more than I preach. Like, I am to teach more than I preach. Like, I am to teach more than I preach. Like, I am going to inundate you with content. going to inundate you with content. going to inundate you with content. And so, And so, And so, buckle up. But everything that we're buckle up. But everything that we're buckle up. But everything that we're talking about is so important. I hope talking about is so important. I hope talking about is so important. I hope you walk out of here uh with a greater you walk out of here uh with a greater you walk out of here uh with a greater understanding and also I hope you don't understanding and also I hope you don't understanding and also I hope you don't just leave with your mind being just leave with your mind being just leave with your mind being stimulated. I hope that your heart is stimulated. I hope that your heart is stimulated. I hope that your heart is stirred with a greater affection and stirred with a greater affection and stirred with a greater affection and worship for the Lord of Lords and King worship for the Lord of Lords and King worship for the Lord of Lords and King of Kings, Jesus Christ. of Kings, Jesus Christ. of Kings, Jesus Christ. So here's what I want to do. Let me just So here's what I want to do. Let me just So here's what I want to do. Let me just read you the whole story so that we know read you the whole story so that we know read you the whole story so that we know what we're dealing with. It's Acts what we're dealing with. It's Acts what we're dealing with. It's Acts chapter 19 It says, "And God was doing It says, "And God was doing extraordinary miracles by the hands of extraordinary miracles by the hands of extraordinary miracles by the hands of Paul, Paul, Paul, so that even handkerchiefs or aprons so that even handkerchiefs or aprons so that even handkerchiefs or aprons that had touched his skin were carried that had touched his skin were carried that had touched his skin were carried away to the sick and their diseases left away to the sick and their diseases left away to the sick and their diseases left them and the evil spirits came out of them and the evil spirits came out of them and the evil spirits came out of them.

them. them. Then some of the itenerant Jewish Then some of the itenerant Jewish Then some of the itenerant Jewish exorcists, did you know those exist? exorcists, did you know those exist? exorcists, did you know those exist? The itenerate Jewish exorcist undertook The itenerate Jewish exorcist undertook The itenerate Jewish exorcist undertook to invoke the name of the Lord Jesus to invoke the name of the Lord Jesus to invoke the name of the Lord Jesus over those who had evil spirits, saying, over those who had evil spirits, saying, over those who had evil spirits, saying, "I adjure you by the Jesus whom Paul "I adjure you by the Jesus whom Paul "I adjure you by the Jesus whom Paul proclaims." Seven sons of a Jewish high proclaims." Seven sons of a Jewish high proclaims." Seven sons of a Jewish high priest named Skeva were doing this. But priest named Skeva were doing this. But priest named Skeva were doing this. But the evil spirit answered them, "Jesus I the evil spirit answered them, "Jesus I the evil spirit answered them, "Jesus I know and Paul I recognize, but who are know and Paul I recognize, but who are know and Paul I recognize, but who are you?" you?" you?" And the man in whom was the evil spirit And the man in whom was the evil spirit And the man in whom was the evil spirit leaped on them, mastered all of them, leaped on them, mastered all of them, leaped on them, mastered all of them, and overpowered them, so that they fled and overpowered them, so that they fled and overpowered them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded. out of that house naked and wounded. out of that house naked and wounded. And this became known to all the And this became known to all the And this became known to all the residents of Ephesus, residents of Ephesus, residents of Ephesus, both Jews and Greeks, and fear fell upon both Jews and Greeks, and fear fell upon both Jews and Greeks, and fear fell upon them all. In the name of the Lord Jesus them all. In the name of the Lord Jesus them all. In the name of the Lord Jesus was extolled. Also many of those who was extolled. Also many of those who was extolled. Also many of those who were now believers came to confessing were now believers came to confessing were now believers came to confessing and divulging their practices. and divulging their practices. and divulging their practices. And a number of those who had practiced And a number of those who had practiced And a number of those who had practiced magic arts brought their books together magic arts brought their books together magic arts brought their books together and burned them in the sight of all. And and burned them in the sight of all. And and burned them in the sight of all. And they counted the value of them and found they counted the value of them and found they counted the value of them and found that it came to 50,000 pieces of silver.

that it came to 50,000 pieces of silver. that it came to 50,000 pieces of silver. So the word of the Lord continued to So the word of the Lord continued to So the word of the Lord continued to increase increase increase and prevail mightily. So here's what I and prevail mightily. So here's what I and prevail mightily. So here's what I want you to see. This is a story about want you to see. This is a story about want you to see. This is a story about evil spirits. Those are demons. And evil spirits. Those are demons. And evil spirits. Those are demons. And Jewish exorcists, those are those who Jewish exorcists, those are those who Jewish exorcists, those are those who cast out demons. The Jewish exorcists, cast out demons. The Jewish exorcists, cast out demons. The Jewish exorcists, they try and cast out the evil spirits they try and cast out the evil spirits they try and cast out the evil spirits like they saw Paul cast them out. like they saw Paul cast them out. like they saw Paul cast them out. But the evil spirits, instead of coming But the evil spirits, instead of coming But the evil spirits, instead of coming out, this particular evil spirit ends up out, this particular evil spirit ends up out, this particular evil spirit ends up beating these seven men up and sending beating these seven men up and sending beating these seven men up and sending them out naked. Now, I still remember them out naked. Now, I still remember them out naked. Now, I still remember the first time I ever heard this passage the first time I ever heard this passage the first time I ever heard this passage taught 20 years ago. I will never forget taught 20 years ago. I will never forget taught 20 years ago. I will never forget Matt Chandler saying uh if you leave a Matt Chandler saying uh if you leave a Matt Chandler saying uh if you leave a fight naked you lost. fight naked you lost. fight naked you lost. I cannot say it any better than that. I cannot say it any better than that. I cannot say it any better than that. It's just that is the truth. He has said It's just that is the truth. He has said It's just that is the truth. He has said it well. it well. it well. So here's the question we need to So here's the question we need to So here's the question we need to answer. What do we do with a passage answer. What do we do with a passage answer. What do we do with a passage like this? Is is the right response to like this? Is is the right response to like this? Is is the right response to just say look uh Acts 19 happened uh just say look uh Acts 19 happened uh just say look uh Acts 19 happened uh it's an exceptional experience during an it's an exceptional experience during an it's an exceptional experience during an exceptional time in the first century.

exceptional time in the first century. exceptional time in the first century. And so there really isn't much And so there really isn't much And so there really isn't much application. application. application. Well, I would say if you were to go and Well, I would say if you were to go and Well, I would say if you were to go and read the rest of the New Testament, what read the rest of the New Testament, what read the rest of the New Testament, what you would find is that the same dark you would find is that the same dark you would find is that the same dark forces that were present in Acts 19 are forces that were present in Acts 19 are forces that were present in Acts 19 are still present today. still present today. still present today. And we need to live awake to the And we need to live awake to the And we need to live awake to the destructive darkness. French poet destructive darkness. French poet destructive darkness. French poet Charles Bodilair said the greatest trick Charles Bodilair said the greatest trick Charles Bodilair said the greatest trick the devil ever pulled was convincing the the devil ever pulled was convincing the the devil ever pulled was convincing the world he didn't exist. world he didn't exist. world he didn't exist. We don't want to be those people We don't want to be those people We don't want to be those people like we want to be informed about Satan like we want to be informed about Satan like we want to be informed about Satan and demons and at the same time we want and demons and at the same time we want and demons and at the same time we want to do it with guard rails. to do it with guard rails. to do it with guard rails. So I appreciate what CS Lewis said. He So I appreciate what CS Lewis said. He So I appreciate what CS Lewis said. He said there are two equal and opposite said there are two equal and opposite said there are two equal and opposite errors into which our race can fall errors into which our race can fall errors into which our race can fall about the devils. about the devils. about the devils. One is to disbelieve in their existence. One is to disbelieve in their existence. One is to disbelieve in their existence. The other is to believe and to feel an The other is to believe and to feel an The other is to believe and to feel an excessive and unhealthy interest in excessive and unhealthy interest in excessive and unhealthy interest in them. They themselves them. They themselves them. They themselves are equally pleased are equally pleased are equally pleased by both errors and hail a materialist or by both errors and hail a materialist or by both errors and hail a materialist or a magician with the same delight.

a magician with the same delight. a magician with the same delight. If I were to say which way the people at If I were to say which way the people at If I were to say which way the people at Watermark would lean, we would lean Watermark would lean, we would lean Watermark would lean, we would lean towards being the materialists. towards being the materialists. towards being the materialists. At worst, we would believe that the dark At worst, we would believe that the dark At worst, we would believe that the dark forces don't exist. At best, forces don't exist. At best, forces don't exist. At best, we would just ignore them. we would just ignore them. we would just ignore them. And so that's why I want to talk about And so that's why I want to talk about And so that's why I want to talk about it today. And at the same time, what I it today. And at the same time, what I it today. And at the same time, what I don't want to do is communicate in a way don't want to do is communicate in a way don't want to do is communicate in a way that causes you to swing toward being a that causes you to swing toward being a that causes you to swing toward being a magician where where everything is magician where where everything is magician where where everything is demonic and you see everything as an demonic and you see everything as an demonic and you see everything as an attack. So when you leave today and you attack. So when you leave today and you attack. So when you leave today and you have, you know, your stomach hurts after have, you know, your stomach hurts after have, you know, your stomach hurts after lunch, you're like, it's the devil. lunch, you're like, it's the devil. lunch, you're like, it's the devil. It could be, but probably not. Like we It could be, but probably not. Like we It could be, but probably not. Like we live in a broken world. Bad days happen. And so what I want to do is I just I And so what I want to do is I just I want to try and walk a tightroppe here want to try and walk a tightroppe here want to try and walk a tightroppe here where I call you away from being a where I call you away from being a where I call you away from being a materialist without pushing you towards materialist without pushing you towards materialist without pushing you towards being a magician.

being a magician. being a magician. Okay. So the first thing I want to talk Okay. So the first thing I want to talk Okay. So the first thing I want to talk about is the reality of the devil and about is the reality of the devil and about is the reality of the devil and demons. So let me just unpack for you. demons. So let me just unpack for you. demons. So let me just unpack for you. And look, I'm just gonna I'm gonna let And look, I'm just gonna I'm gonna let And look, I'm just gonna I'm gonna let the scripture do the talking. But let me the scripture do the talking. But let me the scripture do the talking. But let me unpack for you what the scriptures say unpack for you what the scriptures say unpack for you what the scriptures say about the one that is called the devil, about the one that is called the devil, about the one that is called the devil, Satan, the accuser, the ancient serpent, Satan, the accuser, the ancient serpent, Satan, the accuser, the ancient serpent, the evil one, the tempter, the father of the evil one, the tempter, the father of the evil one, the tempter, the father of lies, the prince of this world, the god lies, the prince of this world, the god lies, the prince of this world, the god of this age, and the enemy, of this age, and the enemy, of this age, and the enemy, and I'll unpack demons for you along the and I'll unpack demons for you along the and I'll unpack demons for you along the way. First, the scriptures tell us that way. First, the scriptures tell us that way. First, the scriptures tell us that the devil schemes. the devil schemes. the devil schemes. Ephesians 6:11, "Put on the whole armor Ephesians 6:11, "Put on the whole armor Ephesians 6:11, "Put on the whole armor of God that you may be able to stand of God that you may be able to stand of God that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil." Have against the schemes of the devil." Have against the schemes of the devil." Have you ever thought about the fact that you ever thought about the fact that you ever thought about the fact that there are dark forces that every day are there are dark forces that every day are there are dark forces that every day are thinking strategically about how to draw thinking strategically about how to draw thinking strategically about how to draw you away from God? They're seeking you away from God? They're seeking you away from God? They're seeking strategically to to tempt you and strategically to to tempt you and strategically to to tempt you and deceive you. The devil lies. John 8:44. deceive you. The devil lies. John 8:44. deceive you. The devil lies. John 8:44. When he lies, he speaks out of his own When he lies, he speaks out of his own When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar.

character, for he is a liar. character, for he is a liar. and the father of lies. Have you ever and the father of lies. Have you ever and the father of lies. Have you ever thought about the fact that there is a thought about the fact that there is a thought about the fact that there is a voice in your life that is lying to you voice in your life that is lying to you voice in your life that is lying to you about God, lying to you about himself, about God, lying to you about himself, about God, lying to you about himself, and lying to you about you? Do you and lying to you about you? Do you and lying to you about you? Do you realize that? That there is a voice in realize that? That there is a voice in realize that? That there is a voice in your life lying to you about you your life lying to you about you your life lying to you about you and lying to you about God. Just think and lying to you about God. Just think and lying to you about God. Just think if you're frustrated with God right now, if you're frustrated with God right now, if you're frustrated with God right now, if you're bitter towards God right now, if you're bitter towards God right now, if you're bitter towards God right now, if you're disappointed with God, if if you're disappointed with God, if if you're disappointed with God, if you're bored with God, if you're too you're bored with God, if you're too you're bored with God, if you're too busy for God, if you're uninterested in busy for God, if you're uninterested in busy for God, if you're uninterested in God, or if you're unmoved by God, I'll God, or if you're unmoved by God, I'll God, or if you're unmoved by God, I'll tell you what's happened. You have tell you what's happened. You have tell you what's happened. You have believed a lie about God. I I think about what 2 Corinthians 11:3 I I think about what 2 Corinthians 11:3 says. Listen to what it says. says. Listen to what it says. says. Listen to what it says. It says this. It says, "But I'm afraid It says this. It says, "But I'm afraid It says this. It says, "But I'm afraid that as the serpent deceived Eve by his that as the serpent deceived Eve by his that as the serpent deceived Eve by his cunning, your thoughts, your thoughts cunning, your thoughts, your thoughts cunning, your thoughts, your thoughts will be led astray from a sincere and will be led astray from a sincere and will be led astray from a sincere and pure devotion to Christ." He lies.

pure devotion to Christ." He lies. pure devotion to Christ." He lies. And through his lies, you know what And through his lies, you know what And through his lies, you know what demons do? Demons spread false doctrine. demons do? Demons spread false doctrine. demons do? Demons spread false doctrine. 1 Timothy 4:1. 1 Timothy 4:1. 1 Timothy 4:1. Now the spirit expressly says that in Now the spirit expressly says that in Now the spirit expressly says that in later times some will depart from the later times some will depart from the later times some will depart from the faith by devoting themselves to faith by devoting themselves to faith by devoting themselves to deceitful spirits in teachings deceitful spirits in teachings deceitful spirits in teachings of demons. So the father of lies spreads of demons. So the father of lies spreads of demons. So the father of lies spreads the lies in the form of false doctrine the lies in the form of false doctrine the lies in the form of false doctrine about God. And and how does he spread about God. And and how does he spread about God. And and how does he spread them? He spreads them through demons. So them? He spreads them through demons. So them? He spreads them through demons. So think about what this looks like. The think about what this looks like. The think about what this looks like. The way that I've seen this play out is I've way that I've seen this play out is I've way that I've seen this play out is I've known people who were walking with Jesus known people who were walking with Jesus known people who were walking with Jesus and loved the word of God and were and loved the word of God and were and loved the word of God and were invested in Christ's church and then invested in Christ's church and then invested in Christ's church and then they got enlightened. they got enlightened. they got enlightened. They got enlightened to the point where They got enlightened to the point where They got enlightened to the point where they began to believe the Bible doesn't they began to believe the Bible doesn't they began to believe the Bible doesn't mean what they had been taught that it mean what they had been taught that it mean what they had been taught that it means. And there's a better way to means. And there's a better way to means. And there's a better way to interpret it and there's a better way to interpret it and there's a better way to interpret it and there's a better way to understand Jesus. And in fact, the understand Jesus. And in fact, the understand Jesus. And in fact, the church is actually dysfunctional and can church is actually dysfunctional and can church is actually dysfunctional and can no longer be trusted.

That's believing the lies of the enemy. That's believing the lies of the enemy. Satan also accuses. And if you notice in Satan also accuses. And if you notice in Satan also accuses. And if you notice in each point, I'm just using whatever name each point, I'm just using whatever name each point, I'm just using whatever name for the evil one that the scripture uses for the evil one that the scripture uses for the evil one that the scripture uses because he goes by different names. because he goes by different names. because he goes by different names. Satan accuses. Zechariah 3:1. Then he Satan accuses. Zechariah 3:1. Then he Satan accuses. Zechariah 3:1. Then he showed me Joshua, the high priest, showed me Joshua, the high priest, showed me Joshua, the high priest, standing before the angel of the Lord. standing before the angel of the Lord. standing before the angel of the Lord. and Satan standing at his right hand to and Satan standing at his right hand to and Satan standing at his right hand to accuse him. accuse him. accuse him. Do you realize you have an accuser in Do you realize you have an accuser in Do you realize you have an accuser in your life? your life? your life? Let me just tell you how this plays out. Let me just tell you how this plays out. Let me just tell you how this plays out. If I were to ask If I were to ask If I were to ask by show of hands, and I'm not going to by show of hands, and I'm not going to by show of hands, and I'm not going to ask you to participate, but just I want ask you to participate, but just I want ask you to participate, but just I want you to play this out. If I were to ask you to play this out. If I were to ask you to play this out. If I were to ask you by show of hands and if everyone in you by show of hands and if everyone in you by show of hands and if everyone in here was completely honest, here was completely honest, here was completely honest, I think it would be sobering to see how I think it would be sobering to see how I think it would be sobering to see how many people wrestle on a regular basis many people wrestle on a regular basis many people wrestle on a regular basis with feeling like a failure or feeling with feeling like a failure or feeling with feeling like a failure or feeling unlovable. Just think, am I talking unlovable. Just think, am I talking unlovable. Just think, am I talking about you? Do you consistently and it's about you? Do you consistently and it's about you? Do you consistently and it's kind of like it's kind of like air kind of like it's kind of like air kind of like it's kind of like air condition? It just quietly operates in condition? It just quietly operates in condition? It just quietly operates in the background of your mind. But the the background of your mind. But the the background of your mind. But the message is you're a failure. You're message is you're a failure. You're message is you're a failure. You're unlovable. Where do you think that unlovable. Where do you think that unlovable. Where do you think that message comes from?

message comes from? message comes from? It comes from an accuser. It comes from an accuser. It comes from an accuser. Now watch this one. Satan plants sinful Now watch this one. Satan plants sinful Now watch this one. Satan plants sinful plans in minds. plans in minds. plans in minds. Acts 5:3. But Peter said, "Ananas, why Acts 5:3. But Peter said, "Ananas, why Acts 5:3. But Peter said, "Ananas, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to has Satan filled your heart to lie to has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and to keep back for the Holy Spirit and to keep back for the Holy Spirit and to keep back for yourself part of the proceeds of the yourself part of the proceeds of the yourself part of the proceeds of the land?" We saw this back in Acts 5. land?" We saw this back in Acts 5. land?" We saw this back in Acts 5. But Satan will actually plant sinful But Satan will actually plant sinful But Satan will actually plant sinful plans in mind. And you know what the plans in mind. And you know what the plans in mind. And you know what the interesting thing is? Is that he will interesting thing is? Is that he will interesting thing is? Is that he will plant plans that lead you to think that plant plans that lead you to think that plant plans that lead you to think that you're still somehow glorifying God you're still somehow glorifying God you're still somehow glorifying God while sinning against God. while sinning against God. while sinning against God. So, one of the ways that this could play So, one of the ways that this could play So, one of the ways that this could play out is there are people out is there are people out is there are people who would claim Christ who would claim Christ who would claim Christ and have become convinced that it's and have become convinced that it's and have become convinced that it's God's will for them to leave their God's will for them to leave their God's will for them to leave their spouse for someone else because that spouse for someone else because that spouse for someone else because that mistress is actually their true mistress is actually their true mistress is actually their true soulmate. And so, God wants them to soulmate. And so, God wants them to soulmate. And so, God wants them to leave their spouse to be with their leave their spouse to be with their leave their spouse to be with their soulmate.

soulmate. soulmate. That is Satan planting evil plans, That is Satan planting evil plans, That is Satan planting evil plans, sinful plans in people's minds. sinful plans in people's minds. sinful plans in people's minds. Watch this one. Demons inspire false Watch this one. Demons inspire false Watch this one. Demons inspire false wisdom. Did you know that this was in wisdom. Did you know that this was in wisdom. Did you know that this was in James James 3? But if you have bitter James James 3? But if you have bitter James James 3? But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your jealousy and selfish ambition in your jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the hearts, do not boast and be false to the hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth. This is not the wisdom that comes truth. This is not the wisdom that comes truth. This is not the wisdom that comes down from above, but is earthly, down from above, but is earthly, down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, and demonic. Isn't that unspiritual, and demonic. Isn't that unspiritual, and demonic. Isn't that interesting? interesting? interesting? that you can actually operate according that you can actually operate according that you can actually operate according to demonic wisdom. to demonic wisdom. to demonic wisdom. So, it's good to just play it out. So, it's good to just play it out. So, it's good to just play it out. Anytime there's there's bitterness, Anytime there's there's bitterness, Anytime there's there's bitterness, jealousy in your heart that is leading jealousy in your heart that is leading jealousy in your heart that is leading you to to act and operate in in your you to to act and operate in in your you to to act and operate in in your mind, it seems like the right thing to mind, it seems like the right thing to mind, it seems like the right thing to do. It might actually be demonic wisdom. It might actually be demonic wisdom. The god of this world blinds the minds The god of this world blinds the minds The god of this world blinds the minds of unbelievers. 2 Corinthians 4:4.

of unbelievers. 2 Corinthians 4:4. of unbelievers. 2 Corinthians 4:4. In their case, the God of this world has In their case, the God of this world has In their case, the God of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers to blinded the minds of the unbelievers to blinded the minds of the unbelievers to keep them from seeing the light of the keep them from seeing the light of the keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ who is the gospel of the glory of Christ who is the gospel of the glory of Christ who is the image of God. My wife Cat was recently image of God. My wife Cat was recently image of God. My wife Cat was recently talking to family member who we love. talking to family member who we love. talking to family member who we love. We've been praying for for years, but We've been praying for for years, but We've been praying for for years, but she is antagonistic to the faith. And as she is antagonistic to the faith. And as she is antagonistic to the faith. And as she gets older in age, my wife this week she gets older in age, my wife this week she gets older in age, my wife this week just called her. And as she's in the just called her. And as she's in the just called her. And as she's in the midst of some harder things, Cat just midst of some harder things, Cat just midst of some harder things, Cat just said like, "I I hope you I hope you find said like, "I I hope you I hope you find said like, "I I hope you I hope you find Jesus during this time." And her Jesus during this time." And her Jesus during this time." And her response was, "We have different response was, "We have different response was, "We have different Jesuses." Jesuses." Jesuses." You know what that is? That is the evil You know what that is? That is the evil You know what that is? That is the evil one blinding her mind to the truth. The devil and demons can cause sickness. The devil and demons can cause sickness. They can cause sickness. They can cause They can cause sickness. They can cause They can cause sickness. They can cause physical sickness. They can cause mental physical sickness. They can cause mental physical sickness. They can cause mental illness or emotional sickness. Let me illness or emotional sickness. Let me illness or emotional sickness. Let me just show you what I'm talking about. just show you what I'm talking about. just show you what I'm talking about. Look at what Luke 13:16 says. This is a Look at what Luke 13:16 says. This is a Look at what Luke 13:16 says. This is a woman who had been bent over, unable to woman who had been bent over, unable to woman who had been bent over, unable to stand up straight for 18 years.

stand up straight for 18 years. stand up straight for 18 years. It says, "And ought not this woman, a It says, "And ought not this woman, a It says, "And ought not this woman, a daughter of Abraham, whom Satan bound daughter of Abraham, whom Satan bound daughter of Abraham, whom Satan bound for 18 years, be loosed from this bond for 18 years, be loosed from this bond for 18 years, be loosed from this bond on the Sabbath day?" on the Sabbath day?" on the Sabbath day?" That interesting her physical That interesting her physical That interesting her physical disability was actually disability was actually disability was actually the work of Satan. I think about Mark 5 the work of Satan. I think about Mark 5 the work of Satan. I think about Mark 5 says they came to the other side of the says they came to the other side of the says they came to the other side of the sea to the country of the garrisons. And sea to the country of the garrisons. And sea to the country of the garrisons. And when Jesus had stepped out of the boat, when Jesus had stepped out of the boat, when Jesus had stepped out of the boat, immediately there met him out of the immediately there met him out of the immediately there met him out of the tombs a man with an unclean spirit. He tombs a man with an unclean spirit. He tombs a man with an unclean spirit. He lived among the tombs. No one could bind lived among the tombs. No one could bind lived among the tombs. No one could bind him anymore, not even with a chain. For him anymore, not even with a chain. For him anymore, not even with a chain. For he had often been bound with shackles he had often been bound with shackles he had often been bound with shackles and chains, but he wrenched the chains and chains, but he wrenched the chains and chains, but he wrenched the chains apart. He broke the shackles in pieces. apart. He broke the shackles in pieces. apart. He broke the shackles in pieces. No one had the strength to subdue him. No one had the strength to subdue him. No one had the strength to subdue him. Nine day among the tombs and on the Nine day among the tombs and on the Nine day among the tombs and on the mountains he was always crying out and mountains he was always crying out and mountains he was always crying out and cutting himself with stones. You see him cutting himself with stones. You see him cutting himself with stones. You see him physically a afflicted, mentally physically a afflicted, mentally physically a afflicted, mentally afflicted, emotionally afflicted afflicted, emotionally afflicted afflicted, emotionally afflicted because Satan and demons can cause because Satan and demons can cause because Satan and demons can cause sickness. Now I want to be clear, not sickness. Now I want to be clear, not sickness. Now I want to be clear, not everything is a demon.

everything is a demon. everything is a demon. We still live in a broken world. We still live in a broken world. We still live in a broken world. There is still trauma. There's family of There is still trauma. There's family of There is still trauma. There's family of origin hurts. There there is mental origin hurts. There there is mental origin hurts. There there is mental illness that that can just be a form. illness that that can just be a form. illness that that can just be a form. It's a result of the brokenness of this It's a result of the brokenness of this It's a result of the brokenness of this world. There we you see in John chapter world. There we you see in John chapter world. There we you see in John chapter nine that a man is blind. But that nine that a man is blind. But that nine that a man is blind. But that blindness isn't the result of a demon. blindness isn't the result of a demon. blindness isn't the result of a demon. It it's actually blindness that is going It it's actually blindness that is going It it's actually blindness that is going to lead to the glory of God. No one to lead to the glory of God. No one to lead to the glory of God. No one sinned. sinned. sinned. Next, Satan attacks marriages. Next, Satan attacks marriages. Next, Satan attacks marriages. Some of you are like, "Yeah, the fight Some of you are like, "Yeah, the fight Some of you are like, "Yeah, the fight this morning before church confirms this morning before church confirms this morning before church confirms that." People have their best fights on that." People have their best fights on that." People have their best fights on the way to church. the way to church. the way to church. But look at what it says. 1 Corinthians But look at what it says. 1 Corinthians But look at what it says. 1 Corinthians 7:5. This is talking about sexual 7:5. This is talking about sexual 7:5. This is talking about sexual intimacy. It says, "Do not deprive one intimacy. It says, "Do not deprive one intimacy. It says, "Do not deprive one another except perhaps by agreement for another except perhaps by agreement for another except perhaps by agreement for a limited time that you may devote a limited time that you may devote a limited time that you may devote yourselves to prayer, but then come yourselves to prayer, but then come yourselves to prayer, but then come together again so that Satan may not together again so that Satan may not together again so that Satan may not tempt you because of your lack of tempt you because of your lack of tempt you because of your lack of self-control."

self-control." self-control." Satan also divides. He divides believers Satan also divides. He divides believers Satan also divides. He divides believers against one another. 2 Corinthians against one another. 2 Corinthians against one another. 2 Corinthians 2:10-11. Anyone whom you forgive, I also 2:10-11. Anyone whom you forgive, I also 2:10-11. Anyone whom you forgive, I also forgive. Indeed, what I have forgiven, forgive. Indeed, what I have forgiven, forgive. Indeed, what I have forgiven, if I've forgiven anything, has been for if I've forgiven anything, has been for if I've forgiven anything, has been for your sake in the presence of Christ, so your sake in the presence of Christ, so your sake in the presence of Christ, so that we would not be outwitted by Satan. that we would not be outwitted by Satan. that we would not be outwitted by Satan. For we are not ignorant of his designs. For we are not ignorant of his designs. For we are not ignorant of his designs. So when two believers in the church, and So when two believers in the church, and So when two believers in the church, and if this is you right now, let me just if this is you right now, let me just if this is you right now, let me just beg you to take steps towards beg you to take steps towards beg you to take steps towards reconciliation. reconciliation. reconciliation. But when there are two believers in the But when there are two believers in the But when there are two believers in the church who refuse to come together to church who refuse to come together to church who refuse to come together to talk through things, who harbor talk through things, who harbor talk through things, who harbor bitterness, who who cut one another out, bitterness, who who cut one another out, bitterness, who who cut one another out, I guarantee you what is happening is I guarantee you what is happening is I guarantee you what is happening is that the evil one is sewing seeds of that the evil one is sewing seeds of that the evil one is sewing seeds of discord. discord. discord. And then Satan tests our faith. God also And then Satan tests our faith. God also And then Satan tests our faith. God also tests our faith. But you look at the tests our faith. But you look at the tests our faith. But you look at the life of Job and the testing that Job life of Job and the testing that Job life of Job and the testing that Job experienced was was through the hand of experienced was was through the hand of experienced was was through the hand of Satan. Here's why I go through all those Satan. Here's why I go through all those Satan. Here's why I go through all those and that's not even an ex exhaustive and that's not even an ex exhaustive and that's not even an ex exhaustive list. The reason I share that with you list. The reason I share that with you list. The reason I share that with you is I think Clinton Arnold has hit it is I think Clinton Arnold has hit it is I think Clinton Arnold has hit it when he says spiritual warfare is when he says spiritual warfare is when he says spiritual warfare is all-encompassing.

all-encompassing. all-encompassing. It touches every area of our lives. It It touches every area of our lives. It It touches every area of our lives. It touches our families, our relationships, touches our families, our relationships, touches our families, our relationships, our church, our neighborhoods, our our church, our neighborhoods, our our church, our neighborhoods, our communities, our places of employment. communities, our places of employment. communities, our places of employment. There is virtually no part of our There is virtually no part of our There is virtually no part of our existence over which the evil one does existence over which the evil one does existence over which the evil one does not want to maintain or reassert his not want to maintain or reassert his not want to maintain or reassert his unhealthy unhealthy unhealthy and perverse and perverse and perverse influence. influence. influence. So this is me just saying, "Hey, you got So this is me just saying, "Hey, you got So this is me just saying, "Hey, you got to wake up. There's a force of darkness to wake up. There's a force of darkness to wake up. There's a force of darkness whose aim is destruction. We have to whose aim is destruction. We have to whose aim is destruction. We have to live awake." That's the reality of the live awake." That's the reality of the live awake." That's the reality of the devil and demons. devil and demons. devil and demons. But now I want to talk about something But now I want to talk about something But now I want to talk about something so much more important so much more important so much more important than the reality of the devil and than the reality of the devil and than the reality of the devil and demons. Because if all we did was talk demons. Because if all we did was talk demons. Because if all we did was talk about the reality of devil and demons, about the reality of devil and demons, about the reality of devil and demons, you know what? Everyone's going to walk you know what? Everyone's going to walk you know what? Everyone's going to walk out of here a magician. Everyone's going out of here a magician. Everyone's going out of here a magician. Everyone's going to walk out of here obsessed with to walk out of here obsessed with to walk out of here obsessed with spiritual warfare. spiritual warfare. spiritual warfare. But I want to talk about something so But I want to talk about something so But I want to talk about something so much more important right now. What I much more important right now. What I much more important right now. What I want to talk about is Jesus's victory want to talk about is Jesus's victory want to talk about is Jesus's victory over Satan and demons.

This is why we don't become obsessed This is why we don't become obsessed with spiritual warfare. with spiritual warfare. with spiritual warfare. Talking about Satan and demons shouldn't Talking about Satan and demons shouldn't Talking about Satan and demons shouldn't lead to a preoccupation with spiritual lead to a preoccupation with spiritual lead to a preoccupation with spiritual warfare. It should actually lead you to warfare. It should actually lead you to warfare. It should actually lead you to worship, to reverence, to gratitude for worship, to reverence, to gratitude for worship, to reverence, to gratitude for Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ. Here's where I get that from in the Here's where I get that from in the Here's where I get that from in the story. How does the story start? The story. How does the story start? The story. How does the story start? The story starts with Paul driving out evil story starts with Paul driving out evil story starts with Paul driving out evil spirits in the name of Jesus Christ. We spirits in the name of Jesus Christ. We spirits in the name of Jesus Christ. We know that that is what was happening know that that is what was happening know that that is what was happening because the seven sons of Skva tried to because the seven sons of Skva tried to because the seven sons of Skva tried to drive out evil spirits the way that they drive out evil spirits the way that they drive out evil spirits the way that they saw Paul drive them out in the name of saw Paul drive them out in the name of saw Paul drive them out in the name of Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ. How is Paul able to drive them out? How is Paul able to drive them out? How is Paul able to drive them out? Because Jesus Christ is more powerful. Because Jesus Christ is more powerful. Because Jesus Christ is more powerful. His name is more powerful. His name is more powerful. His name is more powerful. And what's interesting is when people And what's interesting is when people And what's interesting is when people hear about the seven sons of Ska getting hear about the seven sons of Ska getting hear about the seven sons of Ska getting beaten up, watch their response. It says beaten up, watch their response. It says beaten up, watch their response. It says this in verse 17. It says, "This became this in verse 17. It says, "This became this in verse 17. It says, "This became known to all the residents of Ephesus, known to all the residents of Ephesus, known to all the residents of Ephesus, both Jews and Greeks, and fear fell upon both Jews and Greeks, and fear fell upon both Jews and Greeks, and fear fell upon them all in the name of the Lord Jesus them all in the name of the Lord Jesus them all in the name of the Lord Jesus was extolled." This is interesting and was extolled." This is interesting and was extolled." This is interesting and it's also instructive. They hear about it's also instructive. They hear about it's also instructive. They hear about these seven guys trying to cast out these seven guys trying to cast out these seven guys trying to cast out demons like they saw Paul do it. And and demons like they saw Paul do it. And and demons like they saw Paul do it. And and instead of the demons coming out, the instead of the demons coming out, the instead of the demons coming out, the the demon beats them up. And yet, what the demon beats them up. And yet, what the demon beats them up. And yet, what was people's response? People's response was people's response? People's response was people's response? People's response was fear.

was fear. was fear. Fear of Satan and demons. No, fear of Fear of Satan and demons. No, fear of Fear of Satan and demons. No, fear of Jesus. It says that the name of Jesus Jesus. It says that the name of Jesus Jesus. It says that the name of Jesus was extolled. Why? was extolled. Why? was extolled. Why? Because Jesus Christ Because Jesus Christ Because Jesus Christ is more powerful. So, this is is more powerful. So, this is is more powerful. So, this is instructive to us. instructive to us. instructive to us. We don't fear Satan and demons. We fear We don't fear Satan and demons. We fear We don't fear Satan and demons. We fear Jesus. Now, this is where let me just Jesus. Now, this is where let me just Jesus. Now, this is where let me just encourage you if you're tuned out. Like, encourage you if you're tuned out. Like, encourage you if you're tuned out. Like, wake up. wake up. wake up. This is so important. This is such good This is so important. This is such good This is so important. This is such good news. Why do we fear Jesus instead of news. Why do we fear Jesus instead of news. Why do we fear Jesus instead of Satan and demons? Because Satan and demons? Because Satan and demons? Because first John 3 tells us this. The reason first John 3 tells us this. The reason first John 3 tells us this. The reason the son of God appeared was to destroy the son of God appeared was to destroy the son of God appeared was to destroy the works of the devil. That's why Jesus the works of the devil. That's why Jesus the works of the devil. That's why Jesus came. He came to destroy the works of came. He came to destroy the works of came. He came to destroy the works of the devil. We see this happening in in the devil. We see this happening in in the devil. We see this happening in in the gospels. When Jesus shows up and the gospels. When Jesus shows up and the gospels. When Jesus shows up and demons see Jesus, what happens to them? demons see Jesus, what happens to them? demons see Jesus, what happens to them? They themselves are terrified. They They themselves are terrified. They They themselves are terrified. They tremble at his sight. They had no power tremble at his sight. They had no power tremble at his sight. They had no power against Jesus. Demons met their against Jesus. Demons met their against Jesus. Demons met their destruction when they met Jesus.

Colossians 2:15 is incredible news. It Colossians 2:15 is incredible news. It says this about Jesus. It says, "He says this about Jesus. It says, "He says this about Jesus. It says, "He disarmed the rulers and authorities." disarmed the rulers and authorities." disarmed the rulers and authorities." That's talking about Satan and demons. That's talking about Satan and demons. That's talking about Satan and demons. He disarmed the rulers and authorities He disarmed the rulers and authorities He disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame by triumphing and put them to open shame by triumphing and put them to open shame by triumphing over them in him. That's God the Father over them in him. That's God the Father over them in him. That's God the Father triumphing over Satan through triumphing over Satan through triumphing over Satan through Jesus Christ. So, think about what it's Jesus Christ. So, think about what it's Jesus Christ. So, think about what it's saying. saying. saying. It's saying that Jesus disarmed them. It's saying that Jesus disarmed them. It's saying that Jesus disarmed them. How did Jesus disarm Satan and demons? How did Jesus disarm Satan and demons? How did Jesus disarm Satan and demons? He disarmed them by taking away our sin. He disarmed them by taking away our sin. He disarmed them by taking away our sin. Because Jesus took away our sin. The sin Because Jesus took away our sin. The sin Because Jesus took away our sin. The sin that Satan and demons used to accuse us, that Satan and demons used to accuse us, that Satan and demons used to accuse us, condemn us, and hold us in slavery is condemn us, and hold us in slavery is condemn us, and hold us in slavery is now gone. He's disarmed them. It says he now gone. He's disarmed them. It says he now gone. He's disarmed them. It says he put them to open shame, triumphing over put them to open shame, triumphing over put them to open shame, triumphing over them. This is how effective the cross them. This is how effective the cross them. This is how effective the cross and empty tomb were. Jesus's perfect and empty tomb were. Jesus's perfect and empty tomb were. Jesus's perfect life, his sacrificial death for your sin life, his sacrificial death for your sin life, his sacrificial death for your sin and mine, and his resurrection all and mine, and his resurrection all and mine, and his resurrection all proclaim victory.

proclaim victory. proclaim victory. What this means is that it's it's he has What this means is that it's it's he has What this means is that it's it's he has already triumphed over Satan's sin and already triumphed over Satan's sin and already triumphed over Satan's sin and death. He's already won. death. He's already won. death. He's already won. It's not that Jesus will hopefully one It's not that Jesus will hopefully one It's not that Jesus will hopefully one day win. He has already won. And what day win. He has already won. And what day win. He has already won. And what we're waiting for is we're waiting for a we're waiting for is we're waiting for a we're waiting for is we're waiting for a day to come when his victory will be day to come when his victory will be day to come when his victory will be realized throughout realized throughout realized throughout all the earth. all the earth. all the earth. And in the end, And in the end, And in the end, what will happen to Satan and demons is what will happen to Satan and demons is what will happen to Satan and demons is they will be permanently thrown into the they will be permanently thrown into the they will be permanently thrown into the lake of fire. And you might not realize lake of fire. And you might not realize lake of fire. And you might not realize this, but Satan and demons will be this, but Satan and demons will be this, but Satan and demons will be tormented themselves for eternity. tormented themselves for eternity. tormented themselves for eternity. It's what Revelation 20 tells us that It's what Revelation 20 tells us that It's what Revelation 20 tells us that they themselves will be tormented. It's they themselves will be tormented. It's they themselves will be tormented. It's not that they're going to be having a not that they're going to be having a not that they're going to be having a great time in the lake of fire while great time in the lake of fire while great time in the lake of fire while everyone else isn't. No, they themselves everyone else isn't. No, they themselves everyone else isn't. No, they themselves will be tormented. That will be the will be tormented. That will be the will be tormented. That will be the fullest extent of Christ's victory. That fullest extent of Christ's victory. That fullest extent of Christ's victory. That even Satan and demons even Satan and demons even Satan and demons will be tormented while the people of will be tormented while the people of will be tormented while the people of God God God experience everlasting joy forever more experience everlasting joy forever more experience everlasting joy forever more in his presence. No more sin, no more in his presence. No more sin, no more in his presence. No more sin, no more death, no more no more pain.

death, no more no more pain. death, no more no more pain. But until then, we have to remember like But until then, we have to remember like But until then, we have to remember like I think about it uh this way. My one of I think about it uh this way. My one of I think about it uh this way. My one of my sons reminded me recently about how a my sons reminded me recently about how a my sons reminded me recently about how a snake that has had its head cut off can snake that has had its head cut off can snake that has had its head cut off can still bite. And so I just looked it up still bite. And so I just looked it up still bite. And so I just looked it up and in 2018 there was a man in Texas who and in 2018 there was a man in Texas who and in 2018 there was a man in Texas who cut off the head of a rattlesnake. cut cut off the head of a rattlesnake. cut cut off the head of a rattlesnake. cut off the head, severed the head from the off the head, severed the head from the off the head, severed the head from the body, and then 10 minutes later picked body, and then 10 minutes later picked body, and then 10 minutes later picked up the head of that rattlesnake and the up the head of that rattlesnake and the up the head of that rattlesnake and the head bit him and injected venom into head bit him and injected venom into head bit him and injected venom into him. He didn't die, but it was extremely him. He didn't die, but it was extremely him. He didn't die, but it was extremely harmful. And the same is true of Satan. harmful. And the same is true of Satan. harmful. And the same is true of Satan. Uh Jesus Christ, he's the serpent Uh Jesus Christ, he's the serpent Uh Jesus Christ, he's the serpent crusher. He has crushed the head of the crusher. He has crushed the head of the crusher. He has crushed the head of the serpent serpent serpent through his death, burial, and through his death, burial, and through his death, burial, and resurrection. And yet resurrection. And yet resurrection. And yet until Jesus comes back and makes all until Jesus comes back and makes all until Jesus comes back and makes all things new, he still has a bite. things new, he still has a bite. things new, he still has a bite. He can't kill us, but it can still He can't kill us, but it can still He can't kill us, but it can still wound.

Jesus is victorious over Satan and Jesus is victorious over Satan and demons. demons. demons. The third thing that I want to talk to The third thing that I want to talk to The third thing that I want to talk to you about today might be new information you about today might be new information you about today might be new information for some of you. And some of you are for some of you. And some of you are for some of you. And some of you are going to hear this and be like, I don't going to hear this and be like, I don't going to hear this and be like, I don't know what I think about that. know what I think about that. know what I think about that. And I feel great about that. And I feel great about that. And I feel great about that. The third thing I want to talk about is The third thing I want to talk about is The third thing I want to talk about is this. Our authority in Christ over Satan this. Our authority in Christ over Satan this. Our authority in Christ over Satan and demons. and demons. and demons. Our authority Our authority Our authority in Christ in Christ in Christ over Satan and demons. over Satan and demons. over Satan and demons. Okay. Okay. Okay. The reason I bring this up is because in The reason I bring this up is because in The reason I bring this up is because in the story, the story is it's a story the story, the story is it's a story the story, the story is it's a story about authority. Because seven sons about authority. Because seven sons about authority. Because seven sons discover trying to drive out an evil discover trying to drive out an evil discover trying to drive out an evil spirit and spirit and spirit and they want to drive out the spirit they want to drive out the spirit they want to drive out the spirit because they saw Paul display authority because they saw Paul display authority because they saw Paul display authority over demons and so they want the same over demons and so they want the same over demons and so they want the same authority and yet they don't have that authority and yet they don't have that authority and yet they don't have that authority. It's a story about authority. They were trying to exercise an They were trying to exercise an authority that they didn't have. And my authority that they didn't have. And my authority that they didn't have. And my argument to you today is that if you are argument to you today is that if you are argument to you today is that if you are in Christ, your reality is different in Christ, your reality is different in Christ, your reality is different than theirs. That you have an authority than theirs. That you have an authority than theirs. That you have an authority that they wanted. So this is where I that they wanted. So this is where I that they wanted. So this is where I want to make some connections for you.

want to make some connections for you. want to make some connections for you. And I hope that you track with you And I hope that you track with you And I hope that you track with you because track with me because this is because track with me because this is because track with me because this is such good news. such good news. such good news. I am trying to tell you how we have I am trying to tell you how we have I am trying to tell you how we have authority in Christ over Satan and authority in Christ over Satan and authority in Christ over Satan and demons. Let me tell you where I get that demons. Let me tell you where I get that demons. Let me tell you where I get that from. Okay. from. Okay. from. Okay. First, I want to take you to Ephesians First, I want to take you to Ephesians First, I want to take you to Ephesians 1, and I'm going to start reading. And 1, and I'm going to start reading. And 1, and I'm going to start reading. And it's we're halfway through a sentence. it's we're halfway through a sentence. it's we're halfway through a sentence. It's kind of like starting a movie It's kind of like starting a movie It's kind of like starting a movie halfway through, but you you'll see halfway through, but you you'll see halfway through, but you you'll see what's happening. Says this, that he what's happening. Says this, that he what's happening. Says this, that he worked in Christ when he raised him from worked in Christ when he raised him from worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right the dead and seated him at his right the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, far above hand in the heavenly places, far above hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and power and all rule and authority and power and all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is dominion, and above every name that is dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age, but also in named, not only in this age, but also in named, not only in this age, but also in the one to come. the one to come. the one to come. So what I want you to see is that Paul So what I want you to see is that Paul So what I want you to see is that Paul is saying that where Christ is seated is is saying that where Christ is seated is is saying that where Christ is seated is actually tied to his authority. That he actually tied to his authority. That he actually tied to his authority. That he has been seated far above is the has been seated far above is the has been seated far above is the wording. Far above all rule, authority, wording. Far above all rule, authority, wording. Far above all rule, authority, power, and dominion. This is talking power, and dominion. This is talking power, and dominion. This is talking about earthly power, but it's also about earthly power, but it's also about earthly power, but it's also talking about power in the spiritual talking about power in the spiritual talking about power in the spiritual world over dark forces. that he has been world over dark forces. that he has been world over dark forces. that he has been seated far above that he has authority seated far above that he has authority seated far above that he has authority over all of them. Now watch this. Where over all of them. Now watch this. Where over all of them. Now watch this. Where Christ is seated is connected to his Christ is seated is connected to his Christ is seated is connected to his authority. Now watch this. Ephesians 2 authority. Now watch this. Ephesians 2 authority. Now watch this. Ephesians 2 just one chapter later says this about just one chapter later says this about just one chapter later says this about us.

us. us. Says, "But God being rich in mercy, Says, "But God being rich in mercy, Says, "But God being rich in mercy, because of his great love with which he because of his great love with which he because of his great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our loved us, even when we were dead in our loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, trespasses, trespasses, he made us alive together with Christ. he made us alive together with Christ. he made us alive together with Christ. By grace you have been saved." Watch By grace you have been saved." Watch By grace you have been saved." Watch this. and raised us up with him and this. and raised us up with him and this. and raised us up with him and seated us with him seated us with him seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus. in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus. in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus. So, this is pretty incredible. This is So, this is pretty incredible. This is So, this is pretty incredible. This is where we're going to get back to the where we're going to get back to the where we're going to get back to the tubs. I've I've teased them several tubs. I've I've teased them several tubs. I've I've teased them several weeks and I was like, "No more teasing. weeks and I was like, "No more teasing. weeks and I was like, "No more teasing. It's time." Can y'all say hello to the It's time." Can y'all say hello to the It's time." Can y'all say hello to the tubs? tubs? tubs? Yeah. Some like no clue about the tubs. Yeah. Some like no clue about the tubs. Yeah. Some like no clue about the tubs. Well, that means that you missed like 10 Well, that means that you missed like 10 Well, that means that you missed like 10 Sundays here at Watermark. Sundays here at Watermark. Sundays here at Watermark. Okay. So, this is just me talking about Okay. So, this is just me talking about Okay. So, this is just me talking about a concept known as your union with a concept known as your union with a concept known as your union with Christ. Christ. Christ. The scriptures, and Paul just alluded to The scriptures, and Paul just alluded to The scriptures, and Paul just alluded to it, but when you trusted in Christ, you it, but when you trusted in Christ, you it, but when you trusted in Christ, you were buried with Christ. So, you've been were buried with Christ. So, you've been were buried with Christ. So, you've been united with Christ in his death. The old united with Christ in his death. The old united with Christ in his death. The old you, the sinful, you died.

you, the sinful, you died. you, the sinful, you died. When you trusted in Christ, you've been When you trusted in Christ, you've been When you trusted in Christ, you've been united with Christ in his resurrection. united with Christ in his resurrection. united with Christ in his resurrection. You've been raised with Christ to walk You've been raised with Christ to walk You've been raised with Christ to walk in newness of life with Christ. But when in newness of life with Christ. But when in newness of life with Christ. But when he was raised, he was raised up and he was raised, he was raised up and he was raised, he was raised up and seated in the heavenly realms. And Paul seated in the heavenly realms. And Paul seated in the heavenly realms. And Paul just said, you're actually united with just said, you're actually united with just said, you're actually united with Christ in where he's sitting. And that Christ in where he's sitting. And that Christ in where he's sitting. And that has something to do with his authority. has something to do with his authority. has something to do with his authority. So just so you understand you, if you So just so you understand you, if you So just so you understand you, if you know Jesus Christ, this is what the know Jesus Christ, this is what the know Jesus Christ, this is what the scriptures would say. Okay? So let's scriptures would say. Okay? So let's scriptures would say. Okay? So let's just pretend this is you. just pretend this is you. just pretend this is you. All right? Scriptures would say that All right? Scriptures would say that All right? Scriptures would say that Christ is in you by the presence of the Christ is in you by the presence of the Christ is in you by the presence of the Holy Spirit. That's incredible news that Holy Spirit. That's incredible news that Holy Spirit. That's incredible news that Christ is in you. Christ is in you. Christ is in you. The spirit of the living God lives The spirit of the living God lives The spirit of the living God lives inside of you. Which means according to inside of you. Which means according to inside of you. Which means according to Ephesians 1, the same power that raised Ephesians 1, the same power that raised Ephesians 1, the same power that raised Christ from the dead lives inside of Christ from the dead lives inside of Christ from the dead lives inside of you. But it's not just that Christ lives you. But it's not just that Christ lives you. But it's not just that Christ lives in you. The scriptures would say that in you. The scriptures would say that in you. The scriptures would say that you are actually in Christ. And there's you are actually in Christ. And there's you are actually in Christ. And there's another these are the people of God.

another these are the people of God. another these are the people of God. We're in Christ We're in Christ We're in Christ together. together. together. And then Colossians 3 that says that And then Colossians 3 that says that And then Colossians 3 that says that we're actually hidden with Christ we're actually hidden with Christ we're actually hidden with Christ in God. Okay. So, let's just say there in God. Okay. So, let's just say there in God. Okay. So, let's just say there are no normal Christians. Every person are no normal Christians. Every person are no normal Christians. Every person that's been united with Christ has a that's been united with Christ has a that's been united with Christ has a supernatural reality supernatural reality supernatural reality that you have been so united with Christ that you have been so united with Christ that you have been so united with Christ that the authority that he now has or that the authority that he now has or that the authority that he now has or has been displayed over Satan and demons has been displayed over Satan and demons has been displayed over Satan and demons is actually an authority that you have is actually an authority that you have is actually an authority that you have not on your own but because you're not on your own but because you're not on your own but because you're united. You are hidden with Christ in united. You are hidden with Christ in united. You are hidden with Christ in God. So keep that in mind. God. So keep that in mind. God. So keep that in mind. Now it sheds light Now it sheds light Now it sheds light on what John says in 1 John 4:4 when he on what John says in 1 John 4:4 when he on what John says in 1 John 4:4 when he says, "Little children, you are from God says, "Little children, you are from God says, "Little children, you are from God and have overcome them. For he who is in and have overcome them. For he who is in and have overcome them. For he who is in you you you is greater than he who is in the world."

is greater than he who is in the world." is greater than he who is in the world." Who's in the world? That's Satan. The Who's in the world? That's Satan. The Who's in the world? That's Satan. The god of the the god of this age. Now god of the the god of this age. Now god of the the god of this age. Now watch this. Let me take you to Luke watch this. Let me take you to Luke watch this. Let me take you to Luke chapter 10 chapter 10 chapter 10 because this might be one of the most because this might be one of the most because this might be one of the most encouraging passages when you're talking encouraging passages when you're talking encouraging passages when you're talking about the authority we have in Christ about the authority we have in Christ about the authority we have in Christ over Satan and demons. Watch this. This over Satan and demons. Watch this. This over Satan and demons. Watch this. This is Luke 10. This is prior to Jesus dying is Luke 10. This is prior to Jesus dying is Luke 10. This is prior to Jesus dying on the cross and rising from the dead. on the cross and rising from the dead. on the cross and rising from the dead. It says this. It says this. It says this. After this, the Lord appointed 72 others After this, the Lord appointed 72 others After this, the Lord appointed 72 others and he sent them on ahead of him two by and he sent them on ahead of him two by and he sent them on ahead of him two by two into every town and place where he two into every town and place where he two into every town and place where he himself was about to go. What I want you himself was about to go. What I want you himself was about to go. What I want you to see, what I want you to know is that to see, what I want you to know is that to see, what I want you to know is that this is talking about 72 people that are this is talking about 72 people that are this is talking about 72 people that are just normal followers of Jesus. These just normal followers of Jesus. These just normal followers of Jesus. These aren't apostles. These aren't the 12 aren't apostles. These aren't the 12 aren't apostles. These aren't the 12 disciples. They aren't given names in disciples. They aren't given names in disciples. They aren't given names in the text. These are just nameless the text. These are just nameless the text. These are just nameless followers of Jesus Christ who don't have followers of Jesus Christ who don't have followers of Jesus Christ who don't have any special position in the church. No any special position in the church. No any special position in the church. No seminary training. They're just 72 seminary training. They're just 72 seminary training. They're just 72 random followers of Jesus. Now, here's random followers of Jesus. Now, here's random followers of Jesus. Now, here's what what what verse 17 says. says, "The 72 returned verse 17 says. says, "The 72 returned verse 17 says. says, "The 72 returned with joy, with joy, with joy, saying, Lord, even the demons are saying, Lord, even the demons are saying, Lord, even the demons are subject to us in your name.

subject to us in your name. subject to us in your name. And he said to them, I saw Satan fall And he said to them, I saw Satan fall And he said to them, I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. Behold, I like lightning from heaven. Behold, I like lightning from heaven. Behold, I have given you authority have given you authority have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions." You to tread on serpents and scorpions." You to tread on serpents and scorpions." You know what serpents and scorpions are? know what serpents and scorpions are? know what serpents and scorpions are? Like, think about a scorpion. Scorpion Like, think about a scorpion. Scorpion Like, think about a scorpion. Scorpion can be really small. Do you need God's can be really small. Do you need God's can be really small. Do you need God's power to like power to like power to like step on a scorpion? step on a scorpion? step on a scorpion? No. This isn't talking about physical No. This isn't talking about physical No. This isn't talking about physical serpents and scorpions. serpents and scorpions. serpents and scorpions. Scorpions and serpents, they are Scorpions and serpents, they are Scorpions and serpents, they are symbolic of demonic beings. symbolic of demonic beings. symbolic of demonic beings. Jesus says, "I've given you authority to Jesus says, "I've given you authority to Jesus says, "I've given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions and over tread on serpents and scorpions and over tread on serpents and scorpions and over all over all the power of the enemy, all over all the power of the enemy, all over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall hurt you. and nothing shall hurt you. and nothing shall hurt you. Nevertheless, and here's why we don't Nevertheless, and here's why we don't Nevertheless, and here's why we don't obsess about spiritual warfare or even obsess about spiritual warfare or even obsess about spiritual warfare or even the authority that we have in Christ. the authority that we have in Christ. the authority that we have in Christ. Do not rejoice in this, that the spirits Do not rejoice in this, that the spirits Do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that are subject to you, but rejoice that are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.

What I'm trying to help you understand What I'm trying to help you understand is that these 72 random followers of is that these 72 random followers of is that these 72 random followers of Jesus Christ were given authority. Jesus Christ were given authority. Jesus Christ were given authority. And this is prior to Jesus Christ even And this is prior to Jesus Christ even And this is prior to Jesus Christ even conquering Satan's sin and death through conquering Satan's sin and death through conquering Satan's sin and death through his death, burial, and resurrection. And his death, burial, and resurrection. And his death, burial, and resurrection. And yet, we are on the other side of the yet, we are on the other side of the yet, we are on the other side of the cross in the empty tomb. And through cross in the empty tomb. And through cross in the empty tomb. And through faith in Jesus Christ, we have been faith in Jesus Christ, we have been faith in Jesus Christ, we have been united with Christ. And we have the united with Christ. And we have the united with Christ. And we have the power to raise Christ from the dead power to raise Christ from the dead power to raise Christ from the dead living inside of us. People, some living inside of us. People, some living inside of us. People, some scholars believe that these 72 are scholars believe that these 72 are scholars believe that these 72 are foreshadowing. They're a foreshadowing foreshadowing. They're a foreshadowing foreshadowing. They're a foreshadowing of the church, us, and the authority of the church, us, and the authority of the church, us, and the authority that the people of God would have in that the people of God would have in that the people of God would have in Christ over Satan and demons. Christ over Satan and demons. Christ over Satan and demons. Neil Anderson puts it this way. He says, Neil Anderson puts it this way. He says, Neil Anderson puts it this way. He says, "Spiritual authority is not a tugofwar "Spiritual authority is not a tugofwar "Spiritual authority is not a tugofwar on a horizontal plane. It's a vertical on a horizontal plane. It's a vertical on a horizontal plane. It's a vertical chain of command. Jesus Christ has all chain of command. Jesus Christ has all chain of command. Jesus Christ has all authority in heaven and on earth. He's authority in heaven and on earth. He's authority in heaven and on earth. He's at the top. He has given his authority at the top. He has given his authority at the top. He has given his authority and power to his servants to be and power to his servants to be and power to his servants to be exercised in his name. We're underneath exercised in his name. We're underneath exercised in his name. We're underneath him. And Satan and his demons, they're him. And Satan and his demons, they're him. And Satan and his demons, they're at the bottom, subject to the authority at the bottom, subject to the authority at the bottom, subject to the authority Christ has invested in us. They have no Christ has invested in us. They have no Christ has invested in us. They have no more right to rule your life than a buck more right to rule your life than a buck more right to rule your life than a buck private has to order a general to clean private has to order a general to clean private has to order a general to clean the latrine.

Why does our authority in Christ matter? Why does our authority in Christ matter? The reason it matters is because we can The reason it matters is because we can The reason it matters is because we can go to battle with the authority and go to battle with the authority and go to battle with the authority and power we only have in Christ. And we can power we only have in Christ. And we can power we only have in Christ. And we can go to battle to drive out the darkness go to battle to drive out the darkness go to battle to drive out the darkness at work in one another's lives. This isn't just theoretical. This isn't just theoretical. Like I'll just share over the last month Like I'll just share over the last month Like I'll just share over the last month our family I would say has experienced our family I would say has experienced our family I would say has experienced some heightened spiritual attacks some heightened spiritual attacks some heightened spiritual attacks at different points. at different points. at different points. And look uh not all of it was the devil. And look uh not all of it was the devil. And look uh not all of it was the devil. Like the reality is that some days are Like the reality is that some days are Like the reality is that some days are just bad days because they're bad days. just bad days because they're bad days. just bad days because they're bad days. It's a broken world. Sometimes things It's a broken world. Sometimes things It's a broken world. Sometimes things are tough just because they're tough. are tough just because they're tough. are tough just because they're tough. But it was good for us to recognize that But it was good for us to recognize that But it was good for us to recognize that there were certain things going on there were certain things going on there were certain things going on that were more than just tough. that were more than just tough. that were more than just tough. It was it was demonic. It was it was demonic. It was it was demonic. And what it w it was helpful for me to And what it w it was helpful for me to And what it w it was helpful for me to recognize what it actually was. And it recognize what it actually was. And it recognize what it actually was. And it was so helpful to call on people who was so helpful to call on people who was so helpful to call on people who understood their authority in Christ.

understood their authority in Christ. understood their authority in Christ. Let me just read you a text I got from Let me just read you a text I got from Let me just read you a text I got from one person who understood the authority one person who understood the authority one person who understood the authority that they had in Christ. Here's what that they had in Christ. Here's what that they had in Christ. Here's what they said. They said, "In the name of they said. They said, "In the name of they said. They said, "In the name of Jesus, in his authority over all, we ask Jesus, in his authority over all, we ask Jesus, in his authority over all, we ask that you protect and eradicate any that you protect and eradicate any that you protect and eradicate any demonic activity around the household demonic activity around the household demonic activity around the household right now. Thank you that they are yours right now. Thank you that they are yours right now. Thank you that they are yours and extinguish all flaming arrows in and extinguish all flaming arrows in and extinguish all flaming arrows in their midst." Do you hear it? That's their midst." Do you hear it? That's their midst." Do you hear it? That's someone who understands the authority someone who understands the authority someone who understands the authority that they have in Christ. And I would that they have in Christ. And I would that they have in Christ. And I would say that through the prayers of God's say that through the prayers of God's say that through the prayers of God's people, understanding the authority that people, understanding the authority that people, understanding the authority that they have in Christ, we've seen the they have in Christ, we've seen the they have in Christ, we've seen the effectiveness of those prayers, effectiveness of those prayers, effectiveness of those prayers, the prayers of those who understand that the prayers of those who understand that the prayers of those who understand that Christ has given authority to tread on Christ has given authority to tread on Christ has given authority to tread on serpents and scorpions. serpents and scorpions. serpents and scorpions. I debated whether to spend as much time I debated whether to spend as much time I debated whether to spend as much time as I did on what Satan and his demons as I did on what Satan and his demons as I did on what Satan and his demons do. But the reason I did it do. But the reason I did it do. But the reason I did it was just so that you can even recognize was just so that you can even recognize was just so that you can even recognize his work in your life and in the lives his work in your life and in the lives his work in your life and in the lives of your loved ones and the lives of your of your loved ones and the lives of your of your loved ones and the lives of your community.

It's not always an attack. It's not always an attack. Sometimes difficult children are just Sometimes difficult children are just Sometimes difficult children are just difficult children. Sometimes sin is difficult children. Sometimes sin is difficult children. Sometimes sin is just us walking in the flesh instead of just us walking in the flesh instead of just us walking in the flesh instead of the spirit. And yet we have an enemy. the spirit. And yet we have an enemy. the spirit. And yet we have an enemy. And if you recognize spiritual attack, And if you recognize spiritual attack, And if you recognize spiritual attack, then you can pray and invite others to then you can pray and invite others to then you can pray and invite others to pray. And when you pray, you can pray. And when you pray, you can pray. And when you pray, you can understand that the authority you have understand that the authority you have understand that the authority you have solely because of your union with Christ solely because of your union with Christ solely because of your union with Christ is greater than he who is in the world. is greater than he who is in the world. is greater than he who is in the world. The final thing that I want to talk The final thing that I want to talk The final thing that I want to talk about about about today, so let me just stop real quick and tell so let me just stop real quick and tell you this. Like what does that look like you this. Like what does that look like you this. Like what does that look like when I pray for others? when I pray for others? when I pray for others? When I recognize my authority, what I'm When I recognize my authority, what I'm When I recognize my authority, what I'm doing is I'm reminding myself of that doing is I'm reminding myself of that doing is I'm reminding myself of that authority. So, I'm coming before God authority. So, I'm coming before God authority. So, I'm coming before God saying, "God, here's what I remember. I saying, "God, here's what I remember. I saying, "God, here's what I remember. I remember that you have gone to the cross remember that you have gone to the cross remember that you have gone to the cross and you have conquered Satan, sin, and and you have conquered Satan, sin, and and you have conquered Satan, sin, and death. And I've been united with you." death. And I've been united with you." death. And I've been united with you." And so, Jesus Christ, you are the King And so, Jesus Christ, you are the King And so, Jesus Christ, you are the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. And so, I of Kings and Lord of Lords. And so, I of Kings and Lord of Lords. And so, I acknowledge your rule and reign right acknowledge your rule and reign right acknowledge your rule and reign right now.

now. now. And so to any demonic work happening And so to any demonic work happening And so to any demonic work happening right now, it must leave. It cannot right now, it must leave. It cannot right now, it must leave. It cannot stand because you Jesus Christ are the stand because you Jesus Christ are the stand because you Jesus Christ are the king of kings and lord of lords. And we king of kings and lord of lords. And we king of kings and lord of lords. And we claim the authority that we have solely claim the authority that we have solely claim the authority that we have solely in Jesus Christ. in Jesus Christ. in Jesus Christ. And so I don't tell you that to just go And so I don't tell you that to just go And so I don't tell you that to just go on a witch hunt and make everything a on a witch hunt and make everything a on a witch hunt and make everything a demon. And yet at the same time, demon. And yet at the same time, demon. And yet at the same time, sometimes you have to call it what it sometimes you have to call it what it sometimes you have to call it what it is. is. is. And something can be of such intensity And something can be of such intensity And something can be of such intensity and such darkness and such darkness and such darkness that it's an attack of the evil one. The that it's an attack of the evil one. The that it's an attack of the evil one. The last thing I want to talk to you about last thing I want to talk to you about last thing I want to talk to you about is protecting ourselves from Satan and is protecting ourselves from Satan and is protecting ourselves from Satan and demons. demons. demons. And this is where I really need you to And this is where I really need you to And this is where I really need you to to lock in. I know I've been talking for to lock in. I know I've been talking for to lock in. I know I've been talking for a while, but let me just beg you to a while, but let me just beg you to a while, but let me just beg you to listen up right now. In verse 18 it listen up right now. In verse 18 it listen up right now. In verse 18 it says, "Also many of those who were now says, "Also many of those who were now says, "Also many of those who were now believers came confessing and divulging believers came confessing and divulging believers came confessing and divulging their practices. And a number of those their practices. And a number of those their practices. And a number of those who had practiced magic arts brought who had practiced magic arts brought who had practiced magic arts brought their books together and burned them in their books together and burned them in their books together and burned them in the sight of all. And they counted the the sight of all. And they counted the the sight of all. And they counted the value of them and found it came to value of them and found it came to value of them and found it came to 50,000 pieces of silver. So the word of 50,000 pieces of silver. So the word of 50,000 pieces of silver. So the word of the Lord continued to increase and the Lord continued to increase and the Lord continued to increase and prevail mightily."

prevail mightily." prevail mightily." Here's what I want you to see. This is Here's what I want you to see. This is Here's what I want you to see. This is so important. so important. so important. What we see the Christians in Ephesus What we see the Christians in Ephesus What we see the Christians in Ephesus doing is severing all ties with Satan doing is severing all ties with Satan doing is severing all ties with Satan and demons. The magic arts here, it's and demons. The magic arts here, it's and demons. The magic arts here, it's dark arts. dark arts. dark arts. What we see is a zero tolerance What we see is a zero tolerance What we see is a zero tolerance to be associated with anything in the to be associated with anything in the to be associated with anything in the darkness. They didn't sell their books. darkness. They didn't sell their books. darkness. They didn't sell their books. They burned their books. Why? Because to They burned their books. Why? Because to They burned their books. Why? Because to have kept those things would have kept a have kept those things would have kept a have kept those things would have kept a door open for the schemes of the devil door open for the schemes of the devil door open for the schemes of the devil and his demons. and his demons. and his demons. So, here's what I want to invite you to So, here's what I want to invite you to So, here's what I want to invite you to consider. There are ways that we as consider. There are ways that we as consider. There are ways that we as Christians can open up doorways for Christians can open up doorways for Christians can open up doorways for Satan and demons to influence and and Satan and demons to influence and and Satan and demons to influence and and affect our lives. Let me just go through affect our lives. Let me just go through affect our lives. Let me just go through a few real quick. The first is by a few real quick. The first is by a few real quick. The first is by demonic practices and objects. I want to demonic practices and objects. I want to demonic practices and objects. I want to move from the most obvious to the most move from the most obvious to the most move from the most obvious to the most subtle. subtle. subtle. The most obvious things are things that The most obvious things are things that The most obvious things are things that are explicitly spiritual in nature that are explicitly spiritual in nature that are explicitly spiritual in nature that have nothing to do with Jesus. have nothing to do with Jesus. have nothing to do with Jesus. So Christians who dabble in astrology or So Christians who dabble in astrology or So Christians who dabble in astrology or palm reading, fortuneelling, Ouija palm reading, fortuneelling, Ouija palm reading, fortuneelling, Ouija boards, tarot cards, boards, tarot cards, boards, tarot cards, witchcraft, seances, incantations, witchcraft, seances, incantations, witchcraft, seances, incantations, purification rituals, energy cleansings purification rituals, energy cleansings purification rituals, energy cleansings in Iawaska spiritual retreats. All of in Iawaska spiritual retreats. All of in Iawaska spiritual retreats. All of these things are influenced by Satan and these things are influenced by Satan and these things are influenced by Satan and demons. Do not take these lightly.

demons. Do not take these lightly. demons. Do not take these lightly. Whether you realize it or not, to engage Whether you realize it or not, to engage Whether you realize it or not, to engage in any of these things is to open a in any of these things is to open a in any of these things is to open a doorway for demonic activity in your doorway for demonic activity in your doorway for demonic activity in your life. life. life. I would add on to that any object that I would add on to that any object that I would add on to that any object that you possess that was actually created you possess that was actually created you possess that was actually created for a spiritual purpose that has nothing for a spiritual purpose that has nothing for a spiritual purpose that has nothing to do with Jesus is actually inviting to do with Jesus is actually inviting to do with Jesus is actually inviting demonic activity and influence in your demonic activity and influence in your demonic activity and influence in your life. Whether it's crystals, good luck life. Whether it's crystals, good luck life. Whether it's crystals, good luck charms, amulets, spiritual dolls, other charms, amulets, spiritual dolls, other charms, amulets, spiritual dolls, other spiritual jew jewelry, dream catchers, spiritual jew jewelry, dream catchers, spiritual jew jewelry, dream catchers, and on and on. If those things are and on and on. If those things are and on and on. If those things are present in your life or your household, present in your life or your household, present in your life or your household, my encouragement to you is not to sell my encouragement to you is not to sell my encouragement to you is not to sell them or give them away. It is to destroy them or give them away. It is to destroy them or give them away. It is to destroy and discard them. Do not take them and discard them. Do not take them and discard them. Do not take them lightly. Next way we open up doorways to the evil Next way we open up doorways to the evil one is through unrepentant sin. one is through unrepentant sin. one is through unrepentant sin. James 4:8 says, "Submit yourselves James 4:8 says, "Submit yourselves James 4:8 says, "Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil and therefore to God. Resist the devil and therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you." Do you hear what he will flee from you." Do you hear what he will flee from you." Do you hear what that's saying? Resist the devil and that's saying? Resist the devil and that's saying? Resist the devil and he'll flee with you. You can choose not he'll flee with you. You can choose not he'll flee with you. You can choose not to resist the devil. And the way you to resist the devil. And the way you to resist the devil. And the way you choose not to resist the devil is by choose not to resist the devil is by choose not to resist the devil is by allowing sin to linger in your lives to allowing sin to linger in your lives to allowing sin to linger in your lives to rationalize your sin, to entertain your rationalize your sin, to entertain your rationalize your sin, to entertain your sin, to protect your sin, to hold on to sin, to protect your sin, to hold on to sin, to protect your sin, to hold on to it.

First John 3:8 says, "Whoever makes a First John 3:8 says, "Whoever makes a practice of sinning is of the devil, for practice of sinning is of the devil, for practice of sinning is of the devil, for the devil has been sinning from the the devil has been sinning from the the devil has been sinning from the beginning." He, you know what that's beginning." He, you know what that's beginning." He, you know what that's saying? It's saying, it's not saying saying? It's saying, it's not saying saying? It's saying, it's not saying that if you ever sin again, you're of that if you ever sin again, you're of that if you ever sin again, you're of the devil. It's just saying, look, if the devil. It's just saying, look, if the devil. It's just saying, look, if you make it your practice, I if you are you make it your practice, I if you are you make it your practice, I if you are committed to it, if you refuse to repent committed to it, if you refuse to repent committed to it, if you refuse to repent of it, in the end, of it, in the end, of it, in the end, you're placing yourself under the you're placing yourself under the you're placing yourself under the leadership of the devil. leadership of the devil. leadership of the devil. We can open up doorways by failing to We can open up doorways by failing to We can open up doorways by failing to wear the armor of God. Ephesians 6:11 wear the armor of God. Ephesians 6:11 wear the armor of God. Ephesians 6:11 says, "Put on the whole armor of God." says, "Put on the whole armor of God." says, "Put on the whole armor of God." Why? that you may be able to stand Why? that you may be able to stand Why? that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. Go and against the schemes of the devil. Go and against the schemes of the devil. Go and read Ephesians 6 today because there's read Ephesians 6 today because there's read Ephesians 6 today because there's armor that protects the mind, that armor that protects the mind, that armor that protects the mind, that protects the heart, that protects the protects the heart, that protects the protects the heart, that protects the body, body, body, and there are things that we're just not and there are things that we're just not and there are things that we're just not doing that actually open us up to the doing that actually open us up to the doing that actually open us up to the attacks of the enemy. attacks of the enemy. attacks of the enemy. Two more things. Two more things. Two more things. Failing to pray for protection opens us Failing to pray for protection opens us Failing to pray for protection opens us up. Jesus taught us to pray in the up. Jesus taught us to pray in the up. Jesus taught us to pray in the Lord's Prayer and lead us not into Lord's Prayer and lead us not into Lord's Prayer and lead us not into temptation, temptation, temptation, but deliver us from evil.

but deliver us from evil. but deliver us from evil. As I was preparing for this, like I knew As I was preparing for this, like I knew As I was preparing for this, like I knew that because I was talking on spiritual that because I was talking on spiritual that because I was talking on spiritual warfare, it would invite greater attack warfare, it would invite greater attack warfare, it would invite greater attack into our family. And so, I've been into our family. And so, I've been into our family. And so, I've been praying for every member in my family praying for every member in my family praying for every member in my family like throughout the day, every day, for like throughout the day, every day, for like throughout the day, every day, for protection. And you know what? I was protection. And you know what? I was protection. And you know what? I was convicted that I don't pray for convicted that I don't pray for convicted that I don't pray for protection. enough. protection. enough. protection. enough. But we're called to pray. But we're called to pray. But we're called to pray. And then finally, and this is the most And then finally, and this is the most And then finally, and this is the most subtle, but it's enjoying darkness. And subtle, but it's enjoying darkness. And subtle, but it's enjoying darkness. And I'm going to say something right now I'm going to say something right now I'm going to say something right now that some of you are not going to like that some of you are not going to like that some of you are not going to like hearing at all, but I'm going to say it hearing at all, but I'm going to say it hearing at all, but I'm going to say it because I feel like I'm supposed to say because I feel like I'm supposed to say because I feel like I'm supposed to say it. One of the ways that we open up it. One of the ways that we open up it. One of the ways that we open up a door to the enemy is by enjoying a door to the enemy is by enjoying a door to the enemy is by enjoying darkness. I want to talk about the darkness. I want to talk about the darkness. I want to talk about the movies and shows that we allow ourselves movies and shows that we allow ourselves movies and shows that we allow ourselves to watch. to watch. to watch. Have you ever thought about what you Have you ever thought about what you Have you ever thought about what you watch as opening a door to Satan's watch as opening a door to Satan's watch as opening a door to Satan's influence or demonic activity in your influence or demonic activity in your influence or demonic activity in your life? Or have you ever thought about how life? Or have you ever thought about how life? Or have you ever thought about how watching some shows actually glorify watching some shows actually glorify watching some shows actually glorify Satan? Let me just give you very clear Satan? Let me just give you very clear Satan? Let me just give you very clear direction on what I'm talking about. I direction on what I'm talking about. I direction on what I'm talking about. I want you to think about shows that makes want you to think about shows that makes want you to think about shows that makes graphic sex, casual sex, and infidelity graphic sex, casual sex, and infidelity graphic sex, casual sex, and infidelity a normal part of the plot. Can you think a normal part of the plot. Can you think a normal part of the plot. Can you think of a show that might do that?

of a show that might do that? of a show that might do that? So, think about it. In Genesis 2, So, think about it. In Genesis 2, So, think about it. In Genesis 2, marriage and sex were two of God's marriage and sex were two of God's marriage and sex were two of God's greatest gifts to humanity. What Satan greatest gifts to humanity. What Satan greatest gifts to humanity. What Satan has done all throughout history is he has done all throughout history is he has done all throughout history is he takes God's gifts and he twists and takes God's gifts and he twists and takes God's gifts and he twists and distorts them. distorts them. distorts them. So, think about how Satan is glorified So, think about how Satan is glorified So, think about how Satan is glorified when Christians find themselves when Christians find themselves when Christians find themselves entertained entertained entertained by TV characters casually having sex and by TV characters casually having sex and by TV characters casually having sex and even cheating on their spouses. It is us even cheating on their spouses. It is us even cheating on their spouses. It is us finding enjoyment in Satan's distortion finding enjoyment in Satan's distortion finding enjoyment in Satan's distortion of God's gift of sex and marriage. of God's gift of sex and marriage. of God's gift of sex and marriage. And I'm just telling you, Satan will use And I'm just telling you, Satan will use And I'm just telling you, Satan will use it in your life. it in your life. it in your life. I think about horror movies that make I think about horror movies that make I think about horror movies that make demonization entertainment. demonization entertainment. demonization entertainment. When we become desensitized to and When we become desensitized to and When we become desensitized to and entertained by Satan's work, he will use entertained by Satan's work, he will use entertained by Satan's work, he will use that in your life. Let me just remind that in your life. Let me just remind that in your life. Let me just remind you of the words of 1 Corinthians 10:31. you of the words of 1 Corinthians 10:31. you of the words of 1 Corinthians 10:31. Whether you eat or drink, eating and Whether you eat or drink, eating and Whether you eat or drink, eating and drinking, it's the most basic actions in drinking, it's the most basic actions in drinking, it's the most basic actions in life.

life. life. Whether you eat or drink, whatever you Whether you eat or drink, whatever you Whether you eat or drink, whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. So, do, do all to the glory of God. So, do, do all to the glory of God. So, we're to glorify God in the most basic we're to glorify God in the most basic we're to glorify God in the most basic functions. If we can glorify God in the functions. If we can glorify God in the functions. If we can glorify God in the most basic functions, it also means we most basic functions, it also means we most basic functions, it also means we can sin against God, even in eating and can sin against God, even in eating and can sin against God, even in eating and drinking. And the same goes for drinking. And the same goes for drinking. And the same goes for everything else. Our responsibility as everything else. Our responsibility as everything else. Our responsibility as Christians isn't to make glorifying God Christians isn't to make glorifying God Christians isn't to make glorifying God and glorifying Satan these two small and glorifying Satan these two small and glorifying Satan these two small alleys while the fairway is just all alleys while the fairway is just all alleys while the fairway is just all neutral. neutral. neutral. No, we're to glorify God in everything. So, I want to close today by just So, I want to close today by just inviting you to respond. I want to give you three ways to I want to give you three ways to respond. One, it's to repent of any ways respond. One, it's to repent of any ways respond. One, it's to repent of any ways you've opened a door to Satan's you've opened a door to Satan's you've opened a door to Satan's influence. influence. influence. If you want to come forward, you can If you want to come forward, you can If you want to come forward, you can come forward. But I want to invite you come forward. But I want to invite you come forward. But I want to invite you to repent. to repent. to repent. Number two, I want to pray for Number two, I want to pray for Number two, I want to pray for unbelievers in the room that have been unbelievers in the room that have been unbelievers in the room that have been blinded that you would see today.

And then if you feel like there's And then if you feel like there's something going on in your life right something going on in your life right something going on in your life right now that feels out of the ordinary that now that feels out of the ordinary that now that feels out of the ordinary that you'd like someone on our care team to you'd like someone on our care team to you'd like someone on our care team to pray for you, I want to invite you to do pray for you, I want to invite you to do pray for you, I want to invite you to do that as well. So Lord Jesus, I do ask and pray that So Lord Jesus, I do ask and pray that anyone who needs to repent today, I pray anyone who needs to repent today, I pray anyone who needs to repent today, I pray that they would repent, that they would repent, that they would repent, that you would convict us in a kind way, that you would convict us in a kind way, that you would convict us in a kind way, and that we we would respond to you, and that we we would respond to you, and that we we would respond to you, Lord. Lord. Lord. God, I pray for anyone in the room who God, I pray for anyone in the room who God, I pray for anyone in the room who does not know you, Jesus, whose minds does not know you, Jesus, whose minds does not know you, Jesus, whose minds have been blinded to the truth. I pray have been blinded to the truth. I pray have been blinded to the truth. I pray right now, Lord Jesus, by the power of right now, Lord Jesus, by the power of right now, Lord Jesus, by the power of your spirit, would you call them to your spirit, would you call them to your spirit, would you call them to yourself? Would you allow them to yourself? Would you allow them to yourself? Would you allow them to understand truth and may they respond in understand truth and may they respond in understand truth and may they respond in faith? And Lord, I just want to say thank you, And Lord, I just want to say thank you, Lord Jesus, that you are the one who Lord Jesus, that you are the one who Lord Jesus, that you are the one who conquered Satan's sin and death. That conquered Satan's sin and death. That conquered Satan's sin and death. That you have disarmed them. That you have you have disarmed them. That you have you have disarmed them. That you have put them to open shame. You have put them to open shame. You have put them to open shame. You have triumphed over them, Lord. So we rest in triumphed over them, Lord. So we rest in triumphed over them, Lord. So we rest in the fact that you Jesus rule and reign the fact that you Jesus rule and reign the fact that you Jesus rule and reign and we love you Lord.

Now seated alone [music] in glory and on Now seated alone [music] in glory and on the highest praise. the highest praise. the highest praise. You sent the [music] darkness [singing] You sent the [music] darkness [singing] You sent the [music] darkness [singing] running running running out of an empty grave. Now [music] out of an empty grave. Now [music] out of an empty grave. Now [music] seated alone in glory and thrown on the seated alone in glory and thrown on the seated alone in glory and thrown on the highest praise. highest praise. highest praise. You sent the darkness You sent the darkness You sent the darkness [music and singing] running [music and singing] running [music and singing] running out of an empty grave. Now seated out of an empty grave. Now seated out of an empty grave. Now seated [music] alone in glory [singing] [music] alone in glory [singing] [music] alone in glory [singing] enthroned on the highest [music] praise. enthroned on the highest [music] praise. enthroned on the highest [music] praise. You sent the darkness running You sent the darkness running You sent the darkness running out of an [singing] empty grave. Now out of an [singing] empty grave. Now out of an [singing] empty grave. Now seated home in glory [music] seated home in glory [music] seated home in glory [music] and thrown on the highest [singing] and thrown on the highest [singing] and thrown on the highest [singing] praise. [music] praise. [music] praise. [music] Oh, you reign above it all. Pray above Oh, you reign above it all. Pray above Oh, you reign above it all. Pray above it all. it all. it all. Over the [music] universe and over every Over the [music] universe and over every Over the [music] universe and over every heart there is [singing] no higher name. heart there is [singing] no higher name. heart there is [singing] no higher name. Jesus [music] you reign above it all. So Jesus [music] you reign above it all. So Jesus [music] you reign above it all. So let all of [singing] heaven and earth let all of [singing] heaven and earth let all of [singing] heaven and earth erupt in song.

erupt in song. erupt in song. Sing hallelujah to the everlasting Sing hallelujah to the everlasting Sing hallelujah to the everlasting [music] [music] [music] one. There's no higher name. one. There's no higher name. one. There's no higher name. Jesus, [music] you reign above it all. That's right. [music] That's right. [music] Jesus reigns above it all. If you need Jesus reigns above it all. If you need Jesus reigns above it all. If you need to stay in this room and respond, you to stay in this room and respond, you to stay in this room and respond, you can stay in this room and respond. If can stay in this room and respond. If can stay in this room and respond. If you need someone to [music] pray with you need someone to [music] pray with you need someone to [music] pray with you and for you, there's a team of you and for you, there's a team of you and for you, there's a team of people here to do that. And if you don't people here to do that. And if you don't people here to do that. And if you don't own a Bible, you don't have your own own a Bible, you don't have your own own a Bible, you don't have your own copy of God's word. [music] That team copy of God's word. [music] That team copy of God's word. [music] That team would love to give you one as a gift, would love to give you one as a gift, would love to give you one as a gift, make sure you read the story of Silas make sure you read the story of Silas make sure you read the story of Silas and Phoebe. Be encouraged and pray for and Phoebe. Be encouraged and pray for and Phoebe. Be encouraged and pray for them as they go to dark places in this them as they go to dark places in this them as they go to dark places in this world. And if you are moved to follow world. And if you are moved to follow world. And if you are moved to follow their example, make sure you read the their example, make sure you read the their example, make sure you read the back of the watermark news and find out back of the watermark news and find out back of the watermark news and find out more about discover missions starting more about discover missions starting more about discover missions starting here in a couple of weeks. TA [music] here in a couple of weeks. TA [music] here in a couple of weeks. TA [music] mentioned and we prayed for the people mentioned and we prayed for the people mentioned and we prayed for the people who are suffering in Nepal and Tibet who are suffering in Nepal and Tibet who are suffering in Nepal and Tibet right now and we want to remind you right now and we want to remind you right now and we want to remind you Watermark maintains a disaster relief Watermark maintains a disaster relief Watermark maintains a disaster relief fund and World Relief called us just fund and World Relief called us just fund and World Relief called us just this week and they said we're trying to this week and they said we're trying to this week and they said we're trying to launch our deployment and our relief launch our deployment and our relief launch our deployment and our relief efforts over there and they asked us for efforts over there and they asked us for efforts over there and they asked us for $30,000 and we had $30,000 and we gave $30,000 and we had $30,000 and we gave $30,000 and we had $30,000 and we gave it to them because of your generosity.

it to them because of your generosity. it to them because of your generosity. So if you want to continue to contribute So if you want to continue to contribute So if you want to continue to contribute to that, you can contribute to that. So to that, you can contribute to that. So to that, you can contribute to that. So we want to let you know your church we want to let you know your church we want to let you know your church family is serving in that way. Reminder family is serving in that way. Reminder family is serving in that way. Reminder and prayer Awaken is happening next and prayer Awaken is happening next and prayer Awaken is happening next weekend. Young adults from all over the weekend. Young adults from all over the weekend. Young adults from all over the country are gathering to seek the face country are gathering to seek the face country are gathering to seek the face of God. And we are hosting a special of God. And we are hosting a special of God. And we are hosting a special service for Watermark on Thursday night service for Watermark on Thursday night service for Watermark on Thursday night at 7 p.m. And we want to invite as many at 7 p.m. And we want to invite as many at 7 p.m. And we want to invite as many of you as can [music] to worship with us of you as can [music] to worship with us of you as can [music] to worship with us on Thursday night so we can make room on Thursday night so we can make room on Thursday night so we can make room for Awaken attendees on Sunday morning. for Awaken attendees on Sunday morning. for Awaken attendees on Sunday morning. So, please join us [music] for worship So, please join us [music] for worship So, please join us [music] for worship on Thursday night at 700 p.m. And on Thursday night at 700 p.m. And on Thursday night at 700 p.m. And finally, last weekend, 100 more than 100 finally, last weekend, 100 more than 100 finally, last weekend, 100 more than 100 people were baptized right here on people were baptized right here on people were baptized right here on Watermark's campus. [applause] Watermark's campus. [applause] Watermark's campus. [applause] [music] [music] [music] And God continues to move people to obey And God continues to move people to obey And God continues to move people to obey him and publicly proclaim their faith. him and publicly proclaim their faith. him and publicly proclaim their faith. And look at who's getting baptized this And look at who's getting baptized this And look at who's getting baptized this morning. Blair and Terrence and Owen and morning. Blair and Terrence and Owen and morning. Blair and Terrence and Owen and Joshua [music] and Noah and Grace and Joshua [music] and Noah and Grace and Joshua [music] and Noah and Grace and Landry and Grayson and Lisa and Amelia Landry and Grayson and Lisa and Amelia Landry and Grayson and Lisa and Amelia and Riley and Caleb. Let's go celebrate and Riley and Caleb. Let's go celebrate and Riley and Caleb. Let's go celebrate with them and have a great week of with them and have a great week of with them and have a great week of worship. We'll see you next Sunday.

Forever Forever holy holy holy Come and worship the holy God. [music] [music] dead? dead? dead? But other name remains undefeated. Oh come Oh come behold behold behold the one sing sing forever. forever. forever. Holy God, Holy God, Holy God, come and worship the holy God.

come and worship the holy God. come and worship the holy God. Won't you come Won't you come Won't you come behold behold behold the wall cry cry sing sing sing forever a holy God forever a holy God forever a holy God come and worship the holy invites me to call him father?

invites me to call him father? Only a [singing and music] holy God. Only a [singing and music] holy God. Only a [singing and music] holy God. Only a holy