WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:05.700 As Neil's outlined, God calls us on a big mission to share the good news of the gospel to all people, 00:00:05.799 --> 00:00:08.019 our friends, family, colleagues, neighbors. 00:00:09.220 --> 00:00:13.240 But in order for us to do this, to live on the gospel and to honor God's mission for evangelism, 00:00:13.320 --> 00:00:15.759 we must be wholly dependent on Him. 00:00:17.339 --> 00:00:20.400 Dan and Simon will speak about faith and prayer in a moment, 00:00:20.559 --> 00:00:24.199 but I will first talk about the Holy Spirit. 00:00:25.079 --> 00:00:31.399 And over the next 20 or so minutes, I'll try to address the two questions that we have just discussed, 00:00:31.460 --> 00:00:33.460 plus a third question as well. 00:00:35.159 --> 00:00:38.280 First, let's take a walk down memory lane. 00:00:38.799 --> 00:00:41.179 Let's remind ourselves, who is the Holy Spirit? 00:00:41.719 --> 00:00:43.280 What do we know about the Holy Spirit? 00:00:44.239 --> 00:00:49.879 There's a saying in some Christian circles that the Holy Spirit is the forgotten member of the Trinity. 00:00:50.780 --> 00:00:52.859 We believe in and we pray to Father God. 00:00:52.859 --> 00:00:56.640 We love, trust, and receive the grace of Jesus Christ. 00:00:57.299 --> 00:01:01.340 But maybe we don't acknowledge or understand the person of the Holy Spirit as much. 00:01:02.560 --> 00:01:04.459 Well, let's go back to basics. 00:01:05.379 --> 00:01:06.159 Who is the Holy Spirit? 00:01:06.980 --> 00:01:10.019 Number one, the Holy Spirit is a person of the Trinity, 00:01:10.879 --> 00:01:15.680 equal in stature, in glory, in sovereignty, in honor, 00:01:16.260 --> 00:01:20.599 as the Father, God the Father, as Jesus Christ, God the Son. 00:01:20.599 --> 00:01:25.359 And the Holy Spirit's fingerprints are seen throughout Scripture. 00:01:26.159 --> 00:01:27.359 Genesis 1, verse 2. 00:01:27.819 --> 00:01:32.019 The earth was without form and void, and darkness was over the face of the deep, 00:01:32.399 --> 00:01:36.319 and the Spirit of God, the Holy Spirit, was hovering over the face of the waters. 00:01:36.879 --> 00:01:42.099 At creation, the Holy Spirit was there, was present, creating order out of chaos. 00:01:42.099 --> 00:01:47.939 And throughout the Old Testament, the Holy Spirit empowered many imperfect men and women 00:01:47.939 --> 00:01:51.299 to do supernatural, powerful things for God. 00:01:52.259 --> 00:01:56.979 In the New Testament, Jesus was miraculously conceived by the Holy Spirit. 00:01:57.640 --> 00:02:02.439 At His baptism, the Holy Spirit descended on Christ like a dove. 00:02:02.439 --> 00:02:06.859 And throughout His ministry, the Holy Spirit was there with Jesus, 00:02:07.519 --> 00:02:11.620 empowering Him as His helper and companion to heal the sick, 00:02:11.719 --> 00:02:17.020 to preach with boldness, to cast out demons, and even raise the dead. 00:02:18.280 --> 00:02:21.199 The Spirit was there when Christ went to the cross. 00:02:21.460 --> 00:02:24.520 And it was the power of the Holy Spirit which raised Christ from the dead 00:02:24.520 --> 00:02:28.219 and seated Him in the heavenly places, Ephesians 1.20. 00:02:28.219 --> 00:02:33.719 And in the early church, in Acts chapter 2, which Kevin spoke about last Sunday, 00:02:33.979 --> 00:02:38.439 the followers of Jesus were filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke in different tongues. 00:02:39.500 --> 00:02:40.560 This is the point. 00:02:41.159 --> 00:02:46.180 Throughout Scripture, the Holy Spirit was there, creating order out of chaos, 00:02:46.599 --> 00:02:50.199 filling God's people with superhuman, unimaginable power. 00:02:51.699 --> 00:02:55.180 And the Spirit was there as the helper of Jesus Christ. 00:02:55.180 --> 00:02:58.460 And when Jesus went into heaven, when He ascended into heaven, 00:02:58.800 --> 00:03:02.960 Jesus gave the church, that's us, that includes Watermark, 00:03:03.819 --> 00:03:07.280 the Holy Spirit as our helper to be with us always. 00:03:08.540 --> 00:03:12.420 So today, if you are a follower of Jesus, 00:03:12.920 --> 00:03:16.200 and the Holy Spirit dwells or lives in you, 00:03:17.379 --> 00:03:18.219 Romans 8.9, 00:03:18.300 --> 00:03:21.060 You, however, are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit. 00:03:21.180 --> 00:03:23.860 If in fact the Spirit of God dwells in you, 00:03:23.860 --> 00:03:27.580 anyone who does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to Him. 00:03:28.520 --> 00:03:29.500 Ephesians 1.13, 00:03:29.740 --> 00:03:31.160 When you heard the word of truth, 00:03:31.660 --> 00:03:33.560 the gospel of your salvation, 00:03:34.040 --> 00:03:35.360 and believed in Him, 00:03:35.980 --> 00:03:38.820 you were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit. 00:03:39.780 --> 00:03:40.760 Let me say it again. 00:03:40.860 --> 00:03:43.160 If you are a Christian, if you are a follower of Christ, 00:03:43.580 --> 00:03:44.920 the Holy Spirit lives in you, 00:03:45.200 --> 00:03:47.280 and therefore, His power 00:03:47.280 --> 00:03:49.500 is available to you. 00:03:50.640 --> 00:03:51.640 Ephesians 3.16, 00:03:51.639 --> 00:03:53.379 According to the riches of His glory, 00:03:54.059 --> 00:03:56.459 may He grant you to be strengthened with power 00:03:56.459 --> 00:03:58.199 in your inner being. 00:03:58.959 --> 00:04:00.179 The Holy Spirit lives in you, 00:04:00.339 --> 00:04:02.299 and His power is available to you. 00:04:03.419 --> 00:04:04.779 So, going to our first question, 00:04:04.859 --> 00:04:05.799 which we've been discussing, 00:04:06.299 --> 00:04:08.119 why do we need to depend on the Holy Spirit 00:04:08.119 --> 00:04:10.879 and His power to live life as a Christian? 00:04:11.659 --> 00:04:13.039 Can't we just read the Bible, 00:04:13.199 --> 00:04:13.799 go to CG, 00:04:14.099 --> 00:04:15.139 go to Sunday service? 00:04:15.599 --> 00:04:17.919 Why do we need to be strengthened with the Spirit's power? 00:04:17.920 --> 00:04:19.980 Well, at Watermark, 00:04:20.060 --> 00:04:21.840 we often say that we need the gospel 00:04:21.840 --> 00:04:24.620 to go from our heads into our hearts. 00:04:25.460 --> 00:04:27.759 Of course, this doesn't mean that we switch off our brains 00:04:27.759 --> 00:04:30.020 and we only care about feelings and emotions. 00:04:30.420 --> 00:04:31.360 Far from it. 00:04:31.660 --> 00:04:32.460 One hundred percent, 00:04:32.620 --> 00:04:34.580 we need to study the Word of God, 00:04:35.340 --> 00:04:36.840 understand sound doctrine, 00:04:36.960 --> 00:04:38.180 and put it into practice. 00:04:39.259 --> 00:04:40.920 But maybe you can relate to this. 00:04:40.920 --> 00:04:43.220 Do you sometimes feel 00:04:43.220 --> 00:04:44.819 that your relationship with God 00:04:44.819 --> 00:04:47.000 is a bit dry or lifeless? 00:04:47.740 --> 00:04:48.699 You read God's Word, 00:04:48.819 --> 00:04:49.900 you go to church, 00:04:50.040 --> 00:04:53.439 but God's love is not really real in your life, 00:04:53.480 --> 00:04:54.080 in your heart. 00:04:54.780 --> 00:04:56.700 Or do you struggle to apply the gospel 00:04:56.700 --> 00:04:57.580 in everyday life, 00:04:57.639 --> 00:04:59.680 especially when life throws you a curveball? 00:05:00.720 --> 00:05:02.040 A relationship breaks down, 00:05:02.120 --> 00:05:03.400 your career takes a hit. 00:05:04.439 --> 00:05:06.360 You know God's Word says trust Him, 00:05:06.420 --> 00:05:07.280 but in that moment, 00:05:07.400 --> 00:05:08.879 you find yourself doubting. 00:05:08.879 --> 00:05:11.100 Or do you find yourself 00:05:11.100 --> 00:05:13.819 unable to tackle the sin in your life? 00:05:14.319 --> 00:05:15.560 You know that sin destroys, 00:05:15.740 --> 00:05:16.899 that's what God's Word says, 00:05:16.939 --> 00:05:18.319 but you can't control your thoughts 00:05:18.319 --> 00:05:19.319 or your actions. 00:05:19.560 --> 00:05:21.000 You know Christ's calling is higher, 00:05:21.100 --> 00:05:22.219 but on the scoreboard, 00:05:22.379 --> 00:05:23.439 sin is winning. 00:05:24.879 --> 00:05:26.219 Can anyone relate to this? 00:05:26.300 --> 00:05:27.379 Or is it just me 00:05:27.379 --> 00:05:28.399 that experiences these things? 00:05:29.699 --> 00:05:30.819 See, on our own strength, 00:05:30.899 --> 00:05:31.959 the day-to-day Christian life 00:05:31.959 --> 00:05:33.019 can be difficult, 00:05:33.420 --> 00:05:34.540 perhaps even impossible. 00:05:35.100 --> 00:05:36.439 It's difficult to live out the gospel 00:05:36.439 --> 00:05:37.699 in everyday life. 00:05:38.879 --> 00:05:40.719 But the wonderful news, 00:05:41.319 --> 00:05:42.480 dear brothers and sisters, 00:05:42.600 --> 00:05:43.159 in Christ, 00:05:43.620 --> 00:05:45.560 is that by His grace and kindness, 00:05:46.040 --> 00:05:47.379 God has given all of us 00:05:47.379 --> 00:05:48.959 a helper, 00:05:49.540 --> 00:05:50.120 the Holy Spirit. 00:05:50.680 --> 00:05:51.839 He's been given to you 00:05:51.839 --> 00:05:53.839 to be with you forever, 00:05:54.480 --> 00:05:55.159 John 14. 00:05:55.939 --> 00:05:56.839 And by His power, 00:05:57.579 --> 00:05:58.100 the Holy Spirit enlightens 00:05:58.779 --> 00:05:59.980 the eyes of our hearts 00:05:59.980 --> 00:06:01.319 to see the beauty of Christ. 00:06:01.420 --> 00:06:03.139 It makes the gospel come alive. 00:06:04.060 --> 00:06:05.019 The Holy Spirit opens the eyes 00:06:05.019 --> 00:06:05.319 of our hearts 00:06:05.319 --> 00:06:06.439 to see the beauty of Christ. 00:06:06.439 --> 00:06:08.439 the Holy Spirit causes us 00:06:08.439 --> 00:06:10.040 to be rooted and grounded 00:06:10.040 --> 00:06:10.899 in the love of Christ 00:06:10.899 --> 00:06:11.939 and to understand 00:06:11.939 --> 00:06:13.199 the breadth and length 00:06:13.199 --> 00:06:14.399 and height and depth 00:06:14.399 --> 00:06:16.579 of Christ's undying love. 00:06:16.819 --> 00:06:17.259 In short, 00:06:18.379 --> 00:06:19.500 the Holy Spirit glorifies 00:06:19.500 --> 00:06:20.839 and magnifies Christ 00:06:20.839 --> 00:06:21.939 in our hearts. 00:06:22.819 --> 00:06:23.800 John 16, 14. 00:06:24.040 --> 00:06:25.399 When the Spirit of truth comes, 00:06:25.480 --> 00:06:26.000 the Holy Spirit, 00:06:26.279 --> 00:06:27.139 He will guide you 00:06:27.139 --> 00:06:27.939 into all truth, 00:06:28.420 --> 00:06:29.339 for He will not speak 00:06:29.339 --> 00:06:30.199 on His own authority, 00:06:30.399 --> 00:06:31.540 but whatever He hears, 00:06:31.759 --> 00:06:32.500 He will speak. 00:06:32.500 --> 00:06:34.699 He will glorify me. 00:06:36.959 --> 00:06:38.100 This is not just 00:06:38.100 --> 00:06:39.759 knowledge of Christ. 00:06:39.899 --> 00:06:41.360 It's not just theology. 00:06:41.620 --> 00:06:43.040 It's also a revelation 00:06:43.040 --> 00:06:43.920 in our hearts. 00:06:44.439 --> 00:06:45.160 It's doctrine 00:06:45.160 --> 00:06:46.379 and it's power. 00:06:47.500 --> 00:06:48.459 The Spirit magnifies 00:06:48.459 --> 00:06:49.500 Jesus up here 00:06:49.500 --> 00:06:50.819 and also down here 00:06:50.819 --> 00:06:52.019 in our hearts. 00:06:52.639 --> 00:06:53.620 And so we need the Spirit 00:06:53.620 --> 00:06:54.699 to live the gospel 00:06:54.699 --> 00:06:55.860 in everyday life. 00:06:57.100 --> 00:06:58.180 Here's the second reason 00:06:58.180 --> 00:06:58.779 which means 00:06:58.779 --> 00:06:59.680 was speaking of us 00:06:59.680 --> 00:07:00.720 why we need the Spirit 00:07:00.720 --> 00:07:01.740 in our lives, 00:07:01.860 --> 00:07:03.280 why we depend on the Spirit. 00:07:04.319 --> 00:07:05.000 As Neil mentioned, 00:07:05.100 --> 00:07:06.160 it's a really difficult mission 00:07:06.160 --> 00:07:07.000 that we have 00:07:07.000 --> 00:07:08.459 to evangelize, 00:07:08.560 --> 00:07:09.620 to share the gospel 00:07:09.620 --> 00:07:10.040 with people. 00:07:10.120 --> 00:07:11.300 It's mission impossible, 00:07:11.740 --> 00:07:12.620 you could say. 00:07:13.480 --> 00:07:14.420 In our own strength, 00:07:14.500 --> 00:07:15.379 with our own words. 00:07:15.460 --> 00:07:16.120 How are we supposed 00:07:16.120 --> 00:07:16.939 to convince someone 00:07:16.939 --> 00:07:17.699 to follow Jesus? 00:07:19.079 --> 00:07:20.579 We need to depend 00:07:20.579 --> 00:07:21.860 on the Spirit's power. 00:07:22.660 --> 00:07:24.120 It is a person 00:07:24.120 --> 00:07:24.819 of the Holy Spirit 00:07:24.819 --> 00:07:26.000 who strengthens us 00:07:26.000 --> 00:07:26.620 with power 00:07:26.620 --> 00:07:27.660 to have the courage 00:07:27.660 --> 00:07:28.920 to even approach someone. 00:07:29.680 --> 00:07:30.240 It's the Spirit 00:07:30.240 --> 00:07:31.259 of Christ 00:07:31.259 --> 00:07:31.759 who gives us 00:07:31.759 --> 00:07:32.660 the words to say 00:07:32.660 --> 00:07:33.240 to our friend 00:07:33.240 --> 00:07:33.780 when we're sharing 00:07:33.780 --> 00:07:34.319 the gospel. 00:07:34.759 --> 00:07:35.959 And it's the Holy Spirit 00:07:35.959 --> 00:07:36.840 who's the one 00:07:36.840 --> 00:07:37.840 who actually transforms 00:07:37.840 --> 00:07:38.560 someone's heart, 00:07:38.980 --> 00:07:39.639 opens the eyes 00:07:39.639 --> 00:07:40.319 of that person's heart 00:07:40.319 --> 00:07:41.740 to have saving faith 00:07:41.740 --> 00:07:42.699 in Christ. 00:07:43.439 --> 00:07:44.300 And so we desperately 00:07:44.300 --> 00:07:45.340 need to depend 00:07:45.340 --> 00:07:46.960 on the Holy Spirit 00:07:46.960 --> 00:07:48.259 to empower us 00:07:48.259 --> 00:07:49.139 to live out the gospel 00:07:49.139 --> 00:07:50.780 with joy and fullness 00:07:50.780 --> 00:07:52.199 and also 00:07:52.199 --> 00:07:53.800 to live out the calling 00:07:53.800 --> 00:07:54.780 for mission. 00:07:56.699 --> 00:07:58.199 So now our second question. 00:07:58.199 --> 00:07:59.459 What are the markers 00:07:59.459 --> 00:08:00.899 of a Spirit-dependent life? 00:08:01.500 --> 00:08:02.279 Kev described 00:08:02.279 --> 00:08:03.579 what a Spirit-filled church 00:08:03.579 --> 00:08:04.659 looks like last Sunday. 00:08:05.379 --> 00:08:06.240 If you missed his sermon, 00:08:06.620 --> 00:08:07.279 go back online 00:08:07.279 --> 00:08:08.060 and listen to it. 00:08:08.659 --> 00:08:09.379 But today I'll try 00:08:09.379 --> 00:08:10.360 to give a few examples 00:08:10.360 --> 00:08:11.159 and illustrations 00:08:11.159 --> 00:08:12.980 of what a Spirit-dependent person 00:08:12.980 --> 00:08:14.879 or life looks like. 00:08:16.159 --> 00:08:17.039 Four things. 00:08:17.759 --> 00:08:18.279 Number one, 00:08:18.579 --> 00:08:19.539 it looks like someone 00:08:19.539 --> 00:08:21.500 who has an active prayer life. 00:08:22.219 --> 00:08:23.219 Simon will talk about prayer 00:08:23.219 --> 00:08:23.639 in a moment, 00:08:23.639 --> 00:08:24.759 but just briefly, 00:08:25.060 --> 00:08:26.779 someone who is dependent 00:08:26.779 --> 00:08:27.680 on the Holy Spirit, 00:08:27.979 --> 00:08:29.199 whenever they face a challenge, 00:08:29.379 --> 00:08:30.379 their first reaction 00:08:30.379 --> 00:08:30.819 is not, 00:08:31.019 --> 00:08:31.899 how do I fix this 00:08:31.899 --> 00:08:33.460 or what should I do? 00:08:33.720 --> 00:08:34.620 Their first reaction 00:08:34.620 --> 00:08:35.480 is prayer. 00:08:36.399 --> 00:08:36.879 Seek God. 00:08:37.480 --> 00:08:38.559 Seek God's discernment. 00:08:38.939 --> 00:08:39.699 Seek God's guidance 00:08:39.699 --> 00:08:40.720 and seek His healing. 00:08:42.220 --> 00:08:43.220 I think Sherman Wong 00:08:43.220 --> 00:08:44.379 is someone 00:08:44.379 --> 00:08:45.340 who lives by this. 00:08:45.500 --> 00:08:45.639 Sherman, 00:08:45.720 --> 00:08:46.080 where are you? 00:08:47.080 --> 00:08:47.620 Sherman Wong? 00:08:48.240 --> 00:08:48.819 Learn about prayer? 00:08:48.899 --> 00:08:49.460 Go to Sherman Wong. 00:08:49.460 --> 00:08:52.200 Whatever challenge 00:08:52.200 --> 00:08:53.000 comes her way, 00:08:53.480 --> 00:08:54.340 a family matter 00:08:54.340 --> 00:08:56.080 or a church administrative matter, 00:08:56.639 --> 00:08:57.759 i.e. the venue search, 00:08:58.300 --> 00:08:59.200 Sherman's first reaction 00:08:59.200 --> 00:08:59.540 isn't, 00:08:59.680 --> 00:09:00.240 let's strategize, 00:09:00.340 --> 00:09:00.800 let's do this, 00:09:00.860 --> 00:09:01.180 let's do this. 00:09:01.220 --> 00:09:02.379 Her first reaction is, 00:09:02.800 --> 00:09:03.080 prayer, 00:09:03.600 --> 00:09:04.280 prayer, prayer. 00:09:04.379 --> 00:09:05.639 Let's seek God in prayer. 00:09:06.960 --> 00:09:07.900 Speaking of prayer, 00:09:08.600 --> 00:09:09.220 through prayer, 00:09:09.580 --> 00:09:10.600 the Holy Spirit heals 00:09:10.600 --> 00:09:12.460 in supernatural ways. 00:09:13.040 --> 00:09:14.019 I'll share my own testimony 00:09:14.019 --> 00:09:14.600 about this. 00:09:14.639 --> 00:09:15.660 When I was 14 years old, 00:09:15.860 --> 00:09:17.460 I had a really terrible 00:09:17.460 --> 00:09:18.340 tennis injury 00:09:18.340 --> 00:09:19.160 in my right arm. 00:09:19.900 --> 00:09:20.680 And one day, 00:09:20.740 --> 00:09:21.620 I was home with my mother 00:09:21.620 --> 00:09:22.300 and brother 00:09:22.300 --> 00:09:23.540 and they both prayed for me. 00:09:23.600 --> 00:09:24.620 My brother was nine years old 00:09:24.620 --> 00:09:25.060 at the time. 00:09:26.360 --> 00:09:27.259 The prayer was simple, 00:09:27.440 --> 00:09:28.019 one minute. 00:09:28.800 --> 00:09:30.680 But as all our eyes were closed 00:09:30.680 --> 00:09:31.740 and we said amen, 00:09:31.879 --> 00:09:32.639 my arm shook. 00:09:34.000 --> 00:09:35.259 And then we're all wondering, 00:09:35.660 --> 00:09:36.320 what was that? 00:09:36.400 --> 00:09:36.600 Oscar, 00:09:36.639 --> 00:09:37.019 was that you? 00:09:37.080 --> 00:09:37.639 Was that you, Justin? 00:09:37.720 --> 00:09:38.220 Was that you, Mom? 00:09:38.280 --> 00:09:39.139 Who shook Oscar's arm? 00:09:39.200 --> 00:09:40.360 It wasn't any of us. 00:09:40.900 --> 00:09:42.920 The Holy Spirit healed my arm. 00:09:43.200 --> 00:09:44.080 I am a thousand percent 00:09:44.080 --> 00:09:45.320 positive about that. 00:09:45.320 --> 00:09:46.460 By His grace and mercy, 00:09:46.580 --> 00:09:47.440 I don't even know why. 00:09:48.060 --> 00:09:49.340 The Holy Spirit healed me that day. 00:09:49.460 --> 00:09:51.560 Being home with me 00:09:51.560 --> 00:09:52.560 dependent means having 00:09:52.560 --> 00:09:54.139 an active prayer life 00:09:54.139 --> 00:09:55.519 in everything and anything, 00:09:55.700 --> 00:09:56.900 big and small, 00:09:56.980 --> 00:09:58.400 because God's Spirit works 00:09:58.400 --> 00:10:00.820 powerfully through prayer. 00:10:01.740 --> 00:10:02.240 Number two, 00:10:02.920 --> 00:10:04.139 looks like someone who is growing 00:10:04.139 --> 00:10:05.519 in the fruits of the Spirit. 00:10:06.460 --> 00:10:07.620 CK mentioned this just now. 00:10:07.700 --> 00:10:08.220 Good job, CK. 00:10:08.320 --> 00:10:08.600 Well done. 00:10:09.200 --> 00:10:09.860 The fruits of the Spirit, 00:10:10.000 --> 00:10:11.200 love, joy, peace, patience, 00:10:11.360 --> 00:10:12.160 kindness, goodness, 00:10:12.379 --> 00:10:12.840 faithfulness, 00:10:13.220 --> 00:10:13.519 gentleness, 00:10:13.519 --> 00:10:14.299 self-control. 00:10:15.019 --> 00:10:15.799 These are collective 00:10:15.799 --> 00:10:17.399 baskets of fruit. 00:10:18.279 --> 00:10:18.840 They're not just, 00:10:18.899 --> 00:10:19.379 we don't just have 00:10:19.379 --> 00:10:20.120 one of these fruits. 00:10:20.579 --> 00:10:21.279 God calls us to have 00:10:21.279 --> 00:10:21.860 all of them. 00:10:22.419 --> 00:10:23.299 And so someone who is 00:10:23.299 --> 00:10:24.179 dependent on the Spirit 00:10:24.179 --> 00:10:25.539 is growing in the fruits 00:10:25.539 --> 00:10:26.279 of the Spirit 00:10:26.279 --> 00:10:27.519 in all of them. 00:10:28.439 --> 00:10:29.759 And this is very apparent 00:10:29.759 --> 00:10:31.179 in how we relate 00:10:31.179 --> 00:10:31.980 to each other. 00:10:32.699 --> 00:10:33.840 When relational tension 00:10:33.840 --> 00:10:34.620 comes our way, 00:10:34.679 --> 00:10:35.679 which it always does, 00:10:36.360 --> 00:10:36.879 and we are, 00:10:37.000 --> 00:10:37.519 naturally, 00:10:38.240 --> 00:10:38.779 we want to 00:10:38.779 --> 00:10:39.779 fight back. 00:10:40.279 --> 00:10:41.319 Instead of defensiveness 00:10:41.320 --> 00:10:42.120 and aggression, 00:10:42.260 --> 00:10:42.920 we think the best 00:10:42.920 --> 00:10:43.440 of others. 00:10:43.620 --> 00:10:44.860 Instead of biting back, 00:10:44.920 --> 00:10:45.720 we show grace. 00:10:47.240 --> 00:10:48.160 Where's my wife, Celeste? 00:10:48.240 --> 00:10:49.180 I want to talk about her 00:10:49.180 --> 00:10:49.520 right now. 00:10:52.160 --> 00:10:52.520 Nice. 00:10:52.680 --> 00:10:53.379 Don't try to hide. 00:10:53.460 --> 00:10:53.940 I'm talking about you 00:10:53.940 --> 00:10:54.140 right now. 00:10:55.320 --> 00:10:56.620 If you know my wife, Celeste, 00:10:56.720 --> 00:10:57.500 you know that she's 00:10:57.500 --> 00:10:58.860 naturally very intelligent, 00:10:59.379 --> 00:11:00.879 but also very... 00:11:00.879 --> 00:11:01.660 What's the word? 00:11:04.860 --> 00:11:05.220 Forthright? 00:11:05.440 --> 00:11:05.780 Blunt? 00:11:06.780 --> 00:11:07.300 CK knows. 00:11:07.400 --> 00:11:07.860 You can ask CK. 00:11:08.300 --> 00:11:09.060 If you ask her 00:11:09.060 --> 00:11:09.780 her view on something, 00:11:09.880 --> 00:11:11.180 she'll tell you as it is. 00:11:11.179 --> 00:11:12.279 She doesn't mince words. 00:11:13.099 --> 00:11:13.620 Celeste and I have been 00:11:13.620 --> 00:11:14.819 married for 10 plus years. 00:11:15.239 --> 00:11:16.379 Sorry, 9 plus years. 00:11:16.479 --> 00:11:16.919 Almost 10. 00:11:18.099 --> 00:11:18.559 Did I write? 00:11:18.939 --> 00:11:19.779 And I dare say 00:11:19.779 --> 00:11:20.739 I have the best marriage 00:11:20.739 --> 00:11:21.719 of anyone I know. 00:11:22.559 --> 00:11:23.859 But we still fight. 00:11:24.639 --> 00:11:25.759 We still have conflict. 00:11:26.659 --> 00:11:27.399 But over the years, 00:11:27.479 --> 00:11:28.259 as I've seen 00:11:28.259 --> 00:11:29.500 God's spirit work 00:11:29.500 --> 00:11:30.359 in Celeste's heart, 00:11:30.479 --> 00:11:31.699 as her love of Christ 00:11:31.699 --> 00:11:32.279 has grown, 00:11:32.779 --> 00:11:34.139 I've seen a softening 00:11:34.139 --> 00:11:34.719 of her heart. 00:11:35.099 --> 00:11:35.979 When we have conflict, 00:11:36.059 --> 00:11:37.579 which we do often, 00:11:38.240 --> 00:11:39.439 instead of her 00:11:39.439 --> 00:11:40.679 holding bitterness 00:11:40.679 --> 00:11:41.779 and resentment towards me, 00:11:41.839 --> 00:11:42.500 when I have hurt her 00:11:42.500 --> 00:11:43.519 with my words or actions, 00:11:43.599 --> 00:11:44.559 I see a softening, 00:11:44.659 --> 00:11:45.379 I see a kindness, 00:11:45.519 --> 00:11:46.179 I see a grace, 00:11:46.259 --> 00:11:46.959 I see forgiveness. 00:11:48.059 --> 00:11:48.299 You see, 00:11:48.379 --> 00:11:49.000 those who are growing 00:11:49.000 --> 00:11:49.459 in Christ 00:11:49.459 --> 00:11:50.699 and growing by the Spirit 00:11:50.699 --> 00:11:51.379 are marked by 00:11:51.379 --> 00:11:52.419 healthy relationships 00:11:52.419 --> 00:11:53.159 that are not 00:11:53.159 --> 00:11:53.859 conflict-free, 00:11:54.399 --> 00:11:55.019 but conflicts 00:11:55.019 --> 00:11:56.120 are resolved quickly 00:11:56.120 --> 00:11:57.659 through the Spirit's fruit, 00:11:58.039 --> 00:11:58.539 patience, 00:11:58.959 --> 00:11:59.319 kindness, 00:11:59.939 --> 00:12:00.379 gentleness, 00:12:00.579 --> 00:12:01.219 among others. 00:12:02.319 --> 00:12:03.519 Let's be a people of God 00:12:03.519 --> 00:12:04.899 that depend on the Spirit 00:12:04.899 --> 00:12:06.259 to grow in the fruits 00:12:06.259 --> 00:12:06.959 of the Spirit. 00:12:06.960 --> 00:12:08.720 Number three, 00:12:09.060 --> 00:12:09.800 looks like someone 00:12:09.800 --> 00:12:11.060 who regularly confesses, 00:12:11.200 --> 00:12:11.540 repents, 00:12:11.620 --> 00:12:13.180 and turns away from sin. 00:12:13.960 --> 00:12:15.060 John 16, 8, 00:12:15.480 --> 00:12:15.960 when He, 00:12:16.200 --> 00:12:16.700 the Holy Spirit, 00:12:16.780 --> 00:12:17.120 comes, 00:12:17.379 --> 00:12:18.420 He will convict the world 00:12:18.420 --> 00:12:18.980 of sin, 00:12:19.820 --> 00:12:20.120 righteousness, 00:12:20.360 --> 00:12:20.980 and judgment. 00:12:21.860 --> 00:12:22.660 The Holy Spirit 00:12:22.660 --> 00:12:23.259 is the one 00:12:23.259 --> 00:12:24.100 who causes us 00:12:24.100 --> 00:12:25.340 to be acutely aware 00:12:25.340 --> 00:12:26.379 of our sin 00:12:26.379 --> 00:12:27.160 and depravity, 00:12:27.620 --> 00:12:28.280 who convicts us 00:12:28.280 --> 00:12:28.780 and causes us 00:12:28.780 --> 00:12:29.320 to turn away 00:12:29.320 --> 00:12:30.120 from sin. 00:12:30.879 --> 00:12:31.180 And so, 00:12:31.259 --> 00:12:31.660 if we're living 00:12:31.660 --> 00:12:32.300 by the Spirit 00:12:32.300 --> 00:12:33.500 and dependent on the Spirit, 00:12:33.820 --> 00:12:34.879 confession and repentance 00:12:34.879 --> 00:12:36.039 doesn't just happen 00:12:36.039 --> 00:12:37.159 once every six months. 00:12:37.559 --> 00:12:38.639 It's a regular occurrence. 00:12:38.740 --> 00:12:39.899 It happens all the time. 00:12:40.779 --> 00:12:41.559 And the Holy Spirit 00:12:41.559 --> 00:12:42.620 doesn't just convict us 00:12:42.620 --> 00:12:43.139 of sin. 00:12:43.639 --> 00:12:45.279 He reorients our hearts 00:12:45.279 --> 00:12:47.179 to love Christ more 00:12:47.179 --> 00:12:48.939 and to hate that sin. 00:12:49.600 --> 00:12:50.600 And even those secret, 00:12:50.980 --> 00:12:51.860 shameful sins 00:12:51.860 --> 00:12:52.919 are no longer there, 00:12:53.019 --> 00:12:54.840 no longer there 00:12:54.840 --> 00:12:55.679 in our hearts anymore. 00:12:56.659 --> 00:12:57.580 Some of you know 00:12:57.580 --> 00:12:58.940 that I used to play 00:12:58.940 --> 00:12:59.779 high-stakes poker. 00:13:00.360 --> 00:13:01.440 I used to play 00:13:01.440 --> 00:13:02.539 in underground clubs. 00:13:02.879 --> 00:13:03.460 This is many, 00:13:03.600 --> 00:13:04.080 many years ago. 00:13:04.879 --> 00:13:05.600 Not recently. 00:13:06.220 --> 00:13:06.720 Underground clubs. 00:13:06.720 --> 00:13:07.020 I used to play 00:13:07.020 --> 00:13:08.000 in Macau, etc. 00:13:08.139 --> 00:13:09.360 I was addicted to poker. 00:13:09.620 --> 00:13:10.300 It wasn't just 00:13:10.300 --> 00:13:11.100 a pastime. 00:13:11.680 --> 00:13:12.240 It was an addiction 00:13:12.240 --> 00:13:13.820 and it was sin. 00:13:14.620 --> 00:13:16.280 But in my own life, 00:13:16.379 --> 00:13:17.000 as I have, 00:13:17.740 --> 00:13:18.240 I guess, 00:13:18.639 --> 00:13:19.560 followed Christ more 00:13:19.560 --> 00:13:20.320 and loved Him more 00:13:20.320 --> 00:13:20.759 and the Spirit 00:13:20.759 --> 00:13:21.420 worked in me, 00:13:22.180 --> 00:13:23.900 you probably know this as well, 00:13:24.000 --> 00:13:25.120 I don't have any interest 00:13:25.120 --> 00:13:26.040 in that anymore at all. 00:13:26.420 --> 00:13:28.280 I don't have any desire even 00:13:28.280 --> 00:13:30.040 or interest 00:13:30.040 --> 00:13:31.220 in high-stakes poker. 00:13:32.180 --> 00:13:32.900 Desire is gone. 00:13:33.860 --> 00:13:34.679 Being dependent 00:13:34.679 --> 00:13:35.299 on the Holy Spirit 00:13:35.299 --> 00:13:36.500 means we actively 00:13:36.500 --> 00:13:37.799 repent and turn away 00:13:37.799 --> 00:13:38.819 from sin. 00:13:39.879 --> 00:13:40.959 And fourth and final, 00:13:41.360 --> 00:13:42.220 it looks like someone 00:13:42.220 --> 00:13:43.159 who actively shares 00:13:43.159 --> 00:13:43.759 their faith 00:13:43.759 --> 00:13:44.740 with those 00:13:44.740 --> 00:13:46.579 that don't yet know Jesus. 00:13:47.860 --> 00:13:48.740 As Neal discussed, 00:13:49.299 --> 00:13:49.879 it's difficult 00:13:49.879 --> 00:13:50.860 to share the gospel. 00:13:51.340 --> 00:13:52.600 No question about it. 00:13:52.860 --> 00:13:53.340 The outcome 00:13:53.340 --> 00:13:54.939 is highly uncertain. 00:13:55.779 --> 00:13:56.600 Maybe our friend 00:13:56.600 --> 00:13:57.279 will think 00:13:57.279 --> 00:13:58.139 that we're wacky. 00:13:58.699 --> 00:13:59.240 Maybe we'll have 00:13:59.240 --> 00:14:00.039 that discussion 00:14:00.039 --> 00:14:00.899 and share our faith 00:14:00.899 --> 00:14:01.779 and our friend 00:14:01.779 --> 00:14:02.319 will disagree 00:14:02.319 --> 00:14:03.459 and we'll be disappointed 00:14:03.459 --> 00:14:04.379 or embarrassed. 00:14:05.699 --> 00:14:06.919 But if we are a people 00:14:06.919 --> 00:14:07.620 who are dependent 00:14:07.620 --> 00:14:09.199 on the Holy Spirit, 00:14:09.599 --> 00:14:10.679 we can be free 00:14:10.679 --> 00:14:11.699 and bold 00:14:11.699 --> 00:14:13.199 in sharing our faith 00:14:13.199 --> 00:14:14.139 because it's the Spirit 00:14:14.139 --> 00:14:15.319 who gives us 00:14:15.319 --> 00:14:16.159 the courage. 00:14:16.500 --> 00:14:17.059 It's the Spirit 00:14:17.059 --> 00:14:17.539 who gives us 00:14:17.539 --> 00:14:18.939 the very words to say. 00:14:19.299 --> 00:14:20.379 And it's the Holy Spirit 00:14:20.379 --> 00:14:21.259 who is the one 00:14:21.259 --> 00:14:22.459 who controls 00:14:22.459 --> 00:14:23.159 that outcome 00:14:23.159 --> 00:14:24.620 and impacts 00:14:24.620 --> 00:14:25.620 and illuminates 00:14:25.620 --> 00:14:26.519 that person's heart. 00:14:28.699 --> 00:14:30.279 I think Jeremy Power 00:14:30.279 --> 00:14:30.740 is someone 00:14:30.740 --> 00:14:31.719 who depends on the Spirit 00:14:31.719 --> 00:14:32.779 to share his faith. 00:14:32.899 --> 00:14:33.240 Sorry, Jeremy, 00:14:33.299 --> 00:14:33.980 I'm going to embarrass you 00:14:33.980 --> 00:14:34.579 wherever you are. 00:14:35.679 --> 00:14:36.519 Jeremy has been asking 00:14:36.519 --> 00:14:37.879 God and His Spirit 00:14:37.879 --> 00:14:39.719 to give him more opportunities 00:14:39.719 --> 00:14:41.419 to share his faith 00:14:41.419 --> 00:14:41.980 in Jesus. 00:14:42.139 --> 00:14:43.199 And guess what happened? 00:14:44.419 --> 00:14:45.639 Jeremy was with his friend. 00:14:46.199 --> 00:14:46.980 I won't mention him, 00:14:47.039 --> 00:14:48.179 but Jeremy was with his friend 00:14:48.179 --> 00:14:49.759 who he sort of works with 00:14:49.759 --> 00:14:51.519 and Jeremy was hanging out 00:14:51.519 --> 00:14:52.139 with his friend 00:14:52.139 --> 00:14:53.539 and they were, I think, 00:14:53.580 --> 00:14:54.879 in a taxi on the way home 00:14:54.879 --> 00:14:57.500 and Jeremy felt the Spirit 00:14:57.500 --> 00:14:58.799 prompting him 00:14:58.799 --> 00:14:59.559 to invite his friend 00:14:59.559 --> 00:15:00.139 to church 00:15:00.139 --> 00:15:01.439 for his baptism. 00:15:02.319 --> 00:15:02.860 And guess what? 00:15:02.919 --> 00:15:04.679 That friend came to church. 00:15:05.139 --> 00:15:06.080 That friend still comes 00:15:06.080 --> 00:15:06.639 to Watermark. 00:15:06.899 --> 00:15:07.879 Even now, let's pray 00:15:07.879 --> 00:15:08.960 for Jeremy's friend 00:15:08.960 --> 00:15:10.000 to know the saving love 00:15:10.000 --> 00:15:10.519 of Christ. 00:15:12.500 --> 00:15:13.439 So what does it look like 00:15:13.439 --> 00:15:15.519 to be dependent 00:15:15.519 --> 00:15:16.299 on the Holy Spirit? 00:15:17.059 --> 00:15:17.960 It looks like someone 00:15:17.960 --> 00:15:19.019 who is active in prayer. 00:15:19.860 --> 00:15:20.519 It looks like someone 00:15:20.519 --> 00:15:20.980 who is growing 00:15:20.980 --> 00:15:21.580 in the fruits 00:15:21.580 --> 00:15:22.420 of the Spirit. 00:15:23.240 --> 00:15:23.740 It's someone 00:15:23.740 --> 00:15:24.660 who continually repents 00:15:24.660 --> 00:15:25.820 and turns away from sin. 00:15:26.940 --> 00:15:27.639 And number four, 00:15:28.420 --> 00:15:29.320 it looks like someone 00:15:29.320 --> 00:15:30.520 who is actively 00:15:30.520 --> 00:15:32.139 sharing the gospel. 00:15:34.720 --> 00:15:35.879 Don't we want to be 00:15:35.879 --> 00:15:37.940 a people like this? 00:15:38.520 --> 00:15:39.160 Do we? 00:15:39.940 --> 00:15:40.800 Don't we want to depend 00:15:40.800 --> 00:15:41.540 on the Spirit's power 00:15:41.540 --> 00:15:42.440 to do all these things 00:15:42.440 --> 00:15:43.280 for God's glory? 00:15:43.740 --> 00:15:44.340 Haven't we read 00:15:44.340 --> 00:15:45.180 of so many heroes 00:15:45.180 --> 00:15:45.860 of the faith 00:15:45.860 --> 00:15:47.540 who are regular people, 00:15:48.020 --> 00:15:48.680 ordinary people, 00:15:48.679 --> 00:15:50.179 empowered by an extraordinary, 00:15:50.439 --> 00:15:51.279 supernatural God 00:15:51.279 --> 00:15:51.939 and Holy Spirit? 00:15:53.659 --> 00:15:54.719 So how do we become? 00:15:55.099 --> 00:15:55.699 Third question. 00:15:55.799 --> 00:15:56.500 How do we become 00:15:56.500 --> 00:15:58.099 a people that depend 00:15:58.099 --> 00:15:58.859 on the Holy Spirit? 00:16:00.239 --> 00:16:00.939 I'm sure there are 00:16:00.939 --> 00:16:01.659 many, many ways. 00:16:02.159 --> 00:16:04.379 Here are three suggestions. 00:16:05.339 --> 00:16:06.120 Number one, 00:16:06.979 --> 00:16:07.379 surrender, 00:16:08.239 --> 00:16:08.799 surrender, 00:16:09.519 --> 00:16:09.939 surrender. 00:16:10.620 --> 00:16:11.859 We all hate uncertainty. 00:16:12.459 --> 00:16:14.099 We all hate losing control. 00:16:14.100 --> 00:16:15.720 We're hardwired 00:16:15.720 --> 00:16:17.340 to reach for control 00:16:17.340 --> 00:16:18.340 and grab onto it. 00:16:18.399 --> 00:16:19.060 But we cannot 00:16:19.060 --> 00:16:20.840 hold onto control 00:16:20.840 --> 00:16:22.139 and still say 00:16:22.139 --> 00:16:23.159 that we want to depend 00:16:23.159 --> 00:16:23.820 on the Holy Spirit. 00:16:23.980 --> 00:16:24.940 It doesn't work. 00:16:26.040 --> 00:16:27.159 If we are to be a people 00:16:27.159 --> 00:16:28.060 who truly depend 00:16:28.060 --> 00:16:29.500 on God's Spirit, 00:16:29.620 --> 00:16:30.639 we need to surrender 00:16:30.639 --> 00:16:32.120 everything. 00:16:32.720 --> 00:16:33.680 Not just one little 00:16:33.680 --> 00:16:34.519 inch of our heart. 00:16:35.100 --> 00:16:35.820 We need to give God 00:16:35.820 --> 00:16:36.519 our whole heart. 00:16:37.320 --> 00:16:37.759 Especially, 00:16:38.379 --> 00:16:39.019 we have to lose 00:16:39.019 --> 00:16:39.960 our grip 00:16:39.960 --> 00:16:40.840 on those things 00:16:40.840 --> 00:16:41.660 that we love most. 00:16:42.080 --> 00:16:42.620 Our money, 00:16:43.240 --> 00:16:43.940 our relationships, 00:16:44.480 --> 00:16:45.279 our kids' future, 00:16:46.399 --> 00:16:47.600 our comfort, 00:16:47.820 --> 00:16:48.279 our pleasure. 00:16:49.659 --> 00:16:50.620 May our prayer be, 00:16:51.060 --> 00:16:51.259 Lord, 00:16:52.080 --> 00:16:53.180 not my will, 00:16:53.300 --> 00:16:54.220 but yours be done. 00:16:54.920 --> 00:16:55.800 And may our prayer be, 00:16:56.060 --> 00:16:56.740 if it is your will, 00:16:56.840 --> 00:16:56.960 Lord, 00:16:57.019 --> 00:16:57.779 I will follow you. 00:16:57.840 --> 00:16:58.700 I will do this or that. 00:17:01.060 --> 00:17:01.879 Surrender, surrender, surrender. 00:17:02.060 --> 00:17:02.420 Number two, 00:17:02.639 --> 00:17:04.620 pray for the Spirit's power. 00:17:05.620 --> 00:17:06.779 How can the gospel 00:17:06.779 --> 00:17:08.299 get into our hearts 00:17:08.299 --> 00:17:09.819 if we don't pray for it? 00:17:10.480 --> 00:17:11.400 Get on our knees. 00:17:11.480 --> 00:17:12.500 Let's petition God 00:17:12.500 --> 00:17:13.000 and His Spirit 00:17:13.000 --> 00:17:13.880 to open the eyes 00:17:13.880 --> 00:17:14.380 of our hearts 00:17:14.380 --> 00:17:16.180 to see our sin 00:17:16.180 --> 00:17:17.000 and see the beauty 00:17:17.000 --> 00:17:17.740 of Christ. 00:17:19.160 --> 00:17:20.059 Let's also pray 00:17:20.059 --> 00:17:20.720 with faith 00:17:20.720 --> 00:17:22.240 every day 00:17:22.240 --> 00:17:22.980 in daily life 00:17:22.980 --> 00:17:23.859 and daily circumstances 00:17:23.859 --> 00:17:24.920 for the Spirit's power. 00:17:25.660 --> 00:17:26.779 When someone hurts you 00:17:26.779 --> 00:17:27.380 and you're tempted 00:17:27.380 --> 00:17:29.119 to bite back 00:17:29.119 --> 00:17:30.420 in that moment, 00:17:31.119 --> 00:17:31.579 Holy Spirit, 00:17:31.680 --> 00:17:32.000 please, 00:17:32.619 --> 00:17:33.680 help me to hold my tongue. 00:17:34.519 --> 00:17:35.099 When your kids 00:17:35.099 --> 00:17:36.220 are driving you crazy 00:17:36.220 --> 00:17:37.779 and you want to just explode, 00:17:37.980 --> 00:17:38.700 anyone been there? 00:17:38.839 --> 00:17:39.779 Just me, 00:17:39.779 --> 00:17:40.000 okay, 00:17:40.119 --> 00:17:40.399 just me. 00:17:42.019 --> 00:17:42.379 Spirit, 00:17:42.480 --> 00:17:43.599 please give me the patience 00:17:43.599 --> 00:17:44.639 and gentleness 00:17:44.639 --> 00:17:46.839 to love my children 00:17:46.839 --> 00:17:47.660 well right now. 00:17:48.759 --> 00:17:49.160 When you're with 00:17:49.160 --> 00:17:50.220 a non-Christian friend 00:17:50.220 --> 00:17:51.160 and you're thinking, 00:17:51.299 --> 00:17:52.680 maybe God is calling me 00:17:52.680 --> 00:17:53.480 to share my faith, 00:17:53.559 --> 00:17:54.559 but I really don't want to 00:17:54.559 --> 00:17:56.059 because I'm freaked out. 00:17:56.279 --> 00:17:56.539 Pray, 00:17:57.019 --> 00:17:57.240 God, 00:17:57.299 --> 00:17:57.440 please, 00:17:57.480 --> 00:17:57.879 by your Spirit, 00:17:57.980 --> 00:17:59.000 give me the courage, 00:17:59.480 --> 00:18:00.259 give me the boldness, 00:18:00.339 --> 00:18:01.039 give me the faith, 00:18:01.139 --> 00:18:01.740 give me the words 00:18:01.740 --> 00:18:02.139 to say, 00:18:02.220 --> 00:18:03.119 to share your love 00:18:03.119 --> 00:18:04.079 to my friend 00:18:04.079 --> 00:18:04.720 because they desperately 00:18:04.720 --> 00:18:05.299 need to know 00:18:05.299 --> 00:18:05.940 who you are. 00:18:05.940 --> 00:18:07.440 You see, 00:18:07.580 --> 00:18:08.620 the Spirit works 00:18:08.620 --> 00:18:10.080 in supernatural physical ways 00:18:10.080 --> 00:18:10.940 as I have shared 00:18:10.940 --> 00:18:11.840 with my arm, 00:18:12.559 --> 00:18:13.779 but the Spirit equally works 00:18:13.779 --> 00:18:15.720 in supernatural heart ways, 00:18:16.200 --> 00:18:17.480 transforming the human heart 00:18:17.480 --> 00:18:19.200 to become more like Christ 00:18:19.200 --> 00:18:20.960 as we depend on Him. 00:18:22.440 --> 00:18:22.940 And third, 00:18:23.320 --> 00:18:23.900 be sensitive 00:18:23.900 --> 00:18:24.920 to the Spirit's leading. 00:18:26.120 --> 00:18:26.559 The Holy Spirit 00:18:26.559 --> 00:18:27.279 is our helper, 00:18:27.980 --> 00:18:28.539 John 14. 00:18:28.720 --> 00:18:29.380 He gives us 00:18:29.380 --> 00:18:30.620 godly discernment, 00:18:31.160 --> 00:18:32.100 He speaks to us, 00:18:32.440 --> 00:18:33.759 sometimes in a clear voice, 00:18:34.180 --> 00:18:35.420 sometimes in a prompting 00:18:35.420 --> 00:18:36.240 or a sense. 00:18:37.800 --> 00:18:38.660 Many of you know 00:18:38.660 --> 00:18:39.500 that I left 00:18:39.500 --> 00:18:41.259 the corporate finance world 00:18:41.259 --> 00:18:42.480 about a year ago 00:18:42.480 --> 00:18:43.759 where I was there 00:18:43.759 --> 00:18:44.779 for 20 plus years. 00:18:45.360 --> 00:18:45.920 At first, 00:18:46.000 --> 00:18:47.180 I was pushed out, 00:18:47.300 --> 00:18:48.380 but then when I actually 00:18:48.380 --> 00:18:49.039 got another job 00:18:49.039 --> 00:18:49.640 to go back, 00:18:49.720 --> 00:18:50.680 I rejected that job. 00:18:51.680 --> 00:18:52.300 You may wonder, 00:18:52.920 --> 00:18:53.620 how does someone 00:18:53.620 --> 00:18:54.460 in high finance 00:18:54.460 --> 00:18:55.539 suddenly leave 00:18:55.539 --> 00:18:56.779 his career behind 00:18:56.779 --> 00:18:58.940 at such a young age? 00:18:59.019 --> 00:18:59.820 I am young. 00:19:00.160 --> 00:19:01.380 I am young. 00:19:02.800 --> 00:19:03.519 I'm too young 00:19:03.519 --> 00:19:03.980 to retire. 00:19:04.360 --> 00:19:04.980 I'll never retire. 00:19:05.259 --> 00:19:06.019 It's been a journey 00:19:06.019 --> 00:19:06.960 of walking with God 00:19:06.960 --> 00:19:07.380 for me. 00:19:08.039 --> 00:19:08.819 Daily praying 00:19:08.819 --> 00:19:09.259 of prayer, 00:19:09.360 --> 00:19:09.920 of surrender 00:19:09.920 --> 00:19:11.299 for my career, 00:19:11.420 --> 00:19:12.019 for my work, 00:19:12.120 --> 00:19:12.279 Lord. 00:19:12.360 --> 00:19:13.440 I want to give it to you. 00:19:13.519 --> 00:19:13.940 Please, God, 00:19:13.960 --> 00:19:14.720 how do I honor you 00:19:14.720 --> 00:19:15.259 with my work? 00:19:15.319 --> 00:19:15.960 Whatever that means. 00:19:16.299 --> 00:19:16.599 If you want me 00:19:16.599 --> 00:19:17.440 to stay in finance, 00:19:17.519 --> 00:19:17.860 I'll stay. 00:19:17.920 --> 00:19:18.860 If you want me to go 00:19:18.860 --> 00:19:19.539 and do something else, 00:19:19.599 --> 00:19:19.680 Lord, 00:19:19.680 --> 00:19:20.500 I will follow you. 00:19:20.940 --> 00:19:22.299 Make your plan 00:19:22.299 --> 00:19:23.140 known to me, Lord. 00:19:23.599 --> 00:19:24.420 Spirit, guide me. 00:19:24.519 --> 00:19:25.500 These have been my prayers 00:19:25.500 --> 00:19:27.380 over actually many years. 00:19:28.200 --> 00:19:28.920 And so the time came 00:19:28.920 --> 00:19:29.700 to make that decision. 00:19:29.700 --> 00:19:31.080 as I continued 00:19:31.080 --> 00:19:31.519 to pray, 00:19:32.319 --> 00:19:33.900 I felt the Spirit 00:19:33.900 --> 00:19:35.019 leading me 00:19:35.019 --> 00:19:35.759 not to go back. 00:19:37.720 --> 00:19:39.440 I wanted to honor God 00:19:39.440 --> 00:19:40.200 and I wanted to obey 00:19:40.200 --> 00:19:40.600 the Spirit 00:19:40.600 --> 00:19:41.920 and it was very clear 00:19:41.920 --> 00:19:42.140 to me. 00:19:42.220 --> 00:19:43.559 I lost the desire 00:19:43.559 --> 00:19:44.519 to go back 00:19:44.519 --> 00:19:45.200 into that field. 00:19:47.340 --> 00:19:47.740 Okay. 00:19:48.019 --> 00:19:48.180 So, 00:19:48.819 --> 00:19:49.559 how do we become 00:19:49.559 --> 00:19:50.120 a people dependent 00:19:50.120 --> 00:19:50.720 on the Holy Spirit? 00:19:51.240 --> 00:19:52.259 I have three suggestions. 00:19:52.779 --> 00:19:53.039 Surrender, 00:19:53.180 --> 00:19:53.360 surrender, 00:19:53.480 --> 00:19:53.779 surrender. 00:19:54.519 --> 00:19:55.619 pray for the Spirit's power 00:19:55.619 --> 00:19:56.819 and be sensitive 00:19:56.819 --> 00:19:58.099 to the Spirit's leading. 00:19:59.379 --> 00:19:59.799 So, 00:19:59.859 --> 00:20:00.279 to close, 00:20:01.180 --> 00:20:01.940 if we are to truly 00:20:01.940 --> 00:20:02.559 be a people 00:20:02.559 --> 00:20:04.200 who experience 00:20:04.200 --> 00:20:05.259 the love of Christ, 00:20:05.420 --> 00:20:07.259 if we are to be 00:20:07.259 --> 00:20:07.680 a people 00:20:07.680 --> 00:20:08.980 who truly love 00:20:08.980 --> 00:20:10.399 Christ deeply 00:20:10.399 --> 00:20:11.839 and if we are 00:20:11.839 --> 00:20:12.539 to honor God 00:20:12.539 --> 00:20:13.099 in His mission 00:20:13.099 --> 00:20:13.779 to share 00:20:13.779 --> 00:20:14.859 the gospel, 00:20:15.399 --> 00:20:15.879 we must, 00:20:16.240 --> 00:20:16.740 we must, 00:20:16.819 --> 00:20:17.500 we must 00:20:17.500 --> 00:20:18.399 be wholly dependent 00:20:18.399 --> 00:20:20.559 on God's Spirit 00:20:20.559 --> 00:20:22.240 for His power 00:20:22.240 --> 00:20:23.819 so that we can do 00:20:23.819 --> 00:20:24.500 all things 00:20:24.500 --> 00:20:25.819 for the glory of God. 00:20:27.620 --> 00:20:28.279 There's one 00:20:28.279 --> 00:20:29.599 personal reflection there 00:20:29.599 --> 00:20:30.660 that I wrote 00:20:30.660 --> 00:20:32.240 in your sheet. 00:20:34.180 --> 00:20:35.319 How can we grow? 00:20:36.000 --> 00:20:36.700 How can we grow? 00:20:36.759 --> 00:20:37.420 How can you, 00:20:37.539 --> 00:20:38.039 in particular, 00:20:38.200 --> 00:20:39.259 grow in dependence 00:20:39.259 --> 00:20:39.880 on the Holy Spirit? 00:20:39.960 --> 00:20:40.920 What specific action 00:20:40.920 --> 00:20:41.480 do you think God 00:20:41.480 --> 00:20:42.420 is calling you to do 00:20:42.420 --> 00:20:43.980 to grow in your dependence 00:20:43.980 --> 00:20:44.559 on the Spirit? 00:20:45.220 --> 00:20:45.700 Let's just spend 00:20:45.700 --> 00:20:47.120 the next five or so minutes 00:20:47.120 --> 00:20:48.099 individually 00:20:48.099 --> 00:20:49.720 doing some personal 00:20:49.720 --> 00:20:50.180 reflection, 00:20:50.380 --> 00:20:51.019 perhaps prayer 00:20:51.019 --> 00:20:52.359 as well 00:20:52.359 --> 00:20:53.859 and then 00:20:53.859 --> 00:20:55.160 I'll pass it on 00:20:55.160 --> 00:20:55.539 to, 00:20:55.539 --> 00:20:56.720 I think, 00:20:56.799 --> 00:20:57.319 Cyberdem 00:20:57.319 --> 00:20:58.460 to speak on 00:20:58.460 --> 00:20:58.940 faithness. 00:20:58.940 --> 00:20:59.000 Thank you.