Episode 3: The Enemy & Resistance

Hey, welcome to Revelation. It's not Hey, welcome to Revelation. It's not what you think. I'm Liz. what you think. I'm Liz. what you think. I'm Liz. >> And I'm Mario. And hey, Revelation is a >> And I'm Mario. And hey, Revelation is a >> And I'm Mario. And hey, Revelation is a deep book. We've learned that there's deep book. We've learned that there's deep book. We've learned that there's just a lot to it. But, you know, one just a lot to it. But, you know, one just a lot to it. But, you know, one thing we've discovered over the last few thing we've discovered over the last few thing we've discovered over the last few weeks is what if this book really is not weeks is what if this book really is not weeks is what if this book really is not about fear, but really about hope. about fear, but really about hope. about fear, but really about hope. >> And so, today we're joined with pastors >> And so, today we're joined with pastors >> And so, today we're joined with pastors Dwayne and Sean, our content developer Dwayne and Sean, our content developer Dwayne and Sean, our content developer Lindsay, and we're going to be talking Lindsay, and we're going to be talking Lindsay, and we're going to be talking about things like the beast and Babylon. about things like the beast and Babylon. about things like the beast and Babylon. And uh we're calling this episode the And uh we're calling this episode the And uh we're calling this episode the enemy and resistance. So, let's just enemy and resistance. So, let's just enemy and resistance. So, let's just dive in. We got a lot to talk about. dive in. We got a lot to talk about. dive in. We got a lot to talk about. >> So much. So, let's let's jump into >> So much. So, let's let's jump into >> So much. So, let's let's jump into Revelation 13. You know, in Revelation Revelation 13. You know, in Revelation Revelation 13. You know, in Revelation 12, we we learn about the woman and the 12, we we learn about the woman and the 12, we we learn about the woman and the dragon. And we read this. I want to read dragon. And we read this. I want to read dragon. And we read this. I want to read this to you. It says, "And I saw a beast this to you. It says, "And I saw a beast this to you. It says, "And I saw a beast rising out of the sea with 10 horns and rising out of the sea with 10 horns and rising out of the sea with 10 horns and seven heads with 10 diadems on its horns seven heads with 10 diadems on its horns seven heads with 10 diadems on its horns and blasphemous names on its head. And and blasphemous names on its head. And and blasphemous names on its head. And the beast that I saw was like a leopard. the beast that I saw was like a leopard. the beast that I saw was like a leopard. Its feet were like a bear's Its feet were like a bear's Its feet were like a bear's >> and its mouth was a lion's mouth and to >> and its mouth was a lion's mouth and to >> and its mouth was a lion's mouth and to the dragon gave and it's until it the the dragon gave and it's until it the the dragon gave and it's until it the dragon gave his power in his throne and dragon gave his power in his throne and dragon gave his power in his throne and great authority man. And a few a few great authority man. And a few a few great authority man. And a few a few verses later it says and authority was verses later it says and authority was verses later it says and authority was given it over every tribe and people and given it over every tribe and people and given it over every tribe and people and language and nation and all who dwell on language and nation and all who dwell on language and nation and all who dwell on earth will worship it. Everyone whose earth will worship it. Everyone whose earth will worship it. Everyone whose name has not been written before the name has not been written before the name has not been written before the foundation of the world in the book of foundation of the world in the book of foundation of the world in the book of life of the lamb who was slain. What is life of the lamb who was slain. What is life of the lamb who was slain. What is going on here? Dwayne Sean, come on.

going on here? Dwayne Sean, come on. going on here? Dwayne Sean, come on. Lindsay, Lindsay, Lindsay, [laughter] [laughter] [laughter] >> look at that. >> look at that. >> look at that. >> Yeah. So, there's a lot there's a lot of >> Yeah. So, there's a lot there's a lot of >> Yeah. So, there's a lot there's a lot of symbolism here as you can see. Uh and I symbolism here as you can see. Uh and I symbolism here as you can see. Uh and I think it's important to read scripture think it's important to read scripture think it's important to read scripture in light of other scripture. in light of other scripture. in light of other scripture. >> And so, there's a lot of scripture that >> And so, there's a lot of scripture that >> And so, there's a lot of scripture that speaks to the idea of the beast. U we speaks to the idea of the beast. U we speaks to the idea of the beast. U we find it captured in Revelation, of find it captured in Revelation, of find it captured in Revelation, of course. Um we even find it captured uh course. Um we even find it captured uh course. Um we even find it captured uh earlier in uh Daniel. And so you see a earlier in uh Daniel. And so you see a earlier in uh Daniel. And so you see a lot of these these books that talk to lot of these these books that talk to lot of these these books that talk to the idea of a beast. Um this it's the idea of a beast. Um this it's the idea of a beast. Um this it's important to note that this is important to note that this is important to note that this is symbolism, right? And that the symbols symbolism, right? And that the symbols symbolism, right? And that the symbols point to a picture of what the beast is point to a picture of what the beast is point to a picture of what the beast is and what it means. I think best and what it means. I think best and what it means. I think best understood the beast speaks to this like understood the beast speaks to this like understood the beast speaks to this like powerful human kingdom that seeks to powerful human kingdom that seeks to powerful human kingdom that seeks to blaspheme God blaspheme God blaspheme God >> ultimately and persecute God's people. I >> ultimately and persecute God's people. I >> ultimately and persecute God's people. I think that I think that's what I mean think that I think that's what I mean think that I think that's what I mean when we picture this beast uh we often when we picture this beast uh we often when we picture this beast uh we often really picture this terrifying really picture this terrifying really picture this terrifying persecution. You were you were talking persecution. You were you were talking persecution. You were you were talking about that. So about that. So about that. So >> yeah, I think persecution is an >> yeah, I think persecution is an >> yeah, I think persecution is an interesting thing especially in the interesting thing especially in the interesting thing especially in the context of the western church, right? Um context of the western church, right? Um context of the western church, right? Um what we see is maybe not as much what we see is maybe not as much what we see is maybe not as much physical persecution or maybe not as physical persecution or maybe not as physical persecution or maybe not as much direct persecution, but what we do much direct persecution, but what we do much direct persecution, but what we do see is a lot of opportunity for a see is a lot of opportunity for a see is a lot of opportunity for a counterfeit practice of faith.

counterfeit practice of faith. counterfeit practice of faith. >> Yeah. And so often times what the beast >> Yeah. And so often times what the beast >> Yeah. And so often times what the beast seeks is to draw us away from our first seeks is to draw us away from our first seeks is to draw us away from our first love, which should be God love, which should be God love, which should be God >> and have us pursue something that >> and have us pursue something that >> and have us pursue something that doesn't actually represent God. doesn't actually represent God. doesn't actually represent God. >> Um something that actually blasphemes >> Um something that actually blasphemes >> Um something that actually blasphemes God. Something that looks like it's real God. Something that looks like it's real God. Something that looks like it's real on the surface on the surface on the surface >> but actually isn't real in practice. >> but actually isn't real in practice. >> but actually isn't real in practice. >> So it's kind of like a it's a it's a >> So it's kind of like a it's a it's a >> So it's kind of like a it's a it's a choir pers quieter persecution in some choir pers quieter persecution in some choir pers quieter persecution in some ways. ways. ways. >> Yeah. So what what does that look like? >> Yeah. So what what does that look like? >> Yeah. So what what does that look like? Um this this quiet persecution. Um this this quiet persecution. Um this this quiet persecution. >> Yeah. It can look like practically it >> Yeah. It can look like practically it >> Yeah. It can look like practically it can look like a lot of different things. can look like a lot of different things. can look like a lot of different things. Um it can look like the loss of freedom Um it can look like the loss of freedom Um it can look like the loss of freedom or ability to worship. or ability to worship. or ability to worship. >> Um it can look like something that >> Um it can look like something that >> Um it can look like something that represents maybe it's just a choice or represents maybe it's just a choice or represents maybe it's just a choice or an opportunity but it quickly draws you an opportunity but it quickly draws you an opportunity but it quickly draws you in and all of a sudden you find yourself in and all of a sudden you find yourself in and all of a sudden you find yourself encompassed in sin. encompassed in sin. encompassed in sin. >> Um and so often times that quiet >> Um and so often times that quiet >> Um and so often times that quiet persecution goes unnoticed by us persecution goes unnoticed by us persecution goes unnoticed by us >> but you're quickly losing your ability >> but you're quickly losing your ability >> but you're quickly losing your ability to be grounded in the principles of to be grounded in the principles of to be grounded in the principles of faith that we should be. M faith that we should be. M faith that we should be. M >> yeah. >> yeah. >> yeah. >> Sean, what do you think?

>> Sean, what do you think? >> Sean, what do you think? >> It's a crazy weird chapter. Can we just >> It's a crazy weird chapter. Can we just >> It's a crazy weird chapter. Can we just start there? start there? start there? >> Gosh, I mean really from chapter 12 >> Gosh, I mean really from chapter 12 >> Gosh, I mean really from chapter 12 through 18, there's just so many crazy through 18, there's just so many crazy through 18, there's just so many crazy weird things. And Dwayne's I think weird things. And Dwayne's I think weird things. And Dwayne's I think exactly right. We have to understand it exactly right. We have to understand it exactly right. We have to understand it is symbolic and it does point us back to is symbolic and it does point us back to is symbolic and it does point us back to some images particularly in in Daniel. some images particularly in in Daniel. some images particularly in in Daniel. But I think what what's happening in But I think what what's happening in But I think what what's happening in Revelation 12 and 13, you actually see Revelation 12 and 13, you actually see Revelation 12 and 13, you actually see it show up a few chapters later, is you it show up a few chapters later, is you it show up a few chapters later, is you see the Holy Trinity as far as the see the Holy Trinity as far as the see the Holy Trinity as far as the father, son, and the Holy Spirit earlier father, son, and the Holy Spirit earlier father, son, and the Holy Spirit earlier in the book of Revelation. What you're in the book of Revelation. What you're in the book of Revelation. What you're being introduced to in chapter 12 is the being introduced to in chapter 12 is the being introduced to in chapter 12 is the unholy trinity of the dragon, the beast, unholy trinity of the dragon, the beast, unholy trinity of the dragon, the beast, and then the harlot. and then the harlot. and then the harlot. >> And uh you use the word counterfeit, and >> And uh you use the word counterfeit, and >> And uh you use the word counterfeit, and I think that that's exactly the right I think that that's exactly the right I think that that's exactly the right word to describe it. So the unholy word to describe it. So the unholy word to describe it. So the unholy trinity is a counterfeit to who God trinity is a counterfeit to who God trinity is a counterfeit to who God really is. And it's fascinating how that really is. And it's fascinating how that really is. And it's fascinating how that works just practically in our world. And works just practically in our world. And works just practically in our world. And so the dragon, Revelation tells us that so the dragon, Revelation tells us that so the dragon, Revelation tells us that is Satan himself. Uh the beast, and you is Satan himself. Uh the beast, and you is Satan himself. Uh the beast, and you were getting at this, I think that were getting at this, I think that were getting at this, I think that you're totally right, Dwayne, that the you're totally right, Dwayne, that the you're totally right, Dwayne, that the beasts are representative of these beasts are representative of these beasts are representative of these political powers. political powers. political powers. >> Uh that sometimes will try to take on >> Uh that sometimes will try to take on >> Uh that sometimes will try to take on godlike qualities.

godlike qualities. godlike qualities. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> And people will give their allegiance to >> And people will give their allegiance to >> And people will give their allegiance to them instead of the one true God because them instead of the one true God because them instead of the one true God because it is a counterfeit. Now, what a lot of it is a counterfeit. Now, what a lot of it is a counterfeit. Now, what a lot of people try to go is, well, which people try to go is, well, which people try to go is, well, which government is it? Yeah, [laughter] they government is it? Yeah, [laughter] they government is it? Yeah, [laughter] they try to name the government and I would try to name the government and I would try to name the government and I would say take your pick. You know, throughout say take your pick. You know, throughout say take your pick. You know, throughout throughout history and so in the first throughout history and so in the first throughout history and so in the first century, it was clear that that was Rome century, it was clear that that was Rome century, it was clear that that was Rome and that was the Roman Empire. But and that was the Roman Empire. But and that was the Roman Empire. But >> how many political entities can we point >> how many political entities can we point >> how many political entities can we point to throughout the last 2,000 years that to throughout the last 2,000 years that to throughout the last 2,000 years that have been a very poor counterfeit of our have been a very poor counterfeit of our have been a very poor counterfeit of our one true God? We can probably name one true God? We can probably name one true God? We can probably name dozens of them today, right? And so, uh, dozens of them today, right? And so, uh, dozens of them today, right? And so, uh, I think that that's just, uh, again, I I think that that's just, uh, again, I I think that that's just, uh, again, I would probably see Revelation more as a would probably see Revelation more as a would probably see Revelation more as a as a template that kind of just helps us as a template that kind of just helps us as a template that kind of just helps us see how the enemy often often works. see how the enemy often often works. see how the enemy often often works. And, uh, what's interesting with the And, uh, what's interesting with the And, uh, what's interesting with the beast though is there's two beasts. beast though is there's two beasts. beast though is there's two beasts. There's a beast of the earth and there's There's a beast of the earth and there's There's a beast of the earth and there's a beast of the sea. And so, that beast a beast of the sea. And so, that beast a beast of the sea. And so, that beast of the sea has qualities like some sort of the sea has qualities like some sort of the sea has qualities like some sort of political entity. of political entity. of political entity. >> Uh, but the beast of the earth is this >> Uh, but the beast of the earth is this >> Uh, but the beast of the earth is this really close companion. The best really close companion. The best really close companion. The best interpretation I've heard is it's pagan interpretation I've heard is it's pagan interpretation I've heard is it's pagan government coupled with pagan religion.

government coupled with pagan religion. government coupled with pagan religion. Because often times it's the pagan Because often times it's the pagan Because often times it's the pagan religion that props that pagan religion that props that pagan religion that props that pagan government up. Because if you can get government up. Because if you can get government up. Because if you can get people to buy into it even as closely as people to buy into it even as closely as people to buy into it even as closely as some sort of religion and get people to some sort of religion and get people to some sort of religion and get people to really sell out to their allegiance to really sell out to their allegiance to really sell out to their allegiance to it, I mean, you give your life to the it, I mean, you give your life to the it, I mean, you give your life to the counterfeit of the really one true counterfeit of the really one true counterfeit of the really one true thing. And so again, which one is it? thing. And so again, which one is it? thing. And so again, which one is it? Again, take your pick. over the last Again, take your pick. over the last Again, take your pick. over the last 2,000 years, how many political entities 2,000 years, how many political entities 2,000 years, how many political entities partner with pagan religious ideologies partner with pagan religious ideologies partner with pagan religious ideologies have really drawn people away from the have really drawn people away from the have really drawn people away from the one true God? one true God? one true God? >> You you've talked about this so many >> You you've talked about this so many >> You you've talked about this so many times, but when we read this, we have to times, but when we read this, we have to times, but when we read this, we have to read it through the lens of this had to read it through the lens of this had to read it through the lens of this had to have been re relevant to the church back have been re relevant to the church back have been re relevant to the church back then. then. then. >> And and and when you say take your pick. >> And and and when you say take your pick. >> And and and when you say take your pick. Yeah. And at the time, the R Roman Yeah. And at the time, the R Roman Yeah. And at the time, the R Roman Empire, that's that's what they're Empire, that's that's what they're Empire, that's that's what they're >> Oh, totally. So, if I'm a first century >> Oh, totally. So, if I'm a first century >> Oh, totally. So, if I'm a first century Christian, I think you're really quickly Christian, I think you're really quickly Christian, I think you're really quickly going, "Oh, well, the beast of the sea, going, "Oh, well, the beast of the sea, going, "Oh, well, the beast of the sea, that is Rome. That's the Roman that is Rome. That's the Roman that is Rome. That's the Roman government. That's Emperor Deian, government. That's Emperor Deian, government. That's Emperor Deian, right?" right?" right?" >> Uh, and then the pagan religion that >> Uh, and then the pagan religion that >> Uh, and then the pagan religion that props it up is they demanded emperor props it up is they demanded emperor props it up is they demanded emperor worship. And so, if you lived in the the worship. And so, if you lived in the the worship. And so, if you lived in the the empire under Dishian's rule, you were empire under Dishian's rule, you were empire under Dishian's rule, you were commanded to bow your knee to the commanded to bow your knee to the commanded to bow your knee to the emperor. And like Caesar was Lord and emperor. And like Caesar was Lord and emperor. And like Caesar was Lord and God. Yep. And so it was not just a I'm a God. Yep. And so it was not just a I'm a God. Yep. And so it was not just a I'm a Roman citizen type scenario. Again, it Roman citizen type scenario. Again, it Roman citizen type scenario. Again, it coupled this pagan counterfeit uh coupled this pagan counterfeit uh coupled this pagan counterfeit uh government connected to this religious government connected to this religious government connected to this religious ideology that was a total counterfeit to ideology that was a total counterfeit to ideology that was a total counterfeit to the one true God. And so if you didn't the one true God. And so if you didn't the one true God. And so if you didn't align yourself to it back in the ancient align yourself to it back in the ancient align yourself to it back in the ancient world, you received the persecution that world, you received the persecution that world, you received the persecution that you were you were talking about earlier.

you were you were talking about earlier. you were you were talking about earlier. >> And so I think the first true Christian >> And so I think the first true Christian >> And so I think the first true Christian would have seen that really really would have seen that really really would have seen that really really clearly and really understood what what clearly and really understood what what clearly and really understood what what John was getting at. But again, it's not John was getting at. But again, it's not John was getting at. But again, it's not just that it has happened. just that it has happened. just that it has happened. >> Yeah, >> Yeah, >> Yeah, >> it happens. >> it happens. >> it happens. >> That's right. >> That's right. >> That's right. >> And it will happen. >> And it will happen. >> And it will happen. >> It's a it's it's kind of a template. >> It's a it's it's kind of a template. >> It's a it's it's kind of a template. It's a paradigm of how the enemy tends It's a paradigm of how the enemy tends It's a paradigm of how the enemy tends to worksh to worksh to worksh >> in chapter 13 verse 10. Um it says this >> in chapter 13 verse 10. Um it says this >> in chapter 13 verse 10. Um it says this calls for patient endurance and calls for patient endurance and calls for patient endurance and faithfulness on the part of God's faithfulness on the part of God's faithfulness on the part of God's people. Feel like it's easy to imagine people. Feel like it's easy to imagine people. Feel like it's easy to imagine it back in first century, right? We're it back in first century, right? We're it back in first century, right? We're not going to bow our knee to Rome, etc. not going to bow our knee to Rome, etc. not going to bow our knee to Rome, etc. Persecution was super uh high. Mhm. Persecution was super uh high. Mhm. Persecution was super uh high. Mhm. >> Now, it may be a little more subtle. >> Now, it may be a little more subtle. >> Now, it may be a little more subtle. Let's just unpack that passage a little Let's just unpack that passage a little Let's just unpack that passage a little bit. And what does faithful endurance uh bit. And what does faithful endurance uh bit. And what does faithful endurance uh on God's people look like? on God's people look like? on God's people look like? >> Well, I was going to say something that >> Well, I was going to say something that >> Well, I was going to say something that I think we have to remember when we read I think we have to remember when we read I think we have to remember when we read Revelation, like we've been saying, Revelation, like we've been saying, Revelation, like we've been saying, right, is that this was written to right, is that this was written to right, is that this was written to actual churches. actual churches. actual churches. >> So, when you go back to chapters 2 and >> So, when you go back to chapters 2 and >> So, when you go back to chapters 2 and three, you're going to see the very three, you're going to see the very three, you're going to see the very trappings, if you will, that they're trappings, if you will, that they're trappings, if you will, that they're falling into, right? So some of them um falling into, right? So some of them um falling into, right? So some of them um the two churches actually that don't get the two churches actually that don't get the two churches actually that don't get a rebuke were being persecuted and he's a rebuke were being persecuted and he's a rebuke were being persecuted and he's encouraging them to remain faithful. But encouraging them to remain faithful. But encouraging them to remain faithful. But the other churches were actually the other churches were actually the other churches were actually compromising. So they were giving into compromising. So they were giving into compromising. So they were giving into this system if you will um whether it this system if you will um whether it this system if you will um whether it was the actual participating in emperor was the actual participating in emperor was the actual participating in emperor worship or um economically participating worship or um economically participating worship or um economically participating in the emperor worship. They were not in the emperor worship. They were not in the emperor worship. They were not drawing the lines. They were living

drawing the lines. They were living drawing the lines. They were living lives that you couldn't tell if they lives that you couldn't tell if they lives that you couldn't tell if they were following Jesus or not. And I think were following Jesus or not. And I think were following Jesus or not. And I think that speaks to us today cuz uh in our that speaks to us today cuz uh in our that speaks to us today cuz uh in our current cultural context, right, the current cultural context, right, the current cultural context, right, the persecution from a violence perspective persecution from a violence perspective persecution from a violence perspective where we sit in American suburbia is not where we sit in American suburbia is not where we sit in American suburbia is not the same as um what the church was the same as um what the church was the same as um what the church was experiencing. But that compromise is experiencing. But that compromise is experiencing. But that compromise is still real. And [clears throat] still real. And [clears throat] still real. And [clears throat] so I think when we these this verse so I think when we these this verse so I think when we these this verse actually and it shows up again also in actually and it shows up again also in actually and it shows up again also in chapter 14 has been sort of the one that chapter 14 has been sort of the one that chapter 14 has been sort of the one that has stood out to me the most in this has stood out to me the most in this has stood out to me the most in this whole process that we've gone through whole process that we've gone through whole process that we've gone through with Revelation because I think that it with Revelation because I think that it with Revelation because I think that it really does speak to the believer who really does speak to the believer who really does speak to the believer who does feel some kind of persecution. But does feel some kind of persecution. But does feel some kind of persecution. But it also speaks to those of us that live it also speaks to those of us that live it also speaks to those of us that live more comfortable lives because even if more comfortable lives because even if more comfortable lives because even if we live more comfortable we still we live more comfortable we still we live more comfortable we still experience suffering. experience suffering. experience suffering. >> Yeah. Oh yeah. >> Yeah. Oh yeah. >> Yeah. Oh yeah. >> You know, you can't we can't escape >> You know, you can't we can't escape >> You know, you can't we can't escape death. We can't ex escape um illnesses death. We can't ex escape um illnesses death. We can't ex escape um illnesses and relationships breaking and whatever and relationships breaking and whatever and relationships breaking and whatever else it might be that the enemy will use else it might be that the enemy will use else it might be that the enemy will use to take us away from Jesus if they can, to take us away from Jesus if they can, to take us away from Jesus if they can, right? And so um for it to say this right? And so um for it to say this right? And so um for it to say this calls for uh patient endurance and calls for uh patient endurance and calls for uh patient endurance and faithfulness, that rings true for us faithfulness, that rings true for us faithfulness, that rings true for us today as well. Um and I think it's today as well. Um and I think it's today as well. Um and I think it's actually the way of resistance of the actually the way of resistance of the actually the way of resistance of the kingdom.

kingdom. kingdom. >> Yeah. [clears throat] >> Yeah. [clears throat] >> Yeah. [clears throat] So where the empire will resort to So where the empire will resort to So where the empire will resort to violence, violence, violence, >> um the way of Jesus is the exact >> um the way of Jesus is the exact >> um the way of Jesus is the exact opposite. And so it's encouraging, I opposite. And so it's encouraging, I opposite. And so it's encouraging, I think, then for the faithful to be bear think, then for the faithful to be bear think, then for the faithful to be bear witness in a way that stands in complete witness in a way that stands in complete witness in a way that stands in complete opposition to the culture in which they opposition to the culture in which they opposition to the culture in which they live. And it does the same, I think, for live. And it does the same, I think, for live. And it does the same, I think, for us today. us today. us today. >> Yeah, that's well said. >> Yeah, that's well said. >> Yeah, that's well said. >> Yeah. And I think sometimes when we see >> Yeah. And I think sometimes when we see >> Yeah. And I think sometimes when we see evil um appear, it doesn't always show evil um appear, it doesn't always show evil um appear, it doesn't always show up looking like evil. like it doesn't up looking like evil. like it doesn't up looking like evil. like it doesn't arrive with a sash on that says I'm arrive with a sash on that says I'm arrive with a sash on that says I'm evil. I'm here to evil. I'm here to evil. I'm here to >> like a slight >> like a slight >> like a slight that doesn't happen. It shows up it that doesn't happen. It shows up it that doesn't happen. It shows up it shows up often in the form of friendship shows up often in the form of friendship shows up often in the form of friendship or in the form of some sort of or in the form of some sort of or in the form of some sort of relationship and then you begin to see relationship and then you begin to see relationship and then you begin to see the layer pill back over time the layer pill back over time the layer pill back over time >> and all of a sudden you find yourself in >> and all of a sudden you find yourself in >> and all of a sudden you find yourself in the midst of something that has been the midst of something that has been the midst of something that has been meant all along to draw you away from meant all along to draw you away from meant all along to draw you away from God. God. God. >> Yeah. Um, and so when you see conquering >> Yeah. Um, and so when you see conquering >> Yeah. Um, and so when you see conquering culture, um, often times what you see is culture, um, often times what you see is culture, um, often times what you see is this not moment of uh, demonstrative this not moment of uh, demonstrative this not moment of uh, demonstrative behavior, what you see is a slow draw behavior, what you see is a slow draw behavior, what you see is a slow draw away from things that we hold in high away from things that we hold in high away from things that we hold in high regard, regard, regard, >> like God's love, God's care, God's heart >> like God's love, God's care, God's heart >> like God's love, God's care, God's heart for us.

for us. for us. >> Um, and I think when we talk about >> Um, and I think when we talk about >> Um, and I think when we talk about enduring patiently through that, um, enduring patiently through that, um, enduring patiently through that, um, what we're talking about is the what we're talking about is the what we're talking about is the recognition that the Christian life recognition that the Christian life recognition that the Christian life >> was never shared from Jesus's >> was never shared from Jesus's >> was never shared from Jesus's perspective as something that was going perspective as something that was going perspective as something that was going to be easy. Yeah. Right. Uh it was to be easy. Yeah. Right. Uh it was to be easy. Yeah. Right. Uh it was always full of persecution. U it was always full of persecution. U it was always full of persecution. U it was always full of trials. It was always always full of trials. It was always always full of trials. It was always full of tribulation. We knew that these full of tribulation. We knew that these full of tribulation. We knew that these things were going to be a part of the things were going to be a part of the things were going to be a part of the Christian life from the word of God. And Christian life from the word of God. And Christian life from the word of God. And so when we see death on this side of so when we see death on this side of so when we see death on this side of eternity, when we see things that are eternity, when we see things that are eternity, when we see things that are struggles on this side of eternity, our struggles on this side of eternity, our struggles on this side of eternity, our endurance is meant to be a part of the endurance is meant to be a part of the endurance is meant to be a part of the Christian journey. Uh not to be devoid Christian journey. Uh not to be devoid Christian journey. Uh not to be devoid of it. of it. of it. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Can can we break that down? We've talked >> Can can we break that down? We've talked >> Can can we break that down? We've talked about the three or four ways that it about the three or four ways that it about the three or four ways that it does show up as um this this does show up as um this this does show up as um this this distraction, if you will. distraction, if you will. distraction, if you will. >> I know we've broken that down. I don't >> I know we've broken that down. I don't >> I know we've broken that down. I don't know if it you would have talked about know if it you would have talked about know if it you would have talked about it by in your message already, but um it by in your message already, but um it by in your message already, but um you want to talk about those. you want to talk about those. you want to talk about those. >> Uh I think I know what you're getting at >> Uh I think I know what you're getting at >> Uh I think I know what you're getting at with this question, but uh uh if you go with this question, but uh uh if you go with this question, but uh uh if you go back to chapter 12 again, that's where back to chapter 12 again, that's where back to chapter 12 again, that's where you meet the dragon. You meet the beast you meet the dragon. You meet the beast you meet the dragon. You meet the beast in chapter 13. uh dragon is named by in chapter 13. uh dragon is named by in chapter 13. uh dragon is named by Revelation as that's that's the enemy Revelation as that's that's the enemy Revelation as that's that's the enemy himself.

himself. himself. >> And what's interesting about the enemy >> And what's interesting about the enemy >> And what's interesting about the enemy is he only has a few tactics and he just is he only has a few tactics and he just is he only has a few tactics and he just uses them over and over and over and uses them over and over and over and uses them over and over and over and over again. Yep. over again. Yep. over again. Yep. >> Uh he he can actually be somewhat >> Uh he he can actually be somewhat >> Uh he he can actually be somewhat predictable. And so I think that's part predictable. And so I think that's part predictable. And so I think that's part of what Revelation is showing us is yes, of what Revelation is showing us is yes, of what Revelation is showing us is yes, you have an enemy. Yes, he's out to you have an enemy. Yes, he's out to you have an enemy. Yes, he's out to destroy you, destroy you, destroy you, >> but be aware of his tactics and how he >> but be aware of his tactics and how he >> but be aware of his tactics and how he goes about it. So he really only has goes about it. So he really only has goes about it. So he really only has three bullets. three bullets. three bullets. >> Yep. Um, he can deceive you. >> Yep. Um, he can deceive you. >> Yep. Um, he can deceive you. >> Yep. >> Yep. >> Yep. >> He can accuse you and he can intimidate >> He can accuse you and he can intimidate >> He can accuse you and he can intimidate you. you. you. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> And that really that that's really his >> And that really that that's really his >> And that really that that's really his full repertoire, if you will. full repertoire, if you will. full repertoire, if you will. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> And so the beautiful thing about it is >> And so the beautiful thing about it is >> And so the beautiful thing about it is chapter 12 talks a little bit about chapter 12 talks a little bit about chapter 12 talks a little bit about Satan and his tactics, but it also talks Satan and his tactics, but it also talks Satan and his tactics, but it also talks about Jesus is the one that's triumphed about Jesus is the one that's triumphed about Jesus is the one that's triumphed over him. And then it actually says that over him. And then it actually says that over him. And then it actually says that you overcame him you overcame him you overcame him >> by the blood of the lamb and the word of >> by the blood of the lamb and the word of >> by the blood of the lamb and the word of your testimony. And so you get this your testimony. And so you get this your testimony. And so you get this indication is I got to be eyes wide open indication is I got to be eyes wide open indication is I got to be eyes wide open about the tactics of the enemy, but I'm about the tactics of the enemy, but I'm about the tactics of the enemy, but I'm not just a sitting duck. not just a sitting duck. not just a sitting duck. >> Um Christ has already >> Um Christ has already >> Um Christ has already provided victory and I can live in that provided victory and I can live in that provided victory and I can live in that victory today. So in other words, victory today. So in other words, victory today. So in other words, >> Satan will try to deceive me and you >> Satan will try to deceive me and you >> Satan will try to deceive me and you both. But God has given us this truth so both. But God has given us this truth so both. But God has given us this truth so that if we really know God's truth, we that if we really know God's truth, we that if we really know God's truth, we can recognize deception. And so it's the can recognize deception. And so it's the can recognize deception. And so it's the age-old illustration of uh if you're a age-old illustration of uh if you're a age-old illustration of uh if you're a bank teller and they're trying to help bank teller and they're trying to help bank teller and they're trying to help you know the difference between real you know the difference between real you know the difference between real money and counterfeit money. What do money and counterfeit money. What do money and counterfeit money. What do they do? They put real money in your they do? They put real money in your they do? They put real money in your hands over and over and over again

hands over and over and over again hands over and over and over again because if you know what a re the real because if you know what a re the real because if you know what a re the real thing feels like the moment you slip a thing feels like the moment you slip a thing feels like the moment you slip a counterfeit in, you can recognize it counterfeit in, you can recognize it counterfeit in, you can recognize it without even without even blinking. Same without even without even blinking. Same without even without even blinking. Same is true. And so the challenge is a lot is true. And so the challenge is a lot is true. And so the challenge is a lot of times we as believers we fall prey to of times we as believers we fall prey to of times we as believers we fall prey to the deception of the enemy the deception of the enemy the deception of the enemy >> because we don't know God's truth. >> because we don't know God's truth. >> because we don't know God's truth. >> And so I think it's actually a call to >> And so I think it's actually a call to >> And so I think it's actually a call to go like how do I really really know go like how do I really really know go like how do I really really know God's truth? Kind of like that bank God's truth? Kind of like that bank God's truth? Kind of like that bank teller. I spend enough time with the teller. I spend enough time with the teller. I spend enough time with the truth truth truth >> that when the lie comes in I can >> that when the lie comes in I can >> that when the lie comes in I can recognize it. Now again he's a deceiver. recognize it. Now again he's a deceiver. recognize it. Now again he's a deceiver. A lot of his lies they're not blatant A lot of his lies they're not blatant A lot of his lies they're not blatant lies. It goes back to your point. He's lies. It goes back to your point. He's lies. It goes back to your point. He's not wearing a sash that says evil. not wearing a sash that says evil. not wearing a sash that says evil. [laughter] [laughter] [laughter] It's it's baked in halftruths. It's It's it's baked in halftruths. It's It's it's baked in halftruths. It's things that sound good. things that sound good. things that sound good. >> Uh they even sound kind of right. >> Uh they even sound kind of right. >> Uh they even sound kind of right. >> But again, if you really know the truth >> But again, if you really know the truth >> But again, if you really know the truth of God and the heart of God and the of God and the heart of God and the of God and the heart of God and the character of God, you can recognize that character of God, you can recognize that character of God, you can recognize that there is some deceptive pieces in there. there is some deceptive pieces in there. there is some deceptive pieces in there. >> Uh you think about it, you know, another >> Uh you think about it, you know, another >> Uh you think about it, you know, another tool, uh he's he's got the tool of of tool, uh he's he's got the tool of of tool, uh he's he's got the tool of of accusation. And so, uh, I think for all accusation. And so, uh, I think for all accusation. And so, uh, I think for all of us, there are voices that play in our of us, there are voices that play in our of us, there are voices that play in our head head head >> that tell us that we're we're not >> that tell us that we're we're not >> that tell us that we're we're not enough, we're not good enough. Uh, they enough, we're not good enough. Uh, they enough, we're not good enough. Uh, they play the reels of our worst mistake, play the reels of our worst mistake, play the reels of our worst mistake, that disqualify us.

that disqualify us. that disqualify us. >> And that's not the voice of our God. >> And that's not the voice of our God. >> And that's not the voice of our God. That's the voice of our enemy trying to That's the voice of our enemy trying to That's the voice of our enemy trying to convince us that we are our worst convince us that we are our worst convince us that we are our worst mistake, mistake, mistake, >> that we are uh far inferior to the >> that we are uh far inferior to the >> that we are uh far inferior to the person that God has created us to be. person that God has created us to be. person that God has created us to be. And the the question for us becomes And the the question for us becomes And the the question for us becomes which real are we going to listen to? which real are we going to listen to? which real are we going to listen to? >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Are we going to listen to that real that >> Are we going to listen to that real that >> Are we going to listen to that real that accuses us day and night? accuses us day and night? accuses us day and night? >> Or again, are we going to know God's >> Or again, are we going to know God's >> Or again, are we going to know God's word and what God says about us and who word and what God says about us and who word and what God says about us and who God's called us to be and allow that to God's called us to be and allow that to God's called us to be and allow that to be the soundtrack that plays over and be the soundtrack that plays over and be the soundtrack that plays over and over and over in our life, right? over and over in our life, right? over and over in our life, right? >> And then the same with intimidation. Uh >> And then the same with intimidation. Uh >> And then the same with intimidation. Uh uh again, you know, Satan's this accuser uh again, you know, Satan's this accuser uh again, you know, Satan's this accuser and we talked about um even persecution and we talked about um even persecution and we talked about um even persecution as a form of that uh intimidation. Uh as a form of that uh intimidation. Uh as a form of that uh intimidation. Uh and so if if the first two tactics and so if if the first two tactics and so if if the first two tactics didn't work, he'll try to he'll try to didn't work, he'll try to he'll try to didn't work, he'll try to he'll try to bully you. bully you. bully you. >> And uh he's incredibly persistent with >> And uh he's incredibly persistent with >> And uh he's incredibly persistent with it. it. it. >> But I think the the beauty again, what >> But I think the the beauty again, what >> But I think the the beauty again, what Revelation describes is not just the Revelation describes is not just the Revelation describes is not just the tactic, the enemy, is the victory of tactic, the enemy, is the victory of tactic, the enemy, is the victory of Jesus. And I love that middle section. I Jesus. And I love that middle section. I Jesus. And I love that middle section. I mean, it just says in verse 11, they mean, it just says in verse 11, they mean, it just says in verse 11, they triumphed over him by the blood of the triumphed over him by the blood of the triumphed over him by the blood of the lamb, the word of their testimony.

lamb, the word of their testimony. lamb, the word of their testimony. >> Yeah. And so it's just this reminder >> Yeah. And so it's just this reminder >> Yeah. And so it's just this reminder that we do have victory in Jesus. We are that we do have victory in Jesus. We are that we do have victory in Jesus. We are not sitting ducks when it comes to the not sitting ducks when it comes to the not sitting ducks when it comes to the dragon nor the beast nor the harlot. And dragon nor the beast nor the harlot. And dragon nor the beast nor the harlot. And so the call of revelation is how do I so the call of revelation is how do I so the call of revelation is how do I really connect my life and anchor it to really connect my life and anchor it to really connect my life and anchor it to Jesus because there's so much in this Jesus because there's so much in this Jesus because there's so much in this world in this culture that's going to world in this culture that's going to world in this culture that's going to draw try to draw me away from it. But draw try to draw me away from it. But draw try to draw me away from it. But I've got to understand those tactics, I've got to understand those tactics, I've got to understand those tactics, connect my life to Jesus and hold strong connect my life to Jesus and hold strong connect my life to Jesus and hold strong to the end. to the end. to the end. >> One thing we talked about, this was back >> One thing we talked about, this was back >> One thing we talked about, this was back in May. I just found this email. Um, we in May. I just found this email. Um, we in May. I just found this email. Um, we we're talking about John 10:10. The we're talking about John 10:10. The we're talking about John 10:10. The enemy came to kill, steal, and destroy. enemy came to kill, steal, and destroy. enemy came to kill, steal, and destroy. If [clears throat] you guys remember, I If [clears throat] you guys remember, I If [clears throat] you guys remember, I I wrote this thing. The enemy lies until I wrote this thing. The enemy lies until I wrote this thing. The enemy lies until you doubt God. He lures until you you doubt God. He lures until you you doubt God. He lures until you disobey God. He accuses you until you disobey God. He accuses you until you disobey God. He accuses you until you hide from God. He distracts you until hide from God. He distracts you until hide from God. He distracts you until you drift from God. you drift from God. you drift from God. >> And if he he can get you to drift from >> And if he he can get you to drift from >> And if he he can get you to drift from God, then John 10:10 becomes more of a God, then John 10:10 becomes more of a God, then John 10:10 becomes more of a reality. reality. reality. >> That's right. That's right. I feel like >> That's right. That's right. I feel like >> That's right. That's right. I feel like we're we're tipping into a conversation we're we're tipping into a conversation we're we're tipping into a conversation I want to get to towards the end of this I want to get to towards the end of this I want to get to towards the end of this episode around spiritual warfare and episode around spiritual warfare and episode around spiritual warfare and spiritual battles. But before we do, as spiritual battles. But before we do, as spiritual battles. But before we do, as we march through Revelation, we talk we march through Revelation, we talk we march through Revelation, we talk about the unholy trinity, right? The about the unholy trinity, right? The about the unholy trinity, right? The beast and the pressure to compromise and beast and the pressure to compromise and beast and the pressure to compromise and give our allegiance somewhere else. But give our allegiance somewhere else. But give our allegiance somewhere else. But then Revelation introduces Babylon in then Revelation introduces Babylon in then Revelation introduces Babylon in chapters 17 and 18.

chapters 17 and 18. chapters 17 and 18. >> What is Babylon all about? >> What is Babylon all about? >> What is Babylon all about? >> Feels like a a big part of the story. >> Feels like a a big part of the story. >> Feels like a a big part of the story. Uh, what does it mean? What does it mean Uh, what does it mean? What does it mean Uh, what does it mean? What does it mean for us today, too? for us today, too? for us today, too? >> I'm going to pull up some notes here, >> I'm going to pull up some notes here, >> I'm going to pull up some notes here, but I want to let somebody jump in and I but I want to let somebody jump in and I but I want to let somebody jump in and I I'll come on the back end of it. I'll come on the back end of it. I'll come on the back end of it. >> Well, I mean, again, there's so much in >> Well, I mean, again, there's so much in >> Well, I mean, again, there's so much in this section of scripture that's causing this section of scripture that's causing this section of scripture that's causing us to look back. Again, there's so many us to look back. Again, there's so many us to look back. Again, there's so many imagery, so much imagery that's drawn to imagery, so much imagery that's drawn to imagery, so much imagery that's drawn to the Old Testament. the Old Testament. the Old Testament. >> And then you think about the role that >> And then you think about the role that >> And then you think about the role that Babylon played. Babylon was the nation Babylon played. Babylon was the nation Babylon played. Babylon was the nation that came in and conquered the nation of that came in and conquered the nation of that came in and conquered the nation of Israel and took them into exile, right? Israel and took them into exile, right? Israel and took them into exile, right? And so uh a first century Christian And so uh a first century Christian And so uh a first century Christian would have known that Babylon in a sense would have known that Babylon in a sense would have known that Babylon in a sense was kind of that evil empire. But if you was kind of that evil empire. But if you was kind of that evil empire. But if you know about Babylon, uh Babylon was known know about Babylon, uh Babylon was known know about Babylon, uh Babylon was known for for for um um um its wealth, its sexual exploitation, you its wealth, its sexual exploitation, you its wealth, its sexual exploitation, you know, all kinds of things that happened know, all kinds of things that happened know, all kinds of things that happened in the culture that also were very like in the culture that also were very like in the culture that also were very like alluring. And so when you get to when it alluring. And so when you get to when it alluring. And so when you get to when it starts talking about the Babylon, it starts talking about the Babylon, it starts talking about the Babylon, it actually you you you meet the harlot or actually you you you meet the harlot or actually you you you meet the harlot or or the prostitute. And so you kind of or the prostitute. And so you kind of or the prostitute. And so you kind of get this idea of what seduction looks get this idea of what seduction looks get this idea of what seduction looks like.

like. like. >> And so if the enemy is trying to get us >> And so if the enemy is trying to get us >> And so if the enemy is trying to get us through, you know, deception and through through, you know, deception and through through, you know, deception and through accusation and intimidation, there's accusation and intimidation, there's accusation and intimidation, there's this harlot that comes along that really this harlot that comes along that really this harlot that comes along that really uh the weapon is about seduction. It's uh the weapon is about seduction. It's uh the weapon is about seduction. It's about just luring you away. Well, who about just luring you away. Well, who about just luring you away. Well, who who is that? And so I would argue that who is that? And so I would argue that who is that? And so I would argue that that is a uh it's a representation of that is a uh it's a representation of that is a uh it's a representation of culture like in of itself. So if the culture like in of itself. So if the culture like in of itself. So if the beasts are about kind of the political beasts are about kind of the political beasts are about kind of the political entities connected to like like pagan entities connected to like like pagan entities connected to like like pagan religion, religion, religion, >> Babylon or the harlot is really about >> Babylon or the harlot is really about >> Babylon or the harlot is really about the culture that often times lures us the culture that often times lures us the culture that often times lures us away. Mhm. away. Mhm. away. Mhm. >> And I may be jumping a little bit too >> And I may be jumping a little bit too >> And I may be jumping a little bit too quickly uh in this, but I I I think quickly uh in this, but I I I think quickly uh in this, but I I I think what's really really interesting is what's really really interesting is what's really really interesting is toward the end when uh Jesus comes and toward the end when uh Jesus comes and toward the end when uh Jesus comes and really puts an end to it all, what's really puts an end to it all, what's really puts an end to it all, what's interesting is he actually puts the interesting is he actually puts the interesting is he actually puts the beasts and the the dragon uh into like beasts and the the dragon uh into like beasts and the the dragon uh into like eternal punishment, eternal punishment, eternal punishment, >> but he doesn't with the harlot. Why? >> but he doesn't with the harlot. Why? >> but he doesn't with the harlot. Why? Because she kind of destroys herself.

Because she kind of destroys herself. Because she kind of destroys herself. >> She does. And you think about that from >> She does. And you think about that from >> She does. And you think about that from a culture perspective. a culture perspective. a culture perspective. >> Um >> Um >> Um >> the reason why you've got to disconnect >> the reason why you've got to disconnect >> the reason why you've got to disconnect your life from culture is because your life from culture is because your life from culture is because culture has this almost cannibalistic culture has this almost cannibalistic culture has this almost cannibalistic nature to itself. It actually ends up nature to itself. It actually ends up nature to itself. It actually ends up destroying itself. You can see it in our destroying itself. You can see it in our destroying itself. You can see it in our day where we kind of have this cancel day where we kind of have this cancel day where we kind of have this cancel culture if you will. culture if you will. culture if you will. >> Culture will cancel itself. Mh. >> Culture will cancel itself. Mh. >> Culture will cancel itself. Mh. >> And so the the the language of >> And so the the the language of >> And so the the the language of revelation is pretty harsh in the sense revelation is pretty harsh in the sense revelation is pretty harsh in the sense that that that >> uh if you're not careful, you get >> uh if you're not careful, you get >> uh if you're not careful, you get seduced away and you get caught up in seduced away and you get caught up in seduced away and you get caught up in the culture and you kind of get swept up the culture and you kind of get swept up the culture and you kind of get swept up in everything that's going kind of like in everything that's going kind of like in everything that's going kind of like you would with a harlot or a prostitute. you would with a harlot or a prostitute. you would with a harlot or a prostitute. And so chapter 18 uses this really harsh And so chapter 18 uses this really harsh And so chapter 18 uses this really harsh language and it calls the church says language and it calls the church says language and it calls the church says come out of her. come out of her. come out of her. >> That's really harsh language but it's a >> That's really harsh language but it's a >> That's really harsh language but it's a wakeup call. Say don't get your life so wakeup call. Say don't get your life so wakeup call. Say don't get your life so entangled with the culture cuz it will entangled with the culture cuz it will entangled with the culture cuz it will actually destroy itself. And when it actually destroy itself. And when it actually destroy itself. And when it does, you'll go down with it. That's does, you'll go down with it. That's does, you'll go down with it. That's right. right. right. >> And so come out of her, separate >> And so come out of her, separate >> And so come out of her, separate yourself from it. yourself from it. yourself from it. >> Uh I mean, part of the church, we're >> Uh I mean, part of the church, we're >> Uh I mean, part of the church, we're actually called out ones for that actually called out ones for that actually called out ones for that reason.

reason. reason. >> Uh like it's that true separation. >> Uh like it's that true separation. >> Uh like it's that true separation. >> Uh not not separated so we don't have >> Uh not not separated so we don't have >> Uh not not separated so we don't have influence, but separated so that we influence, but separated so that we influence, but separated so that we don't don't don't >> we don't go down with it because it it >> we don't go down with it because it it >> we don't go down with it because it it name a culture in history name a culture in history name a culture in history >> that hasn't gone down >> that hasn't gone down >> that hasn't gone down >> really to itself. >> really to itself. >> really to itself. >> Yeah. Babylon kind of represents this >> Yeah. Babylon kind of represents this >> Yeah. Babylon kind of represents this symbol. Um and the idea is it's a global symbol. Um and the idea is it's a global symbol. Um and the idea is it's a global opposition to God. opposition to God. opposition to God. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Um it is a concerted effort to defy all >> Um it is a concerted effort to defy all >> Um it is a concerted effort to defy all that God has said and commanded. And so that God has said and commanded. And so that God has said and commanded. And so the idea of the representation of the idea of the representation of the idea of the representation of Babylon is that it embodies the corrupt Babylon is that it embodies the corrupt Babylon is that it embodies the corrupt influences that draw us away from God. influences that draw us away from God. influences that draw us away from God. Uh and when we begin to wrap ourselves Uh and when we begin to wrap ourselves Uh and when we begin to wrap ourselves up and that's where the slow drift that up and that's where the slow drift that up and that's where the slow drift that we were talking about earlier begins to we were talking about earlier begins to we were talking about earlier begins to happen happen happen >> because it starts really subtle by just >> because it starts really subtle by just >> because it starts really subtle by just an observation and then it starts moving an observation and then it starts moving an observation and then it starts moving towards action towards action towards action >> and all of a sudden we find ourselves >> and all of a sudden we find ourselves >> and all of a sudden we find ourselves wrapped up in something wrapped up in something wrapped up in something >> that we never meant to be wrapped up in. >> that we never meant to be wrapped up in. >> that we never meant to be wrapped up in. And I think that is the that is the idea And I think that is the that is the idea And I think that is the that is the idea of come out of that come out of that.

of come out of that come out of that. of come out of that come out of that. >> That's not where we were meant to be. >> That's not where we were meant to be. >> That's not where we were meant to be. >> That's right. Can you imagine reading >> That's right. Can you imagine reading >> That's right. Can you imagine reading this without any context, which I've this without any context, which I've this without any context, which I've done my whole life? [laughter] done my whole life? [laughter] done my whole life? [laughter] Just read it with and then much less, Just read it with and then much less, Just read it with and then much less, >> how does it make you feel, Mario? >> how does it make you feel, Mario? >> how does it make you feel, Mario? >> Oh my gosh. And then read it as a six as >> Oh my gosh. And then read it as a six as >> Oh my gosh. And then read it as a six as a seven-year-old, 8-year-old in church a seven-year-old, 8-year-old in church a seven-year-old, 8-year-old in church growing up in church, man. Like we growing up in church, man. Like we growing up in church, man. Like we talked about this last week or last time talked about this last week or last time talked about this last week or last time we spoke, but oh my gosh, this is so we spoke, but oh my gosh, this is so we spoke, but oh my gosh, this is so like it just it's so eye opening. I hope like it just it's so eye opening. I hope like it just it's so eye opening. I hope it is eye opening to everyone who's it is eye opening to everyone who's it is eye opening to everyone who's listening. I think another thing to listening. I think another thing to listening. I think another thing to remember is that throughout scripture remember is that throughout scripture remember is that throughout scripture um you know the the prostitute or sexual um you know the the prostitute or sexual um you know the the prostitute or sexual sin is constantly sin is constantly sin is constantly um brought up, right? And the reason um brought up, right? And the reason um brought up, right? And the reason it's constantly brought up is because it it's constantly brought up is because it it's constantly brought up is because it represents anything that is a represents anything that is a represents anything that is a counterfeit to God. counterfeit to God. counterfeit to God. >> Literally anything. anything that any >> Literally anything. anything that any >> Literally anything. anything that any ideology, any way of living, it's not ideology, any way of living, it's not ideology, any way of living, it's not just limited actually to sexuality, it's just limited actually to sexuality, it's just limited actually to sexuality, it's it is actually intended to be that sort it is actually intended to be that sort it is actually intended to be that sort of broad encompassing of anything of broad encompassing of anything of broad encompassing of anything that'll take us away. And so it's it that'll take us away. And so it's it that'll take us away. And so it's it totally makes sense when you consider totally makes sense when you consider totally makes sense when you consider that that when John's writing this and that that when John's writing this and that that when John's writing this and when you look at the whole context of when you look at the whole context of when you look at the whole context of scripture that yeah Babylon is portrayed scripture that yeah Babylon is portrayed scripture that yeah Babylon is portrayed as a prostitute for that reason because as a prostitute for that reason because as a prostitute for that reason because it symbolizes literally everything that it symbolizes literally everything that it symbolizes literally everything that will take us away from the good, holy will take us away from the good, holy will take us away from the good, holy and awesome things that God has for us.

and awesome things that God has for us. and awesome things that God has for us. I mean there's this way of looking at it I mean there's this way of looking at it I mean there's this way of looking at it as you know the like tale of two cities as you know the like tale of two cities as you know the like tale of two cities between Babylon and the new Jerusalem between Babylon and the new Jerusalem between Babylon and the new Jerusalem which we'll talk about later but the which we'll talk about later but the which we'll talk about later but the point being that point being that point being that >> you know Babylon is portrayed as a >> you know Babylon is portrayed as a >> you know Babylon is portrayed as a prostitute where new Jerusalem is a prostitute where new Jerusalem is a prostitute where new Jerusalem is a bride. bride. bride. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Right. And that's intentional imagery. >> Right. And that's intentional imagery. >> Right. And that's intentional imagery. It's um and it's meant to draw us toward It's um and it's meant to draw us toward It's um and it's meant to draw us toward the fact that there is something in the fact that there is something in the fact that there is something in opposition to us and it comes out into opposition to us and it comes out into opposition to us and it comes out into real life play and for us to keep that real life play and for us to keep that real life play and for us to keep that in mind. So in mind. So in mind. So >> that's good. >> that's good. >> that's good. >> I some of this imagery is so stark, >> I some of this imagery is so stark, >> I some of this imagery is so stark, right? We're right? We're right? We're talking about prostitutes and beasts and talking about prostitutes and beasts and talking about prostitutes and beasts and all of this and so you're like, "Oh all of this and so you're like, "Oh all of this and so you're like, "Oh yeah, that's I'm not going to do that." yeah, that's I'm not going to do that." yeah, that's I'm not going to do that." But we also have talked even today about But we also have talked even today about But we also have talked even today about the subtle drift, pressure to the subtle drift, pressure to the subtle drift, pressure to compromise, comfort, what are the real compromise, comfort, what are the real compromise, comfort, what are the real threats to our faith today. And threats to our faith today. And threats to our faith today. And sometimes during the hardest seasons, sometimes during the hardest seasons, sometimes during the hardest seasons, it's easiest to cling to God, right? But it's easiest to cling to God, right? But it's easiest to cling to God, right? But when everything's good, um, you get when everything's good, um, you get when everything's good, um, you get complacent.

complacent. complacent. >> How have you seen that play out in your >> How have you seen that play out in your >> How have you seen that play out in your own life? own life? own life? >> Yeah, I mean, I'm dealing with it right >> Yeah, I mean, I'm dealing with it right >> Yeah, I mean, I'm dealing with it right now. Um, we just had the loss of a very, now. Um, we just had the loss of a very, now. Um, we just had the loss of a very, uh, close loved one. And so, um, I can uh, close loved one. And so, um, I can uh, close loved one. And so, um, I can see where the enemy begins to both see where the enemy begins to both see where the enemy begins to both accuse and, um, I can see areas where accuse and, um, I can see areas where accuse and, um, I can see areas where the enemy has begun to, uh, try to draw the enemy has begun to, uh, try to draw the enemy has begun to, uh, try to draw division. division. division. >> Um, and I can see some of the tactics >> Um, and I can see some of the tactics >> Um, and I can see some of the tactics and tricks already playing out in the and tricks already playing out in the and tricks already playing out in the life of our family. life of our family. life of our family. >> Um, and and I I'm the kind of pastor >> Um, and and I I'm the kind of pastor >> Um, and and I I'm the kind of pastor that a lot of pastors like to post u that a lot of pastors like to post u that a lot of pastors like to post u their pursuits or the things that they their pursuits or the things that they their pursuits or the things that they do. I like to post my pain because it do. I like to post my pain because it do. I like to post my pain because it draws people into a moment where they draws people into a moment where they draws people into a moment where they realize I need the Lord, right? realize I need the Lord, right? realize I need the Lord, right? >> Um and so in a moment where we are right >> Um and so in a moment where we are right >> Um and so in a moment where we are right now, very tender, um things are very now, very tender, um things are very now, very tender, um things are very challenged. Uh the things that I see the challenged. Uh the things that I see the challenged. Uh the things that I see the enemy saying are things like you didn't enemy saying are things like you didn't enemy saying are things like you didn't do enough. do enough. do enough. >> Um you didn't show up enough, right? Um >> Um you didn't show up enough, right? Um >> Um you didn't show up enough, right? Um >> uh you didn't get enough time. Uh those >> uh you didn't get enough time. Uh those >> uh you didn't get enough time. Uh those are the things that you start to hear are the things that you start to hear are the things that you start to hear and those are the voices that you replay and those are the voices that you replay and those are the voices that you replay in your head. And what I have to always in your head. And what I have to always in your head. And what I have to always remember is that God has something remember is that God has something remember is that God has something greater on the other side of eternity.

greater on the other side of eternity. greater on the other side of eternity. And when it's all said and done, those And when it's all said and done, those And when it's all said and done, those who are in Christ Jesus get to be with who are in Christ Jesus get to be with who are in Christ Jesus get to be with him. him. him. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Um and so I have to go >> Um and so I have to go >> Um and so I have to go I I I know that my heart was to do I I I know that my heart was to do I I I know that my heart was to do everything that I could. Um I have to everything that I could. Um I have to everything that I could. Um I have to listen to the voice of God and it has to listen to the voice of God and it has to listen to the voice of God and it has to become louder than any other voice, become louder than any other voice, become louder than any other voice, right? right? right? >> Um and I know what authentic >> Um and I know what authentic >> Um and I know what authentic Christianity is. Authentic Christianity Christianity is. Authentic Christianity Christianity is. Authentic Christianity is following God no matter what the is following God no matter what the is following God no matter what the circumstances here on earth are. And I circumstances here on earth are. And I circumstances here on earth are. And I don't want to drift for one second away don't want to drift for one second away don't want to drift for one second away from that. from that. from that. >> And so the question always becomes like >> And so the question always becomes like >> And so the question always becomes like what or who has your ear, right? And what or who has your ear, right? And what or who has your ear, right? And often times uh either the enemy has our often times uh either the enemy has our often times uh either the enemy has our ear or the culture has our ear. Um the ear or the culture has our ear. Um the ear or the culture has our ear. Um the other part of this is the culture. And other part of this is the culture. And other part of this is the culture. And so I want to like speak just a little so I want to like speak just a little so I want to like speak just a little bit into that. Um how we spend our time bit into that. Um how we spend our time bit into that. Um how we spend our time really does matter. really does matter. really does matter. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Um and the thing that we spend the most >> Um and the thing that we spend the most >> Um and the thing that we spend the most time with will often be the thing that time with will often be the thing that time with will often be the thing that is we're most influenced by. is we're most influenced by. is we're most influenced by. >> Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. And so I think the >> Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. And so I think the >> Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. And so I think the drift happens a lot of times because we drift happens a lot of times because we drift happens a lot of times because we spend a lot of time on things that do spend a lot of time on things that do spend a lot of time on things that do not honor God. not honor God. not honor God. >> Um one of my old pastors used to say um >> Um one of my old pastors used to say um >> Um one of my old pastors used to say um he said, "Man, we rush to tables that he said, "Man, we rush to tables that he said, "Man, we rush to tables that Jesus would have flipped over."

Jesus would have flipped over." Jesus would have flipped over." >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> That's good. That's good. >> That's good. That's good. >> That's good. That's good. >> And so I think we have to be really >> And so I think we have to be really >> And so I think we have to be really careful about how we spend our time. A careful about how we spend our time. A careful about how we spend our time. A lot of the drift in today's culture lot of the drift in today's culture lot of the drift in today's culture starts from that slow starts from that slow starts from that slow >> observation of how we spend time. I >> observation of how we spend time. I >> observation of how we spend time. I think also asking God to really make our think also asking God to really make our think also asking God to really make our hearts sensitive hearts sensitive hearts sensitive >> and that we wouldn't lose that >> and that we wouldn't lose that >> and that we wouldn't lose that sensitivity. Um I was reminded the other sensitivity. Um I was reminded the other sensitivity. Um I was reminded the other day of a few years ago when my kids were day of a few years ago when my kids were day of a few years ago when my kids were really little. It was actually one of really little. It was actually one of really little. It was actually one of the first Christmases where they were the first Christmases where they were the first Christmases where they were registering their getting gifts, right? registering their getting gifts, right? registering their getting gifts, right? And um I had made a conscious decision And um I had made a conscious decision And um I had made a conscious decision with my husband that we were going to be with my husband that we were going to be with my husband that we were going to be very limited in the number of gifts we very limited in the number of gifts we very limited in the number of gifts we were going to give them. They're going were going to give them. They're going were going to give them. They're going to be very like we're going to be all to be very like we're going to be all to be very like we're going to be all about the reason for the season, right? about the reason for the season, right? about the reason for the season, right? >> And then Christmas comes and it's just >> And then Christmas comes and it's just >> And then Christmas comes and it's just just a couple days before all the gifts just a couple days before all the gifts just a couple days before all the gifts are under the ch the tree and I look at are under the ch the tree and I look at are under the ch the tree and I look at it and I'm like, "Oh my gosh, that looks it and I'm like, "Oh my gosh, that looks it and I'm like, "Oh my gosh, that looks really bleak." really bleak." really bleak." >> Like, right? So, like our conviction now >> Like, right? So, like our conviction now >> Like, right? So, like our conviction now looks very like looks very like looks very like >> I don't know about this.

>> I don't know about this. >> I don't know about this. >> And I I was like, Lord, what is that? >> And I I was like, Lord, what is that? >> And I I was like, Lord, what is that? And I realized um I I grew up And I realized um I I grew up And I realized um I I grew up differently where there was just it was differently where there was just it was differently where there was just it was an insane amount of presence under the an insane amount of presence under the an insane amount of presence under the tree. I mean, it was like and part of tree. I mean, it was like and part of tree. I mean, it was like and part of that was our literal whole family came that was our literal whole family came that was our literal whole family came for Christmas, but also it was just that for Christmas, but also it was just that for Christmas, but also it was just that was what we did. And I realized then in was what we did. And I realized then in was what we did. And I realized then in the moment I was like, Lord, I think the moment I was like, Lord, I think the moment I was like, Lord, I think I've equated love with the number of I've equated love with the number of I've equated love with the number of gifts. gifts. gifts. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> And it was very like it was very jarring >> And it was very like it was very jarring >> And it was very like it was very jarring to be honest, but it led me on a journey to be honest, but it led me on a journey to be honest, but it led me on a journey of what do I really care most about for of what do I really care most about for of what do I really care most about for this family of ours, you know, and being this family of ours, you know, and being this family of ours, you know, and being very intentional with the material very intentional with the material very intentional with the material things. they don't matter. What matters things. they don't matter. What matters things. they don't matter. What matters is I'm the soft place for them. That is I'm the soft place for them. That is I'm the soft place for them. That they know that I love them, that they're they know that I love them, that they're they know that I love them, that they're safe here. And safe here. And safe here. And >> and it was so interesting because just >> and it was so interesting because just >> and it was so interesting because just last week my sister was visiting and she last week my sister was visiting and she last week my sister was visiting and she was like, was like, was like, >> "There's something different in this >> "There's something different in this >> "There's something different in this house. Like it just feels peaceful." And house. Like it just feels peaceful." And house. Like it just feels peaceful." And she's like, "Will came up to my son with she's like, "Will came up to my son with she's like, "Will came up to my son with this thing on his phone that I was like, this thing on his phone that I was like, this thing on his phone that I was like, "Oh, buddy." She's like, "Oh, buddy." She's like, "Oh, buddy." She's like, >> "I can't believe you were like okay >> "I can't believe you were like okay >> "I can't believe you were like okay about that." And I was like, "Well, about that." And I was like, "Well, about that." And I was like, "Well, either he's going to tell me about it or either he's going to tell me about it or either he's going to tell me about it or he's going to hide it. So at least he he's going to hide it. So at least he he's going to hide it. So at least he told me and now we can talk through it, told me and now we can talk through it, told me and now we can talk through it, you know, and it was just this full you know, and it was just this full you know, and it was just this full circle moment that felt like, circle moment that felt like, circle moment that felt like, >> okay, so it was jarring when they were >> okay, so it was jarring when they were >> okay, so it was jarring when they were little, little, little, >> but to see living toward the kingdom.

>> but to see living toward the kingdom. >> but to see living toward the kingdom. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> The enemy would want me to think the >> The enemy would want me to think the >> The enemy would want me to think the gifts, the material, that equals love, gifts, the material, that equals love, gifts, the material, that equals love, value, worth. But the king says no. value, worth. But the king says no. value, worth. But the king says no. Presence, posture, a place where they Presence, posture, a place where they Presence, posture, a place where they can land. But I feel like you could even can land. But I feel like you could even can land. But I feel like you could even expand that out in your relationship expand that out in your relationship expand that out in your relationship with God. with God. with God. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Okay. Like >> Okay. Like >> Okay. Like >> if I look at the material things in my >> if I look at the material things in my >> if I look at the material things in my life, I can see those as gifts from God life, I can see those as gifts from God life, I can see those as gifts from God and and a blessing. And we can go to a and and a blessing. And we can go to a and and a blessing. And we can go to a prosperity gospel mindset when just like prosperity gospel mindset when just like prosperity gospel mindset when just like you're doing with your kids. you're doing with your kids. you're doing with your kids. >> God says, "No, my presence >> God says, "No, my presence >> God says, "No, my presence >> is the gift, not the circumstances that >> is the gift, not the circumstances that >> is the gift, not the circumstances that you're living in." And I think that's you're living in." And I think that's you're living in." And I think that's pretty cool. Mhm. pretty cool. Mhm. pretty cool. Mhm. >> And I think the the other piece is um >> And I think the the other piece is um >> And I think the the other piece is um the time that we spend in the word of the time that we spend in the word of the time that we spend in the word of God is essential, right? Um I think God is essential, right? Um I think God is essential, right? Um I think where we start to see our drifting where we start to see our drifting where we start to see our drifting happen the most is when we're happen the most is when we're happen the most is when we're disconnected from the word of God. Um disconnected from the word of God. Um disconnected from the word of God. Um >> and I think it's good to hear our >> and I think it's good to hear our >> and I think it's good to hear our sermons on Sunday at churches and all sermons on Sunday at churches and all sermons on Sunday at churches and all the things that go with it. But I don't the things that go with it. But I don't the things that go with it. But I don't think it's a substitute for us deeply think it's a substitute for us deeply think it's a substitute for us deeply diving into the word of God for diving into the word of God for diving into the word of God for ourselves. M ourselves. M ourselves. M >> um often times when we start missing >> um often times when we start missing >> um often times when we start missing that connection to the word um we lose that connection to the word um we lose that connection to the word um we lose the ability to spot the counterfeit.

the ability to spot the counterfeit. the ability to spot the counterfeit. >> Yeah, it's good. >> Yeah, it's good. >> Yeah, it's good. >> It's good. >> It's good. >> It's good. >> Totally. And I would say community as >> Totally. And I would say community as >> Totally. And I would say community as well. well. well. >> Absolutely. >> Absolutely. >> Absolutely. >> Because I think there are times where we >> Because I think there are times where we >> Because I think there are times where we can even like the enemy can really come can even like the enemy can really come can even like the enemy can really come at us real hard. at us real hard. at us real hard. >> Yeah. and he would love to isolate us >> Yeah. and he would love to isolate us >> Yeah. and he would love to isolate us >> and it but it's the it's our community >> and it but it's the it's our community >> and it but it's the it's our community when we're transparent and vulnerable when we're transparent and vulnerable when we're transparent and vulnerable with safe people who can say oh no no no with safe people who can say oh no no no with safe people who can say oh no no no that's a lie that you're believing right that's a lie that you're believing right that's a lie that you're believing right now something that you maybe even didn't now something that you maybe even didn't now something that you maybe even didn't even see because I think his one of his even see because I think his one of his even see because I think his one of his greatest tactics for us is halftruths greatest tactics for us is halftruths greatest tactics for us is halftruths >> y that's right >> y that's right >> y that's right >> you know and so when we have the the >> you know and so when we have the the >> you know and so when we have the the word of God and the people of God word of God and the people of God word of God and the people of God there's there's a a a power that God there's there's a a a power that God there's there's a a a power that God gives us through that obviously the Holy gives us through that obviously the Holy gives us through that obviously the Holy Spirit but there's this that just Spirit but there's this that just Spirit but there's this that just happens that I mean we need a isn't that happens that I mean we need a isn't that happens that I mean we need a isn't that how the enemy has been working how the enemy has been working how the enemy has been working >> all throughout scripture since the >> all throughout scripture since the >> all throughout scripture since the beginning of time like you think about beginning of time like you think about beginning of time like you think about Adam and Eve when uh the serpent came Adam and Eve when uh the serpent came Adam and Eve when uh the serpent came you know he came as one of God's you know he came as one of God's you know he came as one of God's creations he he he came as a as a snake creations he he he came as a as a snake creations he he he came as a as a snake and he didn't say like hey I'm here the and he didn't say like hey I'm here the and he didn't say like hey I'm here the devil to tell you to not do what God devil to tell you to not do what God devil to tell you to not do what God asked you to do. Instead, he says, "Did asked you to do. Instead, he says, "Did asked you to do. Instead, he says, "Did God actually say that?

God actually say that? God actually say that? >> Did he did he really say that?" And if >> Did he did he really say that?" And if >> Did he did he really say that?" And if I'm Adam, I'm going, I'm Adam, I'm going, I'm Adam, I'm going, >> "Yeah, I don't know. He He might have >> "Yeah, I don't know. He He might have >> "Yeah, I don't know. He He might have not said that." Like, but it starts with not said that." Like, but it starts with not said that." Like, but it starts with this like this this halftruth this like this this halftruth this like this this halftruth >> and it doesn't always present itself as >> and it doesn't always present itself as >> and it doesn't always present itself as blatant as we expect it to present blatant as we expect it to present blatant as we expect it to present itself. itself. itself. >> So, I'm going to ask a question then um >> So, I'm going to ask a question then um >> So, I'm going to ask a question then um that candidly I wrestle with a lot. that candidly I wrestle with a lot. that candidly I wrestle with a lot. Sean, you've talked a a few times as Sean, you've talked a a few times as Sean, you've talked a a few times as we've dove into Revelation, how it's we've dove into Revelation, how it's we've dove into Revelation, how it's peeling back the curtain on kind of the peeling back the curtain on kind of the peeling back the curtain on kind of the spiritual battle that is going on that spiritual battle that is going on that spiritual battle that is going on that we may not see. I have a three-year-old. we may not see. I have a three-year-old. we may not see. I have a three-year-old. Um, sometimes she screams at me and hits Um, sometimes she screams at me and hits Um, sometimes she screams at me and hits me. She's three. I could easily say, me. She's three. I could easily say, me. She's three. I could easily say, "Get behind me, Satan." You [laughter] "Get behind me, Satan." You [laughter] "Get behind me, Satan." You [laughter] know, like know, like know, like >> where? >> where? >> where? >> And you should. >> And you should. >> And you should. >> I It would definitely work. Um, no, >> I It would definitely work. Um, no, >> I It would definitely work. Um, no, she's honestly as sweet as can be, but she's honestly as sweet as can be, but she's honestly as sweet as can be, but she has her moment. They're going to be she has her moment. They're going to be she has her moment. They're going to be flipped [laughter] and they call this flipped [laughter] and they call this flipped [laughter] and they call this church. They're saying that they're church. They're saying that they're church. They're saying that they're calling their kid Satan. calling their kid Satan. calling their kid Satan. >> But [laughter] right, we can What's the >> But [laughter] right, we can What's the >> But [laughter] right, we can What's the line between everything is spiritual but line between everything is spiritual but line between everything is spiritual but then overspiritualizing. Maybe I have a then overspiritualizing. Maybe I have a then overspiritualizing. Maybe I have a conflict with my spouse or a coworker conflict with my spouse or a coworker conflict with my spouse or a coworker and well, Satan is using them to come at and well, Satan is using them to come at and well, Satan is using them to come at me. I It's really something that I me. I It's really something that I me. I It's really something that I wrestle with. Yeah. And I'd love to dive wrestle with. Yeah. And I'd love to dive wrestle with. Yeah. And I'd love to dive into it a little bit. M into it a little bit. M into it a little bit. M >> um I mean it's a it's a great question >> um I mean it's a it's a great question >> um I mean it's a it's a great question and we've all been around uh individuals and we've all been around uh individuals and we've all been around uh individuals that we would go I feel like we're that we would go I feel like we're that we would go I feel like we're overspiritualizing that one just a overspiritualizing that one just a overspiritualizing that one just a little bit.

little bit. little bit. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> And I also don't want to go the other >> And I also don't want to go the other >> And I also don't want to go the other extreme where we underspiritualize it extreme where we underspiritualize it extreme where we underspiritualize it either. Right. Right. And so either. Right. Right. And so either. Right. Right. And so >> uh I do think that there are likely >> uh I do think that there are likely >> uh I do think that there are likely spiritual undertones under everything. I spiritual undertones under everything. I spiritual undertones under everything. I do think just as you mentioned do think just as you mentioned do think just as you mentioned Revelation is pulling back the curtain. Revelation is pulling back the curtain. Revelation is pulling back the curtain. You recognize there are sp spiritual You recognize there are sp spiritual You recognize there are sp spiritual underpinnings everywhere. M underpinnings everywhere. M underpinnings everywhere. M >> the thing that I resist when people uh >> the thing that I resist when people uh >> the thing that I resist when people uh blame everything on the devil blame everything on the devil blame everything on the devil >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> is that they blame everything on the >> is that they blame everything on the >> is that they blame everything on the devil so they don't have to take their devil so they don't have to take their devil so they don't have to take their own responsibility for it. own responsibility for it. own responsibility for it. >> Exactly. And so it's not as though >> Exactly. And so it's not as though >> Exactly. And so it's not as though >> the devil's not involved. Uh I'm sure >> the devil's not involved. Uh I'm sure >> the devil's not involved. Uh I'm sure that there was some that there was some that there was some >> deception or there was some accusation >> deception or there was some accusation >> deception or there was some accusation or there was some temptation. I'm or there was some temptation. I'm or there was some temptation. I'm certain that that's probably true. But certain that that's probably true. But certain that that's probably true. But the Bible still puts full responsibility the Bible still puts full responsibility the Bible still puts full responsibility on us on us on us >> because then go back to talking about >> because then go back to talking about >> because then go back to talking about that the tact if we know the enemy's that the tact if we know the enemy's that the tact if we know the enemy's tactics and we know the word of God then tactics and we know the word of God then tactics and we know the word of God then we're actually equipped to overcome the we're actually equipped to overcome the we're actually equipped to overcome the tactics of the enemy. So he may be at tactics of the enemy. So he may be at tactics of the enemy. So he may be at play but we're 100% responsible for that play but we're 100% responsible for that play but we're 100% responsible for that decision. decision. decision. >> And so the resistance that I have when >> And so the resistance that I have when >> And so the resistance that I have when people blame everything on the devil is people blame everything on the devil is people blame everything on the devil is they do that because they're not willing they do that because they're not willing they do that because they're not willing to take their own responsibility. That's to take their own responsibility. That's to take their own responsibility. That's great. And we have 100% responsibility great. And we have 100% responsibility great. And we have 100% responsibility for the decisions we make, the choices for the decisions we make, the choices for the decisions we make, the choices we make, the um we make, the um we make, the um >> uh the drifting that we take along the >> uh the drifting that we take along the >> uh the drifting that we take along the way. Uh we have to own it 100%.

way. Uh we have to own it 100%. way. Uh we have to own it 100%. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> So, how do we live faithfully? I know >> So, how do we live faithfully? I know >> So, how do we live faithfully? I know this is pointing towards towards that this is pointing towards towards that this is pointing towards towards that direction, but how do we fight back? How direction, but how do we fight back? How direction, but how do we fight back? How do we live faithfully today, right now? do we live faithfully today, right now? do we live faithfully today, right now? >> Yeah. I think we started earlier um with >> Yeah. I think we started earlier um with >> Yeah. I think we started earlier um with talking about being grounded in the word talking about being grounded in the word talking about being grounded in the word of God. Yeah. of God. Yeah. of God. Yeah. >> Um we need to know it for ourselves. Uh >> Um we need to know it for ourselves. Uh >> Um we need to know it for ourselves. Uh we need to be in it day regularly. Um we need to be in it day regularly. Um we need to be in it day regularly. Um you know there's there's ideas out there you know there's there's ideas out there you know there's there's ideas out there about hey how much time should we spend about hey how much time should we spend about hey how much time should we spend in the word of God? Should it be an in the word of God? Should it be an in the word of God? Should it be an hour? Should it be two hours? Should it hour? Should it be two hours? Should it hour? Should it be two hours? Should it be six hours? Um what I have always be six hours? Um what I have always be six hours? Um what I have always tried to focus on for myself is I don't tried to focus on for myself is I don't tried to focus on for myself is I don't want to just be in the word. I want the want to just be in the word. I want the want to just be in the word. I want the word to be in me. word to be in me. word to be in me. >> That's good. >> That's good. >> That's good. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> And so I really try to read to a >> And so I really try to read to a >> And so I really try to read to a standard of understanding and growth in standard of understanding and growth in standard of understanding and growth in the Lord and growth in the word rather the Lord and growth in the word rather the Lord and growth in the word rather than to a timeline. Right. and and I than to a timeline. Right. and and I than to a timeline. Right. and and I spend time in prayer before I start my spend time in prayer before I start my spend time in prayer before I start my Bible study. Um so I I really want God Bible study. Um so I I really want God Bible study. Um so I I really want God to be a big part of the conversation, to be a big part of the conversation, to be a big part of the conversation, right? And so uh I invite him into that right? And so uh I invite him into that right? And so uh I invite him into that time. I think that's really essential to time. I think that's really essential to time. I think that's really essential to living a Christian life is knowing the living a Christian life is knowing the living a Christian life is knowing the word of God, reading it regularly, and word of God, reading it regularly, and word of God, reading it regularly, and letting it permeate every area of our letting it permeate every area of our letting it permeate every area of our lives.

lives. lives. >> Um so I'll start there. Uh and then I'll >> Um so I'll start there. Uh and then I'll >> Um so I'll start there. Uh and then I'll say, uh Lindsay mentioned it as well, say, uh Lindsay mentioned it as well, say, uh Lindsay mentioned it as well, being connected in community is really being connected in community is really being connected in community is really essential. Um, and so we talk a lot of essential. Um, and so we talk a lot of essential. Um, and so we talk a lot of times about the three ways that you can times about the three ways that you can times about the three ways that you can grow as a part of a local church. Um, grow as a part of a local church. Um, grow as a part of a local church. Um, the first way, you got to show up, the first way, you got to show up, the first way, you got to show up, right? Regular showing up to service is right? Regular showing up to service is right? Regular showing up to service is a way that you grow in your faith. a way that you grow in your faith. a way that you grow in your faith. You're going to hear the word of God. You're going to hear the word of God. You're going to hear the word of God. You're going to get connected to people You're going to get connected to people You're going to get connected to people and you will grow. Uh, second, being and you will grow. Uh, second, being and you will grow. Uh, second, being deeply involved in the word of God, deeply involved in the word of God, deeply involved in the word of God, right? And then third, connecting to right? And then third, connecting to right? And then third, connecting to closer community, either through serving closer community, either through serving closer community, either through serving or through groups. Um, we just see God or through groups. Um, we just see God or through groups. Um, we just see God show up in some beautiful ways in that. show up in some beautiful ways in that. show up in some beautiful ways in that. And it helps you to stay grounded fully And it helps you to stay grounded fully And it helps you to stay grounded fully in being a believer. in being a believer. in being a believer. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> So, you know, on average, I think I saw >> So, you know, on average, I think I saw >> So, you know, on average, I think I saw that we spend about 30 plus hours on that we spend about 30 plus hours on that we spend about 30 plus hours on social media on average, like just social media on average, like just social media on average, like just looking at stuff and looking at stuff and looking at stuff and >> a day. >> a day. >> a day. >> A week. A week. [laughter] >> A week. A week. [laughter] >> A week. A week. [laughter] A week. Did I say a day? A week. Did I say a day? A week. Did I say a day? >> No. No. You just said 30. >> No. No. You just said 30. >> No. No. You just said 30. >> Okay. >> Okay. >> Okay. >> A week. And you know, and then we go to >> A week. And you know, and then we go to >> A week. And you know, and then we go to church, you know, maybe 1 hour and church, you know, maybe 1 hour and church, you know, maybe 1 hour and sometimes we're half there and and then sometimes we're half there and and then sometimes we're half there and and then we wonder why we can't seem to we wonder why we can't seem to we wonder why we can't seem to >> shake off this temptation and why we >> shake off this temptation and why we >> shake off this temptation and why we can't seem to uh not hear God's voice can't seem to uh not hear God's voice can't seem to uh not hear God's voice and but this whole thing about living in and but this whole thing about living in and but this whole thing about living in God's word, like you can't make up um God's word, like you can't make up um God's word, like you can't make up um you know, a whole week's worth of a you know, a whole week's worth of a you know, a whole week's worth of a relationship with God in just one hour, relationship with God in just one hour, relationship with God in just one hour, you know.

you know. you know. >> That's right. And then the isolation >> That's right. And then the isolation >> That's right. And then the isolation starts and this is where we talked about starts and this is where we talked about starts and this is where we talked about earlier. You start to separate yourself earlier. You start to separate yourself earlier. You start to separate yourself from all of the things that you know to from all of the things that you know to from all of the things that you know to be true from the word of God. You start be true from the word of God. You start be true from the word of God. You start separating yourself from other separating yourself from other separating yourself from other believers. believers. believers. >> Uh my grandmother used to say, "I don't >> Uh my grandmother used to say, "I don't >> Uh my grandmother used to say, "I don't know how people go through hardship away know how people go through hardship away know how people go through hardship away and apart from God and his people." and apart from God and his people." and apart from God and his people." >> Um and like walking through what I'm >> Um and like walking through what I'm >> Um and like walking through what I'm walking through right now, I couldn't walking through right now, I couldn't walking through right now, I couldn't imagine life without my church or imagine life without my church or imagine life without my church or without the Lord. Right. And and so my without the Lord. Right. And and so my without the Lord. Right. And and so my grandmother used to have these words grandmother used to have these words grandmother used to have these words that she would say to this and she would that she would say to this and she would that she would say to this and she would say, "Listen, get your happy hips back say, "Listen, get your happy hips back say, "Listen, get your happy hips back in that church." in that church." in that church." >> Yeah. Happy hips is what she used to >> Yeah. Happy hips is what she used to >> Yeah. Happy hips is what she used to say. say. say. >> Happy hips. And I would and I would and >> Happy hips. And I would and I would and >> Happy hips. And I would and I would and I would get my happy hips back in that I would get my happy hips back in that I would get my happy hips back in that church. [laughter] church. [laughter] church. [laughter] >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> I love that. That's so good. Yeah. Go >> I love that. That's so good. Yeah. Go >> I love that. That's so good. Yeah. Go ahead, Lindsay. ahead, Lindsay. ahead, Lindsay. >> I was just going to say I was thinking >> I was just going to say I was thinking >> I was just going to say I was thinking about this um like how how do we live about this um like how how do we live about this um like how how do we live well? Um knowing that and I do agree well? Um knowing that and I do agree well? Um knowing that and I do agree 100%. it, you know, community, the word 100%. it, you know, community, the word 100%. it, you know, community, the word of God. I mean, it's just absolutely of God. I mean, it's just absolutely of God. I mean, it's just absolutely critical, a robust prayer life. Um, I critical, a robust prayer life. Um, I critical, a robust prayer life. Um, I think something else that helps us in think something else that helps us in think something else that helps us in the the dayto-day as well is um I was the the dayto-day as well is um I was the the dayto-day as well is um I was reminded of that scene in Hamilton when reminded of that scene in Hamilton when reminded of that scene in Hamilton when um um um >> I love Hamilton. Yeah. Keep going.

>> I love Hamilton. Yeah. Keep going. >> I love Hamilton. Yeah. Keep going. >> So good. And uh when Hamilton's going >> So good. And uh when Hamilton's going >> So good. And uh when Hamilton's going back and forth with Aaron Burr and and back and forth with Aaron Burr and and back and forth with Aaron Burr and and he has that mic drop moment where you he has that mic drop moment where you he has that mic drop moment where you know he says if you stand for nothing know he says if you stand for nothing know he says if you stand for nothing Burr, what will you fall for? Burr, what will you fall for? Burr, what will you fall for? >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> And like you know you're like you know >> And like you know you're like you know >> And like you know you're like you know like he just said it. But I think that's like he just said it. But I think that's like he just said it. But I think that's true for us too. Like we have to know true for us too. Like we have to know true for us too. Like we have to know what we stand for what we stand for what we stand for >> or we're going to be faced with >> or we're going to be faced with >> or we're going to be faced with situations and places where we could situations and places where we could situations and places where we could compromise and we may not even know compromise and we may not even know compromise and we may not even know we're compromising because we haven't we're compromising because we haven't we're compromising because we haven't defined defined defined >> what we believe and why we believe >> what we believe and why we believe >> what we believe and why we believe >> you know so you know why do you love God >> you know so you know why do you love God >> you know so you know why do you love God >> what has God said of you know what does >> what has God said of you know what does >> what has God said of you know what does he say of you what has he called you to he say of you what has he called you to he say of you what has he called you to >> you know and That doesn't mean some >> you know and That doesn't mean some >> you know and That doesn't mean some large calling. I need to drop everything large calling. I need to drop everything large calling. I need to drop everything and go be a missionary in, you know, and go be a missionary in, you know, and go be a missionary in, you know, some remote place. It it can be he's some remote place. It it can be he's some remote place. It it can be he's called me to be his light at the called me to be his light at the called me to be his light at the executive level of my company, executive level of my company, executive level of my company, >> you know, and being so laser focused on >> you know, and being so laser focused on >> you know, and being so laser focused on that.

that. that. >> Being so laser focused that on your >> Being so laser focused that on your >> Being so laser focused that on your family. What's the call for your family? family. What's the call for your family? family. What's the call for your family? And and staying just so like, "Okay, And and staying just so like, "Okay, And and staying just so like, "Okay, Lord, I'm feeling the pull right now." Lord, I'm feeling the pull right now." Lord, I'm feeling the pull right now." like it would be so much easier for me like it would be so much easier for me like it would be so much easier for me to take this job in wherever else, but I to take this job in wherever else, but I to take this job in wherever else, but I would be uprooting everything. Is that would be uprooting everything. Is that would be uprooting everything. Is that are you calling me to uproot? Are you are you calling me to uproot? Are you are you calling me to uproot? Are you calling me not? Like you've convicted me calling me not? Like you've convicted me calling me not? Like you've convicted me that I'm supposed to do this, you know? that I'm supposed to do this, you know? that I'm supposed to do this, you know? So, it's really I I think it's really So, it's really I I think it's really So, it's really I I think it's really defining defining defining >> what do we stand for? Yeah. >> what do we stand for? Yeah. >> what do we stand for? Yeah. >> Who's God called you to be and said you >> Who's God called you to be and said you >> Who's God called you to be and said you are? are? are? >> And I like your language there. Um >> And I like your language there. Um >> And I like your language there. Um because going back to the question of because going back to the question of because going back to the question of like how do we remain faithful like when like how do we remain faithful like when like how do we remain faithful like when all this is playing out spiritually? uh all this is playing out spiritually? uh all this is playing out spiritually? uh what you're articulating there is our what you're articulating there is our what you're articulating there is our biblical response. we stand. biblical response. we stand. biblical response. we stand. >> And you even think about like Ephesians >> And you even think about like Ephesians >> And you even think about like Ephesians chapter 6 where it talks about the armor chapter 6 where it talks about the armor chapter 6 where it talks about the armor of God and I mean it talks about it in of God and I mean it talks about it in of God and I mean it talks about it in the context of the spiritual warfare the context of the spiritual warfare the context of the spiritual warfare conversation we're having. You know it conversation we're having. You know it conversation we're having. You know it just says uh you know be strong in the just says uh you know be strong in the just says uh you know be strong in the Lord is mighty power and it talks about Lord is mighty power and it talks about Lord is mighty power and it talks about putting the full armor of God and it putting the full armor of God and it putting the full armor of God and it says so you can take your stand against says so you can take your stand against says so you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. Yeah.

the devil's schemes. Yeah. the devil's schemes. Yeah. >> And what's fascinating is the word stand >> And what's fascinating is the word stand >> And what's fascinating is the word stand is used there multiple times because is used there multiple times because is used there multiple times because sometimes we think we have to take this sometimes we think we have to take this sometimes we think we have to take this very offensive aggressive fighting very offensive aggressive fighting very offensive aggressive fighting posture posture posture >> and it's actually not the call of >> and it's actually not the call of >> and it's actually not the call of scripture. It's actually to take a stand scripture. It's actually to take a stand scripture. It's actually to take a stand in the truth that God gives us. And so in the truth that God gives us. And so in the truth that God gives us. And so even even even >> every piece of the armor that's >> every piece of the armor that's >> every piece of the armor that's described in Ephesians chapter 6, it's described in Ephesians chapter 6, it's described in Ephesians chapter 6, it's actually all defensive tactics that you actually all defensive tactics that you actually all defensive tactics that you can stand it and it doesn't take you can stand it and it doesn't take you can stand it and it doesn't take you out. Uh the only offensive weapon that's out. Uh the only offensive weapon that's out. Uh the only offensive weapon that's that's listed there is the word of God. that's listed there is the word of God. that's listed there is the word of God. It's the sword, right? Everything else It's the sword, right? Everything else It's the sword, right? Everything else is actually uh we're equipped that we is actually uh we're equipped that we is actually uh we're equipped that we won't be taken out of the game. won't be taken out of the game. won't be taken out of the game. >> Uh because I actually think we have one >> Uh because I actually think we have one >> Uh because I actually think we have one who's fighting on our behalf. Like we we who's fighting on our behalf. Like we we who's fighting on our behalf. Like we we don't have to fight that battle. We'll don't have to fight that battle. We'll don't have to fight that battle. We'll let Jesus fight that battle. let Jesus fight that battle. let Jesus fight that battle. >> Uh we just stand in his truth and uh so >> Uh we just stand in his truth and uh so >> Uh we just stand in his truth and uh so we don't fall prey to the tactics of the we don't fall prey to the tactics of the we don't fall prey to the tactics of the enemy. enemy. enemy. >> Amen. I feel like >> Amen. I feel like >> Amen. I feel like what's a great thing to do next for what's a great thing to do next for what's a great thing to do next for people if they're listening to this and people if they're listening to this and people if they're listening to this and like maybe I have drifted or I've like maybe I have drifted or I've like maybe I have drifted or I've compromised or I'm falling into the lure compromised or I'm falling into the lure compromised or I'm falling into the lure of culture. It's audit your life.

of culture. It's audit your life. of culture. It's audit your life. >> Take some time, take a day, Lindsay. I >> Take some time, take a day, Lindsay. I >> Take some time, take a day, Lindsay. I know that's a rhythm of yours is to get know that's a rhythm of yours is to get know that's a rhythm of yours is to get away to get into solitude and spend time away to get into solitude and spend time away to get into solitude and spend time with God for an extended period of time with God for an extended period of time with God for an extended period of time and how am I spending my time? and how am I spending my time? and how am I spending my time? >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> What voices are speaking into me? I >> What voices are speaking into me? I >> What voices are speaking into me? I often try to pay attention to where do I often try to pay attention to where do I often try to pay attention to where do I get the most angry or the most upset get the most angry or the most upset get the most angry or the most upset >> and then drill into that. What's causing >> and then drill into that. What's causing >> and then drill into that. What's causing that? And then it reveals maybe where my that? And then it reveals maybe where my that? And then it reveals maybe where my allegiance has drifted. allegiance has drifted. allegiance has drifted. >> And so then it will bring us all back to >> And so then it will bring us all back to >> And so then it will bring us all back to what are we standing in? What's our what are we standing in? What's our what are we standing in? What's our endurance? Um endurance? Um endurance? Um >> and I think it will bring it all into >> and I think it will bring it all into >> and I think it will bring it all into perspective for us. perspective for us. perspective for us. >> That's good. I may add a can I add a >> That's good. I may add a can I add a >> That's good. I may add a can I add a practical question to that because I practical question to that because I practical question to that because I think that what you're talking about think that what you're talking about think that what you're talking about like taking inventory of your life is like taking inventory of your life is like taking inventory of your life is the right thing to do. Uh somebody the right thing to do. Uh somebody the right thing to do. Uh somebody challenged me with this question years challenged me with this question years challenged me with this question years ago and it really messed with me in a ago and it really messed with me in a ago and it really messed with me in a good way. Uh they said if the enemy was good way. Uh they said if the enemy was good way. Uh they said if the enemy was going to take you out going to take you out going to take you out >> what would he do? >> what would he do? >> what would he do? [clears throat and cough] [clears throat and cough] [clears throat and cough] >> Because >> Because >> Because >> great question. >> great question. >> great question. >> Potentially my vulnerability is >> Potentially my vulnerability is >> Potentially my vulnerability is different than your vulnerability different than your vulnerability different than your vulnerability somebody else's vulnerability. And the somebody else's vulnerability. And the somebody else's vulnerability. And the enemy knows that. He studies us. He he enemy knows that. He studies us. He he enemy knows that. He studies us. He he knows where we're vulnerable and that's knows where we're vulnerable and that's knows where we're vulnerable and that's particularly the place that he'll go particularly the place that he'll go particularly the place that he'll go after consistently.

after consistently. after consistently. >> And so, do we know our vulnerabilities? >> And so, do we know our vulnerabilities? >> And so, do we know our vulnerabilities? Do we know where, uh, potentially we're Do we know where, uh, potentially we're Do we know where, uh, potentially we're more at risk to compromise? And so, more at risk to compromise? And so, more at risk to compromise? And so, >> uh, if I start asking myself the >> uh, if I start asking myself the >> uh, if I start asking myself the question, if the enemy was going to take question, if the enemy was going to take question, if the enemy was going to take me down, uh, how would he most likely go me down, uh, how would he most likely go me down, uh, how would he most likely go about it? And if I know that, then I can about it? And if I know that, then I can about it? And if I know that, then I can start sharing up that side that that start sharing up that side that that start sharing up that side that that that area of my life. And so that area of my life. And so that area of my life. And so >> um uh I think about when you can name >> um uh I think about when you can name >> um uh I think about when you can name your vulnerability, it's the place that your vulnerability, it's the place that your vulnerability, it's the place that you cannot be secret about anything in you cannot be secret about anything in you cannot be secret about anything in that sphere of of your life. that sphere of of your life. that sphere of of your life. >> And so you don't have to be transparent >> And so you don't have to be transparent >> And so you don't have to be transparent with every human because every human is with every human because every human is with every human because every human is not going to be trustworthy with the not going to be trustworthy with the not going to be trustworthy with the most vulnerable piece of your life. most vulnerable piece of your life. most vulnerable piece of your life. >> But you have to be trustworthy with some >> But you have to be trustworthy with some >> But you have to be trustworthy with some trusted human. And somebody's got to trusted human. And somebody's got to trusted human. And somebody's got to know that vulnerability. They got to know that vulnerability. They got to know that vulnerability. They got to love you enough to tell you the truth. love you enough to tell you the truth. love you enough to tell you the truth. They got to walk with you in it. And so They got to walk with you in it. And so They got to walk with you in it. And so there's no secrets in that area of life. there's no secrets in that area of life. there's no secrets in that area of life. And then my other encouragement to And then my other encouragement to And then my other encouragement to people is to start building some people is to start building some people is to start building some self-imposed boundaries around that self-imposed boundaries around that self-imposed boundaries around that area. area. area. >> And so um their barrier or their >> And so um their barrier or their >> And so um their barrier or their boundaries that other people may not boundaries that other people may not boundaries that other people may not need and that's okay. They're barriers need and that's okay. They're barriers need and that's okay. They're barriers and boundaries that you need.

and boundaries that you need. and boundaries that you need. >> And so make them self-imposed. Put them >> And so make them self-imposed. Put them >> And so make them self-imposed. Put them in your life. in your life. in your life. >> I talk about sin has a hard time taking >> I talk about sin has a hard time taking >> I talk about sin has a hard time taking root if it doesn't have a route. root if it doesn't have a route. root if it doesn't have a route. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> And so eliminate the route. >> And so eliminate the route. >> And so eliminate the route. >> Yeah. And so that, you know, could be a >> Yeah. And so that, you know, could be a >> Yeah. And so that, you know, could be a lot of things. If if if I know I'm lot of things. If if if I know I'm lot of things. If if if I know I'm vulnerable when it comes to excessive vulnerable when it comes to excessive vulnerable when it comes to excessive alcohol use, I probably need to build alcohol use, I probably need to build alcohol use, I probably need to build boundaries around that as far as where boundaries around that as far as where boundaries around that as far as where I'm at, who I'm with, what I'm doing, I'm at, who I'm with, what I'm doing, I'm at, who I'm with, what I'm doing, whether it's in my house or not in my whether it's in my house or not in my whether it's in my house or not in my house. house. house. >> Somebody else might not need that >> Somebody else might not need that >> Somebody else might not need that boundary. boundary. boundary. >> Yeah. But because that's a >> Yeah. But because that's a >> Yeah. But because that's a vulnerability, I might need that value. vulnerability, I might need that value. vulnerability, I might need that value. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. >> And so, you know, again, all of our >> And so, you know, again, all of our >> And so, you know, again, all of our vulnerabilities are different. But I vulnerabilities are different. But I vulnerabilities are different. But I love what you just described about that love what you just described about that love what you just described about that spiritual inventory of our lives. Mhm. spiritual inventory of our lives. Mhm. spiritual inventory of our lives. Mhm. >> We got to know we have an enemy. We have >> We got to know we have an enemy. We have >> We got to know we have an enemy. We have to know that he wants to take us out, to know that he wants to take us out, to know that he wants to take us out, but I don't have to be taken out. but I don't have to be taken out. but I don't have to be taken out. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. And you got a great opportunity to >> Yeah. And you got a great opportunity to >> Yeah. And you got a great opportunity to take action in moments like that. And I take action in moments like that. And I take action in moments like that. And I think sometimes our tendency is maybe think sometimes our tendency is maybe think sometimes our tendency is maybe not to take the action that we need. And not to take the action that we need. And not to take the action that we need. And the question you have to ask yourself the question you have to ask yourself the question you have to ask yourself is, what would I wish I had done if I is, what would I wish I had done if I is, what would I wish I had done if I actually get taken out? actually get taken out? actually get taken out? >> Well, do that.

>> Well, do that. >> Well, do that. >> Just go ahead and do that now because >> Just go ahead and do that now because >> Just go ahead and do that now because you'll wish you had on the other side if you'll wish you had on the other side if you'll wish you had on the other side if you you you >> That's good. Yeah, >> That's good. Yeah, >> That's good. Yeah, >> you guys, this has been a deep, >> you guys, this has been a deep, >> you guys, this has been a deep, meaningful, important conversation. I meaningful, important conversation. I meaningful, important conversation. I think really highly practical. So often think really highly practical. So often think really highly practical. So often I think people can read the book of I think people can read the book of I think people can read the book of Revelation, it doesn't apply to my life, Revelation, it doesn't apply to my life, Revelation, it doesn't apply to my life, but it really does. And so but it really does. And so but it really does. And so >> so much application. >> so much application. >> so much application. >> So much. This has been a great episode. >> So much. This has been a great episode. >> So much. This has been a great episode. And on our last and final episode, we're And on our last and final episode, we're And on our last and final episode, we're going to be talking about the end times. going to be talking about the end times. going to be talking about the end times. >> That's where it gets good. >> That's where it gets good. >> That's where it gets good. >> We're going to predict it. >> We're going to predict it. >> We're going to predict it. >> We are. >> We are. >> We are. >> We've got a [laughter] date. We got a >> We've got a [laughter] date. We got a >> We've got a [laughter] date. We got a date. Are we going to date. Are we going to date. Are we going to last episode for the date?