“Why the World Feels So Broken” | Shawn Williams

[applause] [applause] >> But good morning, great to have >> But good morning, great to have >> But good morning, great to have everybody with us. Do want to welcome everybody with us. Do want to welcome everybody with us. Do want to welcome those of you joining in with us online, those of you joining in with us online, those of you joining in with us online, all of our Willow locations, and as all of our Willow locations, and as all of our Willow locations, and as always a big shout out to our friends always a big shout out to our friends always a big shout out to our friends who join us at the Jefferson City who join us at the Jefferson City who join us at the Jefferson City Correctional Center. Great to have Correctional Center. Great to have Correctional Center. Great to have everybody with us. everybody with us. everybody with us. And to the dads, [screaming] And to the dads, [screaming] And to the dads, [screaming] happy Father's Day to all the dads. happy Father's Day to all the dads. happy Father's Day to all the dads. >> [applause] >> [applause] >> [applause] >> And I just want to specifically talk to >> And I just want to specifically talk to >> And I just want to specifically talk to the men at Jefferson City Correctional the men at Jefferson City Correctional the men at Jefferson City Correctional Center. Many of you are fathers. You may Center. Many of you are fathers. You may Center. Many of you are fathers. You may not get the opportunity to see your kids not get the opportunity to see your kids not get the opportunity to see your kids today, but I just want you to know on today, but I just want you to know on today, but I just want you to know on behalf of our entire church, happy behalf of our entire church, happy behalf of our entire church, happy Father's Day to you guys as well. Father's Day to you guys as well. Father's Day to you guys as well. >> [applause] >> Well, even as I say those three words, >> Well, even as I say those three words, happy Father's Day, my my assumption is happy Father's Day, my my assumption is happy Father's Day, my my assumption is that likely hits people a little bit that likely hits people a little bit that likely hits people a little bit different in the room. different in the room. different in the room. Uh for some of you it lands very warmly. Uh for some of you it lands very warmly. Uh for some of you it lands very warmly. You're sitting alongside your kids right You're sitting alongside your kids right You're sitting alongside your kids right now, and you just really feel the joy of now, and you just really feel the joy of now, and you just really feel the joy of what it means to be a dad. Uh for some what it means to be a dad. Uh for some what it means to be a dad. Uh for some of you you called your dad on the way to of you you called your dad on the way to of you you called your dad on the way to church today, and that that was a great church today, and that that was a great church today, and that that was a great great conversation, and you're just great conversation, and you're just great conversation, and you're just remind but you're just reminded and so remind but you're just reminded and so remind but you're just reminded and so thankful for your dad. Uh I know for thankful for your dad. Uh I know for thankful for your dad. Uh I know for others, Father's Day can be pretty others, Father's Day can be pretty others, Father's Day can be pretty challenging. Uh maybe you're estranged challenging. Uh maybe you're estranged challenging. Uh maybe you're estranged from your dad, or maybe there's been from your dad, or maybe there's been from your dad, or maybe there's been some difficulty in that relationship.

some difficulty in that relationship. some difficulty in that relationship. I've got a really close friend who just I've got a really close friend who just I've got a really close friend who just lost their dad. And so I know that lost their dad. And so I know that lost their dad. And so I know that sometimes it actually is a day that sometimes it actually is a day that sometimes it actually is a day that carries a lot of weight. carries a lot of weight. carries a lot of weight. And so no matter where you're at in that And so no matter where you're at in that And so no matter where you're at in that spectrum, and no matter what the spectrum, and no matter what the spectrum, and no matter what the experience is like, I just want you to experience is like, I just want you to experience is like, I just want you to know we're glad you're here. Uh we love know we're glad you're here. Uh we love know we're glad you're here. Uh we love you. We care for you no matter where you. We care for you no matter where you. We care for you no matter where you're at with this. Happy Father's Day. you're at with this. Happy Father's Day. you're at with this. Happy Father's Day. We're grateful for you're here. We're grateful for you're here. We're grateful for you're here. As we think about today, uh we're going As we think about today, uh we're going As we think about today, uh we're going to continue our study through the book to continue our study through the book to continue our study through the book of Revelation. Uh last book of the of Revelation. Uh last book of the of Revelation. Uh last book of the Bible, kind of a weird confusing book. Bible, kind of a weird confusing book. Bible, kind of a weird confusing book. We've had a really fun time walking We've had a really fun time walking We've had a really fun time walking through uh the book of Revelation through uh the book of Revelation through uh the book of Revelation chapter by chapter. Now, chapter six is chapter by chapter. Now, chapter six is chapter by chapter. Now, chapter six is where we're going to be at today. So if where we're going to be at today. So if where we're going to be at today. So if you've got a Bible, you can go and open you've got a Bible, you can go and open you've got a Bible, you can go and open it up. We're going to be at chapter six it up. We're going to be at chapter six it up. We're going to be at chapter six and seven. And uh this is where things and seven. And uh this is where things and seven. And uh this is where things get pretty challenging in the book of get pretty challenging in the book of get pretty challenging in the book of Revelation. Uh things turn dark. It's a Revelation. Uh things turn dark. It's a Revelation. Uh things turn dark. It's a season that that sometimes referred to season that that sometimes referred to season that that sometimes referred to as the tribulation. And so I'm telling as the tribulation. And so I'm telling as the tribulation. And so I'm telling you nothing says Happy Father's Day you nothing says Happy Father's Day you nothing says Happy Father's Day quite like the four horsemen of the quite like the four horsemen of the quite like the four horsemen of the apocalypse. And so apocalypse. And so apocalypse. And so that's what we're going to be at today. that's what we're going to be at today. that's what we're going to be at today. Sometimes when you plan a teaching Sometimes when you plan a teaching Sometimes when you plan a teaching calendar, it just works out. It just calendar, it just works out. It just calendar, it just works out. It just lines up so well. Others, it lines up so well. Others, it lines up so well. Others, it it is what it is, people. I don't know it is what it is, people. I don't know it is what it is, people. I don't know what to tell you. But we'll try to make what to tell you. But we'll try to make what to tell you. But we'll try to make a really meaningful connection there at a really meaningful connection there at a really meaningful connection there at the end. So hang with me all the way to the end. So hang with me all the way to the end. So hang with me all the way to the end. Now as I as I mentioned the end. Now as I as I mentioned the end. Now as I as I mentioned early in the series, there's a lot of early in the series, there's a lot of early in the series, there's a lot of perspectives about the book of perspectives about the book of perspectives about the book of Revelation. How to approach it. So our Revelation. How to approach it. So our Revelation. How to approach it. So our assumptions about how to approach it assumptions about how to approach it assumptions about how to approach it really matter. Now by and large, every really matter. Now by and large, every really matter. Now by and large, every perspective of how to interpret the book perspective of how to interpret the book perspective of how to interpret the book is largely united through the first five is largely united through the first five is largely united through the first five chapters. Everybody sees it's a picture chapters. Everybody sees it's a picture chapters. Everybody sees it's a picture of Jesus in chapter one. He's the high

of Jesus in chapter one. He's the high of Jesus in chapter one. He's the high priest. He's the go-between between us priest. He's the go-between between us priest. He's the go-between between us and God. It's actually through Jesus and God. It's actually through Jesus and God. It's actually through Jesus that we get connected to God. The Jesus that we get connected to God. The Jesus that we get connected to God. The Jesus is walking amongst his churches. There's is walking amongst his churches. There's is walking amongst his churches. There's nothing we experience that's outside of nothing we experience that's outside of nothing we experience that's outside of his presence. his presence. his presence. You get to chapters two and three. You You get to chapters two and three. You You get to chapters two and three. You see these letters to these seven see these letters to these seven see these letters to these seven churches that were in Asia Minor. It's churches that were in Asia Minor. It's churches that were in Asia Minor. It's modern-day Turkey. And these churches modern-day Turkey. And these churches modern-day Turkey. And these churches were exhorted. Sometimes they were were exhorted. Sometimes they were were exhorted. Sometimes they were encouraged, they were challenged, they encouraged, they were challenged, they encouraged, they were challenged, they were compelled to follow God really were compelled to follow God really were compelled to follow God really closely in the season and promised a closely in the season and promised a closely in the season and promised a reward if they do. reward if they do. reward if they do. You get to chapter four and five. Last You get to chapter four and five. Last You get to chapter four and five. Last week was a special week. It's this week was a special week. It's this week was a special week. It's this insight into the throne room of heaven. insight into the throne room of heaven. insight into the throne room of heaven. And just so you know, there's a throne, And just so you know, there's a throne, And just so you know, there's a throne, there's somebody seated on it. And then there's somebody seated on it. And then there's somebody seated on it. And then you have this picture of the lamb. It's you have this picture of the lamb. It's you have this picture of the lamb. It's Jesus at the center of the universe on Jesus at the center of the universe on Jesus at the center of the universe on the throne. the throne. the throne. Now for whatever your INTERPRETIVE Now for whatever your INTERPRETIVE Now for whatever your INTERPRETIVE PERSPECTIVE, EVERYBODY'S everybody's PERSPECTIVE, EVERYBODY'S everybody's PERSPECTIVE, EVERYBODY'S everybody's getting along up to this point in the getting along up to this point in the getting along up to this point in the book of Revelation. book of Revelation. book of Revelation. Chapter six. Chapter six. Chapter six. That's where we go very different ways. That's where we go very different ways. That's where we go very different ways. From chapter six all the way through From chapter six all the way through From chapter six all the way through chapter 18, it's what's often described chapter 18, it's what's often described chapter 18, it's what's often described as the tribulation. Using Revelation's as the tribulation. Using Revelation's as the tribulation. Using Revelation's language in chapter seven, it's the language in chapter seven, it's the language in chapter seven, it's the great tribulation.

great tribulation. great tribulation. And so I would argue that that there's And so I would argue that that there's And so I would argue that that there's widely two This is a little simplistic, widely two This is a little simplistic, widely two This is a little simplistic, but there's widely two major but there's widely two major but there's widely two major interpretive perspectives that people interpretive perspectives that people interpretive perspectives that people take. And I would I would express it take. And I would I would express it take. And I would I would express it this way. And then it's either a this way. And then it's either a this way. And then it's either a timeline timeline timeline or it's a template. or it's a template. or it's a template. Now, what some people will take 16 Now, what some people will take 16 Now, what some people will take 16 through 18 is they will think it's a through 18 is they will think it's a through 18 is they will think it's a timeline. It's what's going to happen timeline. It's what's going to happen timeline. It's what's going to happen the seven literal years before Jesus the seven literal years before Jesus the seven literal years before Jesus comes back. comes back. comes back. And it's a possibility that Revelation And it's a possibility that Revelation And it's a possibility that Revelation could be a timeline. Again, I know some could be a timeline. Again, I know some could be a timeline. Again, I know some incredible, smart, godly individuals incredible, smart, godly individuals incredible, smart, godly individuals that see Revelation as a timeline. As that see Revelation as a timeline. As that see Revelation as a timeline. As they're looking at chapter 6 through they're looking at chapter 6 through they're looking at chapter 6 through chapter 18, they're looking at current chapter 18, they're looking at current chapter 18, they're looking at current events, they're drawing a correlation events, they're drawing a correlation events, they're drawing a correlation between the two, wondering, "Is this the between the two, wondering, "Is this the between the two, wondering, "Is this the time that Jesus is going to return?" time that Jesus is going to return?" time that Jesus is going to return?" I don't personally see it this way, and I don't personally see it this way, and I don't personally see it this way, and here's why for two reasons. here's why for two reasons. here's why for two reasons. Uh first is I've watched so many people Uh first is I've watched so many people Uh first is I've watched so many people take this perspective and preach the take this perspective and preach the take this perspective and preach the back end of Revelation, and they're back end of Revelation, and they're back end of Revelation, and they're drawing a correlation to what's drawing a correlation to what's drawing a correlation to what's happening in the geopolitical climate in happening in the geopolitical climate in happening in the geopolitical climate in our day. And here's the truth. Not a our day. And here's the truth. Not a our day. And here's the truth. Not a single one of them has been right yet.

single one of them has been right yet. single one of them has been right yet. This interpretive philosophy This interpretive philosophy This interpretive philosophy is full of speculation. is full of speculation. is full of speculation. Because we don't really fully know. Because we don't really fully know. Because we don't really fully know. And I just have a hard time preaching to And I just have a hard time preaching to And I just have a hard time preaching to you speculation, and so I I don't live you speculation, and so I I don't live you speculation, and so I I don't live to this particular perspective. to this particular perspective. to this particular perspective. Uh the the other reason why I would lean Uh the the other reason why I would lean Uh the the other reason why I would lean away from Revelation be a timeline away from Revelation be a timeline away from Revelation be a timeline because again, Revelation was a letter because again, Revelation was a letter because again, Revelation was a letter written to the the church in the first written to the the church in the first written to the the church in the first century that was struggling, that was century that was struggling, that was century that was struggling, that was being persecuted. They need hope. And if being persecuted. They need hope. And if being persecuted. They need hope. And if the lion's share of the book was about the lion's share of the book was about the lion's share of the book was about events that would take place more than events that would take place more than events that would take place more than 2,000 years later, that would have had 2,000 years later, that would have had 2,000 years later, that would have had no application to them in their current no application to them in their current no application to them in their current context. context. context. And so I resist seeing Revelation as a And so I resist seeing Revelation as a And so I resist seeing Revelation as a timeline. I think the better way to look timeline. I think the better way to look timeline. I think the better way to look at it is it's a template. at it is it's a template. at it is it's a template. In other words, will there be a In other words, will there be a In other words, will there be a tribulation in the future? tribulation in the future? tribulation in the future? For sure. For sure. For sure. But has there always been But has there always been But has there always been in the past and is there currently in the past and is there currently in the past and is there currently tribulation? I would also answer, tribulation? I would also answer, tribulation? I would also answer, absolutely. absolutely. absolutely. This Revelation is this unveiling. It's This Revelation is this unveiling. It's This Revelation is this unveiling. It's this peeling it back so that we can see this peeling it back so that we can see this peeling it back so that we can see clearly with spiritual eyes everything clearly with spiritual eyes everything clearly with spiritual eyes everything that's going on around us so that we can that's going on around us so that we can that's going on around us so that we can know what it looks like to hold on to know what it looks like to hold on to know what it looks like to hold on to Jesus amidst all the hardship that we Jesus amidst all the hardship that we Jesus amidst all the hardship that we may face because we know that we win in may face because we know that we win in may face because we know that we win in the end.

the end. the end. And so, I believe that it more is better And so, I believe that it more is better And so, I believe that it more is better understood as a template because understood as a template because understood as a template because Revelation mattered 2,000 years ago to Revelation mattered 2,000 years ago to Revelation mattered 2,000 years ago to the first century church that that the first century church that that the first century church that that originally held. It matters for us today originally held. It matters for us today originally held. It matters for us today and it will matter until Jesus returns. and it will matter until Jesus returns. and it will matter until Jesus returns. And so, I think looking at it as a And so, I think looking at it as a And so, I think looking at it as a template helps us frame it a little bit template helps us frame it a little bit template helps us frame it a little bit different. Now, let me define when I say different. Now, let me define when I say different. Now, let me define when I say tribulation, let me define what I what I tribulation, let me define what I what I tribulation, let me define what I what I mean by that. I would say tribulation mean by that. I would say tribulation mean by that. I would say tribulation does not exclusively refer to a global does not exclusively refer to a global does not exclusively refer to a global catastrophe, although that would catastrophe, although that would catastrophe, although that would certainly qualify as tribulation. I certainly qualify as tribulation. I certainly qualify as tribulation. I would say tribulation also includes would say tribulation also includes would say tribulation also includes those moments when life becomes harder those moments when life becomes harder those moments when life becomes harder than faith feels prepared for and you than faith feels prepared for and you than faith feels prepared for and you find yourself wondering, God, am I going find yourself wondering, God, am I going find yourself wondering, God, am I going to make it through this? to make it through this? to make it through this? Have you ever been there? Have you ever been there? Have you ever been there? Because if you've ever been there, Because if you've ever been there, Because if you've ever been there, I would say the book of Revelation was I would say the book of Revelation was I would say the book of Revelation was written written written for you. for you. for you. To give us hope when we go through this To give us hope when we go through this To give us hope when we go through this thing called tribulation. thing called tribulation. thing called tribulation. And so, when you look at the book of And so, when you look at the book of And so, when you look at the book of Revelation chapter 6 against the start Revelation chapter 6 against the start Revelation chapter 6 against the start of this kind of 12 13 chapter journey of this kind of 12 13 chapter journey of this kind of 12 13 chapter journey through it and there's a few things that through it and there's a few things that through it and there's a few things that really pop out that are are principles really pop out that are are principles really pop out that are are principles that I want us to embrace. None of them that I want us to embrace. None of them that I want us to embrace. None of them are surprising to you.

are surprising to you. are surprising to you. Here's the first. I would say this. Here's the first. I would say this. Here's the first. I would say this. The world The world The world is broken. is broken. is broken. Thank you, Shawn, for your great insight Thank you, Shawn, for your great insight Thank you, Shawn, for your great insight about this world in which we live. about this world in which we live. about this world in which we live. Uh but the world is broken if you Uh but the world is broken if you Uh but the world is broken if you haven't figured it out, right? It it's haven't figured it out, right? It it's haven't figured it out, right? It it's not operating in the way that that with not operating in the way that that with not operating in the way that that with the the perfect God designed it to the the perfect God designed it to the the perfect God designed it to operate. So, let's dive [laughter] in to operate. So, let's dive [laughter] in to operate. So, let's dive [laughter] in to Revelation chapter 6 verse 1. Buckle up. Revelation chapter 6 verse 1. Buckle up. Revelation chapter 6 verse 1. Buckle up. We ready for this? We ready for this? We ready for this? All right. Now, when we get to underline All right. Now, when we get to underline All right. Now, when we get to underline words, because I need you to hang with words, because I need you to hang with words, because I need you to hang with me, I want you to just say the me, I want you to just say the me, I want you to just say the underlined words. Shout it out as you underlined words. Shout it out as you underlined words. Shout it out as you mean it. You'll You'll get there. All mean it. You'll You'll get there. All mean it. You'll You'll get there. All right, so here you go. Chapter 1 verse right, so here you go. Chapter 1 verse right, so here you go. Chapter 1 verse or chapter 6 verse 1. It says, "I or chapter 6 verse 1. It says, "I or chapter 6 verse 1. It says, "I watched as the Lamb opened the first of watched as the Lamb opened the first of watched as the Lamb opened the first of the seven seals. the seven seals. the seven seals. Then I heard one of the four living Then I heard one of the four living Then I heard one of the four living creatures say in a voice like thunder, creatures say in a voice like thunder, creatures say in a voice like thunder, 'Come.' 'Come.' 'Come.' I looked and there before me was a I looked and there before me was a I looked and there before me was a was a white horse. was a white horse. was a white horse. And its rider held a bow and was given a And its rider held a bow and was given a And its rider held a bow and was given a crown, and he rode out as a conqueror crown, and he rode out as a conqueror crown, and he rode out as a conqueror bent on conquest. bent on conquest. bent on conquest. When the Lamb opened the second seal, I When the Lamb opened the second seal, I When the Lamb opened the second seal, I heard the second living creature say, heard the second living creature say, heard the second living creature say, 'Come.'

'Come.' 'Come.' And another horse came out, a fiery And another horse came out, a fiery And another horse came out, a fiery a fiery red one. a fiery red one. a fiery red one. It Its rider was given power to take It Its rider was given power to take It Its rider was given power to take peace from the earth and to make people peace from the earth and to make people peace from the earth and to make people kill each other. To him was given a kill each other. To him was given a kill each other. To him was given a large sword. large sword. large sword. When the Lamb opened the third seal, I When the Lamb opened the third seal, I When the Lamb opened the third seal, I heard a third living creature say, heard a third living creature say, heard a third living creature say, 'Come.' And I looked and there before me 'Come.' And I looked and there before me 'Come.' And I looked and there before me was a was a was a was a black horse. Its rider was holding was a black horse. Its rider was holding was a black horse. Its rider was holding a pair of of scales in his hand. Then a pair of of scales in his hand. Then a pair of of scales in his hand. Then Then I heard a Then I heard a Then I heard a sounded like a voice among the four sounded like a voice among the four sounded like a voice among the four living creatures saying, '2 lb of wheat living creatures saying, '2 lb of wheat living creatures saying, '2 lb of wheat for a day's wages and 6 lb of barley for for a day's wages and 6 lb of barley for for a day's wages and 6 lb of barley for a day's wages, and do not damage the oil a day's wages, and do not damage the oil a day's wages, and do not damage the oil and the wine.' and the wine.' and the wine.' When the Lamb opened the fourth seal, I When the Lamb opened the fourth seal, I When the Lamb opened the fourth seal, I heard a voice of the heard a voice of the heard a voice of the fourth living creature say, 'Come.' fourth living creature say, 'Come.' fourth living creature say, 'Come.' I looked and there before me was a pale I looked and there before me was a pale I looked and there before me was a pale Oh, I didn't wait for you. My My Oh, I didn't wait for you. My My Oh, I didn't wait for you. My My apologies. apologies. apologies. There before Before me was a There before Before me was a There before Before me was a pale horse. Its rider was named Death, pale horse. Its rider was named Death, pale horse. Its rider was named Death, and Hades was following close behind and Hades was following close behind and Hades was following close behind him. They were given power over a fourth him. They were given power over a fourth him. They were given power over a fourth of the earth to kill by sword, famine, of the earth to kill by sword, famine, of the earth to kill by sword, famine, plague, and the wild beasts of the plague, and the wild beasts of the plague, and the wild beasts of the earth.

earth. earth. Happy Father's Day. What in the world is going on here. What in the world is going on here. If you remember in chapter 5, there was If you remember in chapter 5, there was If you remember in chapter 5, there was a scroll and then there was nobody that a scroll and then there was nobody that a scroll and then there was nobody that was worthy to open the scroll and but was worthy to open the scroll and but was worthy to open the scroll and but the lamb who was worthy starts opening the lamb who was worthy starts opening the lamb who was worthy starts opening up these seals and these horses come up these seals and these horses come up these seals and these horses come forth that are forth that are forth that are that they mean something. And so each that they mean something. And so each that they mean something. And so each one of these horses actually represents one of these horses actually represents one of these horses actually represents something. Don't don't look for a something. Don't don't look for a something. Don't don't look for a literal horse, look for what that literal horse, look for what that literal horse, look for what that actually represents. And so if you look actually represents. And so if you look actually represents. And so if you look at the details, we can determine what at the details, we can determine what at the details, we can determine what these horses represent. The first one these horses represent. The first one these horses represent. The first one that comes out is a white horse. Uh that that comes out is a white horse. Uh that that comes out is a white horse. Uh that looks like conquest. You kind of get the looks like conquest. You kind of get the looks like conquest. You kind of get the sense from Revelation 6 that the uh that sense from Revelation 6 that the uh that sense from Revelation 6 that the uh that this is the the spirit of the empire. this is the the spirit of the empire. this is the the spirit of the empire. Again, think first-century church, think Again, think first-century church, think Again, think first-century church, think Roman empire. What were they known for? Roman empire. What were they known for? Roman empire. What were they known for? They were known for power, for They were known for power, for They were known for power, for dominance, for for conquering other dominance, for for conquering other dominance, for for conquering other nations to to making them subject to nations to to making them subject to nations to to making them subject to them. That would have been felt very, them. That would have been felt very, them. That would have been felt very, very familiar to a first-century very familiar to a first-century very familiar to a first-century Christian.

Christian. Christian. You get to the next one, it's a fiery You get to the next one, it's a fiery You get to the next one, it's a fiery red horse. Notice what it said about him red horse. Notice what it said about him red horse. Notice what it said about him that they were given authority to to that they were given authority to to that they were given authority to to take peace from the earth. take peace from the earth. take peace from the earth. That the people would actually take each That the people would actually take each That the people would actually take each other's lives. other's lives. other's lives. That was certainly happening That was certainly happening That was certainly happening back in the first century. back in the first century. back in the first century. It's also happening in parts of our It's also happening in parts of our It's also happening in parts of our world today. world today. world today. Depending on where you're at in the Depending on where you're at in the Depending on where you're at in the world, world, world, this will feel very familiar. this will feel very familiar. this will feel very familiar. Uh the third horse is the black horse. Uh the third horse is the black horse. Uh the third horse is the black horse. And that that represents famine, which And that that represents famine, which And that that represents famine, which often times is coupled with what's often times is coupled with what's often times is coupled with what's happened before it. It's given these happened before it. It's given these happened before it. It's given these weird details that the rider has a scale weird details that the rider has a scale weird details that the rider has a scale and it's, you know, for a day's wages and it's, you know, for a day's wages and it's, you know, for a day's wages you get so much wheat and for a day's you get so much wheat and for a day's you get so much wheat and for a day's wages you get so much barley. What wages you get so much barley. What wages you get so much barley. What what's up with that? I mean, think about what's up with that? I mean, think about what's up with that? I mean, think about the image. If you have to spend an the image. If you have to spend an the image. If you have to spend an entire day's wages for a loaf of bread, entire day's wages for a loaf of bread, entire day's wages for a loaf of bread, things are pretty scarce. things are pretty scarce. things are pretty scarce. The impact is is quite dramatic. The impact is is quite dramatic. The impact is is quite dramatic. You get to the last horse and this is You get to the last horse and this is You get to the last horse and this is the one that's unfortunately so familiar the one that's unfortunately so familiar the one that's unfortunately so familiar to a lot of us. It's this pale horse. It to a lot of us. It's this pale horse. It to a lot of us. It's this pale horse. It looks like life has come from it, and looks like life has come from it, and looks like life has come from it, and that that makes sense that it's it's the that that makes sense that it's it's the that that makes sense that it's it's the the horse of death. Now, if you read the horse of death. Now, if you read the horse of death. Now, if you read this in your 1st century context, this this in your 1st century context, this this in your 1st century context, this was the world that the early the the 1st was the world that the early the the 1st was the world that the early the the 1st century church was living in.

century church was living in. century church was living in. They were living under the Roman Empire They were living under the Roman Empire They were living under the Roman Empire rule that was conquering other nations. rule that was conquering other nations. rule that was conquering other nations. There was war at all times, people There was war at all times, people There was war at all times, people losing their lives. It was such a losing their lives. It was such a losing their lives. It was such a scarcity perspective that I you didn't scarcity perspective that I you didn't scarcity perspective that I you didn't have two nickels to rub together to buy have two nickels to rub together to buy have two nickels to rub together to buy even the most essentials that you lived even the most essentials that you lived even the most essentials that you lived in life, and certainly death was around in life, and certainly death was around in life, and certainly death was around every corner. every corner. every corner. You would call that a great tribulation. You would call that a great tribulation. You would call that a great tribulation. Now again, it's not just what happened Now again, it's not just what happened Now again, it's not just what happened in the past, it's what also still in the past, it's what also still in the past, it's what also still happens today. happens today. happens today. If you are a Christian in Ukraine, this If you are a Christian in Ukraine, this If you are a Christian in Ukraine, this makes sense. makes sense. makes sense. If you're a Christian in Sudan today, If you're a Christian in Sudan today, If you're a Christian in Sudan today, this makes sense. If you're a Christian this makes sense. If you're a Christian this makes sense. If you're a Christian in Iran today, it makes sense. Now, for in Iran today, it makes sense. Now, for in Iran today, it makes sense. Now, for us in America, it's actually harder to us in America, it's actually harder to us in America, it's actually harder to make sense of it because this is not for make sense of it because this is not for make sense of it because this is not for this is foreign to our everyday life, this is foreign to our everyday life, this is foreign to our everyday life, right? And by God's grace, we're right? And by God's grace, we're right? And by God's grace, we're grateful that that's true. grateful that that's true. grateful that that's true. Uh we are fortunate enough outside of Uh we are fortunate enough outside of Uh we are fortunate enough outside of events like Pearl Harbor and 9/11, we events like Pearl Harbor and 9/11, we events like Pearl Harbor and 9/11, we have not had a war fought on our soil have not had a war fought on our soil have not had a war fought on our soil since the Civil War some 160-ish years since the Civil War some 160-ish years since the Civil War some 160-ish years ago.

ago. ago. It's that we're fortunate that this is It's that we're fortunate that this is It's that we're fortunate that this is not our everyday reality, but what's not our everyday reality, but what's not our everyday reality, but what's behind each one of those is in our behind each one of those is in our behind each one of those is in our everyday reality. everyday reality. everyday reality. Because what's behind conquest? Because what's behind conquest? Because what's behind conquest? It's people who are power-hungry, who It's people who are power-hungry, who It's people who are power-hungry, who take advantage of other people for their take advantage of other people for their take advantage of other people for their own sake. You ever experience that? own sake. You ever experience that? own sake. You ever experience that? What's behind war is violence, What's behind war is violence, What's behind war is violence, aggression, anger. aggression, anger. aggression, anger. Have you ever been the victim of that at Have you ever been the victim of that at Have you ever been the victim of that at the hand of somebody else? the hand of somebody else? the hand of somebody else? Have you ever had somebody take so much Have you ever had somebody take so much Have you ever had somebody take so much from you that it felt like there was from you that it felt like there was from you that it felt like there was never going to be enough, and you lived never going to be enough, and you lived never going to be enough, and you lived in a scarcity mentality, and anxiety was in a scarcity mentality, and anxiety was in a scarcity mentality, and anxiety was really high? We've certainly experienced really high? We've certainly experienced really high? We've certainly experienced that. And when it comes to death, none that. And when it comes to death, none that. And when it comes to death, none of us escape it. of us escape it. of us escape it. The latest death that I read is one out The latest death that I read is one out The latest death that I read is one out of one people die. Now, I'm not trying to make light of Now, I'm not trying to make light of that. that. that. I'm just recognizing I'm just recognizing I'm just recognizing that this is not just something that that this is not just something that that this is not just something that will happen. will happen. will happen. This is not just something that has This is not just something that has This is not just something that has happened. happened. happened. It happens. It happens. It happens. Revelation is pulling back the curtain Revelation is pulling back the curtain Revelation is pulling back the curtain and it's it's letting us see that things and it's it's letting us see that things and it's it's letting us see that things are not as they should be.

are not as they should be. are not as they should be. That there's a brokenness that exists in That there's a brokenness that exists in That there's a brokenness that exists in our culture. our culture. our culture. Now, here's the hard thing to stomach. Now, here's the hard thing to stomach. Now, here's the hard thing to stomach. Who's the one that opened the seal that Who's the one that opened the seal that Who's the one that opened the seal that sent this stuff into the world? sent this stuff into the world? sent this stuff into the world? It was the lamb. It was the lamb. It was the lamb. It was Jesus. It was Jesus. It was Jesus. What up with that? What up with that? What up with that? That's hard to reconcile, isn't it? That's hard to reconcile, isn't it? That's hard to reconcile, isn't it? Because our immediate reaction is, does Because our immediate reaction is, does Because our immediate reaction is, does that mean that God is the author of that mean that God is the author of that mean that God is the author of evil? evil? evil? No. No. No. It just means even when evil is playing It just means even when evil is playing It just means even when evil is playing out, out, out, God is still on the throne. God is still on the throne. God is still on the throne. That even when chaos characterizes our That even when chaos characterizes our That even when chaos characterizes our culture, culture, culture, the lamb is still in control. the lamb is still in control. the lamb is still in control. The way I think about it is if you've The way I think about it is if you've The way I think about it is if you've ever Have you ever been on a flight that ever Have you ever been on a flight that ever Have you ever been on a flight that gets really, really turbulent? And as a gets really, really turbulent? And as a gets really, really turbulent? And as a passenger, you're tossing and turning, passenger, you're tossing and turning, passenger, you're tossing and turning, you're starting to get nervous because you're starting to get nervous because you're starting to get nervous because it feels like things are out of control. it feels like things are out of control. it feels like things are out of control. Do you want to know who's not panicking? Do you want to know who's not panicking? Do you want to know who's not panicking? The pilot. The pilot. The pilot. Because the pilot still has their hands Because the pilot still has their hands Because the pilot still has their hands on the wheel and knows that it's going on the wheel and knows that it's going on the wheel and knows that it's going to be okay.

to be okay. to be okay. In the midst of all kinds of chaos that In the midst of all kinds of chaos that In the midst of all kinds of chaos that plagues the world in which we live, just plagues the world in which we live, just plagues the world in which we live, just know our the lamb is still on the know our the lamb is still on the know our the lamb is still on the throne. He is still in control. He still throne. He is still in control. He still throne. He is still in control. He still has his hands on the wheel. HE'S NOT has his hands on the wheel. HE'S NOT has his hands on the wheel. HE'S NOT LETTING GO. LETTING GO. LETTING GO. >> [applause] >> [applause] >> [applause] >> AND SO, HERE'S THE TRUTH. God may >> AND SO, HERE'S THE TRUTH. God may >> AND SO, HERE'S THE TRUTH. God may allow evil for a season, allow evil for a season, allow evil for a season, but he will not let it win. He may allow it. He may allow it. You may not be spared from tribulation You may not be spared from tribulation You may not be spared from tribulation in this life. in this life. in this life. But that tribulation will not have the But that tribulation will not have the But that tribulation will not have the final word. Revelation 6 reminds us Revelation 6 reminds us our world is very, very broken. our world is very, very broken. our world is very, very broken. But I think it also But I think it also But I think it also shares this with us. shares this with us. shares this with us. That you are allowed to ask why. That you are allowed to ask why. That you are allowed to ask why. That's kind of encouraging, isn't it? That's kind of encouraging, isn't it? That's kind of encouraging, isn't it? Because we face some hard things in life Because we face some hard things in life Because we face some hard things in life and I think the Bible gives us the and I think the Bible gives us the and I think the Bible gives us the opportunity to to ask very difficult opportunity to to ask very difficult opportunity to to ask very difficult questions and to ask why. Here's what questions and to ask why. Here's what questions and to ask why. Here's what happens next.

happens next. happens next. This is when he opened the fifth seal, I This is when he opened the fifth seal, I This is when he opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of those saw under the altar the souls of those saw under the altar the souls of those who have been slain because of the word who have been slain because of the word who have been slain because of the word of God and the testimony they of God and the testimony they of God and the testimony they maintained. maintained. maintained. They called out in a loud voice, help me They called out in a loud voice, help me They called out in a loud voice, help me out. out. out. How long? Sovereign Lord, holy and true, How long? Sovereign Lord, holy and true, How long? Sovereign Lord, holy and true, until you judge the inhabitants of the until you judge the inhabitants of the until you judge the inhabitants of the earth and avenge our blood. God, how earth and avenge our blood. God, how earth and avenge our blood. God, how long? long? long? I don't know what you've experienced in I don't know what you've experienced in I don't know what you've experienced in life. I don't know all that you've gone life. I don't know all that you've gone life. I don't know all that you've gone through, but if you've ever gone through through, but if you've ever gone through through, but if you've ever gone through such a difficult time, you might call it such a difficult time, you might call it such a difficult time, you might call it a time of great tribulation, a time of great tribulation, a time of great tribulation, that you're like, God, that you're like, God, that you're like, God, like how long? like how long? like how long? How long are you going to How long are you going to How long are you going to keep this from I I like how long are you keep this from I I like how long are you keep this from I I like how long are you going to allow this to continue to going to allow this to continue to going to allow this to continue to happen? happen? happen? God, why are you allowing this to God, why are you allowing this to God, why are you allowing this to happen? God, what happen? God, what happen? God, what what are you ultimately going to do what are you ultimately going to do what are you ultimately going to do about it? about it? about it? It's actually moments like this in It's actually moments like this in It's actually moments like this in scripture that I'm so encouraged by just scripture that I'm so encouraged by just scripture that I'm so encouraged by just the honesty, the rawness, the realness the honesty, the rawness, the realness the honesty, the rawness, the realness of the word of God. of the word of God. of the word of God. The picture here in Revelation 6 are The picture here in Revelation 6 are The picture here in Revelation 6 are those who have lost their lives because those who have lost their lives because those who have lost their lives because they refused to bend their knee to they refused to bend their knee to they refused to bend their knee to Caesar and they were committed to have Caesar and they were committed to have Caesar and they were committed to have their allegiance only to God and in their allegiance only to God and in their allegiance only to God and in doing so it actually cost them their doing so it actually cost them their doing so it actually cost them their lives.

lives. lives. They're going, "God, They're going, "God, They're going, "God, how long are you going to allow that to how long are you going to allow that to how long are you going to allow that to play out?" play out?" play out?" It's not the first time that question It's not the first time that question It's not the first time that question was asked in scripture. It actually was asked in scripture. It actually was asked in scripture. It actually reminds you of of Psalm chapter 13 off reminds you of of Psalm chapter 13 off reminds you of of Psalm chapter 13 off the pen of David. David writes this, the pen of David. David writes this, the pen of David. David writes this, "How long, Lord? "How long, Lord? "How long, Lord? Like will you forgive me forever? How Like will you forgive me forever? How Like will you forgive me forever? How how long will you hide your face from how long will you hide your face from how long will you hide your face from me? How long must I wrestle with my me? How long must I wrestle with my me? How long must I wrestle with my thoughts and and day after day have thoughts and and day after day have thoughts and and day after day have sorrow in my heart?" Like David's just sorrow in my heart?" Like David's just sorrow in my heart?" Like David's just going, "God, how long are you going to going, "God, how long are you going to going, "God, how long are you going to allow this?" allow this?" allow this?" What's fascinating about Psalm 13 is What's fascinating about Psalm 13 is What's fascinating about Psalm 13 is it's just five verses later it's just five verses later it's just five verses later that David almost answers his same cry that David almost answers his same cry that David almost answers his same cry out to God. He says, "But I will trust out to God. He says, "But I will trust out to God. He says, "But I will trust in your unfailing love. My heart in your unfailing love. My heart in your unfailing love. My heart rejoices in your salvation. I will sing rejoices in your salvation. I will sing rejoices in your salvation. I will sing the praises of God for he has been good the praises of God for he has been good the praises of God for he has been good to me." What changed? to me." What changed? to me." What changed? His circumstances did not change in five His circumstances did not change in five His circumstances did not change in five verses. verses. verses. It was actually the honesty of his heart It was actually the honesty of his heart It was actually the honesty of his heart that actually opened himself up to that actually opened himself up to that actually opened himself up to experience the difficulty experience the difficulty experience the difficulty in a different way.

in a different way. in a different way. There's two things I want you to take There's two things I want you to take There's two things I want you to take away from that. away from that. away from that. Here's the first. Here's the first. Here's the first. Doubt in grief Doubt in grief Doubt in grief and even anger toward God are not signs and even anger toward God are not signs and even anger toward God are not signs that your faith is failing. that your faith is failing. that your faith is failing. They're often signs that your faith is They're often signs that your faith is They're often signs that your faith is real. And so sometimes when we're facing the And so sometimes when we're facing the hardest moments in life and doubts creep hardest moments in life and doubts creep hardest moments in life and doubts creep up or anger creeps up up or anger creeps up up or anger creeps up or frustration creeps up, or frustration creeps up, or frustration creeps up, it's not a sign that your faith is it's not a sign that your faith is it's not a sign that your faith is failing. It's actually a sign failing. It's actually a sign failing. It's actually a sign that your faith is real. that your faith is real. that your faith is real. And one of the most beautiful things in And one of the most beautiful things in And one of the most beautiful things in scripture is the realness and the scripture is the realness and the scripture is the realness and the rawness of people of God all throughout rawness of people of God all throughout rawness of people of God all throughout biblical history that are willing to biblical history that are willing to biblical history that are willing to take even their anger, their take even their anger, their take even their anger, their frustration, their realness, their frustration, their realness, their frustration, their realness, their rawness to God. That actually becomes a rawness to God. That actually becomes a rawness to God. That actually becomes a doorway by which they can experience doorway by which they can experience doorway by which they can experience something different.

something different. something different. Here's the second principle that I want Here's the second principle that I want Here's the second principle that I want us to take away. us to take away. us to take away. That hard times actually fuel God's That hard times actually fuel God's That hard times actually fuel God's work. work. work. I remember a small group I was a part I remember a small group I was a part I remember a small group I was a part of. Shout out to our Wheaton campus. I of. Shout out to our Wheaton campus. I of. Shout out to our Wheaton campus. I was at our Wheaton campus. Uh this was was at our Wheaton campus. Uh this was was at our Wheaton campus. Uh this was last last year. I part of a small group. last last year. I part of a small group. last last year. I part of a small group. One of the questions I asked in our One of the questions I asked in our One of the questions I asked in our small group was, "Tell me the time in small group was, "Tell me the time in small group was, "Tell me the time in your life that you felt closest to God." your life that you felt closest to God." your life that you felt closest to God." was the question. I didn't know how was the question. I didn't know how was the question. I didn't know how people were going to answer that people were going to answer that people were going to answer that question. question. question. But almost to a T, one by one by one, we But almost to a T, one by one by one, we But almost to a T, one by one by one, we went around the circle and people told went around the circle and people told went around the circle and people told some of the most difficult moments of some of the most difficult moments of some of the most difficult moments of their entire lives. their entire lives. their entire lives. It was kind of this aha moment for me. It was kind of this aha moment for me. It was kind of this aha moment for me. That none of us want to go through those That none of us want to go through those That none of us want to go through those difficult times. But often times when difficult times. But often times when difficult times. But often times when God sees us all the way through it, when God sees us all the way through it, when God sees us all the way through it, when we look back on it, we would say, "I we look back on it, we would say, "I we look back on it, we would say, "I wouldn't trade that season for wouldn't trade that season for wouldn't trade that season for anything." anything." anything." Not because I want to go through it. Not Not because I want to go through it. Not Not because I want to go through it. Not because it was easy. Not because it was because it was easy. Not because it was because it was easy. Not because it was any less painful. any less painful. any less painful. But God did an amazing work in that But God did an amazing work in that But God did an amazing work in that season shaping me into the person I am season shaping me into the person I am season shaping me into the person I am today. I'm grateful for how God used today. I'm grateful for how God used today. I'm grateful for how God used that in my life. What's fascinating is that in my life. What's fascinating is that in my life. What's fascinating is hard times actually fuel God's work in hard times actually fuel God's work in hard times actually fuel God's work in my life and in your life.

my life and in your life. my life and in your life. But what's also true But what's also true But what's also true is it's actually hard times that the is it's actually hard times that the is it's actually hard times that the fuel kingdom work in our world. fuel kingdom work in our world. fuel kingdom work in our world. I think about it this way. I think about it this way. I think about it this way. Back in the first century again, people Back in the first century again, people Back in the first century again, people were losing their life because of their were losing their life because of their were losing their life because of their faith and commitment to God. But what faith and commitment to God. But what faith and commitment to God. But what actually happened in response to that, actually happened in response to that, actually happened in response to that, it was actually because of people who it was actually because of people who it was actually because of people who were unwilling to bend their knee to were unwilling to bend their knee to were unwilling to bend their knee to Caesar, who was willing to give their Caesar, who was willing to give their Caesar, who was willing to give their life for the sake of God's mission, that life for the sake of God's mission, that life for the sake of God's mission, that God's mission spread like wildfire all God's mission spread like wildfire all God's mission spread like wildfire all throughout the empire. Uh Book of Acts throughout the empire. Uh Book of Acts throughout the empire. Uh Book of Acts actually records these words. I love actually records these words. I love actually records these words. I love this. Acts chapter 4, it says, "Those this. Acts chapter 4, it says, "Those this. Acts chapter 4, it says, "Those who had been scattered" Why did they who had been scattered" Why did they who had been scattered" Why did they scatter? They scattered because of the scatter? They scattered because of the scatter? They scattered because of the persecution. Those who had been persecution. Those who had been persecution. Those who had been scattered preached the word everywhere scattered preached the word everywhere scattered preached the word everywhere they went. they went. they went. I I've even heard it said this way, in I I've even heard it said this way, in I I've even heard it said this way, in the first century, the first century, the first century, the blood of the martyrs the blood of the martyrs the blood of the martyrs watered the seeds of the gospel. watered the seeds of the gospel. watered the seeds of the gospel. That's hard to hear, That's hard to hear, That's hard to hear, but just because times are difficult, but just because times are difficult, but just because times are difficult, doesn't mean that God's not at work. doesn't mean that God's not at work. doesn't mean that God's not at work. It's often times where God does his most It's often times where God does his most It's often times where God does his most amazing work.

amazing work. amazing work. Now, why does that matter for us today? Now, why does that matter for us today? Now, why does that matter for us today? Because sometimes in our culture today, Because sometimes in our culture today, Because sometimes in our culture today, we will we'll say things like, "The we will we'll say things like, "The we will we'll say things like, "The moral decay in our culture is moral decay in our culture is moral decay in our culture is startling." startling." startling." Or we'll get really concerned about Or we'll get really concerned about Or we'll get really concerned about where our culture's going, maybe making where our culture's going, maybe making where our culture's going, maybe making it harder for somebody to be a Christian it harder for somebody to be a Christian it harder for somebody to be a Christian publicly. I'm not sure. publicly. I'm not sure. publicly. I'm not sure. But I just want you to know, even if But I just want you to know, even if But I just want you to know, even if that were to play out in our culture, that were to play out in our culture, that were to play out in our culture, the kingdom of God is not threatened. the kingdom of God is not threatened. the kingdom of God is not threatened. It's actually sometimes with the It's actually sometimes with the It's actually sometimes with the greatest resistance to faith that God greatest resistance to faith that God greatest resistance to faith that God does his greatest work to propel the does his greatest work to propel the does his greatest work to propel the faith. Do you know where the fastest faith. Do you know where the fastest faith. Do you know where the fastest growing church is in America? Uh it's growing church is in America? Uh it's growing church is in America? Uh it's not in America. Do you know where the not in America. Do you know where the not in America. Do you know where the fastest growing church in the world is fastest growing church in the world is fastest growing church in the world is today? today? today? Iran. And not too far behind that are places And not too far behind that are places in Asia and places in Africa where it's in Asia and places in Africa where it's in Asia and places in Africa where it's illegal to be a follower of Jesus. illegal to be a follower of Jesus. illegal to be a follower of Jesus. It's actually through the difficulty It's actually through the difficulty It's actually through the difficulty that that that that God does some of his greatest work.

that God does some of his greatest work. that God does some of his greatest work. And we take hope in the fact And we take hope in the fact And we take hope in the fact that the kingdom of God that the kingdom of God that the kingdom of God will always move forward, no matter what will always move forward, no matter what will always move forward, no matter what political climate we find ourselves in. political climate we find ourselves in. political climate we find ourselves in. The kingdom of God is not threatened. The kingdom of God is not threatened. The kingdom of God is not threatened. It kind of reminds us of the words that It kind of reminds us of the words that It kind of reminds us of the words that that that that Jesus said to Peter, that that that Jesus said to Peter, that that that Jesus said to Peter, where he says, "Upon this rock I will where he says, "Upon this rock I will where he says, "Upon this rock I will build my church." Remember what he says build my church." Remember what he says build my church." Remember what he says next? next? next? "And the gates of hell cannot stand "And the gates of hell cannot stand "And the gates of hell cannot stand against it." Isn't that good news? against it." Isn't that good news? against it." Isn't that good news? There's nothing that can ever happen in There's nothing that can ever happen in There's nothing that can ever happen in this world outside of the control of this world outside of the control of this world outside of the control of God. There's nothing that can ever God. There's nothing that can ever God. There's nothing that can ever happen in this world that will thwart happen in this world that will thwart happen in this world that will thwart God's plan through his local church. God's plan through his local church. God's plan through his local church. He wins. He wins. He wins. His kingdom advances. There's nothing in His kingdom advances. There's nothing in His kingdom advances. There's nothing in this world that can ever thwart that. this world that can ever thwart that. this world that can ever thwart that. I take that as I take that as I take that as great news. Let me lead us into the last principle. Let me lead us into the last principle. I love this. I love this. I love this. I want you to know that you can be I want you to know that you can be I want you to know that you can be marked by something greater.

marked by something greater. marked by something greater. All right, chapter 6 ends weird. Bear All right, chapter 6 ends weird. Bear All right, chapter 6 ends weird. Bear with me on this one. with me on this one. with me on this one. The sixth seal opens up. You have this The sixth seal opens up. You have this The sixth seal opens up. You have this earthquake, the the sun goes black, the earthquake, the the sun goes black, the earthquake, the the sun goes black, the moon turns red. You're like, "This is moon turns red. You're like, "This is moon turns red. You're like, "This is just weird." just weird." just weird." All of those are just signs of judgment. All of those are just signs of judgment. All of those are just signs of judgment. This is this this picture that that God This is this this picture that that God This is this this picture that that God will judge our unbelieving world. That will judge our unbelieving world. That will judge our unbelieving world. That God will bring his vengeance against God will bring his vengeance against God will bring his vengeance against every evil. God will make every wrong every evil. God will make every wrong every evil. God will make every wrong right. right. right. And what happens in in the the wake of And what happens in in the the wake of And what happens in in the the wake of these crazy symbols at the end of these crazy symbols at the end of these crazy symbols at the end of chapter 6 is all the kings of the earth chapter 6 is all the kings of the earth chapter 6 is all the kings of the earth are fleeing from their lives. I mean, are fleeing from their lives. I mean, are fleeing from their lives. I mean, they're like, "Run away!" And they run they're like, "Run away!" And they run they're like, "Run away!" And they run into these these caves and they're into these these caves and they're into these these caves and they're they're hiding from God, right? they're hiding from God, right? they're hiding from God, right? Because they may have so much power on Because they may have so much power on Because they may have so much power on this earth, but their power is nothing this earth, but their power is nothing this earth, but their power is nothing compared to the power of our great God. compared to the power of our great God. compared to the power of our great God. And God will make everything right. And God will make everything right. And God will make everything right. And it says the kings of the world And it says the kings of the world And it says the kings of the world they're they're they're fleeing into they're they're they're fleeing into they're they're they're fleeing into these caves and then it kind of cracks these caves and then it kind of cracks these caves and then it kind of cracks me up at the at the end of of of chapter me up at the at the end of of of chapter me up at the at the end of of of chapter 6. 6. 6. Let me find where I'm at. There it is. Let me find where I'm at. There it is. Let me find where I'm at. There it is. It says that they they they they called It says that they they they they called It says that they they they they called to the mountains and the rocks, "Fall on to the mountains and the rocks, "Fall on to the mountains and the rocks, "Fall on us and hide us from the face of him who us and hide us from the face of him who us and hide us from the face of him who sits on the throne and from the wrath of sits on the throne and from the wrath of sits on the throne and from the wrath of the lamb, for the great day of the wrath the lamb, for the great day of the wrath the lamb, for the great day of the wrath has come." And help out with this has come." And help out with this has come." And help out with this question. And and who can withstand it?

and who can withstand it? Like, who can escape Like, who can escape Like, who can escape the hand of God? the hand of God? the hand of God? And those who conducted themselves in And those who conducted themselves in And those who conducted themselves in evil ways evil ways evil ways will face will face will face the judgment of God. the judgment of God. the judgment of God. Now, Now, Now, if Revelation ended at the end of if Revelation ended at the end of if Revelation ended at the end of chapter 6, chapter 6, chapter 6, it's a pretty sad story. it's a pretty sad story. it's a pretty sad story. Like, almost kind of pretty scary story. Like, almost kind of pretty scary story. Like, almost kind of pretty scary story. Kind of leaves with this open-ended Kind of leaves with this open-ended Kind of leaves with this open-ended question. Like, who can withstand this? question. Like, who can withstand this? question. Like, who can withstand this? Chapter 7 tells us. Chapter 7 tells us. Chapter 7 tells us. Cuz chapter 7 is this like beautiful Cuz chapter 7 is this like beautiful Cuz chapter 7 is this like beautiful interruption to this really hard stuff. interruption to this really hard stuff. interruption to this really hard stuff. This This beautiful interruption that This This beautiful interruption that This This beautiful interruption that helps us understand what it looks like helps us understand what it looks like helps us understand what it looks like when your life gets marked by the Holy when your life gets marked by the Holy when your life gets marked by the Holy Spirit of God. Spirit of God. Spirit of God. Because who can withstand it? A believer Because who can withstand it? A believer Because who can withstand it? A believer in Christ can withstand it. in Christ can withstand it. in Christ can withstand it. Because the believer in Christ means Because the believer in Christ means Because the believer in Christ means that their lives have been covered by that their lives have been covered by that their lives have been covered by the blood of the lamb. That the cross the blood of the lamb. That the cross the blood of the lamb. That the cross was sufficient for your life. If your was sufficient for your life. If your was sufficient for your life. If your life gets marked by the blood of the life gets marked by the blood of the life gets marked by the blood of the lamb, you have nothing to fear.

lamb, you have nothing to fear. lamb, you have nothing to fear. But when it comes to the kings of this But when it comes to the kings of this But when it comes to the kings of this world, world, world, they're shaking in their boots. And yet the faithful Christ follower And yet the faithful Christ follower can stand with confidence can stand with confidence can stand with confidence because their life got marked because their life got marked because their life got marked by the blood of the lamb. by the blood of the lamb. by the blood of the lamb. Let's read it in chapter 7. Let's read it in chapter 7. Let's read it in chapter 7. So cool. So cool. So cool. It says, "Then I saw an angel coming up It says, "Then I saw an angel coming up It says, "Then I saw an angel coming up from the east having the seal of the from the east having the seal of the from the east having the seal of the living God. He called out in a loud living God. He called out in a loud living God. He called out in a loud voice to the four angels uh who had been voice to the four angels uh who had been voice to the four angels uh who had been given power uh to harm the the land and given power uh to harm the the land and given power uh to harm the the land and sea. He says, 'Do not harm the land or sea. He says, 'Do not harm the land or sea. He says, 'Do not harm the land or the sea or the trees until we what? the sea or the trees until we what? the sea or the trees until we what? Seal on the foreheads of the servants of Seal on the foreheads of the servants of Seal on the foreheads of the servants of our God.' our God.' our God.' Then I heard the number of those who Then I heard the number of those who Then I heard the number of those who were sealed, 144,000 were sealed, 144,000 were sealed, 144,000 from all the tribes." from all the tribes." from all the tribes." And so it's a picture this this seal, And so it's a picture this this seal, And so it's a picture this this seal, I'm going to come back to this in a I'm going to come back to this in a I'm going to come back to this in a minute, is is a picture of those whose minute, is is a picture of those whose minute, is is a picture of those whose lives have been sealed, claimed by God. lives have been sealed, claimed by God. lives have been sealed, claimed by God. Those who are are set apart as as Those who are are set apart as as Those who are are set apart as as followers of Christ, their lives have followers of Christ, their lives have followers of Christ, their lives have been saved by him, and then it numbers been saved by him, and then it numbers been saved by him, and then it numbers them, 144,000.

them, 144,000. them, 144,000. Now, I want to be careful with numbers. Now, I want to be careful with numbers. Now, I want to be careful with numbers. In in in the book of Revelation, numbers In in in the book of Revelation, numbers In in in the book of Revelation, numbers rarely mean a a literal number. Every rarely mean a a literal number. Every rarely mean a a literal number. Every number means something. These numbers number means something. These numbers number means something. These numbers are rich with meaning. You can see in in are rich with meaning. You can see in in are rich with meaning. You can see in in just the number 144,000, it's a multiple just the number 144,000, it's a multiple just the number 144,000, it's a multiple of 12. It's 12 * 12 * 1,000. of 12. It's 12 * 12 * 1,000. of 12. It's 12 * 12 * 1,000. The the the number 12 is this this The the the number 12 is this this The the the number 12 is this this number of of completion, of of number of of completion, of of number of of completion, of of wholeness. wholeness. wholeness. It it's of of God bringing things It it's of of God bringing things It it's of of God bringing things together. together. together. That's why there's 12 tribes. That's why there's 12 tribes. That's why there's 12 tribes. There's 12 apostles. There's 12 apostles. There's 12 apostles. You get to the picture of heaven at the You get to the picture of heaven at the You get to the picture of heaven at the end of the book of Revelation, it's end of the book of Revelation, it's end of the book of Revelation, it's actually built on 12s. There's 12 actually built on 12s. There's 12 actually built on 12s. There's 12 angels, there's 12 uh uh stones of the angels, there's 12 uh uh stones of the angels, there's 12 uh uh stones of the foundation. I mean, you can't get away foundation. I mean, you can't get away foundation. I mean, you can't get away from the number 12. Uh incidentally, from the number 12. Uh incidentally, from the number 12. Uh incidentally, it's actually true all throughout it's actually true all throughout it's actually true all throughout scripture. After the feeding of the scripture. After the feeding of the scripture. After the feeding of the 5,000, and they collected all the extra 5,000, and they collected all the extra 5,000, and they collected all the extra food, you remember how many baskets food, you remember how many baskets food, you remember how many baskets there were left? there were left? there were left? There were 12. There were 12. There were 12. Uh how many persons are there in the Uh how many persons are there in the Uh how many persons are there in the Trinity? Trinity? Trinity? Three. I was just making sure you're Three. I was just making sure you're Three. I was just making sure you're still with me. still with me. still with me. >> [cheering] >> 12 is this number of wholeness, >> 12 is this number of wholeness, completion. It's not saying that there's completion. It's not saying that there's completion. It's not saying that there's only 144,000 only 144,000 only 144,000 people who are saved.

people who are saved. people who are saved. It's not an exact number. It's not an exact number. It's not an exact number. It's representative of a full, complete It's representative of a full, complete It's representative of a full, complete picture. The number thousand means is a picture. The number thousand means is a picture. The number thousand means is a divinely appointed fullness. In other divinely appointed fullness. In other divinely appointed fullness. In other words, everybody's accounted for. words, everybody's accounted for. words, everybody's accounted for. From God's perspective, it's a specific From God's perspective, it's a specific From God's perspective, it's a specific number. Why? Because God hasn't number. Why? Because God hasn't number. Why? Because God hasn't forgotten even one. Now, what's interesting is you turn just Now, what's interesting is you turn just a couple verses later, a couple verses later, a couple verses later, the the same group is described. the the same group is described. the the same group is described. It says, "After this, I looked and there It says, "After this, I looked and there It says, "After this, I looked and there before me was a great multitude that no before me was a great multitude that no before me was a great multitude that no one could count from every nation, one could count from every nation, one could count from every nation, tribe, people, and language standing tribe, people, and language standing tribe, people, and language standing before the throne and before the lamb. before the throne and before the lamb. before the throne and before the lamb. They were wearing white robes and they They were wearing white robes and they They were wearing white robes and they were holding palm branches in their were holding palm branches in their were holding palm branches in their hands." So, you got the 144,000 hands." So, you got the 144,000 hands." So, you got the 144,000 and then you got this great multitude. and then you got this great multitude. and then you got this great multitude. It's the same group. It's the same group. It's the same group. It's not two different groups. It's not two different groups. It's not two different groups. From God's perspective, he's so precise From God's perspective, he's so precise From God's perspective, he's so precise because he hasn't missed a single one. because he hasn't missed a single one. because he hasn't missed a single one. From our perspective, it's such a large From our perspective, it's such a large From our perspective, it's such a large group that nobody can count. But, group that nobody can count. But, group that nobody can count. But, there's people from every tongue and there's people from every tongue and there's people from every tongue and every tribe and every language. It's a every tribe and every language. It's a every tribe and every language. It's a full representation of God's people.

full representation of God's people. full representation of God's people. Who can withstand the wrath of the lamb? Who can withstand the wrath of the lamb? Who can withstand the wrath of the lamb? Those whose lives were sealed and marked Those whose lives were sealed and marked Those whose lives were sealed and marked by the lamb. Now, did you notice the by the lamb. Now, did you notice the by the lamb. Now, did you notice the detail? It says there was a seal on detail? It says there was a seal on detail? It says there was a seal on their forehead. Here's why that matters. their forehead. Here's why that matters. their forehead. Here's why that matters. In a few chapters, in a couple weeks In a few chapters, in a couple weeks In a few chapters, in a couple weeks now, we're going to talk about the mark now, we're going to talk about the mark now, we're going to talk about the mark of the beast. Don't miss that week. of the beast. Don't miss that week. of the beast. Don't miss that week. We're going to talk about the mark of We're going to talk about the mark of We're going to talk about the mark of the beast. the beast. the beast. Everybody or a lot of people take that Everybody or a lot of people take that Everybody or a lot of people take that to be a physical mark. Why do we do to be a physical mark. Why do we do to be a physical mark. Why do we do that? that? that? When the mark in chapter seven is When the mark in chapter seven is When the mark in chapter seven is definitely a spiritual mark. definitely a spiritual mark. definitely a spiritual mark. It's the mark of the Holy Spirit on the It's the mark of the Holy Spirit on the It's the mark of the Holy Spirit on the life of a believer. Let me let me read life of a believer. Let me let me read life of a believer. Let me let me read it for you from the the the book of of it for you from the the the book of of it for you from the the the book of of of Ephesians. of Ephesians. of Ephesians. It says that when you believed, you were It says that when you believed, you were It says that when you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised marked in him with a seal, the promised marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit who is a deposit Holy Spirit who is a deposit Holy Spirit who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance into the guaranteeing our inheritance into the guaranteeing our inheritance into the redemption of those who are God's redemption of those who are God's redemption of those who are God's possession. possession. possession. When you surrender your life to follow When you surrender your life to follow When you surrender your life to follow Jesus, when you give your life to follow Jesus, when you give your life to follow Jesus, when you give your life to follow him, one of the promises in scripture is him, one of the promises in scripture is him, one of the promises in scripture is that your life gets sealed by the Holy that your life gets sealed by the Holy that your life gets sealed by the Holy Spirit of God. It's like God put his Spirit of God. It's like God put his Spirit of God. It's like God put his hand on your shoulder and says, "This hand on your shoulder and says, "This hand on your shoulder and says, "This one's mine."

one's mine." one's mine." And I'm never letting this one go. And I'm never letting this one go. And I'm never letting this one go. This one belongs to me. A seal in the This one belongs to me. A seal in the This one belongs to me. A seal in the ancient world, again, said ownership. It ancient world, again, said ownership. It ancient world, again, said ownership. It was possession. You belong to God. It's your identity. It's your identity. It It changes everything. I would say it It It changes everything. I would say it It It changes everything. I would say it gives you three new things. I would say gives you three new things. I would say gives you three new things. I would say this, it gives you a new direction. this, it gives you a new direction. this, it gives you a new direction. When your life gets marked by the Holy When your life gets marked by the Holy When your life gets marked by the Holy Spirit of God, God gives you a new Spirit of God, God gives you a new Spirit of God, God gives you a new direction, a new purpose. He gives you direction, a new purpose. He gives you direction, a new purpose. He gives you this this new life that's ahead. this this new life that's ahead. this this new life that's ahead. It also gives you what I would say a new It also gives you what I would say a new It also gives you what I would say a new power. power. power. The beautiful thing about the Holy The beautiful thing about the Holy The beautiful thing about the Holy Spirit being on the life of believers Spirit being on the life of believers Spirit being on the life of believers that you're you're empowered. You don't that you're you're empowered. You don't that you're you're empowered. You don't have to live for the things of this have to live for the things of this have to live for the things of this world. You have a power greater than world. You have a power greater than world. You have a power greater than this world to live for God. this world to live for God. this world to live for God. It also gives us a new beginning. It also gives us a new beginning. It also gives us a new beginning. If for some of us, our past is a little If for some of us, our past is a little If for some of us, our past is a little checkered. checkered. checkered. The moment that you give your life to The moment that you give your life to The moment that you give your life to follow Jesus, you get the Holy Spirit of follow Jesus, you get the Holy Spirit of follow Jesus, you get the Holy Spirit of God. It is your new identity. You're a God. It is your new identity. You're a God. It is your new identity. You're a child of God, you belong to him.

child of God, you belong to him. child of God, you belong to him. A new direction, a new power, a new A new direction, a new power, a new A new direction, a new power, a new beginning. beginning. beginning. It changes everything. It changes everything. It changes everything. And so when chapter 6 ends with this And so when chapter 6 ends with this And so when chapter 6 ends with this challenging question challenging question challenging question of God's judgment's coming, who can of God's judgment's coming, who can of God's judgment's coming, who can stand it? stand it? stand it? Chapter 7 reminds you who can stand it. Chapter 7 reminds you who can stand it. Chapter 7 reminds you who can stand it. One whose life is marked by the Holy One whose life is marked by the Holy One whose life is marked by the Holy Spirit of God, not because of what you Spirit of God, not because of what you Spirit of God, not because of what you did, did, did, but because of what he did but because of what he did but because of what he did for you. for you. for you. And it changes everything. My friends, My friends, as I read through the book of as I read through the book of as I read through the book of Revelation, I can't help but think about Revelation, I can't help but think about Revelation, I can't help but think about what it looks like to continue to bend what it looks like to continue to bend what it looks like to continue to bend your knee, surrender to your life to the your knee, surrender to your life to the your knee, surrender to your life to the only one that's worthy. only one that's worthy. only one that's worthy. It doesn't necessarily spare you from It doesn't necessarily spare you from It doesn't necessarily spare you from the tribulation, the tribulation, the tribulation, but it does ensure but it does ensure but it does ensure the tribulation the tribulation the tribulation does not have the final say.

>> And let me bring this around >> And let me bring this around to to Day. to to Day. to to Day. Not your typical Father's Day message, I Not your typical Father's Day message, I Not your typical Father's Day message, I know. know. know. But here's why this matters. But here's why this matters. But here's why this matters. Dads, Dads, Dads, do not underestimate the impact the impact when you surrender your life to Jesus, when you surrender your life to Jesus, when you surrender your life to Jesus, have your life marked by the Holy Spirit have your life marked by the Holy Spirit have your life marked by the Holy Spirit of God. of God. of God. It not only changes your life, It not only changes your life, It not only changes your life, that impacts everybody's life around that impacts everybody's life around that impacts everybody's life around you. you. you. I would argue that one of the greatest I would argue that one of the greatest I would argue that one of the greatest gifts that a father can leave for his gifts that a father can leave for his gifts that a father can leave for his children children children is a life marked by the Holy Spirit of is a life marked by the Holy Spirit of is a life marked by the Holy Spirit of God. God. God. It'll change you. It'll change you. It'll change you. It'll change your family. It'll change your family. It'll change your family. It'll change you for generations. Uh that's Jimmy's story. Uh that's Jimmy's story. Uh Jimmy Uh Jimmy Uh Jimmy grew up in a family that had what I grew up in a family that had what I grew up in a family that had what I would describe as a great tribulation. would describe as a great tribulation. would describe as a great tribulation. But he surrendered his life to follow But he surrendered his life to follow But he surrendered his life to follow Jesus, had his life marked by the Holy Jesus, had his life marked by the Holy Jesus, had his life marked by the Holy Spirit, and it changed everything.

Spirit, and it changed everything. Spirit, and it changed everything. Here's Jimmy's story. >> I'd been in basic training about 6 weeks >> I'd been in basic training about 6 weeks when I was called into the commander's when I was called into the commander's when I was called into the commander's office, office, office, and he said, uh uh we hate to report to and he said, uh uh we hate to report to and he said, uh uh we hate to report to you, but your dad passed away. So, I I grew up So, I I grew up knowing the church, knowing God, and my knowing the church, knowing God, and my knowing the church, knowing God, and my mom and dad were both very active in our mom and dad were both very active in our mom and dad were both very active in our local church. It was It was a good local church. It was It was a good local church. It was It was a good family situation, but a lot lot of hard family situation, but a lot lot of hard family situation, but a lot lot of hard work. work. work. That was nearing the end of the Vietnam That was nearing the end of the Vietnam That was nearing the end of the Vietnam War, War, War, and and and I received a draft notice. I had to I received a draft notice. I had to I received a draft notice. I had to report to be inducted into the army. I'd report to be inducted into the army. I'd report to be inducted into the army. I'd been in basic training about 6 weeks been in basic training about 6 weeks been in basic training about 6 weeks when I was called into the commander's when I was called into the commander's when I was called into the commander's office, office, office, and he said, uh and he said, uh and he said, uh we hate to report to you, but your dad we hate to report to you, but your dad we hate to report to you, but your dad passed away. Uh that was a shock, you know, I Uh that was a shock, you know, I didn't really know how to react to that didn't really know how to react to that didn't really know how to react to that particularly. particularly. particularly. My dad's passing was as a result of My dad's passing was as a result of My dad's passing was as a result of suicide.

suicide. suicide. That was certainly not [music] expected. That was certainly not [music] expected. That was certainly not [music] expected. Well, the emotions that I experienced in Well, the emotions that I experienced in Well, the emotions that I experienced in that time were really [music] not that time were really [music] not that time were really [music] not understanding why he made that choice, understanding why he made that choice, understanding why he made that choice, why he decided that why he decided that why he decided that his family would be better off by his family would be better off by his family would be better off by choosing suicide choosing suicide choosing suicide instead of choosing to live with us. So, instead of choosing to live with us. So, instead of choosing to live with us. So, you know, we had to wrestle wrestle with you know, we had to wrestle wrestle with you know, we had to wrestle wrestle with that, how you know, how he came to that that, how you know, how he came to that that, how you know, how he came to that decision. decision. decision. As we started our marriage, about 3 As we started our marriage, about 3 As we started our marriage, about 3 years in after our first daughter was years in after our first daughter was years in after our first daughter was born, we had an incident happen where my born, we had an incident happen where my born, we had an incident happen where my granddad, granddad, granddad, he was about 80, he chose suicide. he chose suicide. You know, we look back at the tragedy You know, we look back at the tragedy You know, we look back at the tragedy that occurred in our lives. that occurred in our lives. that occurred in our lives. So, that on top of what what [music] I'd So, that on top of what what [music] I'd So, that on top of what what [music] I'd seen with my dad, seen with my dad, seen with my dad, we wanted things to be we wanted things to be we wanted things to be safer in our family. We knew we could safer in our family. We knew we could safer in our family. We knew we could not trust on our own to be able to get not trust on our own to be able to get not trust on our own to be able to get things done for our family, but we had things done for our family, but we had things done for our family, but we had to have God.

Through what I did as a father and what Through what I did as a father and what I showed to my kids that they understood I showed to my kids that they understood I showed to my kids that they understood that, no matter what happens, don't that, no matter what happens, don't that, no matter what happens, don't choose things like suicide, choose choose things like suicide, choose choose things like suicide, choose things like depending depending upon things like depending depending upon things like depending depending upon God, trust him, know know that he will God, trust him, know know that he will God, trust him, know know that he will direct your life. direct your life. direct your life. He has a plan for you that he will guide He has a plan for you that he will guide He has a plan for you that he will guide your steps, [music] that he will take your steps, [music] that he will take your steps, [music] that he will take care of you. So, I wanted to be able to care of you. So, I wanted to be able to care of you. So, I wanted to be able to model that in my family, let let them model that in my family, let let them model that in my family, let let them know that know that know that >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> God is there for you. He can get you >> God is there for you. He can get you >> God is there for you. He can get you through the tough times. through the tough times. through the tough times. He has a plan [music] for your life. He has a plan [music] for your life. He has a plan [music] for your life. I'm very proud of my two kids. You know, I'm very proud of my two kids. You know, I'm very proud of my two kids. You know, they they individually had to make the they they individually had to make the they they individually had to make the decisions, but decisions, but decisions, but both of my both of my kids have chosen both of my both of my kids have chosen both of my both of my kids have chosen to follow God and serve in ministry. to follow God and serve in ministry. to follow God and serve in ministry. [music] That makes me very proud as a [music] That makes me very proud as a [music] That makes me very proud as a father, and I know my wife is very proud father, and I know my wife is very proud father, and I know my wife is very proud as a mother, as a mother, as a mother, that they have chosen that path. that they have chosen that path. that they have chosen that path. And I know it wasn't it wasn't me that And I know it wasn't it wasn't me that And I know it wasn't it wasn't me that did it. did it. did it. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> It was God through me that made it >> It was God through me that made it >> It was God through me that made it happen. happen. happen. As I look back on my on my life, I As I look back on my on my life, I As I look back on my on my life, I my encouragement is to to dads today, my encouragement is to to dads today, my encouragement is to to dads today, put your faith in Jesus Christ. [music] put your faith in Jesus Christ. [music] put your faith in Jesus Christ. [music] Understand that Understand that Understand that through him that opens up the pathway to through him that opens up the pathway to through him that opens up the pathway to God, to let him bless you and direct you God, to let him bless you and direct you God, to let him bless you and direct you and guide you.

and guide you. and guide you. Don't [music] try to do it yourself. Don't [music] try to do it yourself. Don't [music] try to do it yourself. Do it with God's help. Do it with God's Do it with God's help. Do it with God's Do it with God's help. Do it with God's guidance. guidance. guidance. Trust him, and he will bless you Trust him, and he will bless you Trust him, and he will bless you in anything and everything that you do. >> I mean, it's such a powerful story >> I mean, it's such a powerful story of somebody who walked through what they of somebody who walked through what they of somebody who walked through what they may describe as a as a great may describe as a as a great may describe as a as a great tribulation. tribulation. tribulation. But, they gave their life to follow But, they gave their life to follow But, they gave their life to follow Jesus. Jesus. Jesus. They created a very different trajectory They created a very different trajectory They created a very different trajectory for their family that would echo for for their family that would echo for for their family that would echo for generations. How do I know? How do I know? Cuz that's my dad. And I listened to both my parents share And I listened to both my parents share stories stories stories of coming through really difficult of coming through really difficult of coming through really difficult seasons.

seasons. seasons. And yet, they came together with a And yet, they came together with a And yet, they came together with a commitment to Jesus. commitment to Jesus. commitment to Jesus. It created a dynamic that my sister and It created a dynamic that my sister and It created a dynamic that my sister and I and my kids will never know I and my kids will never know I and my kids will never know the generational trauma the generational trauma the generational trauma that existed before they that existed before they that existed before they committed their life to follow Jesus. committed their life to follow Jesus. committed their life to follow Jesus. Never underestimate Never underestimate Never underestimate what that commitment looks like. what that commitment looks like. what that commitment looks like. Fathers, the greatest gift that you will Fathers, the greatest gift that you will Fathers, the greatest gift that you will ever give your kids ever give your kids ever give your kids is a life that's marked is a life that's marked is a life that's marked by the Holy Spirit of God. I love to close by I love to close by I love to close by I love to close by praying for our dads. Can I do that? praying for our dads. Can I do that? praying for our dads. Can I do that? If you're a dad in the room, I just If you're a dad in the room, I just If you're a dad in the room, I just would like to invite you to stand up. would like to invite you to stand up. would like to invite you to stand up. And can we just reach a hand out near a And can we just reach a hand out near a And can we just reach a hand out near a dad that's in the room and just as a dad that's in the room and just as a dad that's in the room and just as a collective church pray for our dads. collective church pray for our dads. collective church pray for our dads. Uh Father, I thank you Uh Father, I thank you Uh Father, I thank you that the greatest thing that we can ever that the greatest thing that we can ever that the greatest thing that we can ever leave behind is not what we build, it's leave behind is not what we build, it's leave behind is not what we build, it's not what we achieve, not what we achieve, not what we achieve, or what we accumulate, but God, it's a or what we accumulate, but God, it's a or what we accumulate, but God, it's a life that's surrendered to you.

life that's surrendered to you. life that's surrendered to you. God, today we pray for every father. God, today we pray for every father. God, today we pray for every father. In the storms of life, anchor them in In the storms of life, anchor them in In the storms of life, anchor them in your presence. God, when they feel your presence. God, when they feel your presence. God, when they feel overwhelmed, remind them that you are overwhelmed, remind them that you are overwhelmed, remind them that you are still on the throne. still on the throne. still on the throne. God, fill them with your Holy Spirit so God, fill them with your Holy Spirit so God, fill them with your Holy Spirit so that their children and their that their children and their that their children and their grandchildren see a faith that's real grandchildren see a faith that's real grandchildren see a faith that's real and resistant and resistant and resistant and rooted in Jesus. and rooted in Jesus. and rooted in Jesus. God, may their legacy God, may their legacy God, may their legacy not simply be what they leave for their not simply be what they leave for their not simply be what they leave for their family, family, family, but who their family becomes because but who their family becomes because but who their family becomes because they walked faithfully with you. they walked faithfully with you. they walked faithfully with you. God, I pray that in Jesus' name. God, I pray that in Jesus' name. God, I pray that in Jesus' name. Amen.