Dangerous Faith

>> Looking to get connected? [music] Visit >> Looking to get connected? [music] Visit the new ministry information counters we the new ministry information counters we the new ministry information counters we set up across the hall from the set up across the hall from the set up across the hall from the bookstore. Learn about children and bookstore. Learn about children and bookstore. Learn about children and student ministries and the many student ministries and the many student ministries and the many opportunities for children from birth opportunities for children from birth opportunities for children from birth through college. At our adult ministry through college. At our adult ministry through college. At our adult ministry counter, you can find out about small counter, you can find out about small counter, you can find out about small groups, sign [music] up for a class, and groups, sign [music] up for a class, and groups, sign [music] up for a class, and discover ways you can serve at the discover ways you can serve at the discover ways you can serve at the church. You'll find the counters across church. You'll find the counters across church. You'll find the counters across the hall from the bookstore where the the hall from the bookstore where the the hall from the bookstore where the dining room table and ticket [music] dining room table and ticket [music] dining room table and ticket [music] central used to be. Staff and volunteers central used to be. Staff and volunteers central used to be. Staff and volunteers will be there ready to greet you and will be there ready to greet you and will be there ready to greet you and answer your questions. Stay encouraged throughout your week Stay encouraged throughout your week with more content from Pastor Allan on with more content from Pastor Allan on with more content from Pastor Allan on television, radio, social media, and in television, radio, social media, and in television, radio, social media, and in your [music] email inbox. Watch Alan your [music] email inbox. Watch Alan your [music] email inbox. Watch Alan Jackson Now every weekn night. Catch the Jackson Now every weekn night. Catch the Jackson Now every weekn night. Catch the Culture and Christianity podcast each Culture and Christianity podcast each Culture and Christianity podcast each Friday afternoon, and enjoy Pastor Friday afternoon, and enjoy Pastor Friday afternoon, and enjoy Pastor [music] Allan's sermon broadcasts on all [music] Allan's sermon broadcasts on all [music] Allan's sermon broadcasts on all of our platforms. You can watch and of our platforms. You can watch and of our platforms. You can watch and listen to all of Pastor Allen's content listen to all of Pastor Allen's content listen to all of Pastor Allen's content anytime [music] anytime [music] anytime [music] on YouTube as well. Learn more at on YouTube as well. Learn more at on YouTube as well. Learn more at alanjackson.com.

alanjackson.com. alanjackson.com. Heat. Heat. N. >> Welcome [music] to World Outreach

>> Welcome [music] to World Outreach Church. Whether you're visiting for the Church. Whether you're visiting for the Church. Whether you're visiting for the first time or call our church home, first time or call our church home, first time or call our church home, we're glad [music] you're here. We we're glad [music] you're here. We we're glad [music] you're here. We invite you to take a moment, settle in, invite you to take a moment, settle in, invite you to take a moment, settle in, and get ready for worship. Service will and get ready for worship. Service will and get ready for worship. Service will begin soon. Visit our welcome center in begin soon. Visit our welcome center in begin soon. Visit our welcome center in the lobby or wurch.org/welcome [music] Hey, heat. Hey, heat.

Hey, heat. Hey, heat. Heat. >> Looking to get connected? Visit the new >> Looking to get connected? Visit the new ministry information counters [music] we ministry information counters [music] we ministry information counters [music] we set up across the hall from the set up across the hall from the set up across the hall from the bookstore. Learn about children and bookstore. Learn about children and bookstore. Learn about children and student ministries and the many student ministries and the many student ministries and the many opportunities for children from birth opportunities for children from birth opportunities for children from birth through college. At our adult ministry through college. At our adult ministry through college. At our adult ministry counter, you can find out about small counter, you can find out about small counter, you can find out about small groups, sign up for a class, and groups, sign up for a class, and groups, sign up for a class, and discover ways you can serve at the discover ways you can serve at the discover ways you can serve at the church. You'll find the counters across

church. You'll find the counters across church. You'll find the counters across the hall from the bookstore where the the hall from the bookstore where the the hall from the bookstore where the dining room table and ticket central dining room table and ticket central dining room table and ticket central used to be. Staff and volunteers will be used to be. Staff and volunteers will be used to be. Staff and volunteers will be there ready to greet you and answer your there ready to greet you and answer your there ready to greet you and answer your questions. Stay encouraged throughout your week Stay encouraged throughout your week with [music] more content from Pastor with [music] more content from Pastor with [music] more content from Pastor Allan on television, radio, social Allan on television, radio, social Allan on television, radio, social media, and in your email inbox. Watch media, and in your email inbox. Watch media, and in your email inbox. Watch Alan Jackson [music] Now every weekn Alan Jackson [music] Now every weekn Alan Jackson [music] Now every weekn night. Catch the Culture and night. Catch the Culture and night. Catch the Culture and Christianity podcast each Friday Christianity podcast each Friday Christianity podcast each Friday afternoon and enjoy [music] Pastor afternoon and enjoy [music] Pastor afternoon and enjoy [music] Pastor Allan's sermon broadcast on all of our Allan's sermon broadcast on all of our Allan's sermon broadcast on all of our platforms. You can watch and listen to platforms. You can watch and listen to platforms. You can watch and listen to all of Pastor Allen's [music] content all of Pastor Allen's [music] content all of Pastor Allen's [music] content anytime on YouTube as well. Learn more anytime on YouTube as well. Learn more anytime on YouTube as well. Learn more at alanjackson.com.

>> Welcome [music] to World Outreach >> Welcome [music] to World Outreach Church. Whether you're visiting for the Church. Whether you're visiting for the Church. Whether you're visiting for the first time or call our church home, first time or call our church home, first time or call our church home, we're glad you're here. We invite you to we're glad you're here. We invite you to we're glad you're here. We invite you to take a moment, [music] settle in, and take a moment, [music] settle in, and take a moment, [music] settle in, and get ready for worship. Service will get ready for worship. Service will get ready for worship. Service will begin soon. Visit our welcome center in begin soon. Visit our welcome center in begin soon. Visit our welcome center in the lobby or wurch.org/ [music] the lobby or wurch.org/ [music] the lobby or wurch.org/ [music] org/welcome to learn more about us. >> [music] >> [music] >> Heat up here.

>> Looking to get connected? Visit the >> Looking to get connected? Visit the [music] new ministry information [music] new ministry information [music] new ministry information counters we set up across the hall from counters we set up across the hall from counters we set up across the hall from the bookstore. Learn about children and the bookstore. Learn about children and the bookstore. Learn about children and student ministries and the many [music] student ministries and the many [music] student ministries and the many [music] opportunities for children from birth opportunities for children from birth opportunities for children from birth through college. At our adult ministry through college. At our adult ministry through college. At our adult ministry counter, you can find out about small counter, you can find out about small counter, you can find out about small groups, sign up for a class, and groups, sign up for a class, and groups, sign up for a class, and discover [music] ways you can serve at discover [music] ways you can serve at discover [music] ways you can serve at the church. You'll find the counters the church. You'll find the counters the church. You'll find the counters across the hall from the bookstore where across the hall from the bookstore where across the hall from the bookstore where the dining room table and ticket central the dining room table and ticket central the dining room table and ticket central used to be. Staff and volunteers will be used to be. Staff and volunteers will be used to be. Staff and volunteers will be there ready to greet you and answer your there ready to greet you and answer your there ready to greet you and answer your questions. Stay encouraged throughout your week Stay encouraged throughout your week with [music] more content from Pastor with [music] more content from Pastor with [music] more content from Pastor Allan on television, radio, social Allan on television, radio, social Allan on television, radio, social media, and in your email inbox. Watch media, and in your email inbox. Watch media, and in your email inbox. Watch Alan Jackson [music] Now every weekn Alan Jackson [music] Now every weekn Alan Jackson [music] Now every weekn night. Catch the Culture and night. Catch the Culture and night. Catch the Culture and Christianity podcast each Friday Christianity podcast each Friday Christianity podcast each Friday afternoon, and enjoy Pastor Allan's afternoon, and enjoy Pastor Allan's afternoon, and enjoy Pastor Allan's sermon broadcast on all of our sermon broadcast on all of our sermon broadcast on all of our platforms. [music] You can watch and platforms. [music] You can watch and platforms. [music] You can watch and listen to all of Pastor Allen's content listen to all of Pastor Allen's content listen to all of Pastor Allen's content anytime on YouTube as well. Learn more anytime on YouTube as well. Learn more anytime on YouTube as well. Learn more at [music] alenjackson.com.

Well, good morning, church. Are you Well, good morning, church. Are you excited to be in the house of [music] excited to be in the house of [music] excited to be in the house of [music] the Lord today? the Lord today? the Lord today? Amen. Amen. Amen. Well, I am. God is good. We're going to Well, I am. God is good. We're going to Well, I am. God is good. We're going to teach you [music] a new song this teach you [music] a new song this teach you [music] a new song this morning, and I need your help. If you've morning, and I need your help. If you've morning, and I need your help. If you've been washed through the blood of Jesus, been washed through the blood of Jesus, been washed through the blood of Jesus, I need you to put your hands together I need you to put your hands together I need you to put your hands together like this. Come on. I need everybody to like this. Come on. I need everybody to like this. Come on. I need everybody to do it. Come on. do it. Come on. do it. Come on. All right. And [music] I'm going to have All right. And [music] I'm going to have All right. And [music] I'm going to have Phil introduce it to you. Then we're Phil introduce it to you. Then we're Phil introduce it to you. Then we're going to sing it through one time. Okay. going to sing it through one time. Okay. going to sing it through one time. Okay. Here we go, church. Let's sing this Here we go, church. Let's sing this Here we go, church. Let's sing this together. I've been [music] washed in together. I've been [music] washed in together. I've been [music] washed in the water. Washed in the blood. I'm as the water. Washed in the blood. I'm as the water. Washed in the blood. I'm as good as new. Oh, hallelujah. [music] good as new. Oh, hallelujah. [music] good as new. Oh, hallelujah. [music] I've been washed in the water. Washed in I've been washed in the water. Washed in I've been washed in the water. Washed in the blood. All because [music] of you. the blood. All because [music] of you. the blood. All because [music] of you. Oh, hallelujah. I've been washed in the Oh, hallelujah. I've been washed in the Oh, hallelujah. I've been washed in the water. [music] Washed in the blood. I'm water. [music] Washed in the blood. I'm water. [music] Washed in the blood. I'm as good as new. Oh, hallelujah. [music] as good as new. Oh, hallelujah. [music] as good as new. Oh, hallelujah. [music] I've been washed in the water. Washed in I've been washed in the water. Washed in I've been washed in the water. Washed in the blood. All because of you. Oh, the blood. All because of you. Oh, the blood. All because of you. Oh, hallelujah. hallelujah. hallelujah. You got it, don't you? Yeah. [music] I clean I clean sin was [music and singing] stained on sin was [music and singing] stained on sin was [music and singing] stained on me.

me. me. Shame was running deep. [music] The love Shame was running deep. [music] The love Shame was running deep. [music] The love [singing] was spilled on Calvary. [singing] was spilled on Calvary. [singing] was spilled on Calvary. Oh, hallelujah. [music] God, how [singing] can it be? God, how [singing] can it be? I'm ransom and redeemed. I'm ransom and redeemed. I'm ransom and redeemed. Standing [music and singing] Standing [music and singing] Standing [music and singing] in your victory. in your victory. in your victory. Oh, I'll be washed in the water. [music] Oh, I'll be washed in the water. [music] Oh, I'll be washed in the water. [music] Washed in the blood as good as [singing] Washed in the blood as good as [singing] Washed in the blood as good as [singing] you. Oh, hallelujah. [music] you. Oh, hallelujah. [music] you. Oh, hallelujah. [music] Washed in the water, washed in the Washed in the water, washed in the Washed in the water, washed in the blood. All because of you. Oh, blood. All because of you. Oh, blood. All because of you. Oh, hallelujah. [music] hallelujah. [music] hallelujah. [music] I'm clean. It's not what I have done. I'm clean. It's not what I have done. I'm clean. It's not what I have done. But what [music] you've done for me, But what [music] you've done for me, But what [music] you've done for me, you paid it [singing] all up on that you paid it [singing] all up on that you paid it [singing] all up on that tree. Oh, hallelujah. How tree. Oh, hallelujah. How tree. Oh, hallelujah. How your love [music and singing] has your love [music and singing] has your love [music and singing] has overcome. overcome. overcome. Your mercy is supreme. Your mercy is supreme. Your mercy is supreme. I'm dancing [music] I'm dancing [music] I'm dancing [music] [singing] in your victory.

[singing] in your victory. [singing] in your victory. Oh hallelujah. Oh hallelujah. Oh hallelujah. [music] Oh hallelujah. I'll be [music] washed in Oh hallelujah. I'll be [music] washed in the water. the water. the water. I'm as good [singing] as you. Oh I'm as good [singing] as you. Oh I'm as good [singing] as you. Oh hallelujah. I'll be washed [music] in hallelujah. I'll be washed [music] in hallelujah. I'll be washed [music] in the water. Wash in the blood. All the water. Wash in the blood. All the water. Wash in the blood. All because of you. Oh hallelujah. Come on. because of you. Oh hallelujah. Come on. because of you. Oh hallelujah. Come on. [music] Put your hands together cuz you [music] Put your hands together cuz you [music] Put your hands together cuz you took away my sh took away my sh took away my sh and [music] you nailed it to the cross. and [music] you nailed it to the cross. and [music] you nailed it to the cross. Thank you Lord. You got me running out Thank you Lord. You got me running out Thank you Lord. You got me running out the [music] grave. the [music] grave. the [music] grave. Hallelujah. Here I come. Cuz you took Hallelujah. Here I come. Cuz you took Hallelujah. Here I come. Cuz you took away my shame. Cuz you took away my away my shame. Cuz you took away my away my shame. Cuz you took away my shame. Yes, Lord. [music] And you to the shame. Yes, Lord. [music] And you to the shame. Yes, Lord. [music] And you to the cross. cross. cross. You got me running out. You got me running out. You got me running out. [music] Hallelujah. Here I sing. [music] Hallelujah. Here I sing. [music] Hallelujah. Here I sing. Hallelujah. Here I come. Hallelujah.

Hallelujah. Here I come. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Here I come. Hallelujah. [music] Here I [music] Here I [music] Here I Lord. Hallelujah. Here I come. Lord. Hallelujah. Here I come. Lord. Hallelujah. Here I come. Oh [music] hallelujah. I' been Oh [music] hallelujah. I' been Oh [music] hallelujah. I' been watching the Lord. [music] watching the Lord. [music] watching the Lord. [music] Oh, [music] [music] because of you. Oh, hallelujah. [music] [music] Oh, hallelujah. All because of [music] you. All because of [music] you. Lost inst [music] [music] Oh hallelujah. [music] All because of you. Oh [music] All because of you. Oh hallelujah. [singing] You did great. Give him praise. You did great. Give him praise. [applause] [applause] [applause] [music] You and [music] now [singing] I draw a You and [music] now [singing] I draw a boundary.

boundary. boundary. Against every [music] Against every [music] Against every [music] weapon that's [singing] small, weapon that's [singing] small, weapon that's [singing] small, the thief and [music] his plans will the thief and [music] his plans will the thief and [music] his plans will pass over. pass over. pass over. When he sees the [singing] red on the When he sees the [singing] red on the When he sees the [singing] red on the door, door, door, I [music] plead the blood. The enemy [music] The enemy [music] can't take my family. [singing] This all belongs to the Lord. This all belongs to the Lord. [music] So I'm [singing] not afraid to [music] So I'm [singing] not afraid to [music] So I'm [singing] not afraid to remind him. remind him. remind him. He [music and singing] has no claim in He [music and singing] has no claim in He [music and singing] has no claim in this war. I lead the Lord. My [music] future is glory and glory.

My [music] future is glory and glory. My [singing] freedom's been [music] My [singing] freedom's been [music] My [singing] freedom's been [music] purchased in all of [music] the way of [singing] this all of [music] the way of [singing] this suffering suffering suffering and will receive his reward. and will receive his reward. and will receive his reward. [music and singing] [music and singing] [music and singing] Heat. Heat. >> [music] >> [music] >> Jesus >> Jesus >> Jesus my shield my [music] sh is my [singing] my shield my [music] sh is my [singing] my shield my [music] sh is my [singing] face face face I I I over [music and singing] again over [music and singing] again over [music and singing] again I I I [music] Jesus Jesus >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> You know the answer here. >> You know the answer here. >> You know the answer here. What can What can What can my [music] sin? Come on.

my [music] sin? Come on. my [music] sin? Come on. >> Nothing but [singing] the blood. Nothing >> Nothing but [singing] the blood. Nothing >> Nothing but [singing] the blood. Nothing [music] but the blood. [music] but the blood. [music] but the blood. >> What can make me whole again? >> What can make me whole again? >> What can make me whole again? >> Nothing [music and singing] but the >> Nothing [music and singing] but the >> Nothing [music and singing] but the blood. Nothing but the blood. blood. Nothing but the blood. blood. Nothing but the blood. >> Nothing can for sin [music] not at home. >> Nothing can for sin [music] not at home. >> Nothing can for sin [music] not at home. Nothing but Nothing but Nothing but nothing but nothing but nothing but nothing [music and singing] nothing [music and singing] nothing [music and singing] good that I have done. Nothing but the good that I have done. Nothing but the good that I have done. Nothing but the blood. Nothing but the [music] hope hope and peace. [music] Nothing Nothing for [music] the future. Jesus. [singing] Jesus. [singing] I [music] We have victory through [music] his We have victory through [music] his blood. Amen. We're going to plead this

blood. Amen. We're going to plead this blood. Amen. We're going to plead this blood over our lives, over [music] our blood over our lives, over [music] our blood over our lives, over [music] our family. Can we hear? over my children, family. Can we hear? over my children, family. Can we hear? over my children, over my family. [music and singing] over my family. [music and singing] over my family. [music and singing] I plead the blood. I plead the blood. I plead the blood. I plead the blood I plead the blood I plead the blood over my [singing] future, over [music] over my [singing] future, over [music] over my [singing] future, over [music] my body. I plead the blood. my body. I plead the blood. my body. I plead the blood. I plead [music] the blood I plead [music] the blood I plead [music] the blood over our schools, over [music] our over our schools, over [music] our over our schools, over [music] our cities. cities. cities. I love I love I love how the Lord how the Lord how the Lord [music] darkness [music] darkness [music] darkness me. [music] [music] [singing] [music] the blood of Jesus, we're [music] the blood of Jesus, we're sanctified, justified, just as we never

sanctified, justified, just as we never sanctified, justified, just as we never sinned. Amen. I plead the blood [singing] of Jesus. I plead the blood [singing] of Jesus. [music] [music] [music] If you're thankful for that power, can If you're thankful for that power, can If you're thankful for that power, can we give him praise right now? [applause] Thank you, Lord. Thank you, Lord. I hear [music] I hear [music] I hear [music] the Savior say, the Savior say, the Savior say, "Thy strength "Thy strength "Thy strength indeed is small. indeed is small. indeed is small. Child of weakness, [singing] Child of weakness, [singing] Child of weakness, [singing] watch and pray. watch and pray. watch and pray. Find in me thine all in all. [music] Jesus Jesus made it all." [singing and music] All to him I owe. All to him I owe. Sin had left [music] a crimson stain.

Sin had left [music] a crimson stain. Sin had left [music] a crimson stain. [singing] He washed it white as snow. And when [music] And when [music] before [singing] before [singing] before [singing] the throne the throne the throne I stand in [music] him complete. I stand in [music] him complete. I stand in [music] him complete. Jesus [singing] died my soul [music] to Jesus [singing] died my soul [music] to Jesus [singing] died my soul [music] to save. save. save. [singing] My lips shall [music] [singing] My lips shall [music] [singing] My lips shall [music] still ree. still ree. still ree. Jesus Jesus Jesus made [music] it all. [singing] Sin [music and singing] Sin [music and singing] had left a crimson day. had left a crimson day. had left a crimson day. >> [music and singing] >> [music and singing] >> [music and singing] >> in white and snow. >> in white and snow. >> in white and snow. >> Now, you know this song, don't you? >> Now, you know this song, don't you? >> Now, you know this song, don't you? [music] I want to hear you sing it. Here [music] I want to hear you sing it. Here [music] I want to hear you sing it. Here we go. Jesus we go. Jesus we go. Jesus paid all all my [music] [music] Christmas.

one more time. one more time. >> He is worthy of the praise. Amen. is worthy of the praise. Amen. [applause] Amen. Don't you love to praise the Lord? Amen. Don't you love to praise the Lord? >> Amen. It's so good to see you this >> Amen. It's so good to see you this >> Amen. It's so good to see you this morning. You may have a seat. Thank you. Well, hello church. Thank you. Well, hello church. >> What a privilege to be together >> What a privilege to be together >> What a privilege to be together >> and air conditioned. >> and air conditioned. >> and air conditioned. If you're visiting Tennessee, If you're visiting Tennessee, If you're visiting Tennessee, that air that you have to part to walk that air that you have to part to walk that air that you have to part to walk through, through, through, that's why everything's green. that's why everything's green. that's why everything's green. >> All right. Now, what an honor to be >> All right. Now, what an honor to be >> All right. Now, what an honor to be together. The Lord is so good to us.

together. The Lord is so good to us. together. The Lord is so good to us. >> He has blessed our lives so abundantly. >> He has blessed our lives so abundantly. >> He has blessed our lives so abundantly. [applause] I got invited to a meeting recently and I got invited to a meeting recently and I I get I'm a professional of meeting I I get I'm a professional of meeting I I get I'm a professional of meeting attender attender attender so I've had a lot of practice so when I so I've had a lot of practice so when I so I've had a lot of practice so when I get to go to one off the clock I'm like get to go to one off the clock I'm like get to go to one off the clock I'm like oh boy oh boy oh boy and I I we went through the meeting and and I I we went through the meeting and and I I we went through the meeting and you know I I thought ah but I stepped you know I I thought ah but I stepped you know I I thought ah but I stepped back and I thought what a blessing we back and I thought what a blessing we back and I thought what a blessing we had a beautiful place to meet everybody had a beautiful place to meet everybody had a beautiful place to meet everybody who made a presentation honored a who made a presentation honored a who made a presentation honored a biblical worldview biblical worldview biblical worldview the the blessings that they were the the blessings that they were the the blessings that they were describing. They may have been taking describing. They may have been taking describing. They may have been taking credit for some things they didn't credit for some things they didn't credit for some things they didn't cause, but it was a report on blessings. cause, but it was a report on blessings. cause, but it was a report on blessings. And I thought, God, I am determined to And I thought, God, I am determined to And I thought, God, I am determined to be more grateful, to be thankful and be more grateful, to be thankful and be more grateful, to be thankful and appreciative. God has blessed our lives, appreciative. God has blessed our lives, appreciative. God has blessed our lives, folks. folks. folks. He has. [applause] I appreciate that half-hearted response. I appreciate that half-hearted response. It's a good start. It's a good start. It's a good start. >> I'm going to work on the other half.

>> I'm going to work on the other half. >> I'm going to work on the other half. We'll see if we can all get there. But We'll see if we can all get there. But We'll see if we can all get there. But God is good to us. [snorts] Uh our God is good to us. [snorts] Uh our God is good to us. [snorts] Uh our offeratory prayer has become such an offeratory prayer has become such an offeratory prayer has become such an important part of our gatherings important part of our gatherings important part of our gatherings together. It started during co you know together. It started during co you know together. It started during co you know for years and years the for decades we for years and years the for decades we for years and years the for decades we passed an offering every Sunday and passed an offering every Sunday and passed an offering every Sunday and people would you know everybody has people would you know everybody has people would you know everybody has opinion about how church should go and opinion about how church should go and opinion about how church should go and it's not always right or wrong. It's it's not always right or wrong. It's it's not always right or wrong. It's just different. We came from different just different. We came from different just different. We came from different places and this morning we represent places and this morning we represent places and this morning we represent probably 60 different Christian probably 60 different Christian probably 60 different Christian traditions traditions traditions from Greek Orthodox to people who have from Greek Orthodox to people who have from Greek Orthodox to people who have never gone to a church before and you're never gone to a church before and you're never gone to a church before and you're all in the same room and they haven't all in the same room and they haven't all in the same room and they haven't had a fist fight yet. had a fist fight yet. had a fist fight yet. I mean it's early but we haven't yet and I mean it's early but we haven't yet and I mean it's early but we haven't yet and so testimony to what God is doing in the so testimony to what God is doing in the so testimony to what God is doing in the earth but they you know why do you earth but they you know why do you earth but they you know why do you interrupt a service with an offering? interrupt a service with an offering? interrupt a service with an offering? I'm like we're not interrupting I'm like we're not interrupting I'm like we're not interrupting anything. We worship God with our tithes anything. We worship God with our tithes anything. We worship God with our tithes and our offerings. That's a part of and our offerings. That's a part of and our offerings. That's a part of [applause] [applause] [applause] So I'm by no means am I opposed to that. So I'm by no means am I opposed to that. So I'm by no means am I opposed to that. But during co when for a whole host of But during co when for a whole host of But during co when for a whole host of reasons it didn't seem prudent to be reasons it didn't seem prudent to be reasons it didn't seem prudent to be passing things around the house. We we passing things around the house. We we passing things around the house. We we changed and you adapted so beautifully changed and you adapted so beautifully changed and you adapted so beautifully and and learned to give in new ways and and and learned to give in new ways and and and learned to give in new ways and just as faithfully. And I thank you for just as faithfully. And I thank you for just as faithfully. And I thank you for that. You know learning to grow and that. You know learning to grow and that. You know learning to grow and change is a part of doing life together.

change is a part of doing life together. change is a part of doing life together. It's part of family. It's part of life. It's part of family. It's part of life. It's part of family. It's part of life. It's part of community and faith. And I It's part of community and faith. And I It's part of community and faith. And I I thank you for that. But what we I thank you for that. But what we I thank you for that. But what we wouldn't give away and you know in co wouldn't give away and you know in co wouldn't give away and you know in co season we were praying to survive season we were praying to survive season we were praying to survive because they were telling us initially because they were telling us initially because they were telling us initially that millions of us would not and those that millions of us would not and those that millions of us would not and those were serious prayers. were serious prayers. were serious prayers. You know initially we were outside lined You know initially we were outside lined You know initially we were outside lined up on the lines in the parking lot up on the lines in the parking lot up on the lines in the parking lot because they told us we couldn't be because they told us we couldn't be because they told us we couldn't be together and nobody touch one another together and nobody touch one another together and nobody touch one another and we'd wave at one another across the and we'd wave at one another across the and we'd wave at one another across the parking spaces. parking spaces. parking spaces. So I mean prayer carried a whole So I mean prayer carried a whole So I mean prayer carried a whole different tone on in those days than it different tone on in those days than it different tone on in those days than it does for most of us today. But he began does for most of us today. But he began does for most of us today. But he began to shift in us something. Prayer is kind to shift in us something. Prayer is kind to shift in us something. Prayer is kind of a transitional thing or a prefuncter of a transitional thing or a prefuncter of a transitional thing or a prefuncter thing and we were praying in earnest thing and we were praying in earnest thing and we were praying in earnest and we have done our best to continue and we have done our best to continue and we have done our best to continue that and I thank you for that. You're that and I thank you for that. You're that and I thank you for that. You're people learning to pray. people learning to pray. people learning to pray. >> I get reports about you from all over >> I get reports about you from all over >> I get reports about you from all over the community. I'll go someplace and say the community. I'll go someplace and say the community. I'll go someplace and say one of your people did that let's pray one of your people did that let's pray one of your people did that let's pray thing thing thing when I was minding my own business when I was minding my own business when I was minding my own business getting groceries and told them getting groceries and told them getting groceries and told them something and they just turned around something and they just turned around something and they just turned around and said let's pray.

and said let's pray. and said let's pray. Did you teach them that? Like, no, I Did you teach them that? Like, no, I Did you teach them that? Like, no, I don't know what you're talking about. don't know what you're talking about. don't know what you're talking about. It's got nothing to do with that. >> But the corporate prayers of God's >> But the corporate prayers of God's people can change the destiny of a life, people can change the destiny of a life, people can change the destiny of a life, a family, a nation. a family, a nation. a family, a nation. >> And I've been asking you to join me and >> And I've been asking you to join me and >> And I've been asking you to join me and to pray for things beyond just what's to pray for things beyond just what's to pray for things beyond just what's under your roof and that shares DNA with under your roof and that shares DNA with under your roof and that shares DNA with you. We have to pray about what's you. We have to pray about what's you. We have to pray about what's happening in our world. And God's given happening in our world. And God's given happening in our world. And God's given us authority. Amen. us authority. Amen. us authority. Amen. >> We are ambassadors for his kingdom. So I >> We are ambassadors for his kingdom. So I >> We are ambassadors for his kingdom. So I thank you for your willingness to thank you for your willingness to thank you for your willingness to participate and those of you who aren't participate and those of you who aren't participate and those of you who aren't even in the building to participate. even in the building to participate. even in the building to participate. Thank you for that. Thank you for that. Thank you for that. >> But this morning we have teenagers that >> But this morning we have teenagers that >> But this morning we have teenagers that are away. are away. are away. This is camp week for our teenagers. This is camp week for our teenagers. This is camp week for our teenagers. Both our middle school and high senior Both our middle school and high senior Both our middle school and high senior high students are away this weekend at high students are away this weekend at high students are away this weekend at camp. You're calm cuz you're not there. You're calm cuz you're not there. Some of you are calm because you packed Some of you are calm because you packed Some of you are calm because you packed your kids off. You stayed out all night. your kids off. You stayed out all night. your kids off. You stayed out all night. You just barely got into church and You just barely got into church and You just barely got into church and you're just sitting there sleeping. But you're just sitting there sleeping. But you're just sitting there sleeping. But I came over yesterday morning to pray I came over yesterday morning to pray I came over yesterday morning to pray for the groups. And you had the the for the groups. And you had the the for the groups. And you had the the junior high students in one sanctuary junior high students in one sanctuary junior high students in one sanctuary and the other students in another. And I and the other students in another. And I and the other students in another. And I started with the senior high students started with the senior high students started with the senior high students and we prayed and we visited for a and we prayed and we visited for a and we prayed and we visited for a minute and I wept with the adults who minute and I wept with the adults who minute and I wept with the adults who were going.

Then I walked over to the junior high Then I walked over to the junior high room and it's very dramatically room and it's very dramatically room and it's very dramatically different room. Couple of years makes a different room. Couple of years makes a different room. Couple of years makes a big difference in that season in our big difference in that season in our big difference in that season in our lives, doesn't it? And in that room lives, doesn't it? And in that room lives, doesn't it? And in that room there were moms and they're going, there were moms and they're going, there were moms and they're going, [snorts] [snorts] [snorts] "We've never been apart for a night "We've never been apart for a night "We've never been apart for a night before." before." before." Whole different set of emotions over Whole different set of emotions over Whole different set of emotions over there. there. there. But they're at camp this week and I I I But they're at camp this week and I I I But they're at camp this week and I I I told them we would pray and I want to told them we would pray and I want to told them we would pray and I want to keep my word. I got a message last keep my word. I got a message last keep my word. I got a message last night. I was in another meeting and I night. I was in another meeting and I night. I was in another meeting and I get somebody stopped me with a message, get somebody stopped me with a message, get somebody stopped me with a message, an update from camp which I was not an update from camp which I was not an update from camp which I was not expecting and they said they've had a expecting and they said they've had a expecting and they said they've had a hot water outage. There was still water. It just wasn't There was still water. It just wasn't hot. hot. hot. And they said, "But they have it back And they said, "But they have it back And they said, "But they have it back on." on." on." That's the quickest shower you've ever That's the quickest shower you've ever That's the quickest shower you've ever had in your life if you've never had a had in your life if you've never had a had in your life if you've never had a cold shower before, son. But all is cold shower before, son. But all is cold shower before, son. But all is well. But we want to pray for them. Not well. But we want to pray for them. Not well. But we want to pray for them. Not just that they'll have a good time and just that they'll have a good time and just that they'll have a good time and stay safe, which we want to pray for stay safe, which we want to pray for stay safe, which we want to pray for those things, but they'll have a those things, but they'll have a those things, but they'll have a revelation of Jesus. revelation of Jesus. revelation of Jesus. >> Folks, we live in a world where there's >> Folks, we live in a world where there's >> Folks, we live in a world where there's nothing but Jesus going to take us nothing but Jesus going to take us nothing but Jesus going to take us through.

through. through. >> Now, that's the truth. >> Now, that's the truth. >> Now, that's the truth. And and we've got to be willing to stand And and we've got to be willing to stand And and we've got to be willing to stand in that place on behalf of those young in that place on behalf of those young in that place on behalf of those young people. They need us to do our job people. They need us to do our job people. They need us to do our job >> so that they have an opportunity to do >> so that they have an opportunity to do >> so that they have an opportunity to do theirs. theirs. theirs. You know, You know, You know, [applause] [applause] [applause] it's not my sermon, so don't take it off it's not my sermon, so don't take it off it's not my sermon, so don't take it off my time. But, you know, Daniel is one of my time. But, you know, Daniel is one of my time. But, you know, Daniel is one of my heroes in the Bible. A remarkable man my heroes in the Bible. A remarkable man my heroes in the Bible. A remarkable man of God, celebrated in heaven, but he of God, celebrated in heaven, but he of God, celebrated in heaven, but he lived his whole life as a slave in lived his whole life as a slave in lived his whole life as a slave in Babylon because of the generation who Babylon because of the generation who Babylon because of the generation who preceded him. preceded him. preceded him. Now, I have no doubt the faithfulness of Now, I have no doubt the faithfulness of Now, I have no doubt the faithfulness of God will watch over those who follow us. God will watch over those who follow us. God will watch over those who follow us. >> But I don't want them to spend their >> But I don't want them to spend their >> But I don't want them to spend their lives in Babylon because of the lives in Babylon because of the lives in Babylon because of the condition of our lives. Amen. >> I want us to conduct ourselves in such a >> I want us to conduct ourselves in such a way that they can build on the momentum way that they can build on the momentum way that they can build on the momentum of what God's done through our lives and of what God's done through our lives and of what God's done through our lives and our generations. our generations. our generations. >> Can we agree for that? >> Can we agree for that? >> Can we agree for that? >> Okay, let's stand. We're going to pray. >> Okay, let's stand. We're going to pray. >> Okay, let's stand. We're going to pray. We're praying for campers, but we're We're praying for campers, but we're We're praying for campers, but we're praying for a lot of young people beyond praying for a lot of young people beyond praying for a lot of young people beyond those campers.

those campers. those campers. I have a tremendous I have a tremendous I have a tremendous expectation and hope for their lives. expectation and hope for their lives. expectation and hope for their lives. >> Amen. Amen. How many of you have family >> Amen. Amen. How many of you have family >> Amen. Amen. How many of you have family that are at camp? either as students or that are at camp? either as students or that are at camp? either as students or workers or helpers or cooks or workers or helpers or cooks or workers or helpers or cooks or not going to raise your hand about that. not going to raise your hand about that. not going to raise your hand about that. Okay, I got that. It's all right. If Okay, I got that. It's all right. If Okay, I got that. It's all right. If you're at home, we pray for your kids, you're at home, we pray for your kids, you're at home, we pray for your kids, too. too. too. Oh, you know, usually I tell you the Oh, you know, usually I tell you the Oh, you know, usually I tell you the breakfast foods that they bring me for breakfast foods that they bring me for breakfast foods that they bring me for somebody. Now they're bringing me names. somebody. Now they're bringing me names. somebody. Now they're bringing me names. This is going to turn into like Miss This is going to turn into like Miss This is going to turn into like Miss Romper Room and Miss Nancy. Romper Room and Miss Nancy. Romper Room and Miss Nancy. Have Carolyn and Ji and the whole crew Have Carolyn and Ji and the whole crew Have Carolyn and Ji and the whole crew out there. We'll be talking to you all. out there. We'll be talking to you all. out there. We'll be talking to you all. So, God is watching over us, folks. So, God is watching over us, folks. So, God is watching over us, folks. >> Amen. Let's pray. Father, I thank you >> Amen. Let's pray. Father, I thank you >> Amen. Let's pray. Father, I thank you for your faithfulness and your goodness for your faithfulness and your goodness for your faithfulness and your goodness for your church in the earth. Lord for your church in the earth. Lord for your church in the earth. Lord Jesus, I thank you that you're the head Jesus, I thank you that you're the head Jesus, I thank you that you're the head of the church. That God's gift to us, of the church. That God's gift to us, of the church. That God's gift to us, his provision to us his provision to us his provision to us was establishing you as the head of the was establishing you as the head of the was establishing you as the head of the church. And I thank you that you hold church. And I thank you that you hold church. And I thank you that you hold the future in your hands, that you're the future in your hands, that you're the future in your hands, that you're the judge of all. the judge of all. the judge of all. We pray today for our young people, We pray today for our young people, We pray today for our young people, Lord, for those we know that have Lord, for those we know that have Lord, for those we know that have traveled this week that are in camp and traveled this week that are in camp and traveled this week that are in camp and have taken time away from routine and have taken time away from routine and have taken time away from routine and family and friends to to be with other family and friends to to be with other family and friends to to be with other young people who are searching and young people who are searching and young people who are searching and seeking you.

seeking you. seeking you. Lord, I pray you keep them safe and Lord, I pray you keep them safe and Lord, I pray you keep them safe and healthy and that your peace will fill healthy and that your peace will fill healthy and that your peace will fill those places where they are. But more those places where they are. But more those places where they are. But more than that, I pray that you'll give them than that, I pray that you'll give them than that, I pray that you'll give them a revelation of yourself. a revelation of yourself. a revelation of yourself. Lord, that will open a whole new future Lord, that will open a whole new future Lord, that will open a whole new future for them. give them a whole new courage for them. give them a whole new courage for them. give them a whole new courage to say yes to you and a boldness to be to say yes to you and a boldness to be to say yes to you and a boldness to be to be your friend wherever you take to be your friend wherever you take to be your friend wherever you take them. I thank you for the young people, them. I thank you for the young people, them. I thank you for the young people, Lord, in our nation, in this generation. Lord, in our nation, in this generation. Lord, in our nation, in this generation. I pray that you will awaken them to the I pray that you will awaken them to the I pray that you will awaken them to the blessings that you have showered upon blessings that you have showered upon blessings that you have showered upon our lives. Lord, give them an insight our lives. Lord, give them an insight our lives. Lord, give them an insight and an understanding into your kingdom, and an understanding into your kingdom, and an understanding into your kingdom, a willingness to serve you. raise up a a willingness to serve you. raise up a a willingness to serve you. raise up a generation of young people who will take generation of young people who will take generation of young people who will take a place in your kingdom and turn from a place in your kingdom and turn from a place in your kingdom and turn from the invitations of this world in a way the invitations of this world in a way the invitations of this world in a way that we haven't seen for decades. Lord, that we haven't seen for decades. Lord, that we haven't seen for decades. Lord, we cry out to you today. Lord, we have we cry out to you today. Lord, we have we cry out to you today. Lord, we have lived in the midst of your blessings and lived in the midst of your blessings and lived in the midst of your blessings and your abundance and your peace and your your abundance and your peace and your your abundance and your peace and your liberty and your freedom. And Lord, too liberty and your freedom. And Lord, too liberty and your freedom. And Lord, too often we've imagined we've caused it and often we've imagined we've caused it and often we've imagined we've caused it and we ask for your forgiveness. we ask for your forgiveness. we ask for your forgiveness. >> Lord, may we leave to those who come >> Lord, may we leave to those who come >> Lord, may we leave to those who come behind us behind us behind us a future filled with kingdom a future filled with kingdom a future filled with kingdom opportunities.

opportunities. opportunities. that your grace will continue to fill that your grace will continue to fill that your grace will continue to fill and inform their lives. We thank you for and inform their lives. We thank you for and inform their lives. We thank you for it and we praise you for it in Jesus it and we praise you for it in Jesus it and we praise you for it in Jesus name. Amen. name. Amen. name. Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Hallelujah. It's exciting to be in a >> Hallelujah. It's exciting to be in a >> Hallelujah. It's exciting to be in a generation when God is moving. generation when God is moving. generation when God is moving. >> Amen. Before you're seated, [applause] >> Amen. Before you're seated, [applause] >> Amen. Before you're seated, [applause] you tell somebody near you that God is you tell somebody near you that God is you tell somebody near you that God is moving in the earth and I want to be a moving in the earth and I want to be a moving in the earth and I want to be a part. Okay. Hallelujah. If you're on campus this Hallelujah. If you're on campus this morning, whichever space you're in, you morning, whichever space you're in, you morning, whichever space you're in, you should have received an outline when you should have received an outline when you should have received an outline when you came in for worship. came in for worship. came in for worship. The scriptures we'll use are included The scriptures we'll use are included The scriptures we'll use are included there. If you didn't get one, maybe there. If you didn't get one, maybe there. If you didn't get one, maybe somebody near you would share. That's somebody near you would share. That's somebody near you would share. That's like a Christian thing.

If you're not into that, tear it in half If you're not into that, tear it in half and give half to somebody else. That's and give half to somebody else. That's and give half to somebody else. That's like a socialist thing. that's really not. If you don't have that's really not. If you don't have one, take your neighbors, tear it in one, take your neighbors, tear it in one, take your neighbors, tear it in half, and give the other half to half, and give the other half to half, and give the other half to somebody else. That's more like a somebody else. That's more like a somebody else. That's more like a socialist thing. socialist thing. socialist thing. [applause] Do not send me a note. Okay. Do not send me a note. Okay. Uh, I want to start a new uh study with Uh, I want to start a new uh study with Uh, I want to start a new uh study with you today under the general theme of you today under the general theme of you today under the general theme of dangerous faith. dangerous faith. dangerous faith. I'll explain I'll explain I'll explain dangerous faith. Uh but I want to start dangerous faith. Uh but I want to start dangerous faith. Uh but I want to start with an idea that I think is pretty with an idea that I think is pretty with an idea that I think is pretty straightforward. And this really came straightforward. And this really came straightforward. And this really came out of a conversation I had this week. I out of a conversation I had this week. I out of a conversation I had this week. I I was talking with somebody who's kind I was talking with somebody who's kind I was talking with somebody who's kind of a policy person, works in the media, of a policy person, works in the media, of a policy person, works in the media, and they were they were reminiscing and they were they were reminiscing and they were they were reminiscing about the difference in our about the difference in our about the difference in our bicesentennial celebration and our bicesentennial celebration and our bicesentennial celebration and our celebration now. 50 years ago, we celebration now. 50 years ago, we celebration now. 50 years ago, we celebrated America's 200th birthday. I celebrated America's 200th birthday. I celebrated America's 200th birthday. I was I was not quite ready. I was getting was I was not quite ready. I was getting was I was not quite ready. I was getting ready to graduate from high school. So I ready to graduate from high school. So I ready to graduate from high school. So I I was barely old enough to remember, I was barely old enough to remember, I was barely old enough to remember, but I remember that. And as we had the but I remember that. And as we had the but I remember that. And as we had the conversation, we reminisced. It was a conversation, we reminisced. It was a conversation, we reminisced. It was a very different time, a different season very different time, a different season very different time, a different season than the one we're in now. And I'm sure than the one we're in now. And I'm sure than the one we're in now. And I'm sure it wasn't uniform or universal, but my it wasn't uniform or universal, but my it wasn't uniform or universal, but my memory of that as a young person was we memory of that as a young person was we memory of that as a young person was we all pretty much celebrated. It wasn't a all pretty much celebrated. It wasn't a all pretty much celebrated. It wasn't a point of division. I don't remember point of division. I don't remember point of division. I don't remember great expressions of hate or um strife great expressions of hate or um strife great expressions of hate or um strife or, you know, I I remember some of the or, you know, I I remember some of the or, you know, I I remember some of the gatherings and the celebration. I

gatherings and the celebration. I gatherings and the celebration. I remember the tall ships in Boston Harbor remember the tall ships in Boston Harbor remember the tall ships in Boston Harbor and the fireworks out over the harbor and the fireworks out over the harbor and the fireworks out over the harbor and and all the artists that would I and and all the artists that would I and and all the artists that would I don't remember artists saying I'm not don't remember artists saying I'm not don't remember artists saying I'm not celebrating. I'm not being a part of celebrating. I'm not being a part of celebrating. I'm not being a part of that. Well, scroll forward 50 years. that. Well, scroll forward 50 years. that. Well, scroll forward 50 years. We're in a very very different place. We're in a very very different place. We're in a very very different place. And in fact, I think if the trend of the And in fact, I think if the trend of the And in fact, I think if the trend of the last 50 years were to be projected for last 50 years were to be projected for last 50 years were to be projected for another 50, it's hard to imagine we'd another 50, it's hard to imagine we'd another 50, it's hard to imagine we'd hold together. hold together. hold together. >> I don't know what that means, but I can >> I don't know what that means, but I can >> I don't know what that means, but I can tell you what I do understand from that, tell you what I do understand from that, tell you what I do understand from that, at least in in general terms, is that at least in in general terms, is that at least in in general terms, is that there are times and seasons. And what I there are times and seasons. And what I there are times and seasons. And what I want to submit to you as Christ want to submit to you as Christ want to submit to you as Christ followers, the same is true. And that we followers, the same is true. And that we followers, the same is true. And that we have to be led by the spirit to know how have to be led by the spirit to know how have to be led by the spirit to know how to respond to the times and the seasons to respond to the times and the seasons to respond to the times and the seasons in which we live. And I know that that in which we live. And I know that that in which we live. And I know that that can cause people some anxiety. There are can cause people some anxiety. There are can cause people some anxiety. There are some core values of our faith that are some core values of our faith that are some core values of our faith that are timeless. They're not up for review. timeless. They're not up for review. timeless. They're not up for review. They're not going to become out of date. They're not going to become out of date. They're not going to become out of date. They can't be declared quaint but no They can't be declared quaint but no They can't be declared quaint but no longer relevant. longer relevant. longer relevant. There are some things that are simply a There are some things that are simply a There are some things that are simply a part of the narrative of the people of part of the narrative of the people of part of the narrative of the people of God. And I didn't bring you a complete God. And I didn't bring you a complete God. And I didn't bring you a complete list of that. We can do that another list of that. We can do that another list of that. We can do that another time if you'd prefer. But things like time if you'd prefer. But things like time if you'd prefer. But things like the sovereignty of God, the nature of the sovereignty of God, the nature of the sovereignty of God, the nature of sin, eternal judgment, those things sin, eternal judgment, those things sin, eternal judgment, those things don't change generationally.

don't change generationally. don't change generationally. Not at all. You can believe them or not Not at all. You can believe them or not Not at all. You can believe them or not believe them, but you you still want to believe them, but you you still want to believe them, but you you still want to be on the right side of them. It's like be on the right side of them. It's like be on the right side of them. It's like gravity. gravity. gravity. You know, not too not too long ago, we You know, not too not too long ago, we You know, not too not too long ago, we were earthbound folks. Fastest means of were earthbound folks. Fastest means of were earthbound folks. Fastest means of land transportation available, fastest land transportation available, fastest land transportation available, fastest means of transportation available to a means of transportation available to a means of transportation available to a human being for hundreds and hundreds, human being for hundreds and hundreds, human being for hundreds and hundreds, thousands of years was a fast horse. My thousands of years was a fast horse. My thousands of years was a fast horse. My grandfather and Gingis Khan shared that grandfather and Gingis Khan shared that grandfather and Gingis Khan shared that in common. in common. in common. That's about all they shared in common, That's about all they shared in common, That's about all they shared in common, but they shared that good fast horse was but they shared that good fast horse was but they shared that good fast horse was important to both of them. Now, you important to both of them. Now, you important to both of them. Now, you know, we orbit the earth and go to the know, we orbit the earth and go to the know, we orbit the earth and go to the moon and do all the things. Gravity's moon and do all the things. Gravity's moon and do all the things. Gravity's still in play. Gravity hasn't changed. still in play. Gravity hasn't changed. still in play. Gravity hasn't changed. We've just learned that you can suspend We've just learned that you can suspend We've just learned that you can suspend its impact for just a bit. its impact for just a bit. its impact for just a bit. Well, there's some things about God that Well, there's some things about God that Well, there's some things about God that are eternal and they will shape your for are eternal and they will shape your for are eternal and they will shape your for future. You can ignore them for a future. You can ignore them for a future. You can ignore them for a minute. You may find some means you minute. You may find some means you minute. You may find some means you think you've suspended them for a think you've suspended them for a think you've suspended them for a minute, but they will shape your future. minute, but they will shape your future. minute, but they will shape your future. I'm not suggesting those things change I'm not suggesting those things change I'm not suggesting those things change at all. at all. at all. God created us male and female. There's God created us male and female. There's God created us male and female. There's not 18 options now. Amen.

not 18 options now. Amen. not 18 options now. Amen. >> But h having said that, >> But h having said that, >> But h having said that, messages and assignments change messages and assignments change messages and assignments change dramatically as the Lord directs. dramatically as the Lord directs. dramatically as the Lord directs. Bear with me for a minute. I brought you Bear with me for a minute. I brought you Bear with me for a minute. I brought you some scriptures. Ephesians chapter 4 and some scriptures. Ephesians chapter 4 and some scriptures. Ephesians chapter 4 and verse three, Paul's writing to a group verse three, Paul's writing to a group verse three, Paul's writing to a group of believers. He said, "Make every of believers. He said, "Make every of believers. He said, "Make every effort to keep the unity of the spirit effort to keep the unity of the spirit effort to keep the unity of the spirit through the bond of peace." That's the through the bond of peace." That's the through the bond of peace." That's the assignment. Make every effort. Do assignment. Make every effort. Do assignment. Make every effort. Do everything you can to keep the unity of everything you can to keep the unity of everything you can to keep the unity of the spirit. There's one body, one the spirit. There's one body, one the spirit. There's one body, one spirit. Just as you were called the one spirit. Just as you were called the one spirit. Just as you were called the one hope when you were called one Lord, one hope when you were called one Lord, one hope when you were called one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God, one father faith, one baptism, one God, one father faith, one baptism, one God, one father of all who is overall and through all of all who is overall and through all of all who is overall and through all and in all. So he's establishing the and in all. So he's establishing the and in all. So he's establishing the point I'm trying to make that there are point I'm trying to make that there are point I'm trying to make that there are some things that are not generational. some things that are not generational. some things that are not generational. They're not cultural. They're not cultural. They're not cultural. There are some things that bind us There are some things that bind us There are some things that bind us together as Christ followers. But then together as Christ followers. But then together as Christ followers. But then in verse 7, he said, "But to each one of in verse 7, he said, "But to each one of in verse 7, he said, "But to each one of us, grace has been given as Christ us, grace has been given as Christ us, grace has been given as Christ aortioned." And he goes on to say, "And aortioned." And he goes on to say, "And aortioned." And he goes on to say, "And we're very different. We have different we're very different. We have different we're very different. We have different talents. We have different gifts. We talents. We have different gifts. We talents. We have different gifts. We have different abilities. There's some have different abilities. There's some have different abilities. There's some things that bind us together and there's things that bind us together and there's things that bind us together and there's some things that make us very different. some things that make us very different. some things that make us very different. Look at Daniel 2 chapter 20. I mentioned Look at Daniel 2 chapter 20. I mentioned Look at Daniel 2 chapter 20. I mentioned Daniel a moment ago. Daniel's a slave Daniel a moment ago. Daniel's a slave Daniel a moment ago. Daniel's a slave his whole life in Babylon. Never knows his whole life in Babylon. Never knows his whole life in Babylon. Never knows freedom. He never knows the self freedom. He never knows the self freedom. He never knows the self autonomy.

autonomy. autonomy. He's a servant of the sultan. Praise be to the name of God forever and Praise be to the name of God forever and ever. Wisdom and power are his. Can you ever. Wisdom and power are his. Can you ever. Wisdom and power are his. Can you believe you could write that as a slave? believe you could write that as a slave? believe you could write that as a slave? Praising God and saying, "Wisdom and Praising God and saying, "Wisdom and Praising God and saying, "Wisdom and power belong to the God that I serve. I power belong to the God that I serve. I power belong to the God that I serve. I will submit to God in spite of will submit to God in spite of will submit to God in spite of circumstances that are uncomfortable. circumstances that are uncomfortable. circumstances that are uncomfortable. He God changes times and seasons. He He God changes times and seasons. He He God changes times and seasons. He sets up kings and he deposes them. He sets up kings and he deposes them. He sets up kings and he deposes them. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning." Daniel was to be to the discerning." Daniel was to be to the discerning." Daniel was to be executed later that day. executed later that day. executed later that day. The king had had a dream and he couldn't The king had had a dream and he couldn't The king had had a dream and he couldn't remember it. And he was demanding an remember it. And he was demanding an remember it. And he was demanding an interpretation of a dream he couldn't interpretation of a dream he couldn't interpretation of a dream he couldn't remember. That's a tough assignment. remember. That's a tough assignment. remember. That's a tough assignment. And Daniel asked for just a bit of time And Daniel asked for just a bit of time And Daniel asked for just a bit of time to seek his God. to seek his God. to seek his God. And God showed Daniel the dream and its And God showed Daniel the dream and its And God showed Daniel the dream and its interpretation. And this is what Daniel interpretation. And this is what Daniel interpretation. And this is what Daniel said. Praise God. said. Praise God. said. Praise God. >> Praise God. He changes times and >> Praise God. He changes times and >> Praise God. He changes times and seasons. He raises up leaders and he seasons. He raises up leaders and he seasons. He raises up leaders and he puts leaders down. In Ecclesiastes puts leaders down. In Ecclesiastes puts leaders down. In Ecclesiastes chapter 3, a similar idea says there's a chapter 3, a similar idea says there's a chapter 3, a similar idea says there's a time for everything and a season for time for everything and a season for time for everything and a season for every activity under heaven. A time to every activity under heaven. A time to every activity under heaven. A time to be born and a time to die. A time to be born and a time to die. A time to be born and a time to die. A time to plant, a time to uproot, time to kill, a plant, a time to uproot, time to kill, a plant, a time to uproot, time to kill, a time to heal. A time to tear down and a time to heal. A time to tear down and a time to heal. A time to tear down and a time to build. A time to weep at a time time to build. A time to weep at a time time to build. A time to weep at a time to laugh, a time to mourn, a time to to laugh, a time to mourn, a time to to laugh, a time to mourn, a time to dance. It goes on. Many of you know the dance. It goes on. Many of you know the dance. It goes on. Many of you know the passage. It's often quoted. It's quoted passage. It's often quoted. It's quoted passage. It's often quoted. It's quoted apart from Christianity. It's just kind apart from Christianity. It's just kind apart from Christianity. It's just kind of poetic, but it's not poetry. It's of poetic, but it's not poetry. It's of poetic, but it's not poetry. It's true. If I was in charge, I'd white out true. If I was in charge, I'd white out true. If I was in charge, I'd white out half the times.

half the times. half the times. Oh, you would, too. Oh, you would, too. Oh, you would, too. It's more fun to celebrate birth than it It's more fun to celebrate birth than it It's more fun to celebrate birth than it is death. is death. is death. Planting is more exciting when things Planting is more exciting when things Planting is more exciting when things than when things are uprooted. than when things are uprooted. than when things are uprooted. It's more fun to celebrate healing than It's more fun to celebrate healing than It's more fun to celebrate healing than killing. Building seems more fun than killing. Building seems more fun than killing. Building seems more fun than tearing down. Right? tearing down. Right? tearing down. Right? >> But all of those things are in the >> But all of those things are in the >> But all of those things are in the present. They're all under the present. They're all under the present. They're all under the authority, the opices, the unfolding authority, the opices, the unfolding authority, the opices, the unfolding plans and purposes of God. plans and purposes of God. plans and purposes of God. Now I make that observation because my Now I make that observation because my Now I make that observation because my life experience in the middle of people life experience in the middle of people life experience in the middle of people of faith is this that we prefer a of faith is this that we prefer a of faith is this that we prefer a consistent unchanging path which enables consistent unchanging path which enables consistent unchanging path which enables us to imagine our plans are under our us to imagine our plans are under our us to imagine our plans are under our authority and that our choices are authority and that our choices are authority and that our choices are supreme. supreme. supreme. We like stability so that if something We like stability so that if something We like stability so that if something is colored outside the lines, we is colored outside the lines, we is colored outside the lines, we initiated the coloring. initiated the coloring. initiated the coloring. And I don't think that's anywhere more And I don't think that's anywhere more And I don't think that's anywhere more true than amongst people of faith. We true than amongst people of faith. We true than amongst people of faith. We know how it's supposed to be done. know how it's supposed to be done. know how it's supposed to be done. Oh, come on now. We've got our own set Oh, come on now. We've got our own set Oh, come on now. We've got our own set of we got our own vocabulary, own idiom of we got our own vocabulary, own idiom of we got our own vocabulary, own idiom set. That's not how we do it.

set. That's not how we do it. set. That's not how we do it. That's not how my people believe. That's not how my people believe. That's not how my people believe. Well, that's not a part of scripture Well, that's not a part of scripture Well, that's not a part of scripture that ministers to me. that ministers to me. that ministers to me. And on and on it goes. You can give us And on and on it goes. You can give us And on and on it goes. You can give us the version of those phrases that come the version of those phrases that come the version of those phrases that come from the tradition that you're more from the tradition that you're more from the tradition that you're more familiar with. familiar with. familiar with. That's not my style of worship. That's not my style of worship. That's not my style of worship. Uh, news alert. After you get out of Uh, news alert. After you get out of Uh, news alert. After you get out of sixth grade, we're not providing sixth grade, we're not providing sixth grade, we're not providing age-graded music anymore. But I've found that God often asks us to But I've found that God often asks us to follow him on a journey for his follow him on a journey for his follow him on a journey for his purposes. purposes. purposes. >> Not my familiarity, not my comfort, not >> Not my familiarity, not my comfort, not >> Not my familiarity, not my comfort, not my convenience. And it's this divergence my convenience. And it's this divergence my convenience. And it's this divergence of my plan and how I think things should of my plan and how I think things should of my plan and how I think things should unfold and what God is inviting me to unfold and what God is inviting me to unfold and what God is inviting me to that describes much of the challenge in that describes much of the challenge in that describes much of the challenge in being a Christ follower. being a Christ follower. being a Christ follower. Because if I'm really honest with you, I Because if I'm really honest with you, I Because if I'm really honest with you, I want God to bless my plan with all the want God to bless my plan with all the want God to bless my plan with all the power of heaven.

power of heaven. power of heaven. >> And I'll engage his purposes when it's >> And I'll engage his purposes when it's >> And I'll engage his purposes when it's convenient and I'm in the mood. But I convenient and I'm in the mood. But I convenient and I'm in the mood. But I expect him jolly well to stay focused on expect him jolly well to stay focused on expect him jolly well to stay focused on my plan. I want angels dispatched. my plan. I want angels dispatched. my plan. I want angels dispatched. I want the Holy Spirit anointing. Pray for me. I know I'm weird. You don't Pray for me. I know I'm weird. You don't feel that way ever. But I began to make feel that way ever. But I began to make feel that way ever. But I began to make a list. Think with me if this sounds a list. Think with me if this sounds a list. Think with me if this sounds about right. I believe God called Noah about right. I believe God called Noah about right. I believe God called Noah to build the boat and have a temporary to build the boat and have a temporary to build the boat and have a temporary zoo. zoo. zoo. God do that. God do that. God do that. >> Should we all do that? >> Should we all do that? >> Should we all do that? Is everybody going home today and build Is everybody going home today and build Is everybody going home today and build the boat and start collecting animals? the boat and start collecting animals? the boat and start collecting animals? I hope not. Moses delivered a revelation I hope not. Moses delivered a revelation I hope not. Moses delivered a revelation of the law and the character of God to of the law and the character of God to of the law and the character of God to an entire people. I believe God led him an entire people. I believe God led him an entire people. I believe God led him to do that. to do that. to do that. Should we? Should we? Should we? No. Joshua led a military campaign to No. Joshua led a military campaign to No. Joshua led a military campaign to help the people of God obtain their help the people of God obtain their help the people of God obtain their inheritance. inheritance. inheritance. Joshua at the end of his life function Joshua at the end of his life function Joshua at the end of his life function more as a general than anything else.

more as a general than anything else. more as a general than anything else. I don't believe we're all called to I don't believe we're all called to I don't believe we're all called to that. Samuel led the 12 tribes of Israel that. Samuel led the 12 tribes of Israel that. Samuel led the 12 tribes of Israel as a judge. as a judge. as a judge. an itenerant overseer. No central an itenerant overseer. No central an itenerant overseer. No central government, no central pace, no palace government, no central pace, no palace government, no central pace, no palace for certain. 12 independent tribes with for certain. 12 independent tribes with for certain. 12 independent tribes with a judge providing some wisdom from God. a judge providing some wisdom from God. a judge providing some wisdom from God. David led the tribes of Israel in a very David led the tribes of Israel in a very David led the tribes of Israel in a very different way. He was a king with a different way. He was a king with a different way. He was a king with a capital city and a palace and a standing capital city and a palace and a standing capital city and a palace and a standing army and a bodyguard in the whole nine army and a bodyguard in the whole nine army and a bodyguard in the whole nine yards. yards. yards. Both led by God, both fully in the Both led by God, both fully in the Both led by God, both fully in the purposes of God. Isaiah told the king of purposes of God. Isaiah told the king of purposes of God. Isaiah told the king of Judah God would defeat the enemies of Judah God would defeat the enemies of Judah God would defeat the enemies of Israel and he sent the Assyrians back Israel and he sent the Assyrians back Israel and he sent the Assyrians back home minus 60,000 of them. home minus 60,000 of them. home minus 60,000 of them. Jeremiah told the king of Judah that the Jeremiah told the king of Judah that the Jeremiah told the king of Judah that the Babylonians were coming and there was Babylonians were coming and there was Babylonians were coming and there was nothing he could do. nothing he could do. nothing he could do. And both Isaiah and Jeremiah spoke under And both Isaiah and Jeremiah spoke under And both Isaiah and Jeremiah spoke under the anointing of God. the anointing of God. the anointing of God. Radically different messages. Radically different messages. Radically different messages. Dramatically different messages. Dramatically different messages. Dramatically different messages. Jesus came, he said, to fulfill the law Jesus came, he said, to fulfill the law Jesus came, he said, to fulfill the law of Moses. not to destroy it. We get to of Moses. not to destroy it. We get to of Moses. not to destroy it. We get to the New Testament, we want to go, the New Testament, we want to go, the New Testament, we want to go, "Whoopee! We're free."

"Whoopee! We're free." "Whoopee! We're free." It's not really what Jesus said. It's not really what Jesus said. It's not really what Jesus said. Peter was a Jewish fisherman Peter was a Jewish fisherman Peter was a Jewish fisherman recruited by Jesus, but in Jesus absence recruited by Jesus, but in Jesus absence recruited by Jesus, but in Jesus absence went to Cesaria, which if you don't know went to Cesaria, which if you don't know went to Cesaria, which if you don't know was the heart of Roman authority in was the heart of Roman authority in was the heart of Roman authority in Israel, to the home of a Roman centurion Israel, to the home of a Roman centurion Israel, to the home of a Roman centurion to deliver the message of Jesus to deliver the message of Jesus to deliver the message of Jesus redemption. They weren't allowed to sit redemption. They weren't allowed to sit redemption. They weren't allowed to sit at a dinner table with a gentile. And at a dinner table with a gentile. And at a dinner table with a gentile. And Peter went into the belly of the beast Peter went into the belly of the beast Peter went into the belly of the beast into the home of a Roman centurion into the home of a Roman centurion into the home of a Roman centurion and initiated an outpouring of the and initiated an outpouring of the and initiated an outpouring of the spirit of God. spirit of God. spirit of God. Paul was a Jewish scholar, Paul was a Jewish scholar, Paul was a Jewish scholar, a Pharisee if you want the technical a Pharisee if you want the technical a Pharisee if you want the technical definition, and he was sent by God to definition, and he was sent by God to definition, and he was sent by God to the non-Jewish world and welcome them the non-Jewish world and welcome them the non-Jewish world and welcome them into the kingdom of God. into the kingdom of God. into the kingdom of God. If you're paying any attention at all, a If you're paying any attention at all, a If you're paying any attention at all, a dramatically different set of responses dramatically different set of responses dramatically different set of responses to our world. to our world. to our world. It's not a consistent pattern of what it It's not a consistent pattern of what it It's not a consistent pattern of what it means to be a good godly person. Godly means to be a good godly person. Godly means to be a good godly person. Godly people build boats and collect animals.

Godly people write laws on stone Godly people write laws on stone tablets. Godly people says your enemies will Godly people says your enemies will never overtake you. never overtake you. never overtake you. Godly people said your enemies are going Godly people said your enemies are going Godly people said your enemies are going to overtake you and there's nothing you to overtake you and there's nothing you to overtake you and there's nothing you can do. Godly people say we have a message to Godly people say we have a message to give to people who want to know God. give to people who want to know God. give to people who want to know God. Godly people say we have a message to Godly people say we have a message to Godly people say we have a message to give to people who say they will never give to people who say they will never give to people who say they will never be interested in God be interested in God be interested in God and everybody on the list is one of our and everybody on the list is one of our and everybody on the list is one of our heroes. heroes. heroes. Times and seasons. Times and seasons. Times and seasons. The character of God doesn't change but The character of God doesn't change but The character of God doesn't change but the season and the truth that has to be the season and the truth that has to be the season and the truth that has to be told and the changes that need to be told and the changes that need to be told and the changes that need to be initiated change frequently. initiated change frequently. initiated change frequently. So it's somewhat incumbent upon us. You So it's somewhat incumbent upon us. You So it's somewhat incumbent upon us. You see, we have been co-opted by a kind of see, we have been co-opted by a kind of see, we have been co-opted by a kind of a personal faith where we've focused on a personal faith where we've focused on a personal faith where we've focused on oursel. I'm going to get to know God and oursel. I'm going to get to know God and oursel. I'm going to get to know God and the rest of you can just burn.

the rest of you can just burn. the rest of you can just burn. And we don't say it quite that harshly, And we don't say it quite that harshly, And we don't say it quite that harshly, but kind of. In fact, the current but kind of. In fact, the current but kind of. In fact, the current version of American evangelicalism has version of American evangelicalism has version of American evangelicalism has arrived at the point that we're not even arrived at the point that we're not even arrived at the point that we're not even sure evangelism is like a good thing. sure evangelism is like a good thing. sure evangelism is like a good thing. Certainly, missionary behavior is not Certainly, missionary behavior is not Certainly, missionary behavior is not like a good thing. We wouldn't go like a good thing. We wouldn't go like a good thing. We wouldn't go someplace and say, "Your approach to the someplace and say, "Your approach to the someplace and say, "Your approach to the world is incorrect. Let me tell you world is incorrect. Let me tell you world is incorrect. Let me tell you about Jesus. And if you spent much time in academia And if you spent much time in academia in recent decades, you've got a lot of in recent decades, you've got a lot of in recent decades, you've got a lot of letters after your name, then you know letters after your name, then you know letters after your name, then you know that's inappropriate. Well, I want to suggest to you that Well, I want to suggest to you that often times throughout the narrative of often times throughout the narrative of often times throughout the narrative of scripture across all the generations, scripture across all the generations, scripture across all the generations, God has led those who followed him to God has led those who followed him to God has led those who followed him to deliver disruptive messages. Amen pastor. Amen pastor. Which brings me to this title and to the Which brings me to this title and to the Which brings me to this title and to the next segment of our discussion. What is our appetite for leading a What is our appetite for leading a dangerous life? dangerous life? dangerous life? Having a dangerous faith.

Having a dangerous faith. Having a dangerous faith. I'm going to bring you some definitions. I'm going to bring you some definitions. I'm going to bring you some definitions. I'm not encouraging violence or I'm not encouraging violence or I'm not encouraging violence or belligerance. belligerance. belligerance. 2 Corinthians chapter 11, Paul is 2 Corinthians chapter 11, Paul is 2 Corinthians chapter 11, Paul is writing. He's writing to a church people writing. He's writing to a church people writing. He's writing to a church people to whom he has ministered. In fact, it's to whom he has ministered. In fact, it's to whom he has ministered. In fact, it's a community of faith that he has helped a community of faith that he has helped a community of faith that he has helped birth and shepherd. birth and shepherd. birth and shepherd. And he said, "I've been constantly on And he said, "I've been constantly on And he said, "I've been constantly on the move." Paul was a scholar, the move." Paul was a scholar, the move." Paul was a scholar, brilliant, brilliant man, brilliant brilliant, brilliant man, brilliant brilliant, brilliant man, brilliant command of the Greek language. But command of the Greek language. But command of the Greek language. But sometimes I smile when you read Paul. sometimes I smile when you read Paul. sometimes I smile when you read Paul. You can tell that he still thinks in You can tell that he still thinks in You can tell that he still thinks in Hebrew. Hebrew. Hebrew. And in this passage, that seems true to And in this passage, that seems true to And in this passage, that seems true to me. He said, "I've been constantly on me. He said, "I've been constantly on me. He said, "I've been constantly on the move. I have been in danger from the move. I have been in danger from the move. I have been in danger from rivers, in danger from bandits, in rivers, in danger from bandits, in rivers, in danger from bandits, in danger from my own countrymen, in danger danger from my own countrymen, in danger danger from my own countrymen, in danger from Gentiles, in danger in the city, in from Gentiles, in danger in the city, in from Gentiles, in danger in the city, in danger in the country, in danger at sea, danger in the country, in danger at sea, danger in the country, in danger at sea, and in danger from false brothers. Paul said there's seven different things Paul said there's seven different things that he understands are a part of his that he understands are a part of his that he understands are a part of his everyday life that are dangerous. everyday life that are dangerous. everyday life that are dangerous. Hebrew, Greek is a sophisticated Hebrew, Greek is a sophisticated Hebrew, Greek is a sophisticated language, highly nuanced in so many language, highly nuanced in so many language, highly nuanced in so many ways, far more technical. Hebrew is an ways, far more technical. Hebrew is an ways, far more technical. Hebrew is an ancient language and it it's it's far ancient language and it it's it's far ancient language and it it's it's far more coarse. There's a simplicity to it.

more coarse. There's a simplicity to it. more coarse. There's a simplicity to it. Not easy because but but in Hebrew if Not easy because but but in Hebrew if Not easy because but but in Hebrew if you want to add emphasis you repeat you want to add emphasis you repeat you want to add emphasis you repeat something. Sometimes you'll read in the something. Sometimes you'll read in the something. Sometimes you'll read in the in the Old Testament guy it'll say in the Old Testament guy it'll say in the Old Testament guy it'll say listen. Listening means listen listen. Listening means listen listen. Listening means listen carefully. carefully. carefully. Listen to one of those places where it Listen to one of those places where it Listen to one of those places where it seems like to me Paul's Hebrew roots are seems like to me Paul's Hebrew roots are seems like to me Paul's Hebrew roots are kind of shouting at us seven times. He kind of shouting at us seven times. He kind of shouting at us seven times. He says danger danger danger danger danger says danger danger danger danger danger says danger danger danger danger danger danger danger. Sometimes I I kneel down in the lobby to Sometimes I I kneel down in the lobby to speak to a child and they run and hide speak to a child and they run and hide speak to a child and they run and hide behind their parents. behind their parents. behind their parents. I said, 'You have taught that stranger I said, 'You have taught that stranger I said, 'You have taught that stranger danger thing really really well at your danger thing really really well at your danger thing really really well at your house. Good stuff. But the reality when house. Good stuff. But the reality when house. Good stuff. But the reality when you read that simple stuff, it's not you read that simple stuff, it's not you read that simple stuff, it's not hard. Paul had chosen a very dangerous hard. Paul had chosen a very dangerous hard. Paul had chosen a very dangerous path and a very dangerous message. If path and a very dangerous message. If path and a very dangerous message. If you follow him through your New you follow him through your New you follow him through your New Testament, you know that Paul endured so Testament, you know that Paul endured so Testament, you know that Paul endured so much physical violence in his life and much physical violence in his life and much physical violence in his life and ministry that he traveled with a ministry that he traveled with a ministry that he traveled with a personal physician. personal physician. personal physician. True story. True story. True story. The message which God assigned Paul The message which God assigned Paul The message which God assigned Paul angered the Jewish religious leadership angered the Jewish religious leadership angered the Jewish religious leadership and the secular authorities of the Roman and the secular authorities of the Roman and the secular authorities of the Roman world as well. There was no quarter of world as well. There was no quarter of world as well. There was no quarter of the world in which he lived that he the world in which he lived that he the world in which he lived that he didn't agitate didn't agitate didn't agitate anointed by God.

anointed by God. anointed by God. Look in John 19. This is Jesus. Look in John 19. This is Jesus. Look in John 19. This is Jesus. The Jews have delivered him over to The Jews have delivered him over to The Jews have delivered him over to Pilate, the Roman governor. And Pilate's Pilate, the Roman governor. And Pilate's Pilate, the Roman governor. And Pilate's really not interested. It's a Jewish really not interested. It's a Jewish really not interested. It's a Jewish problem and he wants them to dispose of problem and he wants them to dispose of problem and he wants them to dispose of the problem. But the Jews insisted, "We the problem. But the Jews insisted, "We the problem. But the Jews insisted, "We have a law and according to that law, he have a law and according to that law, he have a law and according to that law, he has to die. He's claimed to be the son has to die. He's claimed to be the son has to die. He's claimed to be the son of God." When Pilate heard this, he was of God." When Pilate heard this, he was of God." When Pilate heard this, he was afraid. He doesn't want a political afraid. He doesn't want a political afraid. He doesn't want a political problem. He wants peace. problem. He wants peace. problem. He wants peace. He wants to maintain his professional He wants to maintain his professional He wants to maintain his professional momentum. So, he doesn't want any momentum. So, he doesn't want any momentum. So, he doesn't want any disruptions. We all understand that. We understand it about our own selves. We understand it about our own selves. So, Pilate hears this. He's even more So, Pilate hears this. He's even more So, Pilate hears this. He's even more afraid. He went back inside the palace afraid. He went back inside the palace afraid. He went back inside the palace and he begins to speak to Jesus. Where and he begins to speak to Jesus. Where and he begins to speak to Jesus. Where do you come from? do you come from? do you come from? But Jesus doesn't answer him. So But Jesus doesn't answer him. So But Jesus doesn't answer him. So Pilate's exasperated and he said, "Do Pilate's exasperated and he said, "Do Pilate's exasperated and he said, "Do you refuse to speak to me? you refuse to speak to me? you refuse to speak to me? Don't you realize that I have the power Don't you realize that I have the power Don't you realize that I have the power either to set you free or crucify you?" either to set you free or crucify you?" either to set you free or crucify you?" Now Pilate's speaking the truth.

Now Pilate's speaking the truth. Now Pilate's speaking the truth. The truth is he knows it. The truth is he knows it. The truth is he knows it. I've got more political authority in I've got more political authority in I've got more political authority in this city, in this region, than anybody this city, in this region, than anybody this city, in this region, than anybody else. And you won't talk to me. I don't care about your silly arguments. I don't care about your silly arguments. I'm not interested in theology, but you I'm not interested in theology, but you I'm not interested in theology, but you better talk to me. better talk to me. better talk to me. Now, some of you know what Jesus had to Now, some of you know what Jesus had to Now, some of you know what Jesus had to say to him. My dad gave you that job. say to him. My dad gave you that job. say to him. My dad gave you that job. Chill. Chill. Chill. It's the Living Bible. You won't find It's the Living Bible. You won't find It's the Living Bible. You won't find that in the King James, but it's it's that in the King James, but it's it's that in the King James, but it's it's kind of close. kind of close. kind of close. But what I want to ask you to notice But what I want to ask you to notice But what I want to ask you to notice with me is that Jesus in full obedience with me is that Jesus in full obedience with me is that Jesus in full obedience to God is standing in a very very to God is standing in a very very to God is standing in a very very dangerous place. dangerous place. dangerous place. Not hypothetically dangerous. How he chooses to answer that question How he chooses to answer that question is going to determine whether he lives is going to determine whether he lives is going to determine whether he lives or dies. or dies. or dies. Now, he's brilliant. Nobody's been able Now, he's brilliant. Nobody's been able Now, he's brilliant. Nobody's been able to trap him with language.

to trap him with language. to trap him with language. The most brilliant people of his The most brilliant people of his The most brilliant people of his generation have tried to trap him. And generation have tried to trap him. And generation have tried to trap him. And he is very nimble. In fact, he's been so he is very nimble. In fact, he's been so he is very nimble. In fact, he's been so good at it, they stopped asking him good at it, they stopped asking him good at it, they stopped asking him questions. questions. questions. So, I have no doubt that Jesus has the So, I have no doubt that Jesus has the So, I have no doubt that Jesus has the intellectual ability to outsmart Pilate. intellectual ability to outsmart Pilate. intellectual ability to outsmart Pilate. But it's not the path he's going to But it's not the path he's going to But it's not the path he's going to choose. And I I will admit to you choose. And I I will admit to you choose. And I I will admit to you readily because some of you are sitting readily because some of you are sitting readily because some of you are sitting there going, "Well, pastor, you know, there going, "Well, pastor, you know, there going, "Well, pastor, you know, he's there by choice. he's there by choice. he's there by choice. He chose this." as if that makes it He chose this." as if that makes it He chose this." as if that makes it easier. easier. easier. Do you ever choose to do the right thing Do you ever choose to do the right thing Do you ever choose to do the right thing when it's hard? I hope you have. when it's hard? I hope you have. when it's hard? I hope you have. >> Does that mean it's easy to do difficult >> Does that mean it's easy to do difficult >> Does that mean it's easy to do difficult things because you think it's right? things because you think it's right? things because you think it's right? Please don't eliminate the terrible Please don't eliminate the terrible Please don't eliminate the terrible tension in this setting because well, tension in this setting because well, tension in this setting because well, Jesus knew why he was here. No, no, no. Jesus knew why he was here. No, no, no. Jesus knew why he was here. No, no, no. Doing the right thing is often Doing the right thing is often Doing the right thing is often incredibly difficult. incredibly difficult. incredibly difficult. In In In >> fact, in most cases, it's easier not to >> fact, in most cases, it's easier not to >> fact, in most cases, it's easier not to do the right thing. do the right thing. do the right thing. Jesus answer is going to determine Jesus answer is going to determine Jesus answer is going to determine whether he lives or suffers horribly. I whether he lives or suffers horribly. I whether he lives or suffers horribly. I know he's there by choice, but I would know he's there by choice, but I would know he's there by choice, but I would remind you he went to Gethsemane where remind you he went to Gethsemane where remind you he went to Gethsemane where he frequently went to pray. He not only he frequently went to pray. He not only he frequently went to pray. He not only made himself available, it's like he made himself available, it's like he made himself available, it's like he hung a sign said, "Here I am. Come hung a sign said, "Here I am. Come hung a sign said, "Here I am. Come arrest me.

arrest me. arrest me. On multiple occasions, multiple On multiple occasions, multiple On multiple occasions, multiple occasions in Jesus ministry, occasions in Jesus ministry, occasions in Jesus ministry, he slipped through a crowd or he he slipped through a crowd or he he slipped through a crowd or he distances himself from his antagonist. distances himself from his antagonist. distances himself from his antagonist. But in this particular instance, he But in this particular instance, he But in this particular instance, he didn't exercise any spiritual authority didn't exercise any spiritual authority didn't exercise any spiritual authority to defend himself, to protect himself. to defend himself, to protect himself. to defend himself, to protect himself. He submitted himself to the danger. Jesus did pray for his friends. He Jesus did pray for his friends. He prayed that their faith wouldn't fail. prayed that their faith wouldn't fail. prayed that their faith wouldn't fail. You see, You see, You see, tremendous stress was on them all. tremendous stress was on them all. tremendous stress was on them all. Nevertheless, these verses present Jesus Nevertheless, these verses present Jesus Nevertheless, these verses present Jesus in a very, very precarious moment. His in a very, very precarious moment. His in a very, very precarious moment. His life's in the balance. He's been life's in the balance. He's been life's in the balance. He's been delivered to the Roman authorities delivered to the Roman authorities delivered to the Roman authorities because his words and his actions because his words and his actions because his words and his actions threatened the power and the position of threatened the power and the position of threatened the power and the position of the Jewish leadership. the Jewish leadership. the Jewish leadership. He's not there for faulty theology. He's He's not there for faulty theology. He's He's not there for faulty theology. He's not there for immorality. He hasn't been not there for immorality. He hasn't been not there for immorality. He hasn't been committing gross fraud. He didn't open a committing gross fraud. He didn't open a committing gross fraud. He didn't open a learing center in Bethlehem. Acts chapter 5. It's a different window, Acts chapter 5. It's a different window, different picture, different scene.

different picture, different scene. different picture, different scene. A bit later, these are Jesus' friends. A bit later, these are Jesus' friends. A bit later, these are Jesus' friends. Jesus is gone now. He's been crucified, Jesus is gone now. He's been crucified, Jesus is gone now. He's been crucified, resurrected. They ascended back to resurrected. They ascended back to resurrected. They ascended back to heaven. They've been given the heaven. They've been given the heaven. They've been given the assignment of telling the Jesus story assignment of telling the Jesus story assignment of telling the Jesus story and they're standing before the same and they're standing before the same and they're standing before the same group that took Jesus to Pilate. group that took Jesus to Pilate. group that took Jesus to Pilate. So they understand their nature. They So they understand their nature. They So they understand their nature. They understand their heart. They understand understand their heart. They understand understand their heart. They understand the hatred that lives there. They said, the hatred that lives there. They said, the hatred that lives there. They said, "We gave you strict orders not to teach "We gave you strict orders not to teach "We gave you strict orders not to teach in this name. Yet you have filled in this name. Yet you have filled in this name. Yet you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and you're Jerusalem with your teaching and you're Jerusalem with your teaching and you're determined to make us guilty of this determined to make us guilty of this determined to make us guilty of this man's blood." man's blood." man's blood." You are guilty of this man's blood. You are guilty of this man's blood. You are guilty of this man's blood. They're trying to dance away from it They're trying to dance away from it They're trying to dance away from it like they didn't cause no cause and like they didn't cause no cause and like they didn't cause no cause and effect here. I mean, we took him to effect here. I mean, we took him to effect here. I mean, we took him to Pilate and Pilate killed him and we Pilate and Pilate killed him and we Pilate and Pilate killed him and we organized a group. The shout of the organized a group. The shout of the organized a group. The shout of the streets crucified, but but now you're streets crucified, but but now you're streets crucified, but but now you're trying to make us guilty. trying to make us guilty. trying to make us guilty. No, you're pretty much guilty. No, you're pretty much guilty. No, you're pretty much guilty. And then Peter responds, "Oh, we are so And then Peter responds, "Oh, we are so And then Peter responds, "Oh, we are so sorry. sorry. sorry. How can we help make this right?" How can we help make this right?" How can we help make this right?" Peter and the other apostles replied, Peter and the other apostles replied, Peter and the other apostles replied, "We must obey God rather than men." and "We must obey God rather than men." and "We must obey God rather than men." and the God of our fathers raised Jesus from the God of our fathers raised Jesus from the God of our fathers raised Jesus from the dead whom you had killed by hanging the dead whom you had killed by hanging the dead whom you had killed by hanging him on a tree.

him on a tree. him on a tree. Gee, how could the people in Jerusalem Gee, how could the people in Jerusalem Gee, how could the people in Jerusalem be getting the idea that they think be getting the idea that they think be getting the idea that they think these people were guilty of killing these people were guilty of killing these people were guilty of killing Jesus? Jesus? Jesus? Well, maybe because Peter and John and Well, maybe because Peter and John and Well, maybe because Peter and John and the crew have been saying, "You killed the crew have been saying, "You killed the crew have been saying, "You killed him. You're the ones that hung him on him. You're the ones that hung him on him. You're the ones that hung him on the tree." God exalted him to his own own right God exalted him to his own own right hand as prince and savior that he might hand as prince and savior that he might hand as prince and savior that he might give repentance and forgiveness of sins give repentance and forgiveness of sins give repentance and forgiveness of sins to Israel. We are witnesses of these to Israel. We are witnesses of these to Israel. We are witnesses of these things and so is the Holy Spirit whom things and so is the Holy Spirit whom things and so is the Holy Spirit whom God has given to those who obey him. God has given to those who obey him. God has given to those who obey him. We're not relating to you something that We're not relating to you something that We're not relating to you something that is distant from us. We participated. We is distant from us. We participated. We is distant from us. We participated. We watched. We were there when you arrested watched. We were there when you arrested watched. We were there when you arrested him. We were there when you tried him. him. We were there when you tried him. him. We were there when you tried him. We we saw him beaten as he drugg his We we saw him beaten as he drugg his We we saw him beaten as he drugg his cross through the streets. And we saw cross through the streets. And we saw cross through the streets. And we saw him after he was raised to life again. him after he was raised to life again. him after he was raised to life again. And when they heard this, And when they heard this, And when they heard this, they said, 'Well, we would like to join they said, 'Well, we would like to join they said, 'Well, we would like to join your initiative, your initiative, your initiative, they were furious they were furious they were furious and they wanted to put them to death. and they wanted to put them to death. and they wanted to put them to death. Let me ask you a question. Did you think Let me ask you a question. Did you think Let me ask you a question. Did you think Peter and John knew what the response Peter and John knew what the response Peter and John knew what the response was going to be without any question?

without any question? Just as certainly as Jesus knew what Just as certainly as Jesus knew what Just as certainly as Jesus knew what Pilate would do when he said, "You're Pilate would do when he said, "You're Pilate would do when he said, "You're right. I'm a king. right. I'm a king. right. I'm a king. They understood. In fact, they're going to be beaten In fact, they're going to be beaten after this meeting. And they're going to after this meeting. And they're going to after this meeting. And they're going to leave that gathering when they've been leave that gathering when they've been leave that gathering when they've been released released released rejoicing that they were worthy to rejoicing that they were worthy to rejoicing that they were worthy to suffer disgrace suffer disgrace suffer disgrace for the name of Jesus. for the name of Jesus. for the name of Jesus. A dangerous faith. A dangerous faith. A dangerous faith. A dangerous faith. The activity and A dangerous faith. The activity and A dangerous faith. The activity and message of Peter and John and the other message of Peter and John and the other message of Peter and John and the other believers in Jerusalem elicited an angry believers in Jerusalem elicited an angry believers in Jerusalem elicited an angry response from from religious leaders in response from from religious leaders in response from from religious leaders in the city. We're going to spend a few sessions We're going to spend a few sessions talking about a dangerous faith. I talking about a dangerous faith. I talking about a dangerous faith. I looked up some definitions just so we looked up some definitions just so we looked up some definitions just so we could be sure we're on the same page. could be sure we're on the same page. could be sure we're on the same page. Dangerous is an adjective I'm sure some Dangerous is an adjective I'm sure some Dangerous is an adjective I'm sure some of you know. When I first started in of you know. When I first started in of you know. When I first started in ministry, I was bad. ministry, I was bad. ministry, I was bad. I hated public speaking. It was awful.

I hated public speaking. It was awful. I hated public speaking. It was awful. It was awful for me. It was awful for It was awful for me. It was awful for It was awful for me. It was awful for the poor people that had to listen. It the poor people that had to listen. It the poor people that had to listen. It was awful. was awful. was awful. But there were three teachers that But there were three teachers that But there were three teachers that attended church. attended church. attended church. And after every message, they would And after every message, they would And after every message, they would bring me a list of all my grammatical bring me a list of all my grammatical bring me a list of all my grammatical errors. errors. errors. God bless them. God bless them. God bless them. In the moment, I don't know if I was as In the moment, I don't know if I was as In the moment, I don't know if I was as appreciative as I might have been, but appreciative as I might have been, but appreciative as I might have been, but they they came to help me a lot. So, I'm they they came to help me a lot. So, I'm they they came to help me a lot. So, I'm sure some of you know that dangerous is sure some of you know that dangerous is sure some of you know that dangerous is an adjective. I looked it up an adjective. I looked it up an adjective. I looked it up [clears throat] [clears throat] [clears throat] and the simplest definition given is and the simplest definition given is and the simplest definition given is it's it's involving possible injury or it's it's involving possible injury or it's it's involving possible injury or pain or harm or loss. pain or harm or loss. pain or harm or loss. I thought hm the antonym the opposite of I thought hm the antonym the opposite of I thought hm the antonym the opposite of that is safe and harmless innocuous that is safe and harmless innocuous that is safe and harmless innocuous non-threatening. Now, without pushing too far, which sets Now, without pushing too far, which sets of definitions would define your of definitions would define your of definitions would define your imagination of the Christian faith? imagination of the Christian faith? imagination of the Christian faith? Safe, innocuous, Safe, innocuous, Safe, innocuous, non-threatening, non-threatening, non-threatening, or something that involves possible or something that involves possible or something that involves possible injury or harm or loss.

injury or harm or loss. injury or harm or loss. See, dangerous faith in the way that I See, dangerous faith in the way that I See, dangerous faith in the way that I want to use it with you and we'll work want to use it with you and we'll work want to use it with you and we'll work on some definitions is a faith in Jesus on some definitions is a faith in Jesus on some definitions is a faith in Jesus of Nazareth as Lord, Christ and King, of Nazareth as Lord, Christ and King, of Nazareth as Lord, Christ and King, which is dangerous to the principalities which is dangerous to the principalities which is dangerous to the principalities and the powers and the spiritual forces and the powers and the spiritual forces and the powers and the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. of wickedness in the heavenly places. of wickedness in the heavenly places. But then you'll need to know scripture a But then you'll need to know scripture a But then you'll need to know scripture a bit to get to the other side of this bit to get to the other side of this bit to get to the other side of this equation because Paul said in Ephesians equation because Paul said in Ephesians equation because Paul said in Ephesians that we don't wrestle with flesh and that we don't wrestle with flesh and that we don't wrestle with flesh and blood. We wrestle with principalities blood. We wrestle with principalities blood. We wrestle with principalities and powers and spiritual forces of and powers and spiritual forces of and powers and spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. But wickedness in the heavenly places. But wickedness in the heavenly places. But the reason he had to write that was it the reason he had to write that was it the reason he had to write that was it felt like most of the wrestling was with felt like most of the wrestling was with felt like most of the wrestling was with people. people. people. So he was saying well listen where our So he was saying well listen where our So he was saying well listen where our wrestling match really is not with flesh wrestling match really is not with flesh wrestling match really is not with flesh and blood. It's not with people or and blood. It's not with people or and blood. It's not with people or institutions or organizations. institutions or organizations. institutions or organizations. See dangerous faith is a living faith. See dangerous faith is a living faith. See dangerous faith is a living faith. Dangerous faith is a faith that's on Dangerous faith is a faith that's on Dangerous faith is a faith that's on display. Dangerous faith brings display. Dangerous faith brings display. Dangerous faith brings vulnerability. vulnerability. vulnerability. Dangerous faith, to be clear, is the Dangerous faith, to be clear, is the Dangerous faith, to be clear, is the exact opposite of a harmless, safe, exact opposite of a harmless, safe, exact opposite of a harmless, safe, non-threatening faith. non-threatening faith. non-threatening faith. Jesus of Nazareth threatens everything.

Jesus of Nazareth threatens everything. Jesus of Nazareth threatens everything. He threatens the powers of this present He threatens the powers of this present He threatens the powers of this present age. age. age. He he threatens the kingdom of self that He he threatens the kingdom of self that He he threatens the kingdom of self that presides in every one of us. Dangerous faith threatens the ascendancy Dangerous faith threatens the ascendancy of self and selfish ambition. of self and selfish ambition. of self and selfish ambition. Dangerous faith challenges anything Dangerous faith challenges anything Dangerous faith challenges anything which sets itself above the lordship of which sets itself above the lordship of which sets itself above the lordship of Jesus. Jesus. Jesus. Dangerous faith calls for personal Dangerous faith calls for personal Dangerous faith calls for personal transformation from the authority of transformation from the authority of transformation from the authority of this present age to the authority of the this present age to the authority of the this present age to the authority of the kingdom of almighty God. kingdom of almighty God. kingdom of almighty God. Dangerous faith removes the options that Dangerous faith removes the options that Dangerous faith removes the options that are described in retreat. I read a book not long ago by a man by I read a book not long ago by a man by the name of Oz Giddis. The title of the the name of Oz Giddis. The title of the the name of Oz Giddis. The title of the book is impossible people. He's book is impossible people. He's book is impossible people. He's describing us describing us describing us and he's describing us as one of us. And and he's describing us as one of us. And and he's describing us as one of us. And and basically the the thesis of the and basically the the thesis of the and basically the the thesis of the book, my simple version of it, he's he's book, my simple version of it, he's he's book, my simple version of it, he's he's smarter than me, smarter than me, smarter than me, is that Christianity lived appropriately is that Christianity lived appropriately is that Christianity lived appropriately gives the impression to people beyond us gives the impression to people beyond us gives the impression to people beyond us that we're just impossible that we're just impossible that we're just impossible because there are some values on which because there are some values on which because there are some values on which we can't yield we can't yield we can't yield and there are some principles which we and there are some principles which we and there are some principles which we can't negotiate.

can't negotiate. can't negotiate. And he gives us a historical and And he gives us a historical and And he gives us a historical and cultural view of that. And he he calls cultural view of that. And he he calls cultural view of that. And he he calls us impossible people. But I I took a a us impossible people. But I I took a a us impossible people. But I I took a a sentence from the book. If you'll allow sentence from the book. If you'll allow sentence from the book. If you'll allow me, I'll share it with you. He says, "We me, I'll share it with you. He says, "We me, I'll share it with you. He says, "We too must become impossible people. too must become impossible people. too must become impossible people. Christians with hearts that can melt Christians with hearts that can melt Christians with hearts that can melt with compassion, with compassion, with compassion, but with faces like flint and backbones but with faces like flint and backbones but with faces like flint and backbones of steel, of steel, of steel, who are unmanipulable, who are unmanipulable, who are unmanipulable, unbribable, unbribable, unbribable, undeterable, undeterable, undeterable, and uncloable. and uncloable. and uncloable. I'd never heard that word, uncloable. I'd never heard that word, uncloable. I'd never heard that word, uncloable. He gives a citation. He borrowed it from He gives a citation. He borrowed it from He gives a citation. He borrowed it from Orson Wells, who used it to describe Orson Wells, who used it to describe Orson Wells, who used it to describe someone who would not be bullied. someone who would not be bullied. someone who would not be bullied. So Christians have to be unmanipulable, So Christians have to be unmanipulable, So Christians have to be unmanipulable, unbribable, undeterable, uncloable unbribable, undeterable, uncloable unbribable, undeterable, uncloable without ever losing the gentleness, the without ever losing the gentleness, the without ever losing the gentleness, the mercy, the grace and the compassion of mercy, the grace and the compassion of mercy, the grace and the compassion of our Lord. our Lord. our Lord. Impossible people.

Well, I I knew someone who had dangerous Well, I I knew someone who had dangerous faith. I didn't think about it in that faith. I didn't think about it in that faith. I didn't think about it in that way to be honest. way to be honest. way to be honest. Uh he was a very accomplished person. Uh he was a very accomplished person. Uh he was a very accomplished person. great deal of success, great deal of success, great deal of success, came to know Jesus and had the most I came to know Jesus and had the most I came to know Jesus and had the most I sat with a podcast. We did a podcast sat with a podcast. We did a podcast sat with a podcast. We did a podcast together. I didn't know him well prior together. I didn't know him well prior together. I didn't know him well prior to that. I mean, he was in the church to that. I mean, he was in the church to that. I mean, he was in the church and I knew him, but not well. And he had and I knew him, but not well. And he had and I knew him, but not well. And he had the most remarkable God story. the most remarkable God story. the most remarkable God story. And as I listened to him, he he really And as I listened to him, he he really And as I listened to him, he he really he captured my attention. he captured my attention. he captured my attention. I was delighted to be his friend. And I was delighted to be his friend. And I was delighted to be his friend. And not too long after that, he was given a not too long after that, he was given a not too long after that, he was given a very grave diagnosis very grave diagnosis very grave diagnosis and he went to heaven. and he went to heaven. and he went to heaven. But Brad Arnold, some of you may have But Brad Arnold, some of you may have But Brad Arnold, some of you may have known him, he had a dangerous faith. He known him, he had a dangerous faith. He known him, he had a dangerous faith. He was a dangerous Christian. was a dangerous Christian. was a dangerous Christian. If you don't know him, and you might not If you don't know him, and you might not If you don't know him, and you might not have, but Brad was the front man for have, but Brad was the front man for have, but Brad was the front man for Three Doors Down. It's a rock group. Three Doors Down. It's a rock group. Three Doors Down. It's a rock group. Brad had become a Christian, and I Brad had become a Christian, and I Brad had become a Christian, and I listened to him share his faith from the listened to him share his faith from the listened to him share his faith from the stage in the midst of a rock concert. stage in the midst of a rock concert. stage in the midst of a rock concert. That's what really caught my attention.

That's what really caught my attention. That's what really caught my attention. Somebody sent me a video clip and he was Somebody sent me a video clip and he was Somebody sent me a video clip and he was in a hall with thousands and thousands in a hall with thousands and thousands in a hall with thousands and thousands of people playing music that I probably of people playing music that I probably of people playing music that I probably wouldn't have listened to. wouldn't have listened to. wouldn't have listened to. And he stopped just like right in the And he stopped just like right in the And he stopped just like right in the middle. There wasn't like any pre he middle. There wasn't like any pre he middle. There wasn't like any pre he stopped and in a kind of quiet voice he stopped and in a kind of quiet voice he stopped and in a kind of quiet voice he said there's something I need to share said there's something I need to share said there's something I need to share with you. And you could feel the with you. And you could feel the with you. And you could feel the awkwardness in the crowd and they were awkwardness in the crowd and they were awkwardness in the crowd and they were unsettled and they didn't I mean you unsettled and they didn't I mean you unsettled and they didn't I mean you that's not why they came. that's not why they came. that's not why they came. And he began to tell a bit of his God And he began to tell a bit of his God And he began to tell a bit of his God story. And as he talked, you could feel story. And as he talked, you could feel story. And as he talked, you could feel the room settle. the room settle. the room settle. Now there I talk to rooms about Jesus Now there I talk to rooms about Jesus Now there I talk to rooms about Jesus and they don't all settle. And it it fascinated me that Brad took And it it fascinated me that Brad took his faith to work. his faith to work. his faith to work. He took his faith out in public. He took his faith out in public. He took his faith out in public. He was an unapologetic friend of Jesus. He was an unapologetic friend of Jesus. He was an unapologetic friend of Jesus. In fact, I came to understand pretty In fact, I came to understand pretty In fact, I came to understand pretty quickly that Brad risked some pretty quickly that Brad risked some pretty quickly that Brad risked some pretty significant professional sacrifices to significant professional sacrifices to significant professional sacrifices to be an outspoken advocate for Jesus. be an outspoken advocate for Jesus. be an outspoken advocate for Jesus. Brad made his co-workers more vulnerable Brad made his co-workers more vulnerable Brad made his co-workers more vulnerable professionally professionally professionally because of his faith.

I was given the privilege of speaking at I was given the privilege of speaking at Brad's funeral few months back. It was in Philadelphia, few months back. It was in Philadelphia, Mississippi. It's a little smaller than the It's a little smaller than the Pennsylvania version. Pennsylvania version. Pennsylvania version. I want to read just a couple of I want to read just a couple of I want to read just a couple of sentences that were in my notes from sentences that were in my notes from sentences that were in my notes from that day. that day. that day. If you'll allow me, I think it helps us If you'll allow me, I think it helps us If you'll allow me, I think it helps us get to the heart of this dangerous faith get to the heart of this dangerous faith get to the heart of this dangerous faith thing. I've ministered at many funeral thing. I've ministered at many funeral thing. I've ministered at many funeral services, but I was a bit stuck in services, but I was a bit stuck in services, but I was a bit stuck in trying to prepare for today. trying to prepare for today. trying to prepare for today. What do you say about a man who wrote a What do you say about a man who wrote a What do you say about a man who wrote a song at 15 that has sold millions and song at 15 that has sold millions and song at 15 that has sold millions and millions millions millions of listens? of listens? of listens? someone from a small town in Mississippi someone from a small town in Mississippi someone from a small town in Mississippi that traveled the world singing into that traveled the world singing into that traveled the world singing into large crowds of people. I don't often large crowds of people. I don't often large crowds of people. I don't often ulogize persons who were described as a ulogize persons who were described as a ulogize persons who were described as a global phenomena global phenomena global phenomena or persons who have an album which or persons who have an album which or persons who have an album which achieved septuple platinum status. achieved septuple platinum status. achieved septuple platinum status. What do you say? What do you say? What do you say? Then I asked Jen, his wife, for a Then I asked Jen, his wife, for a Then I asked Jen, his wife, for a scripture verse, which I had that might scripture verse, which I had that might scripture verse, which I had that might have been a favorite to Brad. And she have been a favorite to Brad. And she have been a favorite to Brad. And she said, "He didn't have verses. He had said, "He didn't have verses. He had said, "He didn't have verses. He had favorite chapters."

favorite chapters." favorite chapters." Well, of course he did. It made perfect Well, of course he did. It made perfect Well, of course he did. It made perfect sense to me when she said it. So, I sense to me when she said it. So, I sense to me when she said it. So, I asked for a list of his favorite asked for a list of his favorite asked for a list of his favorite chapters. And then I read them. chapters. And then I read them. chapters. And then I read them. And I remember doing that. I sat at my And I remember doing that. I sat at my And I remember doing that. I sat at my desk with tears running down my cheeks. desk with tears running down my cheeks. desk with tears running down my cheeks. I felt like I got to know Brad in a I felt like I got to know Brad in a I felt like I got to know Brad in a whole new way. whole new way. whole new way. I brought you just a portion of one of I brought you just a portion of one of I brought you just a portion of one of those chapters. It's Romans 5. I put it those chapters. It's Romans 5. I put it those chapters. It's Romans 5. I put it in your notes. in your notes. in your notes. I just gave you a few of the verses, but I just gave you a few of the verses, but I just gave you a few of the verses, but I gave you the references for the I gave you the references for the I gave you the references for the chapters. It was one of Brad's chapters. It was one of Brad's chapters. It was one of Brad's favorites. But in verse six, it said, favorites. But in verse six, it said, favorites. But in verse six, it said, "You see, at just the right time, when "You see, at just the right time, when "You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for we were still powerless, Christ died for we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. Very rarely will anyone die the ungodly. Very rarely will anyone die the ungodly. Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man. Well, for a good for a righteous man. Well, for a good for a righteous man. Well, for a good man, someone might possibly dare to die. man, someone might possibly dare to die. man, someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates his own love for But God demonstrates his own love for But God demonstrates his own love for us. While we were sinners, while we us. While we were sinners, while we us. While we were sinners, while we hated God, hated God, hated God, Christ died for us." Christ died for us." Christ died for us." one of Brad's life chapters. And I had one of Brad's life chapters. And I had one of Brad's life chapters. And I had heard him affirm that in very public, heard him affirm that in very public, heard him affirm that in very public, very ungodly places. very ungodly places. very ungodly places. Brad had a tremendous courage, a courage Brad had a tremendous courage, a courage Brad had a tremendous courage, a courage much greater than his physical stature much greater than his physical stature much greater than his physical stature or the power of his voice.

You see, most people in my experience You see, most people in my experience hide their weaknesses and tried to deny hide their weaknesses and tried to deny hide their weaknesses and tried to deny their faults. their faults. their faults. The first time I sat down with Brad, he The first time I sat down with Brad, he The first time I sat down with Brad, he said, "Pastor, I I I had to do said, "Pastor, I I I had to do said, "Pastor, I I I had to do something. I was at the end of my rope. something. I was at the end of my rope. something. I was at the end of my rope. I was on a concert tour in Japan and I I was on a concert tour in Japan and I I was on a concert tour in Japan and I had lost all hope. I didn't want to live had lost all hope. I didn't want to live had lost all hope. I didn't want to live anymore." And he said, "I was afraid of what I And he said, "I was afraid of what I would do." So he said, "I started would do." So he said, "I started would do." So he said, "I started calling home." And he said, "We're on a calling home." And he said, "We're on a calling home." And he said, "We're on a we were time zones away and nobody that we were time zones away and nobody that we were time zones away and nobody that I knew would answer their phone." And he I knew would answer their phone." And he I knew would answer their phone." And he said, "The first person that answered said, "The first person that answered said, "The first person that answered the phone was Charlie Daniels." the phone was Charlie Daniels." the phone was Charlie Daniels." And he said, "Mr. Charlie had been so And he said, "Mr. Charlie had been so And he said, "Mr. Charlie had been so good to me. good to me. good to me. And I told him where I was and he said, And I told him where I was and he said, And I told him where I was and he said, "Brad, you got to get yourself home "Brad, you got to get yourself home "Brad, you got to get yourself home and you got to get your faith back." and you got to get your faith back." and you got to get your faith back." And then he said, "Mr. Charlie asked me And then he said, "Mr. Charlie asked me And then he said, "Mr. Charlie asked me a question." He said, "Brad, do you love a question." He said, "Brad, do you love a question." He said, "Brad, do you love your wife?" Brad was battling some your wife?" Brad was battling some your wife?" Brad was battling some addictions addictions addictions and he was telling it openly. Charlie and he was telling it openly. Charlie and he was telling it openly. Charlie said, "Brad, do you love your wife?" And said, "Brad, do you love your wife?" And said, "Brad, do you love your wife?" And he said, "Yes, sir, you know I do." And he said, "Yes, sir, you know I do." And he said, "Yes, sir, you know I do." And he then Charlie said, "Then why are you he then Charlie said, "Then why are you he then Charlie said, "Then why are you killing your husband?"

killing your husband?" killing your husband?" And he said, "Pastor Ellen, I got in a And he said, "Pastor Ellen, I got in a And he said, "Pastor Ellen, I got in a plane and came home." plane and came home." plane and came home." I watched Brad stand in front of I watched Brad stand in front of I watched Brad stand in front of thousands of people and acknowledge his thousands of people and acknowledge his thousands of people and acknowledge his weaknesses weaknesses weaknesses and then tell anyone who was willing to and then tell anyone who was willing to and then tell anyone who was willing to hear about the goodness of God and his hear about the goodness of God and his hear about the goodness of God and his great love. great love. great love. Brad extended hope to people who didn't Brad extended hope to people who didn't Brad extended hope to people who didn't even know they needed it. He knew the even know they needed it. He knew the even know they needed it. He knew the power of God to transform a life and he power of God to transform a life and he power of God to transform a life and he wanted other people to know. wanted other people to know. wanted other people to know. This whole idea had never occurred to This whole idea had never occurred to This whole idea had never occurred to me. All that I'm going to share with you me. All that I'm going to share with you me. All that I'm going to share with you over these next few weeks has come from over these next few weeks has come from over these next few weeks has come from that little trip to Philadelphia, that little trip to Philadelphia, that little trip to Philadelphia, Mississippi. Mississippi. Mississippi. As I stood at Brad's memorial that As I stood at Brad's memorial that As I stood at Brad's memorial that service that day. And I remember saying service that day. And I remember saying service that day. And I remember saying to that group of people, I realized Brad to that group of people, I realized Brad to that group of people, I realized Brad was a dangerous Christian, was a dangerous Christian, was a dangerous Christian, not the polite kind that hides behind not the polite kind that hides behind not the polite kind that hides behind platitudes and pretends not to platitudes and pretends not to platitudes and pretends not to understand weakness and failure. understand weakness and failure. understand weakness and failure. He was a Christ follower who admitted He was a Christ follower who admitted He was a Christ follower who admitted failure and boldly declared that God failure and boldly declared that God failure and boldly declared that God transforms lives. transforms lives. transforms lives. That's dangerous in our world. We'd That's dangerous in our world. We'd That's dangerous in our world. We'd rather come up with a philosophy that rather come up with a philosophy that rather come up with a philosophy that says, "Well, it's really nobody's says, "Well, it's really nobody's says, "Well, it's really nobody's business to judge. It's God's."

I met the band at Brad's memorial. Got I met the band at Brad's memorial. Got to visit with him a little bit. I to visit with him a little bit. I to visit with him a little bit. I realized in that setting a bit more of realized in that setting a bit more of realized in that setting a bit more of what it had meant for Brad to take the what it had meant for Brad to take the what it had meant for Brad to take the stand he had had taken. Brad's faith was stand he had had taken. Brad's faith was stand he had had taken. Brad's faith was more courageous than I had imagined. You more courageous than I had imagined. You more courageous than I had imagined. You see, their careers were tied to his. see, their careers were tied to his. see, their careers were tied to his. He's the front man, the voice, often the He's the front man, the voice, often the He's the front man, the voice, often the face. A lot of talent behind him, but face. A lot of talent behind him, but face. A lot of talent behind him, but Brad occupied that space, and their Brad occupied that space, and their Brad occupied that space, and their careers were tied to his, and he still careers were tied to his, and he still careers were tied to his, and he still told the story. Brad could have maintained a private Brad could have maintained a private faith and explained that people buy faith and explained that people buy faith and explained that people buy tickets and to hear my music, not my tickets and to hear my music, not my tickets and to hear my music, not my sermons. sermons. sermons. Or he could have said, "My band depends Or he could have said, "My band depends Or he could have said, "My band depends upon me to do my job and not to upon me to do my job and not to upon me to do my job and not to interfere. interfere. interfere. Everyone in the group, after all, Everyone in the group, after all, Everyone in the group, after all, doesn't believe in the same way or to doesn't believe in the same way or to doesn't believe in the same way or to the same degree, and I've got no right the same degree, and I've got no right the same degree, and I've got no right to put their career at risk." to put their career at risk." to put their career at risk." Just so we're all clear, Just so we're all clear, Just so we're all clear, I'm asking you to consider becoming a I'm asking you to consider becoming a I'm asking you to consider becoming a person with dangerous faith, person with dangerous faith, person with dangerous faith, an impossible person.

an impossible person. an impossible person. We have capitulated for too long. We have capitulated for too long. We have capitulated for too long. We've bent our knees to things other We've bent our knees to things other We've bent our knees to things other than Jesus. than Jesus. than Jesus. Well, we had reasons and motivations. Well, we had reasons and motivations. Well, we had reasons and motivations. And we could find enough orthodoxy in And we could find enough orthodoxy in And we could find enough orthodoxy in our position that we could find a group our position that we could find a group our position that we could find a group of people that would excuse our choices. of people that would excuse our choices. of people that would excuse our choices. Well, I'll tell you as honestly as I Well, I'll tell you as honestly as I Well, I'll tell you as honestly as I know how, because I've been reflecting know how, because I've been reflecting know how, because I've been reflecting on this for weeks and months in the on this for weeks and months in the on this for weeks and months in the context of my own life. I wouldn't have context of my own life. I wouldn't have context of my own life. I wouldn't have had the courage to build the boat in the had the courage to build the boat in the had the courage to build the boat in the middle of a field. I wouldn't have had an Abraham response I wouldn't have had an Abraham response and leave my family and my circumstances and leave my family and my circumstances and leave my family and my circumstances and everything that's familiar to go to and everything that's familiar to go to and everything that's familiar to go to a place that I don't even know where I'm a place that I don't even know where I'm a place that I don't even know where I'm going to be faithful to a God I can't going to be faithful to a God I can't going to be faithful to a God I can't see and whose name I can't tell you. see and whose name I can't tell you. see and whose name I can't tell you. If I go down that list of characters If I go down that list of characters If I go down that list of characters that we started this discussion with, I that we started this discussion with, I that we started this discussion with, I wouldn't have qualified. I I hadn't wouldn't have qualified. I I hadn't wouldn't have qualified. I I hadn't prepared myself. I hadn't really prepared myself. I hadn't really prepared myself. I hadn't really intentionally thought about a intentionally thought about a intentionally thought about a willingness to be a dangerous Christ willingness to be a dangerous Christ willingness to be a dangerous Christ follower.

follower. follower. I'm asking you to think about that. And it's not a free ride. I know we've And it's not a free ride. I know we've worked for theological systems that say worked for theological systems that say worked for theological systems that say once we get in it, we can't mess it up. once we get in it, we can't mess it up. once we get in it, we can't mess it up. And I don't want to have that debate. I And I don't want to have that debate. I And I don't want to have that debate. I don't want you to live in fear. But I don't want you to live in fear. But I don't want you to live in fear. But I can tell you God chose Saul. God can tell you God chose Saul. God can tell you God chose Saul. God anointed Saul. And God made choices that anointed Saul. And God made choices that anointed Saul. And God made choices that disqualified him for a significant place disqualified him for a significant place disqualified him for a significant place in the kingdom of God. in the kingdom of God. in the kingdom of God. I don't want you to be afraid for your I don't want you to be afraid for your I don't want you to be afraid for your salvation, but I want you to be afraid salvation, but I want you to be afraid salvation, but I want you to be afraid for the place you can take in the for the place you can take in the for the place you can take in the kingdom of God. It requires attention kingdom of God. It requires attention kingdom of God. It requires attention and commitment. and commitment. and commitment. danger is faith. The gravest danger we face. Jesus said, The gravest danger we face. Jesus said, "Don't worry about people that can kill "Don't worry about people that can kill "Don't worry about people that can kill your body." I'm thinking, "Well, that's your body." I'm thinking, "Well, that's your body." I'm thinking, "Well, that's pretty much who we worry about, pretty much who we worry about, pretty much who we worry about, right?" I mean, that's kind of at the right?" I mean, that's kind of at the right?" I mean, that's kind of at the top of our worry list. People that could top of our worry list. People that could top of our worry list. People that could do us physical harm. Jesus said, "Don't do us physical harm. Jesus said, "Don't do us physical harm. Jesus said, "Don't really worry about that." He said, really worry about that." He said, really worry about that." He said, "Worry about people that after they've "Worry about people that after they've "Worry about people that after they've killed your body, they could cast your killed your body, they could cast your killed your body, they could cast your soul into hell."

So I brought you a verse that I think So I brought you a verse that I think describes for us the gravest danger describes for us the gravest danger describes for us the gravest danger that's available to us. that's available to us. that's available to us. Far more dangerous than being a person Far more dangerous than being a person Far more dangerous than being a person with dangerous faith. It's Hebrews with dangerous faith. It's Hebrews with dangerous faith. It's Hebrews chapter 6 and verse 7. chapter 6 and verse 7. chapter 6 and verse 7. Land that drinks in the rain often Land that drinks in the rain often Land that drinks in the rain often falling on it and produces a crop useful falling on it and produces a crop useful falling on it and produces a crop useful to those for whom it's farmed receives to those for whom it's farmed receives to those for whom it's farmed receives the blessing of God. That's the world I the blessing of God. That's the world I the blessing of God. That's the world I want to live. I want to live in the want to live. I want to live in the want to live. I want to live in the world that receives the blessing of God world that receives the blessing of God world that receives the blessing of God like rain. Don't you? like rain. Don't you? like rain. Don't you? I'm not complicated, folks. You show me I'm not complicated, folks. You show me I'm not complicated, folks. You show me the line that will bring the blessing of the line that will bring the blessing of the line that will bring the blessing of God. Watch me scramble to get in it. If God. Watch me scramble to get in it. If God. Watch me scramble to get in it. If it's on the roof of church, I'll be it's on the roof of church, I'll be it's on the roof of church, I'll be looking for a ladder. looking for a ladder. looking for a ladder. If it's not in this building, I'll go If it's not in this building, I'll go If it's not in this building, I'll go find the place where it is. I want to find the place where it is. I want to find the place where it is. I want to live in the blessing of God. I mean, live in the blessing of God. I mean, live in the blessing of God. I mean, like full in all commit. That's where I like full in all commit. That's where I like full in all commit. That's where I want to be. That's more important to me want to be. That's more important to me want to be. That's more important to me than anything I can think about. I want than anything I can think about. I want than anything I can think about. I want the blessing of God. Do I always get it the blessing of God. Do I always get it the blessing of God. Do I always get it right? Nope. Does it mean every day is right? Nope. Does it mean every day is right? Nope. Does it mean every day is easy? Not hardly. But my intent easy? Not hardly. But my intent easy? Not hardly. But my intent is to live so that the blessing of God is to live so that the blessing of God is to live so that the blessing of God can fill my life and my future.

can fill my life and my future. can fill my life and my future. >> But we're given the alternative here in >> But we're given the alternative here in >> But we're given the alternative here in the book of Hebrews. the book of Hebrews. the book of Hebrews. But that means we're about to change But that means we're about to change But that means we're about to change directions. directions. directions. Land that produces thorns and thistles Land that produces thorns and thistles Land that produces thorns and thistles is worthless is worthless is worthless and is in danger of being cursed. and is in danger of being cursed. and is in danger of being cursed. In the end, it'll be burned. In the end, it'll be burned. In the end, it'll be burned. Now, the good news in that is the Now, the good news in that is the Now, the good news in that is the current crop that you've had up to this current crop that you've had up to this current crop that you've had up to this point doesn't define your outcome. That's the dangerous faith of Brad That's the dangerous faith of Brad Arnold Arnold Arnold and Charlie and Allen and a whole host and Charlie and Allen and a whole host and Charlie and Allen and a whole host of other people we know. But that doesn't mean we can excuse it But that doesn't mean we can excuse it or justify it or sweep it away. It or justify it or sweep it away. It or justify it or sweep it away. It doesn't mean we've had to lead perfect doesn't mean we've had to lead perfect doesn't mean we've had to lead perfect lives, but it means we understand there lives, but it means we understand there lives, but it means we understand there is a God and he's sovereign is a God and he's sovereign is a God and he's sovereign and that sin is real and we can't excuse and that sin is real and we can't excuse and that sin is real and we can't excuse it or justify it or talk it away or find it or justify it or talk it away or find it or justify it or talk it away or find somebody with a lot of initials after somebody with a lot of initials after somebody with a lot of initials after their names or some prof professional their names or some prof professional their names or some prof professional credentiing that will agree with us in credentiing that will agree with us in credentiing that will agree with us in our sin and cause us to feel better our sin and cause us to feel better our sin and cause us to feel better about it and imagine that God's ideas about it and imagine that God's ideas about it and imagine that God's ideas are just quaint and a bit out of date are just quaint and a bit out of date are just quaint and a bit out of date that we don't have to pay attention that we don't have to pay attention that we don't have to pay attention anymore.

Because the real danger is being cursed Because the real danger is being cursed by God by God by God and facing his judgment. and facing his judgment. and facing his judgment. I'll give you one case study. My time's I'll give you one case study. My time's I'll give you one case study. My time's just about gone. just about gone. just about gone. We'll do this one quickly. It's familiar We'll do this one quickly. It's familiar We'll do this one quickly. It's familiar to many of you. If you do the Bible to many of you. If you do the Bible to many of you. If you do the Bible reading with us, you've read it many, reading with us, you've read it many, reading with us, you've read it many, many times. I'm sure it's in Acts 19. many times. I'm sure it's in Acts 19. many times. I'm sure it's in Acts 19. It's Paul, It's Paul, It's Paul, the crazy Pharisee that hated Jesus and the crazy Pharisee that hated Jesus and the crazy Pharisee that hated Jesus and his followers, who's become this apostle his followers, who's become this apostle his followers, who's become this apostle for the kingdom of God. And in a really for the kingdom of God. And in a really for the kingdom of God. And in a really bizarre, unexpected twist of fate, God bizarre, unexpected twist of fate, God bizarre, unexpected twist of fate, God tells the the the most Jewish of the tells the the the most Jewish of the tells the the the most Jewish of the Jews to go talk to the non-Jews. Jews to go talk to the non-Jews. Jews to go talk to the non-Jews. And Paul's in Ephesus. And Paul's in Ephesus. And Paul's in Ephesus. And there's been such a move of the And there's been such a move of the And there's been such a move of the spirit of God that there's a demonic spirit of God that there's a demonic spirit of God that there's a demonic response to it. I mean, there's not a response to it. I mean, there's not a response to it. I mean, there's not a there's not a neon sign that says this there's not a neon sign that says this there's not a neon sign that says this is a demonic response, but there's a is a demonic response, but there's a is a demonic response, but there's a disproportionate response. Paul's not disproportionate response. Paul's not disproportionate response. Paul's not been doing anything but helping people been doing anything but helping people been doing anything but helping people who were tormented find freedom. And who were tormented find freedom. And who were tormented find freedom. And people who were confused emotionally and people who were confused emotionally and people who were confused emotionally and intellectually find clarity. Excuse me. He hasn't done something to Excuse me. He hasn't done something to instigate. He hasn't stolen or robbed or instigate. He hasn't stolen or robbed or instigate. He hasn't stolen or robbed or his message hasn't been demeaning or his message hasn't been demeaning or his message hasn't been demeaning or belittling.

belittling. belittling. There's been enough of a demonstration There's been enough of a demonstration There's been enough of a demonstration of the power of God that extraordinary of the power of God that extraordinary of the power of God that extraordinary miracles have happened. But they killed miracles have happened. But they killed miracles have happened. But they killed Jesus for that, too. Remember? Jesus for that, too. Remember? Jesus for that, too. Remember? See, if there's a if the power of God is See, if there's a if the power of God is See, if there's a if the power of God is evident in your life, evident in your life, evident in your life, it it threatens the spirits that occupy it it threatens the spirits that occupy it it threatens the spirits that occupy the same space that you interact with. the same space that you interact with. the same space that you interact with. Well, it doesn't have to be a conscious Well, it doesn't have to be a conscious Well, it doesn't have to be a conscious threat pointed at people. That's why I threat pointed at people. That's why I threat pointed at people. That's why I say you don't have to be belligerent say you don't have to be belligerent say you don't have to be belligerent or angry, and you certainly don't have or angry, and you certainly don't have or angry, and you certainly don't have to be violent. to be violent. to be violent. If you will yield to God and seek the If you will yield to God and seek the If you will yield to God and seek the blessings of God, the spirit of God in blessings of God, the spirit of God in blessings of God, the spirit of God in you will agitate the ungodly spirits you will agitate the ungodly spirits you will agitate the ungodly spirits around you. around you. around you. And the response won't be I perceive And the response won't be I perceive And the response won't be I perceive that in you is a spirit of God that in you is a spirit of God that in you is a spirit of God and in me I pir I perceive a less godly and in me I pir I perceive a less godly and in me I pir I perceive a less godly spirit. Therefore I'm unhappy with you. spirit. Therefore I'm unhappy with you. spirit. Therefore I'm unhappy with you. That's not how that dialogue is going to That's not how that dialogue is going to That's not how that dialogue is going to go. go. go. They'll find something about you they They'll find something about you they They'll find something about you they don't like don't like don't like and they will harp on it. and they will harp on it. and they will harp on it. So we step into Paul in Ephesus. The So we step into Paul in Ephesus. The So we step into Paul in Ephesus. The God's spirit is moving. And about that God's spirit is moving. And about that God's spirit is moving. And about that time there arose a great disturbance time there arose a great disturbance time there arose a great disturbance about the way. And the way is one of the about the way. And the way is one of the about the way. And the way is one of the labels given to Jesus followers. There's labels given to Jesus followers. There's labels given to Jesus followers. There's a great disturbance in Ephesus about a great disturbance in Ephesus about a great disturbance in Ephesus about Jesus and a silver smith named Demetrius Jesus and a silver smith named Demetrius Jesus and a silver smith named Demetrius who made silver shrines of Artemis.

who made silver shrines of Artemis. who made silver shrines of Artemis. Artemis is the pagan god of the city. Artemis is the pagan god of the city. Artemis is the pagan god of the city. They have dedicated their city to a They have dedicated their city to a They have dedicated their city to a demon. Gee, well, we wouldn't do that. We're Gee, well, we wouldn't do that. We're more sophisticated. Oh, no. more sophisticated. Oh, no. more sophisticated. Oh, no. We have cities where we reject the We have cities where we reject the We have cities where we reject the authority of law. We have cities where authority of law. We have cities where authority of law. We have cities where we reject biblical values of marriage we reject biblical values of marriage we reject biblical values of marriage and human dignity. You think we don't and human dignity. You think we don't and human dignity. You think we don't commit those cities to unclean spiritual commit those cities to unclean spiritual commit those cities to unclean spiritual forces? >> I was in downtown Nashville recently at >> I was in downtown Nashville recently at night. night. night. You think there's not some spiritual You think there's not some spiritual You think there's not some spiritual forces on display downtown Nashville? We don't have to go to California, We don't have to go to California, folks. If you're not praying for Middle If you're not praying for Middle Tennessee on a regular basis that a Tennessee on a regular basis that a Tennessee on a regular basis that a different spirit take authority here, >> I wish that big building they're >> I wish that big building they're building down by the river, I'm okay building down by the river, I'm okay building down by the river, I'm okay with it. I'm happy for it to be there. I with it. I'm happy for it to be there. I with it. I'm happy for it to be there. I wish they were building it as a place wish they were building it as a place wish they were building it as a place for us to worship God because there were for us to worship God because there were for us to worship God because there were so many Christians wanting to get so many Christians wanting to get so many Christians wanting to get together.

>> [applause] >> [applause] >> But in our current environment, that's >> But in our current environment, that's >> But in our current environment, that's very unlikely because we get so torqued very unlikely because we get so torqued very unlikely because we get so torqued that no building that big ought to be that no building that big ought to be that no building that big ought to be put together for Christians. Christians put together for Christians. Christians put together for Christians. Christians don't need a building like that. don't need a building like that. don't need a building like that. [groaning] Demetrius makes silver shrines of Demetrius makes silver shrines of Artemis brought little business for the Artemis brought little business for the Artemis brought little business for the craftsman. And he called them together craftsman. And he called them together craftsman. And he called them together along with the workmen in related along with the workmen in related along with the workmen in related trades. And he said, "Men, you know, we trades. And he said, "Men, you know, we trades. And he said, "Men, you know, we receive a good income from this receive a good income from this receive a good income from this business. We make some money off of business. We make some money off of business. We make some money off of this." He's not saying it's true. He's this." He's not saying it's true. He's this." He's not saying it's true. He's just saying, "This has been profitable just saying, "This has been profitable just saying, "This has been profitable for us." for us." for us." And you see and hear how this fellow And you see and hear how this fellow And you see and hear how this fellow Paul is convinced and led astray large Paul is convinced and led astray large Paul is convinced and led astray large numbers of people in Ephesus and numbers of people in Ephesus and numbers of people in Ephesus and practically the whole province of Asia. practically the whole province of Asia. practically the whole province of Asia. He's disrupted. He's gotten too big for He's disrupted. He's gotten too big for He's disrupted. He's gotten too big for his britches. We've got all sorts of his britches. We've got all sorts of his britches. We've got all sorts of theological cooks around town. But Paul theological cooks around town. But Paul theological cooks around town. But Paul now, he's making an impact. now, he's making an impact. now, he's making an impact. And he says that man-made gods are no And he says that man-made gods are no And he says that man-made gods are no gods at all. Gee, gods at all. Gee, gods at all. Gee, Paul has the audacity to say there's a Paul has the audacity to say there's a Paul has the audacity to say there's a god and he has an opinion and he has an opinion and we should listen.

and we should listen. and we should listen. And then verse 27, this is Demetri. He And then verse 27, this is Demetri. He And then verse 27, this is Demetri. He says there is danger not only that our says there is danger not only that our says there is danger not only that our trade will lose its good name trade will lose its good name trade will lose its good name but that the temple of the great goddess but that the temple of the great goddess but that the temple of the great goddess Artemis will be discredited and the Artemis will be discredited and the Artemis will be discredited and the goddess herself who is worshiped goddess herself who is worshiped goddess herself who is worshiped throughout the province of Asia and the throughout the province of Asia and the throughout the province of Asia and the world will be robbed of her divine world will be robbed of her divine world will be robbed of her divine majesty. majesty. majesty. What did he just say about Paul? That What did he just say about Paul? That What did he just say about Paul? That guy's dangerous. guy's dangerous. guy's dangerous. He has a dangerous faith. He has a dangerous faith. He has a dangerous faith. He's not violent. He's not angry, He's not violent. He's not angry, He's not violent. He's not angry, but the spirit in him has challenged the but the spirit in him has challenged the but the spirit in him has challenged the spirit that has authority in this city. >> And when they heard this, they were >> And when they heard this, they were furious. And they began shouting, "Great is And they began shouting, "Great is Artemis of the Ephesians." Artemis of the Ephesians." Artemis of the Ephesians." Soon the whole city was in an uproar, Soon the whole city was in an uproar, Soon the whole city was in an uproar, and the people seized gas and Aristarus, and the people seized gas and Aristarus, and the people seized gas and Aristarus, they're Paul's traveling companions. they're Paul's traveling companions. they're Paul's traveling companions. couldn't find Paul, so they just grabbed couldn't find Paul, so they just grabbed couldn't find Paul, so they just grabbed the people traveling with him. It's that the people traveling with him. It's that the people traveling with him. It's that dangerous faith thing again. And they dangerous faith thing again. And they dangerous faith thing again. And they rush his one man into the theater.

rush his one man into the theater. rush his one man into the theater. They're going to have a public trial. They're going to have a public trial. They're going to have a public trial. They're going to They're going to They're going to There's some things I can tell you about There's some things I can tell you about There's some things I can tell you about dangerous faith. I didn't put it in your dangerous faith. I didn't put it in your dangerous faith. I didn't put it in your notes. I figured I'd be out of time, and notes. I figured I'd be out of time, and notes. I figured I'd be out of time, and I am. Dangerous faith will challenge a I am. Dangerous faith will challenge a I am. Dangerous faith will challenge a secular culture. It won't bow to it. secular culture. It won't bow to it. secular culture. It won't bow to it. Dangerous faith will advocate for Dangerous faith will advocate for Dangerous faith will advocate for obedience to biblical directives. It obedience to biblical directives. It obedience to biblical directives. It won't accommodate ungodliness. You can won't accommodate ungodliness. You can won't accommodate ungodliness. You can be kind, but you can't capitulate. >> Dangerous faith will disrupt the >> Dangerous faith will disrupt the momentum of ungodliness because greater momentum of ungodliness because greater momentum of ungodliness because greater is the spirit in you than the spirit in is the spirit in you than the spirit in is the spirit in you than the spirit in the world. the world. the world. And dangerous faith will issue a call to And dangerous faith will issue a call to And dangerous faith will issue a call to a new pattern of behavior. a new pattern of behavior. a new pattern of behavior. And that's very uncomfortable because And that's very uncomfortable because And that's very uncomfortable because most of us don't like change. most of us don't like change. most of us don't like change. I want to ask you a question today. I want to ask you a question today. I want to ask you a question today. We're going to work on it some more. We're going to work on it some more. We're going to work on it some more. And I know most of you are reasonably And I know most of you are reasonably And I know most of you are reasonably at ease with your general spiritual at ease with your general spiritual at ease with your general spiritual condition. And that's a good thing. I'm condition. And that's a good thing. I'm condition. And that's a good thing. I'm not really trying to challenge that not really trying to challenge that not really trying to challenge that notion. But I want to ask you if you notion. But I want to ask you if you notion. But I want to ask you if you begin to recognize the season in which begin to recognize the season in which begin to recognize the season in which we live is going to respond require of we live is going to respond require of we live is going to respond require of us something more than a desire to just us something more than a desire to just us something more than a desire to just get along.

It seems to me in most respects we've It seems to me in most respects we've been living out a faith that is almost been living out a faith that is almost been living out a faith that is almost the exact opposite of a dangerous faith. the exact opposite of a dangerous faith. the exact opposite of a dangerous faith. If I look for definitions, it seems to If I look for definitions, it seems to If I look for definitions, it seems to me that me that me that we would have a different approach and a we would have a different approach and a we would have a different approach and a different attitude. We've tried to be different attitude. We've tried to be different attitude. We've tried to be kind of harmless and non-threatening, kind of harmless and non-threatening, kind of harmless and non-threatening, big tent, all-encompassing. big tent, all-encompassing. big tent, all-encompassing. And again, I don't want you to be angry And again, I don't want you to be angry And again, I don't want you to be angry and belligerent. and belligerent. and belligerent. Start at your kitchen table. Start at your kitchen table. Start at your kitchen table. You probably care more about those You probably care more about those You probably care more about those people than anybody else. I hope so. people than anybody else. I hope so. people than anybody else. I hope so. We have to tell the truth. We can do it We have to tell the truth. We can do it We have to tell the truth. We can do it kindly. I thought about the best response for I thought about the best response for this and I was going to give you an this and I was going to give you an this and I was going to give you an invitation and uh no I think that's invitation and uh no I think that's invitation and uh no I think that's premature. I brought you the prayer that premature. I brought you the prayer that premature. I brought you the prayer that Jesus taught us to pray Jesus taught us to pray Jesus taught us to pray because in the the familiar words of because in the the familiar words of because in the the familiar words of that prayer are I believe are all the that prayer are I believe are all the that prayer are I believe are all the seeds that we need to be dangerous seeds that we need to be dangerous seeds that we need to be dangerous people of dangerous faith people of dangerous faith people of dangerous faith people to make an impact in our world. people to make an impact in our world. people to make an impact in our world. Remember what Jesus said our father Remember what Jesus said our father Remember what Jesus said our father who's in heaven.

Yeah, we'll pray it together in a Yeah, we'll pray it together in a minute. minute. minute. It's an amazing prayer that he prayed. I It's an amazing prayer that he prayed. I It's an amazing prayer that he prayed. I mean, it's a whole portfolio of prayers. mean, it's a whole portfolio of prayers. mean, it's a whole portfolio of prayers. Let your kingdom come. Let your will be Let your kingdom come. Let your will be Let your kingdom come. Let your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. done on earth as it is in heaven. done on earth as it is in heaven. You know, we're supposed to be praying You know, we're supposed to be praying You know, we're supposed to be praying that. And if we're praying that, we're that. And if we're praying that, we're that. And if we're praying that, we're supposed to be living that out so that supposed to be living that out so that supposed to be living that out so that we don't work someplace where the will we don't work someplace where the will we don't work someplace where the will of God isn't honored. We don't recreate of God isn't honored. We don't recreate of God isn't honored. We don't recreate someplace where the will of God isn't someplace where the will of God isn't someplace where the will of God isn't honored without using our voice going, honored without using our voice going, honored without using our voice going, "Hey, there's a better way. There's "Hey, there's a better way. There's "Hey, there's a better way. There's another way. said, "Well, they didn't come there to said, "Well, they didn't come there to hear that." No, they didn't go to hear hear that." No, they didn't go to hear hear that." No, they didn't go to hear three doors down to hear a God story three doors down to hear a God story three doors down to hear a God story either, but they got one. either, but they got one. either, but they got one. I'm grateful for that. [applause] I'm grateful for that. [applause] I'm grateful for that. [applause] Your kingdom come. Your will be done. Your kingdom come. Your will be done. Your kingdom come. Your will be done. Give us this day our daily bread. God, Give us this day our daily bread. God, Give us this day our daily bread. God, if you don't help us, if you don't if you don't help us, if you don't if you don't help us, if you don't provide for us, provide for us, provide for us, see, we want to say, "No, I'm spending see, we want to say, "No, I'm spending see, we want to say, "No, I'm spending my time to provide for me. When I get my time to provide for me. When I get my time to provide for me. When I get all the provision arranged here, then all the provision arranged here, then all the provision arranged here, then I'm going to think about God." That's I'm going to think about God." That's I'm going to think about God." That's not what Jesus taught us to pray. not what Jesus taught us to pray. not what Jesus taught us to pray. I believe God will put us in places I believe God will put us in places I believe God will put us in places where only he can bring the adequate where only he can bring the adequate where only he can bring the adequate provision. Doesn't mean we don't work.

provision. Doesn't mean we don't work. provision. Doesn't mean we don't work. Doesn't mean we don't do our part. Doesn't mean we don't do our part. Doesn't mean we don't do our part. Forgive us our trespasses. We forgive Forgive us our trespasses. We forgive Forgive us our trespasses. We forgive those who trespass against us. Folks, we those who trespass against us. Folks, we those who trespass against us. Folks, we need forgiveness. We're not doing this need forgiveness. We're not doing this need forgiveness. We're not doing this from a platform of perfection. We're from a platform of perfection. We're from a platform of perfection. We're doing this from a place of tremendous doing this from a place of tremendous doing this from a place of tremendous humility. God has changed me. He's humility. God has changed me. He's humility. God has changed me. He's helping me. I'm the ultimate cracked helping me. I'm the ultimate cracked helping me. I'm the ultimate cracked pot. pot. pot. And God is making something of my life. And God is making something of my life. And God is making something of my life. And he'll make something of yours. Would And he'll make something of yours. Would And he'll make something of yours. Would you like to serve him? Yes, that's you like to serve him? Yes, that's you like to serve him? Yes, that's right. right. right. >> Forgive me of my trespasses. I'll >> Forgive me of my trespasses. I'll >> Forgive me of my trespasses. I'll forgive those. I'm not going to be forgive those. I'm not going to be forgive those. I'm not going to be smired in anger and resentment and smired in anger and resentment and smired in anger and resentment and bitterness. Folks, we can't afford to. >> It's a powerful prayer. Lead us not into >> It's a powerful prayer. Lead us not into temptation. Oh, we need to be praying temptation. Oh, we need to be praying temptation. Oh, we need to be praying that. God, help me to recognize the that. God, help me to recognize the that. God, help me to recognize the things that are tempting to me. Maybe things that are tempting to me. Maybe things that are tempting to me. Maybe not gross sins. Maybe not things that not gross sins. Maybe not things that not gross sins. Maybe not things that would get you disqualified from a role would get you disqualified from a role would get you disqualified from a role in the community of faith, but things in the community of faith, but things in the community of faith, but things that are tempting me to be less than that are tempting me to be less than that are tempting me to be less than what you're asking me to be. See, the what you're asking me to be. See, the what you're asking me to be. See, the great temptation for Noah was to not great temptation for Noah was to not great temptation for Noah was to not build the boat. Nobody would have said build the boat. Nobody would have said build the boat. Nobody would have said Noah was a bad man because he didn't Noah was a bad man because he didn't Noah was a bad man because he didn't build the boat. build the boat. build the boat. Noah may, you know, it wouldn't surprise Noah may, you know, it wouldn't surprise Noah may, you know, it wouldn't surprise me if Noah was allergic to animals.

I mean, God doesn't ask us to do things I mean, God doesn't ask us to do things that are easy. that are easy. that are easy. And I think it's probably a safe bet And I think it's probably a safe bet And I think it's probably a safe bet that Noah's wife was a huge fan of Noah's idea for a was a huge fan of Noah's idea for a cruise. Lead us not into temptation. Deliver us Lead us not into temptation. Deliver us from evil. You see, I believe God will from evil. You see, I believe God will from evil. You see, I believe God will put us in proximity of evil where we'll put us in proximity of evil where we'll put us in proximity of evil where we'll be saying, "God, I need your be saying, "God, I need your be saying, "God, I need your deliverance." >> Dangerous faith. >> Dangerous faith. For yours is the kingdom and the glory For yours is the kingdom and the glory For yours is the kingdom and the glory and the power forever and ever. and the power forever and ever. and the power forever and ever. Won't you stand me? We're going to pray Won't you stand me? We're going to pray Won't you stand me? We're going to pray that prayer. I can't think of a better that prayer. I can't think of a better that prayer. I can't think of a better way to end this. It's a doorway into a way to end this. It's a doorway into a way to end this. It's a doorway into a conversation we're going to have for a conversation we're going to have for a conversation we're going to have for a few sessions. few sessions. few sessions. I don't want to be a lukewarm Christian. I don't want to be a lukewarm Christian. I don't want to be a lukewarm Christian. I don't want to be innocuous. I don't I don't want to be innocuous. I don't I don't want to be innocuous. I don't want the non-Christians to look at me want the non-Christians to look at me want the non-Christians to look at me and go, "Oh, he's safe. He's harmless. I know. They've asked me to come pray at I know. They've asked me to come pray at public functions. They're dedicating a public functions. They're dedicating a public functions. They're dedicating a building or something. They said, "We building or something. They said, "We building or something. They said, "We want you to come pray, but could you not want you to come pray, but could you not want you to come pray, but could you not mention Jesus?"

mention Jesus?" mention Jesus?" And I'm thinking, "Oh, Lord, I'm so And I'm thinking, "Oh, Lord, I'm so And I'm thinking, "Oh, Lord, I'm so non-threatening. They're asking. non-threatening. They're asking. non-threatening. They're asking. It's not a compliment." Can we pray it together? It's between Can we pray it together? It's between you and the Lord. you and the Lord. you and the Lord. It's not about me. Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come and your be your name. Your kingdom come and your be your name. Your kingdom come and your will be done on earth as it is in will be done on earth as it is in will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily heaven. Give us this day our daily heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses as bread. And forgive us our trespasses as bread. And forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against we forgive those who trespass against we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but us. And lead us not into temptation, but us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For yours is the deliver us from evil. For yours is the deliver us from evil. For yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory kingdom and the power and the glory kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever. Amen. Hallelujah. God forever and ever. Amen. Hallelujah. God forever and ever. Amen. Hallelujah. God bless you. bless you. bless you. Heat.