Willow Online Service

for the road. for the road. Excel I will bless the Lord at all times. I will bless the Lord at all times. And his praises shall continually be in And his praises shall continually be in And his praises shall continually be in my mouth. my mouth. my mouth. No matter what I see or how I feel, No matter what I see or how I feel, No matter what I see or how I feel, as long as I'm breathing, oh yes, I'm as long as I'm breathing, oh yes, I'm as long as I'm breathing, oh yes, I'm breathing. I'll bless the Lord.

breathing. I'll bless the Lord. breathing. I'll bless the Lord. Oh yes, I'm breathing. Oh yes, I'm Oh yes, I'm breathing. Oh yes, I'm Oh yes, I'm breathing. Oh yes, I'm breathing. I'll bless the Lord. >> Father, have your way in this place. You >> Father, have your way in this place. You be glorified in it all. Come on, let's be glorified in it all. Come on, let's be glorified in it all. Come on, let's raise it together. Say, raise it together. Say, raise it together. Say, >> I will bless the Lord at all time. No matter what I see, No matter what I see, >> what I see. >> what I see. >> what I see. >> As long as I'm breathing. >> As long as I'm breathing. >> As long as I'm breathing. >> As long as I'm breathing. >> As long as I'm breathing. >> As long as I'm breathing. >> Oh yes, I'm breathing. I'll bless the >> Oh yes, I'm breathing. I'll bless the >> Oh yes, I'm breathing. I'll bless the Lord. As long as I'm breathing. Lord. As long as I'm breathing. Lord. As long as I'm breathing. >> As long as Oh yes, I'll bless. Come on, >> As long as Oh yes, I'll bless. Come on, >> As long as Oh yes, I'll bless. Come on, say, "Oh, magnify. Oh, magnify the say, "Oh, magnify. Oh, magnify the say, "Oh, magnify. Oh, magnify the Lord." Lord." Lord." >> Let us adore him. >> Let us adore him. >> Let us adore him. >> That's the reason why we're here >> That's the reason why we're here >> That's the reason why we're here tonight. tonight. tonight. >> Let's lay down our crown. Let's lay down >> Let's lay down our crown. Let's lay down >> Let's lay down our crown. Let's lay down our ground and lift up his hand. our ground and lift up his hand. our ground and lift up his hand. >> We're going to do it together.

Let's do it together. Let's do it together. >> Let's do it together. >> Let's do it together. >> Let's do it together. >> Let's go. >> Let's go. >> Let's go. >> Hey, let's do it together. >> Hey, let's do it together. >> Hey, let's do it together. >> Let's do it together. >> Let's do it together. >> Let's do it together. >> I need some help in this room. Hey, >> I need some help in this room. Hey, >> I need some help in this room. Hey, let's do it together. let's do it together. let's do it together. >> Let's do it together. >> Let's do it together. >> Let's do it together. >> God needs you. >> God needs you. >> God needs you. Let's do it together. Let's do it together. Let's do it together. >> Let's do it together. >> Let's do it together. >> Let's do it together. >> Y'all ready to praise it right here? >> Y'all ready to praise it right here? >> Y'all ready to praise it right here? Listen, Listen, Listen, cuz you've been better than good to me. cuz you've been better than good to me. cuz you've been better than good to me. Better than good to me. Better than good to me. Better than good to me. You've been better than good to me. You've been better than good to me. You've been better than good to me. >> I wish I hadn't witnessed tonight. >> I wish I hadn't witnessed tonight. >> I wish I hadn't witnessed tonight. You've been better than good to me. You've been better than good to me. You've been better than good to me. >> Better than good to me. >> Better than good to me. >> Better than good to me. >> Cuz you've been better than good to me. >> Cuz you've been better than good to me. >> Cuz you've been better than good to me. >> Better than good to me. >> Better than good to me. >> Better than good to me. >> Come on, real big. Cuz you've been >> Come on, real big. Cuz you've been >> Come on, real big. Cuz you've been better than good. better than good. better than good. >> You been better than good to me. >> You been better than good to me. >> You been better than good to me. >> When I thought it was over, cuz you've >> When I thought it was over, cuz you've >> When I thought it was over, cuz you've been good to me. better than good to me. been good to me. better than good to me. been good to me. better than good to me. >> You've been better than good to me. You >> You've been better than good to me. You >> You've been better than good to me. You >> been better than good to me. >> been better than good to me. >> been better than good to me. >> Oh, >> Oh, >> Oh, you've been better than good to me. you've been better than good to me. you've been better than good to me. >> Better than good to me.

>> Better than good to me. >> Better than good to me. >> Guess what? I should have been. >> Guess what? I should have been. >> Guess what? I should have been. >> Guess what? But you better be good to >> Guess what? But you better be good to >> Guess what? But you better be good to me. >> Should have lost my mind. I lost my >> Should have lost my mind. I lost my mind. mind. mind. >> You good to me. >> You pretend to be good to me. >> You pretend to be good to me. >> Let's go here. Cuz you've been better >> Let's go here. Cuz you've been better >> Let's go here. Cuz you've been better than good. than good. than good. >> You been better than good. >> You been better than good. >> You been better than good. >> I got to testify. >> I got to testify. >> I got to testify. >> I got to testify. >> I got to testify. >> I got to testify. >> I should have went crazy. >> I should have went crazy. >> I should have went crazy. >> Should have lost my mind, but you better >> Should have lost my mind, but you better >> Should have lost my mind, but you better good. I need you to go crazy in this good. I need you to go crazy in this good. I need you to go crazy in this place.

place. place. Come on, Come on, Come on, let your praise be. >> And >> And sin was stained on me sin was stained on me sin was stained on me and shame was running deep. and shame was running deep. and shame was running deep. But love was spilled on Calary. But love was spilled on Calary. But love was spilled on Calary. Oh. Hallelujah. I'm clean. Oh. Hallelujah. I'm clean. Oh. Hallelujah. I'm clean. God, how can it be? God, how can it be? God, how can it be? I'm ransomed and redeemed I'm ransomed and redeemed I'm ransomed and redeemed and standing in your victory. and standing in your victory. and standing in your victory. Oh, hallelujah. I'll be in the water. Oh, hallelujah. I'll be in the water. Oh, hallelujah. I'll be in the water. I'm as good as you. Oh, hallelujah. I'll I'm as good as you. Oh, hallelujah. I'll I'm as good as you. Oh, hallelujah. I'll be in the water. be in the water. be in the water. All because of you. Oh, hallelujah. I'm All because of you. Oh, hallelujah. I'm All because of you. Oh, hallelujah. I'm clean.

clean. clean. It's not what I have done for what you paid it all upon that tree. Oh paid it all upon that tree. Oh hallelujah. hallelujah. hallelujah. Your love has overcome Your love has overcome Your love has overcome and your mercy is supreme. and your mercy is supreme. and your mercy is supreme. I'm dancing in your victory. I'm dancing in your victory. I'm dancing in your victory. Oh hallelujah. I'll be washed in the Oh hallelujah. I'll be washed in the Oh hallelujah. I'll be washed in the water. Washed in the blood. I'm as good water. Washed in the blood. I'm as good water. Washed in the blood. I'm as good as new. Oh, hallelujah. I'll be washed as new. Oh, hallelujah. I'll be washed as new. Oh, hallelujah. I'll be washed in the water. Washed in the blood. I'll in the water. Washed in the blood. I'll in the water. Washed in the blood. I'll be good. be good. be good. Sing it again. I'll be in the water. In Sing it again. I'll be in the water. In Sing it again. I'll be in the water. In the blood. I'm as good as you. Oh, the blood. I'm as good as you. Oh, the blood. I'm as good as you. Oh, hallelujah. I'll be in the water. In the hallelujah. I'll be in the water. In the hallelujah. I'll be in the water. In the blood. blood. blood. Oh, hallelujah. You took away my shame You took away my shame and you nailed it to the cross.

and you nailed it to the cross. and you nailed it to the cross. You got me running off the grave. You got me running off the grave. You got me running off the grave. Oh, hallelujah. Here I come. Oh, hallelujah. Here I come. Oh, hallelujah. Here I come. Cuz you shame Cuz you shame Cuz you shame when you n to the cross. when you n to the cross. when you n to the cross. You got me running out of grave. You got me running out of grave. You got me running out of grave. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. We took it away. You took away my shame. We took it away. You took away my shame. We took it away. You took away my shame. When you got it all, >> hallelujah. Here I come. You took away >> hallelujah. Here I come. You took away your shade your shade your shade to the cross. >> Hallelujah. Here I come. >> Hallelujah. Here I come. >> Hallelujah. >> Hallelujah. >> Hallelujah. >> Sing. Hallelujah. Here I come. >> Sing. Hallelujah. Here I come. >> Sing. Hallelujah. Here I come. >> Hallelujah. Here I come. >> Hallelujah. Here I come. >> Hallelujah. Here I come. >> Hallelujah. Here I come. Hallelujah. >> Hallelujah. Here I come. Hallelujah. >> Hallelujah. Here I come. Hallelujah. >> I'm not pushed anymore. >> I'm not pushed anymore. >> I'm not pushed anymore. My anxiety Come on, you say

Come on, you say I've beened in the water. Washed in the I've beened in the water. Washed in the I've beened in the water. Washed in the blood. I'm as good as you. Oh, blood. I'm as good as you. Oh, blood. I'm as good as you. Oh, hallelujah. I'll be in the water. In the hallelujah. I'll be in the water. In the hallelujah. I'll be in the water. In the blood because of you. Oh, hallelujah. Come on, sing it out. I'm shaking off Come on, sing it out. I'm shaking off the heaviness. the heaviness. the heaviness. I'm dancing out of my regrets. I'm dancing out of my regrets. I'm dancing out of my regrets. I'm throwing caution to the web. I'm throwing caution to the web. I'm throwing caution to the web. No, I am not ashamed to praise like No, I am not ashamed to praise like No, I am not ashamed to praise like this. Some say it's foolishness, this. Some say it's foolishness, this. Some say it's foolishness, but I say it's worth the risk.

but I say it's worth the risk. but I say it's worth the risk. I can't forget what Jesus did. I can't forget what Jesus did. I can't forget what Jesus did. No, I am not ashamed to praise like No, I am not ashamed to praise like No, I am not ashamed to praise like this. Where are those chains that won't this. Where are those chains that won't this. Where are those chains that won't tell me I'm free? I'm free. I'm free. tell me I'm free? I'm free. I'm free. tell me I'm free? I'm free. I'm free. I'm free. My sone look at what the Lord has done. I'm look at what the Lord has done. I'm never going back to the way I was. I'll never going back to the way I was. I'll never going back to the way I was. I'll sing, I'll dance. sing, I'll dance. sing, I'll dance. I'm free. I'm free. Thank God I'm free. And I don't care what anyone says. And I don't care what anyone says. I'll never be ashamed to praise like I'll never be ashamed to praise like I'll never be ashamed to praise like this. Where are those chains that won't this. Where are those chains that won't this. Where are those chains that won't tell me I'm free? I'm free. I'm free.

tell me I'm free? I'm free. I'm free. tell me I'm free? I'm free. I'm free. I'm free. My sin is gone. How can it be? I'm free. My sin is gone. How can it be? I'm free. My sin is gone. How can it be? I'm free. I'm free. I'm free. I'm free. I'm free. I'm free. I'm free. I'm free. I'm free. I'm free. I'm free. I'm free. Look at what the Lord has done. I'm Look at what the Lord has done. I'm Look at what the Lord has done. I'm never going back to the way I was. I'll never going back to the way I was. I'll never going back to the way I was. I'll sing. I'll dance cuz I I'm free. I'm sing. I'll dance cuz I I'm free. I'm sing. I'll dance cuz I I'm free. I'm free. free. free. I'm free. I'm free. I'm free. >> You took the cross and you broke your >> You took the cross and you broke your >> You took the cross and you broke your body. You shed your blood. Now the body. You shed your blood. Now the body. You shed your blood. Now the sinner can't see. My de is paid and my sinner can't see. My de is paid and my sinner can't see. My de is paid and my record is clean. I couldn't do it so you record is clean. I couldn't do it so you record is clean. I couldn't do it so you did it for me. You took the cross and did it for me. You took the cross and did it for me. You took the cross and you broke your body. you broke your body. you broke your body. You shed your blood now. You shed your blood now. You shed your blood now. My debt is paid and my record is My debt is paid and my record is My debt is paid and my record is I couldn't do it. So you took the cross. I couldn't do it. So you took the cross. I couldn't do it. So you took the cross. >> You took the cross and you >> You took the cross and you >> You took the cross and you >> shed your blood.

God could do it. God could do it. >> Only God could do it. Only God can do it. God could do it. Only God can do it. Only God can do it. Come on, sing it Only God can do it. Come on, sing it Only God can do it. Come on, sing it out. Where are those? >> Come on, you sound good. >> Come on, you sound good. >> My sin is gone. >> My sin is gone. >> My sin is gone. I'm free. I'm free. I'm free. >> I'm free. >> I'm free. >> I'm free. >> Look at what the Lord >> Look at what the Lord >> Look at what the Lord >> Look at the >> Look at the >> Look at the >> I'm never going back to the way. >> I'm never going back to the way. >> I'm never going back to the way. >> I'll see. >> You took your cross and you broke your >> You took your cross and you broke your body. body. body. You shed your blood. Now the city can't You shed your blood. Now the city can't You shed your blood. Now the city can't see. My And my record is clean. I see. My And my record is clean. I see. My And my record is clean. I couldn't do it. So you did. couldn't do it. So you did. couldn't do it. So you did. >> You took the cross. >> You shine your blood.

>> You shine your blood. My daddy's My daddy's My daddy's >> daddy's Jesus. Jesus. All I got to do. Hey, good morning church. Welcome to Wor Hey, good morning church. Welcome to Wor and welcome to the house of the Lord.

and welcome to the house of the Lord. and welcome to the house of the Lord. You know, Revelation 12 says that we You know, Revelation 12 says that we You know, Revelation 12 says that we overcome by the blood of the lamb and overcome by the blood of the lamb and overcome by the blood of the lamb and the word of our testimony. Well, Axel is the word of our testimony. Well, Axel is the word of our testimony. Well, Axel is going to get baptized today and he's going to get baptized today and he's going to get baptized today and he's going to testify of his relationship going to testify of his relationship going to testify of his relationship with Jesus. Let's celebrate with him and with Jesus. Let's celebrate with him and with Jesus. Let's celebrate with him and sing together. Come on. I saw Satan fall sing together. Come on. I saw Satan fall sing together. Come on. I saw Satan fall like lightning. Come on, help me sing like lightning. Come on, help me sing like lightning. Come on, help me sing it. I saw darkness run for cover, it. I saw darkness run for cover, it. I saw darkness run for cover, but the miracle that I just can't get but the miracle that I just can't get but the miracle that I just can't get over is my name is registered in heaven. over is my name is registered in heaven. over is my name is registered in heaven. Come on, sing this with me. Say, I Come on, sing this with me. Say, I Come on, sing this with me. Say, I believe in signs and wonders. believe in signs and wonders. believe in signs and wonders. I've got resurrection power from Jesus I've got resurrection power from Jesus I've got resurrection power from Jesus till the miracle that I just can't get till the miracle that I just can't get till the miracle that I just can't get over. My name is registered in heaven. over. My name is registered in heaven. over. My name is registered in heaven. My praise, my praise belongs to you My praise, my praise belongs to you My praise, my praise belongs to you forever.

This is my testimony. This is my testimony. From death to life cuz grace rewrote my From death to life cuz grace rewrote my From death to life cuz grace rewrote my story. I'll testify story. I'll testify story. I'll testify by Jesus Christ the righteous. I'm by Jesus Christ the righteous. I'm by Jesus Christ the righteous. I'm justified. justified. justified. This is my testimony. This is my testimony. This is my testimony. This is my testimony. Come on. Let's clap and sing together. Come on. Let's clap and sing together. Hallelujah. We're going to sing Come Hallelujah. We're going to sing Come Hallelujah. We're going to sing Come Together, sons and daughters. Let's go. Together, sons and daughters. Let's go. Together, sons and daughters. Let's go. Come together, sons and daughters. Come together, sons and daughters. Come together, sons and daughters. Cuz we are with blood and washed in Cuz we are with blood and washed in Cuz we are with blood and washed in water. water. water. Sing the praises of the spirit, son, and Sing the praises of the spirit, son, and Sing the praises of the spirit, son, and father. Our God will finish what he father. Our God will finish what he father. Our God will finish what he started. We believe that that our God started. We believe that that our God started. We believe that that our God will finish what he started. This is my testimony This is my testimony from dead to life because Christ rewrote from dead to life because Christ rewrote from dead to life because Christ rewrote my story. I'll testify my story. I'll testify my story. I'll testify by Jesus Christ the righteous. I'll by Jesus Christ the righteous. I'll by Jesus Christ the righteous. I'll testify.

testify. testify. This is my This is my testimony. This is our testimony. This is our testimony. Come on. Let's sing this together. Come Come on. Let's sing this together. Come Come on. Let's sing this together. Come on. If I'm not dead, you're not done. Greater things are still to come. Oh, I Greater things are still to come. Oh, I believe. If I'm not dead, you're not believe. If I'm not dead, you're not believe. If I'm not dead, you're not done. Greater things are still to come. Oh, I Greater things are still to come. Oh, I believe. If I'm not dead, you're not believe. If I'm not dead, you're not believe. If I'm not dead, you're not done. done. done. >> You're not done. You're not done. >> You're not done. You're not done. >> You're not done. You're not done. things are still to come. Oh, I believe things are still to come. Oh, I believe things are still to come. Oh, I believe I'm not dead. You're not done. this is my testimony this is my testimony from death to life. Cuz grace rewrote my from death to life. Cuz grace rewrote my from death to life. Cuz grace rewrote my story. I'll testify story. I'll testify story. I'll testify by Jesus Christ the righteous. I'm by Jesus Christ the righteous. I'm by Jesus Christ the righteous. I'm justified. This is my testimony. This is justified. This is my testimony. This is justified. This is my testimony. This is my testimony.

my testimony. my testimony. >> This is my testimony. >> This is my testimony. >> This is my testimony. This is my testimony. This is my testimony. This is my testimony. From death to life. The place we wrote From death to life. The place we wrote From death to life. The place we wrote my story. I'll testify. my story. I'll testify. my story. I'll testify. My Jesus Christ the righteous. I'll My Jesus Christ the righteous. I'll My Jesus Christ the righteous. I'll testify. testify. testify. This is my testimony. This is my testimony. This is my testimony. This is my testimony. We build our life on some really strong We build our life on some really strong decisions. decisions. decisions. I'll go to school. I'll get the job. I'll go to school. I'll get the job. I'll go to school. I'll get the job. But the job status can change in a But the job status can change in a But the job status can change in a minute. minute. minute. I'm in a really good relationship or I'm in a really good relationship or I'm in a really good relationship or marriage, but circumstances can change. marriage, but circumstances can change. marriage, but circumstances can change. I got a really good health report. Has I got a really good health report. Has I got a really good health report. Has anybody ever been there? But the status anybody ever been there? But the status anybody ever been there? But the status can change.

can change. can change. But we're going to sing about something But we're going to sing about something But we're going to sing about something and someone who never changes. And it's and someone who never changes. And it's and someone who never changes. And it's not based on our power, our politics, not based on our power, our politics, not based on our power, our politics, our political affiliations, our race, our political affiliations, our race, our political affiliations, our race, our culture. how much money we have. our culture. how much money we have. our culture. how much money we have. That foundation we have, his name is That foundation we have, his name is That foundation we have, his name is Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ. He is the son of the living God and he He is the son of the living God and he He is the son of the living God and he is the foundation who never fails. He's is the foundation who never fails. He's is the foundation who never fails. He's a firm foundation. a firm foundation. a firm foundation. We're going to sing this song this We're going to sing this song this We're going to sing this song this morning. And I hope that we won't just morning. And I hope that we won't just morning. And I hope that we won't just sing it, but let's sing it and declare sing it, but let's sing it and declare sing it, but let's sing it and declare it that Christ is our firm foundation. it that Christ is our firm foundation. it that Christ is our firm foundation. Are you ready? Come on, let's sing it Are you ready? Come on, let's sing it Are you ready? Come on, let's sing it just like this. Come on. Christ is my just like this. Come on. Christ is my just like this. Come on. Christ is my firm foundation. He's the rock on which I stand. You sing He's the rock on which I stand. You sing it. When everything around me is it. When everything around me is it. When everything around me is shaking, I've never been more glad that I put my I've never been more glad that I put my faith in Jesus faith in Jesus faith in Jesus cuz he's never let me down. He's cuz he's never let me down. He's cuz he's never let me down. He's faithful through generations.

He won't. Sing this verse with us. Come He won't. Sing this verse with us. Come on. I still got joy. I still got joy in on. I still got joy. I still got joy in on. I still got joy. I still got joy in chaos. chaos. chaos. I've got peace that makes no sense. I I've got peace that makes no sense. I I've got peace that makes no sense. I won't be going away. I'm not held by my own I'm not held by my own I Yeah. He won't. He won't. Yeah. He won't. He won't. Tell God he won't. Yeah.

Yeah. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Listen, I understand that sometimes it's Listen, I understand that sometimes it's difficult to praise God, but first difficult to praise God, but first difficult to praise God, but first Chronicles says that praise the Lord for Chronicles says that praise the Lord for Chronicles says that praise the Lord for he is good. Not because life is good, he is good. Not because life is good, he is good. Not because life is good, but because he is good. Amen. So, as we but because he is good. Amen. So, as we but because he is good. Amen. So, as we sing this next part, let's remember what sing this next part, let's remember what sing this next part, let's remember what he's done. And then let's sing this he's done. And then let's sing this he's done. And then let's sing this together. Come on, say it. Rain came together. Come on, say it. Rain came together. Come on, say it. Rain came when when when my house was built on you.

my house was built on you. my house was built on you. I'm safe with you. I'm going to make you I'm safe with you. I'm going to make you I'm safe with you. I'm going to make you say >> wind blew my house on. Lift your hands >> wind blew my house on. Lift your hands and say and say and say >> I'm safe. >> I'm safe. >> I'm safe. You I'm going to make it. say Oh Oh sh sh sh everything around me.

Worship God with this. Say he won't. Worship God with this. Say he won't. No. No. He won't. No. No. He won't. No. No. He won't. Oh my God. Oh my God. Oh my God. >> He won't fail. And we believe And we believe we believe that you will never fail we believe that you will never fail we believe that you will never fail because you are consistent. because you are consistent. because you are consistent. There is no shadow of turning with you. There is no shadow of turning with you. There is no shadow of turning with you. You are the same God yesterday, today, You are the same God yesterday, today, You are the same God yesterday, today, and forever. You are forever worthy of and forever. You are forever worthy of and forever. You are forever worthy of praise because you are the King of Kings praise because you are the King of Kings praise because you are the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords. and the Lord of Lords. and the Lord of Lords. I receive our worship today, God. I receive our worship today, God. I receive our worship today, God. Let's sing this together. Say, I want to Let's sing this together. Say, I want to Let's sing this together. Say, I want to be close to your side. Let's sing it be close to your side. Let's sing it be close to your side. Let's sing it together. I want to be close, together. I want to be close, together. I want to be close, close to your side. close to your side. close to your side. So, heaven is real So, heaven is real So, heaven is real and death is alive.

and death is alive. and death is alive. I want to hear voices I want to hear voices I want to hear voices of angels above of angels above of angels above singing as one. singing as one. singing as one. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Holy, holy, Holy, holy, Holy, holy, God almighty. God almighty. God almighty. Great I am. Great I am. Great I am. Who is worthy Who is worthy Who is worthy beside thee, God almighty? beside thee, God almighty? beside thee, God almighty? Great I am. We sing. Great I am. way I am. We sing. Great I am. way I am. Here's our prayer. Say, I want to be Here's our prayer. Say, I want to be Here's our prayer. Say, I want to be near to your heart. near to your heart. near to your heart. Say that. I want to be near to your Say that. I want to be near to your Say that. I want to be near to your heart. To your heart. Loving like you heart. To your heart. Loving like you heart. To your heart. Loving like you love love love the dark in the dark. Oh, I want to see the dark in the dark. Oh, I want to see the dark in the dark. Oh, I want to see my voice living up singing as one my voice living up singing as one my voice living up singing as one singing Holy, holy,

Holy, holy, God almighty God almighty God almighty to the great I am. to the great I am. to the great I am. Who is world mighty mighty great You are the way I am. You are the way I am. What does the mountain shake before you? What does the mountain shake before you? What does the mountain shake before you? The mountains shake before you. The The mountains shake before you. The The mountains shake before you. The demons run and flee. demons run and flee. demons run and flee. At the mention of your name, king of At the mention of your name, king of At the mention of your name, king of majesty, today there is no power in him majesty, today there is no power in him majesty, today there is no power in him or anything can stand before the power or anything can stand before the power or anything can stand before the power and the presence of the great I am.

and the presence of the great I am. and the presence of the great I am. Great. Yeah. Yeah. Heat.

Holy, holy, Holy, holy, God almighty. the way I am. the way I am. I am the way I am. the way I am. I am I am the way I am. I am I am the way I am. I am I am the way I am. Church, lift up your voices and sing to Church, lift up your voices and sing to Church, lift up your voices and sing to the Lord. We give you all the glory the Lord. We give you all the glory the Lord. We give you all the glory today. today. today. to worship you. We worship worship you. We worship you you you Lord.

Lord. Lord. You are worthy. We worship you We worship you Lord. Lord. Lord. You are worthy You are worthy You are worthy God. We see our worship. We see your God. We see our worship. We see your God. We see our worship. We see your praise. We give it to you. We give you praise. We give it to you. We give you praise. We give it to you. We give you all the the glory. We worship you our Lord. We worship you our Lord. You are worthy You are worthy You are worthy to be. We worship you. We worship you. to be. We worship you. We worship you. to be. We worship you. We worship you. We worship We worship We worship you.

you. you. Heat. Heat. Heat. You are worthy to be praised. You are worthy to be praised. You are worthy to be praised. You are worthy to be praised. You are worthy to be praised. Oh God, these hands are coming to give Oh God, these hands are coming to give Oh God, these hands are coming to give you praise and to give you glory. You you praise and to give you glory. You you praise and to give you glory. You are worthy of it. Oh, God. You are are worthy of it. Oh, God. You are are worthy of it. Oh, God. You are worthy of it all, Lord Jesus. Wherever worthy of it all, Lord Jesus. Wherever worthy of it all, Lord Jesus. Wherever you reign, wherever you reign, Lord, we you reign, wherever you reign, Lord, we you reign, wherever you reign, Lord, we give you praise today. We worship you. give you praise today. We worship you. give you praise today. We worship you. We worship We worship We worship you are. you are. you are. You are worthy You are worthy You are worthy to be. Come on, sing it one last time.

to be. Come on, sing it one last time. to be. Come on, sing it one last time. We worship We worship We worship our Lord. our Lord. our Lord. You are worthy You are worthy You are worthy to be God. We worship you today because to be God. We worship you today because to be God. We worship you today because you are forever worthy to be praised and you are forever worthy to be praised and you are forever worthy to be praised and to be worshiped and adored. And it is a to be worshiped and adored. And it is a to be worshiped and adored. And it is a joy and an honor for us to be in your joy and an honor for us to be in your joy and an honor for us to be in your presence today. to lift up songs of presence today. to lift up songs of presence today. to lift up songs of adoration, to lift up songs of praise, adoration, to lift up songs of praise, adoration, to lift up songs of praise, that only you are worthy of blessing and that only you are worthy of blessing and that only you are worthy of blessing and honor and glory and power be unto the honor and glory and power be unto the honor and glory and power be unto the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords. If King of Kings and the Lord of Lords. If King of Kings and the Lord of Lords. If you're glad to be in the house of the you're glad to be in the house of the you're glad to be in the house of the Lord giving praise to Jesus, shout Lord giving praise to Jesus, shout Lord giving praise to Jesus, shout hallelujah. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Praise the Lord. Well, why don't you Praise the Lord. Well, why don't you Praise the Lord. Well, why don't you greet somebody standing close to you and greet somebody standing close to you and greet somebody standing close to you and say, "I know that God is in this place." say, "I know that God is in this place." say, "I know that God is in this place." Come on, tell them, "I know God is in Come on, tell them, "I know God is in Come on, tell them, "I know God is in this place." And then you can have your this place." And then you can have your this place." And then you can have your seat. God bless you. Tell them. Tell seat. God bless you. Tell them. Tell seat. God bless you. Tell them. Tell them, "I know God is in this place."

them, "I know God is in this place." them, "I know God is in this place." Hey, Hey, Hey, so good to be in the house of God today. so good to be in the house of God today. so good to be in the house of God today. Welcome to everyone in the room. Welcome Welcome to everyone in the room. Welcome Welcome to everyone in the room. Welcome to those watching online. And I want to to those watching online. And I want to to those watching online. And I want to do I want to say a special welcome to do I want to say a special welcome to do I want to say a special welcome to those who are visiting us for the first those who are visiting us for the first those who are visiting us for the first time. Can you help me welcome anybody time. Can you help me welcome anybody time. Can you help me welcome anybody who's walked through our doors, gave who's walked through our doors, gave who's walked through our doors, gave this church a chance today? And we're so this church a chance today? And we're so this church a chance today? And we're so glad you're here and we hope you feel glad you're here and we hope you feel glad you're here and we hope you feel loved. We hope you feel welcome today. loved. We hope you feel welcome today. loved. We hope you feel welcome today. And we want to get to know you. The best And we want to get to know you. The best And we want to get to know you. The best way to get to know you for us is for you way to get to know you for us is for you way to get to know you for us is for you to fill out our digital connect card. to fill out our digital connect card. to fill out our digital connect card. And what that allows us to do is allows And what that allows us to do is allows And what that allows us to do is allows us to reach out to you, get to know you, us to reach out to you, get to know you, us to reach out to you, get to know you, maybe get you connected in our church. maybe get you connected in our church. maybe get you connected in our church. You can also go to our next steps area You can also go to our next steps area You can also go to our next steps area out in the lobby. But we want to get to out in the lobby. But we want to get to out in the lobby. But we want to get to know you. Uh we're going to move into a know you. Uh we're going to move into a know you. Uh we're going to move into a time of our gifts and our offering time of our gifts and our offering time of our gifts and our offering around here. And we do celebrate around here. And we do celebrate around here. And we do celebrate generosity because this is the moment generosity because this is the moment generosity because this is the moment that we get to give back from what God that we get to give back from what God that we get to give back from what God has given to us. And ushers, y'all can has given to us. And ushers, y'all can has given to us. And ushers, y'all can get into place. And as they get in get into place. And as they get in get into place. And as they get in place, I want to let you know that I I place, I want to let you know that I I place, I want to let you know that I I want to I want to take a moment to shout want to I want to take a moment to shout want to I want to take a moment to shout out Camp Paradise. Anybody love Camp out Camp Paradise. Anybody love Camp out Camp Paradise. Anybody love Camp Paradise and all that they're doing? Paradise and all that they're doing? Paradise and all that they're doing? They're working hard all summer long for They're working hard all summer long for They're working hard all summer long for fathers with father and father figures fathers with father and father figures fathers with father and father figures with their kids. And I don't know if you with their kids. And I don't know if you with their kids. And I don't know if you know, but very recently we started know, but very recently we started know, but very recently we started hosting women's retreats as well, which hosting women's retreats as well, which hosting women's retreats as well, which is pretty incredible. And we have a is pretty incredible. And we have a is pretty incredible. And we have a women's retreat happening right now as women's retreat happening right now as women's retreat happening right now as we speak. And I've heard that it's been we speak. And I've heard that it's been we speak. And I've heard that it's been amazing. It it it's an opportunity for amazing. It it it's an opportunity for amazing. It it it's an opportunity for women to grow in relationship with one women to grow in relationship with one women to grow in relationship with one another, an opportunity for them to have another, an opportunity for them to have another, an opportunity for them to have fun, grow in relationship with God, and fun, grow in relationship with God, and fun, grow in relationship with God, and really just rest, take a week of rest.

really just rest, take a week of rest. really just rest, take a week of rest. And it's awesome that we get to do that. And it's awesome that we get to do that. And it's awesome that we get to do that. And reason we get to do that is because And reason we get to do that is because And reason we get to do that is because of your generosity. And when you give, of your generosity. And when you give, of your generosity. And when you give, you are making it possible for Camp you are making it possible for Camp you are making it possible for Camp Paradise to continue to operate in the Paradise to continue to operate in the Paradise to continue to operate in the way that it is. And uh the best way to way that it is. And uh the best way to way that it is. And uh the best way to give around here is to go to give around here is to go to give around here is to go to willowcrete.org/give willowcrete.org/give willowcrete.org/give now. You can give through Venmo. And of now. You can give through Venmo. And of now. You can give through Venmo. And of course, you can give as the bags go by. course, you can give as the bags go by. course, you can give as the bags go by. But let me pray as we give. God, we just But let me pray as we give. God, we just But let me pray as we give. God, we just thank you for every person in this room. thank you for every person in this room. thank you for every person in this room. We thank you for the ways that you've We thank you for the ways that you've We thank you for the ways that you've blessed us, God. And uh we realize that blessed us, God. And uh we realize that blessed us, God. And uh we realize that all things do come from you. And in this all things do come from you. And in this all things do come from you. And in this moment, we want to give back, God. And moment, we want to give back, God. And moment, we want to give back, God. And we ask that you would multiply these we ask that you would multiply these we ask that you would multiply these gifts and that you would use them for gifts and that you would use them for gifts and that you would use them for your kingdom, for your glory, God. We your kingdom, for your glory, God. We your kingdom, for your glory, God. We love you. It's in Jesus mighty name that love you. It's in Jesus mighty name that love you. It's in Jesus mighty name that we all pray and we say, "Amen." Ushers, we all pray and we say, "Amen." Ushers, we all pray and we say, "Amen." Ushers, y'all can begin collecting. It's good. y'all can begin collecting. It's good. y'all can begin collecting. It's good. Hey, uh I have two things for you. The Hey, uh I have two things for you. The Hey, uh I have two things for you. The first thing, you know, I gave a shout first thing, you know, I gave a shout first thing, you know, I gave a shout out to Camp Paradise. I also want to out to Camp Paradise. I also want to out to Camp Paradise. I also want to give a shout out to our care center. give a shout out to our care center. give a shout out to our care center. Anybody love our care center and all Anybody love our care center and all Anybody love our care center and all that God's doing in our care center. Let that God's doing in our care center. Let that God's doing in our care center. Let me tell you, it's one of my favorite me tell you, it's one of my favorite me tell you, it's one of my favorite parts about our church, the way that we parts about our church, the way that we parts about our church, the way that we help our local communities around here. help our local communities around here. help our local communities around here. And if you have not visited the care And if you have not visited the care And if you have not visited the care center, let me tell you, you need to go center, let me tell you, you need to go center, let me tell you, you need to go check out the care center and see that check out the care center and see that check out the care center and see that see all that God is doing. See the ways see all that God is doing. See the ways see all that God is doing. See the ways that our church serves our local that our church serves our local that our church serves our local community with compassion, with love, community with compassion, with love, community with compassion, with love, with hope, with joy, and with dignity, with hope, with joy, and with dignity, with hope, with joy, and with dignity, with true dignity. And one of the ways with true dignity. And one of the ways with true dignity. And one of the ways that we do that is through an event that we do that is through an event that we do that is through an event called our back to school drive which is called our back to school drive which is called our back to school drive which is on July 12th and July 19th. And let me on July 12th and July 19th. And let me on July 12th and July 19th. And let me tell you, our back to school drive is tell you, our back to school drive is tell you, our back to school drive is pretty cool. We got some cool stuff.

pretty cool. We got some cool stuff. pretty cool. We got some cool stuff. Like when people walk in, people have an Like when people walk in, people have an Like when people walk in, people have an opportunity to get a free haircut and opportunity to get a free haircut and opportunity to get a free haircut and not just like a haircut, like a fade, not just like a haircut, like a fade, not just like a haircut, like a fade, like you know what I'm talking about, like you know what I'm talking about, like you know what I'm talking about, like a real fade, which people are like a real fade, which people are like a real fade, which people are giving fades in the name of Jesus. giving fades in the name of Jesus. giving fades in the name of Jesus. That's pretty cool. We got um we got That's pretty cool. We got um we got That's pretty cool. We got um we got backpacks that we're giving away, school backpacks that we're giving away, school backpacks that we're giving away, school supplies, dental and vision screening. I supplies, dental and vision screening. I supplies, dental and vision screening. I mean, it's it's an awesome event. Now, mean, it's it's an awesome event. Now, mean, it's it's an awesome event. Now, here are the two things that that I need here are the two things that that I need here are the two things that that I need from you today. The first one is we need from you today. The first one is we need from you today. The first one is we need to collect more backpacks. We're to collect more backpacks. We're to collect more backpacks. We're expecting about 3,000 people to come, expecting about 3,000 people to come, expecting about 3,000 people to come, 3,000 students to come. So, we need 3,000 students to come. So, we need 3,000 students to come. So, we need about 3,000 backpacks. Can I tell you about 3,000 backpacks. Can I tell you about 3,000 backpacks. Can I tell you how many we have so far? We have 572. how many we have so far? We have 572. how many we have so far? We have 572. It's cool number, but we need more. That It's cool number, but we need more. That It's cool number, but we need more. That means we need 2428. means we need 2428. means we need 2428. 24,428 is what we need. 24,428 24,428 is what we need. 24,428 24,428 is what we need. 24,428 backpacks. Do y'all think that we can backpacks. Do y'all think that we can backpacks. Do y'all think that we can raise that amount of backpacks, collect raise that amount of backpacks, collect raise that amount of backpacks, collect that amount of backpacks? I think we can that amount of backpacks? I think we can that amount of backpacks? I think we can do it. So, so as I speak, if you can do it. So, so as I speak, if you can do it. So, so as I speak, if you can pull out your phone, I'm going to teach pull out your phone, I'm going to teach pull out your phone, I'm going to teach you how to do this. It's very easy. you how to do this. It's very easy. you how to do this. It's very easy. You're going to go to You're going to go to You're going to go to willowcrete.org/nextsteps. willowcrete.org/nextsteps. willowcrete.org/nextsteps. Willowcreek.org/nextsteps.

Willowcreek.org/nextsteps. Willowcreek.org/nextsteps. When you get there, you're going to see When you get there, you're going to see When you get there, you're going to see the very first thing that's up there is the very first thing that's up there is the very first thing that's up there is our back tochool drive. You're going to our back tochool drive. You're going to our back tochool drive. You're going to see a link that takes you to our supply see a link that takes you to our supply see a link that takes you to our supply list and it'll ultimately take you to list and it'll ultimately take you to list and it'll ultimately take you to our Amazon list. And all you got to do our Amazon list. And all you got to do our Amazon list. And all you got to do is just add a bunch of backpacks to your is just add a bunch of backpacks to your is just add a bunch of backpacks to your cart and deliver them to our church and cart and deliver them to our church and cart and deliver them to our church and we'll take care of the rest from there. we'll take care of the rest from there. we'll take care of the rest from there. You could add one backpack, you could You could add one backpack, you could You could add one backpack, you could add 50 backpacks, you could add 100 add 50 backpacks, you could add 100 add 50 backpacks, you could add 100 backpacks, as many as you want and ship backpacks, as many as you want and ship backpacks, as many as you want and ship them here to our church. We need to get them here to our church. We need to get them here to our church. We need to get 2,428 backpacks more so that we can 2,428 backpacks more so that we can 2,428 backpacks more so that we can serve people. The second thing is we do serve people. The second thing is we do serve people. The second thing is we do need more optometrists and more need more optometrists and more need more optometrists and more dentists. So, if you are an optometrist, dentists. So, if you are an optometrist, dentists. So, if you are an optometrist, if you are a dentist and you want to if you are a dentist and you want to if you are a dentist and you want to serve at this, we want to get to know serve at this, we want to get to know serve at this, we want to get to know you so that you can volunteer to serve. you so that you can volunteer to serve. you so that you can volunteer to serve. And here here's here's the thing. Here's And here here's here's the thing. Here's And here here's here's the thing. Here's what we don't what we don't want. We what we don't what we don't want. We what we don't what we don't want. We don't want we don't want want to get don't want we don't want want to get don't want we don't want want to get people to come to our church and not people to come to our church and not people to come to our church and not have the people or the resources to have the people or the resources to have the people or the resources to serve. We want to serve every single serve. We want to serve every single serve. We want to serve every single person. If 3,000 people show up, we want person. If 3,000 people show up, we want person. If 3,000 people show up, we want to serve them. If 3,000 and1 people show to serve them. If 3,000 and1 people show to serve them. If 3,000 and1 people show up, we want to serve that one person up, we want to serve that one person up, we want to serve that one person with all the love and all the resources with all the love and all the resources with all the love and all the resources that we can. Do you agree with that?

that we can. Do you agree with that? that we can. Do you agree with that? Yep. Okay. Three people agree. All Yep. Okay. Three people agree. All Yep. Okay. Three people agree. All right. So, if you work with teeth, if right. So, if you work with teeth, if right. So, if you work with teeth, if you work with eyes professionally with you work with eyes professionally with you work with eyes professionally with the degree, we don't want to mess up. No the degree, we don't want to mess up. No the degree, we don't want to mess up. No kids. Please come and go. Our booth is kids. Please come and go. Our booth is kids. Please come and go. Our booth is right out here by the coffee shop and right out here by the coffee shop and right out here by the coffee shop and you can sign up and learn all about how you can sign up and learn all about how you can sign up and learn all about how to serve for that. So, more backpacks, to serve for that. So, more backpacks, to serve for that. So, more backpacks, more dentists and optometrists. The last more dentists and optometrists. The last more dentists and optometrists. The last thing is our world food fair is back. thing is our world food fair is back. thing is our world food fair is back. And I'm excited about our world food And I'm excited about our world food And I'm excited about our world food fair. I'm excited for free food. But fair. I'm excited for free food. But fair. I'm excited for free food. But here's here's what I'm excited about and here's here's what I'm excited about and here's here's what I'm excited about and you can hold your claps for this one. you can hold your claps for this one. you can hold your claps for this one. Here's what I'm excited about. The Here's what I'm excited about. The Here's what I'm excited about. The reason we get to have a world food fair reason we get to have a world food fair reason we get to have a world food fair is because our church is so diverse. Do is because our church is so diverse. Do is because our church is so diverse. Do you know that? That we have a an you know that? That we have a an you know that? That we have a an incredibly diverse church with many incredibly diverse church with many incredibly diverse church with many cultures and many backgrounds. And I cultures and many backgrounds. And I cultures and many backgrounds. And I need you to celebrate that cuz that's need you to celebrate that cuz that's need you to celebrate that cuz that's pretty awesome and pretty unique. And pretty awesome and pretty unique. And pretty awesome and pretty unique. And one of the ways one of the ways that we one of the ways one of the ways that we one of the ways one of the ways that we like to get to know one another and like to get to know one another and like to get to know one another and serve one another is through food. And serve one another is through food. And serve one another is through food. And so what we need is we need more tables. so what we need is we need more tables. so what we need is we need more tables. We need more tables from the continent We need more tables from the continent We need more tables from the continent of Africa. We need more tables from the of Africa. We need more tables from the of Africa. We need more tables from the from uh Latin America, from Europe, from from uh Latin America, from Europe, from from uh Latin America, from Europe, from the US, from Canada. We need tables from the US, from Canada. We need tables from the US, from Canada. We need tables from all over the world to be represented all over the world to be represented all over the world to be represented here and we can share a meal, a little here and we can share a meal, a little here and we can share a meal, a little bit of our culture together. The way to bit of our culture together. The way to bit of our culture together. The way to do that is willowcrete.org/nextsteps.

do that is willowcrete.org/nextsteps. do that is willowcrete.org/nextsteps. There's also a meeting right after the There's also a meeting right after the There's also a meeting right after the service out in the atrium where you can service out in the atrium where you can service out in the atrium where you can learn more about it. You can sign up to learn more about it. You can sign up to learn more about it. You can sign up to host your own table or you can sign up host your own table or you can sign up host your own table or you can sign up at somebody else's table. Just bring at somebody else's table. Just bring at somebody else's table. Just bring your spatula and tell them you're ready your spatula and tell them you're ready your spatula and tell them you're ready to serve. And that's all it is. It's to serve. And that's all it is. It's to serve. And that's all it is. It's very simple. Willowcreek.org/nextsteps. very simple. Willowcreek.org/nextsteps. very simple. Willowcreek.org/nextsteps. There's also a meeting in the atrium at There's also a meeting in the atrium at There's also a meeting in the atrium at the end of service. We're so glad you're the end of service. We're so glad you're the end of service. We're so glad you're here. Hey, let's do something. Uh when here. Hey, let's do something. Uh when here. Hey, let's do something. Uh when Pastor Sean comes up today, you know, he Pastor Sean comes up today, you know, he Pastor Sean comes up today, you know, he he says in in the way that he would say he says in in the way that he would say he says in in the way that he would say it that this next me this message is a it that this next me this message is a it that this next me this message is a doozy. This is what he says. It's a doozy. This is what he says. It's a doozy. This is what he says. It's a doozy. So when he comes up, let's give doozy. So when he comes up, let's give doozy. So when he comes up, let's give him the let's hype him up to give the him the let's hype him up to give the him the let's hype him up to give the word of God today. Let's welcome him word of God today. Let's welcome him word of God today. Let's welcome him with the warmest welcome. Can we do with the warmest welcome. Can we do with the warmest welcome. Can we do that? When he comes up. Yeah. All right, that? When he comes up. Yeah. All right, that? When he comes up. Yeah. All right, let's do that. Welcome to Willow. let's do that. Welcome to Willow. let's do that. Welcome to Willow. Revelation 2:13 says, "And I heard a Revelation 2:13 says, "And I heard a Revelation 2:13 says, "And I heard a loud voice from the throne, saying, loud voice from the throne, saying, loud voice from the throne, saying, look, God's dwelling place is now among look, God's dwelling place is now among look, God's dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. the people, and he will dwell with them. the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself They will be his people, and God himself They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God.

will be with them and be their God. will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning There will be no more death or mourning There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain. or crying or pain. or crying or pain. For the old order of things has passed For the old order of things has passed For the old order of things has passed away. You guys are awesome. Hey, welcome to You guys are awesome. Hey, welcome to Willow. Excited to have everybody here. Willow. Excited to have everybody here. Willow. Excited to have everybody here. Want to welcome those of you joining us Want to welcome those of you joining us Want to welcome those of you joining us online. welcome all of our will online. welcome all of our will online. welcome all of our will locations. But let's give the shout out locations. But let's give the shout out locations. But let's give the shout out to our brothers who join us at Jefferson to our brothers who join us at Jefferson to our brothers who join us at Jefferson City Correctional Center. Great to have City Correctional Center. Great to have City Correctional Center. Great to have you guys here. Uh we're excited here uh you guys here. Uh we're excited here uh you guys here. Uh we're excited here uh continuing our series through the book continuing our series through the book continuing our series through the book of Revelation. We are in week seven. Can of Revelation. We are in week seven. Can of Revelation. We are in week seven. Can you believe that? Of our journey through you believe that? Of our journey through you believe that? Of our journey through the book of Revelation. Uh I hope it's the book of Revelation. Uh I hope it's the book of Revelation. Uh I hope it's been a great journey for you. This is a been a great journey for you. This is a been a great journey for you. This is a book, Can we just say it? This book's book, Can we just say it? This book's book, Can we just say it? This book's weird, isn't it? And it's challenging. weird, isn't it? And it's challenging. weird, isn't it? And it's challenging. It's got all kinds of crazy images in It's got all kinds of crazy images in It's got all kinds of crazy images in it. A lot of times we either like do it. A lot of times we either like do it. A lot of times we either like do crazy things with it or we just avoid it crazy things with it or we just avoid it crazy things with it or we just avoid it all together. And so we've taken this all together. And so we've taken this all together. And so we've taken this methodical approach through the book of methodical approach through the book of methodical approach through the book of Revelation recognizing if we can Revelation recognizing if we can Revelation recognizing if we can understand how the original recipients understand how the original recipients understand how the original recipients would have heard it and understood it.

would have heard it and understood it. would have heard it and understood it. There's so much practical challenging There's so much practical challenging There's so much practical challenging content that really does serve us today. content that really does serve us today. content that really does serve us today. So I hope that that's been your So I hope that that's been your So I hope that that's been your experience. Uh today experience. Uh today experience. Uh today Mario already said today's a doozy. Can Mario already said today's a doozy. Can Mario already said today's a doozy. Can we just say that today's a little bit we just say that today's a little bit we just say that today's a little bit challenging, but that's all right. We're challenging, but that's all right. We're challenging, but that's all right. We're not afraid of a challenge, right? It it not afraid of a challenge, right? It it not afraid of a challenge, right? It it the text is challenging. Uh we'll do our the text is challenging. Uh we'll do our the text is challenging. Uh we'll do our best to really try to honor God's word best to really try to honor God's word best to really try to honor God's word in the best way we possibly can. Let's in the best way we possibly can. Let's in the best way we possibly can. Let's start this way. start this way. start this way. Sometimes following Jesus is inspiring. What I mean by that is if you really What I mean by that is if you really follow Jesus, sometimes it's costly in follow Jesus, sometimes it's costly in follow Jesus, sometimes it's costly in some pretty obvious ways. uh because some pretty obvious ways. uh because some pretty obvious ways. uh because your relentless faith commitment to your relentless faith commitment to your relentless faith commitment to Jesus, sometimes that can cost you a Jesus, sometimes that can cost you a Jesus, sometimes that can cost you a relationship. Uh it could cost you a job relationship. Uh it could cost you a job relationship. Uh it could cost you a job promotion. Uh it could uh cost you uh promotion. Uh it could uh cost you uh promotion. Uh it could uh cost you uh you know you know something that you you know you know something that you you know you know something that you really desire in life. really desire in life. really desire in life. But sometimes the cost is way more But sometimes the cost is way more But sometimes the cost is way more subtle subtle subtle because the cost is actually just because the cost is actually just because the cost is actually just connected to something we call pressure.

connected to something we call pressure. connected to something we call pressure. a pressure whether we conform or a pressure whether we conform or a pressure whether we conform or pressure whether we stand up for what we pressure whether we stand up for what we pressure whether we stand up for what we know we should stand up with. And this know we should stand up with. And this know we should stand up with. And this starts as as a kid. We've all starts as as a kid. We've all starts as as a kid. We've all experienced kind of the same thing when experienced kind of the same thing when experienced kind of the same thing when we were kids. I remember the moment that we were kids. I remember the moment that we were kids. I remember the moment that you were on the playground and that that you were on the playground and that that you were on the playground and that that kid was getting picked on and you had kid was getting picked on and you had kid was getting picked on and you had the decision to make in the moment. Do the decision to make in the moment. Do the decision to make in the moment. Do you stand up for the kid and if you do you stand up for the kid and if you do you stand up for the kid and if you do that will cost your place within the that will cost your place within the that will cost your place within the group or do you just play it safe? Do group or do you just play it safe? Do group or do you just play it safe? Do you play it quiet? you play it quiet? you play it quiet? you go in that moment we're we're you go in that moment we're we're you go in that moment we're we're wrestling with the reality that it's not wrestling with the reality that it's not wrestling with the reality that it's not just about what is right. We wrestle just about what is right. We wrestle just about what is right. We wrestle with what's the cost with what's the cost with what's the cost is sometimes to do what is right is sometimes to do what is right is sometimes to do what is right comes with a cost. Sometimes the cost comes with a cost. Sometimes the cost comes with a cost. Sometimes the cost can be pretty significant. can be pretty significant. can be pretty significant. Revelation 13 gets us into some of that Revelation 13 gets us into some of that Revelation 13 gets us into some of that cost and again the cost can be pretty cost and again the cost can be pretty cost and again the cost can be pretty challenging. So let me just kind of challenging. So let me just kind of challenging. So let me just kind of start with this statement. The greatest start with this statement. The greatest start with this statement. The greatest threat to your faith probably won't be threat to your faith probably won't be threat to your faith probably won't be someone trying to make you stop someone trying to make you stop someone trying to make you stop believing in Jesus. It will be the believing in Jesus. It will be the believing in Jesus. It will be the thousand quiet invitations to love thousand quiet invitations to love thousand quiet invitations to love something else just a little bit more.

something else just a little bit more. something else just a little bit more. And it's way more subtle. And it's way more subtle. And it's way more subtle. It's way more pressure of do I really It's way more pressure of do I really It's way more pressure of do I really stand in the convictions that my faith stand in the convictions that my faith stand in the convictions that my faith has or am I willing to just to kind of has or am I willing to just to kind of has or am I willing to just to kind of compromise and allow whatever the thing compromise and allow whatever the thing compromise and allow whatever the thing is kind of pass me by. And it is that is kind of pass me by. And it is that is kind of pass me by. And it is that kind of tension that we step into the kind of tension that we step into the kind of tension that we step into the book of Revelation, chapter 13. So if book of Revelation, chapter 13. So if book of Revelation, chapter 13. So if you got a Bible, go to the last book of you got a Bible, go to the last book of you got a Bible, go to the last book of the Bible, book of Revelation. We're the Bible, book of Revelation. We're the Bible, book of Revelation. We're going to be in chapter 13. We're going going to be in chapter 13. We're going going to be in chapter 13. We're going to dive into it together. Now, if you to dive into it together. Now, if you to dive into it together. Now, if you were here last week, you know, we were were here last week, you know, we were were here last week, you know, we were introduced to a couple of new characters introduced to a couple of new characters introduced to a couple of new characters in Revelation 12. I got a few new in Revelation 12. I got a few new in Revelation 12. I got a few new characters to introduce to you in characters to introduce to you in characters to introduce to you in Revelation chapter 13. The first Revelation chapter 13. The first Revelation chapter 13. The first character we met last week. I need your character we met last week. I need your character we met last week. I need your help with it. So, uh, we we'll see again help with it. So, uh, we we'll see again help with it. So, uh, we we'll see again in chapter 13, this dragon. Who's the in chapter 13, this dragon. Who's the in chapter 13, this dragon. Who's the dragon? dragon? dragon? >> It is Satan. For those of you here last >> It is Satan. For those of you here last >> It is Satan. For those of you here last week, John tells us who it is. It's the week, John tells us who it is. It's the week, John tells us who it is. It's the Satan, devil, our enemy, the accuser, Satan, devil, our enemy, the accuser, Satan, devil, our enemy, the accuser, the deceiver. If you weren't here last the deceiver. If you weren't here last the deceiver. If you weren't here last week, I would encourage you to go back week, I would encourage you to go back week, I would encourage you to go back and watch it back. And and the reason is and watch it back. And and the reason is and watch it back. And and the reason is is we looked at chapter 12 of the is we looked at chapter 12 of the is we looked at chapter 12 of the enemy's tactics, his strategies to enemy's tactics, his strategies to enemy's tactics, his strategies to steal, kill, and destroy every good steal, kill, and destroy every good steal, kill, and destroy every good thing that God wants to bring in your thing that God wants to bring in your thing that God wants to bring in your life. And if we understand his life. And if we understand his life. And if we understand his strategies, the beautiful thing about strategies, the beautiful thing about strategies, the beautiful thing about scripture is it doesn't leave us scripture is it doesn't leave us scripture is it doesn't leave us unaware. Nor does it leave us unaware. Nor does it leave us unaware. Nor does it leave us unprepared. Because if we can know the unprepared. Because if we can know the unprepared. Because if we can know the tactics of our enemies, we can tactics of our enemies, we can tactics of our enemies, we can understand it be equipped to overcome understand it be equipped to overcome understand it be equipped to overcome the tactics of their enemy and to live the tactics of their enemy and to live the tactics of their enemy and to live devot uh fully devoted to God. And if devot uh fully devoted to God. And if devot uh fully devoted to God. And if chapter 12 focuses on the individual chapter 12 focuses on the individual chapter 12 focuses on the individual tactics of the enemy in your life tactics of the enemy in your life tactics of the enemy in your life personally, chapter 13 will talk about personally, chapter 13 will talk about personally, chapter 13 will talk about it more on a macro scale that the enemy

it more on a macro scale that the enemy it more on a macro scale that the enemy also uses larger structures, powers, also uses larger structures, powers, also uses larger structures, powers, political entities, governments, those political entities, governments, those political entities, governments, those types of things. And so, uh, that's types of things. And so, uh, that's types of things. And so, uh, that's where we get into. And so, I know the where we get into. And so, I know the where we get into. And so, I know the moment that I just say the words moment that I just say the words moment that I just say the words government and politics out loud, government and politics out loud, government and politics out loud, everybody got a little nervous. everybody got a little nervous. everybody got a little nervous. But it is what Revelation 13 talks But it is what Revelation 13 talks But it is what Revelation 13 talks about. And so I don't typically find about. And so I don't typically find about. And so I don't typically find myself to be particularly political in myself to be particularly political in myself to be particularly political in any way. I'm not really interested in any way. I'm not really interested in any way. I'm not really interested in politics in any way. I'm only interested politics in any way. I'm only interested politics in any way. I'm only interested in pointing you to Jesus and Jesus in pointing you to Jesus and Jesus in pointing you to Jesus and Jesus alone. That's my job. Okay. alone. That's my job. Okay. alone. That's my job. Okay. So the only reason I'm diving into this So the only reason I'm diving into this So the only reason I'm diving into this today is because that's what the text today is because that's what the text today is because that's what the text gives us. And that the text challenges gives us. And that the text challenges gives us. And that the text challenges us in some really, really clear ways. So us in some really, really clear ways. So us in some really, really clear ways. So we meet two other characters that the we meet two other characters that the we meet two other characters that the dragon utilizes to kind of do his dragon utilizes to kind of do his dragon utilizes to kind of do his strategies in our world. So you get this strategies in our world. So you get this strategies in our world. So you get this beast of the sea. Who's the beast of the beast of the sea. Who's the beast of the beast of the sea. Who's the beast of the sea? Well, it's representative of some sea? Well, it's representative of some sea? Well, it's representative of some form of political power, government form of political power, government form of political power, government entity, that that type of thing. It's entity, that that type of thing. It's entity, that that type of thing. It's coupled with this beast of the earth, coupled with this beast of the earth, coupled with this beast of the earth, which represents some form of false which represents some form of false which represents some form of false religion.

religion. religion. Now, what's interesting about how some Now, what's interesting about how some Now, what's interesting about how some people come at the book of Revelation, people come at the book of Revelation, people come at the book of Revelation, we've talked about this in previous we've talked about this in previous we've talked about this in previous weeks of series, some people look at the weeks of series, some people look at the weeks of series, some people look at the book of Revelation as all futuristic. book of Revelation as all futuristic. book of Revelation as all futuristic. It's things that will happen before It's things that will happen before It's things that will happen before Jesus returns. I think the better way to Jesus returns. I think the better way to Jesus returns. I think the better way to look at revelation is not a timeline but look at revelation is not a timeline but look at revelation is not a timeline but a template. It's not just that it will a template. It's not just that it will a template. It's not just that it will happen. It's that it already has happen. It's that it already has happen. It's that it already has happened and it actually continues to happened and it actually continues to happened and it actually continues to happen. What revelation does is it peels happen. What revelation does is it peels happen. What revelation does is it peels back the curtain. It allows us to see we back the curtain. It allows us to see we back the curtain. It allows us to see we do have an enemy. Here's how the enemy do have an enemy. Here's how the enemy do have an enemy. Here's how the enemy works. Don't be deceived. Give your works. Don't be deceived. Give your works. Don't be deceived. Give your allegiance to God. That's what it's all allegiance to God. That's what it's all allegiance to God. That's what it's all about. And sometimes the enemy will use about. And sometimes the enemy will use about. And sometimes the enemy will use larger systems or powers in order to larger systems or powers in order to larger systems or powers in order to derail God's people out of their derail God's people out of their derail God's people out of their allegiance to God. Now, sometimes people allegiance to God. Now, sometimes people allegiance to God. Now, sometimes people will see these two things and they'll will see these two things and they'll will see these two things and they'll specify it to individuals. And so, specify it to individuals. And so, specify it to individuals. And so, you're hear people talk about uh an you're hear people talk about uh an you're hear people talk about uh an antichrist and you hear people talk antichrist and you hear people talk antichrist and you hear people talk about a false prophet. That's the same about a false prophet. That's the same about a false prophet. That's the same that's the same thing. It's applied to that's the same thing. It's applied to that's the same thing. It's applied to an individual versus an entity or a an individual versus an entity or a an individual versus an entity or a group. And so, it could be an individual group. And so, it could be an individual group. And so, it could be an individual like it could be a group. But again, the like it could be a group. But again, the like it could be a group. But again, the same principle of how the enemy is same principle of how the enemy is same principle of how the enemy is trying to work is true whether it's trying to work is true whether it's trying to work is true whether it's individualistic or whether it's a little individualistic or whether it's a little individualistic or whether it's a little bit more corporate in nature. Okay? We bit more corporate in nature. Okay? We bit more corporate in nature. Okay? We good so far?

good so far? good so far? Okay. So far so good. All right. Okay. So far so good. All right. Okay. So far so good. All right. Here's why this matters. What Revelation Here's why this matters. What Revelation Here's why this matters. What Revelation is going to help us discover is this is going to help us discover is this is going to help us discover is this truth. Whatever God creates, Satan truth. Whatever God creates, Satan truth. Whatever God creates, Satan counterfeits counterfeits counterfeits to where it looks really good. It looks to where it looks really good. It looks to where it looks really good. It looks maybe even of God, maybe even of God, maybe even of God, but he just skews it a little bit. And but he just skews it a little bit. And but he just skews it a little bit. And if you can buy into the counterfeit, if you can buy into the counterfeit, if you can buy into the counterfeit, what will happen is it will rob you of what will happen is it will rob you of what will happen is it will rob you of every good thing that God actually every good thing that God actually every good thing that God actually wanted to bring. And I think that's true wanted to bring. And I think that's true wanted to bring. And I think that's true about everything. Like what God creates about everything. Like what God creates about everything. Like what God creates to be so good, the enemy often to be so good, the enemy often to be so good, the enemy often counterfeits. And so in other words, God counterfeits. And so in other words, God counterfeits. And so in other words, God created love. Beautiful thing. Satan created love. Beautiful thing. Satan created love. Beautiful thing. Satan will counterfeit that as lust. And if we will counterfeit that as lust. And if we will counterfeit that as lust. And if we buy into it, it'll rob every good thing buy into it, it'll rob every good thing buy into it, it'll rob every good thing that God wants to have in our life. Or that God wants to have in our life. Or that God wants to have in our life. Or God created rest. God created rest. God created rest. Satan will counterfeit it into all kinds Satan will counterfeit it into all kinds Satan will counterfeit it into all kinds of addiction or things that that numb of addiction or things that that numb of addiction or things that that numb the pain that we sometimes feel and the pain that we sometimes feel and the pain that we sometimes feel and it'll rob every good thing that God it'll rob every good thing that God it'll rob every good thing that God wants to give to our life. Uh God gives wants to give to our life. Uh God gives wants to give to our life. Uh God gives his truth.

his truth. his truth. Satan will counterfeit that with Satan will counterfeit that with Satan will counterfeit that with halftruths and propaganda and things halftruths and propaganda and things halftruths and propaganda and things that will truly lead people astray. So that will truly lead people astray. So that will truly lead people astray. So whatever God creates, Satan whatever God creates, Satan whatever God creates, Satan counterfeits. The same is true when it counterfeits. The same is true when it counterfeits. The same is true when it comes to government entities, political comes to government entities, political comes to government entities, political powers, those kind of things. The powers, those kind of things. The powers, those kind of things. The Bible's really clear that God's the one Bible's really clear that God's the one Bible's really clear that God's the one that established governments on this that established governments on this that established governments on this earth. They're very clear and they have earth. They're very clear and they have earth. They're very clear and they have a godly purpose. Uh that's why the Bible a godly purpose. Uh that's why the Bible a godly purpose. Uh that's why the Bible tells us to pray for our political tells us to pray for our political tells us to pray for our political leaders and your country leaders and leaders and your country leaders and leaders and your country leaders and that kind of thing because uh God wants that kind of thing because uh God wants that kind of thing because uh God wants to actually create some good that comes to actually create some good that comes to actually create some good that comes through this entity that he created. through this entity that he created. through this entity that he created. Now, they're established for very clear Now, they're established for very clear Now, they're established for very clear purposes biblically that our governments purposes biblically that our governments purposes biblically that our governments are established to maintain order are established to maintain order are established to maintain order because God's a God of order and not because God's a God of order and not because God's a God of order and not chaos. It it's it's also to protect its chaos. It it's it's also to protect its chaos. It it's it's also to protect its citizens. Uh governments are established citizens. Uh governments are established citizens. Uh governments are established to ensure justice plays out in people's to ensure justice plays out in people's to ensure justice plays out in people's lives and to ultimately to promote human lives and to ultimately to promote human lives and to ultimately to promote human flourishing. Those are a couple of the flourishing. Those are a couple of the flourishing. Those are a couple of the the purposes behind like why God the purposes behind like why God the purposes behind like why God establishes government. So again, establishes government. So again, establishes government. So again, governments are established as a good governments are established as a good governments are established as a good thing from God, Satan will try to thing from God, Satan will try to thing from God, Satan will try to counterfeit it. And the reason and the counterfeit it. And the reason and the counterfeit it. And the reason and the way that he tries to counterfeit it is way that he tries to counterfeit it is way that he tries to counterfeit it is he wants you to direct your allegiance he wants you to direct your allegiance he wants you to direct your allegiance that should be connected to God and to that should be connected to God and to that should be connected to God and to displace your allegiance to whatever the displace your allegiance to whatever the displace your allegiance to whatever the political entity. So there therefore political entity. So there therefore political entity. So there therefore it's no longer just good. We make it it's no longer just good. We make it it's no longer just good. We make it ultimate. And that's what Revelation 13 ultimate. And that's what Revelation 13 ultimate. And that's what Revelation 13 is going to get at. So let's let's let's is going to get at. So let's let's let's is going to get at. So let's let's let's dive into the text. Here's the first dive into the text. Here's the first dive into the text. Here's the first principle that I want us to wrestle principle that I want us to wrestle principle that I want us to wrestle with. The state makes a terrible God.

with. The state makes a terrible God. with. The state makes a terrible God. Again, the state can be a good thing. Again, the state can be a good thing. Again, the state can be a good thing. It's established by God, but the state's It's established by God, but the state's It's established by God, but the state's intended to be a servant. It makes a intended to be a servant. It makes a intended to be a servant. It makes a terrible God. So, here we go. Revelation terrible God. So, here we go. Revelation terrible God. So, here we go. Revelation 13. We're going to start in verse one. I 13. We're going to start in verse one. I 13. We're going to start in verse one. I tell you, it's a little weird. Hang with tell you, it's a little weird. Hang with tell you, it's a little weird. Hang with me. Okay. Here's what it says. Says, me. Okay. Here's what it says. Says, me. Okay. Here's what it says. Says, "The dragon stood on the shore of the "The dragon stood on the shore of the "The dragon stood on the shore of the sea, and I saw a beast coming out of the sea, and I saw a beast coming out of the sea, and I saw a beast coming out of the sea. It had 10 horns and seven heads and sea. It had 10 horns and seven heads and sea. It had 10 horns and seven heads and 10 crowns on its horn." So, crowns are 10 crowns on its horn." So, crowns are 10 crowns on its horn." So, crowns are like a symbol of authority. It it's like a symbol of authority. It it's like a symbol of authority. It it's again it's a it's it's a charade. It's a again it's a it's it's a charade. It's a again it's a it's it's a charade. It's a it's a counterfeit. And each one had a it's a counterfeit. And each one had a it's a counterfeit. And each one had a blasphemous name. The beast I saw blasphemous name. The beast I saw blasphemous name. The beast I saw resembled a leopard, but it felt like resembled a leopard, but it felt like resembled a leopard, but it felt like those of a like feet like those of a those of a like feet like those of a those of a like feet like those of a bear and a mouth like that of a lion. So bear and a mouth like that of a lion. So bear and a mouth like that of a lion. So take a note of those different animals. take a note of those different animals. take a note of those different animals. We're going to come back to that in in We're going to come back to that in in We're going to come back to that in in just a moment. The dragon gave the beast just a moment. The dragon gave the beast just a moment. The dragon gave the beast his power and his throne and great his power and his throne and great his power and his throne and great authority. One of the heads of the beast authority. One of the heads of the beast authority. One of the heads of the beast seemed to have a fatal wound. seemed to have a fatal wound. seemed to have a fatal wound. Fascinating detail. But the fatal wound Fascinating detail. But the fatal wound Fascinating detail. But the fatal wound had been healed. The whole world was had been healed. The whole world was had been healed. The whole world was filled with wonder and followed the filled with wonder and followed the filled with wonder and followed the beast. People worshiped the dragon beast. People worshiped the dragon beast. People worshiped the dragon because they had to given authority to because they had to given authority to because they had to given authority to the beast. And they also worshiped the the beast. And they also worshiped the the beast. And they also worshiped the beast and asked, "Who's like the beast?

beast and asked, "Who's like the beast? beast and asked, "Who's like the beast? Who can wage war against it?" Now, what Who can wage war against it?" Now, what Who can wage war against it?" Now, what in the world is going on with this crazy in the world is going on with this crazy in the world is going on with this crazy thing? Right now, notice the goal at the thing? Right now, notice the goal at the thing? Right now, notice the goal at the end. The goal of the dragon and the end. The goal of the dragon and the end. The goal of the dragon and the beast is what? It's worship. beast is what? It's worship. beast is what? It's worship. That's always been Satan's goal. As I That's always been Satan's goal. As I That's always been Satan's goal. As I mentioned, everything that God creates, mentioned, everything that God creates, mentioned, everything that God creates, Satan counterfeits. It's what you're Satan counterfeits. It's what you're Satan counterfeits. It's what you're seeing in Revelation 13 is a counterfeit seeing in Revelation 13 is a counterfeit seeing in Revelation 13 is a counterfeit of the true triune nature of God. of the true triune nature of God. of the true triune nature of God. Father, Son, Holy Spirit. That is the Father, Son, Holy Spirit. That is the Father, Son, Holy Spirit. That is the true trinity, the Holy Trinity. What you true trinity, the Holy Trinity. What you true trinity, the Holy Trinity. What you meet in Revelation 13 is the unholy meet in Revelation 13 is the unholy meet in Revelation 13 is the unholy trinity, the dragon and the two beasts. trinity, the dragon and the two beasts. trinity, the dragon and the two beasts. The dragon is the counterfeit of the The dragon is the counterfeit of the The dragon is the counterfeit of the father. He wants to be worshiped. He father. He wants to be worshiped. He father. He wants to be worshiped. He wants to be adored. He wants to he wants wants to be adored. He wants to he wants wants to be adored. He wants to he wants your allegiance. Now, when you think your allegiance. Now, when you think your allegiance. Now, when you think about worship, Satan's not wanting you about worship, Satan's not wanting you about worship, Satan's not wanting you to sing songs in his name. It's not to sing songs in his name. It's not to sing songs in his name. It's not about singing songs. It's about the about singing songs. It's about the about singing songs. It's about the devotion of your life, what matters devotion of your life, what matters devotion of your life, what matters most. He wants you to misappropriate most. He wants you to misappropriate most. He wants you to misappropriate your devotion, allegiance to anything your devotion, allegiance to anything your devotion, allegiance to anything else. Because if he can get you devoted else. Because if he can get you devoted else. Because if he can get you devoted to anything else other than God, he can to anything else other than God, he can to anything else other than God, he can break he can wreak havoc in your life.

break he can wreak havoc in your life. break he can wreak havoc in your life. And so, he's the counterfeit to God. Now And so, he's the counterfeit to God. Now And so, he's the counterfeit to God. Now you meet the first beast, this beast of you meet the first beast, this beast of you meet the first beast, this beast of the sea. And notice that he has a mortal the sea. And notice that he has a mortal the sea. And notice that he has a mortal wound which was healed. wound which was healed. wound which was healed. There was a true God in Christ who was There was a true God in Christ who was There was a true God in Christ who was killed and resurrected. So this second killed and resurrected. So this second killed and resurrected. So this second beast is a counterfeit of Jesus. He kind beast is a counterfeit of Jesus. He kind beast is a counterfeit of Jesus. He kind of looks a little bit like him. He's one of looks a little bit like him. He's one of looks a little bit like him. He's one that has power and authority and might. that has power and authority and might. that has power and authority and might. And so you think, "Ah, he kind of looks And so you think, "Ah, he kind of looks And so you think, "Ah, he kind of looks like the real thing." But he's not. like the real thing." But he's not. like the real thing." But he's not. because he's got these blasphemous names because he's got these blasphemous names because he's got these blasphemous names all over his head. He's he's actually all over his head. He's he's actually all over his head. He's he's actually working so much against the things of working so much against the things of working so much against the things of God. We'll get to the last beast in just God. We'll get to the last beast in just God. We'll get to the last beast in just a moment, and it's the counterfeit of of a moment, and it's the counterfeit of of a moment, and it's the counterfeit of of the Holy Spirit. Now, you you noticed the Holy Spirit. Now, you you noticed the Holy Spirit. Now, you you noticed that in its description, there were that in its description, there were that in its description, there were these animals like a leopard, a bear, a these animals like a leopard, a bear, a these animals like a leopard, a bear, a lion, that type of thing. That's a lion, that type of thing. That's a lion, that type of thing. That's a direct reference to the book of Daniel, direct reference to the book of Daniel, direct reference to the book of Daniel, this Old Testament prophet of Daniel. this Old Testament prophet of Daniel. this Old Testament prophet of Daniel. Now, the Old Testament prophet Daniel Now, the Old Testament prophet Daniel Now, the Old Testament prophet Daniel are using these animals to describe are using these animals to describe are using these animals to describe these empires, these kingdoms back in these empires, these kingdoms back in these empires, these kingdoms back in the ancient world. Specifically in the ancient world. Specifically in the ancient world. Specifically in Daniel, it's the kingdoms of Babylon, Daniel, it's the kingdoms of Babylon, Daniel, it's the kingdoms of Babylon, Persia, Greece, ultimately Rome. Now, Persia, Greece, ultimately Rome. Now, Persia, Greece, ultimately Rome. Now, it's not specifically about these it's not specifically about these it's not specifically about these nations. It's about what they represent.

nations. It's about what they represent. nations. It's about what they represent. In other words, every nation of power In other words, every nation of power In other words, every nation of power and authority that attempts to displace and authority that attempts to displace and authority that attempts to displace God from the center, God from the center, God from the center, they all have the same spirit attached they all have the same spirit attached they all have the same spirit attached to them. Because if you can displace the to them. Because if you can displace the to them. Because if you can displace the God from the center, then your God from the center, then your God from the center, then your allegiance goes to that government or allegiance goes to that government or allegiance goes to that government or political entity in of itself. political entity in of itself. political entity in of itself. And that was true in the first century And that was true in the first century And that was true in the first century to the original hearers who are hearing to the original hearers who are hearing to the original hearers who are hearing this particular text. Eugene Peterson this particular text. Eugene Peterson this particular text. Eugene Peterson says it this way. I love this. He says, says it this way. I love this. He says, says it this way. I love this. He says, "The dragon, the sea beast, and the lamb "The dragon, the sea beast, and the lamb "The dragon, the sea beast, and the lamb beast, they are the satanic trinity." beast, they are the satanic trinity." beast, they are the satanic trinity." Again, this unholy trinity that Again, this unholy trinity that Again, this unholy trinity that infiltrates the political world in order infiltrates the political world in order infiltrates the political world in order to deflect the worship from God whom we to deflect the worship from God whom we to deflect the worship from God whom we cannot see to authorities that we can cannot see to authorities that we can cannot see to authorities that we can see. see. see. Here's the most, I think, disturbing Here's the most, I think, disturbing Here's the most, I think, disturbing part for me as I personally wrestle with part for me as I personally wrestle with part for me as I personally wrestle with it. it. it. that there's something in our hearts that there's something in our hearts that there's something in our hearts that actually long to give our that actually long to give our that actually long to give our allegiance here because it's easier to allegiance here because it's easier to allegiance here because it's easier to put our faith and our trust into a put our faith and our trust into a put our faith and our trust into a kingdom we can see instead of putting kingdom we can see instead of putting kingdom we can see instead of putting our faith and our trust into a kingdom our faith and our trust into a kingdom our faith and our trust into a kingdom that we cannot see. And so there's this that we cannot see. And so there's this that we cannot see. And so there's this natural bent within our hearts to natural bent within our hearts to natural bent within our hearts to actually start trusting a kingdom that actually start trusting a kingdom that actually start trusting a kingdom that we see. And so what John is kind of we see. And so what John is kind of we see. And so what John is kind of pulling the curtain back is to help us pulling the curtain back is to help us pulling the curtain back is to help us kind of see that really, really clearly.

kind of see that really, really clearly. kind of see that really, really clearly. He goes on in verse 5 to say these He goes on in verse 5 to say these He goes on in verse 5 to say these words. He says, 'The beast was given a words. He says, 'The beast was given a words. He says, 'The beast was given a mouth to utter proud words and mouth to utter proud words and mouth to utter proud words and blasphemies to exercise his authority blasphemies to exercise his authority blasphemies to exercise his authority for 42 months. It opened its mouth to for 42 months. It opened its mouth to for 42 months. It opened its mouth to blasphe God and to slander his name and blasphe God and to slander his name and blasphe God and to slander his name and the dwelling place and those who live in the dwelling place and those who live in the dwelling place and those who live in heaven. It was given power to wage war heaven. It was given power to wage war heaven. It was given power to wage war against God's holy people and and against God's holy people and and against God's holy people and and conquer them and was given the authority conquer them and was given the authority conquer them and was given the authority over every tribe, people, language, and over every tribe, people, language, and over every tribe, people, language, and nation. All inhabitants on earth will nation. All inhabitants on earth will nation. All inhabitants on earth will worship the beast. worship the beast. worship the beast. Then there's a qualification. all whose Then there's a qualification. all whose Then there's a qualification. all whose names have not been written in the names have not been written in the names have not been written in the lamb's book of life, the lamb who was lamb's book of life, the lamb who was lamb's book of life, the lamb who was slain from the creation of the world. So slain from the creation of the world. So slain from the creation of the world. So in other words, like the whole world is in other words, like the whole world is in other words, like the whole world is actually worshiping one of these actually worshiping one of these actually worshiping one of these entities except for those who are God's entities except for those who are God's entities except for those who are God's people. Now practically speaking, the people. Now practically speaking, the people. Now practically speaking, the first century church would have known first century church would have known first century church would have known exactly what John was describing because exactly what John was describing because exactly what John was describing because back in the first century church, Rome back in the first century church, Rome back in the first century church, Rome was the political power. They were the was the political power. They were the was the political power. They were the one in charge and they they demanded one in charge and they they demanded one in charge and they they demanded that you worship Caesar as Lord. He was that you worship Caesar as Lord. He was that you worship Caesar as Lord. He was he was the authority. He was the one he was the authority. He was the one he was the authority. He was the one that you put your faith and your trust that you put your faith and your trust that you put your faith and your trust in. And what's interesting is if you in. And what's interesting is if you in. And what's interesting is if you chose not to, that came at a great cost.

chose not to, that came at a great cost. chose not to, that came at a great cost. And so your Monday morning experience And so your Monday morning experience And so your Monday morning experience growing up in the first century is that growing up in the first century is that growing up in the first century is that when you went to work, before you could when you went to work, before you could when you went to work, before you could trade in the market, before you could be trade in the market, before you could be trade in the market, before you could be a part of your your guild, whatever that a part of your your guild, whatever that a part of your your guild, whatever that was, uh before you were able to take was, uh before you were able to take was, uh before you were able to take steps toward that promotion, somebody steps toward that promotion, somebody steps toward that promotion, somebody would put incense in front of you and would put incense in front of you and would put incense in front of you and you were required to pinch a little bit you were required to pinch a little bit you were required to pinch a little bit off and throw it into the fire and say off and throw it into the fire and say off and throw it into the fire and say these three words, "Caesar is Lord." And these three words, "Caesar is Lord." And these three words, "Caesar is Lord." And everybody did it because that's just everybody did it because that's just everybody did it because that's just what you did. And that's what you did in what you did. And that's what you did in what you did. And that's what you did in order to order to order to interact, to experience commerce, to interact, to experience commerce, to interact, to experience commerce, to stay employed, to maintain relationship, stay employed, to maintain relationship, stay employed, to maintain relationship, that's just what everybody did. The that's just what everybody did. The that's just what everybody did. The conflict for Christ followers is obvious conflict for Christ followers is obvious conflict for Christ followers is obvious that the moment you declare Jesus is that the moment you declare Jesus is that the moment you declare Jesus is Lord, that declaration can't coexist Lord, that declaration can't coexist Lord, that declaration can't coexist with Caesar is Lord. And so therefore, with Caesar is Lord. And so therefore, with Caesar is Lord. And so therefore, you now have the pressure. Do I just do you now have the pressure. Do I just do you now have the pressure. Do I just do I just do the thing and I don't really I just do the thing and I don't really I just do the thing and I don't really mean it and that way I can keep my job mean it and that way I can keep my job mean it and that way I can keep my job and do all the things and keep my status and do all the things and keep my status and do all the things and keep my status socially socially socially or do I stand in my conviction that no, or do I stand in my conviction that no, or do I stand in my conviction that no, Jesus is Lord. I refuse to bow my knee Jesus is Lord. I refuse to bow my knee Jesus is Lord. I refuse to bow my knee to anybody else. If you were to go that to anybody else. If you were to go that to anybody else. If you were to go that route, it could cost you your job. It route, it could cost you your job. It route, it could cost you your job. It could cost you your livelihood. It could could cost you your livelihood. It could could cost you your livelihood. It could cost you your relationships. And in some cost you your relationships. And in some cost you your relationships. And in some cases, it actually might cost you your cases, it actually might cost you your cases, it actually might cost you your life.

life. life. And that's why the very next statement And that's why the very next statement And that's why the very next statement in verse 9 says, "Whoever has ears, let in verse 9 says, "Whoever has ears, let in verse 9 says, "Whoever has ears, let them hear. If anyone is to go into them hear. If anyone is to go into them hear. If anyone is to go into captivity, into captivity you'll go. If captivity, into captivity you'll go. If captivity, into captivity you'll go. If anyone is to be killed with the sword, anyone is to be killed with the sword, anyone is to be killed with the sword, with the sword they will be killed." with the sword they will be killed." with the sword they will be killed." This calls for patient endurance and and This calls for patient endurance and and This calls for patient endurance and and and and faithfulness on the part of and and faithfulness on the part of and and faithfulness on the part of God's people. In other words, if you God's people. In other words, if you God's people. In other words, if you commit to honor Jesus as Lord and Jesus commit to honor Jesus as Lord and Jesus commit to honor Jesus as Lord and Jesus as Lord only, there will be as Lord only, there will be as Lord only, there will be repercussions for that. Sometimes repercussions for that. Sometimes repercussions for that. Sometimes following Jesus will cost you. And so he following Jesus will cost you. And so he following Jesus will cost you. And so he says, if that's about, you know, you says, if that's about, you know, you says, if that's about, you know, you going into uh captivity, going into uh captivity, going into uh captivity, it's worth going into captivity for. If it's worth going into captivity for. If it's worth going into captivity for. If it's worth you dying by a sword, it's it's worth you dying by a sword, it's it's worth you dying by a sword, it's worth you dying by that sword. is what worth you dying by that sword. is what worth you dying by that sword. is what John's saying is your allegiance to John's saying is your allegiance to John's saying is your allegiance to Jesus matters most even if it costs you Jesus matters most even if it costs you Jesus matters most even if it costs you something. something. something. But that would have been the real But that would have been the real But that would have been the real tension back in the ancient world as tension back in the ancient world as tension back in the ancient world as they wrestled with that and wrestled they wrestled with that and wrestled they wrestled with that and wrestled through that. Now, but you notice maybe through that. Now, but you notice maybe through that. Now, but you notice maybe in the text that it said that this power in the text that it said that this power in the text that it said that this power and this authority was given and there and this authority was given and there and this authority was given and there was a time frame mentioned 42 months. I was a time frame mentioned 42 months. I was a time frame mentioned 42 months. I don't know that that's a specific three don't know that that's a specific three don't know that that's a specific three and a half year time period although and a half year time period although and a half year time period although some people do take it that way. I think some people do take it that way. I think some people do take it that way. I think it's more saying that that the the the it's more saying that that the the the it's more saying that that the the the authority and the reach of the beast, authority and the reach of the beast, authority and the reach of the beast, it's on borrowed time and it's it's on borrowed time and it's it's on borrowed time and it's temporary.

temporary. temporary. So do not trade your eternal allegiance So do not trade your eternal allegiance So do not trade your eternal allegiance for a temporary one that will actually for a temporary one that will actually for a temporary one that will actually take every good thing away from you. take every good thing away from you. take every good thing away from you. And so what Revelation is trying to do And so what Revelation is trying to do And so what Revelation is trying to do is just open our eyes and just is just open our eyes and just is just open our eyes and just understand how the beast works. And so understand how the beast works. And so understand how the beast works. And so this will happen. It has happened and it this will happen. It has happened and it this will happen. It has happened and it continues to happen. And so the driving continues to happen. And so the driving continues to happen. And so the driving question is where's your allegiance? question is where's your allegiance? question is where's your allegiance? Like where do you put your faith and Like where do you put your faith and Like where do you put your faith and hope for everyday life even today? And hope for everyday life even today? And hope for everyday life even today? And so as I close out each section, I'm just so as I close out each section, I'm just so as I close out each section, I'm just going to give you a question. And the going to give you a question. And the going to give you a question. And the question is not intended to be answered question is not intended to be answered question is not intended to be answered out loud. I want you to wrestle with it out loud. I want you to wrestle with it out loud. I want you to wrestle with it in the context of your heart. I don't in the context of your heart. I don't in the context of your heart. I don't want I don't want you to think about want I don't want you to think about want I don't want you to think about other people who need to hear this other people who need to hear this other people who need to hear this message. I want you to think about your message. I want you to think about your message. I want you to think about your yourself and just how how would you yourself and just how how would you yourself and just how how would you think about this in your own journey? So think about this in your own journey? So think about this in your own journey? So here's the question. Whose agenda are here's the question. Whose agenda are here's the question. Whose agenda are you more uh are you more fluent in? you more uh are you more fluent in? you more uh are you more fluent in? God's agenda or your political party's God's agenda or your political party's God's agenda or your political party's agenda? Like which one do you know the agenda? Like which one do you know the agenda? Like which one do you know the most? Which one do you find yourself most? Which one do you find yourself most? Which one do you find yourself diving into the most? Which one do you diving into the most? Which one do you diving into the most? Which one do you find yourself fighting for the most?

find yourself fighting for the most? find yourself fighting for the most? God's agenda or your political party's God's agenda or your political party's God's agenda or your political party's agenda? agenda? agenda? And sometimes to really land with God's And sometimes to really land with God's And sometimes to really land with God's agenda matters most. agenda matters most. agenda matters most. It'll cost you It'll cost you It'll cost you here. Here's the second principle. here. Here's the second principle. here. Here's the second principle. The most dangerous lies sound spiritual. The most dangerous lies sound spiritual. The most dangerous lies sound spiritual. The most dangerous lies that we The most dangerous lies that we The most dangerous lies that we experience actually sound really experience actually sound really experience actually sound really spiritual. So, let me take us back to spiritual. So, let me take us back to spiritual. So, let me take us back to Revelation chapter 13. Uh, we're going Revelation chapter 13. Uh, we're going Revelation chapter 13. Uh, we're going to be in I don't know what verse we're to be in I don't know what verse we're to be in I don't know what verse we're in. We're in verse 11. in. We're in verse 11. in. We're in verse 11. Verse 11 says this. Then I saw a second Verse 11 says this. Then I saw a second Verse 11 says this. Then I saw a second beast coming out of the earth. It had beast coming out of the earth. It had beast coming out of the earth. It had two horns like a lamb. Who's the lamb? two horns like a lamb. Who's the lamb? two horns like a lamb. Who's the lamb? Jesus. Always a good answer in church, Jesus. Always a good answer in church, Jesus. Always a good answer in church, right? So notice he looks a lot like right? So notice he looks a lot like right? So notice he looks a lot like Jesus. Jesus. Jesus. He's a counterfeit. He's not the real He's a counterfeit. He's not the real He's a counterfeit. He's not the real thing. But because he spoke like a thing. But because he spoke like a thing. But because he spoke like a dragon, he exercised all the authority dragon, he exercised all the authority dragon, he exercised all the authority of the first beast on his behalf and and of the first beast on his behalf and and of the first beast on his behalf and and made the earth's inhabitants worship the made the earth's inhabitants worship the made the earth's inhabitants worship the first beast whose fatal wound had been first beast whose fatal wound had been first beast whose fatal wound had been healed. He performed great signs causing healed. He performed great signs causing healed. He performed great signs causing fire to come down from heaven and and fire to come down from heaven and and fire to come down from heaven and and the earth in view of all people. Because the earth in view of all people. Because the earth in view of all people. Because of the signs it was gi because of the of the signs it was gi because of the of the signs it was gi because of the signs it was given power to perform on signs it was given power to perform on signs it was given power to perform on behalf of the first beast, it deceived behalf of the first beast, it deceived behalf of the first beast, it deceived the inhabitants of the earth. And so the inhabitants of the earth. And so the inhabitants of the earth. And so again, if the if the first beast is again, if the if the first beast is again, if the if the first beast is around some sort of political entity of around some sort of political entity of around some sort of political entity of some kind, the second beast is either a

some kind, the second beast is either a some kind, the second beast is either a false religion or some sort of false false religion or some sort of false false religion or some sort of false alteration of a spirituality that gives alteration of a spirituality that gives alteration of a spirituality that gives power to the first beast. Now again, you power to the first beast. Now again, you power to the first beast. Now again, you see it play out all throughout history. see it play out all throughout history. see it play out all throughout history. Let's go back to the first century. Now Let's go back to the first century. Now Let's go back to the first century. Now the first century, this is praying out the first century, this is praying out the first century, this is praying out playing out in very very practical playing out in very very practical playing out in very very practical terms. Uh there were there were royal terms. Uh there were there were royal terms. Uh there were there were royal priests in the Roman world whose job was priests in the Roman world whose job was priests in the Roman world whose job was to continue to point people toward to continue to point people toward to continue to point people toward emperor worship about worshiping the the emperor worship about worshiping the the emperor worship about worshiping the the one who was on the throne in Rome. one who was on the throne in Rome. one who was on the throne in Rome. Right? And there was a there was a great Right? And there was a there was a great Right? And there was a there was a great deal that was tied into that and they deal that was tied into that and they deal that was tied into that and they had a lot to lose if they weren't had a lot to lose if they weren't had a lot to lose if they weren't effective that their wealth, their effective that their wealth, their effective that their wealth, their status, their standing, uh their status, their standing, uh their status, their standing, uh their control, their power was all associated control, their power was all associated control, their power was all associated with this kind of reality. And what's with this kind of reality. And what's with this kind of reality. And what's interesting is what what's what often interesting is what what's what often interesting is what what's what often happens in our political realm like even happens in our political realm like even happens in our political realm like even to this day is what will happen is to this day is what will happen is to this day is what will happen is sometimes some twisted form of sometimes some twisted form of sometimes some twisted form of spirituality spirituality spirituality gets connected to to give power to the gets connected to to give power to the gets connected to to give power to the government entity because if you can government entity because if you can government entity because if you can believe that God's behind it, it's believe that God's behind it, it's believe that God's behind it, it's amazing what we will sacrifice for it.

amazing what we will sacrifice for it. amazing what we will sacrifice for it. And it's this tactic of the enemy. So And it's this tactic of the enemy. So And it's this tactic of the enemy. So again, you saw it in the first century. again, you saw it in the first century. again, you saw it in the first century. Let me give you a couple of other like Let me give you a couple of other like Let me give you a couple of other like really extreme examples. Another extreme really extreme examples. Another extreme really extreme examples. Another extreme examples of how this has played out examples of how this has played out examples of how this has played out through history is think about Hitler's through history is think about Hitler's through history is think about Hitler's Nazi Germany, right? And so the like the Nazi Germany, right? And so the like the Nazi Germany, right? And so the like the the political agenda of Nazi Germany, at the political agenda of Nazi Germany, at the political agenda of Nazi Germany, at least early on, there were a lot of least early on, there were a lot of least early on, there were a lot of church leaders that dressed it up in church leaders that dressed it up in church leaders that dressed it up in religious language that really advocated religious language that really advocated religious language that really advocated for loyalty toward Hitler and all of his for loyalty toward Hitler and all of his for loyalty toward Hitler and all of his agenda. agenda. agenda. And so it's this twisted form of And so it's this twisted form of And so it's this twisted form of spirituality to advocate for something spirituality to advocate for something spirituality to advocate for something that God would never advocate for. that God would never advocate for. that God would never advocate for. Another example that's kind of an Another example that's kind of an Another example that's kind of an extreme example would be you think about extreme example would be you think about extreme example would be you think about ISIS as a political entity and you know ISIS as a political entity and you know ISIS as a political entity and you know ISIS this radicalized form of Islam that ISIS this radicalized form of Islam that ISIS this radicalized form of Islam that convinced people that terrorism and convinced people that terrorism and convinced people that terrorism and violence was actually a holy act violence was actually a holy act violence was actually a holy act rewarded by God. rewarded by God. rewarded by God. Can you understand that? That all Can you understand that? That all Can you understand that? That all throughout history, the enemy has used throughout history, the enemy has used throughout history, the enemy has used this as a strategy and tactic to to to this as a strategy and tactic to to to this as a strategy and tactic to to to bend things, to twist things, to falsify bend things, to twist things, to falsify bend things, to twist things, to falsify things, to give power to that which things, to give power to that which things, to give power to that which rivals the power of God so that our rivals the power of God so that our rivals the power of God so that our allegiance might go toward the political allegiance might go toward the political allegiance might go toward the political entity versus God himself. Now, I want entity versus God himself. Now, I want entity versus God himself. Now, I want to be really clear that Revelation 13 is to be really clear that Revelation 13 is to be really clear that Revelation 13 is not about American politics.

not about American politics. not about American politics. However, we're not immune from this However, we're not immune from this However, we're not immune from this tactic of the enemy. And so, this kind tactic of the enemy. And so, this kind tactic of the enemy. And so, this kind of thing does play out in our world just of thing does play out in our world just of thing does play out in our world just like it's played out all throughout like it's played out all throughout like it's played out all throughout history all over the world, right? Like, history all over the world, right? Like, history all over the world, right? Like, we're not we're not immune from it. Now, we're not we're not immune from it. Now, we're not we're not immune from it. Now, I want to be really really clear because I want to be really really clear because I want to be really really clear because I don't ever ever ever ever want to be partisan in my approach to a want to be partisan in my approach to a conversation like this. The truth is, I conversation like this. The truth is, I conversation like this. The truth is, I don't really care how you vote. don't really care how you vote. don't really care how you vote. uh it's just not it's just not it's not uh it's just not it's just not it's not uh it's just not it's just not it's not connected to what I do. And so there's connected to what I do. And so there's connected to what I do. And so there's people here that will vote in different people here that will vote in different people here that will vote in different places and participate in our government places and participate in our government places and participate in our government different ways. God bless you. My job is different ways. God bless you. My job is different ways. God bless you. My job is to not point you to a temporary to not point you to a temporary to not point you to a temporary political government. My job is to point political government. My job is to point political government. My job is to point you to the King of Kings and Lord of you to the King of Kings and Lord of you to the King of Kings and Lord of Lords who supersedes all of it. Okay? Let me let me take it one step further Let me let me take it one step further for you. for you. for you. I wouldn't vote Jesus for president of I wouldn't vote Jesus for president of I wouldn't vote Jesus for president of the United States of America. the United States of America. the United States of America. You're like, "You wouldn't." You know You're like, "You wouldn't." You know You're like, "You wouldn't." You know why? I would never want to demote him.

Because Jesus is not a leader of one Because Jesus is not a leader of one nation, of one term, of one time within nation, of one term, of one time within nation, of one term, of one time within human history. He's the king of all human history. He's the king of all human history. He's the king of all kings. He oversees all nations, of all kings. He oversees all nations, of all kings. He oversees all nations, of all times, of all people. I would never want times, of all people. I would never want times, of all people. I would never want to demote Jesus in that way. Now again, to demote Jesus in that way. Now again, to demote Jesus in that way. Now again, the government that he established is the government that he established is the government that he established is established to do his good. So our established to do his good. So our established to do his good. So our government is not a bad thing. So I government is not a bad thing. So I government is not a bad thing. So I would never try to dissuade you from would never try to dissuade you from would never try to dissuade you from participating in government. You should participating in government. You should participating in government. You should vote. You should pay your taxes. You vote. You should pay your taxes. You vote. You should pay your taxes. You should work for the the common good of should work for the the common good of should work for the the common good of man. Okay? That's not a bad thing. It's man. Okay? That's not a bad thing. It's man. Okay? That's not a bad thing. It's just not an ultimate thing. just not an ultimate thing. just not an ultimate thing. And the challenge is even in our And the challenge is even in our And the challenge is even in our political climate today, the issue is political climate today, the issue is political climate today, the issue is about allegiance. If we're not careful, about allegiance. If we're not careful, about allegiance. If we're not careful, our allegiance starts drifting away from our allegiance starts drifting away from our allegiance starts drifting away from God to our particular political party of God to our particular political party of God to our particular political party of choice. choice. choice. So the issue of Revelation 13 is not So the issue of Revelation 13 is not So the issue of Revelation 13 is not which party is correct. The issue of which party is correct. The issue of which party is correct. The issue of Revelation chapter 13 is where is your Revelation chapter 13 is where is your Revelation chapter 13 is where is your allegiance? allegiance? allegiance? Where's your true commitment? Where have Where's your true commitment? Where have Where's your true commitment? Where have you put your faith and trust?

you put your faith and trust? you put your faith and trust? That's the tension we got to wrestle That's the tension we got to wrestle That's the tension we got to wrestle with. And so I started wrestling this with. And so I started wrestling this with. And so I started wrestling this week with what are some signs that we week with what are some signs that we week with what are some signs that we can at least be eyes wide open to can at least be eyes wide open to can at least be eyes wide open to recognize the drift that can happen to recognize the drift that can happen to recognize the drift that can happen to any of us, including myself. The drift any of us, including myself. The drift any of us, including myself. The drift in any of us that might take us away in any of us that might take us away in any of us that might take us away from God and place our faith and trust from God and place our faith and trust from God and place our faith and trust in some sort of political party or in some sort of political party or in some sort of political party or political entity. Let me give you a political entity. Let me give you a political entity. Let me give you a couple of things that I that I wrestled couple of things that I that I wrestled couple of things that I that I wrestled with this week. Here's here's a sign of with this week. Here's here's a sign of with this week. Here's here's a sign of a drift in our own hearts that you a drift in our own hearts that you a drift in our own hearts that you expect politics to save what only Jesus expect politics to save what only Jesus expect politics to save what only Jesus can redeem. can redeem. can redeem. And sometimes we do it, don't we? And sometimes we do it, don't we? And sometimes we do it, don't we? That we think that if we can just get That we think that if we can just get That we think that if we can just get the right person in power, if we can the right person in power, if we can the right person in power, if we can just get the right person the right just get the right person the right just get the right person the right position or if our just party can can position or if our just party can can position or if our just party can can get back in the seat, then then we've get back in the seat, then then we've get back in the seat, then then we've got hope or or then it will be okay. got hope or or then it will be okay. got hope or or then it will be okay. Because we believe sometimes that our Because we believe sometimes that our Because we believe sometimes that our hope is connected to the faith and the hope is connected to the faith and the hope is connected to the faith and the trust we have in the policies of our trust we have in the policies of our trust we have in the policies of our particular party. Government can do a particular party. Government can do a particular party. Government can do a lot of things. Again, it can create lot of things. Again, it can create lot of things. Again, it can create order. It can protect its citizens. It order. It can protect its citizens. It order. It can protect its citizens. It can ensure justice. It can do a lot of can ensure justice. It can do a lot of can ensure justice. It can do a lot of things. One thing a government cannot things. One thing a government cannot things. One thing a government cannot do, it cannot change a human heart.

do, it cannot change a human heart. do, it cannot change a human heart. It never's been able to do that. It never's been able to do that. It never's been able to do that. Nor can it. Nor can it. Nor can it. But sometimes we convinced it is the But sometimes we convinced it is the But sometimes we convinced it is the solution. Like it is the strategy. And solution. Like it is the strategy. And solution. Like it is the strategy. And we'll talk about it in terms of like we'll talk about it in terms of like we'll talk about it in terms of like whichever political party we lean whichever political party we lean whichever political party we lean toward, we'll say like that's the way. toward, we'll say like that's the way. toward, we'll say like that's the way. Like it's the only way. Like you got to Like it's the only way. Like you got to Like it's the only way. Like you got to go this way, not that way. And we'll say go this way, not that way. And we'll say go this way, not that way. And we'll say like this is what's true. Like that like this is what's true. Like that like this is what's true. Like that other group, they're just full of a other group, they're just full of a other group, they're just full of a bunch of lies. bunch of lies. bunch of lies. And we'll say stuff like this is what And we'll say stuff like this is what And we'll say stuff like this is what will lead ultimately to life. Did you will lead ultimately to life. Did you will lead ultimately to life. Did you hear what I just said? That sometimes we hear what I just said? That sometimes we hear what I just said? That sometimes we will think that it's the way, the truth, will think that it's the way, the truth, will think that it's the way, the truth, and the life. and the life. and the life. There's only one who's the way, the There's only one who's the way, the There's only one who's the way, the truth, and the life, and he's not truth, and the life, and he's not truth, and the life, and he's not connected to either party. connected to either party. connected to either party. And so, we cannot expect politics to And so, we cannot expect politics to And so, we cannot expect politics to save what only Jesus can redeem. save what only Jesus can redeem. save what only Jesus can redeem. But if we're not careful, our allegiance But if we're not careful, our allegiance But if we're not careful, our allegiance will drift. will drift. will drift. Here's another, you know, thing to Here's another, you know, thing to Here's another, you know, thing to consider. Signs of a drift. You feel consider. Signs of a drift. You feel consider. Signs of a drift. You feel closer to people who share your politics closer to people who share your politics closer to people who share your politics than people who share your savior.

I may have stepped on your toes a little I may have stepped on your toes a little bit with that one, didn't I? I stepped bit with that one, didn't I? I stepped bit with that one, didn't I? I stepped on my own toes, right? Because it's on my own toes, right? Because it's on my own toes, right? Because it's easier because we got some deep, deep easier because we got some deep, deep easier because we got some deep, deep convictions there. convictions there. convictions there. The reality of it is though, any kind of The reality of it is though, any kind of The reality of it is though, any kind of political entity is temporary in nature. political entity is temporary in nature. political entity is temporary in nature. And so if these become the primary And so if these become the primary And so if these become the primary relationships or the primary allegiances relationships or the primary allegiances relationships or the primary allegiances of our life at the expense of others, of our life at the expense of others, of our life at the expense of others, it's one of the ways that that that the it's one of the ways that that that the it's one of the ways that that that the enemy can use a misapplied allegiance to enemy can use a misapplied allegiance to enemy can use a misapplied allegiance to rob us of good things in life. rob us of good things in life. rob us of good things in life. Couple ways this plays out. I would Couple ways this plays out. I would Couple ways this plays out. I would challenge us to recognize that you have challenge us to recognize that you have challenge us to recognize that you have more in common with the follower of more in common with the follower of more in common with the follower of Jesus who currently lives in China and Jesus who currently lives in China and Jesus who currently lives in China and the follower of Jesus that currently the follower of Jesus that currently the follower of Jesus that currently lives in Kenya. the follower of Jesus lives in Kenya. the follower of Jesus lives in Kenya. the follower of Jesus that currently lives in Iran, the that currently lives in Iran, the that currently lives in Iran, the follower of Jesus that currently lives follower of Jesus that currently lives follower of Jesus that currently lives in the Gaza Strip. You have more in in the Gaza Strip. You have more in in the Gaza Strip. You have more in common with those people than you do the common with those people than you do the common with those people than you do the unbeliever of your own political party. unbeliever of your own political party. unbeliever of your own political party. And yet sometimes out of our allegiance And yet sometimes out of our allegiance And yet sometimes out of our allegiance to our political power, we will actually to our political power, we will actually to our political power, we will actually cut ourselves off from eternal cut ourselves off from eternal cut ourselves off from eternal relationships with other people that we relationships with other people that we relationships with other people that we will see in heaven one day. Not only will see in heaven one day. Not only will see in heaven one day. Not only that, we'll actually cut ourselves off that, we'll actually cut ourselves off that, we'll actually cut ourselves off from biological relationships. Did you from biological relationships. Did you from biological relationships. Did you know in our country right now, one in know in our country right now, one in know in our country right now, one in five Americans is no longer on speaking five Americans is no longer on speaking five Americans is no longer on speaking terms with somebody in their biological terms with somebody in their biological terms with somebody in their biological family because of their political views?

family because of their political views? family because of their political views? One in five. One in five. One in five. Because we made it the most important Because we made it the most important Because we made it the most important relationship. We've made it the most relationship. We've made it the most relationship. We've made it the most important agenda that we prioritized it important agenda that we prioritized it important agenda that we prioritized it higher higher higher than the biological relationships that than the biological relationships that than the biological relationships that God has entrusted us with. God has entrusted us with. God has entrusted us with. It's what happens when allegiance gets It's what happens when allegiance gets It's what happens when allegiance gets misapplied. misapplied. misapplied. There are huge ramifications. There are huge ramifications. There are huge ramifications. It's why the enemy is always trying to It's why the enemy is always trying to It's why the enemy is always trying to get you to misapply your allegiance. get you to misapply your allegiance. get you to misapply your allegiance. Let me give you another one. Let me give you another one. Let me give you another one. Uh signs of drift. Jesus no longer Uh signs of drift. Jesus no longer Uh signs of drift. Jesus no longer challenges your politics. challenges your politics. challenges your politics. In other words, I would go as far to say In other words, I would go as far to say In other words, I would go as far to say that neither one of our American that neither one of our American that neither one of our American political parties fully embodies the political parties fully embodies the political parties fully embodies the values of the kingdom of God. Neither values of the kingdom of God. Neither values of the kingdom of God. Neither one. one. one. And I would say not even really that And I would say not even really that And I would say not even really that close. close. close. But if we're not careful, we'll align But if we're not careful, we'll align But if we're not careful, we'll align our faith perspective and our political our faith perspective and our political our faith perspective and our political perspective to where they they look as perspective to where they they look as perspective to where they they look as though that they're one. And I want to though that they're one. And I want to though that they're one. And I want to challenge this in this way. If we can't challenge this in this way. If we can't challenge this in this way. If we can't articulate how our political party articulate how our political party articulate how our political party violates the values of the kingdom of violates the values of the kingdom of violates the values of the kingdom of God, then we are no longer being made in God, then we are no longer being made in God, then we are no longer being made in the image of Jesus. We are making Jesus the image of Jesus. We are making Jesus the image of Jesus. We are making Jesus into our own image.

into our own image. into our own image. Jesus will challenge Jesus will challenge Jesus will challenge the values that both hold. the values that both hold. the values that both hold. So we can disagree about the right So we can disagree about the right So we can disagree about the right policies to bring about human policies to bring about human policies to bring about human flourishing in our country. But let us flourishing in our country. But let us flourishing in our country. But let us be unified around our allegiance to the be unified around our allegiance to the be unified around our allegiance to the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords. Let King of Kings and the Lord of Lords. Let King of Kings and the Lord of Lords. Let us have enough humility to recognize us have enough humility to recognize us have enough humility to recognize that whichever direction we lean, there that whichever direction we lean, there that whichever direction we lean, there are things that Jesus will challenge us are things that Jesus will challenge us are things that Jesus will challenge us in that we'll have to really wrestle in that we'll have to really wrestle in that we'll have to really wrestle with. Do we just embrace it? Do we with. Do we just embrace it? Do we with. Do we just embrace it? Do we justify it? or do I stand with Jesus justify it? or do I stand with Jesus justify it? or do I stand with Jesus that will have me standing different that will have me standing different that will have me standing different than our political comrades? than our political comrades? than our political comrades? It's a sign of drift that we no longer It's a sign of drift that we no longer It's a sign of drift that we no longer allow Jesus to challenge our politics. allow Jesus to challenge our politics. allow Jesus to challenge our politics. So, let me give you kind of a a question So, let me give you kind of a a question So, let me give you kind of a a question to wrestle with this one. Here's kind of to wrestle with this one. Here's kind of to wrestle with this one. Here's kind of the question to close. Uh if your faith the question to close. Uh if your faith the question to close. Uh if your faith I is your faith a lens through which you I is your faith a lens through which you I is your faith a lens through which you see everything or has it quietly become see everything or has it quietly become see everything or has it quietly become a flag for something else?

a flag for something else? a flag for something else? wrestle with it. wrestle with it. wrestle with it. Take that to the Lord. Ask God if Take that to the Lord. Ask God if Take that to the Lord. Ask God if there's been even some drift in your own there's been even some drift in your own there's been even some drift in your own heart. heart. heart. Okay. How we doing? Okay. How we doing? Okay. How we doing? We're okay. Okay. Can you believe I We're okay. Okay. Can you believe I We're okay. Okay. Can you believe I haven't even gotten to the hardest part haven't even gotten to the hardest part haven't even gotten to the hardest part of Revelation 13 yet? Okay. So, buckle of Revelation 13 yet? Okay. So, buckle of Revelation 13 yet? Okay. So, buckle up. We're almost there. Uh let me let me up. We're almost there. Uh let me let me up. We're almost there. Uh let me let me give you the the third piece. It's give you the the third piece. It's give you the the third piece. It's simply this. What owns your mind will simply this. What owns your mind will simply this. What owns your mind will own your life. I believe that with own your life. I believe that with own your life. I believe that with everything I am. What owns your mind everything I am. What owns your mind everything I am. What owns your mind will own your life. Here's here's will own your life. Here's here's will own your life. Here's here's probably the most familiar part and I probably the most familiar part and I probably the most familiar part and I would argue the most misunderstood part would argue the most misunderstood part would argue the most misunderstood part of Revelation 13. We're going to go of Revelation 13. We're going to go of Revelation 13. We're going to go verse 16. It says this talking about the verse 16. It says this talking about the verse 16. It says this talking about the beast that it forced all people great beast that it forced all people great beast that it forced all people great and small, rich and poor, free and slave and small, rich and poor, free and slave and small, rich and poor, free and slave to to receive a mark on their right to to receive a mark on their right to to receive a mark on their right hands or on their foreheads. So they hands or on their foreheads. So they hands or on their foreheads. So they could not buy or sell unless they had could not buy or sell unless they had could not buy or sell unless they had the mark, which is the name of the beast the mark, which is the name of the beast the mark, which is the name of the beast and the number and the number of its and the number and the number of its and the number and the number of its name. Verse 18. This calls for wisdom. name. Verse 18. This calls for wisdom. name. Verse 18. This calls for wisdom. Let the person who has insight calculate Let the person who has insight calculate Let the person who has insight calculate the number of the beast, for it is a the number of the beast, for it is a the number of the beast, for it is a number of a man. That number is 666.

number of a man. That number is 666. number of a man. That number is 666. You kind of have to read it like that, You kind of have to read it like that, You kind of have to read it like that, don't you? don't you? don't you? Now, you've probably heard that before, Now, you've probably heard that before, Now, you've probably heard that before, like Mark of the Beast 666. You probably like Mark of the Beast 666. You probably like Mark of the Beast 666. You probably at least heard that somewhere. Somebody at least heard that somewhere. Somebody at least heard that somewhere. Somebody referred to it. You're like, "What in referred to it. You're like, "What in referred to it. You're like, "What in the world is that?" Now again, if you're the world is that?" Now again, if you're the world is that?" Now again, if you're futuristic in your interpretation of of futuristic in your interpretation of of futuristic in your interpretation of of revelation, there's all kinds of revelation, there's all kinds of revelation, there's all kinds of speculation that people do. People are speculation that people do. People are speculation that people do. People are looking for chips to get planted in your looking for chips to get planted in your looking for chips to get planted in your hands and chips get planted in your hands and chips get planted in your hands and chips get planted in your forehead. People have all kinds of ideas forehead. People have all kinds of ideas forehead. People have all kinds of ideas of of who the 666, you know, who is of of who the 666, you know, who is of of who the 666, you know, who is that, you know, person. Uh truly in my that, you know, person. Uh truly in my that, you know, person. Uh truly in my lifetime, I think every single American lifetime, I think every single American lifetime, I think every single American president has been called like the, you president has been called like the, you president has been called like the, you know, is is the beast, you know, type of know, is is the beast, you know, type of know, is is the beast, you know, type of thing. My favorite one, I remember this thing. My favorite one, I remember this thing. My favorite one, I remember this growing up, the people were convinced growing up, the people were convinced growing up, the people were convinced that Ronald Reagan uh was was was the that Ronald Reagan uh was was was the that Ronald Reagan uh was was was the beast because uh Ronald Wilson Reagan, beast because uh Ronald Wilson Reagan, beast because uh Ronald Wilson Reagan, three names, six letters in each name. three names, six letters in each name. three names, six letters in each name. It's right there. 666. It's right there. 666. It's right there. 666. There's so much speculation that people There's so much speculation that people There's so much speculation that people have about it. But again, not just what have about it. But again, not just what have about it. But again, not just what we speculate it could be. What would we speculate it could be. What would we speculate it could be. What would that have meant to the first century that have meant to the first century that have meant to the first century church? How would they have understood church? How would they have understood church? How would they have understood it? I can't imagine that John would it? I can't imagine that John would it? I can't imagine that John would write you know this takes discernment write you know this takes discernment write you know this takes discernment wisdom to understand and it's about a wisdom to understand and it's about a wisdom to understand and it's about a figure 2100 years later it meant figure 2100 years later it meant figure 2100 years later it meant something in their day what could it something in their day what could it something in their day what could it have meant now now back in the ancient have meant now now back in the ancient have meant now now back in the ancient world there was this kind of practice world there was this kind of practice world there was this kind of practice called gamatria was this this practice called gamatria was this this practice called gamatria was this this practice of uh connecting numbers to letters and of uh connecting numbers to letters and of uh connecting numbers to letters and so like a being one b being two c being so like a being one b being two c being so like a being one b being two c being three that kind of thing kind of a three that kind of thing kind of a three that kind of thing kind of a numerology type thing and so you could

numerology type thing and so you could numerology type thing and so you could spell out names and there was a number spell out names and there was a number spell out names and there was a number kind of reflection to it. And what's kind of reflection to it. And what's kind of reflection to it. And what's fascinating in the ancient world is if fascinating in the ancient world is if fascinating in the ancient world is if you you you caesar spelled out in Hebrew using their caesar spelled out in Hebrew using their caesar spelled out in Hebrew using their lettering system lettering system lettering system 666. 666. 666. So it's possible at least that it was a So it's possible at least that it was a So it's possible at least that it was a reference to Nero, but likely not to reference to Nero, but likely not to reference to Nero, but likely not to Nero specifically, but the spirit by Nero specifically, but the spirit by Nero specifically, but the spirit by which Nero embodied that would play out which Nero embodied that would play out which Nero embodied that would play out all throughout human history. It's just all throughout human history. It's just all throughout human history. It's just a tactic of the enemy. It it's how he a tactic of the enemy. It it's how he a tactic of the enemy. It it's how he typically works on a macro level. It was typically works on a macro level. It was typically works on a macro level. It was certainly true in Rome. It is certainly certainly true in Rome. It is certainly certainly true in Rome. It is certainly true today and it will be true again in true today and it will be true again in true today and it will be true again in the future. the future. the future. What do you do with the kind of the mark What do you do with the kind of the mark What do you do with the kind of the mark on your forehead and your hands? Again, on your forehead and your hands? Again, on your forehead and your hands? Again, some people will take that to be a some people will take that to be a some people will take that to be a literal mark. Again, they're looking for literal mark. Again, they're looking for literal mark. Again, they're looking for computer chips. They're like, I'm not computer chips. They're like, I'm not computer chips. They're like, I'm not going to do that because maybe if they going to do that because maybe if they going to do that because maybe if they put a chip in my hand, then I can, you put a chip in my hand, then I can, you put a chip in my hand, then I can, you know, buy and sell. That's that's a know, buy and sell. That's that's a know, buy and sell. That's that's a that's reference to like scanning, you that's reference to like scanning, you that's reference to like scanning, you know, something maybe.

know, something maybe. know, something maybe. But I think the better way to look at it But I think the better way to look at it But I think the better way to look at it is not a physical mark. It's a spiritual is not a physical mark. It's a spiritual is not a physical mark. It's a spiritual one. Here's why I believe that that's one. Here's why I believe that that's one. Here's why I believe that that's true. Because the this is not the only true. Because the this is not the only true. Because the this is not the only reference to foreheads and hands in a reference to foreheads and hands in a reference to foreheads and hands in a biblical passage in in scripture. If you biblical passage in in scripture. If you biblical passage in in scripture. If you were a first century Jew, the first were a first century Jew, the first were a first century Jew, the first thing you would have thought about when thing you would have thought about when thing you would have thought about when he says your forehead and your hand, you he says your forehead and your hand, you he says your forehead and your hand, you would have gone back to what they call would have gone back to what they call would have gone back to what they call the shama. Deuteronomy chapter 6, it's the shama. Deuteronomy chapter 6, it's the shama. Deuteronomy chapter 6, it's where it talks about love the Lord your where it talks about love the Lord your where it talks about love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind, AND God with all your heart, soul, mind, AND God with all your heart, soul, mind, AND STRENGTH. IT'S VERY famous passage. Even STRENGTH. IT'S VERY famous passage. Even STRENGTH. IT'S VERY famous passage. Even if you're an ancient Jew, you would have if you're an ancient Jew, you would have if you're an ancient Jew, you would have you would have known that by heart. Now, you would have known that by heart. Now, you would have known that by heart. Now, in the Shabbah, Deuteronomy chapter 6, in the Shabbah, Deuteronomy chapter 6, in the Shabbah, Deuteronomy chapter 6, after he talks about the love of the after he talks about the love of the after he talks about the love of the Lord your God, he's like, "These are the Lord your God, he's like, "These are the Lord your God, he's like, "These are the commands I give you today. Be on your commands I give you today. Be on your commands I give you today. Be on your hearts and press on your children. Talk hearts and press on your children. Talk hearts and press on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home, when about them when you sit at home, when about them when you sit at home, when you're walking along the road, and when you're walking along the road, and when you're walking along the road, and when you get up." And then he says, "Tie them you get up." And then he says, "Tie them you get up." And then he says, "Tie them as symbols on your what? as symbols on your what? as symbols on your what? >> On your hands and bind them on your >> On your hands and bind them on your >> On your hands and bind them on your Now, some actually take this literally. Now, some actually take this literally. Now, some actually take this literally. You go to Israel today, you will find You go to Israel today, you will find You go to Israel today, you will find people with boxes tied to their forehead people with boxes tied to their forehead people with boxes tied to their forehead and boxes tied to their hands. There's and boxes tied to their hands. There's and boxes tied to their hands. There's scripture in it. They take this very scripture in it. They take this very scripture in it. They take this very literally. Most everybody takes this literally. Most everybody takes this literally. Most everybody takes this spiritually. What God is saying is that spiritually. What God is saying is that spiritually. What God is saying is that my commandments to love, all my other my commandments to love, all my other my commandments to love, all my other godly commandments, allow them to godly commandments, allow them to godly commandments, allow them to permeate your thought life. Allow them permeate your thought life. Allow them permeate your thought life. Allow them to drive your action.

to drive your action. to drive your action. It's about your thoughts. It's about It's about your thoughts. It's about It's about your thoughts. It's about what you do. And I will argue that what what you do. And I will argue that what what you do. And I will argue that what you think and what you do will be marked you think and what you do will be marked you think and what you do will be marked by something. Now, the other reason I by something. Now, the other reason I by something. Now, the other reason I take this spiritually is is actually take this spiritually is is actually take this spiritually is is actually what we've already covered in Revelation what we've already covered in Revelation what we've already covered in Revelation chapter 7. If you remember Revelation chapter 7. If you remember Revelation chapter 7. If you remember Revelation chapter 7, we already saw a mark and we chapter 7, we already saw a mark and we chapter 7, we already saw a mark and we all recognize it was a spiritual mark. all recognize it was a spiritual mark. all recognize it was a spiritual mark. It's the mark of a believer. That that It's the mark of a believer. That that It's the mark of a believer. That that seal was on the forehead of the seal was on the forehead of the seal was on the forehead of the believer. That was the Holy Spirit of believer. That was the Holy Spirit of believer. That was the Holy Spirit of God. It's how you know this one belongs God. It's how you know this one belongs God. It's how you know this one belongs to God. Like we we talked about that a to God. Like we we talked about that a to God. Like we we talked about that a few weeks ago. It's a spiritual mark. few weeks ago. It's a spiritual mark. few weeks ago. It's a spiritual mark. God's not marking your forehead with God's not marking your forehead with God's not marking your forehead with something literally. He's marking your something literally. He's marking your something literally. He's marking your thought life in your actions with the thought life in your actions with the thought life in your actions with the Holy Spirit of the living God. So, every Holy Spirit of the living God. So, every Holy Spirit of the living God. So, every person's life will either be marked by person's life will either be marked by person's life will either be marked by the lamb or marked by the beast. the lamb or marked by the beast. the lamb or marked by the beast. And you're like, what about buying and And you're like, what about buying and And you're like, what about buying and selling stuff? Well, in the ancient selling stuff? Well, in the ancient selling stuff? Well, in the ancient world, unless you pinched the incense world, unless you pinched the incense world, unless you pinched the incense into the fire and said Caesar's Lord, into the fire and said Caesar's Lord, into the fire and said Caesar's Lord, unless your life was marked by the unless your life was marked by the unless your life was marked by the beast, you could not buy and sell and beast, you could not buy and sell and beast, you could not buy and sell and trade. It came at a cost.

trade. It came at a cost. trade. It came at a cost. But it's the idea that every single But it's the idea that every single But it's the idea that every single human being, your life will be either be human being, your life will be either be human being, your life will be either be marked with Jesus marked with Jesus marked with Jesus or something far more inferior. or something far more inferior. or something far more inferior. And so I would say it this way, And so I would say it this way, And so I would say it this way, everyone is marked everyone is marked everyone is marked Nobody is neutral. Either God owns you Nobody is neutral. Either God owns you Nobody is neutral. Either God owns you or something else does. or something else does. or something else does. It's the call on Revelation 13 is a call It's the call on Revelation 13 is a call It's the call on Revelation 13 is a call for allegiance. Where do you put your for allegiance. Where do you put your for allegiance. Where do you put your trust? Where do you put your hope? trust? Where do you put your hope? trust? Where do you put your hope? Where is your allegiance? Where is your allegiance? Where is your allegiance? Now, today we've talked a lot about Now, today we've talked a lot about Now, today we've talked a lot about beasts and weird things. But as I've beasts and weird things. But as I've beasts and weird things. But as I've said from week one of Revelation, said from week one of Revelation, said from week one of Revelation, Revelation is not about a dragon. is not Revelation is not about a dragon. is not Revelation is not about a dragon. is not about a beast. It's about a lamb. It's about a beast. It's about a lamb. It's about a beast. It's about a lamb. It's about King Jesus. And so I want to end about King Jesus. And so I want to end about King Jesus. And so I want to end reminding us why our rel our allegiance reminding us why our rel our allegiance reminding us why our rel our allegiance goes to Jesus and goes to Jesus alone. I goes to Jesus and goes to Jesus alone. I goes to Jesus and goes to Jesus alone. I I may even just ask you to do this.

I may even just ask you to do this. I may even just ask you to do this. Would you mind just closing your eyes Would you mind just closing your eyes Would you mind just closing your eyes and maybe just putting your hands open and maybe just putting your hands open and maybe just putting your hands open like this just to receive uh what what I like this just to receive uh what what I like this just to receive uh what what I think God wants to to tell you about think God wants to to tell you about think God wants to to tell you about Jesus. I would say this, Jesus is a Jesus. I would say this, Jesus is a Jesus. I would say this, Jesus is a different kind of king entirely. Every different kind of king entirely. Every different kind of king entirely. Every beast promises life, but Jesus actually beast promises life, but Jesus actually beast promises life, but Jesus actually gives life. Every beast demands gives life. Every beast demands gives life. Every beast demands sacrifice from its people, but Jesus sacrifice from its people, but Jesus sacrifice from its people, but Jesus came to be the sacrifice for his people. came to be the sacrifice for his people. came to be the sacrifice for his people. Every beast rules by fear, but Jesus Every beast rules by fear, but Jesus Every beast rules by fear, but Jesus rules by love. Every beast says, "Serve rules by love. Every beast says, "Serve rules by love. Every beast says, "Serve me." But Jesus says, "I came to serve me." But Jesus says, "I came to serve me." But Jesus says, "I came to serve you." Every earthly king seeks to you." Every earthly king seeks to you." Every earthly king seeks to elevate himself. But Jesus was the one elevate himself. But Jesus was the one elevate himself. But Jesus was the one who actually humbled himself. Every who actually humbled himself. Every who actually humbled himself. Every earthly king takes from his people. earthly king takes from his people. earthly king takes from his people. Jesus actually gave himself for his Jesus actually gave himself for his Jesus actually gave himself for his people. Earthly kings build thrones, but people. Earthly kings build thrones, but people. Earthly kings build thrones, but Jesus carried a cross. And here's what Jesus carried a cross. And here's what Jesus carried a cross. And here's what makes him unlike every other king who's makes him unlike every other king who's makes him unlike every other king who's ever lived on planet Earth or ever will. ever lived on planet Earth or ever will. ever lived on planet Earth or ever will. Jesus is the only king who gave Jesus is the only king who gave Jesus is the only king who gave everything before asking for anything. everything before asking for anything. everything before asking for anything. He did not demand our loyalty and prove He did not demand our loyalty and prove He did not demand our loyalty and prove himself worthy of it. He proved himself himself worthy of it. He proved himself himself worthy of it. He proved himself worthy of it on a cross through a tomb worthy of it on a cross through a tomb worthy of it on a cross through a tomb that was empty on the third day. And he that was empty on the third day. And he that was empty on the third day. And he just extended an invitation for you and just extended an invitation for you and just extended an invitation for you and me. And that's why he alone is worthy of me. And that's why he alone is worthy of me. And that's why he alone is worthy of your worship. Not because he's the most your worship. Not because he's the most your worship. Not because he's the most powerful, though he is. Not because he's powerful, though he is. Not because he's powerful, though he is. Not because he's the most impressive, though he is, but the most impressive, though he is, but the most impressive, though he is, but because he's the most true. He's the one because he's the most true. He's the one because he's the most true. He's the one king that will never disappoint you. The king that will never disappoint you. The king that will never disappoint you. The one king whose kingdom will never fall.

one king whose kingdom will never fall. one king whose kingdom will never fall. He's the one king that that doesn't need He's the one king that that doesn't need He's the one king that that doesn't need you to make him look good because he you to make him look good because he you to make him look good because he already gave himself to make you whole. already gave himself to make you whole. already gave himself to make you whole. John's final words to the people living John's final words to the people living John's final words to the people living under real pressure were this that sometimes faith comes with a real that sometimes faith comes with a real cost. And that's why Revelation 13 said cost. And that's why Revelation 13 said cost. And that's why Revelation 13 said 10 says this calls for patient endurance 10 says this calls for patient endurance 10 says this calls for patient endurance and faithfulness and part of God's and faithfulness and part of God's and faithfulness and part of God's people. So my friend, stay faithful. people. So my friend, stay faithful. people. So my friend, stay faithful. Keep bearing his witness. Refuse to hand Keep bearing his witness. Refuse to hand Keep bearing his witness. Refuse to hand your loyalty over even when it cost you your loyalty over even when it cost you your loyalty over even when it cost you something because the one you are something because the one you are something because the one you are holding on to already is on the throne. holding on to already is on the throne. holding on to already is on the throne. His reign is not borrowed. His authority His reign is not borrowed. His authority His reign is not borrowed. His authority is not a derivative. He's not panicking. is not a derivative. He's not panicking. is not a derivative. He's not panicking. We belong to a different kind of We belong to a different kind of We belong to a different kind of kingdom. And that kingdom unlike every kingdom. And that kingdom unlike every kingdom. And that kingdom unlike every other kingdom will never ever ever let other kingdom will never ever ever let other kingdom will never ever ever let us down. us down. us down. God, we come before you and God God, we come before you and God God, we come before you and God candidly. I am challenged by Revelation candidly. I am challenged by Revelation candidly. I am challenged by Revelation 13 13 13 as one who at times will have my as one who at times will have my as one who at times will have my my own allegiance will drift.

And God, I can blame it on social media And God, I can blame it on social media algorithms that just try to form me into algorithms that just try to form me into algorithms that just try to form me into something else. something else. something else. But God, thank you for giving us your But God, thank you for giving us your But God, thank you for giving us your word word word that allow us to open our eyes and see that allow us to open our eyes and see that allow us to open our eyes and see that any kind of misplaced allegiance we that any kind of misplaced allegiance we that any kind of misplaced allegiance we have, we can put it right back where it have, we can put it right back where it have, we can put it right back where it really belongs on you. God, you alone really belongs on you. God, you alone really belongs on you. God, you alone are worthy. You were alone or to be are worthy. You were alone or to be are worthy. You were alone or to be worshiped. Let us never settle for a worshiped. Let us never settle for a worshiped. Let us never settle for a counterfeit of who you are and what you counterfeit of who you are and what you counterfeit of who you are and what you intend to do. God, we love you. We say intend to do. God, we love you. We say intend to do. God, we love you. We say thanks in Jesus name. Amen. God loves us so much that he gives us God loves us so much that he gives us opportunities to hear his word and to opportunities to hear his word and to opportunities to hear his word and to hear what he has intended for us. So, as hear what he has intended for us. So, as hear what he has intended for us. So, as we stand and sing this last song, I want we stand and sing this last song, I want we stand and sing this last song, I want to encourage you that as our prayer team to encourage you that as our prayer team to encourage you that as our prayer team is coming down front here, and they'll is coming down front here, and they'll is coming down front here, and they'll be up on the second floor as well, but I be up on the second floor as well, but I be up on the second floor as well, but I want to encourage you to lean into those want to encourage you to lean into those want to encourage you to lean into those questions that Shawn posed to us today.

questions that Shawn posed to us today. questions that Shawn posed to us today. And if there is something that maybe you And if there is something that maybe you And if there is something that maybe you need to realign your allegiance need to realign your allegiance need to realign your allegiance to the Lord, you need to get right in to the Lord, you need to get right in to the Lord, you need to get right in your heart, we want to pray with you. We your heart, we want to pray with you. We your heart, we want to pray with you. We want to walk with you. want to walk with you. want to walk with you. in this time. So let's sing this in this time. So let's sing this in this time. So let's sing this together. the rock on which I stand when the rock on which I stand when everything around me is sh. I never been for that. And I'm putting I never been for that. And I'm putting my faith in Jesus. He's never let me down. He's faithful He's never let me down. He's faithful new to generations. So why would he So why would he now? He won't.

He won't. He won't. >> I've still got joy and chaos. >> I've still got joy and chaos. >> I've still got joy and chaos. I still got joy in chaos. I still got joy in chaos. I still got joy in chaos. I've got peace that makes no sense. So I I've got peace that makes no sense. So I I've got peace that makes no sense. So I won't be going in. I'm not held by my own strength. I'm not held by my own strength. I build my life on Jesus. He's never let me down. faithful in He's never let me down. faithful in every season. He won't. He won't. He He He won't.

You won't. You won't. >> Can you sing this to the Lord? Say, "You >> Can you sing this to the Lord? Say, "You >> Can you sing this to the Lord? Say, "You won't." won't." won't." >> You won't. >> You won't. >> You won't. >> Come on, sing it straight to the father. >> Come on, sing it straight to the father. >> Come on, sing it straight to the father. Say, "You won't fail." Say, Say, "You won't fail." Say, Say, "You won't fail." Say, >> "You won't fail. >> "You won't fail. >> "You won't fail. >> You won't fail." >> You won't fail." >> You won't fail." >> You won't fail. >> You won't fail. >> You won't fail. You never have and you never will. You never have and you never will. You never have and you never will. Forever you reign. Forever you're seated Forever you reign. Forever you're seated Forever you reign. Forever you're seated on the throne, God. Lord, as we leave on the throne, God. Lord, as we leave on the throne, God. Lord, as we leave from this place, forever you will reign from this place, forever you will reign from this place, forever you will reign on the thrones of our hearts, God, as we on the thrones of our hearts, God, as we on the thrones of our hearts, God, as we continue to move forward in this rest of continue to move forward in this rest of continue to move forward in this rest of this week. Would you remind us of your this week. Would you remind us of your this week. Would you remind us of your words that you spoke to our hearts, God, words that you spoke to our hearts, God, words that you spoke to our hearts, God, by your Holy Spirit, that we would be by your Holy Spirit, that we would be by your Holy Spirit, that we would be reminded that you are with us here, now reminded that you are with us here, now reminded that you are with us here, now and forever. We love you and it's in and forever. We love you and it's in and forever. We love you and it's in Jesus name that we pray. Amen. And amen. Jesus name that we pray. Amen. And amen. Jesus name that we pray. Amen. And amen. Come on, give the Lord praise as you get Come on, give the Lord praise as you get Come on, give the Lord praise as you get ready to go today. Listen, our prayer ready to go today. Listen, our prayer ready to go today. Listen, our prayer team is going to be down front. If you team is going to be down front. If you team is going to be down front. If you would like to come and receive prayer, would like to come and receive prayer, would like to come and receive prayer, we're ready to pray with you. But have a we're ready to pray with you. But have a we're ready to pray with you. But have a wonderful rest of the Sunday. Bring wonderful rest of the Sunday. Bring wonderful rest of the Sunday. Bring somebody back to church with you next somebody back to church with you next somebody back to church with you next week and we'll see you then. God bless week and we'll see you then. God bless week and we'll see you then. God bless you.