WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:04.719 If you have your Bibles, I'd like to ask you to open them with me to Mark chapter 9. 00:00:05.219 --> 00:00:10.560 Mark chapter 9, and we're going to be looking at verses 14 through 29. 00:00:11.460 --> 00:00:18.940 This morning, we're going to be taking a look at my favorite verse throughout Scripture. 00:00:19.859 --> 00:00:27.400 It's my favorite verse because I find so often myself identifying with the Father that we find in this passage. 00:00:27.399 --> 00:00:33.280 The Father in this passage is coming to Jesus, and He's totally desperate. 00:00:34.299 --> 00:00:45.379 He's in circumstances that are beyond His control, and He's turned to every source of help He could possibly find up until now, but He has received no help. 00:00:45.799 --> 00:00:47.959 You see, His Son was possessed by a demon. 00:00:48.799 --> 00:00:52.859 He had gone to religious leaders. He had gone to some of Jesus' disciples. 00:00:52.859 --> 00:00:56.879 But up until now, He's found no help. 00:00:57.399 --> 00:01:03.199 And He approaches Jesus and says, if you can do anything, please help us. 00:01:03.960 --> 00:01:08.579 And Jesus assures Him that all things are possible to those who believe. 00:01:09.500 --> 00:01:12.000 And this is where my favorite verse comes in here. 00:01:12.680 --> 00:01:15.620 For He comes to Jesus and He says, I believe. 00:01:16.959 --> 00:01:19.840 Help me overcome my unbelief. 00:01:20.299 --> 00:01:21.920 Help me overcome my unbelief. 00:01:21.920 --> 00:01:24.340 If the man believed in Jesus, he knew that he was able. 00:01:24.340 --> 00:01:32.379 I'm sure he had heard stories up until now of Jesus healing the sick, raising the dead, casting demons from people. 00:01:32.760 --> 00:01:37.719 But maybe he was fearful a little bit or had a little bit of doubt creeping to the back of his mind. 00:01:38.719 --> 00:01:44.040 Because up until now, he had gone to those who he assumed should have been able to help him. 00:01:44.040 --> 00:01:48.320 But he had found no help up until now. 00:01:48.680 --> 00:01:50.800 And so he says, I believe. 00:01:51.800 --> 00:01:52.960 I believe. 00:01:53.560 --> 00:01:56.280 Help me overcome my unbelief. 00:01:57.760 --> 00:02:00.300 Have you ever found yourself in a situation like that? 00:02:01.940 --> 00:02:05.040 Have you ever found yourself in totally desperate times? 00:02:05.040 --> 00:02:13.939 Desperate situation or circumstances that are out of your control and beyond your ability to deal with? 00:02:14.000 --> 00:02:17.980 I'm sure most of us have found ourselves in those situations at times. 00:02:18.900 --> 00:02:24.740 And while we know that Jesus is more than able to do anything we ask, we know He's able. 00:02:24.740 --> 00:02:32.600 But do we ever have that little bit of doubt creep into the back of our mind of will He? 00:02:32.599 --> 00:02:39.579 Will He answer our prayers the way we've asked Him to? 00:02:39.680 --> 00:02:40.919 We know God is able. 00:02:42.199 --> 00:02:45.620 But sometimes we question whether He will. 00:02:46.359 --> 00:02:54.039 Or maybe we've faced situations in life, circumstances in life, and they've just beaten us down so much 00:02:54.039 --> 00:02:59.459 that we're weary, that we're tired, and we just don't know where to turn. 00:02:59.460 --> 00:03:04.219 And we allow a little bit of doubt to creep into our mind. 00:03:05.020 --> 00:03:06.560 You know, this passage is amazing. 00:03:06.719 --> 00:03:13.960 It speaks to me so much because I find myself in the same situation at times where we know Christ is able. 00:03:14.360 --> 00:03:19.280 But we have to be honest and say, Jesus, help me overcome my unbelief. 00:03:19.280 --> 00:03:24.439 But this passage is also one of the most misinterpreted scriptures in all the Bible. 00:03:24.439 --> 00:03:31.340 We often hear pastors and others saying, if you just have enough faith, just have enough faith, 00:03:31.419 --> 00:03:33.319 then God will do whatever you ask Him to. 00:03:33.579 --> 00:03:37.020 We especially hear that in these name it and claim it preachers. 00:03:37.240 --> 00:03:39.020 Just have enough faith. 00:03:39.120 --> 00:03:43.659 And then when God doesn't answer the way we wanted Him to, they're, oh, you didn't have enough faith. 00:03:43.659 --> 00:03:47.939 But is that what really the scriptures teach us? 00:03:49.120 --> 00:03:55.340 Is that what God's really teaching us or Jesus is teaching us in this passage? 00:03:56.259 --> 00:04:02.419 And so before we look at our scripture this morning, I want us to go to the Lord in prayer. 00:04:03.139 --> 00:04:07.419 And I want us to take time to ask God to speak to each one of our hearts. 00:04:07.500 --> 00:04:11.859 I'm sure we're in different situations in life, different circumstances in life. 00:04:11.860 --> 00:04:19.500 And many of us may be in moments like that where we've been praying for God to answer our prayers for a long time. 00:04:19.560 --> 00:04:21.040 And until now, He's not done it. 00:04:21.819 --> 00:04:25.500 He hasn't responded in the manner in which we want Him to, at least. 00:04:26.300 --> 00:04:31.960 And so we're allowing a little bit of doubt to creep into the back of our minds. 00:04:32.319 --> 00:04:33.120 Where is God? 00:04:33.800 --> 00:04:34.900 Does He love us? 00:04:35.300 --> 00:04:37.740 Will He answer as I have requested? 00:04:38.379 --> 00:04:39.699 Well, let's go to the Lord in prayer. 00:04:39.699 --> 00:04:42.759 Father, we thank You for this day. 00:04:43.979 --> 00:04:48.139 Again, we thank You for the privilege of being able to come together as the body of Christ. 00:04:48.620 --> 00:04:52.439 And to lift Your name high above every name and to worship You. 00:04:53.319 --> 00:05:00.439 We're thankful that we can take a day to set aside all of our worries, all of our concerns, all of our fears. 00:05:01.180 --> 00:05:02.919 And just come before You, Lord. 00:05:03.480 --> 00:05:06.680 And I ask, Lord, today that You speak to us in Your Word. 00:05:06.680 --> 00:05:11.060 I pray that You speak to every heart here today. 00:05:11.780 --> 00:05:12.620 Every life. 00:05:14.639 --> 00:05:21.060 Wherever each of us may be in the journey of life, different situations, different circumstances. 00:05:21.660 --> 00:05:27.340 I pray that You help us to set aside those worries, those cares, those fears. 00:05:27.339 --> 00:05:32.099 And just come to You and allow Your Word to speak to us. 00:05:32.779 --> 00:05:34.119 And grant us faith. 00:05:34.259 --> 00:05:42.139 Maybe today there's someone here that they've been fearful to step out and receive You as Lord and Savior. 00:05:43.519 --> 00:05:46.239 They know all the claims about You, Christ. 00:05:46.359 --> 00:05:49.599 But they're fearful to make that step. 00:05:49.600 --> 00:05:56.580 And I pray, Lord, today You'd give them the faith to recognize You as God. 00:05:57.300 --> 00:06:01.260 The Messiah who died upon a cross for our sins. 00:06:02.400 --> 00:06:07.700 That we can put our faith and trust in You to receive forgiveness of our sin. 00:06:08.420 --> 00:06:10.500 And be adopted into the family of God. 00:06:10.580 --> 00:06:12.040 And we thank You, Lord, for this. 00:06:12.100 --> 00:06:14.520 And we praise You always in Jesus' name. 00:06:15.480 --> 00:06:15.860 Amen. 00:06:16.260 --> 00:06:17.840 Well, let's look together at our scripture. 00:06:17.839 --> 00:06:23.979 We're going to look at Mark chapter 9, verses 14 through 29. 00:06:26.479 --> 00:06:30.799 When they came to the other disciples, they saw a large crowd around them, 00:06:30.859 --> 00:06:33.799 and the teachers of the law arguing with them. 00:06:34.179 --> 00:06:40.259 As soon as all the people saw Jesus, they were overwhelmed with wonder and ran to greet Him. 00:06:40.799 --> 00:06:43.579 What are you arguing with them about, he asked. 00:06:43.579 --> 00:06:45.979 A man in the crowd answered, 00:06:45.980 --> 00:06:52.300 Teacher, I brought you my son who is possessed by a spirit that has robbed him of speech. 00:06:52.860 --> 00:06:55.600 Whenever it seizes him, it throws him to the ground. 00:06:55.939 --> 00:06:59.259 He foams at the mouth, gnashes his teeth, and becomes rigid. 00:07:00.000 --> 00:07:03.680 I asked your disciples to drive out the spirit, but they could not. 00:07:04.680 --> 00:07:07.580 Oh, unbelieving generation, Jesus replied. 00:07:07.840 --> 00:07:09.900 How long shall I stay with you? 00:07:09.980 --> 00:07:11.759 How long shall I put up with you? 00:07:12.180 --> 00:07:13.240 Bring the boy to me. 00:07:13.240 --> 00:07:14.920 So they brought him. 00:07:15.519 --> 00:07:20.120 When the spirit saw Jesus, it immediately threw the boy into a convulsion. 00:07:20.639 --> 00:07:23.800 He fell to the ground and rolled around, foaming at the mouth. 00:07:24.420 --> 00:07:26.060 Jesus asked the boy's father, 00:07:26.420 --> 00:07:28.960 How long has he been like this? 00:07:29.540 --> 00:07:30.860 From childhood, he answered, 00:07:31.240 --> 00:07:35.819 It has often thrown him into fire or water to kill him. 00:07:35.819 --> 00:07:40.040 But if you can do anything, take pity on us and help us. 00:07:41.439 --> 00:07:47.040 If you can, said Jesus, everything is possible for him who believes. 00:07:47.500 --> 00:07:49.659 Immediately the boy's father exclaimed, 00:07:49.839 --> 00:07:50.879 I do believe. 00:07:51.819 --> 00:07:55.120 Help me overcome my unbelief. 00:07:55.779 --> 00:07:58.680 When Jesus saw that a crowd was running to the scene, 00:07:59.019 --> 00:08:00.560 he rebuked the evil spirit. 00:08:00.560 --> 00:08:03.339 You deaf and mute spirit, he said, 00:08:03.480 --> 00:08:07.500 I command you, come out of him and never enter him again. 00:08:08.280 --> 00:08:12.360 The spirit shrieked, convulsed him violently, and came out. 00:08:12.780 --> 00:08:15.780 The boy looked so much like a corpse that many said, 00:08:15.959 --> 00:08:16.819 He's dead. 00:08:17.639 --> 00:08:21.180 But Jesus took him by the hand and lifted him to his feet, 00:08:22.079 --> 00:08:23.000 and he stood up. 00:08:23.000 --> 00:08:25.879 But after Jesus had gone indoors, 00:08:26.199 --> 00:08:28.019 his disciples asked him privately, 00:08:28.560 --> 00:08:31.079 Why couldn't we drive it out? 00:08:31.759 --> 00:08:32.679 And he replied, 00:08:32.919 --> 00:08:37.120 This kind can come out only by prayer. 00:08:37.779 --> 00:08:42.240 Jesus and his three disciples that made up his inner circle, 00:08:42.379 --> 00:08:43.480 Peter, James, and John, 00:08:43.759 --> 00:08:47.700 they had just had this amazing experience on the Mount of Transfiguration 00:08:47.700 --> 00:08:52.080 where Jesus truly revealed his identity to Peter, James, and John. 00:08:52.080 --> 00:08:54.320 They heard the voice of the Father speak. 00:08:54.440 --> 00:08:56.000 They met with Moses and Elijah. 00:08:56.139 --> 00:08:57.200 Can you imagine that? 00:08:57.940 --> 00:08:59.960 And here they come down off of the mountain 00:08:59.960 --> 00:09:02.360 where the other disciples were waiting, 00:09:02.480 --> 00:09:04.400 and a crowd had formed. 00:09:05.080 --> 00:09:07.720 And they began to see that the disciples 00:09:07.720 --> 00:09:11.320 were engaged in an argument with the religious leaders. 00:09:12.320 --> 00:09:14.300 And so Jesus came, and he asked, 00:09:14.400 --> 00:09:15.500 What are you all arguing about? 00:09:16.300 --> 00:09:18.120 Now, I'm reading into this, 00:09:18.720 --> 00:09:21.640 but I can just imagine there was silence for a moment. 00:09:22.080 --> 00:09:24.160 There was just a bit of silence. 00:09:24.280 --> 00:09:26.700 Nobody wanted to tell Jesus, you know, 00:09:26.780 --> 00:09:29.139 what they had been arguing about. 00:09:29.960 --> 00:09:33.100 But finally, we see in verse 17, 00:09:34.040 --> 00:09:37.139 the father speaks out, and he says, 00:09:37.280 --> 00:09:39.420 Teacher, I brought you my son 00:09:39.420 --> 00:09:41.080 who is possessed by a spirit 00:09:41.080 --> 00:09:43.040 that has robbed him of speech. 00:09:43.680 --> 00:09:46.300 Whenever it seizes him, it throws him to the ground. 00:09:46.700 --> 00:09:47.780 He foams at the mouth, 00:09:47.940 --> 00:09:49.920 gnashes his teeth, and becomes rigid. 00:09:49.919 --> 00:09:53.219 I ask your disciples to drive out the spirit, 00:09:53.699 --> 00:09:54.919 but they could not. 00:09:55.719 --> 00:09:57.879 You know, when we take a look at these verses, 00:09:58.059 --> 00:10:00.479 and we take a look at the other gospel accounts 00:10:00.479 --> 00:10:02.259 of this same story, 00:10:02.639 --> 00:10:05.139 we begin to see the condition 00:10:05.139 --> 00:10:07.139 that this boy was living in, 00:10:07.199 --> 00:10:09.159 and certainly his father as well. 00:10:09.559 --> 00:10:10.379 If you're a parent, 00:10:10.860 --> 00:10:13.980 you know the hurt and the pain and the sorrow 00:10:13.980 --> 00:10:17.079 that you feel when your children are struggling, 00:10:17.080 --> 00:10:19.900 or hurting, or up against circumstances 00:10:19.900 --> 00:10:21.540 that are beyond our control. 00:10:22.320 --> 00:10:24.080 And so we see this horrific picture 00:10:24.860 --> 00:10:27.139 of this boy's life. 00:10:27.259 --> 00:10:28.700 He's possessed by a demon 00:10:28.700 --> 00:10:31.240 that often throws him to the ground. 00:10:31.780 --> 00:10:33.920 He then is left foaming at the mouth. 00:10:34.020 --> 00:10:35.080 He grinds his teeth. 00:10:35.200 --> 00:10:37.020 He becomes rigid as a board. 00:10:37.520 --> 00:10:39.180 If you drop down to verse 22, 00:10:40.080 --> 00:10:41.660 you also see that this demon 00:10:41.660 --> 00:10:44.379 often throws him into the water, 00:10:44.379 --> 00:10:47.299 or into fire trying to kill him. 00:10:48.320 --> 00:10:50.399 He's also deaf and mute. 00:10:51.200 --> 00:10:52.740 So you can imagine this boy, 00:10:53.139 --> 00:10:54.700 he's covered with scars, 00:10:55.059 --> 00:10:56.500 he's covered with burns, 00:10:57.159 --> 00:10:59.419 and he just lives a horrific life, 00:10:59.519 --> 00:11:02.200 which in turn leaves the father 00:11:02.200 --> 00:11:05.379 living a just horrific life 00:11:05.899 --> 00:11:07.299 of worry and fear. 00:11:07.439 --> 00:11:08.840 And if you really put yourself 00:11:08.840 --> 00:11:10.200 in that position this morning, 00:11:10.480 --> 00:11:11.799 put yourself right here 00:11:11.799 --> 00:11:12.860 in the midst of the scripture, 00:11:12.860 --> 00:11:15.139 you can begin to feel 00:11:15.139 --> 00:11:18.039 the desperation of this father. 00:11:18.740 --> 00:11:21.180 You can feel his agony 00:11:21.180 --> 00:11:22.980 and his pain. 00:11:23.100 --> 00:11:24.180 If you've ever had a child 00:11:24.180 --> 00:11:25.279 that you've struggled with, 00:11:26.080 --> 00:11:28.720 maybe they've had health issues, 00:11:29.519 --> 00:11:30.940 maybe they've gone wayward 00:11:30.940 --> 00:11:31.960 away from the Lord, 00:11:32.779 --> 00:11:33.840 or maybe there's just been 00:11:33.840 --> 00:11:35.560 other circumstances in their life 00:11:35.560 --> 00:11:36.840 that you've struggled with, 00:11:36.840 --> 00:11:39.639 you know that you can feel 00:11:39.639 --> 00:11:43.160 this father's hurt and his pain. 00:11:43.280 --> 00:11:44.519 And he comes to Jesus 00:11:44.519 --> 00:11:46.860 because he's obviously heard 00:11:46.860 --> 00:11:48.500 that Jesus has healed the sick. 00:11:49.759 --> 00:11:51.980 He's heard that he's cast out demons 00:11:51.980 --> 00:11:53.040 from others, 00:11:53.120 --> 00:11:54.600 and so he has great hope 00:11:54.600 --> 00:11:56.800 that this is the answer. 00:11:57.460 --> 00:11:59.300 This is what he's looking for, 00:11:59.440 --> 00:12:01.180 and he comes to find Jesus, 00:12:01.179 --> 00:12:02.959 but Jesus is up on the mountain 00:12:02.959 --> 00:12:05.419 with Peter, James, and John, 00:12:05.500 --> 00:12:06.479 and he's unavailable, 00:12:06.899 --> 00:12:09.059 and so he goes to the other disciples. 00:12:09.679 --> 00:12:10.319 The disciples, 00:12:10.539 --> 00:12:13.120 who just three chapters before this 00:12:13.120 --> 00:12:15.359 had been sent out by Jesus 00:12:15.359 --> 00:12:16.899 to heal the sick 00:12:16.899 --> 00:12:18.279 and to cast out demons. 00:12:19.279 --> 00:12:19.479 You know, 00:12:19.500 --> 00:12:21.599 they had been doing this themselves, 00:12:22.019 --> 00:12:23.219 and so the man comes 00:12:23.219 --> 00:12:24.500 to the nine disciples 00:12:24.500 --> 00:12:26.219 that were at the foot of the mountain, 00:12:26.419 --> 00:12:28.959 and he asks them to help him 00:12:28.960 --> 00:12:30.740 and to cast out this demon, 00:12:30.900 --> 00:12:33.280 but they were unable to do so. 00:12:34.240 --> 00:12:36.000 We have to ask ourselves the question, 00:12:36.340 --> 00:12:38.840 if they had been sent out in chapter 6, 00:12:39.940 --> 00:12:42.000 and they had already been out there 00:12:42.000 --> 00:12:43.379 casting out demons 00:12:43.379 --> 00:12:45.340 and anointing people with oil 00:12:45.340 --> 00:12:46.680 and healing them, 00:12:47.040 --> 00:12:49.720 why then were they unable 00:12:49.720 --> 00:12:54.040 to cast this demon out of this boy? 00:12:54.879 --> 00:12:58.860 Why were they unsuccessful this time? 00:12:58.960 --> 00:12:59.519 Well, 00:12:59.720 --> 00:13:01.420 let's put that question on hold 00:13:01.420 --> 00:13:02.320 for just a moment, 00:13:02.500 --> 00:13:04.340 and we'll come back to it in a minute. 00:13:04.460 --> 00:13:06.320 When we drop down further in the chapter, 00:13:06.480 --> 00:13:08.820 they asked Jesus that very question, 00:13:09.340 --> 00:13:10.540 and so we're going to come back 00:13:10.540 --> 00:13:11.879 to that in just a moment. 00:13:12.800 --> 00:13:14.680 But Jesus comes down the mountain 00:13:14.680 --> 00:13:15.840 of transfiguration. 00:13:16.320 --> 00:13:18.139 He sees them arguing with the crowds. 00:13:18.259 --> 00:13:20.200 He finds out what's going on, 00:13:20.460 --> 00:13:21.639 and so he asks them 00:13:21.639 --> 00:13:23.800 to bring the boy to him. 00:13:24.460 --> 00:13:24.800 He says, 00:13:24.900 --> 00:13:26.019 bring the boy to me, 00:13:26.019 --> 00:13:27.500 and the father states 00:13:27.500 --> 00:13:29.439 that if you can do anything, 00:13:29.620 --> 00:13:32.559 take pity on us and help us. 00:13:33.159 --> 00:13:34.059 And you can just imagine 00:13:34.059 --> 00:13:35.379 Jesus looking at the guy 00:13:35.379 --> 00:13:35.679 and say, 00:13:35.879 --> 00:13:36.620 if I can, 00:13:38.419 --> 00:13:40.299 if I can help, 00:13:40.759 --> 00:13:41.899 and he assures him 00:13:41.899 --> 00:13:44.059 that all things are possible 00:13:44.059 --> 00:13:46.019 for him who believes. 00:13:46.019 --> 00:13:46.819 Now, 00:13:47.659 --> 00:13:49.199 this is where this passage, 00:13:49.460 --> 00:13:50.360 this passage, 00:13:50.480 --> 00:13:51.799 and other passages 00:13:51.799 --> 00:13:53.579 throughout the New Testament 00:13:53.579 --> 00:13:55.019 are often misinterpreted. 00:13:56.720 --> 00:13:57.039 Again, 00:13:57.120 --> 00:13:57.879 I said a moment ago, 00:13:57.939 --> 00:13:59.480 we often see individuals say, 00:13:59.559 --> 00:14:01.199 if you just have enough faith, 00:14:02.000 --> 00:14:03.340 just believe, 00:14:03.659 --> 00:14:05.039 and God will do exactly 00:14:05.039 --> 00:14:07.059 what you want him to do. 00:14:07.139 --> 00:14:08.019 But is that really 00:14:08.019 --> 00:14:10.980 what scripture is teaching us? 00:14:10.980 --> 00:14:11.960 You know, 00:14:12.019 --> 00:14:12.580 I remember 00:14:12.580 --> 00:14:14.920 back in 2005, 00:14:15.639 --> 00:14:17.240 my dad was diagnosed 00:14:17.240 --> 00:14:18.440 with a brain tumor, 00:14:19.340 --> 00:14:21.800 and I went home, 00:14:22.860 --> 00:14:25.320 I knelt beside his chair, 00:14:25.460 --> 00:14:26.440 laid hands on him, 00:14:26.519 --> 00:14:27.000 and prayed, 00:14:27.200 --> 00:14:28.080 and I believed 00:14:28.080 --> 00:14:29.100 with all my heart, 00:14:29.920 --> 00:14:31.180 as much as I could, 00:14:31.580 --> 00:14:33.700 that God would heal him 00:14:33.700 --> 00:14:35.759 of this brain tumor, 00:14:36.120 --> 00:14:37.259 and at 65, 00:14:37.720 --> 00:14:38.840 he would not die. 00:14:38.840 --> 00:14:41.160 But less than a month later, 00:14:41.240 --> 00:14:42.340 my dad passed away. 00:14:43.100 --> 00:14:44.379 And God didn't answer 00:14:44.379 --> 00:14:45.160 my prayer 00:14:45.160 --> 00:14:47.200 the way I had wanted him to, 00:14:47.600 --> 00:14:48.540 and had asked him, 00:14:48.720 --> 00:14:48.920 now, 00:14:49.080 --> 00:14:50.259 did I not have enough faith? 00:14:51.340 --> 00:14:53.879 Did God let my dad die 00:14:53.879 --> 00:14:55.840 because I didn't have 00:14:55.840 --> 00:14:56.960 enough faith? 00:14:57.860 --> 00:14:58.160 Well, 00:14:58.220 --> 00:14:58.800 I don't believe 00:14:58.800 --> 00:15:00.040 that's what scripture teaches, 00:15:00.160 --> 00:15:00.500 do you? 00:15:01.440 --> 00:15:02.200 Jesus said, 00:15:02.320 --> 00:15:03.400 if you have the faith 00:15:03.400 --> 00:15:04.480 of a mustard seed, 00:15:04.560 --> 00:15:05.460 which a mustard seed 00:15:05.460 --> 00:15:07.320 is the tiniest of all seeds, 00:15:07.320 --> 00:15:09.200 one of the tiniest seeds, 00:15:09.280 --> 00:15:09.540 he says, 00:15:09.600 --> 00:15:10.720 if you have the faith 00:15:10.720 --> 00:15:11.620 of a mustard seed, 00:15:11.879 --> 00:15:13.100 you can tell this mountain 00:15:13.100 --> 00:15:13.879 to move, 00:15:14.340 --> 00:15:15.400 and it will move. 00:15:15.920 --> 00:15:16.640 And I don't believe 00:15:16.640 --> 00:15:17.300 for a moment 00:15:17.300 --> 00:15:18.680 that when we look 00:15:18.680 --> 00:15:19.780 at the entirety 00:15:19.780 --> 00:15:20.600 of scripture, 00:15:21.600 --> 00:15:23.860 that we can walk away 00:15:23.860 --> 00:15:24.740 from the entirety 00:15:24.740 --> 00:15:25.420 of scripture, 00:15:25.540 --> 00:15:26.800 because usually scripture 00:15:26.800 --> 00:15:28.080 is the best commentary 00:15:28.080 --> 00:15:28.820 for scripture, 00:15:29.000 --> 00:15:29.320 isn't it? 00:15:29.720 --> 00:15:30.660 We have to look 00:15:30.660 --> 00:15:31.800 at all of scripture, 00:15:31.960 --> 00:15:33.040 and it has to complement 00:15:33.040 --> 00:15:33.640 one another. 00:15:33.740 --> 00:15:34.400 If we come away 00:15:34.400 --> 00:15:34.960 with something 00:15:34.960 --> 00:15:35.800 that contradicts 00:15:35.800 --> 00:15:36.580 another passage 00:15:36.580 --> 00:15:37.500 of scripture, 00:15:37.700 --> 00:15:38.980 then we're coming away 00:15:38.980 --> 00:15:40.280 with the wrong conclusion. 00:15:41.160 --> 00:15:41.960 But we have to look 00:15:41.960 --> 00:15:42.740 at the entirety 00:15:42.740 --> 00:15:43.360 of scripture, 00:15:43.500 --> 00:15:43.879 and yes, 00:15:44.019 --> 00:15:45.540 Jesus does confirm 00:15:45.540 --> 00:15:47.420 on more than one occasion 00:15:47.420 --> 00:15:49.600 that faith plays a role 00:15:49.600 --> 00:15:51.660 in answered prayer. 00:15:52.240 --> 00:15:53.280 Faith does play a role. 00:15:53.360 --> 00:15:53.820 He says, 00:15:54.120 --> 00:15:54.360 here, 00:15:54.600 --> 00:15:55.680 all things are possible 00:15:55.680 --> 00:15:56.720 to those who believe. 00:15:57.139 --> 00:15:58.100 We also see, 00:15:58.220 --> 00:15:59.080 remember the lady 00:15:59.080 --> 00:16:00.320 who had been bleeding 00:16:00.320 --> 00:16:01.720 for a number of years, 00:16:01.720 --> 00:16:02.940 and she knew 00:16:02.940 --> 00:16:04.460 if she could just touch 00:16:04.460 --> 00:16:06.399 the hem of his garment, 00:16:06.580 --> 00:16:07.360 she would be healed. 00:16:07.480 --> 00:16:07.740 And so, 00:16:08.019 --> 00:16:08.980 she pushed her way 00:16:08.980 --> 00:16:09.680 through the crowd 00:16:09.680 --> 00:16:11.120 and got as close to Jesus 00:16:11.120 --> 00:16:12.519 as she possibly could, 00:16:12.759 --> 00:16:13.940 and she reaches out 00:16:13.940 --> 00:16:15.920 and touches his garment, 00:16:16.200 --> 00:16:17.180 and instantly, 00:16:18.180 --> 00:16:19.560 she was healed. 00:16:19.660 --> 00:16:20.779 And he felt it. 00:16:21.420 --> 00:16:22.639 He knew energy 00:16:22.639 --> 00:16:23.879 had gone out from, 00:16:23.940 --> 00:16:24.740 or healing power 00:16:24.740 --> 00:16:26.220 had gone out from him, 00:16:26.440 --> 00:16:27.220 and so he stopped 00:16:27.220 --> 00:16:27.540 and said, 00:16:27.580 --> 00:16:28.240 who touched me? 00:16:28.779 --> 00:16:29.000 Well, 00:16:29.040 --> 00:16:29.840 the disciples thought 00:16:29.840 --> 00:16:30.399 he was nuts, 00:16:30.500 --> 00:16:30.820 didn't they? 00:16:30.820 --> 00:16:31.120 Like, 00:16:31.200 --> 00:16:31.640 what do you mean 00:16:31.640 --> 00:16:32.520 who touched you? 00:16:33.280 --> 00:16:33.560 You know, 00:16:33.620 --> 00:16:34.420 all this crowd 00:16:34.420 --> 00:16:35.660 pushing in on you, 00:16:36.220 --> 00:16:37.620 but finally the lady said 00:16:37.620 --> 00:16:38.760 she was the one 00:16:38.760 --> 00:16:39.460 that reached out, 00:16:39.500 --> 00:16:40.520 and what did Jesus say? 00:16:42.340 --> 00:16:42.860 He says, 00:16:42.940 --> 00:16:43.680 your faith 00:16:43.680 --> 00:16:45.600 has healed you. 00:16:46.260 --> 00:16:46.520 So, 00:16:46.900 --> 00:16:48.460 faith does play 00:16:48.460 --> 00:16:50.320 a very significant role 00:16:50.320 --> 00:16:51.460 in our lives 00:16:51.460 --> 00:16:52.780 in answered prayer, 00:16:53.020 --> 00:16:53.860 but I don't believe 00:16:53.860 --> 00:16:54.540 for a moment 00:16:54.540 --> 00:16:56.360 that the Bible 00:16:56.360 --> 00:16:57.320 teaches us 00:16:57.320 --> 00:16:58.680 that if you just 00:16:58.680 --> 00:17:00.680 have enough faith, 00:17:00.820 --> 00:17:02.680 then God 00:17:02.680 --> 00:17:03.200 will answer 00:17:03.200 --> 00:17:03.840 your prayers 00:17:03.840 --> 00:17:04.299 the way 00:17:04.299 --> 00:17:05.539 you ask them, 00:17:06.279 --> 00:17:07.019 or what you're 00:17:07.019 --> 00:17:08.120 asking of him. 00:17:08.420 --> 00:17:08.940 As a matter of fact, 00:17:09.000 --> 00:17:09.660 if we turn to 00:17:09.660 --> 00:17:11.140 1 John chapter 5, 00:17:11.900 --> 00:17:12.620 look with me 00:17:12.620 --> 00:17:13.120 if you will. 00:17:13.500 --> 00:17:14.820 John chapter 5 00:17:14.820 --> 00:17:16.700 verses 14 and 15, 00:17:17.019 --> 00:17:17.580 this is one 00:17:17.580 --> 00:17:18.240 of those scriptures 00:17:18.240 --> 00:17:18.940 where we have 00:17:18.940 --> 00:17:19.779 to use scripture 00:17:19.779 --> 00:17:20.400 to interpret 00:17:20.400 --> 00:17:21.259 other scripture. 00:17:22.200 --> 00:17:22.700 And this is 00:17:22.700 --> 00:17:24.019 a very vital scripture 00:17:24.019 --> 00:17:24.460 to me 00:17:24.460 --> 00:17:25.460 in understanding 00:17:25.460 --> 00:17:26.640 that if we have 00:17:26.640 --> 00:17:27.220 enough faith, 00:17:27.299 --> 00:17:28.460 how will God respond? 00:17:28.460 --> 00:17:30.620 1 John 5, 00:17:30.720 --> 00:17:31.720 14 and 15, 00:17:32.140 --> 00:17:33.440 this is the confidence 00:17:33.440 --> 00:17:34.100 we have 00:17:34.100 --> 00:17:35.079 in approaching God 00:17:35.079 --> 00:17:37.380 that if we ask 00:17:37.380 --> 00:17:38.160 anything, 00:17:38.240 --> 00:17:39.079 now pay attention, 00:17:40.860 --> 00:17:41.840 if we ask 00:17:41.840 --> 00:17:42.539 anything 00:17:42.539 --> 00:17:43.420 according 00:17:43.420 --> 00:17:45.779 to his will, 00:17:46.779 --> 00:17:48.600 he hears us. 00:17:48.700 --> 00:17:49.539 And if we know 00:17:49.539 --> 00:17:50.640 that he hears us, 00:17:50.720 --> 00:17:51.720 whatever we ask, 00:17:52.960 --> 00:17:53.539 we know 00:17:53.539 --> 00:17:54.460 that we have 00:17:54.460 --> 00:17:56.100 what we ask 00:17:56.099 --> 00:17:56.740 of him. 00:17:57.879 --> 00:17:59.119 If we pray 00:17:59.119 --> 00:18:00.240 anything 00:18:00.240 --> 00:18:01.740 according 00:18:01.740 --> 00:18:02.759 to 00:18:02.759 --> 00:18:04.719 his will, 00:18:04.799 --> 00:18:05.599 how do we know 00:18:05.599 --> 00:18:06.319 the will of God? 00:18:06.899 --> 00:18:07.759 How do we 00:18:07.759 --> 00:18:09.199 pray the will 00:18:09.199 --> 00:18:09.759 of God? 00:18:12.439 --> 00:18:13.459 How do we know 00:18:13.459 --> 00:18:14.059 his will 00:18:14.059 --> 00:18:14.659 that we can 00:18:14.659 --> 00:18:15.859 put it into prayer? 00:18:17.599 --> 00:18:18.079 Well, 00:18:18.219 --> 00:18:19.019 the word of God, 00:18:19.139 --> 00:18:19.679 for starters, 00:18:20.279 --> 00:18:21.240 the more time 00:18:21.240 --> 00:18:22.059 we spend 00:18:22.059 --> 00:18:23.659 in God's word 00:18:23.660 --> 00:18:24.620 and the more 00:18:24.620 --> 00:18:25.600 time we spend 00:18:25.600 --> 00:18:26.900 in his presence 00:18:26.900 --> 00:18:28.100 and we develop 00:18:28.100 --> 00:18:29.360 that relationship 00:18:29.360 --> 00:18:30.620 of just 00:18:30.620 --> 00:18:32.560 resting in him 00:18:32.560 --> 00:18:33.279 and resting 00:18:33.279 --> 00:18:34.400 in his word 00:18:34.400 --> 00:18:35.519 and knowing 00:18:35.519 --> 00:18:36.580 the word 00:18:36.580 --> 00:18:37.400 of God, 00:18:37.500 --> 00:18:38.540 the better we can 00:18:38.540 --> 00:18:39.759 know the will 00:18:39.759 --> 00:18:40.800 of God. 00:18:41.180 --> 00:18:41.580 And the more 00:18:41.580 --> 00:18:42.700 we know the will 00:18:42.700 --> 00:18:43.279 of God, 00:18:43.400 --> 00:18:44.380 the more we can 00:18:44.380 --> 00:18:45.160 incorporate it 00:18:45.160 --> 00:18:46.279 into our prayer lives 00:18:46.279 --> 00:18:47.279 and instead of 00:18:47.279 --> 00:18:48.460 just simply having 00:18:48.460 --> 00:18:50.040 prayers that are 00:18:50.040 --> 00:18:51.000 always focused 00:18:51.000 --> 00:18:51.940 on ourselves 00:18:51.940 --> 00:18:53.320 and our wants 00:18:53.320 --> 00:18:54.360 and our desires, 00:18:54.700 --> 00:18:56.200 we begin praying 00:18:56.200 --> 00:18:57.900 the very will 00:18:57.900 --> 00:18:58.519 of God. 00:18:58.600 --> 00:18:59.039 And the more 00:18:59.039 --> 00:18:59.779 we spend 00:18:59.779 --> 00:19:01.380 in his presence 00:19:01.380 --> 00:19:02.340 and the more 00:19:02.340 --> 00:19:03.299 we develop 00:19:03.299 --> 00:19:04.220 that intimate 00:19:04.220 --> 00:19:05.039 and personal 00:19:05.039 --> 00:19:06.000 relationship 00:19:06.000 --> 00:19:07.120 with God, 00:19:07.200 --> 00:19:07.900 the more he 00:19:07.900 --> 00:19:09.600 changes our hearts. 00:19:10.600 --> 00:19:11.779 He changes 00:19:11.779 --> 00:19:12.700 our heart 00:19:12.700 --> 00:19:13.920 so that 00:19:13.920 --> 00:19:15.320 our desire 00:19:15.320 --> 00:19:16.539 is the will 00:19:16.539 --> 00:19:17.180 of God. 00:19:18.320 --> 00:19:19.220 The more 00:19:19.220 --> 00:19:19.940 we dwell 00:19:20.580 --> 00:19:21.799 in his presence, 00:19:21.940 --> 00:19:23.900 the more 00:19:23.900 --> 00:19:24.600 we want 00:19:24.600 --> 00:19:25.039 more than 00:19:25.039 --> 00:19:26.059 anything else 00:19:26.059 --> 00:19:26.840 is for the 00:19:26.840 --> 00:19:27.500 will 00:19:27.500 --> 00:19:28.740 of God 00:19:28.740 --> 00:19:31.160 to be done. 00:19:33.559 --> 00:19:34.360 Pastor Daniel 00:19:34.360 --> 00:19:35.100 did not 00:19:35.100 --> 00:19:35.840 pay me 00:19:35.840 --> 00:19:36.480 to say this. 00:19:38.180 --> 00:19:39.100 But a few 00:19:39.100 --> 00:19:39.779 weeks ago 00:19:39.779 --> 00:19:41.140 he introduced 00:19:41.140 --> 00:19:42.240 a Bible 00:19:42.240 --> 00:19:43.059 reading plan 00:19:43.059 --> 00:19:43.500 here. 00:19:44.600 --> 00:19:45.180 If you've not 00:19:45.180 --> 00:19:45.900 picked one of these 00:19:45.900 --> 00:19:46.180 up, 00:19:47.059 --> 00:19:47.559 there's still 00:19:47.559 --> 00:19:48.299 a couple up here. 00:19:48.380 --> 00:19:48.720 There may be 00:19:48.720 --> 00:19:49.320 some in the back. 00:19:49.500 --> 00:19:50.000 It's also 00:19:50.000 --> 00:19:50.940 in the newsletter. 00:19:50.940 --> 00:19:51.840 It's also 00:19:51.840 --> 00:19:52.700 on the website. 00:19:54.320 --> 00:19:54.820 Practice 00:19:54.820 --> 00:19:56.200 spending time 00:19:56.200 --> 00:19:56.980 with God 00:19:56.980 --> 00:19:57.820 daily 00:19:57.820 --> 00:19:59.400 in prayer. 00:19:59.580 --> 00:20:00.160 Allowing 00:20:00.160 --> 00:20:01.279 him to speak 00:20:01.279 --> 00:20:02.480 to us. 00:20:03.700 --> 00:20:04.080 And then 00:20:04.080 --> 00:20:04.779 instead of 00:20:04.779 --> 00:20:05.400 praying 00:20:05.400 --> 00:20:06.480 you know 00:20:06.480 --> 00:20:07.500 just 00:20:07.500 --> 00:20:08.840 fleshly 00:20:08.840 --> 00:20:09.340 worldly 00:20:09.340 --> 00:20:09.900 prayers 00:20:09.900 --> 00:20:10.200 that we're 00:20:10.200 --> 00:20:10.799 asking God 00:20:10.799 --> 00:20:11.640 allow his 00:20:11.640 --> 00:20:12.279 Holy Spirit 00:20:12.279 --> 00:20:13.580 to direct 00:20:13.580 --> 00:20:14.120 us and 00:20:14.120 --> 00:20:14.680 guide us 00:20:14.680 --> 00:20:15.200 that we're 00:20:15.200 --> 00:20:15.700 praying 00:20:15.700 --> 00:20:16.539 the very 00:20:16.539 --> 00:20:17.160 will of God. 00:20:17.240 --> 00:20:17.900 Is it wrong 00:20:17.900 --> 00:20:18.360 to ask 00:20:18.360 --> 00:20:18.900 for healing? 00:20:18.900 --> 00:20:20.519 Is it wrong 00:20:20.519 --> 00:20:21.180 to ask 00:20:21.180 --> 00:20:21.660 for things 00:20:21.660 --> 00:20:22.200 like this? 00:20:22.300 --> 00:20:22.600 No. 00:20:23.620 --> 00:20:24.140 It's not 00:20:24.140 --> 00:20:24.600 wrong. 00:20:25.040 --> 00:20:25.640 I wasn't 00:20:25.640 --> 00:20:26.460 out of God's 00:20:26.460 --> 00:20:27.019 will to pray 00:20:27.019 --> 00:20:27.320 that he 00:20:27.320 --> 00:20:27.759 heal my 00:20:27.759 --> 00:20:28.160 father. 00:20:28.960 --> 00:20:29.420 It's not 00:20:29.420 --> 00:20:30.100 wrong to 00:20:30.100 --> 00:20:30.600 pray that 00:20:30.600 --> 00:20:30.900 if you 00:20:30.900 --> 00:20:31.200 need a 00:20:31.200 --> 00:20:31.880 new job 00:20:31.880 --> 00:20:32.500 or your 00:20:32.500 --> 00:20:33.060 marriage is 00:20:33.060 --> 00:20:33.440 struggling 00:20:33.440 --> 00:20:33.860 that you 00:20:33.860 --> 00:20:34.400 pray for 00:20:34.400 --> 00:20:34.980 these things. 00:20:35.100 --> 00:20:35.540 We should 00:20:35.540 --> 00:20:36.060 pray for 00:20:36.060 --> 00:20:36.660 these things. 00:20:37.360 --> 00:20:37.800 You should 00:20:37.800 --> 00:20:38.720 bring in 00:20:38.720 --> 00:20:39.460 other believers 00:20:39.460 --> 00:20:40.560 to join you 00:20:40.560 --> 00:20:41.640 in praying 00:20:41.640 --> 00:20:42.240 for these 00:20:42.240 --> 00:20:42.960 things as 00:20:42.960 --> 00:20:43.519 you're able. 00:20:43.660 --> 00:20:44.200 But remember 00:20:44.200 --> 00:20:44.820 when Jesus 00:20:44.820 --> 00:20:45.500 prayed at the 00:20:45.500 --> 00:20:45.900 Garden of 00:20:45.900 --> 00:20:46.440 Gethsemane, 00:20:47.600 --> 00:20:48.360 he asked 00:20:48.360 --> 00:20:49.360 that this 00:20:49.360 --> 00:20:49.980 cup be 00:20:49.980 --> 00:20:50.800 taken from 00:20:50.800 --> 00:20:51.120 him. 00:20:52.300 --> 00:20:52.759 He said 00:20:52.759 --> 00:20:54.380 remove this 00:20:54.380 --> 00:20:55.019 cup from 00:20:55.019 --> 00:20:55.380 me. 00:20:55.759 --> 00:20:56.120 But what 00:20:56.120 --> 00:20:56.519 else did 00:20:56.519 --> 00:20:56.940 he say? 00:21:00.120 --> 00:21:00.980 Not my 00:21:00.980 --> 00:21:02.640 will, but 00:21:02.640 --> 00:21:03.360 your will be 00:21:03.360 --> 00:21:03.700 done. 00:21:04.259 --> 00:21:04.540 And so 00:21:04.540 --> 00:21:05.259 Jesus was 00:21:05.259 --> 00:21:05.960 showing us 00:21:05.960 --> 00:21:06.740 there that 00:21:06.740 --> 00:21:07.120 there are 00:21:07.120 --> 00:21:07.720 times when 00:21:07.720 --> 00:21:08.620 we pray for 00:21:08.620 --> 00:21:10.120 God's will 00:21:10.120 --> 00:21:10.780 or we pray 00:21:10.780 --> 00:21:11.320 for things 00:21:11.320 --> 00:21:11.840 in our 00:21:11.840 --> 00:21:12.420 lives. 00:21:13.120 --> 00:21:13.600 But more 00:21:13.600 --> 00:21:14.160 importantly, 00:21:14.460 --> 00:21:15.220 we want 00:21:15.220 --> 00:21:16.519 God's will 00:21:16.519 --> 00:21:17.039 to be 00:21:17.039 --> 00:21:18.180 done in 00:21:18.180 --> 00:21:19.400 our lives 00:21:19.400 --> 00:21:20.339 even when 00:21:20.339 --> 00:21:20.880 we don't 00:21:20.880 --> 00:21:21.779 understand 00:21:21.779 --> 00:21:22.819 why. 00:21:22.920 --> 00:21:23.200 I didn't 00:21:23.200 --> 00:21:23.559 understand. 00:21:23.680 --> 00:21:23.920 Why did 00:21:23.920 --> 00:21:25.279 God allow 00:21:25.279 --> 00:21:26.059 my dad to 00:21:26.059 --> 00:21:26.600 die at 00:21:26.600 --> 00:21:27.640 65 when 00:21:27.640 --> 00:21:27.920 he was 00:21:27.920 --> 00:21:28.799 just starting 00:21:28.799 --> 00:21:29.600 to retire? 00:21:30.519 --> 00:21:31.539 Looking forward 00:21:31.539 --> 00:21:32.220 to the golden 00:21:32.220 --> 00:21:32.839 years of 00:21:32.839 --> 00:21:33.440 spending with 00:21:33.440 --> 00:21:34.000 my mom. 00:21:34.079 --> 00:21:34.460 He said he 00:21:34.460 --> 00:21:34.759 was going to 00:21:34.759 --> 00:21:35.319 come see me 00:21:35.319 --> 00:21:35.819 more often. 00:21:37.500 --> 00:21:38.779 But why 00:21:38.779 --> 00:21:39.259 did God 00:21:39.259 --> 00:21:40.059 allow him 00:21:40.059 --> 00:21:41.480 to die? 00:21:42.660 --> 00:21:43.500 I can't 00:21:43.500 --> 00:21:44.180 answer that. 00:21:44.180 --> 00:21:45.160 But I do 00:21:45.160 --> 00:21:46.019 know that 00:21:46.019 --> 00:21:46.519 one day 00:21:46.519 --> 00:21:47.000 when we're 00:21:47.000 --> 00:21:47.560 in heaven 00:21:47.560 --> 00:21:49.640 it's not 00:21:49.640 --> 00:21:50.019 going to be 00:21:50.019 --> 00:21:50.380 all that 00:21:50.380 --> 00:21:50.799 important 00:21:50.799 --> 00:21:51.160 anymore, 00:21:51.160 --> 00:21:51.560 is it? 00:21:53.460 --> 00:21:54.240 All of our 00:21:54.240 --> 00:21:54.759 tears will 00:21:54.759 --> 00:21:55.240 be wiped 00:21:55.240 --> 00:21:55.680 away. 00:21:56.000 --> 00:21:56.460 All the 00:21:56.460 --> 00:21:56.920 struggle, 00:21:57.080 --> 00:21:57.400 all the 00:21:57.400 --> 00:21:57.799 pain, 00:21:57.900 --> 00:21:58.200 all the 00:21:58.200 --> 00:21:58.740 sorrows 00:21:58.740 --> 00:21:59.039 that we 00:21:59.039 --> 00:21:59.360 face, 00:21:59.640 --> 00:22:00.400 the challenges 00:22:00.400 --> 00:22:00.820 that we 00:22:00.820 --> 00:22:01.180 were up 00:22:01.180 --> 00:22:01.539 against, 00:22:01.640 --> 00:22:01.900 that we 00:22:01.900 --> 00:22:02.240 wondered, 00:22:02.340 --> 00:22:02.600 God, 00:22:02.700 --> 00:22:03.320 where are 00:22:03.320 --> 00:22:03.560 you? 00:22:03.799 --> 00:22:04.299 Why are 00:22:04.299 --> 00:22:04.740 you not 00:22:04.740 --> 00:22:05.220 answering? 00:22:05.560 --> 00:22:06.120 We don't 00:22:06.120 --> 00:22:07.039 understand. 00:22:08.200 --> 00:22:08.600 When we 00:22:08.600 --> 00:22:09.200 stand before 00:22:09.200 --> 00:22:09.620 God, 00:22:09.740 --> 00:22:10.880 maybe we'll 00:22:10.880 --> 00:22:11.279 understand 00:22:11.279 --> 00:22:11.820 better. 00:22:14.180 --> 00:22:14.980 But it's 00:22:14.980 --> 00:22:15.340 not even 00:22:15.340 --> 00:22:15.620 going to 00:22:15.620 --> 00:22:15.920 matter. 00:22:16.600 --> 00:22:17.100 When we're 00:22:17.100 --> 00:22:17.680 standing in 00:22:17.680 --> 00:22:18.140 the presence 00:22:18.140 --> 00:22:18.519 of the 00:22:18.519 --> 00:22:18.860 Lord, 00:22:20.080 --> 00:22:20.519 in his 00:22:20.519 --> 00:22:20.880 heavenly 00:22:20.880 --> 00:22:21.480 kingdom, 00:22:22.320 --> 00:22:22.880 all those 00:22:22.880 --> 00:22:23.360 things are 00:22:23.360 --> 00:22:23.720 going to be 00:22:23.720 --> 00:22:24.580 washed away 00:22:24.580 --> 00:22:25.320 and it's 00:22:25.320 --> 00:22:26.039 all going to 00:22:26.039 --> 00:22:26.600 be worth 00:22:26.600 --> 00:22:27.400 every little 00:22:27.400 --> 00:22:27.900 thing that 00:22:27.900 --> 00:22:28.460 we've gone 00:22:28.460 --> 00:22:28.860 through and 00:22:28.860 --> 00:22:29.279 all the 00:22:29.279 --> 00:22:29.779 challenges, 00:22:29.980 --> 00:22:30.259 all the 00:22:30.259 --> 00:22:30.799 obstacles, 00:22:31.299 --> 00:22:31.740 all the 00:22:31.740 --> 00:22:32.220 pain. 00:22:32.980 --> 00:22:33.400 And we 00:22:33.400 --> 00:22:33.840 don't 00:22:33.840 --> 00:22:34.600 understand, 00:22:34.740 --> 00:22:35.060 but we 00:22:35.060 --> 00:22:35.580 have to 00:22:35.580 --> 00:22:36.400 have faith 00:22:36.400 --> 00:22:37.720 that God's 00:22:37.720 --> 00:22:38.799 will is so 00:22:38.799 --> 00:22:40.279 superior to 00:22:40.279 --> 00:22:41.640 our understanding 00:22:41.640 --> 00:22:42.220 and our 00:22:42.220 --> 00:22:42.780 beliefs. 00:22:44.220 --> 00:22:45.140 God's will 00:22:45.140 --> 00:22:46.180 is beyond 00:22:46.180 --> 00:22:47.220 our wildest 00:22:47.220 --> 00:22:48.540 understanding 00:22:48.540 --> 00:22:49.840 and imagination 00:22:49.840 --> 00:22:50.480 and we 00:22:50.480 --> 00:22:51.140 just have to 00:22:51.140 --> 00:22:52.040 come to 00:22:52.040 --> 00:22:52.920 him and 00:22:52.920 --> 00:22:54.660 trust him 00:22:54.660 --> 00:22:56.759 and trust 00:22:56.759 --> 00:22:57.680 that his 00:22:57.680 --> 00:22:59.360 will is 00:22:59.360 --> 00:23:00.240 best. 00:23:00.660 --> 00:23:00.960 Now this 00:23:00.960 --> 00:23:01.940 father states 00:23:01.940 --> 00:23:02.740 to Jesus, 00:23:04.560 --> 00:23:04.980 I do 00:23:04.980 --> 00:23:05.660 believe. 00:23:06.880 --> 00:23:07.380 Help me 00:23:07.380 --> 00:23:08.360 overcome my 00:23:08.360 --> 00:23:09.120 unbelief. 00:23:09.620 --> 00:23:10.460 This man has 00:23:10.460 --> 00:23:11.259 searched high 00:23:11.259 --> 00:23:11.940 and low 00:23:11.940 --> 00:23:12.379 everywhere 00:23:12.379 --> 00:23:13.759 possible for 00:23:13.759 --> 00:23:14.379 his son's 00:23:14.379 --> 00:23:15.000 deliverance 00:23:15.000 --> 00:23:15.420 from this 00:23:15.420 --> 00:23:15.779 demon, 00:23:16.200 --> 00:23:16.480 but up 00:23:16.480 --> 00:23:17.059 until now 00:23:17.059 --> 00:23:17.619 he's found 00:23:17.619 --> 00:23:18.339 no answer. 00:23:19.279 --> 00:23:19.619 So we 00:23:19.619 --> 00:23:20.440 can understand 00:23:20.440 --> 00:23:21.660 the difficulty 00:23:21.660 --> 00:23:22.539 this man may 00:23:22.539 --> 00:23:22.980 be having 00:23:22.980 --> 00:23:23.519 with faith. 00:23:23.619 --> 00:23:24.180 Maybe he's 00:23:24.180 --> 00:23:24.859 just worried 00:23:24.859 --> 00:23:25.440 that he 00:23:25.440 --> 00:23:25.799 doesn't want 00:23:25.799 --> 00:23:26.119 to get his 00:23:26.119 --> 00:23:26.819 hopes up 00:23:26.819 --> 00:23:27.599 just to be 00:23:27.599 --> 00:23:29.160 crushed once 00:23:29.160 --> 00:23:29.940 again. 00:23:30.099 --> 00:23:30.640 But at least 00:23:30.640 --> 00:23:31.339 he goes to 00:23:31.339 --> 00:23:31.779 the father 00:23:31.779 --> 00:23:32.240 or to 00:23:32.240 --> 00:23:33.099 Jesus and 00:23:33.099 --> 00:23:33.660 he says, 00:23:34.440 --> 00:23:34.700 you know, 00:23:34.759 --> 00:23:35.160 help my 00:23:35.160 --> 00:23:35.599 unbelief. 00:23:35.680 --> 00:23:36.220 He's coming 00:23:36.220 --> 00:23:36.960 in total 00:23:36.960 --> 00:23:37.779 honesty. 00:23:39.740 --> 00:23:39.980 You know, 00:23:40.000 --> 00:23:40.319 when we 00:23:40.319 --> 00:23:40.919 struggle in 00:23:40.919 --> 00:23:41.399 our faith 00:23:41.399 --> 00:23:41.700 a little 00:23:41.700 --> 00:23:41.899 bit, 00:23:41.960 --> 00:23:42.379 just be 00:23:42.379 --> 00:23:42.960 honest with 00:23:42.960 --> 00:23:43.339 God. 00:23:44.019 --> 00:23:44.299 You know, 00:23:44.339 --> 00:23:44.960 I'm struggling 00:23:44.960 --> 00:23:45.339 here. 00:23:45.399 --> 00:23:45.839 I don't 00:23:45.839 --> 00:23:46.559 understand. 00:23:48.139 --> 00:23:48.939 I'm going 00:23:48.939 --> 00:23:49.679 through pain 00:23:49.679 --> 00:23:50.339 and sorrow, 00:23:50.619 --> 00:23:50.839 Lord. 00:23:51.819 --> 00:23:52.339 Just be 00:23:52.339 --> 00:23:52.939 totally 00:23:52.939 --> 00:23:53.559 transparent 00:23:53.559 --> 00:23:54.359 with God 00:23:54.359 --> 00:23:55.159 and share 00:23:55.159 --> 00:23:55.720 with him 00:23:55.720 --> 00:23:57.500 the hurt 00:23:57.500 --> 00:23:58.119 or the pain 00:23:58.119 --> 00:23:58.559 or the 00:23:58.559 --> 00:23:59.220 doubt 00:23:59.220 --> 00:23:59.960 that's creeping 00:23:59.960 --> 00:24:00.480 into your 00:24:00.480 --> 00:24:01.019 mind and 00:24:01.019 --> 00:24:01.879 ask him 00:24:01.879 --> 00:24:03.059 to help 00:24:03.059 --> 00:24:04.159 you overcome 00:24:04.159 --> 00:24:05.419 that unbelief. 00:24:06.419 --> 00:24:06.819 Have him 00:24:06.819 --> 00:24:07.460 help you, 00:24:07.899 --> 00:24:08.319 give you 00:24:08.319 --> 00:24:09.019 the faith 00:24:09.019 --> 00:24:10.059 that you 00:24:10.059 --> 00:24:10.559 need to 00:24:10.559 --> 00:24:11.859 trust him 00:24:11.859 --> 00:24:12.460 and his 00:24:12.460 --> 00:24:13.139 will when 00:24:13.139 --> 00:24:13.480 we don't 00:24:13.480 --> 00:24:14.139 understand it, 00:24:14.700 --> 00:24:15.200 we don't 00:24:15.200 --> 00:24:15.879 like it, 00:24:16.639 --> 00:24:18.579 and it's 00:24:18.579 --> 00:24:19.139 hurtful or 00:24:19.139 --> 00:24:19.579 painful, 00:24:20.039 --> 00:24:20.819 that we can 00:24:20.819 --> 00:24:21.960 trust God's 00:24:21.960 --> 00:24:23.099 will even 00:24:23.099 --> 00:24:23.759 when one of 00:24:23.759 --> 00:24:24.259 our loved 00:24:24.259 --> 00:24:24.919 ones pass 00:24:24.919 --> 00:24:26.059 away and 00:24:26.059 --> 00:24:27.159 die or 00:24:27.159 --> 00:24:27.539 when they 00:24:27.539 --> 00:24:28.519 continue to 00:24:28.519 --> 00:24:29.599 experience pain. 00:24:30.879 --> 00:24:31.399 Have you 00:24:31.399 --> 00:24:31.799 ever been 00:24:31.799 --> 00:24:33.200 there in a 00:24:33.200 --> 00:24:34.019 situation like 00:24:34.019 --> 00:24:34.439 that where 00:24:34.439 --> 00:24:34.899 this man 00:24:34.899 --> 00:24:35.779 found himself? 00:24:35.779 --> 00:24:37.799 circumstances 00:24:37.799 --> 00:24:38.680 beyond your 00:24:38.680 --> 00:24:39.279 control? 00:24:42.099 --> 00:24:43.180 You believe 00:24:43.180 --> 00:24:43.960 that Christ 00:24:43.960 --> 00:24:44.680 is more than 00:24:44.680 --> 00:24:45.379 able to do 00:24:45.379 --> 00:24:46.079 anything, 00:24:47.079 --> 00:24:49.399 but maybe 00:24:49.399 --> 00:24:50.200 because of the 00:24:50.200 --> 00:24:51.139 circumstances of 00:24:51.139 --> 00:24:51.899 life that you've 00:24:51.899 --> 00:24:52.599 gone through, 00:24:53.740 --> 00:24:54.680 life has beaten 00:24:54.680 --> 00:24:55.299 you down, 00:24:56.200 --> 00:24:57.339 life has been 00:24:57.339 --> 00:24:58.319 painful and 00:24:58.319 --> 00:24:58.720 hurt, 00:24:59.220 --> 00:24:59.940 you're weary, 00:25:00.440 --> 00:25:01.420 you're tired, 00:25:01.420 --> 00:25:03.160 and you find 00:25:03.160 --> 00:25:04.800 it difficult to 00:25:04.800 --> 00:25:05.880 really believe 00:25:05.880 --> 00:25:06.680 and we begin 00:25:06.680 --> 00:25:07.320 to let that 00:25:07.320 --> 00:25:08.259 doubt creep 00:25:08.259 --> 00:25:09.740 into our minds. 00:25:10.120 --> 00:25:10.460 Or maybe 00:25:10.460 --> 00:25:11.240 you've prayed 00:25:11.240 --> 00:25:11.820 about a 00:25:11.820 --> 00:25:12.519 situation or 00:25:12.519 --> 00:25:13.519 circumstance in 00:25:13.519 --> 00:25:14.600 your life for 00:25:14.600 --> 00:25:15.480 a very long 00:25:15.480 --> 00:25:15.920 time. 00:25:16.920 --> 00:25:17.740 You've prayed 00:25:17.740 --> 00:25:18.539 for years 00:25:18.539 --> 00:25:19.340 maybe even, 00:25:20.620 --> 00:25:21.560 and up until 00:25:21.560 --> 00:25:22.340 now you've 00:25:22.340 --> 00:25:23.039 received no 00:25:23.039 --> 00:25:23.539 answer. 00:25:24.300 --> 00:25:25.000 For years 00:25:25.000 --> 00:25:25.539 you've asked 00:25:25.539 --> 00:25:26.180 God for a 00:25:26.180 --> 00:25:27.160 specific answer, 00:25:27.860 --> 00:25:28.519 but up until 00:25:28.519 --> 00:25:29.840 now God has 00:25:29.840 --> 00:25:30.840 not answered it 00:25:30.839 --> 00:25:31.559 at least in 00:25:31.559 --> 00:25:32.279 the way you 00:25:32.279 --> 00:25:33.119 would like for 00:25:33.119 --> 00:25:33.939 him to. 00:25:34.779 --> 00:25:35.539 And we allow 00:25:35.539 --> 00:25:36.279 ourselves to 00:25:36.279 --> 00:25:37.279 have those doubts 00:25:37.279 --> 00:25:37.919 creep in our 00:25:37.919 --> 00:25:38.859 mind, where is 00:25:38.859 --> 00:25:39.379 God? 00:25:40.659 --> 00:25:41.939 Why is he not 00:25:41.939 --> 00:25:42.699 with me? 00:25:43.799 --> 00:25:44.879 Does he hear me? 00:25:45.079 --> 00:25:46.019 Does he love me? 00:25:46.919 --> 00:25:47.819 Is he able? 00:25:48.839 --> 00:25:49.379 You know, what's 00:25:49.379 --> 00:25:50.480 wrong with me? 00:25:51.559 --> 00:25:52.199 You know, Paul 00:25:52.199 --> 00:25:53.919 found himself in 00:25:53.919 --> 00:25:54.959 a similar situation 00:25:54.959 --> 00:25:56.659 like this, where 00:25:56.659 --> 00:25:57.599 he found himself 00:25:57.599 --> 00:25:58.459 with a thorn in 00:25:58.459 --> 00:25:59.019 the flesh. 00:25:59.019 --> 00:26:01.279 And for three 00:26:01.279 --> 00:26:03.960 seasons, he 00:26:03.960 --> 00:26:05.039 prayed and asked 00:26:05.039 --> 00:26:05.960 God to remove 00:26:05.960 --> 00:26:06.859 that thorn from 00:26:06.859 --> 00:26:07.480 his flesh. 00:26:07.599 --> 00:26:08.579 Listen to God's 00:26:08.579 --> 00:26:09.519 response to him 00:26:09.519 --> 00:26:10.680 in 2 Corinthians 00:26:10.680 --> 00:26:12.200 chapter 12, 00:26:12.299 --> 00:26:13.079 verses 8 and 00:26:13.079 --> 00:26:13.460 9. 00:26:14.460 --> 00:26:15.639 Three times I 00:26:15.639 --> 00:26:16.400 pleaded with you, 00:26:16.619 --> 00:26:17.299 Lord, to take it 00:26:17.299 --> 00:26:18.440 away from me. 00:26:19.019 --> 00:26:20.139 But he said to me, 00:26:20.740 --> 00:26:22.019 my grace is 00:26:22.019 --> 00:26:23.339 sufficient for you, 00:26:23.420 --> 00:26:24.559 for my power is 00:26:24.559 --> 00:26:26.440 made perfect in 00:26:26.440 --> 00:26:26.839 weakness. 00:26:26.839 --> 00:26:28.339 What did God 00:26:28.339 --> 00:26:29.179 just tell Paul? 00:26:30.980 --> 00:26:31.459 No. 00:26:32.399 --> 00:26:33.079 That's basically 00:26:33.079 --> 00:26:33.759 what he said, 00:26:33.799 --> 00:26:34.199 isn't it? 00:26:35.079 --> 00:26:36.220 Paul, it was, we 00:26:36.220 --> 00:26:36.839 don't know what the 00:26:36.839 --> 00:26:38.759 thorn was, but it 00:26:38.759 --> 00:26:39.980 was painful, it was 00:26:39.980 --> 00:26:41.000 difficult, it was a 00:26:41.000 --> 00:26:41.679 challenge to him. 00:26:41.740 --> 00:26:42.439 He may have even 00:26:42.439 --> 00:26:43.339 seen it as a 00:26:43.339 --> 00:26:44.240 hindrance to 00:26:44.240 --> 00:26:45.799 continuing on his 00:26:45.799 --> 00:26:46.319 ministry. 00:26:46.859 --> 00:26:47.959 And he pleaded with 00:26:47.959 --> 00:26:49.279 God, please remove 00:26:49.279 --> 00:26:50.279 this thorn from my 00:26:50.279 --> 00:26:50.740 flesh. 00:26:50.740 --> 00:26:53.660 And God said, no. 00:26:54.859 --> 00:26:57.019 So my grace is 00:26:57.019 --> 00:26:59.180 sufficient for you. 00:26:59.980 --> 00:27:01.500 Rest in me. 00:27:02.779 --> 00:27:04.240 Endure the thorn. 00:27:04.559 --> 00:27:05.420 Because God had 00:27:05.420 --> 00:27:06.500 allowed the thorn to 00:27:06.500 --> 00:27:08.000 enter into his life for 00:27:08.000 --> 00:27:08.940 a purpose and a 00:27:08.940 --> 00:27:10.380 reason, and he wasn't 00:27:10.380 --> 00:27:12.480 removing that thorn until 00:27:12.480 --> 00:27:14.120 it had accomplished the 00:27:14.120 --> 00:27:16.000 purpose that God had 00:27:16.000 --> 00:27:17.620 allowed it to be there in 00:27:17.620 --> 00:27:18.680 the first place. 00:27:18.680 --> 00:27:20.500 You know, maybe you're 00:27:20.500 --> 00:27:21.519 in a situation like 00:27:21.519 --> 00:27:21.860 that. 00:27:22.799 --> 00:27:23.840 You've been praying, 00:27:24.019 --> 00:27:24.840 asking God for 00:27:24.840 --> 00:27:26.160 something, and he 00:27:26.160 --> 00:27:26.940 says no. 00:27:29.519 --> 00:27:30.700 But he's saying, my 00:27:30.700 --> 00:27:32.900 grace is sufficient for 00:27:32.900 --> 00:27:33.120 you. 00:27:33.360 --> 00:27:34.600 Rest in me. 00:27:35.440 --> 00:27:37.560 Rest in the power and 00:27:37.560 --> 00:27:39.799 the strength of God and 00:27:39.799 --> 00:27:42.700 trust him that he's 00:27:42.700 --> 00:27:45.539 working in your life in 00:27:45.539 --> 00:27:46.460 a way you don't 00:27:46.460 --> 00:27:47.960 understand that's beyond 00:27:47.960 --> 00:27:49.920 our comprehension at 00:27:49.920 --> 00:27:50.680 this time. 00:27:51.039 --> 00:27:52.039 Now drop down with me 00:27:52.039 --> 00:27:53.160 to verse 28. 00:27:55.160 --> 00:27:56.799 Verse 28, we see that 00:27:56.799 --> 00:27:58.340 Jesus is alone with the 00:27:58.340 --> 00:28:00.220 disciples, and they come 00:28:00.220 --> 00:28:01.340 to him and they ask, 00:28:01.519 --> 00:28:03.940 why were we not able to 00:28:03.940 --> 00:28:05.940 cast out this demon? 00:28:07.100 --> 00:28:08.539 And we see that Jesus 00:28:08.539 --> 00:28:10.940 states, this kind can come 00:28:10.940 --> 00:28:12.759 out only by prayer. 00:28:12.759 --> 00:28:15.359 Some of your Bible 00:28:15.359 --> 00:28:17.319 translations include 00:28:17.319 --> 00:28:18.319 and fasting. 00:28:19.039 --> 00:28:21.099 Prayer and fasting. 00:28:21.640 --> 00:28:23.119 And the implication that I 00:28:23.119 --> 00:28:26.140 gained from this is the 00:28:26.140 --> 00:28:27.839 disciples had gone out in 00:28:27.839 --> 00:28:29.799 chapter 6 in the name of 00:28:29.799 --> 00:28:31.359 Christ, in the power and the 00:28:31.359 --> 00:28:33.799 authority of Jesus Christ, and 00:28:33.799 --> 00:28:35.460 they had gone out and they 00:28:35.460 --> 00:28:37.240 were healing the sick and 00:28:37.240 --> 00:28:39.460 they were casting out demons. 00:28:39.460 --> 00:28:44.259 But they got so comfortable in 00:28:44.259 --> 00:28:48.600 their abilities to do this, that 00:28:48.600 --> 00:28:50.340 now Jesus was up on the 00:28:50.340 --> 00:28:52.059 Mount of Transfiguration and 00:28:52.059 --> 00:28:53.779 they were trying to cast that 00:28:53.779 --> 00:28:56.299 demon out in their own power. 00:28:57.420 --> 00:28:59.019 They were trying to cast that 00:28:59.019 --> 00:29:00.640 demon out of this boy and heal 00:29:00.640 --> 00:29:03.079 him in their own strength. 00:29:03.079 --> 00:29:06.579 We're no match for Satan. 00:29:08.099 --> 00:29:10.980 We're no match to the powers 00:29:10.980 --> 00:29:13.619 of darkness when we go in our 00:29:13.619 --> 00:29:16.279 own strength and our own power. 00:29:16.899 --> 00:29:18.679 Jesus said this type can only 00:29:18.679 --> 00:29:20.619 come out through prayer and we'll 00:29:20.619 --> 00:29:22.480 add the word fasting on there. 00:29:22.659 --> 00:29:25.439 Fasting is just an intense, a 00:29:25.439 --> 00:29:27.559 more intense way to go to God in 00:29:27.559 --> 00:29:27.960 prayer. 00:29:28.519 --> 00:29:31.139 To do without what your physical 00:29:31.140 --> 00:29:34.280 body needs to put God first and 00:29:34.280 --> 00:29:36.920 to seek him or to cry out to 00:29:36.920 --> 00:29:39.000 him, to beg him, to plead with 00:29:39.000 --> 00:29:41.400 him, to intervene in a situation. 00:29:42.200 --> 00:29:43.860 But to go in prayer. 00:29:45.080 --> 00:29:46.220 You know, maybe you're facing a 00:29:46.220 --> 00:29:47.980 circumstance or a situation right 00:29:47.980 --> 00:29:49.840 now that you realize is beyond 00:29:49.840 --> 00:29:50.680 your power. 00:29:51.120 --> 00:29:52.680 It's beyond your ability. 00:29:55.680 --> 00:29:57.240 Spend time praying. 00:29:57.240 --> 00:30:01.000 Spend time pleading with God if 00:30:01.000 --> 00:30:01.640 necessary. 00:30:02.380 --> 00:30:04.799 Spend time lifting that up to 00:30:04.799 --> 00:30:05.019 you. 00:30:05.140 --> 00:30:07.359 First Peter says, cast all of our 00:30:07.359 --> 00:30:09.120 burdens on him and trust him 00:30:09.120 --> 00:30:10.660 because he cares for us. 00:30:11.339 --> 00:30:13.819 Trust that he will work in that 00:30:13.819 --> 00:30:14.680 situation. 00:30:16.700 --> 00:30:18.779 There's also another message to us 00:30:18.779 --> 00:30:19.059 here. 00:30:20.620 --> 00:30:22.480 We get so comfortable, don't we, 00:30:22.500 --> 00:30:26.140 at times doing church, being the 00:30:26.140 --> 00:30:29.360 Christian, carrying out the work of 00:30:29.360 --> 00:30:29.940 the church. 00:30:31.860 --> 00:30:33.820 You know, we've, many of you've 00:30:33.820 --> 00:30:38.380 been a Christian 40, 50, 60, 70 00:30:38.380 --> 00:30:40.460 years and we get so comfortable 00:30:40.460 --> 00:30:43.620 that we think we can handle things 00:30:43.620 --> 00:30:45.240 in our own strength and our own 00:30:45.240 --> 00:30:46.960 power and our own abilities. 00:30:47.960 --> 00:30:48.980 But you know what? 00:30:49.180 --> 00:30:50.640 If you look at the church in 00:30:50.640 --> 00:30:52.960 America today, we have more 00:30:52.960 --> 00:30:57.100 resources, whether it's money, 00:30:57.640 --> 00:31:01.380 technology, we have more things 00:31:01.380 --> 00:31:04.380 available to us to carry out the 00:31:04.380 --> 00:31:07.580 work of God and yet we're seeing a 00:31:07.580 --> 00:31:09.980 decline of the church. 00:31:11.000 --> 00:31:13.520 And so if we can do what Christ had 00:31:13.520 --> 00:31:16.160 called us to do in our own power and 00:31:16.160 --> 00:31:17.800 our own strength and our own 00:31:17.800 --> 00:31:19.580 resources, we had already done it. 00:31:19.579 --> 00:31:21.279 But we can't. 00:31:22.359 --> 00:31:24.439 When we try to do what God has 00:31:24.439 --> 00:31:26.480 called us to do, to take the gospel 00:31:26.480 --> 00:31:28.740 message to the world, we've got to 00:31:28.740 --> 00:31:30.879 make sure we're doing that through 00:31:30.879 --> 00:31:35.159 prayer and total, total, total 00:31:35.159 --> 00:31:38.819 dependence upon Jesus Christ and his 00:31:38.819 --> 00:31:42.399 power and his ability to work in and 00:31:42.399 --> 00:31:43.220 through us. 00:31:44.179 --> 00:31:46.939 Jesus said in John 15, 5, 00:31:46.940 --> 00:31:49.700 I am the vine, you are the branches. 00:31:49.700 --> 00:31:54.460 If a man remains in me and I in him, he 00:31:54.460 --> 00:31:55.960 will bear much fruit. 00:31:56.160 --> 00:31:57.640 Some of y'all who've done experience in 00:31:57.640 --> 00:31:58.320 God, help me. 00:31:58.660 --> 00:32:00.220 But apart from me, 00:32:01.580 --> 00:32:05.200 you can do nothing. 00:32:05.279 --> 00:32:05.900 What does that mean? 00:32:05.960 --> 00:32:06.920 You can do some things? 00:32:07.920 --> 00:32:11.019 You can do a portion of things? 00:32:11.019 --> 00:32:12.019 Speak it. 00:32:12.019 --> 00:32:13.019 Speak it. 00:32:13.379 --> 00:32:13.740 Come on. 00:32:14.680 --> 00:32:15.160 Nothing. 00:32:15.500 --> 00:32:18.879 That means we as children of God can do 00:32:18.879 --> 00:32:23.859 nothing if we're not abiding in Christ 00:32:23.859 --> 00:32:28.940 and relying completely and totally in 00:32:28.940 --> 00:32:32.460 him to do the work in us. 00:32:32.660 --> 00:32:36.639 So as a church this morning, as a family, 00:32:36.640 --> 00:32:40.680 as an individual, when you realize God 00:32:40.680 --> 00:32:42.520 is leading us, whether it's to take the 00:32:42.520 --> 00:32:44.440 gospel to the world, whether it's to do 00:32:44.440 --> 00:32:47.520 vacation Bible school, whether it's to 00:32:47.520 --> 00:32:51.020 sing in the choir, what do we learn from 00:32:51.020 --> 00:32:51.840 this passage? 00:32:56.180 --> 00:32:59.240 We can do nothing in and of ourselves. 00:32:59.780 --> 00:33:01.500 We should get, if you're in the choir, 00:33:03.000 --> 00:33:04.660 get up early on Sunday morning. 00:33:04.660 --> 00:33:07.060 Stay up late on Saturday night and pray 00:33:07.060 --> 00:33:10.160 and ask God to use the gift and talent 00:33:10.160 --> 00:33:13.080 that he's bestowed upon you to bring 00:33:13.080 --> 00:33:16.540 glory to him and to lead others in 00:33:16.540 --> 00:33:18.259 worship because when you're singing a 00:33:18.259 --> 00:33:20.240 song up here, you're not just up here 00:33:20.240 --> 00:33:20.800 entertaining. 00:33:21.220 --> 00:33:22.940 You're leading us in worship. 00:33:23.320 --> 00:33:25.300 Whether we go out to do Bible school, 00:33:25.420 --> 00:33:27.100 don't just say, well, I'm a teacher. 00:33:27.540 --> 00:33:28.740 I know how to teach the word. 00:33:29.080 --> 00:33:33.500 Spend time in prayer asking God to give 00:33:33.500 --> 00:33:34.640 you every word. 00:33:35.460 --> 00:33:36.640 Give you patience. 00:33:38.140 --> 00:33:40.700 Speak into the hearts of these children. 00:33:41.920 --> 00:33:44.059 Whether we're teaching a Sunday school class 00:33:44.059 --> 00:33:46.779 or working in the youth or being an usher. 00:33:46.779 --> 00:33:51.440 property and grounds. 00:33:51.779 --> 00:33:54.480 Whatever we do, do it in the name of Jesus 00:33:54.480 --> 00:33:56.779 and spend time in prayer. 00:33:57.399 --> 00:33:59.599 Pray, pray, pray. 00:33:59.759 --> 00:34:02.539 Asking God to use our church to be a lighthouse 00:34:02.539 --> 00:34:05.399 in this community and take the gospel message 00:34:05.399 --> 00:34:07.660 out of the walls of this building 00:34:07.660 --> 00:34:11.279 and into our community, into families, 00:34:11.559 --> 00:34:12.320 into homes. 00:34:12.619 --> 00:34:15.139 Let's break down the walls of drug addiction 00:34:15.139 --> 00:34:15.960 in this community. 00:34:17.559 --> 00:34:20.799 Let's break down the walls of broken homes 00:34:20.799 --> 00:34:22.299 and broken marriages. 00:34:22.579 --> 00:34:25.799 In case y'all don't know, drugs have become 00:34:25.799 --> 00:34:28.900 an epidemic inside our schools. 00:34:28.900 --> 00:34:35.860 And we need to pray and pray and pray 00:34:35.860 --> 00:34:38.980 that God is working, that God is moving, 00:34:39.260 --> 00:34:40.300 that God is stirring. 00:34:40.440 --> 00:34:41.660 In case you also haven't noticed, 00:34:41.940 --> 00:34:43.860 we need a revival in America. 00:34:46.360 --> 00:34:49.440 We are so desperate for God, 00:34:49.539 --> 00:34:53.079 but we're not going to do it in our own strength, 00:34:53.160 --> 00:34:54.360 in our own power. 00:34:54.360 --> 00:34:58.019 We've got to rely on Jesus Christ 00:34:58.019 --> 00:35:00.120 to work in and through us, 00:35:00.180 --> 00:35:01.240 to work through our churches, 00:35:01.440 --> 00:35:02.700 work through our sister churches, 00:35:03.019 --> 00:35:03.880 work through pastors, 00:35:04.019 --> 00:35:06.180 raise up pastors all across this land 00:35:06.180 --> 00:35:08.240 to proclaim the word of God 00:35:08.240 --> 00:35:10.620 in power and in strength 00:35:10.620 --> 00:35:15.059 and to bring us as a nation back to Him. 00:35:15.059 --> 00:35:19.159 I want to ask the musicians 00:35:19.159 --> 00:35:22.920 if they'll come and begin leading us this morning 00:35:22.920 --> 00:35:24.799 in our time of invitation. 00:35:25.719 --> 00:35:27.199 Now I just want to ask you, 00:35:27.320 --> 00:35:28.900 is God speaking to you today? 00:35:30.539 --> 00:35:32.440 Is He speaking to your hearts, 00:35:32.559 --> 00:35:33.860 drawing Him to you? 00:35:34.599 --> 00:35:37.079 If you need to make a decision this morning, 00:35:37.480 --> 00:35:39.279 I would just ask you to respond 00:35:39.279 --> 00:35:41.460 during this time of invitation. 00:35:41.659 --> 00:35:43.900 I'll be glad to pray with you here. 00:35:43.900 --> 00:35:45.680 Let's stand as we sing.