The God Of Second Chances

Give thanks to the Lord, our God Give thanks to the Lord, our God [singing] and King. His love endures [singing] and King. His love endures [singing] and King. His love endures forever. [singing and music] For he is good. He's above all things. For he is good. He's above all things. His love endures forever. His love endures forever. His love endures forever. Sing praise. with a mighty hand and outstretched with a mighty hand and outstretched [singing] [singing] [singing] arms. His love endures forever arms. His love endures forever arms. His love endures forever for the life that's been reborn. for the life that's been reborn. for the life that's been reborn. His love endures forever. His love endures forever. His love endures forever. Sing praise. Forever. God is faithful. [singing] Forever. God is faithful. [singing] Forever. God is strong. Forever. God is strong. Forever. God is strong. Forever. God is with us. Forever. Forever. God is with us. Forever. Forever. God is with us. Forever. [singing] Forever God is faithful. Forever God is faithful. Forever God is strong. Forever God is strong. Forever God is strong. Forever God is with us. Forever. For the rising to the setting [singing] For the rising to the setting [singing] sun. His love endures forever. sun. His love endures forever. sun. His love endures forever. By the grace of God, we will carry on. By the grace of God, we will carry on. By the grace of God, we will carry on. His love endures forever. [singing] His love endures forever. [singing] His love endures forever. [singing] Sing praise. Sing praise, Sing praise, Lord, I'll sing praise. forever. Forever God is faithful forever. Forever God is faithful [singing] [singing] [singing] forever. God is strong forever. God is strong forever. God is strong forever. God is with us forever. God is with us forever. God is with us forever. forever. forever. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Forever God is faithful. Forever God is faithful. Forever God is faithful. Forever God is strong. Forever God is strong. Forever God is strong. Forever God is with us. [singing] Forever God is with us. [singing] Forever God is with us. [singing] forever. [music] [music] From rising to the setting sun, From rising to the setting sun, From rising to the setting sun, [singing] his love endures forever. [singing] his love endures forever. [singing] his love endures forever. By the grace of God, we will carry By the grace of God, we will carry By the grace of God, we will carry [singing] on cuz his love endures [singing] on cuz his love endures [singing] on cuz his love endures forever. forever. forever. Sing praise. Sing praise. [singing] Sing praise. [singing] Sing Sing Sing praise. praise. praise. Yes. Sing praise. Forever. God is faithful. Forever. God is faithful. Forever. God is strong. Forever. God is strong. Forever. God is strong. Forever. God is with us. Forever. Forever. God is with us. Forever. Forever. God is with us. Forever. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Forever. [singing] Forever. [singing] Forever. [singing] God [music] is faithful God [music] is faithful God [music] is faithful forever. God is strong [singing] forever. God is strong [singing] forever. God is strong [singing] forever. God is with us forever. God is with us forever. God is with us forever. forever. forever. Help me choir. Help me choir. Help me choir. Forever God is faithful. Forever God is faithful. Forever God is faithful. Forever God [singing] is strong. Forever God [singing] is strong. Forever God [singing] is strong. Forever God is with us Forever God is with us Forever God is with us forever. Sing praise. Sing praise. Oh church, let's sing praise. [music] I will sing praise I will sing praise [music] because forever [singing] God is [music] because forever [singing] God is [music] because forever [singing] God is faithful. faithful. faithful. Forever [music] Forever [music] Forever [music] God is strong. God is strong. God is strong. Forever God is [music] with us. Forever Forever God is [music] with us. Forever Forever God is [music] with us. Forever and ever. [music and singing] and ever. [music and singing] and ever. [music and singing] Forever God. He is faithful. Hallelujah. Forever God. He is faithful. Hallelujah. Forever God. He is faithful. Hallelujah. [music] [music] [music] God is strong God is strong God is strong forever. God is with [music] us forever. forever. God is with [music] us forever. forever. God is with [music] us forever. Praise God. [music] Praise God. [music] Praise God. [music] Forever. God is faithful. Forever. God is faithful. Forever. God is faithful. Forever. My God is strong. Forever. My God is strong. Forever. My God is strong. Forever. God is with us forever Forever. God is with us forever Forever. God is with us forever [singing] [singing] [singing] and ever. and ever. and ever. Forever God is faithful. Forever God is faithful. Forever God is faithful. Forever God is strong. Forever God is strong. Forever God is strong. Forever [music] Forever [music] Forever [music] God is with us. Forever. God is with us. Forever. God is with us. Forever. One more time. One more time. One more time. Forever God is faithful. Forever God is faithful. Forever God is faithful. Forever [music] Forever [music] Forever [music] God is strong. God is strong. God is strong. Forever God is with us. Forever God is with us. Forever God is with us. forever. [music] Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Praise God. Praise God. [applause] Praise God. Praise God. [applause] Praise God. Praise God. [applause] Hallelujah. He loves me. He answers my prayers. He loves me. He answers my prayers. I love [music] I know he cares. I know he cares. Nobody tells me to [music] Jesus. Jesus. I [music and singing] know he's [music] [music] my my my love with me. love with me. love with me. He is ready for [singing and music] He is ready for [singing and music] He is ready for [singing and music] what it what it what it is over me while I sleep. is over me while I sleep. is over me while I sleep. When I pray When I pray When I pray I am happy [music] as I can be as now I I am happy [music] as I can be as now I I am happy [music] as I can be as now I can say can say can say my body [music] loves me and my friends. my body [music] loves me and my friends. my body [music] loves me and my friends. I love I love I love I know [music] he cares. I know [music] he cares. I know [music] he cares. Nobody tells me [music] not to [music] [music] [singing] [music] [music] let Jesus have his way. He has [music] let Jesus have his way. He has [music] let Jesus have his way. He has [music] all all all every passing day. Keep the hungry every passing day. Keep the hungry every passing day. Keep the hungry [music and singing] and to the sad for [music and singing] and to the sad for [music and singing] and to the sad for the celebrate. the celebrate. the celebrate. have you ever [music] have you ever [music] have you ever [music] knew [music] [music] answers my prayer. answers my prayer. answers my prayer. I love my body. I know [music] he cares. I love my body. I know [music] he cares. I love my body. I know [music] he cares. Nobody [singing] Nobody [singing] Nobody [singing] tells me not to [music] in the last [singing and music] in the last [singing and music] work. He will call us home to Mag work. He will call us home to Mag work. He will call us home to Mag [music] I love [music and singing] I love [music and singing] I know he cares. I know he cares. I know he cares. Somebody tells me not to [music] [music] know he's know he's know he's [music] loves answers my prayers. I love [music] loves answers my prayers. I love [music] loves answers my prayers. I love you. [music] I know he cares. Somebody you. [music] I know he cares. Somebody you. [music] I know he cares. Somebody tells me not to tells me not to tells me not to [music] [music] our work is done. He will call [music] our work is done. He will call us home to the magar. [music] We'll sit down by the river We'll sit down by the river [music and singing] side all pass away [music and singing] side all pass away [music and singing] side all pass away and never and never and never [music] [music] [music] happy. happy. happy. [singing] [music] [music] I love somebody. I love somebody. I love somebody. I know he lives. Somebody [music] I know he lives. Somebody [music] I know he lives. Somebody [music] tells me [singing] tells me [singing] tells me [singing] not to say [music and singing] I know he's say [music and singing] I know he's loves me and [singing] my friend. I love loves me and [singing] my friend. I love loves me and [singing] my friend. I love [music] my car. my car. Nobody [music] Nobody [music] Nobody [music] tells me not to. [music] [music] I know he's Jesus. [music and singing] Jesus. [music and singing] I know he's [music] [music] Thank you, Jesus. Thank you, Jesus. Thank you, Jesus. Thank you, Jesus. Trust in the Lord Trust in the Lord with [music] all your not not allending and he shall [music] and he shall [music] [singing] [singing] [singing] do all I can. do all I can. do all I can. Do you have a [music and singing] Do you have a [music and singing] Do you have a [music and singing] mountain mountain mountain setting in your [singing and music] way? setting in your [singing and music] way? setting in your [singing and music] way? There's no way around it. But you prayed There's no way around it. But you prayed There's no way around it. But you prayed [singing] and you prayed. [singing] and you prayed. [singing] and you prayed. Don't be discouraged. Don't be discouraged. Don't be discouraged. There's nothing God can't do. There's nothing God can't do. There's nothing God can't do. Trust in the Lord. I know he'll make a Trust in the Lord. I know he'll make a Trust in the Lord. I know he'll make a [singing] way for you. [music] [singing] way for you. [music] [singing] way for you. [music] Trust in the Lord [singing] Trust in the Lord [singing] Trust in the Lord [singing] with all [music] with all [music] with all [music] your heart. your heart. your heart. We must We must We must all [music and singing] all [music and singing] all [music and singing] understand somebody needs [singing] an answer somebody needs [singing] an answer from the Lord right now. [singing] from the Lord right now. [singing] from the Lord right now. [singing] You need direction, [music] You need direction, [music] You need direction, [music] but you just can't see a way out. but you just can't see a way out. but you just can't see a way out. Call on the Lord Call on the Lord Call on the Lord and just stand back and watch him move. and just stand back and watch him move. and just stand back and watch him move. He won't let you go under, but he'll He won't let you go under, but he'll He won't let you go under, but he'll take you all the way through. take you all the way through. take you all the way through. in the Lord [music and singing] in the Lord [music and singing] in the Lord [music and singing] because your heart standing standing in [music] all our Lord, Lord, [music] [music] [music] you not [music] [music] and we shall and we shall and we shall I I I [music] somebody needs [singing] somebody needs [singing] an answer an answer an answer from the Lord right now. from the Lord right now. from the Lord right now. You need [singing] direction, but you You need [singing] direction, but you You need [singing] direction, but you just can't see a way out. [singing] just can't see a way out. [singing] just can't see a way out. [singing] [music] [music] [music] Follow the Lord and just stand back and Follow the Lord and just stand back and Follow the Lord and just stand back and watch him move. watch him move. watch him move. He won't let you go [music] under, but He won't let you go [music] under, but He won't let you go [music] under, but he'll take you all the way through he'll take you all the way through he'll take you all the way through [music and singing] the Lord the Lord [music] and all the [music] [music] We're all and he shall [music] and he shall [music] not not not all our All right. Praise the Lord. All right. Praise the Lord. I I love I love worshiping and I I love I I love I love worshiping and I I love I I love I love worshiping and I I love singing with the choir. I love singing singing with the choir. I love singing singing with the choir. I love singing in the congregation. It's just uh feels in the congregation. It's just uh feels in the congregation. It's just uh feels good. We need some more choir members. good. We need some more choir members. good. We need some more choir members. And if you've been been on the fence And if you've been been on the fence And if you've been been on the fence about it, go ahead and make up your about it, go ahead and make up your about it, go ahead and make up your mind. Talk to Sister Angel about joining mind. Talk to Sister Angel about joining mind. Talk to Sister Angel about joining the choir. There's some there's some the choir. There's some there's some the choir. There's some there's some requirements. But talk to her about requirements. But talk to her about requirements. But talk to her about doing it. And maybe you think, well, I doing it. And maybe you think, well, I doing it. And maybe you think, well, I can't I can't do it. I don't have the can't I can't do it. I don't have the can't I can't do it. I don't have the breath I used to. But that's a good way breath I used to. But that's a good way breath I used to. But that's a good way to exercise your lungs and get your to exercise your lungs and get your to exercise your lungs and get your breath up and get your vocal cords breath up and get your vocal cords breath up and get your vocal cords going. So that's good therapy. I highly going. So that's good therapy. I highly going. So that's good therapy. I highly recommend it. So, well, it went away. recommend it. So, well, it went away. recommend it. So, well, it went away. Um, but I'm in I'm in some of these Um, but I'm in I'm in some of these Um, but I'm in I'm in some of these songs and when I'm reading something, songs and when I'm reading something, songs and when I'm reading something, the word pops out at me. The world does the word pops out at me. The world does the word pops out at me. The world does that mean? Somebody tells me not to that mean? Somebody tells me not to that mean? Somebody tells me not to repine. That somebody is Jesus and I repine. That somebody is Jesus and I repine. That somebody is Jesus and I know he's mine. So, I know they're know he's mine. So, I know they're know he's mine. So, I know they're making it rhyme and all that stuff or making it rhyme and all that stuff or making it rhyme and all that stuff or the poetry of the song. But what does the poetry of the song. But what does the poetry of the song. But what does repine mean? So, looking it up, it means repine mean? So, looking it up, it means repine mean? So, looking it up, it means this to feel or express discontent or this to feel or express discontent or this to feel or express discontent or fret. So it's saying don't worry. All right. Why should we not worry? All right. Why should we not worry? Because Jesus loves you. Because Jesus loves you. Because Jesus loves you. He answers your prayers He answers your prayers He answers your prayers and he cares about you. You're his kids. and he cares about you. You're his kids. and he cares about you. You're his kids. So don't be. Don't worry. Don't fret. So don't be. Don't worry. Don't fret. So don't be. Don't worry. Don't fret. Don't be discontented. Don't be Don't be discontented. Don't be Don't be discontented. Don't be disheartened. Cheer up. God's going to disheartened. Cheer up. God's going to disheartened. Cheer up. God's going to help you. All right. Don't fret. Don't help you. All right. Don't fret. Don't help you. All right. Don't fret. Don't worry. Praise God. All right. I had to worry. Praise God. All right. I had to worry. Praise God. All right. I had to look it up myself and maybe somebody look it up myself and maybe somebody look it up myself and maybe somebody else will sing it. But what does it mean else will sing it. But what does it mean else will sing it. But what does it mean now? May understand it better maybe. All now? May understand it better maybe. All now? May understand it better maybe. All right. Praise the Lord. Enough for that. right. Praise the Lord. Enough for that. right. Praise the Lord. Enough for that. Let's move on to worship with the giving Let's move on to worship with the giving Let's move on to worship with the giving of tithes and offering if ushers will of tithes and offering if ushers will of tithes and offering if ushers will come at this time. All right. Glory to God. Is there going All right. Glory to God. Is there going to be children's church today? to be children's church today? to be children's church today? Children's church, ages uh 4 to 12 can Children's church, ages uh 4 to 12 can Children's church, ages uh 4 to 12 can be dismissed to my right be dismissed to my right be dismissed to my right where Sister Fields is at the door. where Sister Fields is at the door. where Sister Fields is at the door. And at this time, I'm going to ask And at this time, I'm going to ask And at this time, I'm going to ask brother Robert Smith if he will come to brother Robert Smith if he will come to brother Robert Smith if he will come to the podium and share with us what thus the podium and share with us what thus the podium and share with us what thus sayeth the Lord this morning to the sayeth the Lord this morning to the sayeth the Lord this morning to the church at Wilson Mills. Praise the Lord. Praise the Lord. What a song. You're actually singing the What a song. You're actually singing the What a song. You're actually singing the word of God when you sing that song word of God when you sing that song word of God when you sing that song because the Bible says, "Trust in the because the Bible says, "Trust in the because the Bible says, "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart. leaned on to Lord with all thine heart. leaned on to Lord with all thine heart. leaned on to thy own understanding. Don't try to thy own understanding. Don't try to thy own understanding. Don't try to figure it out, brother Joe. We can't figure it out, brother Joe. We can't figure it out, brother Joe. We can't figure it out. Good news is we don't figure it out. Good news is we don't figure it out. Good news is we don't have to figure it out. Just put it in have to figure it out. Just put it in have to figure it out. Just put it in God's hands. Um he said, "In all your God's hands. Um he said, "In all your God's hands. Um he said, "In all your ways, acknowledge him and he will do ways, acknowledge him and he will do ways, acknowledge him and he will do what? Direct your paths." So in other what? Direct your paths." So in other what? Direct your paths." So in other words, if you'll keep your eyes on him, words, if you'll keep your eyes on him, words, if you'll keep your eyes on him, give your heart to him, trust him, he'll give your heart to him, trust him, he'll give your heart to him, trust him, he'll direct your path. And sometimes that direct your path. And sometimes that direct your path. And sometimes that path goes through things that seem path goes through things that seem path goes through things that seem difficult. Sometimes it goes through difficult. Sometimes it goes through difficult. Sometimes it goes through valleys and valleys and valleys and trials as well as mountains. But we can trials as well as mountains. But we can trials as well as mountains. But we can rest assure wherever that path takes us rest assure wherever that path takes us rest assure wherever that path takes us that God is directing it. God is that God is directing it. God is that God is directing it. God is directing us and he is going to give us directing us and he is going to give us directing us and he is going to give us the grace uh as we go down and through the grace uh as we go down and through the grace uh as we go down and through that path. Um I'm going to read a few that path. Um I'm going to read a few that path. Um I'm going to read a few scriptures scriptures scriptures um beginning with the book of Luke um beginning with the book of Luke um beginning with the book of Luke chapter 22. chapter 22. chapter 22. Luke 22 31-32 Luke 22 31-32 Luke 22 31-32 and then I'll read some more in Luke 22 and then I'll read some more in Luke 22 and then I'll read some more in Luke 22 and then I'll read a few verses in John and then I'll read a few verses in John and then I'll read a few verses in John 21 chapter 21. So again, Luke chapter 22 21 chapter 21. So again, Luke chapter 22 21 chapter 21. So again, Luke chapter 22 begin with verse 31 and then we'll go to the book of John and then we'll go to the book of John chapter 21 if you want to mark that. Word of God is precious, isn't it? Word of God is precious, isn't it? Brother Clyde taught that in Sunday Brother Clyde taught that in Sunday Brother Clyde taught that in Sunday school this morning as well as the other school this morning as well as the other school this morning as well as the other teachers. teachers. teachers. It is a treasure. It is a treasure. It is a treasure. It is a treasure. Not only a treasure, it's the most Not only a treasure, it's the most important treasure God has given us of important treasure God has given us of important treasure God has given us of the his son which is the word, the the his son which is the word, the the his son which is the word, the living word and his word. All right. Uh living word and his word. All right. Uh living word and his word. All right. Uh Luke 22 beginning with verse 31 said, Luke 22 beginning with verse 31 said, Luke 22 beginning with verse 31 said, "And the Lord said," Simon, Simon, "And the Lord said," Simon, Simon, "And the Lord said," Simon, Simon, behold, Satan desired to have you, that behold, Satan desired to have you, that behold, Satan desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat. But I have he may sift you as wheat. But I have he may sift you as wheat. But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail prayed for thee, that thy faith fail prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not, when thou converted, strengthen thy not, when thou converted, strengthen thy not, when thou converted, strengthen thy brethren. Couple things I see in this brethren. Couple things I see in this brethren. Couple things I see in this verse here. Number one, God allows Satan verse here. Number one, God allows Satan verse here. Number one, God allows Satan to tempt and test us, but only within to tempt and test us, but only within to tempt and test us, but only within certain limits. certain limits. certain limits. All right? And only by God's permission. All right? And only by God's permission. All right? And only by God's permission. So we see that in when in the Lord So we see that in when in the Lord So we see that in when in the Lord talking to Simon Peter. Uh talking to Simon Peter. Uh talking to Simon Peter. Uh Satan had to go before the Lord and Satan had to go before the Lord and Satan had to go before the Lord and request permission. All right. Uh the request permission. All right. Uh the request permission. All right. Uh the second thing we see here in this verse second thing we see here in this verse second thing we see here in this verse is Jesus prays for the faith of his is Jesus prays for the faith of his is Jesus prays for the faith of his people not fail. I don't know if you've people not fail. I don't know if you've people not fail. I don't know if you've realized that in that verse. He didn't realized that in that verse. He didn't realized that in that verse. He didn't say I pray for you that you you didn't say I pray for you that you you didn't say I pray for you that you you didn't trip that you didn't fall. He said, 'But trip that you didn't fall. He said, 'But trip that you didn't fall. He said, 'But I pray for you that when you do fall and I pray for you that when you do fall and I pray for you that when you do fall and when you do feel like a failure, I'm when you do feel like a failure, I'm when you do feel like a failure, I'm praying for you that in that moment in praying for you that in that moment in praying for you that in that moment in your life that you that you do not lose your life that you that you do not lose your life that you that you do not lose the faith. That I pray for you that your the faith. That I pray for you that your the faith. That I pray for you that your faith fail not. He didn't pray that faith fail not. He didn't pray that faith fail not. He didn't pray that Peter failed not. God. Christ knows and Peter failed not. God. Christ knows and Peter failed not. God. Christ knows and as he knows about you and I, we're human as he knows about you and I, we're human as he knows about you and I, we're human beings and we're weak and the flesh is beings and we're weak and the flesh is beings and we're weak and the flesh is weak and there's times that we have weak and there's times that we have weak and there's times that we have failed the Lord. And it's times I failed failed the Lord. And it's times I failed failed the Lord. And it's times I failed him miserably. But I thank God it's him miserably. But I thank God it's him miserably. But I thank God it's during that time when he reminds me the during that time when he reminds me the during that time when he reminds me the difference between failing and a failure difference between failing and a failure difference between failing and a failure is someone who fails, they get up and is someone who fails, they get up and is someone who fails, they get up and let God help them and restore them and let God help them and restore them and let God help them and restore them and they repent. But a failure lives in they repent. But a failure lives in they repent. But a failure lives in their sin, wallows in their sin, has no their sin, wallows in their sin, has no their sin, wallows in their sin, has no desire to repent and turn around and desire to repent and turn around and desire to repent and turn around and turn away, that is a failure. So turn away, that is a failure. So turn away, that is a failure. So although Peter failed, he was not a although Peter failed, he was not a although Peter failed, he was not a failure. failure. failure. So again, he prays for us that our faith So again, he prays for us that our faith So again, he prays for us that our faith fail not. You know, the enemy is after fail not. You know, the enemy is after fail not. You know, the enemy is after your faith and my faith. your faith and my faith. your faith and my faith. Um the third thing we see in that Um the third thing we see in that Um the third thing we see in that scripture is in spite of Peter's scripture is in spite of Peter's scripture is in spite of Peter's failure, Jesus still had a plan for him. failure, Jesus still had a plan for him. failure, Jesus still had a plan for him. In spite of his failure, Jesus still had In spite of his failure, Jesus still had In spite of his failure, Jesus still had a plan for Peter. Jesus has a plan for a plan for Peter. Jesus has a plan for a plan for Peter. Jesus has a plan for you this morning. Despite where you are you this morning. Despite where you are you this morning. Despite where you are in your relationship with him, he has a in your relationship with him, he has a in your relationship with him, he has a plan for you. And we need to put that in plan for you. And we need to put that in plan for you. And we need to put that in our resonate that in our heart. I'm our resonate that in our heart. I'm our resonate that in our heart. I'm going to go down to verse 59-62. going to go down to verse 59-62. going to go down to verse 59-62. Same chapter. Luke 22 verse 59. Same chapter. Luke 22 verse 59. Same chapter. Luke 22 verse 59. And about the space of one hour, another And about the space of one hour, another And about the space of one hour, another confidently affirmed, saying of a truth, confidently affirmed, saying of a truth, confidently affirmed, saying of a truth, this fellow also was with him, for he is this fellow also was with him, for he is this fellow also was with him, for he is a Galilean. Peter said, "Man, I know not a Galilean. Peter said, "Man, I know not a Galilean. Peter said, "Man, I know not what thou sayest." And immediately when what thou sayest." And immediately when what thou sayest." And immediately when he yet spoke, the [ __ ] crew, the Lord he yet spoke, the [ __ ] crew, the Lord he yet spoke, the [ __ ] crew, the Lord turned, looked upon Peter. Peter turned, looked upon Peter. Peter turned, looked upon Peter. Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how he remembered the word of the Lord, how he remembered the word of the Lord, how he had said unto him before the [ __ ] crow, had said unto him before the [ __ ] crow, had said unto him before the [ __ ] crow, "Thou shalt deny me thrice." And Peter "Thou shalt deny me thrice." And Peter "Thou shalt deny me thrice." And Peter went out and wept bitterly. So the first went out and wept bitterly. So the first went out and wept bitterly. So the first verses we read, Christ is warning Peter verses we read, Christ is warning Peter verses we read, Christ is warning Peter and he's letting him know as a matter of and he's letting him know as a matter of and he's letting him know as a matter of fact, you're going to fail. fact, you're going to fail. fact, you're going to fail. You're gonna fail. But but when you do, You're gonna fail. But but when you do, You're gonna fail. But but when you do, I pray for you that you strengthen uh I pray for you that you strengthen uh I pray for you that you strengthen uh fail not and con and and convert the bre fail not and con and and convert the bre fail not and con and and convert the bre when you're converted. And then he says, when you're converted. And then he says, when you're converted. And then he says, strengthen the brethren. All right? So strengthen the brethren. All right? So strengthen the brethren. All right? So again, he had a plan for him. But now we again, he had a plan for him. But now we again, he had a plan for him. But now we look at Peter and we look at Peter's look at Peter and we look at Peter's look at Peter and we look at Peter's failure, but we also look at Peter's failure, but we also look at Peter's failure, but we also look at Peter's response to his failure. Um Peter denied response to his failure. Um Peter denied response to his failure. Um Peter denied the Lord. You know, we like to talk the Lord. You know, we like to talk the Lord. You know, we like to talk about Peter and and pick on Peter. Peter about Peter and and pick on Peter. Peter about Peter and and pick on Peter. Peter denied the Lord not out of wickedness, denied the Lord not out of wickedness, denied the Lord not out of wickedness, but out of weakness. but out of weakness. but out of weakness. He didn't deny him out of wickedness. It He didn't deny him out of wickedness. It He didn't deny him out of wickedness. It wasn't planned premeditated sin. wasn't planned premeditated sin. wasn't planned premeditated sin. He denied him out of weakness. And he He denied him out of weakness. And he He denied him out of weakness. And he never ceased to love his master through never ceased to love his master through never ceased to love his master through his failure. And that's what somebody his failure. And that's what somebody his failure. And that's what somebody needs to resonate this morning. He never needs to resonate this morning. He never needs to resonate this morning. He never ceased to love his master ceased to love his master ceased to love his master through his failure. And he never ceased through his failure. And he never ceased through his failure. And he never ceased to believe in him through his failure. to believe in him through his failure. to believe in him through his failure. The last verse I'm going to read here is The last verse I'm going to read here is The last verse I'm going to read here is John 21:3-17. John 21:3-17. John 21:3-17. Jesus then cometh and taketh bread and Jesus then cometh and taketh bread and Jesus then cometh and taketh bread and giveth them and fish likewise. And this giveth them and fish likewise. And this giveth them and fish likewise. And this is now the third time Jesus showed is now the third time Jesus showed is now the third time Jesus showed himself unto his disciples after he was himself unto his disciples after he was himself unto his disciples after he was risen from the dead. So when they died, risen from the dead. So when they died, risen from the dead. So when they died, Jesus said to Simon Peter. So we see Jesus said to Simon Peter. So we see Jesus said to Simon Peter. So we see Jesus and Peter again. Jesus and Peter again. Jesus and Peter again. Simon son of Jonas, lovest thou me more Simon son of Jonas, lovest thou me more Simon son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He said unto him, Yay, Lord, than these? He said unto him, Yay, Lord, than these? He said unto him, Yay, Lord, thou know that I love thee. He said unto thou know that I love thee. He said unto thou know that I love thee. He said unto him, feed my lambs. He said to him again him, feed my lambs. He said to him again him, feed my lambs. He said to him again the second time,"Simon, son of Jonas, the second time,"Simon, son of Jonas, the second time,"Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me?" He said unto him, "Yay, lovest thou me?" He said unto him, "Yay, lovest thou me?" He said unto him, "Yay, Lord, thou knowest that I love thee?" He Lord, thou knowest that I love thee?" He Lord, thou knowest that I love thee?" He said to him, "Feed my sheep." And he said to him, "Feed my sheep." And he said to him, "Feed my sheep." And he said to him a third time, "Simon, son of said to him a third time, "Simon, son of said to him a third time, "Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me?" Peter was Jonas, lovest thou me?" Peter was Jonas, lovest thou me?" Peter was grieved because he said unto him the grieved because he said unto him the grieved because he said unto him the third time, "Lovest thou me?" And he third time, "Lovest thou me?" And he third time, "Lovest thou me?" And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things. God knows all things this things. God knows all things this things. God knows all things this morning, church. He knows where my heart morning, church. He knows where my heart morning, church. He knows where my heart is. He knows where I am in my is. He knows where I am in my is. He knows where I am in my relationship with him. Peter said, "Thou relationship with him. Peter said, "Thou relationship with him. Peter said, "Thou knowest all things. Thou knowest that I knowest all things. Thou knowest that I knowest all things. Thou knowest that I love thee." Jesus said unto him, "Feed love thee." Jesus said unto him, "Feed love thee." Jesus said unto him, "Feed my sheep. my sheep. my sheep. Feed my sheep." And the most important Feed my sheep." And the most important Feed my sheep." And the most important question that Peter ever faced in his question that Peter ever faced in his question that Peter ever faced in his life is whether he deviant life is whether he deviant life is whether he deviant question he faced is whether he possess question he faced is whether he possess question he faced is whether he possess a devoted love for his Lord. That's the a devoted love for his Lord. That's the a devoted love for his Lord. That's the most important question Christ asked. Do most important question Christ asked. Do most important question Christ asked. Do you possess a devoted love for your you possess a devoted love for your you possess a devoted love for your Lord, for your savior? That was a Lord, for your savior? That was a Lord, for your savior? That was a powerful question. God ask him because powerful question. God ask him because powerful question. God ask him because Christ should want to ask him. All Christ should want to ask him. All Christ should want to ask him. All right, y'all may be uh actually before right, y'all may be uh actually before right, y'all may be uh actually before you sit down, let's please pray. I want you sit down, let's please pray. I want you sit down, let's please pray. I want to speak to you this morning. I felt to speak to you this morning. I felt to speak to you this morning. I felt that somebody needs to hear this. The that somebody needs to hear this. The that somebody needs to hear this. The God of second chances. How many of you God of second chances. How many of you God of second chances. How many of you have needed second chances? Third and 50 have needed second chances? Third and 50 have needed second chances? Third and 50 and 100. So, let's please bow our head and 100. So, let's please bow our head and 100. So, let's please bow our head and ask God to speak to those whom this and ask God to speak to those whom this and ask God to speak to those whom this message will resonate. Heavenly Father, message will resonate. Heavenly Father, message will resonate. Heavenly Father, we thank you this morning for your we thank you this morning for your we thank you this morning for your loving mercy. We thank you for your loving mercy. We thank you for your loving mercy. We thank you for your grace. We thank you, Father, that even grace. We thank you, Father, that even grace. We thank you, Father, that even in through our failures and difficulties in through our failures and difficulties in through our failures and difficulties and struggles, you're still a God if and struggles, you're still a God if and struggles, you're still a God if we'll humble oursel before you and get we'll humble oursel before you and get we'll humble oursel before you and get real with you. You're a God, Father, of real with you. You're a God, Father, of real with you. You're a God, Father, of second chances. And we thank you, Lord, second chances. And we thank you, Lord, second chances. And we thank you, Lord, for the mercy of God and the grace of for the mercy of God and the grace of for the mercy of God and the grace of God. And Father, anoint our lips, hide God. And Father, anoint our lips, hide God. And Father, anoint our lips, hide us behind the cross. Give us the words us behind the cross. Give us the words us behind the cross. Give us the words you'd have us to say. Nothing more, you'd have us to say. Nothing more, you'd have us to say. Nothing more, nothing less. Anoint us together with nothing less. Anoint us together with nothing less. Anoint us together with the congregation, Lord, that we may the congregation, Lord, that we may the congregation, Lord, that we may worship you in spirit and in truth. Your worship you in spirit and in truth. Your worship you in spirit and in truth. Your word go forth that you might be word go forth that you might be word go forth that you might be glorified, Father, and your people might glorified, Father, and your people might glorified, Father, and your people might be edified. And we give you the praise, be edified. And we give you the praise, be edified. And we give you the praise, the honor, and the glory in Jesus name. the honor, and the glory in Jesus name. the honor, and the glory in Jesus name. Amen. And you may be seated. There the the word love when when uh There the the word love when when uh Jesus asked Simon Peter three times is Jesus asked Simon Peter three times is Jesus asked Simon Peter three times is ironic. Peter failed Christ. He denied ironic. Peter failed Christ. He denied ironic. Peter failed Christ. He denied him three times. So now Jesus is asking him three times. So now Jesus is asking him three times. So now Jesus is asking them three times uh lovest thou me? them three times uh lovest thou me? them three times uh lovest thou me? Jesus knew Peter loved him. He knew Jesus knew Peter loved him. He knew Jesus knew Peter loved him. He knew that. But he wanted Peter to to to look that. But he wanted Peter to to to look that. But he wanted Peter to to to look at himself and and decide where what he at himself and and decide where what he at himself and and decide where what he was going to do and where he was going was going to do and where he was going was going to do and where he was going to be in his relationship with God. Now to be in his relationship with God. Now to be in his relationship with God. Now this word love that Christ uses there this word love that Christ uses there this word love that Christ uses there are two Greek words that you'll find in are two Greek words that you'll find in are two Greek words that you'll find in this context of the script scripture. this context of the script scripture. this context of the script scripture. And one is agapo. Agapo love is a love And one is agapo. Agapo love is a love And one is agapo. Agapo love is a love of the will and the uh emotions uh and of the will and the uh emotions uh and of the will and the uh emotions uh and the mind and that is agapo love. We will the mind and that is agapo love. We will the mind and that is agapo love. We will to love God. You make an elective to love God. You make an elective to love God. You make an elective decision today when you get up to come decision today when you get up to come decision today when you get up to come to the house of the Lord and you make an to the house of the Lord and you make an to the house of the Lord and you make an elective decision in your will that elective decision in your will that elective decision in your will that you're going to worship God and magnify you're going to worship God and magnify you're going to worship God and magnify God. That is that is an elective will. God. That is that is an elective will. God. That is that is an elective will. So agapo love is a love of the mind and So agapo love is a love of the mind and So agapo love is a love of the mind and the will. All right. Then you have fileo the will. All right. Then you have fileo the will. All right. Then you have fileo love. Y'all have heard that term before. love. Y'all have heard that term before. love. Y'all have heard that term before. Fileo is warm natural affection and Fileo is warm natural affection and Fileo is warm natural affection and emotions, a more personal and feeling of emotions, a more personal and feeling of emotions, a more personal and feeling of love. That is what fileo love is. So you love. That is what fileo love is. So you love. That is what fileo love is. So you combine these two words, Jesus indicates combine these two words, Jesus indicates combine these two words, Jesus indicates Peter's love must not be only of the Peter's love must not be only of the Peter's love must not be only of the will but also of the heart. A love will but also of the heart. A love will but also of the heart. A love springing from both purpose and personal springing from both purpose and personal springing from both purpose and personal attachment. If you want to know how what attachment. If you want to know how what attachment. If you want to know how what it means to love God with all your mind, it means to love God with all your mind, it means to love God with all your mind, souls, uh heart, mind, soul, and souls, uh heart, mind, soul, and souls, uh heart, mind, soul, and strength, then you look at this context strength, then you look at this context strength, then you look at this context with Peter and Christ in this with Peter and Christ in this with Peter and Christ in this conversation and look at the meaning of conversation and look at the meaning of conversation and look at the meaning of the word love. We're to love him with the word love. We're to love him with the word love. We're to love him with our emotions and our mind and our will. our emotions and our mind and our will. our emotions and our mind and our will. We're also to love him with an We're also to love him with an We're also to love him with an affection, a a a an intimate love, a a affection, a a a an intimate love, a a affection, a a a an intimate love, a a first love, put giving your heart to first love, put giving your heart to first love, put giving your heart to him, devoted to him, that type of love. him, devoted to him, that type of love. him, devoted to him, that type of love. That is what Christ is looking for this That is what Christ is looking for this That is what Christ is looking for this morning. And again, I don't know if morning. And again, I don't know if morning. And again, I don't know if you're sitting here on the pew and you're sitting here on the pew and you're sitting here on the pew and again, welcome to those who are watching again, welcome to those who are watching again, welcome to those who are watching by live stream this morning. Some God by live stream this morning. Some God by live stream this morning. Some God may be speaking to you, but somebody may be speaking to you, but somebody may be speaking to you, but somebody needs to hear. God is a God of second needs to hear. God is a God of second needs to hear. God is a God of second chances. But until we get real with him, chances. But until we get real with him, chances. But until we get real with him, he's not going to get real with me. he's not going to get real with me. he's not going to get real with me. Until we get real with God, we can sit Until we get real with God, we can sit Until we get real with God, we can sit back and play church. We can sit on a back and play church. We can sit on a back and play church. We can sit on a pew. We can go through the motions. We pew. We can go through the motions. We pew. We can go through the motions. We can we can be here physically in our can we can be here physically in our can we can be here physically in our heart be a thousand miles away. No heart be a thousand miles away. No heart be a thousand miles away. No devoted attachment to Jesus Christ. But devoted attachment to Jesus Christ. But devoted attachment to Jesus Christ. But when we come down to this altar and we when we come down to this altar and we when we come down to this altar and we say, "God, I can't." And when you humble say, "God, I can't." And when you humble say, "God, I can't." And when you humble yourself before him at the mighty hand yourself before him at the mighty hand yourself before him at the mighty hand of God, he'll lift you up uh and he'll of God, he'll lift you up uh and he'll of God, he'll lift you up uh and he'll raise you up and he'll help you and raise you up and he'll help you and raise you up and he'll help you and restore you. He is a God of second restore you. He is a God of second restore you. He is a God of second chances. Uh but it's only for those who chances. Uh but it's only for those who chances. Uh but it's only for those who want a second chance. Amen. want a second chance. Amen. want a second chance. Amen. He is a God of second chances. He is a God of second chances. He is a God of second chances. Now again, talking about Peter, Peter Now again, talking about Peter, Peter Now again, talking about Peter, Peter meant well. I like Peter. Uh we can a meant well. I like Peter. Uh we can a meant well. I like Peter. Uh we can a lot can relate to Peter can't we? He lot can relate to Peter can't we? He lot can relate to Peter can't we? He meant well Christ called him. He had a meant well Christ called him. He had a meant well Christ called him. He had a habit of putting his foot in his mouth. habit of putting his foot in his mouth. habit of putting his foot in his mouth. He meant well He meant well He meant well habit of putting his foot in his mouth. habit of putting his foot in his mouth. habit of putting his foot in his mouth. Remember when he was watching the Remember when he was watching the Remember when he was watching the transfiguration transfiguration transfiguration Peter felt he had to say something. Peter felt he had to say something. Peter felt he had to say something. Let me build an order Let me build an order Let me build an order for the three for the three for the three Moses, Elias and Christ. And he was Moses, Elias and Christ. And he was Moses, Elias and Christ. And he was openly rebuked by God. openly rebuked by God. openly rebuked by God. Openly rebuked. Openly rebuked. Openly rebuked. This is the Bible beloved son. Hear ye This is the Bible beloved son. Hear ye This is the Bible beloved son. Hear ye him. Close your mouth. Open your ears. him. Close your mouth. Open your ears. him. Close your mouth. Open your ears. Open your spirit and listen to what he's Open your spirit and listen to what he's Open your spirit and listen to what he's saying. All right. So again, we know he saying. All right. So again, we know he saying. All right. So again, we know he had a habit of putting his foot in his had a habit of putting his foot in his had a habit of putting his foot in his mouth. We knew about him cutting off uh mouth. We knew about him cutting off uh mouth. We knew about him cutting off uh Malfus's ear um in the garden of the Malfus's ear um in the garden of the Malfus's ear um in the garden of the enemies. So we see Peter's emotions and enemies. So we see Peter's emotions and enemies. So we see Peter's emotions and we see again his failures as we read we see again his failures as we read we see again his failures as we read about this morning. So but again we see about this morning. So but again we see about this morning. So but again we see that he Christ prayed for Peter that his that he Christ prayed for Peter that his that he Christ prayed for Peter that his faith fell not and again we look at faith fell not and again we look at faith fell not and again we look at Peter. Christ knew Peter would sin. Peter. Christ knew Peter would sin. Peter. Christ knew Peter would sin. Christ know when he called you and me Christ know when he called you and me Christ know when he called you and me and this is a humbling thing. When and this is a humbling thing. When and this is a humbling thing. When Christ knew you and he called you uh and Christ knew you and he called you uh and Christ knew you and he called you uh and he saved your soul, he knew every he saved your soul, he knew every he saved your soul, he knew every failure you were ever going to do after failure you were ever going to do after failure you were ever going to do after you got saved. you got saved. you got saved. When he called Simon uh Peter and his When he called Simon uh Peter and his When he called Simon uh Peter and his brother to follow him uh take forsake brother to follow him uh take forsake brother to follow him uh take forsake their fishing nets and follow him. At their fishing nets and follow him. At their fishing nets and follow him. At that point, Christ called Peter. He knew that point, Christ called Peter. He knew that point, Christ called Peter. He knew with their fail didn't catch him by with their fail didn't catch him by with their fail didn't catch him by surprise or off guard. He knew where surprise or off guard. He knew where surprise or off guard. He knew where they were going to walk and he knew the they were going to walk and he knew the they were going to walk and he knew the failure that Peter uh was going to failure that Peter uh was going to failure that Peter uh was going to encounter here in his life. But again uh encounter here in his life. But again uh encounter here in his life. But again uh the failure people depart from the the failure people depart from the the failure people depart from the faith. When people get discouraged uh faith. When people get discouraged uh faith. When people get discouraged uh when they let the trials of this world when they let the trials of this world when they let the trials of this world uh uh cause worry and oppression and uh uh cause worry and oppression and uh uh cause worry and oppression and depression, the enemy is trying to get depression, the enemy is trying to get depression, the enemy is trying to get you to depart from your faith. Uh you to depart from your faith. Uh you to depart from your faith. Uh another scenario where the enemy wants another scenario where the enemy wants another scenario where the enemy wants you to depart from your faith is in you to depart from your faith is in you to depart from your faith is in failure. When [clears throat] you fall failure. When [clears throat] you fall failure. When [clears throat] you fall and you fail the Lord, you have a and you fail the Lord, you have a and you fail the Lord, you have a decision to make. Uh you can either lay decision to make. Uh you can either lay decision to make. Uh you can either lay in that failure and continue in sin and in that failure and continue in sin and in that failure and continue in sin and go through the motions. Uh or you can go through the motions. Uh or you can go through the motions. Uh or you can allow God to bring restoration and allow God to bring restoration and allow God to bring restoration and healing to your soul. That is his heart. healing to your soul. That is his heart. healing to your soul. That is his heart. And his desire is to bring restoration And his desire is to bring restoration And his desire is to bring restoration and healing to one's soul. It's not his and healing to one's soul. It's not his and healing to one's soul. It's not his his heart desire is not toh see anyone his heart desire is not toh see anyone his heart desire is not toh see anyone go to hell. His will is that no one go to hell. His will is that no one go to hell. His will is that no one perish but that all come to repentance. perish but that all come to repentance. perish but that all come to repentance. That's the heart of God and the desire That's the heart of God and the desire That's the heart of God and the desire of God. But we see uh people during of God. But we see uh people during of God. But we see uh people during their failure, they have a decision to their failure, they have a decision to their failure, they have a decision to make. uh they can either maintain the make. uh they can either maintain the make. uh they can either maintain the faith the uh fight the good fight of faith the uh fight the good fight of faith the uh fight the good fight of faith to get [clears throat] up brush faith to get [clears throat] up brush faith to get [clears throat] up brush themsel off uh repent ask God to give themsel off uh repent ask God to give themsel off uh repent ask God to give them the strength and to help them to them the strength and to help them to them the strength and to help them to continue that they not continue in that continue that they not continue in that continue that they not continue in that failure and then walk in faith in the failure and then walk in faith in the failure and then walk in faith in the presence and the power and the spirit of presence and the power and the spirit of presence and the power and the spirit of the Lord Jesus Christ. Uh that is the the Lord Jesus Christ. Uh that is the the Lord Jesus Christ. Uh that is the decision you make in your failure. When decision you make in your failure. When decision you make in your failure. When we fail, we got that decision to make. we fail, we got that decision to make. we fail, we got that decision to make. What are we going to do? we going to What are we going to do? we going to What are we going to do? we going to continue in it or we going to let God continue in it or we going to let God continue in it or we going to let God help us and bring us out of it. So again help us and bring us out of it. So again help us and bring us out of it. So again that is the question here. What do we do that is the question here. What do we do that is the question here. What do we do after failure? And see we saw what Peter after failure? And see we saw what Peter after failure? And see we saw what Peter did. He ran out and wept bitterly. did. He ran out and wept bitterly. did. He ran out and wept bitterly. He wept because he loved the Lord. He wept because he loved the Lord. He wept because he loved the Lord. And to me if you'll look at that picture And to me if you'll look at that picture And to me if you'll look at that picture and if you'll read this the the and if you'll read this the the and if you'll read this the the scriptures if you'll look at the image scriptures if you'll look at the image scriptures if you'll look at the image Christ is standing there. Christ is standing there. Christ is standing there. Peter's over here. Peter denied him. The Peter's over here. Peter denied him. The Peter's over here. Peter denied him. The cockcrow. Peter looked over at Jesus. Peter looked over at Jesus. Jesus looked at Peter. Jesus looked at Peter. Jesus looked at Peter. Immediately after the failure, their Immediately after the failure, their Immediately after the failure, their eyes met. eyes met. eyes met. And it was as at that point Peter had a And it was as at that point Peter had a And it was as at that point Peter had a decision to make. What was he going to decision to make. What was he going to decision to make. What was he going to do? do? do? And he went out and wept bitterly. He And he went out and wept bitterly. He And he went out and wept bitterly. He repented. repented. repented. He wept. We're living in a day in a He wept. We're living in a day in a He wept. We're living in a day in a society now where now people not only society now where now people not only society now where now people not only will not weep over their sin. They have will not weep over their sin. They have will not weep over their sin. They have no fear of God before their eyes and no fear of God before their eyes and no fear of God before their eyes and they'll live in it and and and and it they'll live in it and and and and it they'll live in it and and and and it not bother them what one least in the not bother them what one least in the not bother them what one least in the little bit because why their faith has little bit because why their faith has little bit because why their faith has failed them and they don't believe what failed them and they don't believe what failed them and they don't believe what they say they believe. If you believe they say they believe. If you believe they say they believe. If you believe there's a holy God in heaven and an there's a holy God in heaven and an there's a holy God in heaven and an eternal hell awaiting for those who eternal hell awaiting for those who eternal hell awaiting for those who reject him and and and and walk away reject him and and and and walk away reject him and and and and walk away from him, then there's no way in the from him, then there's no way in the from him, then there's no way in the world I believe you're going to sit on a world I believe you're going to sit on a world I believe you're going to sit on a pew in the house of God. week Sunday pew in the house of God. week Sunday pew in the house of God. week Sunday after Sunday, week after week with after Sunday, week after week with after Sunday, week after week with unconfessed and for unforesoke sin in unconfessed and for unforesoke sin in unconfessed and for unforesoke sin in your life. If you have not forsook your your life. If you have not forsook your your life. If you have not forsook your faith, you'll forsake your sin. If you faith, you'll forsake your sin. If you faith, you'll forsake your sin. If you have you either forsake your faith or have you either forsake your faith or have you either forsake your faith or you'll forsake your sin, but you can't you'll forsake your sin, but you can't you'll forsake your sin, but you can't have them both because living faith will have them both because living faith will have them both because living faith will not allow you to live in sin. Amen. not allow you to live in sin. Amen. not allow you to live in sin. Amen. Living faith will not allow you to Living faith will not allow you to Living faith will not allow you to continue to walk and live in sin in continue to walk and live in sin in continue to walk and live in sin in thought, word, and deed every day. thought, word, and deed every day. thought, word, and deed every day. There's a difference between failing the There's a difference between failing the There's a difference between failing the Lord and living in sin. The Bible says Lord and living in sin. The Bible says Lord and living in sin. The Bible says he that committh sin is of the devil. he that committh sin is of the devil. he that committh sin is of the devil. For the devil sinned from the beginning. For the devil sinned from the beginning. For the devil sinned from the beginning. For this purpose of the seed of God For this purpose of the seed of God For this purpose of the seed of God remainth in him and he cannot commit remainth in him and he cannot commit remainth in him and he cannot commit sin. That word commit uh in that context sin. That word commit uh in that context sin. That word commit uh in that context of that scripture means practice. Uh if of that scripture means practice. Uh if of that scripture means practice. Uh if you practice sin uh and I practice sin, you practice sin uh and I practice sin, you practice sin uh and I practice sin, I'm of the devil. The devil is my I'm of the devil. The devil is my I'm of the devil. The devil is my father, not the heavenly father because father, not the heavenly father because father, not the heavenly father because he is I'm in alliance with him and we're he is I'm in alliance with him and we're he is I'm in alliance with him and we're walking hand in hand and he has now walking hand in hand and he has now walking hand in hand and he has now become my spiritual father. And that is become my spiritual father. And that is become my spiritual father. And that is the word of God. That's not Robert's the word of God. That's not Robert's the word of God. That's not Robert's opinion. He that practices sin is of the opinion. He that practices sin is of the opinion. He that practices sin is of the devil. God wants to call you out of that devil. God wants to call you out of that devil. God wants to call you out of that sin. He wants to call you out of that sin. He wants to call you out of that sin. He wants to call you out of that darkness. Uh he wants to give you a born darkness. Uh he wants to give you a born darkness. Uh he wants to give you a born again experience. Uh he wants to restore again experience. Uh he wants to restore again experience. Uh he wants to restore those that need to be restored. It's all those that need to be restored. It's all those that need to be restored. It's all about restoration and relationship with about restoration and relationship with about restoration and relationship with God this morning. That's what he wants God this morning. That's what he wants God this morning. That's what he wants you to know. God's saying somebody needs you to know. God's saying somebody needs you to know. God's saying somebody needs a second chance. Uh and that may be a second chance. Uh and that may be a second chance. Uh and that may be because you're backslide slitting. It because you're backslide slitting. It because you're backslide slitting. It may be people need a second chance may be people need a second chance may be people need a second chance because they're playing church. They're because they're playing church. They're because they're playing church. They're going through the motions. Uh they've going through the motions. Uh they've going through the motions. Uh they've give up and said, "What's the use?" It's give up and said, "What's the use?" It's give up and said, "What's the use?" It's easy to give up and say, "What's the easy to give up and say, "What's the easy to give up and say, "What's the use?" I've been there. use?" I've been there. use?" I've been there. I'm confessing. I'm confessing. I'm confessing. I told you that before. I told you that before. I told you that before. I played church. I played church. I played church. It's a lot easier to do that It's a lot easier to do that It's a lot easier to do that because when you play church, the flesh because when you play church, the flesh because when you play church, the flesh can still do what it wants to do. can still do what it wants to do. can still do what it wants to do. [laughter] [laughter] [laughter] When you play when you play church, When you play when you play church, When you play when you play church, doesn't require much of a sacrifice doesn't require much of a sacrifice doesn't require much of a sacrifice except coming in here for an hour or so except coming in here for an hour or so except coming in here for an hour or so a week. a week. a week. But the life of faith requires But the life of faith requires But the life of faith requires surrendering all. surrendering all. surrendering all. Surrendering all. But somebody is needs Surrendering all. But somebody is needs Surrendering all. But somebody is needs a second chance. And it doesn't matter a second chance. And it doesn't matter a second chance. And it doesn't matter why you need a second chance. The main why you need a second chance. The main why you need a second chance. The main thing is is God's saying you he's he's a thing is is God's saying you he's he's a thing is is God's saying you he's he's a God of second chances. And he's saying God of second chances. And he's saying God of second chances. And he's saying if you'll humble yourself and come if you'll humble yourself and come if you'll humble yourself and come before him, before him, before him, he'll bring restoration. Don't y'all he'll bring restoration. Don't y'all he'll bring restoration. Don't y'all like restoration and healing? like restoration and healing? like restoration and healing? Don't you like it when you know when you Don't you like it when you know when you Don't you like it when you know when you know the Lord forgives you and you feel know the Lord forgives you and you feel know the Lord forgives you and you feel that warm feeling again and you know that warm feeling again and you know that warm feeling again and you know that you know that you know that you're that you know that you know that you're that you know that you know that you're walking with the Lord and his presence walking with the Lord and his presence walking with the Lord and his presence is very real. It's not something you is very real. It's not something you is very real. It's not something you just read about in a book or hear just read about in a book or hear just read about in a book or hear someone preach about it. It is a reality someone preach about it. It is a reality someone preach about it. It is a reality to you in your life. The presence of the to you in your life. The presence of the to you in your life. The presence of the power of God giving you power and power of God giving you power and power of God giving you power and strength to live an overcoming life. strength to live an overcoming life. strength to live an overcoming life. That is the reality of what God wants That is the reality of what God wants That is the reality of what God wants for us in our life, our life. Uh what for us in our life, our life. Uh what for us in our life, our life. Uh what why did God create man relationship why did God create man relationship why did God create man relationship and that's what this lesson's really and that's what this lesson's really and that's what this lesson's really about today or this uh sermon is about about today or this uh sermon is about about today or this uh sermon is about is what it really means to be in a is what it really means to be in a is what it really means to be in a relationship with God. It's about relationship with God. It's about relationship with God. It's about relationships, not about religion. It's relationships, not about religion. It's relationships, not about religion. It's about that first love he asked Peter. about that first love he asked Peter. about that first love he asked Peter. It's about that first love that we had It's about that first love that we had It's about that first love that we had when we first got saved. And there's when we first got saved. And there's when we first got saved. And there's times that you going to have to stir up times that you going to have to stir up times that you going to have to stir up that gift. And you going to have to keep that gift. And you going to have to keep that gift. And you going to have to keep yourself in the love of God. Y'all do yourself in the love of God. Y'all do yourself in the love of God. Y'all do know that, right? Because there's days know that, right? Because there's days know that, right? Because there's days you're not going to feel anything. you're not going to feel anything. you're not going to feel anything. And that's where you love that goes back And that's where you love that goes back And that's where you love that goes back to the uh fileo love or the agape love. to the uh fileo love or the agape love. to the uh fileo love or the agape love. And you love him mind, will, and And you love him mind, will, and And you love him mind, will, and emotion. I don't feel anything. But my emotion. I don't feel anything. But my emotion. I don't feel anything. But my relationship with God is not based on relationship with God is not based on relationship with God is not based on what I feel or how I feel. I'm still what I feel or how I feel. I'm still what I feel or how I feel. I'm still saved because Christ said I'm saved. I'm saved because Christ said I'm saved. I'm saved because Christ said I'm saved. I'm still washed in the blood because he still washed in the blood because he still washed in the blood because he said I'm washed in the blood. He told me said I'm washed in the blood. He told me said I'm washed in the blood. He told me if I confess my sin, he's faithful and if I confess my sin, he's faithful and if I confess my sin, he's faithful and just to forgive me of my sin and cleanse just to forgive me of my sin and cleanse just to forgive me of my sin and cleanse me of all unrighteousness. That's the me of all unrighteousness. That's the me of all unrighteousness. That's the word of God. It doesn't matter how I word of God. It doesn't matter how I word of God. It doesn't matter how I feel. It doesn't matter my emotion. feel. It doesn't matter my emotion. feel. It doesn't matter my emotion. We're emotionally driven people. And if We're emotionally driven people. And if We're emotionally driven people. And if you're not careful, you'll allow your you're not careful, you'll allow your you're not careful, you'll allow your emotional state to dictate your emotional state to dictate your emotional state to dictate your relationship with God. You feel him one relationship with God. You feel him one relationship with God. You feel him one day, you don't feel him the next day. day, you don't feel him the next day. day, you don't feel him the next day. God is try trying to help us to grow and God is try trying to help us to grow and God is try trying to help us to grow and to understand this relationship is it is to understand this relationship is it is to understand this relationship is it is a feeling, but it goes a whole lot a feeling, but it goes a whole lot a feeling, but it goes a whole lot further than just a feeling. That is the relationship. That is the relationship. God created man in his own image. He God created man in his own image. He God created man in his own image. He created him to have intimate fellowship. created him to have intimate fellowship. created him to have intimate fellowship. He had intimate fellowship with Adam in He had intimate fellowship with Adam in He had intimate fellowship with Adam in the Garden of Eden. They walked in the the Garden of Eden. They walked in the the Garden of Eden. They walked in the cool of the day and they had intimate cool of the day and they had intimate cool of the day and they had intimate fellowship. All right. So, uh, in just a fellowship. All right. So, uh, in just a fellowship. All right. So, uh, in just a little bit in this lesson, we're going little bit in this lesson, we're going little bit in this lesson, we're going to look at go back to the Old Testament to look at go back to the Old Testament to look at go back to the Old Testament and we're going to look at Israel's and we're going to look at Israel's and we're going to look at Israel's deliverance and looking at that as a deliverance and looking at that as a deliverance and looking at that as a typology of a type of Christ and a type typology of a type of Christ and a type typology of a type of Christ and a type of our relationship with God. We live in of our relationship with God. We live in of our relationship with God. We live in a culture today you have a lot more a culture today you have a lot more a culture today you have a lot more people that to them the normal church people that to them the normal church people that to them the normal church is playing church is playing church is playing church the power where's the power a form of the power where's the power a form of the power where's the power a form of godliness but denying the power if you godliness but denying the power if you godliness but denying the power if you if if you are a child of God the power if if you are a child of God the power if if you are a child of God the power of God is evident in your life and that of God is evident in your life and that of God is evident in your life and that it's that same power that's delivered it's that same power that's delivered it's that same power that's delivered you from the power of sin and of bondage you from the power of sin and of bondage you from the power of sin and of bondage and of the devil and of the devil and of the devil if my God is not only he didn't only if my God is not only he didn't only if my God is not only he didn't only love me enough to shed his blood and and love me enough to shed his blood and and love me enough to shed his blood and and out for me. He He loved me enough to set out for me. He He loved me enough to set out for me. He He loved me enough to set me free and deliver me from the power of me free and deliver me from the power of me free and deliver me from the power of sin. One that tells you that Christ sin. One that tells you that Christ sin. One that tells you that Christ can't deliver you from the power of sin, can't deliver you from the power of sin, can't deliver you from the power of sin, they don't know who Christ is. they don't know who Christ is. they don't know who Christ is. He came to set the captive free. He came He came to set the captive free. He came He came to set the captive free. He came to bring deliverance to the captive and to bring deliverance to the captive and to bring deliverance to the captive and give sight to the blind. He came to heal give sight to the blind. He came to heal give sight to the blind. He came to heal the brokenhearted and set at liberty the brokenhearted and set at liberty the brokenhearted and set at liberty those who are bruised. Are you bruised those who are bruised. Are you bruised those who are bruised. Are you bruised this morning? Are you brokenhearted this this morning? Are you brokenhearted this this morning? Are you brokenhearted this morning? There is deliverance. There's morning? There is deliverance. There's morning? There is deliverance. There's healing and and and there is liberty in healing and and and there is liberty in healing and and and there is liberty in this altar for whatever you might need this altar for whatever you might need this altar for whatever you might need this morning. And maybe you don't need this morning. And maybe you don't need this morning. And maybe you don't need any of it, but somebody does. I'm any of it, but somebody does. I'm any of it, but somebody does. I'm confident in that. Somebody needs to confident in that. Somebody needs to confident in that. Somebody needs to receive what the Lord is saying this receive what the Lord is saying this receive what the Lord is saying this morning. Well, we see uh when God called morning. Well, we see uh when God called morning. Well, we see uh when God called Israel out of Egypt, he told them to do Israel out of Egypt, he told them to do Israel out of Egypt, he told them to do three things. Guard their loins, put three things. Guard their loins, put three things. Guard their loins, put their shoes on their feet, get their their shoes on their feet, get their their shoes on their feet, get their staff in their hand. Right? So, what was staff in their hand. Right? So, what was staff in their hand. Right? So, what was he saying? The point one here in your he saying? The point one here in your he saying? The point one here in your relationship with God, God want he saved relationship with God, God want he saved relationship with God, God want he saved you. He brought you out, but he wants you. He brought you out, but he wants you. He brought you out, but he wants you to be in a state of readiness. He you to be in a state of readiness. He you to be in a state of readiness. He wants you to be ready. Today is the day wants you to be ready. Today is the day wants you to be ready. Today is the day of salvation. That now is accepted time. of salvation. That now is accepted time. of salvation. That now is accepted time. He wants you to be in a state of He wants you to be in a state of He wants you to be in a state of readiness. Uh so that when that trumpet readiness. Uh so that when that trumpet readiness. Uh so that when that trumpet sounds, you're looking for him. See, if sounds, you're looking for him. See, if sounds, you're looking for him. See, if you're in a state of readiness, uh then you're in a state of readiness, uh then you're in a state of readiness, uh then we're going to be listening and looking. we're going to be listening and looking. we're going to be listening and looking. We're going to be longing and waiting We're going to be longing and waiting We're going to be longing and waiting for the Lord to come. We we get I know for the Lord to come. We we get I know for the Lord to come. We we get I know there's times we get distracted and our there's times we get distracted and our there's times we get distracted and our minds are taken elsewhere but uh we minds are taken elsewhere but uh we minds are taken elsewhere but uh we there should not be days and weeks that there should not be days and weeks that there should not be days and weeks that we don't even think about or look for we don't even think about or look for we don't even think about or look for the Lord to come or get excited about the Lord to come or get excited about the Lord to come or get excited about the Lord coming. So again what a state the Lord coming. So again what a state the Lord coming. So again what a state of readiness that's what God was telling of readiness that's what God was telling of readiness that's what God was telling them you be ready you get your loins gir them you be ready you get your loins gir them you be ready you get your loins gir about with truth get your feet shoved about with truth get your feet shoved about with truth get your feet shoved with the preparation of the gospel of with the preparation of the gospel of with the preparation of the gospel of peace. All right, take the staff in your peace. All right, take the staff in your peace. All right, take the staff in your hand signifying that's the word of God hand signifying that's the word of God hand signifying that's the word of God and you have that word and you hide it and you have that word and you hide it and you have that word and you hide it in your heart and you live near and dear in your heart and you live near and dear in your heart and you live near and dear to it and you keep it close by you and to it and you keep it close by you and to it and you keep it close by you and keep your eyes on the skies uh for the keep your eyes on the skies uh for the keep your eyes on the skies uh for the Lord is coming. Uh we're to live in a Lord is coming. Uh we're to live in a Lord is coming. Uh we're to live in a state of readiness. Uh that's why five state of readiness. Uh that's why five state of readiness. Uh that's why five foolish virgins didn't go to heaven. foolish virgins didn't go to heaven. foolish virgins didn't go to heaven. They were not living in a state of They were not living in a state of They were not living in a state of readiness. readiness. readiness. So that's the first point we see when he So that's the first point we see when he So that's the first point we see when he brought Israel out. Second point, he brought Israel out. Second point, he brought Israel out. Second point, he separated them from the world to God. separated them from the world to God. separated them from the world to God. Y'all hear that all the time? Y'all hear that all the time? Y'all hear that all the time? God is a God of separation. God is a God of separation. God is a God of separation. He is holy. What does what does holy He is holy. What does what does holy He is holy. What does what does holy mean? You know, all churches, liberal mean? You know, all churches, liberal mean? You know, all churches, liberal churches will tell you God's holy, and churches will tell you God's holy, and churches will tell you God's holy, and he wants you to be holy. The problem is he wants you to be holy. The problem is he wants you to be holy. The problem is everybody has a different definition of everybody has a different definition of everybody has a different definition of the word holy. the word holy. the word holy. But the but the meaning of holy is But the but the meaning of holy is But the but the meaning of holy is separation. separation. separation. Separate. apart from Separate. apart from Separate. apart from set aside. set aside. set aside. All right? So God is a God of All right? So God is a God of All right? So God is a God of separation. separation. separation. So what he did he called them out of So what he did he called them out of So what he did he called them out of Egypt. He separated them. Even when they Egypt. He separated them. Even when they Egypt. He separated them. Even when they lived in Egypt, they lived in Gan which lived in Egypt, they lived in Gan which lived in Egypt, they lived in Gan which was a place apart from the other Egypt was a place apart from the other Egypt was a place apart from the other Egypt cult Egyptian culture because God was cult Egyptian culture because God was cult Egyptian culture because God was separating them to teach them his will separating them to teach them his will separating them to teach them his will and his way and have the devotion of his and his way and have the devotion of his and his way and have the devotion of his heart. heart. heart. So again that separation it is from the So again that separation it is from the So again that separation it is from the world and then to God. So God don't just world and then to God. So God don't just world and then to God. So God don't just separate you from something. He separate you from something. He separate you from something. He separates you to something. He separates separates you to something. He separates separates you to something. He separates us from the world but he separates us us from the world but he separates us us from the world but he separates us unto him. A peculiar people a a holy unto him. A peculiar people a a holy unto him. A peculiar people a a holy nation. We are to be separate uh and nation. We are to be separate uh and nation. We are to be separate uh and called out of the darkness into his called out of the darkness into his called out of the darkness into his marvelous light. Uh we're we are to be marvelous light. Uh we're we are to be marvelous light. Uh we're we are to be separate and and there should be a dist separate and and there should be a dist separate and and there should be a dist there's a distinct line of demarcation there's a distinct line of demarcation there's a distinct line of demarcation between the word of God and the world. between the word of God and the world. between the word of God and the world. Would y'all agree with that? Would y'all agree with that? Would y'all agree with that? Two totally opposite diametrical Two totally opposite diametrical Two totally opposite diametrical philosophies. philosophies. philosophies. This is truth. That's error. But there This is truth. That's error. But there This is truth. That's error. But there needs just there just there needs to be needs just there just there needs to be needs just there just there needs to be at least as much of a diametrical at least as much of a diametrical at least as much of a diametrical opposite in our life and the world than opposite in our life and the world than opposite in our life and the world than there is the word of God in the world. there is the word of God in the world. there is the word of God in the world. Because if we're living in the pages of Because if we're living in the pages of Because if we're living in the pages of the book, if we're living in this word the book, if we're living in this word the book, if we're living in this word and this word's living in us, uh then and this word's living in us, uh then and this word's living in us, uh then that we should be clearly understood that we should be clearly understood that we should be clearly understood that that we're no part of this world. that that we're no part of this world. that that we're no part of this world. Uh [clears throat] we don't think like Uh [clears throat] we don't think like Uh [clears throat] we don't think like them. Uh our value system is not what them. Uh our value system is not what them. Uh our value system is not what their value system is. Uh uh we don't their value system is. Uh uh we don't their value system is. Uh uh we don't act like them. We're not to look like act like them. We're not to look like act like them. We're not to look like them. Uh we're be supposed to be totally them. Uh we're be supposed to be totally them. Uh we're be supposed to be totally separate, called out from the world and separate, called out from the world and separate, called out from the world and called into his holiness uh and into the called into his holiness uh and into the called into his holiness uh and into the family of the Lord. You're called out, family of the Lord. You're called out, family of the Lord. You're called out, but you're called in. Praise the Lord. but you're called in. Praise the Lord. but you're called in. Praise the Lord. Now, y'all quiet. I don't know if it's Now, y'all quiet. I don't know if it's Now, y'all quiet. I don't know if it's because we've been out of church two because we've been out of church two because we've been out of church two weeks, but point two, separation, preparedness, but point two, separation, preparedness, readiness. That's where we need to be readiness. That's where we need to be readiness. That's where we need to be this morning, church. Point two, this morning, church. Point two, this morning, church. Point two, separation. Point three, trust. separation. Point three, trust. separation. Point three, trust. That song we sang, trust in the Lord. That song we sang, trust in the Lord. That song we sang, trust in the Lord. Trust. Throughout this process, God was Trust. Throughout this process, God was Trust. Throughout this process, God was revealing himself to Israel and he was revealing himself to Israel and he was revealing himself to Israel and he was teaching them to trust him. All right? teaching them to trust him. All right? teaching them to trust him. All right? So, they were learning to trust God. How So, they were learning to trust God. How So, they were learning to trust God. How many of you know that's a growing many of you know that's a growing many of you know that's a growing process? You take someone just get process? You take someone just get process? You take someone just get saved. saved. saved. They had never been through a battle They had never been through a battle They had never been through a battle with God on their side before. So they with God on their side before. So they with God on their side before. So they got to go through that first trial and got to go through that first trial and got to go through that first trial and that first battle and that's and and and that first battle and that's and and and that first battle and that's and and and then when they get through it, they look then when they get through it, they look then when they get through it, they look back and see how God kept them in that back and see how God kept them in that back and see how God kept them in that battle and that trial and that trust is battle and that trial and that trust is battle and that trial and that trust is developed and it grows. We are to grow developed and it grows. We are to grow developed and it grows. We are to grow spiritually. We're to grow in our spiritually. We're to grow in our spiritually. We're to grow in our relationship with God. We're not to relationship with God. We're not to relationship with God. We're not to remain stagnant. So again, we see trust. remain stagnant. So again, we see trust. remain stagnant. So again, we see trust. The first thing he wanted to do is he The first thing he wanted to do is he The first thing he wanted to do is he wanted them to trust him with their wanted them to trust him with their wanted them to trust him with their protection. God is a God is a protector. protection. God is a God is a protector. protection. God is a God is a protector. He's a refuge. They had the uh they had He's a refuge. They had the uh they had He's a refuge. They had the uh they had the Red Sea in front of them. They had the Red Sea in front of them. They had the Red Sea in front of them. They had Pharaoh's army behind them. They they Pharaoh's army behind them. They they Pharaoh's army behind them. They they didn't seem to be any way out. And their didn't seem to be any way out. And their didn't seem to be any way out. And their natural in inclination was to grumble natural in inclination was to grumble natural in inclination was to grumble about it. That was the first complaint. about it. That was the first complaint. about it. That was the first complaint. Grumbled about it. But again, God was Grumbled about it. But again, God was Grumbled about it. But again, God was wanting to them to understand it doesn't wanting to them to understand it doesn't wanting to them to understand it doesn't matter if it seems impossible in your matter if it seems impossible in your matter if it seems impossible in your eyes. It doesn't matter uh if it seems eyes. It doesn't matter uh if it seems eyes. It doesn't matter uh if it seems like it's unattainable. It like it's unattainable. It like it's unattainable. It [clears throat] doesn't matter if you [clears throat] doesn't matter if you [clears throat] doesn't matter if you don't see a way out. With God, all don't see a way out. With God, all don't see a way out. With God, all things are possible to him that things are possible to him that things are possible to him that believeth to them that believe. All things are to them that believe. All things are possible. So again, we know this possible. So again, we know this possible. So again, we know this morning, it doesn't m I don't have to morning, it doesn't m I don't have to morning, it doesn't m I don't have to see a way out. I just have to see God in see a way out. I just have to see God in see a way out. I just have to see God in my situation. I don't have to see an my situation. I don't have to see an my situation. I don't have to see an escape door. I just have to see God in escape door. I just have to see God in escape door. I just have to see God in my situation, in my circumstances, in my my situation, in my circumstances, in my my situation, in my circumstances, in my trial. That's where my eyes and my heart trial. That's where my eyes and my heart trial. That's where my eyes and my heart need to be focused uh is on him during need to be focused uh is on him during need to be focused uh is on him during those difficult times. Uh he wants us to those difficult times. Uh he wants us to those difficult times. Uh he wants us to protect uh trust him with protection. Uh protect uh trust him with protection. Uh protect uh trust him with protection. Uh he what are we protected from? First of he what are we protected from? First of he what are we protected from? First of all, we're protected from the wrath of all, we're protected from the wrath of all, we're protected from the wrath of God. Then we're protected from the curse God. Then we're protected from the curse God. Then we're protected from the curse of the law. And then we're pro protected of the law. And then we're pro protected of the law. And then we're pro protected from the damnation of eternal hell. from the damnation of eternal hell. from the damnation of eternal hell. That's what God is protecting his That's what God is protecting his That's what God is protecting his children from. And that's what the price children from. And that's what the price children from. And that's what the price he paid on Calvary is to protect us uh he paid on Calvary is to protect us uh he paid on Calvary is to protect us uh from those three things uh that we face from those three things uh that we face from those three things uh that we face here. The lamb was not to be looked here. The lamb was not to be looked here. The lamb was not to be looked upon. If you look he God gave them upon. If you look he God gave them upon. If you look he God gave them instructions. Y'all know the story about instructions. Y'all know the story about instructions. Y'all know the story about the last plague uh taking the firstborn the last plague uh taking the firstborn the last plague uh taking the firstborn of the Egyptians. Uh and the instruction of the Egyptians. Uh and the instruction of the Egyptians. Uh and the instruction take that lamb, take the blood, put it take that lamb, take the blood, put it take that lamb, take the blood, put it on the doorpost and lentil. Don't put it on the doorpost and lentil. Don't put it on the doorpost and lentil. Don't put it on the bottom piece. Why? The blood of on the bottom piece. Why? The blood of on the bottom piece. Why? The blood of God is precious and it's not supposed to God is precious and it's not supposed to God is precious and it's not supposed to be trampled over. And if I'm living in be trampled over. And if I'm living in be trampled over. And if I'm living in sin and I'm going through the motions, sin and I'm going through the motions, sin and I'm going through the motions, I'm trampling over that precious blood I'm trampling over that precious blood I'm trampling over that precious blood of Jesus Christ. And I need to wake up of Jesus Christ. And I need to wake up of Jesus Christ. And I need to wake up and smell the coffee and understand the and smell the coffee and understand the and smell the coffee and understand the gravity of where I am. The gravity of an gravity of where I am. The gravity of an gravity of where I am. The gravity of an eternal life awaits me. And the gravity eternal life awaits me. And the gravity eternal life awaits me. And the gravity of I don't my next breath is not of I don't my next breath is not of I don't my next breath is not promised. Praise the Lord. Thank you, Lord. So Praise the Lord. Thank you, Lord. So again, the lamb was not to be looked on again, the lamb was not to be looked on again, the lamb was not to be looked on only. They were not to look at that lamb only. They were not to look at that lamb only. They were not to look at that lamb that they they killed and put the blood. that they they killed and put the blood. that they they killed and put the blood. They were to roast it and eat it. They were to roast it and eat it. They were to roast it and eat it. The lamb didn't hang on a cross. The lamb didn't hang on a cross. The lamb didn't hang on a cross. The lamb of God didn't hang on a cross The lamb of God didn't hang on a cross The lamb of God didn't hang on a cross just to be looked upon. just to be looked upon. just to be looked upon. We must make faith. We must by faith We must make faith. We must by faith We must make faith. We must by faith make Christ our own. We're to partake of make Christ our own. We're to partake of make Christ our own. We're to partake of him. him. him. We must by faith take him as our own. We We must by faith take him as our own. We We must by faith take him as our own. We receive our spiritual strength and receive our spiritual strength and receive our spiritual strength and nourishment. We don't just look on him. nourishment. We don't just look on him. nourishment. We don't just look on him. We take him. Ain't that what he told We take him. Ain't that what he told We take him. Ain't that what he told them? Take and eat of this. This is my them? Take and eat of this. This is my them? Take and eat of this. This is my body. body. body. A lot of people like to look on him and A lot of people like to look on him and A lot of people like to look on him and live in sin and say they're on the way live in sin and say they're on the way live in sin and say they're on the way to heaven. That's looking on him. But to heaven. That's looking on him. But to heaven. That's looking on him. But when you take him and when you give your when you take him and when you give your when you take him and when you give your life to him and let him come in and do life to him and let him come in and do life to him and let him come in and do what he wants to do. When you take him what he wants to do. When you take him what he wants to do. When you take him and he becomes the reason you live and and he becomes the reason you live and and he becomes the reason you live and move and have your being and he's your move and have your being and he's your move and have your being and he's your heart's desire. heart's desire. heart's desire. He's the he's the one thing that makes He's the he's the one thing that makes He's the he's the one thing that makes you excited. you excited. you excited. We are not to look upon him only We are not to look upon him only We are not to look upon him only but to take him but to take him but to take him take of him. Uh so again uh the first take of him. Uh so again uh the first take of him. Uh so again uh the first two months of this journey he not only two months of this journey he not only two months of this journey he not only wanted them to trust him with protection wanted them to trust him with protection wanted them to trust him with protection but also with provision. but also with provision. but also with provision. Remember they got thirsty because the Remember they got thirsty because the Remember they got thirsty because the water was bitter initially water was bitter initially water was bitter initially and y'all know the story there. Then and y'all know the story there. Then and y'all know the story there. Then they got hungry and they complained. God they got hungry and they complained. God they got hungry and they complained. God sent them food. Then they got thirsty. sent them food. Then they got thirsty. sent them food. Then they got thirsty. They complained. God sent them water out They complained. God sent them water out They complained. God sent them water out of a rock. What is God trying to teach of a rock. What is God trying to teach of a rock. What is God trying to teach them in this time of the early them in this time of the early them in this time of the early experience in the wilderness in their experience in the wilderness in their experience in the wilderness in their transition? He's trying to teach them, transition? He's trying to teach them, transition? He's trying to teach them, trust me for your provision. trust me for your provision. trust me for your provision. Don't take no thought for tomorrow. Don't take no thought for tomorrow. Don't take no thought for tomorrow. What does that mean by not taking What does that mean by not taking What does that mean by not taking thought? You're supposed to plan for thought? You're supposed to plan for thought? You're supposed to plan for tomorrow. tomorrow. tomorrow. You're supposed to if if you can have a You're supposed to if if you can have a You're supposed to if if you can have a savings account. If you can do these savings account. If you can do these savings account. If you can do these things to prepare for tomorrow. But I'm things to prepare for tomorrow. But I'm things to prepare for tomorrow. But I'm not to worry about tomorrow. I I put it not to worry about tomorrow. I I put it not to worry about tomorrow. I I put it in God's hands and I try to trust him in God's hands and I try to trust him in God's hands and I try to trust him today. So when it says take no thought today. So when it says take no thought today. So when it says take no thought for tomorrow, it doesn't mean not plan for tomorrow, it doesn't mean not plan for tomorrow, it doesn't mean not plan for tomorrow. What it does mean is don't for tomorrow. What it does mean is don't for tomorrow. What it does mean is don't worry about tomorrow. You plan for worry about tomorrow. You plan for worry about tomorrow. You plan for tomorrow and then tomorrow. If tomorrow tomorrow and then tomorrow. If tomorrow tomorrow and then tomorrow. If tomorrow finds you in heaven, you don't have to finds you in heaven, you don't have to finds you in heaven, you don't have to worry about anything you plan for down worry about anything you plan for down worry about anything you plan for down on here's earth. Nevertheless, on here's earth. Nevertheless, on here's earth. Nevertheless, [clears throat] you still planning. But [clears throat] you still planning. But [clears throat] you still planning. But God wants us to trust him and not live God wants us to trust him and not live God wants us to trust him and not live in worry. Worry brings oppression and in worry. Worry brings oppression and in worry. Worry brings oppression and depression and depression is a powerful depression and depression is a powerful depression and depression is a powerful spiritual force. Depression is powerful Depression is powerful but God is more powerful. but God is more powerful. but God is more powerful. Trust him with our protection. Trust him Trust him with our protection. Trust him Trust him with our protection. Trust him with our provision. with our provision. with our provision. Then what he wanted them to do is to Then what he wanted them to do is to Then what he wanted them to do is to trust him in the battle. Now if you trust him in the battle. Now if you trust him in the battle. Now if you hadn't been happy all afternoon, all hadn't been happy all afternoon, all hadn't been happy all afternoon, all morning, this is your time to get happy. morning, this is your time to get happy. morning, this is your time to get happy. All right? He he wanted them to trust All right? He he wanted them to trust All right? He he wanted them to trust him in the battle. All right. So what him in the battle. All right. So what him in the battle. All right. So what happened? We seen a no an unprovoked happened? We seen a no an unprovoked happened? We seen a no an unprovoked attack on Israel by the Amalocites. attack on Israel by the Amalocites. attack on Israel by the Amalocites. They were not provoked. They just They were not provoked. They just They were not provoked. They just attacked Israel. And God sent Joshua attacked Israel. And God sent Joshua attacked Israel. And God sent Joshua down into battle. Y'all know what Josh down into battle. Y'all know what Josh down into battle. Y'all know what Josh the name Joshua means? The Lord saves. the name Joshua means? The Lord saves. the name Joshua means? The Lord saves. Think about that. Every name God gave Think about that. Every name God gave Think about that. Every name God gave people in his word, there's a purpose people in his word, there's a purpose people in his word, there's a purpose behind that name. They didn't just behind that name. They didn't just behind that name. They didn't just choose a name. Well, my uncle was named choose a name. Well, my uncle was named choose a name. Well, my uncle was named this, so I'm going to aim this at. Every this, so I'm going to aim this at. Every this, so I'm going to aim this at. Every name has a purpose and a meaning. And name has a purpose and a meaning. And name has a purpose and a meaning. And the name of Joshua was the Lord saved. the name of Joshua was the Lord saved. the name of Joshua was the Lord saved. So they they sent Joshua, who is a type So they they sent Joshua, who is a type So they they sent Joshua, who is a type of Christ, into the battle. How many of of Christ, into the battle. How many of of Christ, into the battle. How many of you know God to fight your battle? How you know God to fight your battle? How you know God to fight your battle? How many of you know he's the one on the many of you know he's the one on the many of you know he's the one on the battlefield? He just needs your battlefield? He just needs your battlefield? He just needs your cooperation and my cooperation during cooperation and my cooperation during cooperation and my cooperation during the battle, then let him fight the the battle, then let him fight the the battle, then let him fight the battle. battle. battle. So again, So again, So again, they we know the story. Joshua went to a they we know the story. Joshua went to a they we know the story. Joshua went to a fight. Herod and her went up to the hill fight. Herod and her went up to the hill fight. Herod and her went up to the hill with Moses and the battle commenced. with Moses and the battle commenced. with Moses and the battle commenced. When Moses' hands were up, Israel would When Moses' hands were up, Israel would When Moses' hands were up, Israel would prevail. When his hands come down, the prevail. When his hands come down, the prevail. When his hands come down, the Amalachites would prevail. Moses got Amalachites would prevail. Moses got Amalachites would prevail. Moses got tired, set them on a rock, Herod and her tired, set them on a rock, Herod and her tired, set them on a rock, Herod and her lifted up each arm to help him and lifted up each arm to help him and lifted up each arm to help him and steady him and and to keep his hands up. steady him and and to keep his hands up. steady him and and to keep his hands up. Uh what God was trying to teach them is Uh what God was trying to teach them is Uh what God was trying to teach them is they weren't dependent on Moses' they weren't dependent on Moses' they weren't dependent on Moses' strength. But what they were doing was strength. But what they were doing was strength. But what they were doing was depending upon God's deliverance because depending upon God's deliverance because depending upon God's deliverance because they recognized when those hands went up they recognized when those hands went up they recognized when those hands went up and they were putting their dependence and they were putting their dependence and they were putting their dependence and trust in God. You know why brother and trust in God. You know why brother and trust in God. You know why brother Hunt and others try to get encourage you Hunt and others try to get encourage you Hunt and others try to get encourage you to worship God because when your hands to worship God because when your hands to worship God because when your hands go up what you're saying is God I'm go up what you're saying is God I'm go up what you're saying is God I'm trusting you in the battle. When your trusting you in the battle. When your trusting you in the battle. When your hands go up, uh, God, I'm trusting you hands go up, uh, God, I'm trusting you hands go up, uh, God, I'm trusting you in the battle. You might not feel good. in the battle. You might not feel good. in the battle. You might not feel good. You might be going through situations You might be going through situations You might be going through situations and circumstances no one knows about, and circumstances no one knows about, and circumstances no one knows about, but when you'll stand up and you'll lift but when you'll stand up and you'll lift but when you'll stand up and you'll lift up your holy handsh without wrath or up your holy handsh without wrath or up your holy handsh without wrath or doubting, and you'll begin to lift those doubting, and you'll begin to lift those doubting, and you'll begin to lift those hands toward heaven, what you're saying hands toward heaven, what you're saying hands toward heaven, what you're saying and serving notice is, "I'm still and serving notice is, "I'm still and serving notice is, "I'm still trusting you, God. I'm still worshiping trusting you, God. I'm still worshiping trusting you, God. I'm still worshiping you because you're worthy depend you because you're worthy depend you because you're worthy depend regardless of where I am, where I'm regardless of where I am, where I'm regardless of where I am, where I'm living. You're worthy to be worshiped. living. You're worthy to be worshiped. living. You're worthy to be worshiped. And I'm still going to throw up my And I'm still going to throw up my And I'm still going to throw up my hands. That's when you need to worship the Lord That's when you need to worship the Lord when things are not going so good when things are not going so good when things are not going so good because you're s you're you're sending a because you're s you're you're sending a because you're s you're you're sending a message and that's a message of faith. I message and that's a message of faith. I message and that's a message of faith. I got faith in God and I'm going to got faith in God and I'm going to got faith in God and I'm going to worship him. So again, we see that they worship him. So again, we see that they worship him. So again, we see that they want God wanted them to trust him in a want God wanted them to trust him in a want God wanted them to trust him in a battle. battle. battle. It had much more to do with the act of It had much more to do with the act of It had much more to do with the act of depending on God than on the strength of depending on God than on the strength of depending on God than on the strength of Moses. Didn't have anything to do with Moses. Didn't have anything to do with Moses. Didn't have anything to do with the strength of Moses. He was teaching the strength of Moses. He was teaching the strength of Moses. He was teaching them to depend on him them to depend on him them to depend on him in the battle. Are you on the in the battle. Are you on the in the battle. Are you on the battlefield? battlefield? battlefield? We are a soldier. We are a soldier. When you were saved, We are a soldier. When you were saved, you become a lamb. God didn't save you you become a lamb. God didn't save you you become a lamb. God didn't save you to remain a lamb. to remain a lamb. to remain a lamb. He saved you to become a soldier. He saved you to become a soldier. He saved you to become a soldier. And if you are a and if you are a born And if you are a and if you are a born And if you are a and if you are a born again child of God, you understand this again child of God, you understand this again child of God, you understand this battle. And you understand it can only battle. And you understand it can only battle. And you understand it can only be won in your prayer life and on your be won in your prayer life and on your be won in your prayer life and on your knees. And if that's absent, you're knees. And if that's absent, you're knees. And if that's absent, you're you're just playing. You have a form of you're just playing. You have a form of you're just playing. You have a form of godliness. godliness. godliness. I can't do it. There's times I there's I can't do it. There's times I there's I can't do it. There's times I there's times when I've got weak in my prayer times when I've got weak in my prayer times when I've got weak in my prayer life. life. life. I could tell the difference and I I could tell the difference and I I could tell the difference and I couldn't do it. I had to run back to the couldn't do it. I had to run back to the couldn't do it. I had to run back to the altar and I had to realize, God, I can't altar and I had to realize, God, I can't altar and I had to realize, God, I can't do this. do this. do this. God will fight your battle, but you've God will fight your battle, but you've God will fight your battle, but you've got to make yourself available for him got to make yourself available for him got to make yourself available for him to fight your battle. to fight your battle. to fight your battle. Joshua, the Lord saves, was fighting the Joshua, the Lord saves, was fighting the Joshua, the Lord saves, was fighting the battle. battle. battle. But up on the hill, But up on the hill, But up on the hill, up on the hill, there was prayer and up on the hill, there was prayer and up on the hill, there was prayer and intercession and praise taking place. intercession and praise taking place. intercession and praise taking place. Up on the hill, the battle was fought. Up on the hill, the battle was fought. Up on the hill, the battle was fought. Christ is going to fight. He'll fight Christ is going to fight. He'll fight Christ is going to fight. He'll fight the battle. Stand still and see the the battle. Stand still and see the the battle. Stand still and see the salvation of the Lord. Moses told them salvation of the Lord. Moses told them salvation of the Lord. Moses told them before they crossed the Red Sea that he before they crossed the Red Sea that he before they crossed the Red Sea that he will show you today. God will fight your will show you today. God will fight your will show you today. God will fight your battle. But up on the hill, we've got to battle. But up on the hill, we've got to battle. But up on the hill, we've got to be praying. We've got to be worshiping. be praying. We've got to be worshiping. be praying. We've got to be worshiping. up on the heel. We've got to be trusting up on the heel. We've got to be trusting up on the heel. We've got to be trusting and putting our dependency upon God, the and putting our dependency upon God, the and putting our dependency upon God, the God of heaven, in this battle that we're God of heaven, in this battle that we're God of heaven, in this battle that we're going to come out of this battle and going to come out of this battle and going to come out of this battle and we're going to glorify him through this we're going to glorify him through this we're going to glorify him through this battle and then we going we don't have battle and then we going we don't have battle and then we going we don't have to walk around in defeat and let the to walk around in defeat and let the to walk around in defeat and let the enemy have his way in our mind. enemy have his way in our mind. enemy have his way in our mind. The mind is the battlefield. The mind is the battlefield. The mind is the battlefield. This is where the battle lies This is where the battle lies This is where the battle lies for oppression, for fear, for for oppression, for fear, for for oppression, for fear, for depression. depression. depression. It all begins with a thought. It all begins with a thought. It all begins with a thought. Sometimes it's a subtle thought, not Sometimes it's a subtle thought, not Sometimes it's a subtle thought, not necessarily a sinful thought. The enemy necessarily a sinful thought. The enemy necessarily a sinful thought. The enemy comes as an angel of light. comes as an angel of light. comes as an angel of light. Sometimes it's not it's not a sinful Sometimes it's not it's not a sinful Sometimes it's not it's not a sinful thought. It's a subtle thought that's thought. It's a subtle thought that's thought. It's a subtle thought that's contradicting to the word of God. contradicting to the word of God. contradicting to the word of God. Hopelessness is contradictive to the Hopelessness is contradictive to the Hopelessness is contradictive to the word of God. God is a God of hope. And word of God. God is a God of hope. And word of God. God is a God of hope. And people sit around in the and I'm not people sit around in the and I'm not people sit around in the and I'm not there are some people that sit around in there are some people that sit around in there are some people that sit around in depression and when they're sitting at depression and when they're sitting at depression and when they're sitting at home they're listening to the country home they're listening to the country home they're listening to the country music talking about divorce and go ahead music talking about divorce and go ahead music talking about divorce and go ahead and drink all you want to drink and give and drink all you want to drink and give and drink all you want to drink and give up cuz you lie somebody over and you you up cuz you lie somebody over and you you up cuz you lie somebody over and you you have no you know all that country music have no you know all that country music have no you know all that country music uh that I listen to 30 plus years ago uh that I listen to 30 plus years ago uh that I listen to 30 plus years ago had no positive message. None. had no positive message. None. had no positive message. None. Zero. Zero. Zero. So, I sit in my house and I'll listen to So, I sit in my house and I'll listen to So, I sit in my house and I'll listen to that garbage and all of a sudden I start that garbage and all of a sudden I start that garbage and all of a sudden I start thinking about it and then I hear that thinking about it and then I hear that thinking about it and then I hear that song uh rainy days and Mondays always song uh rainy days and Mondays always song uh rainy days and Mondays always get me down and it's Monday morning and get me down and it's Monday morning and get me down and it's Monday morning and I go into a deeper uh uh oppression and I go into a deeper uh uh oppression and I go into a deeper uh uh oppression and depression where what I need to do is depression where what I need to do is depression where what I need to do is turn on my turn on my uh uh turn on my turn on my turn on my uh uh turn on my turn on my turn on my uh uh turn on my radio or somewhere I can find some good radio or somewhere I can find some good radio or somewhere I can find some good gospel music uh and turn it up and begin gospel music uh and turn it up and begin gospel music uh and turn it up and begin to sit on that heel like Aaron and her to sit on that heel like Aaron and her to sit on that heel like Aaron and her and Moses did and pray and lift up my and Moses did and pray and lift up my and Moses did and pray and lift up my hands and worship the Lord. That spirit hands and worship the Lord. That spirit hands and worship the Lord. That spirit of oppression has to leave. It cannot of oppression has to leave. It cannot of oppression has to leave. It cannot hang around in that environment. It hang around in that environment. It hang around in that environment. It can't hang around in that atmosphere. can't hang around in that atmosphere. can't hang around in that atmosphere. God and the devil are not going to hang God and the devil are not going to hang God and the devil are not going to hang around in the same atmosphere. So, a lot around in the same atmosphere. So, a lot around in the same atmosphere. So, a lot of times we begin to let these things of times we begin to let these things of times we begin to let these things dwell on our mind. And our mind becomes dwell on our mind. And our mind becomes dwell on our mind. And our mind becomes a record player or a recorder over and a record player or a recorder over and a record player or a recorder over and over and over. We got to renew our mind. over and over. We got to renew our mind. over and over. We got to renew our mind. We got to re renew our mind. How do you We got to re renew our mind. How do you We got to re renew our mind. How do you renew your mind? It's exactly what I'm renew your mind? It's exactly what I'm renew your mind? It's exactly what I'm saying now. Get the word in your mind. saying now. Get the word in your mind. saying now. Get the word in your mind. Learn how to fight the battle on the Learn how to fight the battle on the Learn how to fight the battle on the heel. The battle's being fought by God, heel. The battle's being fought by God, heel. The battle's being fought by God, but I've got my responsibility up here but I've got my responsibility up here but I've got my responsibility up here on the hill that I've got to do. Learn on the hill that I've got to do. Learn on the hill that I've got to do. Learn the secret to the Lord, fighting your the secret to the Lord, fighting your the secret to the Lord, fighting your battles, and as you staying on your battles, and as you staying on your battles, and as you staying on your knees, staying in prayer, trusting him, knees, staying in prayer, trusting him, knees, staying in prayer, trusting him, praising him, magnifying him, lifting up praising him, magnifying him, lifting up praising him, magnifying him, lifting up holy hands. That's the secret to holy hands. That's the secret to holy hands. That's the secret to fighting the battle. That's the secret to fighting the That's the secret to fighting the battle. battle. battle. Lifting up holy hands Lifting up holy hands Lifting up holy hands without wrath without wrath without wrath or doubting. or doubting. or doubting. It's easy to lift up holy hands It's easy to lift up holy hands It's easy to lift up holy hands when everything's going good. when everything's going good. when everything's going good. But when things are not going so good, But when things are not going so good, But when things are not going so good, God's watching. Are you still going to God's watching. Are you still going to God's watching. Are you still going to lift up your hands without wrath, lift up your hands without wrath, lift up your hands without wrath, without anger, getting mad at me? am without anger, getting mad at me? am without anger, getting mad at me? am without doubting without doubting without doubting because you're going through a difficult because you're going through a difficult because you're going through a difficult situation situation situation or are you still going to trust me? And or are you still going to trust me? And or are you still going to trust me? And that's where we are this morning, that's where we are this morning, that's where we are this morning, church. Trusting the Lord with all thine church. Trusting the Lord with all thine church. Trusting the Lord with all thine heart that God God brought that song out heart that God God brought that song out heart that God God brought that song out just the right time. Trusting the Lord just the right time. Trusting the Lord just the right time. Trusting the Lord for your protection, your provision, for your protection, your provision, for your protection, your provision, trusting the Lord in your battles. trusting the Lord in your battles. trusting the Lord in your battles. Sometimes those battles get tough and Sometimes those battles get tough and Sometimes those battles get tough and they seem to be over our head. I know. they seem to be over our head. I know. they seem to be over our head. I know. What are we going to do? That's when you What are we going to do? That's when you What are we going to do? That's when you need to get on your knees and say, "God, need to get on your knees and say, "God, need to get on your knees and say, "God, I don't know what I'm going to do, but I I don't know what I'm going to do, but I I don't know what I'm going to do, but I know what I am going to do. I'm going to know what I am going to do. I'm going to know what I am going to do. I'm going to trust you trust you trust you to guide me." Remember, he said said to to guide me." Remember, he said said to to guide me." Remember, he said said to direct your steps. Trust in the Lord. direct your steps. Trust in the Lord. direct your steps. Trust in the Lord. Don't try to figure it out. Lean on your Don't try to figure it out. Lean on your Don't try to figure it out. Lean on your understanding. Acknowledge him. He'll understanding. Acknowledge him. He'll understanding. Acknowledge him. He'll direct your paths. That's what we need direct your paths. That's what we need direct your paths. That's what we need to do, church. to do, church. to do, church. trust in the Lord. We see an act of trust in the Lord. We see an act of trust in the Lord. We see an act of intercession taking place on that hill. intercession taking place on that hill. intercession taking place on that hill. Expression of prayer and appeal to the Expression of prayer and appeal to the Expression of prayer and appeal to the Lord. That's what the lifting up of Lord. That's what the lifting up of Lord. That's what the lifting up of Moses' hands was. It was prayer and Moses' hands was. It was prayer and Moses' hands was. It was prayer and appeal to the Lord acknowledging we appeal to the Lord acknowledging we appeal to the Lord acknowledging we trust you. You're our savior. You're our trust you. You're our savior. You're our trust you. You're our savior. You're our deliverer. You're our provider. You're deliverer. You're our provider. You're deliverer. You're our provider. You're our healer. You're our present help in our healer. You're our present help in our healer. You're our present help in trouble. You are our refuge. You are our trouble. You are our refuge. You are our trouble. You are our refuge. You are our rock. You are our fortress. uh you are rock. You are our fortress. uh you are rock. You are our fortress. uh you are that living water. That is what lifting that living water. That is what lifting that living water. That is what lifting up those handsh is is pray faithful up those handsh is is pray faithful up those handsh is is pray faithful prayer and intercession. So again Joshua prayer and intercession. So again Joshua prayer and intercession. So again Joshua discomforted him. He won the battle. Why discomforted him. He won the battle. Why discomforted him. He won the battle. Why why did he win with cooperative faith why did he win with cooperative faith why did he win with cooperative faith and prayer from Israel? God will fight and prayer from Israel? God will fight and prayer from Israel? God will fight your battle. But it needs your your battle. But it needs your your battle. But it needs your cooperative cooperative cooperative faith faith faith and prayer in the midst of that battle and prayer in the midst of that battle and prayer in the midst of that battle for him to fight it. A lot of people for him to fight it. A lot of people for him to fight it. A lot of people say, "Well, the Lord will fight your say, "Well, the Lord will fight your say, "Well, the Lord will fight your battle." That's true. But but they had a battle." That's true. But but they had a battle." That's true. But but they had a responsibility. If they didn't hold responsibility. If they didn't hold responsibility. If they didn't hold Moses' hands up to in their dependence Moses' hands up to in their dependence Moses' hands up to in their dependence upon God, Amalecch would have wore them upon God, Amalecch would have wore them upon God, Amalecch would have wore them out. They'd have lost that battle out. They'd have lost that battle out. They'd have lost that battle because they didn't trust and depend because they didn't trust and depend because they didn't trust and depend upon God and seek his direction. So upon God and seek his direction. So upon God and seek his direction. So again, the secret to the battle, again, the secret to the battle, again, the secret to the battle, trusting God in the battle is knowing trusting God in the battle is knowing trusting God in the battle is knowing what to do in the battle. And that's what to do in the battle. And that's what to do in the battle. And that's encourage yourself in the Lord and stay encourage yourself in the Lord and stay encourage yourself in the Lord and stay in and altar and pray. in and altar and pray. in and altar and pray. God said, think about this. And God told God said, think about this. And God told God said, think about this. And God told them at the end of this battle, he's them at the end of this battle, he's them at the end of this battle, he's Exodus 17 and 14, the Lord said to Exodus 17 and 14, the Lord said to Exodus 17 and 14, the Lord said to Moses, "Write this for a memorial in a Moses, "Write this for a memorial in a Moses, "Write this for a memorial in a book. Rehearse it in the ears of Joshua. book. Rehearse it in the ears of Joshua. book. Rehearse it in the ears of Joshua. For I will utterly put out the For I will utterly put out the For I will utterly put out the remembrance of Amalecch from under remembrance of Amalecch from under remembrance of Amalecch from under heaven. This is the first time in heaven. This is the first time in heaven. This is the first time in scripture God is recorded that God told scripture God is recorded that God told scripture God is recorded that God told someone to write something down. someone to write something down. someone to write something down. First time God told him to write First time God told him to write First time God told him to write something down. something down. something down. Think about it. The first thing they Think about it. The first thing they Think about it. The first thing they were instructed to write down by God was were instructed to write down by God was were instructed to write down by God was a blueprint for the battle. A blueprint. a blueprint for the battle. A blueprint. a blueprint for the battle. A blueprint. God's given us a blueprint this morning God's given us a blueprint this morning God's given us a blueprint this morning that the battles don't overtake us and that the battles don't overtake us and that the battles don't overtake us and we get discouraged and we will go we get discouraged and we will go we get discouraged and we will go through the motions and we just give up through the motions and we just give up through the motions and we just give up and play church and allow sin to begin and play church and allow sin to begin and play church and allow sin to begin to creep into our life and it will. You to creep into our life and it will. You to creep into our life and it will. You can't help it. The f you let the flesh can't help it. The f you let the flesh can't help it. The f you let the flesh when you let the flesh begin to take when you let the flesh begin to take when you let the flesh begin to take control, you will begin to do things and control, you will begin to do things and control, you will begin to do things and have attitudes and say words you have attitudes and say words you have attitudes and say words you shouldn't do and say and hear. You'll shouldn't do and say and hear. You'll shouldn't do and say and hear. You'll begin to watch things you shouldn't be begin to watch things you shouldn't be begin to watch things you shouldn't be watching watching watching because that is the nature of the flesh. because that is the nature of the flesh. because that is the nature of the flesh. That's why the flesh has got to go That's why the flesh has got to go That's why the flesh has got to go places you don't need to go. That's why places you don't need to go. That's why places you don't need to go. That's why the flesh needs to be crucified. the flesh needs to be crucified. the flesh needs to be crucified. That's why the flesh needs to be That's why the flesh needs to be That's why the flesh needs to be crucified. The Lord said to Moses, crucified. The Lord said to Moses, crucified. The Lord said to Moses, "Write it for a memorial." First thing, "Write it for a memorial." First thing, "Write it for a memorial." First thing, a blueprint for the battle, a lasting a blueprint for the battle, a lasting a blueprint for the battle, a lasting public testimony for the future. All public testimony for the future. All public testimony for the future. All right. So again, the the other point and right. So again, the the other point and right. So again, the the other point and I got plenty left. I could, but I think I got plenty left. I could, but I think I got plenty left. I could, but I think I've said pretty much what the Lord I've said pretty much what the Lord I've said pretty much what the Lord wanted me to say. Point three is wanted me to say. Point three is wanted me to say. Point three is obedience. obedience. obedience. Obedience. Obedience. Obedience. Exodus 19 and5. Now therefore, if you Exodus 19 and5. Now therefore, if you Exodus 19 and5. Now therefore, if you will obey my voice indeed and keep my will obey my voice indeed and keep my will obey my voice indeed and keep my covenant, then you shall be a peculiar covenant, then you shall be a peculiar covenant, then you shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people, for treasure unto me above all people, for treasure unto me above all people, for all the earth is mine. Notice he said, all the earth is mine. Notice he said, all the earth is mine. Notice he said, "If you will obey my voice, indeed it is "If you will obey my voice, indeed it is "If you will obey my voice, indeed it is conditional. conditional. conditional. If you will obey my voice and keep my If you will obey my voice and keep my If you will obey my voice and keep my covenant, then shall you be a peculiar covenant, then shall you be a peculiar covenant, then shall you be a peculiar treasure unto me." If then that means treasure unto me." If then that means treasure unto me." If then that means conditional, right? So again, conditional, right? So again, conditional, right? So again, the so the third point is obedience. the so the third point is obedience. the so the third point is obedience. That's what God's looking for. That's what God's looking for. That's what God's looking for. Obedience. Obedience is better than Obedience. Obedience is better than Obedience. Obedience is better than sacrifice. I can come to church every sacrifice. I can come to church every sacrifice. I can come to church every time the doors are open. I can make that time the doors are open. I can make that time the doors are open. I can make that sacrifice. But if my heart is not joined sacrifice. But if my heart is not joined sacrifice. But if my heart is not joined and devoted to Christ and the and and the obedience is not and the and and the obedience is not there, there, there, then that is a stench in his nostrils. then that is a stench in his nostrils. then that is a stench in his nostrils. He said, "My people draw to me and to me He said, "My people draw to me and to me He said, "My people draw to me and to me with their lips, but their heart is far with their lips, but their heart is far with their lips, but their heart is far from me." That should make us all shake. from me." That should make us all shake. from me." That should make us all shake. God, don't let me get in that position God, don't let me get in that position God, don't let me get in that position and condition and not even realize it, and condition and not even realize it, and condition and not even realize it, not even see it. So again, obedience So again, obedience is a condition for him fighting your is a condition for him fighting your is a condition for him fighting your battle, for him winning your battle. battle, for him winning your battle. battle, for him winning your battle. Obedience. Obedience. Obedience. The last thing is God was preparation. The last thing is God was preparation. The last thing is God was preparation. The Genesis 19 and 10. Genesis 19:10, The Genesis 19 and 10. Genesis 19:10, The Genesis 19 and 10. Genesis 19:10, the Lord said unto Moses, "Go unto the the Lord said unto Moses, "Go unto the the Lord said unto Moses, "Go unto the people and sanctify them today and people and sanctify them today and people and sanctify them today and tomorrow, tomorrow, tomorrow, and let them wash their clothes and be and let them wash their clothes and be and let them wash their clothes and be ready against the third day. For the ready against the third day. For the ready against the third day. For the third day, the Lord will come down in third day, the Lord will come down in third day, the Lord will come down in the sight of all the people among Mount the sight of all the people among Mount the sight of all the people among Mount Si." Si." Si." So again, we see the separation, we see So again, we see the separation, we see So again, we see the separation, we see the cleansing that had to take place the cleansing that had to take place the cleansing that had to take place before God was going to come down in before God was going to come down in before God was going to come down in their midst. their midst. their midst. All right? So again, sanctified, washing All right? So again, sanctified, washing All right? So again, sanctified, washing them. In the new covenant, are we still them. In the new covenant, are we still them. In the new covenant, are we still to obed? Are we still to be obedient to to obed? Are we still to be obedient to to obed? Are we still to be obedient to God in the new covenant? God in the new covenant? God in the new covenant? In the new covenant, God is looking for In the new covenant, God is looking for In the new covenant, God is looking for heartfelt obedience motivated by love. heartfelt obedience motivated by love. heartfelt obedience motivated by love. If you love your spouse, you're not If you love your spouse, you're not If you love your spouse, you're not going to run around on it. You're not going to run around on it. You're not going to run around on it. You're not going to cuss them. You're going to going to cuss them. You're going to going to cuss them. You're going to treat them like they're beneath you. you love them, that will produce you love them, that will produce a harmonious relationship because you a harmonious relationship because you a harmonious relationship because you don't want to hurt anyone you love. So don't want to hurt anyone you love. So don't want to hurt anyone you love. So we don't keep we don't keep the law as we don't keep we don't keep the law as we don't keep we don't keep the law as the law was written. The law is written the law was written. The law is written the law was written. The law is written in our hearts now. So what we are to do in our hearts now. So what we are to do in our hearts now. So what we are to do is to obey God. Why? Because we love him is to obey God. Why? Because we love him is to obey God. Why? Because we love him because he first loved us. It's obedient because he first loved us. It's obedient because he first loved us. It's obedient love love love or love from a motivation of excuse me, or love from a motivation of excuse me, or love from a motivation of excuse me, obedience from a motivation of love. How obedience from a motivation of love. How obedience from a motivation of love. How would you how would the husband feel if would you how would the husband feel if would you how would the husband feel if the wife said, "Well, I really don't the wife said, "Well, I really don't the wife said, "Well, I really don't want to and I don't care enough about want to and I don't care enough about want to and I don't care enough about you to do it, but I'm going to get up you to do it, but I'm going to get up you to do it, but I'm going to get up and cook you some something to eat cuz and cook you some something to eat cuz and cook you some something to eat cuz that's what I'm supposed to do." That that's what I'm supposed to do." That that's what I'm supposed to do." That don't go over very well, would it? don't go over very well, would it? don't go over very well, would it? But yet, some people treat their the God But yet, some people treat their the God But yet, some people treat their the God that way. Well, I got to get up and go. that way. Well, I got to get up and go. that way. Well, I got to get up and go. I'm going to go so the preacher won't I'm going to go so the preacher won't I'm going to go so the preacher won't call me and worry me and my phone won't call me and worry me and my phone won't call me and worry me and my phone won't keep ringing. I won't have to keep keep ringing. I won't have to keep keep ringing. I won't have to keep ignoring the calls. I I'll get up and go ignoring the calls. I I'll get up and go ignoring the calls. I I'll get up and go to church this morning. I'll go through to church this morning. I'll go through to church this morning. I'll go through the motions. I might do this. I'll read the motions. I might do this. I'll read the motions. I might do this. I'll read the songs. No worship involved. No the songs. No worship involved. No the songs. No worship involved. No spirit involved. spirit involved. spirit involved. And I'll just leave and I'll go back out And I'll just leave and I'll go back out And I'll just leave and I'll go back out the door like I came. That's dangerous. the door like I came. That's dangerous. the door like I came. That's dangerous. So again, preparation. The third day, So again, preparation. The third day, So again, preparation. The third day, the covenant. All God wants is your the covenant. All God wants is your the covenant. All God wants is your heart. As somebody would come and play, heart. As somebody would come and play, heart. As somebody would come and play, begin to play for me. If you'll look at the ten commandments, If you'll look at the ten commandments, God took brought them out. He delivered God took brought them out. He delivered God took brought them out. He delivered them. He brought them through this them. He brought them through this them. He brought them through this battle. He brought them to Mount Si. He battle. He brought them to Mount Si. He battle. He brought them to Mount Si. He told them to separate and clean himself told them to separate and clean himself told them to separate and clean himself prepare for his presence. He had had prepare for his presence. He had had prepare for his presence. He had had them gather around the foot of the them gather around the foot of the them gather around the foot of the mountain. Uh and God gave the mountain. Uh and God gave the mountain. Uh and God gave the commandments audibly. And when he gave commandments audibly. And when he gave commandments audibly. And when he gave when he initially gave those ten when he initially gave those ten when he initially gave those ten commandments, it was audibly and all of commandments, it was audibly and all of commandments, it was audibly and all of Israel was listening. Wasn't just Moses Israel was listening. Wasn't just Moses Israel was listening. Wasn't just Moses listening. listening. listening. All of Israel [music] is listening. Now, All of Israel [music] is listening. Now, All of Israel [music] is listening. Now, if you look at those ten commandments, if you look at those ten commandments, if you look at those ten commandments, the first four, uh, and this is where the first four, uh, and this is where the first four, uh, and this is where I'm going, this whole thing, I'm going, this whole thing, I'm going, this whole thing, relationship with God. If you look at relationship with God. If you look at relationship with God. If you look at those ten commandments, the first four those ten commandments, the first four those ten commandments, the first four deal with your relationship with God. deal with your relationship with God. deal with your relationship with God. The first one [music] said, "I'm the The first one [music] said, "I'm the The first one [music] said, "I'm the Lord thy God. Thou shalt have no other Lord thy God. Thou shalt have no other Lord thy God. Thou shalt have no other God before me. I brought you out of the God before me. I brought you out of the God before me. I brought you out of the land of Egypt. I'm your deliverer. I'm land of Egypt. I'm your deliverer. I'm land of Egypt. I'm your deliverer. I'm your provider. I'm your protector. your provider. I'm your protector. your provider. I'm your protector. You'll have no other gods before me." You'll have no other gods before me." You'll have no other gods before me." God's not only mean little statues of God's not only mean little statues of God's not only mean little statues of Buddha. Buddha. Buddha. Habits can be my God. Habits can be my God. Habits can be my God. Sports can be my God. Video games can be Sports can be my God. Video games can be Sports can be my God. Video games can be my God. my God. my God. A telephone can be my God. Thou shalt A telephone can be my God. Thou shalt A telephone can be my God. Thou shalt have no other gods before me. That's have no other gods before me. That's have no other gods before me. That's what he told him. So the second the what he told him. So the second the what he told him. So the second the second one uh the second commandment second one uh the second commandment second one uh the second commandment that he was talking about is you shall that he was talking about is you shall that he was talking about is you shall not make any graven [music] image. not make any graven [music] image. not make any graven [music] image. And we know about that. No graven And we know about that. No graven And we know about that. No graven there's no image you could paint or there's no image you could paint or there's no image you could paint or you've seen painted of Christ that can you've seen painted of Christ that can you've seen painted of Christ that can do any close to where any justice of who do any close to where any justice of who do any close to where any justice of who he is and what he looks like. You're he is and what he looks like. You're he is and what he looks like. You're demeaning that when we try to re demeaning that when we try to re demeaning that when we try to re relegate him to a fixture or a painting. relegate him to a fixture or a painting. relegate him to a fixture or a painting. He said don't don't make any graven He said don't don't make any graven He said don't don't make any graven image in the likeness. That's what image in the likeness. That's what image in the likeness. That's what Israel did. They were still worshiping Israel did. They were still worshiping Israel did. They were still worshiping their God, but they made a golden calf their God, but they made a golden calf their God, but they made a golden calf when Moses a little bit later when Moses when Moses a little bit later when Moses when Moses a little bit later when Moses was up on the mountain, they made a was up on the mountain, they made a was up on the mountain, they made a golden calf and they still worshiped the golden calf and they still worshiped the golden calf and they still worshiped the same God that brought in their mind that same God that brought in their mind that same God that brought in their mind that delivered them from Egypt, but it was delivered them from Egypt, but it was delivered them from Egypt, but it was far from the same God that delivered far from the same God that delivered far from the same God that delivered them from Egypt. People are making them from Egypt. People are making them from Egypt. People are making graven images in their mind of who Jesus graven images in their mind of who Jesus graven images in their mind of who Jesus Christ is. the graven image up here. Christ is. the graven image up here. Christ is. the graven image up here. Some people think he's a dodling Some people think he's a dodling Some people think he's a dodling grandfather that loves you and he will grandfather that loves you and he will grandfather that loves you and he will wink at your sin and somehow overlook wink at your sin and somehow overlook wink at your sin and somehow overlook unconfessed sin that he's going to let unconfessed sin that he's going to let unconfessed sin that he's going to let me in heaven cuz he loves me. That's a me in heaven cuz he loves me. That's a me in heaven cuz he loves me. That's a image image image that has been created in the mind of that has been created in the mind of that has been created in the mind of humanity [music] by Satan himself. The humanity [music] by Satan himself. The humanity [music] by Satan himself. The Christ that we believe and we have an Christ that we believe and we have an Christ that we believe and we have an understanding of better be the same one understanding of better be the same one understanding of better be the same one that this book tells us about that this book tells us about that this book tells us about cuz this is Christ. cuz this is Christ. cuz this is Christ. So Graven Images goes a lot further than So Graven Images goes a lot further than So Graven Images goes a lot further than just a little statue [music] just a little statue [music] just a little statue [music] of Buddha. of Buddha. of Buddha. God understands. God understands. God understands. No, he doesn't. There was once a time No, he doesn't. There was once a time No, he doesn't. There was once a time that God winked at foolishness. But when that God winked at foolishness. But when that God winked at foolishness. But when he sent his son to die on Calvary, he he sent his son to die on Calvary, he he sent his son to die on Calvary, he then he commanded man everywhere to then he commanded man everywhere to then he commanded man everywhere to repent. That's what the word says, repent. That's what the word says, repent. That's what the word says, repent. repent. repent. So again, [music] So again, [music] So again, [music] the third uh the third commandment was the third uh the third commandment was the third uh the third commandment was don't take the name of the Lord in vain. don't take the name of the Lord in vain. don't take the name of the Lord in vain. Now that means a whole lot. That's not Now that means a whole lot. That's not Now that means a whole lot. That's not People think it just means cursing. People think it just means cursing. People think it just means cursing. That's a part of it. If I just throw his name around, I'm If I just throw his name around, I'm using it in vain. If I'm proclaiming to using it in vain. If I'm proclaiming to using it in vain. If I'm proclaiming to be a child of God and I've got the word be a child of God and I've got the word be a child of God and I've got the word Christ in my Christian title and I'm Christ in my Christian title and I'm Christ in my Christian title and I'm [music] living in sin, I'm taking his [music] living in sin, I'm taking his [music] living in sin, I'm taking his name in vain. name in vain. name in vain. There's a lot that goes to not taking There's a lot that goes to not taking There's a lot that goes to not taking the [music] Lord's name in vain. the [music] Lord's name in vain. the [music] Lord's name in vain. I'm taking his name in vain. And that's I'm taking his name in vain. And that's I'm taking his name in vain. And that's an abomination to him because my life is an abomination to him because my life is an abomination to him because my life is not glorifying him if I'm living in sin not glorifying him if I'm living in sin not glorifying him if I'm living in sin claiming the name [music] of Christ. claiming the name [music] of Christ. claiming the name [music] of Christ. And the last uh the last commandment was And the last uh the last commandment was And the last uh the last commandment was what? Keep the Sabbath day holy. what? Keep the Sabbath day holy. what? Keep the Sabbath day holy. Christ is our rest. Now he said, "Come Christ is our rest. Now he said, "Come Christ is our rest. Now he said, "Come to me you labor and heavy laden." And he to me you labor and heavy laden." And he to me you labor and heavy laden." And he said, "I will give you [music] said, "I will give you [music] said, "I will give you [music] rest." We are to rest in Christ seven rest." We are to rest in Christ seven rest." We are to rest in Christ seven days a week. Now, all right. I'd like days a week. Now, all right. I'd like days a week. Now, all right. I'd like for everybody to stand. This this little uh y'all heard this This this little uh y'all heard this before, but it it goes along with this before, but it it goes along with this before, but it it goes along with this message, [music] so please bear with me. message, [music] so please bear with me. message, [music] so please bear with me. Those that haven't heard it, hopefully Those that haven't heard it, hopefully Those that haven't heard it, hopefully it got to speak to you. Uh y'all heard it got to speak to you. Uh y'all heard it got to speak to you. Uh y'all heard the story about a little boy in London. the story about a little boy in London. the story about a little boy in London. Uh at first, there was a city in London Uh at first, there was a city in London Uh at first, there was a city in London and it was the name of it was Charing and it was the name of it was Charing and it was the name of it was Charing Charring Cross. All distances across the Charring Cross. All distances across the Charring Cross. All distances across the city were measured from its central city were measured from its central city were measured from its central point. Locals referred to it as simply point. Locals referred to it as simply point. Locals referred to it as simply as the cross. One day a child became as the cross. One day a child became as the cross. One day a child became lost. Had a London police officer came. lost. Had a London police officer came. lost. Had a London police officer came. Child had tears in his eyes. Said, "Son, Child had tears in his eyes. Said, "Son, Child had tears in his eyes. Said, "Son, where do you live? I'll take you home." where do you live? I'll take you home." where do you live? I'll take you home." Didn't know his address. He said, "But Didn't know his address. He said, "But Didn't know his address. He said, "But sir," and y'all heard the story. "If you sir," and y'all heard the story. "If you sir," and y'all heard the story. "If you can get me to the cross, can get me to the cross, can get me to the cross, I can make my way home." There's people I can make my way home." There's people I can make my way home." There's people this morning that need a second chance. this morning that need a second chance. this morning that need a second chance. [music] And you've drifted away from [music] And you've drifted away from [music] And you've drifted away from that cross. And you've walked away from that cross. And you've walked away from that cross. And you've walked away from that cross. that cross. that cross. And God's saying this morning, if you And God's saying this morning, if you And God's saying this morning, if you can just get back to the cross, can just get back to the cross, can just get back to the cross, restoration can be found, you'll found restoration can be found, you'll found restoration can be found, you'll found your way back home. This message your way back home. This message your way back home. This message is an encouraging message. I'm glad God is an encouraging message. I'm glad God is an encouraging message. I'm glad God is a God of second chances. is a God of second chances. is a God of second chances. I'm needed many chances. I'm needed many chances. I'm needed many chances. If we're faithful and just, oh, excuse If we're faithful and just, oh, excuse If we're faithful and just, oh, excuse me, if we confess our sins, he's me, if we confess our sins, he's me, if we confess our sins, he's faithful and just to what? [music] faithful and just to what? [music] faithful and just to what? [music] forgive forgive forgive and cleanse. Not just forgive and and cleanse. Not just forgive and and cleanse. Not just forgive and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If if he is faithful and just if he is faithful and just if he is faithful and just if we'll come back to the cross this if we'll come back to the cross this if we'll come back to the cross this morning. These altars [music] are open morning. These altars [music] are open morning. These altars [music] are open if anybody'd like to come down to the if anybody'd like to come down to the if anybody'd like to come down to the altar to spend a few minutes with the altar to spend a few minutes with the altar to spend a few minutes with the Lord in prayer.