The Eighth Letter | Associate Pastor Chad Erickson by Chad Erickson First Apostolic Church of Maryville (Maryville, TN) Kind: sermon Scripture: Revelation 1:10-13, Luke 12:48, Revelation 3:20, James 1:17, Matthew 5:14, 2 Corinthians 13:5, Romans 12:2, 2 Timothy 3:5, Revelation 3:20 Source: https://acts238.life/repository/sermons/chad-erickson--the-eighth-letter Published by Acts 2:38 Life from the sermon transcript on that page. Free to copy and share with attribution. ------------------------------------------------------------ Oh my word. Stand to your feet tonight. God is so good. God, just lift up your God is so good. God, just lift up your hands and thank God for the church in hands and thank God for the church in hands and thank God for the church in Rome. Rome. Rome. Come on. Thank God for the Platiners. Oh, come on. Thank God. I feel the Holy Oh, come on. Thank God. I feel the Holy Ghost in this place so beautifully. Oh my God. Come on. The Holy Ghost is in this place Come on. The Holy Ghost is in this place in such a beautiful way. I I wish we in such a beautiful way. I I wish we in such a beautiful way. I I wish we would just continue on. We've already would just continue on. We've already would just continue on. We've already started in this house. He's already started in this house. He's already started in this house. He's already begin to fill people and this room has begin to fill people and this room has begin to fill people and this room has been filled with his glory. His power been filled with his glory. His power been filled with his glory. His power has shown. My God. If you will grab your Bibles and My God. If you will grab your Bibles and turn with me to the book of Revelation, turn with me to the book of Revelation, turn with me to the book of Revelation, chapter 1, verse number 10. chapter 1, verse number 10. chapter 1, verse number 10. Oh, don't we love the Platinus? Oh, don't we love the Platinus? Oh, don't we love the Platinus? Come on. I know we do. It's obvious by Come on. I know we do. It's obvious by Come on. I know we do. It's obvious by the way you've responded to the need the way you've responded to the need the way you've responded to the need that they had. And isn't that beautiful? that they had. And isn't that beautiful? that they had. And isn't that beautiful? What a beautiful building that they're What a beautiful building that they're What a beautiful building that they're re remodeling and decorating and uh if re remodeling and decorating and uh if re remodeling and decorating and uh if there's such a thing as godly pride. I I there's such a thing as godly pride. I I there's such a thing as godly pride. I I think this church feels it to see those think this church feels it to see those think this church feels it to see those people people people already in that special event packed in already in that special event packed in already in that special event packed in that room. that room. that room. God give them revival like never before. God give them revival like never before. God give them revival like never before. God give them revival like never before. God give them revival like never before. God give them revival like never before. Jesus name. Come on somebody. I wish we would just Come on somebody. I wish we would just just take a moment. I feel the Holy just take a moment. I feel the Holy just take a moment. I feel the Holy Ghost. I believe the Lord wants to speak to I believe the Lord wants to speak to somebody, but right here, he's not done somebody, but right here, he's not done somebody, but right here, he's not done talking to you personally right here talking to you personally right here talking to you personally right here before I even begin. before I even begin. before I even begin. I believe somebody came here with a need I believe somebody came here with a need I believe somebody came here with a need in your life. I don't know if it's in your life. I don't know if it's in your life. I don't know if it's healing that you need. I don't know if healing that you need. I don't know if healing that you need. I don't know if it's restoration that you need. I I it's restoration that you need. I I it's restoration that you need. I I don't know if you need peace of mind. I don't know if you need peace of mind. I don't know if you need peace of mind. I believe you. The Lord began to speak to believe you. The Lord began to speak to believe you. The Lord began to speak to me in the prayer room and he said, me in the prayer room and he said, me in the prayer room and he said, "Somebody needs hope in this house. "Somebody needs hope in this house. "Somebody needs hope in this house. There's somebody that came with a spirit There's somebody that came with a spirit There's somebody that came with a spirit of hopelessness in their life. In Jesus of hopelessness in their life. In Jesus of hopelessness in their life. In Jesus name, let there be hope. Come on. I don't want to get in a hurry Come on. I don't want to get in a hurry right here. I believe something could right here. I believe something could right here. I believe something could take place right now. I believe take place right now. I believe take place right now. I believe something could take place right in your something could take place right in your something could take place right in your life right here. You're waiting for a life right here. You're waiting for a life right here. You're waiting for a word and God's trying to speak into your word and God's trying to speak into your word and God's trying to speak into your life right now. You're you're waiting life right now. You're you're waiting life right now. You're you're waiting for a preached word and the Lord is for a preached word and the Lord is for a preached word and the Lord is wanting to speak to you directly right wanting to speak to you directly right wanting to speak to you directly right here. Let him speak into your mind. Let here. Let him speak into your mind. Let here. Let him speak into your mind. Let him speak into your heart. Let him speak him speak into your heart. Let him speak him speak into your heart. Let him speak into your spirit. So thankful to have So thankful to have our friends Keith and Kelsey Ambrose our friends Keith and Kelsey Ambrose our friends Keith and Kelsey Ambrose with us today. with us today. with us today. Keith and Kelsey, you don't even know. Keith and Kelsey, you don't even know. Keith and Kelsey, you don't even know. This church has been praying for you This church has been praying for you This church has been praying for you more than I could tell you. You've been more than I could tell you. You've been more than I could tell you. You've been our thoughts, our hearts. our thoughts, our hearts. our thoughts, our hearts. Lost their little baby boy, Brooks, Lost their little baby boy, Brooks, Lost their little baby boy, Brooks, just earlier this year. And God, we need peace that surpasses all God, we need peace that surpasses all understanding. We We need peace tonight. understanding. We We need peace tonight. understanding. We We need peace tonight. Holy Ghost peace. Holy Ghost peace. Holy Ghost peace. I I I >> wonder if somebody could just lay their >> wonder if somebody could just lay their >> wonder if somebody could just lay their hands on Keith and Kelsey. Brother hands on Keith and Kelsey. Brother hands on Keith and Kelsey. Brother Hiner, step out the aisle. Yeah, that's Hiner, step out the aisle. Yeah, that's Hiner, step out the aisle. Yeah, that's right. Go ahead. Step out in the aisle. right. Go ahead. Step out in the aisle. right. Go ahead. Step out in the aisle. And church family, we can't. Most of us church family, we can't. Most of us cannot imagine what this feels like to cannot imagine what this feels like to cannot imagine what this feels like to to lose a child. But oh my God, to a savior who is acquainted with to a savior who is acquainted with sorrow. Touch Keith right now. Touch Kelsey Touch Keith right now. Touch Kelsey right now. God, I I pray for their right now. God, I I pray for their right now. God, I I pray for their children, God. I I pray, Lord God, for children, God. I I pray, Lord God, for children, God. I I pray, Lord God, for their family, oh God, in Jesus name. their family, oh God, in Jesus name. their family, oh God, in Jesus name. God, we've been praying, but oh God, God, we've been praying, but oh God, God, we've been praying, but oh God, give them strength. Oh God, give them strength. Oh God, give them strength. Oh God, God, give them strength right now in God, give them strength right now in God, give them strength right now in Jesus name. God, let healing God be in Jesus name. God, let healing God be in Jesus name. God, let healing God be in their life right now. their life right now. their life right now. God, let healing be in their life in God, let healing be in their life in God, let healing be in their life in Jesus name. Oh, in Jesus name. I want to move quickly I want to move quickly because I believe the Lord wants to do because I believe the Lord wants to do because I believe the Lord wants to do something in our altar service tonight. something in our altar service tonight. something in our altar service tonight. But the Bible says, "I was in the spirit But the Bible says, "I was in the spirit But the Bible says, "I was in the spirit on the Lord's day." This is what John on the Lord's day." This is what John on the Lord's day." This is what John said. And heard behind me a great voice said. And heard behind me a great voice said. And heard behind me a great voice as of a trumpet. He's on the aisle of Patmas. He is He's on the aisle of Patmas. He is persecuted. He's already been He's already been boiled in oil boiled in oil boiled in oil and lived through it. and lived through it. and lived through it. God only knows what he looked like after God only knows what he looked like after God only knows what he looked like after being boiled in oil. But here he is on the the Lord's day. But here he is on the the Lord's day. He's in the spirit and he hears this He's in the spirit and he hears this He's in the spirit and he hears this voice as of a trumpet saying, "I am voice as of a trumpet saying, "I am voice as of a trumpet saying, "I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last. Alpha and Omega, the first and the last. Alpha and Omega, the first and the last. What thou seeest write in a book, and What thou seeest write in a book, and What thou seeest write in a book, and send it under the seven churches, which send it under the seven churches, which send it under the seven churches, which are in Asia, unto Ephesus, under Smyrna, are in Asia, unto Ephesus, under Smyrna, are in Asia, unto Ephesus, under Smyrna, under Pergamos, unto Thyra, unto Sardis, under Pergamos, unto Thyra, unto Sardis, under Pergamos, unto Thyra, unto Sardis, under Philadelphia, and under Leodysia. under Philadelphia, and under Leodysia. under Philadelphia, and under Leodysia. And I turned to see the voice that spake And I turned to see the voice that spake And I turned to see the voice that spake with me. And being turned, I saw seven with me. And being turned, I saw seven with me. And being turned, I saw seven golden candlesticks. golden candlesticks. golden candlesticks. And in the midst of the seven golden And in the midst of the seven golden And in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks, one like unto the Son of candlesticks, one like unto the Son of candlesticks, one like unto the Son of Man, clothed with the garment down to Man, clothed with the garment down to Man, clothed with the garment down to the foot and gird about the paps with the foot and gird about the paps with the foot and gird about the paps with golden with a golden girdle. golden with a golden girdle. golden with a golden girdle. And then just one statement out of the And then just one statement out of the And then just one statement out of the book of Luke, the Gospel of Luke 12:48 book of Luke, the Gospel of Luke 12:48 book of Luke, the Gospel of Luke 12:48 simply says, "For unto whom much is simply says, "For unto whom much is simply says, "For unto whom much is given given given of him shall be much required." of him shall be much required." of him shall be much required." And then finally, one more verse. And then finally, one more verse. And then finally, one more verse. Revelation 30 or 3 20. This is the Revelation 30 or 3 20. This is the Revelation 30 or 3 20. This is the closing invitation that Jesus gave to closing invitation that Jesus gave to closing invitation that Jesus gave to one of these seven churches. He said, one of these seven churches. He said, one of these seven churches. He said, "Behold, I stand at the door and knock, "Behold, I stand at the door and knock, "Behold, I stand at the door and knock, and if any man hear my voice and open and if any man hear my voice and open and if any man hear my voice and open the door, I will come into him and will the door, I will come into him and will the door, I will come into him and will suck with him and he with me." suck with him and he with me." suck with him and he with me." I want to preach in your hearing tonight I want to preach in your hearing tonight I want to preach in your hearing tonight just for a few minutes. God help me just just for a few minutes. God help me just just for a few minutes. God help me just for a few minutes. The title of my for a few minutes. The title of my for a few minutes. The title of my message is simply the eighth letter. message is simply the eighth letter. message is simply the eighth letter. The eighth letter. And if I could have a The eighth letter. And if I could have a The eighth letter. And if I could have a subtitle, it would be this. What would subtitle, it would be this. What would subtitle, it would be this. What would Jesus say to the apostolic church of Jesus say to the apostolic church of Jesus say to the apostolic church of America? America? America? What would Jesus say to the church of What would Jesus say to the church of What would Jesus say to the church of America? America? America? Come on, put your Bibles down. Let's Come on, put your Bibles down. Let's Come on, put your Bibles down. Let's pray one more time before we're seated. pray one more time before we're seated. pray one more time before we're seated. Father, we love you. We're so thankful, Father, we love you. We're so thankful, Father, we love you. We're so thankful, Lord God, that you've already poured Lord God, that you've already poured Lord God, that you've already poured your spirit out and you've made yourself your spirit out and you've made yourself your spirit out and you've made yourself known in this house and your glory has known in this house and your glory has known in this house and your glory has been felt. God, I thank you for our been felt. God, I thank you for our been felt. God, I thank you for our missionary. I thank you for Rome. I I missionary. I thank you for Rome. I I missionary. I thank you for Rome. I I thank you, Lord God, for Italy. I I thank you, Lord God, for Italy. I I thank you, Lord God, for Italy. I I thank you, Lord God, that there's a thank you, Lord God, that there's a thank you, Lord God, that there's a there's a work going on, God, that's there's a work going on, God, that's there's a work going on, God, that's that's doing great things, Lord God, that's doing great things, Lord God, that's doing great things, Lord God, that you are working through, God. I that you are working through, God. I that you are working through, God. I thank you for our missionaries. You are thank you for our missionaries. You are thank you for our missionaries. You are working through them. And because of it, working through them. And because of it, working through them. And because of it, Lord, great and mighty things are taking Lord, great and mighty things are taking Lord, great and mighty things are taking place in a city that's been held bound place in a city that's been held bound place in a city that's been held bound by religion for thousands of years. God, by religion for thousands of years. God, by religion for thousands of years. God, I just believe in Jesus name, you're I just believe in Jesus name, you're I just believe in Jesus name, you're going to release that city. Lord God, going to release that city. Lord God, going to release that city. Lord God, you're going to set them free from you're going to set them free from you're going to set them free from religion, from man-made religion, from religion, from man-made religion, from religion, from man-made religion, from false doctrine. And Lord, you're going false doctrine. And Lord, you're going false doctrine. And Lord, you're going to let this apostolic word, this word be to let this apostolic word, this word be to let this apostolic word, this word be preached, Lord, throughout their preached, Lord, throughout their preached, Lord, throughout their streets, oh God. Oh my God. In their streets, oh God. Oh my God. In their streets, oh God. Oh my God. In their provinces, oh God, I believe, Lord God, provinces, oh God, I believe, Lord God, provinces, oh God, I believe, Lord God, all throughout Rome, God, this name of all throughout Rome, God, this name of all throughout Rome, God, this name of Jesus is going to be heard. The power of Jesus is going to be heard. The power of Jesus is going to be heard. The power of the Holy Ghost is going to be felt and the Holy Ghost is going to be felt and the Holy Ghost is going to be felt and lives are going to be changed because of lives are going to be changed because of lives are going to be changed because of our missionary and because of the great our missionary and because of the great our missionary and because of the great people that stand before me today. Lave people that stand before me today. Lave people that stand before me today. Lave sacrificially for an offering for a sacrificially for an offering for a sacrificially for an offering for a church. Lord, bless them. Bless this church. Lord, bless them. Bless this church. Lord, bless them. Bless this word tonight. Use me. Speak through me. word tonight. Use me. Speak through me. word tonight. Use me. Speak through me. I ask in Jesus' name. Somebody clap your I ask in Jesus' name. Somebody clap your I ask in Jesus' name. Somebody clap your hands before you're seated one more time hands before you're seated one more time hands before you're seated one more time and give God praise. Can you lift up and give God praise. Can you lift up and give God praise. Can you lift up your voice just a little bit? Come on. your voice just a little bit? Come on. your voice just a little bit? Come on. Can we give him loud worship in the Can we give him loud worship in the Can we give him loud worship in the house tonight? Come on. Church of house tonight? Come on. Church of house tonight? Come on. Church of America. Come on. Apostolic Church of America. Come on. Apostolic Church of America. Come on. Apostolic Church of America. Not just a Mville, but we are America. Not just a Mville, but we are America. Not just a Mville, but we are the church of America. Thank you Jesus the church of America. Thank you Jesus the church of America. Thank you Jesus for giving us your power. And thank you for giving us your power. And thank you for giving us your power. And thank you Lord God for giving us your authority in Lord God for giving us your authority in Lord God for giving us your authority in your house in Jesus name. Somebody shout your house in Jesus name. Somebody shout your house in Jesus name. Somebody shout amen. amen. amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. And amen. >> Amen. And amen. >> Amen. And amen. This coming weekend, our nation will This coming weekend, our nation will This coming weekend, our nation will celebrate 250 celebrate 250 celebrate 250 years as the United States of America. years as the United States of America. years as the United States of America. And with that said, I I do want to say And with that said, I I do want to say And with that said, I I do want to say to brother Matt Martin, thank you for he to brother Matt Martin, thank you for he to brother Matt Martin, thank you for he and his team. Our the display of flags and his team. Our the display of flags and his team. Our the display of flags that surround our church, isn't that a that surround our church, isn't that a that surround our church, isn't that a beautiful thing? Aren't you thankful to beautiful thing? Aren't you thankful to beautiful thing? Aren't you thankful to be American in this place? Aren't you be American in this place? Aren't you be American in this place? Aren't you thankful for what those flags stand for? thankful for what those flags stand for? thankful for what those flags stand for? As I reflected As I reflected As I reflected on that 250 year milestone this week, I on that 250 year milestone this week, I on that 250 year milestone this week, I found myself filled with gratitude. found myself filled with gratitude. found myself filled with gratitude. Listen, I'm I'm thankful for the United Listen, I'm I'm thankful for the United Listen, I'm I'm thankful for the United States of America. I thank God for the States of America. I thank God for the States of America. I thank God for the freedoms we enjoy. And I I thank God freedoms we enjoy. And I I thank God freedoms we enjoy. And I I thank God that tonight we gather in a sanctuary that tonight we gather in a sanctuary that tonight we gather in a sanctuary and we lift up our hands and we worship and we lift up our hands and we worship and we lift up our hands and we worship the Lord without fear the Lord without fear the Lord without fear that these back doors are going to swing that these back doors are going to swing that these back doors are going to swing open and somebody's going to come to open and somebody's going to come to open and somebody's going to come to arrest us because of our religious arrest us because of our religious arrest us because of our religious worship. worship. worship. That's a gift. That's a gift. That's a gift. >> Come on, church family. Do we realize >> Come on, church family. Do we realize >> Come on, church family. Do we realize that's a gift? that's a gift? that's a gift? >> I thank God for the for the generations >> I thank God for the for the generations >> I thank God for the for the generations of leaders that have built this nation. of leaders that have built this nation. of leaders that have built this nation. men and women who believe that liberty men and women who believe that liberty men and women who believe that liberty was not granted by a government but that was not granted by a government but that was not granted by a government but that was granted by the word of God. was granted by the word of God. was granted by the word of God. I thank God for the influence of America I thank God for the influence of America I thank God for the influence of America that has had across this world that we that has had across this world that we that has had across this world that we have been able to send forth have been able to send forth have been able to send forth missionaries over and across the oceans missionaries over and across the oceans missionaries over and across the oceans carrying this gospel. Thank God for the carrying this gospel. Thank God for the carrying this gospel. Thank God for the Bibles that have been printed by the Bibles that have been printed by the Bibles that have been printed by the millions here in America. millions here in America. millions here in America. Churches have been planted. Hospitals Churches have been planted. Hospitals Churches have been planted. Hospitals have been built overseas. Compassion has have been built overseas. Compassion has have been built overseas. Compassion has reached people in every corner of the reached people in every corner of the reached people in every corner of the globe in no other nation has been used globe in no other nation has been used globe in no other nation has been used by God quite the same way as the United by God quite the same way as the United by God quite the same way as the United States of America. States of America. States of America. And if you have a if you have an issue And if you have a if you have an issue And if you have a if you have an issue with me uh talking about and giving God with me uh talking about and giving God with me uh talking about and giving God thanks for America, you're you're you're thanks for America, you're you're you're thanks for America, you're you're you're not going to like this message because not going to like this message because not going to like this message because I'm coming to tell you, I'm going to be I'm coming to tell you, I'm going to be I'm coming to tell you, I'm going to be a little patriotic tonight if it's not a little patriotic tonight if it's not a little patriotic tonight if it's not obvious. >> No other nation has affected the world >> No other nation has affected the world like this one has. We we better be like this one has. We we better be like this one has. We we better be grateful that we have this great nation grateful that we have this great nation grateful that we have this great nation of America because when gratitude of America because when gratitude of America because when gratitude disappears, disappears, disappears, entitlement quietly takes its place. entitlement quietly takes its place. entitlement quietly takes its place. >> I never want to forget where our >> I never want to forget where our >> I never want to forget where our blessings come from. James 1:17 says, blessings come from. James 1:17 says, blessings come from. James 1:17 says, "Every good gift and every perfect gift "Every good gift and every perfect gift "Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above and cometh down from the is from above and cometh down from the is from above and cometh down from the father of lights with whom is no father of lights with whom is no father of lights with whom is no variableness neither shadow of turning. variableness neither shadow of turning. variableness neither shadow of turning. We ought to celebrate our great nation. We ought to celebrate our great nation. We ought to celebrate our great nation. We ought to thank God for this good and We ought to thank God for this good and We ought to thank God for this good and perfect gift called freedom." perfect gift called freedom." perfect gift called freedom." I rebuke the spirit trying to rise up in I rebuke the spirit trying to rise up in I rebuke the spirit trying to rise up in this nation of antinationalism. >> Oh, I might have to go on this a little >> Oh, I might have to go on this a little while. I don't feel like I'm getting the while. I don't feel like I'm getting the while. I don't feel like I'm getting the response I really need. I'm not ashamed response I really need. I'm not ashamed response I really need. I'm not ashamed of this country. I love this country. >> I got a message. If if you don't love >> I got a message. If if you don't love it, you might as well leave it. I'm sick and tired of of watching NFL I'm sick and tired of of watching NFL and NBA games and NBA games and NBA games >> where players from other nations who are >> where players from other nations who are >> where players from other nations who are coming and making millions of dollars in coming and making millions of dollars in coming and making millions of dollars in our nation, our nation, our nation, >> home of the free, land of opportunity >> home of the free, land of opportunity >> home of the free, land of opportunity are going to kneel down when our are going to kneel down when our are going to kneel down when our national anthem is sung. national anthem is sung. national anthem is sung. >> Are going to turn their face away from >> Are going to turn their face away from >> Are going to turn their face away from the American flag. That I don't know if the American flag. That I don't know if the American flag. That I don't know if that bothers you. That bothers me. Yes, that bothers you. That bothers me. Yes, that bothers you. That bothers me. Yes, sir. sir. sir. >> You say, "Is this really a place of >> You say, "Is this really a place of >> You say, "Is this really a place of politics?" I'm not preaching politics. politics?" I'm not preaching politics. politics?" I'm not preaching politics. >> I'm not preaching how to vote. I'm not >> I'm not preaching how to vote. I'm not >> I'm not preaching how to vote. I'm not preaching who to vote for. I'm not preaching who to vote for. I'm not preaching who to vote for. I'm not preaching about taxes. I'm not preaching preaching about taxes. I'm not preaching preaching about taxes. I'm not preaching about any of those things. I'm talking about any of those things. I'm talking about any of those things. I'm talking about I'm proud to be an American. about I'm proud to be an American. about I'm proud to be an American. I'm going. It's always humorous to me to hear of a It's always humorous to me to hear of a all the all the movie stars all the all the movie stars all the all the movie stars who say they're going to leave the who say they're going to leave the who say they're going to leave the country if certain people are elected country if certain people are elected country if certain people are elected that they don't vote for. that they don't vote for. that they don't vote for. I said, "Come on, come on. I said, "Come on, come on. I said, "Come on, come on. Come on. Go on. Go on." Come on. Go on. Go on." Come on. Go on. Go on." It's even it's even more humorous when It's even it's even more humorous when It's even it's even more humorous when you when they sling back in a year later to the nation because they a year later to the nation because they find out there's no nation find out there's no nation find out there's no nation >> like this nation. >> like this nation. >> like this nation. >> You might find a prettier place to live, >> You might find a prettier place to live, >> You might find a prettier place to live, but you're not going to find America. but you're not going to find America. but you're not going to find America. >> You might find more waterfalls and more >> You might find more waterfalls and more >> You might find more waterfalls and more mountains and more valleys and more mountains and more valleys and more mountains and more valleys and more rivers and more oceans, but it's not rivers and more oceans, but it's not rivers and more oceans, but it's not America. America. America. But oh, thank God for America. I'm just But oh, thank God for America. I'm just But oh, thank God for America. I'm just I just don't feel like leaving this I just don't feel like leaving this I just don't feel like leaving this place yet. I don't know if we're really place yet. I don't know if we're really place yet. I don't know if we're really patriot. I don't know if we really love patriot. I don't know if we really love patriot. I don't know if we really love our nation yet. our nation yet. our nation yet. >> But I do thank you. I see American flags >> But I do thank you. I see American flags >> But I do thank you. I see American flags on on sweaters and on dresses. I thank on on sweaters and on dresses. I thank on on sweaters and on dresses. I thank you for that. Thank you. Thank you. you for that. Thank you. Thank you. you for that. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. I thank God. Listen y'all. 250 years. I thank God. Listen y'all. 250 years. I thank God. Listen y'all. 250 years. 250. This is This is a land. This is a 250. This is This is a land. This is a 250. This is This is a land. This is a Christian nation. Christian nation. Christian nation. Don't let somebody try to convince you Don't let somebody try to convince you Don't let somebody try to convince you this is no longer a Christian nation. this is no longer a Christian nation. this is no longer a Christian nation. This nation was built upon a rock of This nation was built upon a rock of This nation was built upon a rock of Christianity. There were men that came Christianity. There were men that came Christianity. There were men that came together that fought for the freedom of together that fought for the freedom of together that fought for the freedom of religion. There were men that they were religion. There were men that they were religion. There were men that they were tired of tyrcy. Uh they were tired of tired of tyrcy. Uh they were tired of tired of tyrcy. Uh they were tired of being told how to worship and told how being told how to worship and told how being told how to worship and told how not to worship. They were ready just to not to worship. They were ready just to not to worship. They were ready just to get to where they could bring their get to where they could bring their get to where they could bring their family somewhere where they could family somewhere where they could family somewhere where they could actually lift up their hands to a God actually lift up their hands to a God actually lift up their hands to a God who loves them and a God who cares about who loves them and a God who cares about who loves them and a God who cares about them and a God who they could worship them and a God who they could worship them and a God who they could worship freely. And because of that, our nation freely. And because of that, our nation freely. And because of that, our nation was born. >> Somebody ought to say, "Thank God for >> Somebody ought to say, "Thank God for America." >> But birthdays and anniversaries do more >> But birthdays and anniversaries do more than just focus on celebration of the than just focus on celebration of the than just focus on celebration of the past. They also invite us to evaluate past. They also invite us to evaluate past. They also invite us to evaluate the present. the present. the present. I turned 50 years old a few months ago I turned 50 years old a few months ago I turned 50 years old a few months ago and it was an eyeopening event that I and it was an eyeopening event that I and it was an eyeopening event that I was not prepared for. I was not prepared was not prepared for. I was not prepared was not prepared for. I was not prepared for the mental struggle. 50 is a year of natural 50 is a year of natural self inventory. self inventory. self inventory. I'd always heard the term midlife crisis I'd always heard the term midlife crisis I'd always heard the term midlife crisis and I had no idea what that meant. and I had no idea what that meant. and I had no idea what that meant. But the day I turned 50, I began to hear But the day I turned 50, I began to hear But the day I turned 50, I began to hear voices in my head asking me, "Is this voices in my head asking me, "Is this voices in my head asking me, "Is this all you've done in half a century? all you've done in half a century? all you've done in half a century? Is this all you've accomplished in a Is this all you've accomplished in a Is this all you've accomplished in a half a century? Is this really where you half a century? Is this really where you half a century? Is this really where you were? Is this what your plan was and who were? Is this what your plan was and who were? Is this what your plan was and who you wanted to be after 50 years of Can you wanted to be after 50 years of Can you wanted to be after 50 years of Can anybody testify with me? Anybody? Come anybody testify with me? Anybody? Come anybody testify with me? Anybody? Come on. You got to be at least 50 or older on. You got to be at least 50 or older on. You got to be at least 50 or older to really be able to testify with me. to really be able to testify with me. to really be able to testify with me. >> Not that I feel like a failure, but >> Not that I feel like a failure, but >> Not that I feel like a failure, but these voices were just just messing with these voices were just just messing with these voices were just just messing with me. Thought you'd be doing more by now. me. Thought you'd be doing more by now. me. Thought you'd be doing more by now. But listen, there's there's natural But listen, there's there's natural But listen, there's there's natural monumental birthdays that make us monumental birthdays that make us monumental birthdays that make us evaluate the present, but then there's evaluate the present, but then there's evaluate the present, but then there's also special occasions that cause us to also special occasions that cause us to also special occasions that cause us to look toward the future. look toward the future. look toward the future. When a couple celebrates 50 years of When a couple celebrates 50 years of When a couple celebrates 50 years of marriage, they they don't just simply marriage, they they don't just simply marriage, they they don't just simply reminisce. They they ask themselves, reminisce. They they ask themselves, reminisce. They they ask themselves, "How can we finish?" Well, "How can we finish?" Well, "How can we finish?" Well, when a church celebrates an anniversary, when a church celebrates an anniversary, when a church celebrates an anniversary, it doesn't simply remember what God has it doesn't simply remember what God has it doesn't simply remember what God has done. You begin to ask what is God doing done. You begin to ask what is God doing done. You begin to ask what is God doing in the church? Uh what's God going to do in the church? Uh what's God going to do in the church? Uh what's God going to do in the future of the church? Uh what is in the future of the church? Uh what is in the future of the church? Uh what is your calling? We want to become what your calling? We want to become what your calling? We want to become what you've called us to become. Every you've called us to become. Every you've called us to become. Every meaningful anniversary, you have to ask meaningful anniversary, you have to ask meaningful anniversary, you have to ask two questions. Where have I been and two questions. Where have I been and two questions. Where have I been and where am I going? where am I going? where am I going? As I began to think about America's As I began to think about America's As I began to think about America's 250th anniversary, I couldn't escape 250th anniversary, I couldn't escape 250th anniversary, I couldn't escape those questions. There's so much to those questions. There's so much to those questions. There's so much to celebrate, but there's also much that's celebrate, but there's also much that's celebrate, but there's also much that's got to burden our hearts about our got to burden our hearts about our got to burden our hearts about our nation. nation. nation. Over the past several decades, we we Over the past several decades, we we Over the past several decades, we we have watched our culture change at an have watched our culture change at an have watched our culture change at an astonishing rate. astonishing rate. astonishing rate. Truth is often treated as something to Truth is often treated as something to Truth is often treated as something to be rewritten instead of something to be be rewritten instead of something to be be rewritten instead of something to be received. Marriage has been redefined. received. Marriage has been redefined. received. Marriage has been redefined. Gender has become a matter of personal Gender has become a matter of personal Gender has become a matter of personal preference rather than God's design. preference rather than God's design. preference rather than God's design. >> The vast majority couldn't even give the >> The vast majority couldn't even give the >> The vast majority couldn't even give the definition of the word woman. definition of the word woman. definition of the word woman. >> I couldn't believe it. You you saw that >> I couldn't believe it. You you saw that >> I couldn't believe it. You you saw that podcast. You saw those interviews as as podcast. You saw those interviews as as podcast. You saw those interviews as as they would interview people and say, they would interview people and say, they would interview people and say, "What what does the word woman mean to "What what does the word woman mean to "What what does the word woman mean to you? Divine define the word woman." And you? Divine define the word woman." And you? Divine define the word woman." And people couldn't even define the word people couldn't even define the word people couldn't even define the word woman. You think, "My God, what does our woman. You think, "My God, what does our woman. You think, "My God, what does our culture come to? What does our society culture come to? What does our society culture come to? What does our society come to? We can't even tell the come to? We can't even tell the come to? We can't even tell the difference between a man and a woman. difference between a man and a woman. difference between a man and a woman. Drugs, addictions continue to destroy Drugs, addictions continue to destroy Drugs, addictions continue to destroy lives and families. Pornography has lives and families. Pornography has lives and families. Pornography has become one of the greatest spiritual become one of the greatest spiritual become one of the greatest spiritual battles of our generation because battles of our generation because battles of our generation because temptation now lives in every pocket of temptation now lives in every pocket of temptation now lives in every pocket of the violence has increased. Confusion has violence has increased. Confusion has increased. Biblical con biblical increased. Biblical con biblical increased. Biblical con biblical conviction has decreased. conviction has decreased. conviction has decreased. >> Oh church family, none of that should >> Oh church family, none of that should >> Oh church family, none of that should surprise us because darkness has always surprise us because darkness has always surprise us because darkness has always been dark. been dark. been dark. But that should remind us how But that should remind us how But that should remind us how desperately this present generation desperately this present generation desperately this present generation needs the light. And that's why we're needs the light. And that's why we're needs the light. And that's why we're here today. That's why the church is here today. That's why the church is here today. That's why the church is here today. Matthew 5:14 says, "You are here today. Matthew 5:14 says, "You are here today. Matthew 5:14 says, "You are the light of the world, a city that is the light of the world, a city that is the light of the world, a city that is set up on a hill that cannot be hid." set up on a hill that cannot be hid." set up on a hill that cannot be hid." And then he goes on to say, "Let your And then he goes on to say, "Let your And then he goes on to say, "Let your light so shine before men." Yeah. light so shine before men." Yeah. light so shine before men." Yeah. >> The darker the night becomes, the more >> The darker the night becomes, the more >> The darker the night becomes, the more valuable the light becomes. valuable the light becomes. valuable the light becomes. >> Jesus never asked the church to curse >> Jesus never asked the church to curse >> Jesus never asked the church to curse the darkness. He said, "I want you to the darkness. He said, "I want you to the darkness. He said, "I want you to shine in the darkness." shine in the darkness." shine in the darkness." >> So, as I begin to think about America >> So, as I begin to think about America >> So, as I begin to think about America this week, one thought kept coming back this week, one thought kept coming back this week, one thought kept coming back to me. Jesus never wrote a letter to to me. Jesus never wrote a letter to to me. Jesus never wrote a letter to Rome. He never wrote a letter to Caesar. Rome. He never wrote a letter to Caesar. Rome. He never wrote a letter to Caesar. He never wrote to the culture. He always He never wrote to the culture. He always He never wrote to the culture. He always wrote to the church wrote to the church wrote to the church because the future of the kingdom has because the future of the kingdom has because the future of the kingdom has never rested in the hands of never rested in the hands of never rested in the hands of politicians. It's always rested in the politicians. It's always rested in the politicians. It's always rested in the hands of God's people. hands of God's people. hands of God's people. >> And that's exactly what the book of >> And that's exactly what the book of >> And that's exactly what the book of Revelation is how it begins. Not with Revelation is how it begins. Not with Revelation is how it begins. Not with beasts, not with bulls, not with beasts, not with bulls, not with beasts, not with bulls, not with trumpets. Before Jesus reveals the trumpets. Before Jesus reveals the trumpets. Before Jesus reveals the future, he first starts off by future, he first starts off by future, he first starts off by evaluating his church. evaluating his church. evaluating his church. >> All right? >> All right? >> All right? >> 2 Corinthians 3:13:5 says, "Examine >> 2 Corinthians 3:13:5 says, "Examine >> 2 Corinthians 3:13:5 says, "Examine yourselves yourselves yourselves whether you be in the faith. Prove whether you be in the faith. Prove whether you be in the faith. Prove prove your own selves." He said, prove your own selves." He said, prove your own selves." He said, "Evaluate your own self. Know ye not "Evaluate your own self. Know ye not "Evaluate your own self. Know ye not your own selves. know that Jesus Christ your own selves. know that Jesus Christ your own selves. know that Jesus Christ is in you except ye be reprobates. Woo, is in you except ye be reprobates. Woo, is in you except ye be reprobates. Woo, that's strong language right there. that's strong language right there. that's strong language right there. That's called selfinventory. That's called selfinventory. That's called selfinventory. And before Jesus talked about what was And before Jesus talked about what was And before Jesus talked about what was happening in the world, before he talked happening in the world, before he talked happening in the world, before he talked about what was happening with the about what was happening with the about what was happening with the antichrist, he first wanted to see what antichrist, he first wanted to see what antichrist, he first wanted to see what was happening in his churches. was happening in his churches. was happening in his churches. >> So here we go. Revival has never started >> So here we go. Revival has never started >> So here we go. Revival has never started by fixing the world. by fixing the world. by fixing the world. Revival has always started when God's Revival has always started when God's Revival has always started when God's people allow him to search them first. people allow him to search them first. people allow him to search them first. In America, oh, if America is ever going In America, oh, if America is ever going In America, oh, if America is ever going to experience another great awakening, to experience another great awakening, to experience another great awakening, it won't begin in Washington. It won't it won't begin in Washington. It won't it won't begin in Washington. It won't begin in Hollywood. It's not going to begin in Hollywood. It's not going to begin in Hollywood. It's not going to begin on Wall Street. It's going to begin on Wall Street. It's going to begin on Wall Street. It's going to begin when God's people once again begin when God's people once again begin when God's people once again become hungry for the presence of God. become hungry for the presence of God. become hungry for the presence of God. And I just need to know tonight, is And I just need to know tonight, is And I just need to know tonight, is there anybody hungry for the presence of there anybody hungry for the presence of there anybody hungry for the presence of God in your life? Are you hungry to have God in your life? Are you hungry to have God in your life? Are you hungry to have him commune with you? Are you hungry for him commune with you? Are you hungry for him commune with you? Are you hungry for a relationship that goes beyond a casual a relationship that goes beyond a casual a relationship that goes beyond a casual relationship, but it becomes a constant relationship, but it becomes a constant relationship, but it becomes a constant relationship? relationship? relationship? Because that's exactly what Jesus does Because that's exactly what Jesus does Because that's exactly what Jesus does in the book of Revelation. He walks in the book of Revelation. He walks in the book of Revelation. He walks among his seven churches. Uh he looks among his seven churches. Uh he looks among his seven churches. Uh he looks beyond their buildings, uh beyond their beyond their buildings, uh beyond their beyond their buildings, uh beyond their crowds, uh beyond their reputation and crowds, uh beyond their reputation and crowds, uh beyond their reputation and he looks at their heart he looks at their heart he looks at their heart and one by one he begins to write them a and one by one he begins to write them a and one by one he begins to write them a letter. The church in Ephesus, they knew letter. The church in Ephesus, they knew letter. The church in Ephesus, they knew truth. truth. truth. They defended sound doctrine. They would They defended sound doctrine. They would They defended sound doctrine. They would not tolerate false teachers and Jesus not tolerate false teachers and Jesus not tolerate false teachers and Jesus commended them for their discernment. commended them for their discernment. commended them for their discernment. But then he says, "You have left your But then he says, "You have left your But then he says, "You have left your first love." first love." first love." >> I love it because Jesus is the ultimate >> I love it because Jesus is the ultimate >> I love it because Jesus is the ultimate leader. And and a good leader is always leader. And and a good leader is always leader. And and a good leader is always going to talk about the good first. going to talk about the good first. going to talk about the good first. If you've got a good boss, If you've got a good boss, If you've got a good boss, if you've got a good manager, they're if you've got a good manager, they're if you've got a good manager, they're going to they're going to bring you in going to they're going to bring you in going to they're going to bring you in and you could be fooled at the beginning and you could be fooled at the beginning and you could be fooled at the beginning of the conversation because they butter of the conversation because they butter of the conversation because they butter you up. They they start talking about you up. They they start talking about you up. They they start talking about all the good things you do and how proud all the good things you do and how proud all the good things you do and how proud they are of you, of the reports you've they are of you, of the reports you've they are of you, of the reports you've been given, and tell you all the good been given, and tell you all the good been given, and tell you all the good resources that you've been that you've resources that you've been that you've resources that you've been that you've been given to the company. But then a been given to the company. But then a been given to the company. But then a good manager will turn the he'll turn good manager will turn the he'll turn good manager will turn the he'll turn the scale a little bit and he'll say, the scale a little bit and he'll say, the scale a little bit and he'll say, "But there's room for improvement." "But there's room for improvement." "But there's room for improvement." Not hateful. Not trying to tear you down, not trying Not trying to tear you down, not trying to hurt your feelings, not trying to to hurt your feelings, not trying to to hurt your feelings, not trying to break you down, but instead what he was break you down, but instead what he was break you down, but instead what he was simply trying to do, he's saying, "You simply trying to do, he's saying, "You simply trying to do, he's saying, "You got so many good things going, but I got so many good things going, but I got so many good things going, but I fear there's one thing that you got to fear there's one thing that you got to fear there's one thing that you got to focus on. You've left your first love focus on. You've left your first love focus on. You've left your first love for truth is never meant to replace for truth is never meant to replace for truth is never meant to replace relationship. relationship. relationship. Never become so busy defending Jesus Never become so busy defending Jesus Never become so busy defending Jesus that you stop spending time with Jesus. that you stop spending time with Jesus. that you stop spending time with Jesus. >> Oh, what about the church in Smyrna? >> Oh, what about the church in Smyrna? >> Oh, what about the church in Smyrna? They were suffering. This was a They were suffering. This was a They were suffering. This was a persecuted church, pressed from every persecuted church, pressed from every persecuted church, pressed from every side. Jesus never rebuked them. He side. Jesus never rebuked them. He side. Jesus never rebuked them. He simply encouraged them and said, "I want simply encouraged them and said, "I want simply encouraged them and said, "I want you to remain faithful. Be faithful." you to remain faithful. Be faithful." you to remain faithful. Be faithful." Sometimes the greatest victory we can Sometimes the greatest victory we can Sometimes the greatest victory we can have in our life is simply refusing to have in our life is simply refusing to have in our life is simply refusing to quit. quit. quit. >> Pergamos, Pergamos, the church of >> Pergamos, Pergamos, the church of >> Pergamos, Pergamos, the church of Pergamos, they held fast to the name of Pergamos, they held fast to the name of Pergamos, they held fast to the name of Jesus. They were people of the name even Jesus. They were people of the name even Jesus. They were people of the name even while living in one of the darkest while living in one of the darkest while living in one of the darkest cultures, the darkest cities of their cultures, the darkest cities of their cultures, the darkest cities of their day. But compromise, listen to me church day. But compromise, listen to me church day. But compromise, listen to me church family, compromise had quietly begun family, compromise had quietly begun family, compromise had quietly begun finding its way into the church. finding its way into the church. finding its way into the church. Oh, you don't have to to surrender truth Oh, you don't have to to surrender truth Oh, you don't have to to surrender truth all at once. Let me tell you something. all at once. Let me tell you something. all at once. Let me tell you something. The enemy is content with just one small The enemy is content with just one small The enemy is content with just one small compromise at a time. compromise at a time. compromise at a time. >> Romans 12:2 says, "And be not conformed >> Romans 12:2 says, "And be not conformed >> Romans 12:2 says, "And be not conformed to this world." Oh, be not conformed. to this world." Oh, be not conformed. to this world." Oh, be not conformed. Don't be in the mold of this world, but Don't be in the mold of this world, but Don't be in the mold of this world, but be ye tr break out of the mold. Be ye be ye tr break out of the mold. Be ye be ye tr break out of the mold. Be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind transformed by the renewing of your mind transformed by the renewing of your mind that you may prove what is that good and that you may prove what is that good and that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. acceptable and perfect will of God. acceptable and perfect will of God. Compromise and conforming to the world Compromise and conforming to the world Compromise and conforming to the world is a slow fade. is a slow fade. is a slow fade. It's one of the most dangerous spirits It's one of the most dangerous spirits It's one of the most dangerous spirits attacking the church today. The church of of Tyra Fire Tyra The church of of Tyra Fire Tyra Jesus said, "I I know your love. Jesus said, "I I know your love. Jesus said, "I I know your love. I know your faith." Listen, these all I know your faith." Listen, these all I know your faith." Listen, these all sound so good. I know your service. I sound so good. I know your service. I sound so good. I know your service. I know your patience. know your patience. know your patience. Except they have begun tolerating what Except they have begun tolerating what Except they have begun tolerating what they should have been confronting. they should have been confronting. they should have been confronting. Love never requires us to lower God's Love never requires us to lower God's Love never requires us to lower God's standards. standards. standards. Real love always points people toward Real love always points people toward Real love always points people toward truth. This coexist movement is not from truth. This coexist movement is not from truth. This coexist movement is not from God. God. God. There's a difference between loving There's a difference between loving There's a difference between loving people and tolerating the sin of people. people and tolerating the sin of people. people and tolerating the sin of people. I'm going to say it again. There's a I'm going to say it again. There's a I'm going to say it again. There's a difference between loving people and difference between loving people and difference between loving people and tolerating the sin of people. tolerating the sin of people. tolerating the sin of people. This church of Tyra Tyra has some major This church of Tyra Tyra has some major This church of Tyra Tyra has some major toleration issues. Oh yeah. And believe toleration issues. Oh yeah. And believe toleration issues. Oh yeah. And believe me, there's problems in America right me, there's problems in America right me, there's problems in America right now because there's a lot of people that now because there's a lot of people that now because there's a lot of people that shouldn't be tolerating things and shouldn't be tolerating things and shouldn't be tolerating things and shouldn't be conforming to this world shouldn't be conforming to this world shouldn't be conforming to this world and they're beginning to tolerate things and they're beginning to tolerate things and they're beginning to tolerate things that they should be fighting against. that they should be fighting against. that they should be fighting against. They aren't ashamed of it. So, I'm not They aren't ashamed of it. So, I'm not They aren't ashamed of it. So, I'm not I'm not going to be afraid of mentioning I'm not going to be afraid of mentioning I'm not going to be afraid of mentioning it tonight, but the United Methodist it tonight, but the United Methodist it tonight, but the United Methodist Church denomination at their general Church denomination at their general Church denomination at their general conference just a few years ago removed conference just a few years ago removed conference just a few years ago removed the rule that prohibited the ordination the rule that prohibited the ordination the rule that prohibited the ordination of selfabout of selfabout of selfabout practicing homosexuals. You say, "Oh, are we talking about You say, "Oh, are we talking about another religion?" No, no, no. This was another religion?" No, no, no. This was another religion?" No, no, no. This was all over the news. This this was all over the news. This this was all over the news. This this was something that they affirmed. This was something that they affirmed. This was something that they affirmed. This was something that they are very proud of. something that they are very proud of. something that they are very proud of. They removed the language stating that They removed the language stating that They removed the language stating that homosexuality homosexuality homosexuality is inca incompatible with Christian is inca incompatible with Christian is inca incompatible with Christian teaching. They remove you. You can be teaching. They remove you. You can be teaching. They remove you. You can be quiet. It's okay. It's okay. They remove quiet. It's okay. It's okay. They remove quiet. It's okay. It's okay. They remove the denominationwide ban on pastors the denominationwide ban on pastors the denominationwide ban on pastors officiating same-sex weddings. This is a officiating same-sex weddings. This is a officiating same-sex weddings. This is a spirit of thyroid. spirit of thyroid. spirit of thyroid. We won't stand up against sin. We're We won't stand up against sin. We're We won't stand up against sin. We're just going to coexist with it. Oh, we're just going to coexist with it. Oh, we're just going to coexist with it. Oh, we're not going to preach against it. We're not going to preach against it. We're not going to preach against it. We're just going to start allowing it to get just going to start allowing it to get just going to start allowing it to get in our pulpit. in our pulpit. in our pulpit. >> Listen, who would have ever believed 250 >> Listen, who would have ever believed 250 >> Listen, who would have ever believed 250 years ago when our founding fathers uh years ago when our founding fathers uh years ago when our founding fathers uh were doing everything they could to put were doing everything they could to put were doing everything they could to put a country to bring a country, bring a a country to bring a country, bring a a country to bring a country, bring a government together to give us government together to give us government together to give us declaration of independence uh and declaration of independence uh and declaration of independence uh and freedoms. Uh they would have never freedoms. Uh they would have never freedoms. Uh they would have never believed that one day they would have believed that one day they would have believed that one day they would have churches uh in the very nation that they churches uh in the very nation that they churches uh in the very nation that they were forming. They would say it's no were forming. They would say it's no were forming. They would say it's no longer wrong for a minister to be a longer wrong for a minister to be a longer wrong for a minister to be a homosexual or a lesbian. >> But what I fear is it's such a slow fade >> But what I fear is it's such a slow fade that we don't even see it coming. We that we don't even see it coming. We that we don't even see it coming. We don't even see it. You say, "Well, that don't even see it. You say, "Well, that don't even see it. You say, "Well, that that's not apostolic." It's not that's not apostolic." It's not that's not apostolic." It's not apostolic, but it's Christian. apostolic, but it's Christian. apostolic, but it's Christian. They believe a lot of the same things we They believe a lot of the same things we They believe a lot of the same things we believe. They believe in in the death of believe. They believe in in the death of believe. They believe in in the death of a savior on a cross. They believe in a savior on a cross. They believe in a savior on a cross. They believe in shed blood. They believe in a shed blood. They believe in a shed blood. They believe in a resurrection of their savior. They resurrection of their savior. They resurrection of their savior. They believe in many of the same things we believe in many of the same things we believe in many of the same things we do. They they they they claim to to do. They they they they claim to to do. They they they they claim to to serve and and worship the same God we serve and and worship the same God we serve and and worship the same God we worship. Let me tell you something. If worship. Let me tell you something. If worship. Let me tell you something. If we're not careful, we're going to allow we're not careful, we're going to allow we're not careful, we're going to allow spears to enter in because we're trying spears to enter in because we're trying spears to enter in because we're trying to love and we're trying to understand to love and we're trying to understand to love and we're trying to understand and we're trying to coexist with and we're trying to coexist with and we're trying to coexist with something that God never meant us to something that God never meant us to something that God never meant us to coexist with. coexist with. coexist with. Come on. I'm preaching to the church of Come on. I'm preaching to the church of Come on. I'm preaching to the church of America today. Uh I'm about to get to America today. Uh I'm about to get to America today. Uh I'm about to get to America. But let me tell you something. America. But let me tell you something. America. But let me tell you something. The same God that looked into the The same God that looked into the The same God that looked into the churches uh here in this in this area of churches uh here in this in this area of churches uh here in this in this area of the Roman Empire is going to be the same the Roman Empire is going to be the same the Roman Empire is going to be the same God that looks into the church of God that looks into the church of God that looks into the church of America. Second Timothy 3 and5 says, "Having a Second Timothy 3 and5 says, "Having a form of godliness, form of godliness, form of godliness, but denying the power thereof from such but denying the power thereof from such but denying the power thereof from such turn away." This was the church of turn away." This was the church of turn away." This was the church of Sardis. They had a reputation. Everybody Sardis. They had a reputation. Everybody Sardis. They had a reputation. Everybody thought they were alive, but Jesus knew thought they were alive, but Jesus knew thought they were alive, but Jesus knew otherwise. What about Philadelphia? The church at What about Philadelphia? The church at Philadelphia, the Bible, Jesus said, Philadelphia, the Bible, Jesus said, Philadelphia, the Bible, Jesus said, "You're faithful. You're steady. You're "You're faithful. You're steady. You're "You're faithful. You're steady. You're consistent." Jesus, he had no rebuke for consistent." Jesus, he had no rebuke for consistent." Jesus, he had no rebuke for them. He simply said, "I have set before them. He simply said, "I have set before them. He simply said, "I have set before thee an open door. Philadelphia, you thee an open door. Philadelphia, you thee an open door. Philadelphia, you passed the test." But then came passed the test." But then came passed the test." But then came Leodysia. Oh, here we go. This is the Leodysia. Oh, here we go. This is the Leodysia. Oh, here we go. This is the wealthiest church. I believe this is the wealthiest church. I believe this is the wealthiest church. I believe this is the church we can compare America with. church we can compare America with. church we can compare America with. They're the most comfortable church. Uh They're the most comfortable church. Uh They're the most comfortable church. Uh the church that believed it had the church that believed it had the church that believed it had everything it needed. Yet Jesus looked everything it needed. Yet Jesus looked everything it needed. Yet Jesus looked past their prosperity and he saw their past their prosperity and he saw their past their prosperity and he saw their poverty. poverty. poverty. >> All right? >> All right? >> All right? >> I said he saw their poverty. It wasn't >> I said he saw their poverty. It wasn't >> I said he saw their poverty. It wasn't financial poverty. It was spiritual financial poverty. It was spiritual financial poverty. It was spiritual poverty. He looked past their confidence poverty. He looked past their confidence poverty. He looked past their confidence and saw their dependence slipping away. and saw their dependence slipping away. and saw their dependence slipping away. He wasn't angry. He was inviting. Every He wasn't angry. He was inviting. Every He wasn't angry. He was inviting. Every one of the letters that he wrote to one of the letters that he wrote to one of the letters that he wrote to these churches, there were different these churches, there were different these churches, there were different cities, different cultures, different cities, different cultures, different cities, different cultures, different struggles, yet every one of them teaches struggles, yet every one of them teaches struggles, yet every one of them teaches the same lesson. Jesus cares deeply the same lesson. Jesus cares deeply the same lesson. Jesus cares deeply about his church. about his church. about his church. >> He celebrates what's right and he >> He celebrates what's right and he >> He celebrates what's right and he lovingly corrects what is wrong. He lovingly corrects what is wrong. He lovingly corrects what is wrong. He always gives hope to those who will always gives hope to those who will always gives hope to those who will respond. respond. respond. >> I'm going to say that again. He always >> I'm going to say that again. He always >> I'm going to say that again. He always gives hope to those that will respond to gives hope to those that will respond to gives hope to those that will respond to his word. his word. his word. >> The goal of every one of those letters, >> The goal of every one of those letters, >> The goal of every one of those letters, it wasn't condemnation. It was it wasn't condemnation. It was it wasn't condemnation. It was transformation. >> We serve a loving God. >> We serve a loving God. >> We serve a loving God. He cares about >> We serve a loving God. He cares about >> We serve a loving God. He cares about us. Uh he's looking He wants to see us us. Uh he's looking He wants to see us us. Uh he's looking He wants to see us have an expected end. He's not trying to have an expected end. He's not trying to have an expected end. He's not trying to hurt us. He's not trying to demoralize hurt us. He's not trying to demoralize hurt us. He's not trying to demoralize us. Uh he's simply saying uh I want to us. Uh he's simply saying uh I want to us. Uh he's simply saying uh I want to open a door in your life uh that you can open a door in your life uh that you can open a door in your life uh that you can step through uh and have a walk with me step through uh and have a walk with me step through uh and have a walk with me that you've never had before. But you've that you've never had before. But you've that you've never had before. But you've got to respond to my correction. got to respond to my correction. got to respond to my correction. >> As I read the seven letters this week, I >> As I read the seven letters this week, I >> As I read the seven letters this week, I couldn't help but wonder, "Oh, what if couldn't help but wonder, "Oh, what if couldn't help but wonder, "Oh, what if there had been another church? What if there had been another church? What if there had been another church? What if there had been one more congregation, there had been one more congregation, there had been one more congregation, one more city, one more pastor, one more one more city, one more pastor, one more one more city, one more pastor, one more people? What if Jesus had written a people? What if Jesus had written a people? What if Jesus had written a letter to the church in America? letter to the church in America? letter to the church in America? What will he say to America? And let me What will he say to America? And let me What will he say to America? And let me say this, the seven letters are say this, the seven letters are say this, the seven letters are complete. They're they're inspired. complete. They're they're inspired. complete. They're they're inspired. Nothing can be added to the word of God. Nothing can be added to the word of God. Nothing can be added to the word of God. I'm not adding anything to the word of I'm not adding anything to the word of I'm not adding anything to the word of God tonight. I just want us to imagine God tonight. I just want us to imagine God tonight. I just want us to imagine what Jesus might say to the church right what Jesus might say to the church right what Jesus might say to the church right here in America. It's not so much what here in America. It's not so much what here in America. It's not so much what would Jesus do right here. What would would Jesus do right here. What would would Jesus do right here. What would Jesus say? Jesus say? Jesus say? So, I got a letter here. The envelope simply says to the church The envelope simply says to the church in America, "He that hath an ear, let in America, "He that hath an ear, let in America, "He that hath an ear, let him hear. I know thy works. I know thy works. I know thy love for my name." Says, "I I know thy love for my name." Says, "I I know thy love for my name." Says, "I know thy desires know thy desires know thy desires to remain faithful to my truth. to remain faithful to my truth. to remain faithful to my truth. I know the generations that have built I know the generations that have built I know the generations that have built up the church with prayer. I know the up the church with prayer. I know the up the church with prayer. I know the pastors who have stood behind pulpit and pastors who have stood behind pulpit and pastors who have stood behind pulpit and preach my word with conviction. I know preach my word with conviction. I know preach my word with conviction. I know the missionaries uh who have crossed the missionaries uh who have crossed the missionaries uh who have crossed oceans because they believe that every oceans because they believe that every oceans because they believe that every soul mattered. I know the saints who soul mattered. I know the saints who soul mattered. I know the saints who gathered around altars and refused to gathered around altars and refused to gathered around altars and refused to stop praying until I answered. I know stop praying until I answered. I know stop praying until I answered. I know the parents who taught their children to the parents who taught their children to the parents who taught their children to love my househ. I know songs of worship love my househ. I know songs of worship love my househ. I know songs of worship that have risen from the sincere hearts. that have risen from the sincere hearts. that have risen from the sincere hearts. Jesus says, "I know thy works." Jesus says, "I know thy works." Jesus says, "I know thy works." But let me stop and preach right here. But let me stop and preach right here. But let me stop and preach right here. Don't ever believe the lie that your Don't ever believe the lie that your Don't ever believe the lie that your labor goes unnoticed. labor goes unnoticed. labor goes unnoticed. >> Jesus sees what nobody else sees. He >> Jesus sees what nobody else sees. He >> Jesus sees what nobody else sees. He remembers what everybody else forgets. remembers what everybody else forgets. remembers what everybody else forgets. The prayers that nobody else hears you The prayers that nobody else hears you The prayers that nobody else hears you pray. Jesus heard it. The sacrifice that pray. Jesus heard it. The sacrifice that pray. Jesus heard it. The sacrifice that nobody woo then nobody nobody saw you nobody woo then nobody nobody saw you nobody woo then nobody nobody saw you sacrifice but it was recorded in heaven. sacrifice but it was recorded in heaven. sacrifice but it was recorded in heaven. Heaven never overlooks faithfulness. Heaven never overlooks faithfulness. Heaven never overlooks faithfulness. >> Whatever you do in the kingdom of God, >> Whatever you do in the kingdom of God, >> Whatever you do in the kingdom of God, however you serve in the kingdom of God, however you serve in the kingdom of God, however you serve in the kingdom of God, we have grandmothers, we have church we have grandmothers, we have church we have grandmothers, we have church mothers that the only thing that you can mothers that the only thing that you can mothers that the only thing that you can do is get on your knees and pray. And do is get on your knees and pray. And do is get on your knees and pray. And you are prayer warriors like the like you are prayer warriors like the like you are prayer warriors like the like the ladies trail sang this morning. We the ladies trail sang this morning. We the ladies trail sang this morning. We thank God for prayer warriors that know thank God for prayer warriors that know thank God for prayer warriors that know how to get on their knees and touch God. how to get on their knees and touch God. how to get on their knees and touch God. I believe those sermons that are I believe those sermons that are I believe those sermons that are preached from this pulpit are much more preached from this pulpit are much more preached from this pulpit are much more effective because we have prayer effective because we have prayer effective because we have prayer warriors in this house. warriors in this house. warriors in this house. >> It's not just a preacher praying, but >> It's not just a preacher praying, but >> It's not just a preacher praying, but it's saints of God. You say, "I don't it's saints of God. You say, "I don't it's saints of God. You say, "I don't even think anybody knows I'm here. I even think anybody knows I'm here. I even think anybody knows I'm here. I don't think anybody cares that I'm don't think anybody cares that I'm don't think anybody cares that I'm here." God knows that you're here. God here." God knows that you're here. God here." God knows that you're here. God sees you. God cares about you. He sees you. God cares about you. He sees you. God cares about you. He records everything in heaven. Everything records everything in heaven. Everything records everything in heaven. Everything that you're doing, everything that that you're doing, everything that that you're doing, everything that you're saying, the tears that you cry, you're saying, the tears that you cry, you're saying, the tears that you cry, the bottles is there bottled in heaven. the bottles is there bottled in heaven. the bottles is there bottled in heaven. He knows. He sees. And he knows of He knows. He sees. And he knows of He knows. He sees. And he knows of faithfulness in the house of the Lord. faithfulness in the house of the Lord. faithfulness in the house of the Lord. And I'm so thankful that Jesus always And I'm so thankful that Jesus always And I'm so thankful that Jesus always begins with the positive. >> I have trusted thee with much. I am >> I have trusted thee with much. I am trusted thee with truth. I have trust trusted thee with truth. I have trust trusted thee with truth. I have trust trusted thee with freedom. I've trusted trusted thee with freedom. I've trusted trusted thee with freedom. I've trusted you with my gospel. I've entrusted thee you with my gospel. I've entrusted thee you with my gospel. I've entrusted thee with my spirit. I've entrusted thee with with my spirit. I've entrusted thee with with my spirit. I've entrusted thee with opportunities that many generations have opportunities that many generations have opportunities that many generations have longed to experience. For to whom much longed to experience. For to whom much longed to experience. For to whom much is given, much is required. is given, much is required. is given, much is required. Oh, but here's the word that makes me Oh, but here's the word that makes me Oh, but here's the word that makes me cringe. cringe. cringe. Nevertheless, this is when the boss, this is when the this is when the boss, this is when the manager, manager, manager, he's done patting you on the back. he's done patting you on the back. he's done patting you on the back. Nevertheless, Nevertheless, Nevertheless, guard your heart. Do not allow blessings guard your heart. Do not allow blessings guard your heart. Do not allow blessings to replace dependency. Do not allow to replace dependency. Do not allow to replace dependency. Do not allow comfort to weaken your consecration. Do comfort to weaken your consecration. Do comfort to weaken your consecration. Do not allow routine to steal your wonder. not allow routine to steal your wonder. not allow routine to steal your wonder. Do not allow familiarity with my Do not allow familiarity with my Do not allow familiarity with my presence to rob you of your hunger for presence to rob you of your hunger for presence to rob you of your hunger for my presence. Uh hold fast to that which my presence. Uh hold fast to that which my presence. Uh hold fast to that which thou hast received and guard the truth thou hast received and guard the truth thou hast received and guard the truth >> for I still walk among the candlesticks. >> for I still walk among the candlesticks. >> for I still walk among the candlesticks. Uh I still hear every prayer. I still Uh I still hear every prayer. I still Uh I still hear every prayer. I still feel hungry hearts. Uh I still save the feel hungry hearts. Uh I still save the feel hungry hearts. Uh I still save the lost. I still heal the broken. I still lost. I still heal the broken. I still lost. I still heal the broken. I still build my church and the gates of hell build my church and the gates of hell build my church and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. If there was going to be an eighth If there was going to be an eighth letter, I wonder myself, Lord, you're letter, I wonder myself, Lord, you're letter, I wonder myself, Lord, you're looking at me and for every good thing looking at me and for every good thing looking at me and for every good thing that I do and for everything behind the that I do and for everything behind the that I do and for everything behind the scenes. I I try so hard. Thank God for behind the scenes Thank God for behind the scenes ministries. ministries. ministries. >> You say, "Brother Erikson, what are you >> You say, "Brother Erikson, what are you >> You say, "Brother Erikson, what are you what are you talking about? You're up what are you talking about? You're up what are you talking about? You're up there with a microphone. You You're there with a microphone. You You're there with a microphone. You You're singing at conferences. You're preaching singing at conferences. You're preaching singing at conferences. You're preaching at conferences. What are you talking at conferences. What are you talking at conferences. What are you talking about behind the scenes?" Well, I tell about behind the scenes?" Well, I tell about behind the scenes?" Well, I tell you what, you what, you what, it took me a long time to put 625 it took me a long time to put 625 it took me a long time to put 625 tithely taps on the pews this week. You know how long it takes to take a You know how long it takes to take a sticker off the back of those things sticker off the back of those things sticker off the back of those things when stickers don't want to come off the when stickers don't want to come off the when stickers don't want to come off the back of those things? I've been struggling with some some I I've been struggling with some some I don't know, some vertigo or something. don't know, some vertigo or something. don't know, some vertigo or something. Been getting so dizzy. And man, I I Been getting so dizzy. And man, I I Been getting so dizzy. And man, I I would take the sticker off and I I had a would take the sticker off and I I had a would take the sticker off and I I had a paint stick that was measured exactly paint stick that was measured exactly paint stick that was measured exactly cuz I I've got a mother-in-law. I knew cuz I I've got a mother-in-law. I knew cuz I I've got a mother-in-law. I knew it had to be done perfect the first time it had to be done perfect the first time it had to be done perfect the first time because I couldn't get them off if I did because I couldn't get them off if I did because I couldn't get them off if I did it wrong. >> So listen, I came up. Listen, this is >> So listen, I came up. Listen, this is genius. I I had a I had a a five genius. I I had a I had a a five genius. I I had a I had a a five gallallon bucket paint stick that I had gallallon bucket paint stick that I had gallallon bucket paint stick that I had cut to the exact size where she wanted cut to the exact size where she wanted cut to the exact size where she wanted those on the pew. those on the pew. those on the pew. And I would take the back of that And I would take the back of that And I would take the back of that sticker off sticker off sticker off and I would put it on the very tip of and I would put it on the very tip of and I would put it on the very tip of that paint stick and I put that paint that paint stick and I put that paint that paint stick and I put that paint stick on the ground on the floor. Lean stick on the ground on the floor. Lean stick on the ground on the floor. Lean it up against the pew and stick that it up against the pew and stick that it up against the pew and stick that sticker perfectly where it needed to go. sticker perfectly where it needed to go. sticker perfectly where it needed to go. And if you see one that's not straight, And if you see one that's not straight, And if you see one that's not straight, don't tell me. Do not do not tell my don't tell me. Do not do not tell my don't tell me. Do not do not tell my mother-in-law. Ignore it. mother-in-law. Ignore it. mother-in-law. Ignore it. Just tap it. Just tap it. Just tap it. It still taps. Just tap it. Brother Author, I got to thinking to Brother Author, I got to thinking to myself, it hit me. Thank God for my myself, it hit me. Thank God for my myself, it hit me. Thank God for my father. He He helped me the first day. father. He He helped me the first day. father. He He helped me the first day. It took me three days. But I've got to think, I thought, let's But I've got to think, I thought, let's see. I've got 620 odd some of these to see. I've got 620 odd some of these to see. I've got 620 odd some of these to put on. If it takes me 20 seconds, if put on. If it takes me 20 seconds, if put on. If it takes me 20 seconds, if I'm fast, 20 seconds per tap. I was I'm fast, 20 seconds per tap. I was I'm fast, 20 seconds per tap. I was like, "Oh my god." I got on my phone. I like, "Oh my god." I got on my phone. I like, "Oh my god." I got on my phone. I started multiplying. started multiplying. started multiplying. 625* 625* 625* 6* 20 seconds. 6* 20 seconds. 6* 20 seconds. Do the math. That's a long time. Do the math. That's a long time. Do the math. That's a long time. I thought, Lord, I was going to take an I thought, Lord, I was going to take an I thought, Lord, I was going to take an afternoon and take an hour or two and afternoon and take an hour or two and afternoon and take an hour or two and put these on. This is going to take me put these on. This is going to take me put these on. This is going to take me like eight hours. like eight hours. like eight hours. I think it took me like nine hours. Took I think it took me like nine hours. Took I think it took me like nine hours. Took me three days, three hours a day. And my me three days, three hours a day. And my me three days, three hours a day. And my vertigo was messing up. And every time I vertigo was messing up. And every time I vertigo was messing up. And every time I would lean down and get back up, I was would lean down and get back up, I was would lean down and get back up, I was like, "Woo!" like, "Woo!" like, "Woo!" Like, "God, help me." Got to feeling Like, "God, help me." Got to feeling Like, "God, help me." Got to feeling nauseous. But I thought, "Sundday's on nauseous. But I thought, "Sundday's on nauseous. But I thought, "Sundday's on the way. I got to get these things on the way. I got to get these things on the way. I got to get these things on here. here. here. It's not going to work. If only half of It's not going to work. If only half of It's not going to work. If only half of them are put on here. We got to get them them are put on here. We got to get them them are put on here. We got to get them all. Somebody's going to be mad they all. Somebody's going to be mad they all. Somebody's going to be mad they didn't get to tap. But God God sees every behind the scenes But God God sees every behind the scenes to our bookstore workers. When you're to our bookstore workers. When you're to our bookstore workers. When you're when you're going through inventory and when you're going through inventory and when you're going through inventory and you're counting you're counting books you're counting you're counting books you're counting you're counting books and and and he you're counting you're counting candy he you're counting you're counting candy he you're counting you're counting candy that that needs to be sold and and that that needs to be sold and and that that needs to be sold and and you're putting price tags on stuff and you're putting price tags on stuff and you're putting price tags on stuff and in some backroom office and nobody even in some backroom office and nobody even in some backroom office and nobody even knows is there. God sees your effort. knows is there. God sees your effort. knows is there. God sees your effort. God sees what you do for the church. God God sees what you do for the church. God God sees what you do for the church. God cares about what you do. It's being cares about what you do. It's being cares about what you do. It's being recorded in heaven. every Bible study recorded in heaven. every Bible study recorded in heaven. every Bible study that's taught and you think ain't nobody that's taught and you think ain't nobody that's taught and you think ain't nobody even care about this. This person ain't even care about this. This person ain't even care about this. This person ain't even listening to me. This person don't even listening to me. This person don't even listening to me. This person don't care about this. God records in heaven every single God records in heaven every single thing. thing. thing. But then it began to scare me because I But then it began to scare me because I But then it began to scare me because I thought, but not only is the good thought, but not only is the good thought, but not only is the good recorded, but God, you see all my recorded, but God, you see all my recorded, but God, you see all my faults. You see the temptation that I faults. You see the temptation that I faults. You see the temptation that I bow to. bow to. bow to. You see the things, oh God, that I'm not You see the things, oh God, that I'm not You see the things, oh God, that I'm not proud of. And I I'm scared to think that proud of. And I I'm scared to think that proud of. And I I'm scared to think that those things are recorded, too. And so I those things are recorded, too. And so I those things are recorded, too. And so I began to think, God, I need you, Lord began to think, God, I need you, Lord began to think, God, I need you, Lord God, to go be straight with me. I need God, to go be straight with me. I need God, to go be straight with me. I need you to be real with me. I got to check you to be real with me. I got to check you to be real with me. I got to check my heart because if I read the eighth my heart because if I read the eighth my heart because if I read the eighth letter, letter, letter, I couldn't help but think, oh God, every I couldn't help but think, oh God, every I couldn't help but think, oh God, every one of the seven churches had a choice. one of the seven churches had a choice. one of the seven churches had a choice. uh when Jesus spoke uh they had to uh when Jesus spoke uh they had to uh when Jesus spoke uh they had to respond. He never forced them but he did respond. He never forced them but he did respond. He never forced them but he did invite them. That's exactly what he was invite them. That's exactly what he was invite them. That's exactly what he was doing uh when he began to write the doing uh when he began to write the doing uh when he began to write the letters. Uh and I believe that there was letters. Uh and I believe that there was letters. Uh and I believe that there was this eighth letter to the church of this eighth letter to the church of this eighth letter to the church of America. I believe we have a America. I believe we have a America. I believe we have a responsibility to respond to what the responsibility to respond to what the responsibility to respond to what the Lord has to say to the church tonight. Lord has to say to the church tonight. Lord has to say to the church tonight. This is a message about the church's This is a message about the church's This is a message about the church's opportunity. This is not to tear down opportunity. This is not to tear down opportunity. This is not to tear down the church. This is to give the church the church. This is to give the church the church. This is to give the church an opportunity to say, "God, if you open an opportunity to say, "God, if you open an opportunity to say, "God, if you open the door, I'll step through it." If you the door, I'll step through it." If you the door, I'll step through it." If you knock on the door, I will open the door. As the culture around us begins to As the culture around us begins to change uh the darkness uh is going to change uh the darkness uh is going to change uh the darkness uh is going to continue to grow. But Jesus uh he never continue to grow. But Jesus uh he never continue to grow. But Jesus uh he never measured his church uh by the condition measured his church uh by the condition measured his church uh by the condition of the culture. He measures his church of the culture. He measures his church of the culture. He measures his church by their faithfulness. That's right. by their faithfulness. That's right. by their faithfulness. That's right. >> We cannot control every decision our >> We cannot control every decision our >> We cannot control every decision our government makes. We cannot control government makes. We cannot control government makes. We cannot control every direction our culture takes. But every direction our culture takes. But every direction our culture takes. But we can decide what kind of church we are we can decide what kind of church we are we can decide what kind of church we are going to be going to be going to be >> because the future of the church has >> because the future of the church has >> because the future of the church has never depended on culture accepting the never depended on culture accepting the never depended on culture accepting the truth. It's always depended on the truth. It's always depended on the truth. It's always depended on the church refusing to let go of truth. That's why I read this verse in my That's why I read this verse in my opening text in Revelations 3 and 20. opening text in Revelations 3 and 20. opening text in Revelations 3 and 20. Behold, I stand at the door and knock. Behold, I stand at the door and knock. Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If any man hear my voice and open the If any man hear my voice and open the If any man hear my voice and open the door, I will come into him. And it gets door, I will come into him. And it gets door, I will come into him. And it gets so much better than that, church family. so much better than that, church family. so much better than that, church family. He says, "I will s. I will commune. I'll He says, "I will s. I will commune. I'll He says, "I will s. I will commune. I'll come to dinner with you." But it doesn't come to dinner with you." But it doesn't come to dinner with you." But it doesn't just say that. Not only will I be there just say that. Not only will I be there just say that. Not only will I be there for you, he says, but also he with me. for you, he says, but also he with me. for you, he says, but also he with me. That's a reciprocal relationship. That's That's a reciprocal relationship. That's That's a reciprocal relationship. That's not a one-way relationship. not a one-way relationship. not a one-way relationship. >> It's one thing to know the president of >> It's one thing to know the president of >> It's one thing to know the president of the United States. It's another thing the United States. It's another thing the United States. It's another thing when the president knows you. when the president knows you. when the president knows you. >> We all know who he is. We see him on >> We all know who he is. We see him on >> We all know who he is. We see him on television, on the news every day. We television, on the news every day. We television, on the news every day. We know all about him. He listen he he's a know all about him. He listen he he's a know all about him. He listen he he's a workaholic. I ain't never seen anybody workaholic. I ain't never seen anybody workaholic. I ain't never seen anybody work as hard as that man. work as hard as that man. work as hard as that man. And if you got a problem me talking good And if you got a problem me talking good And if you got a problem me talking good about him, you just got a problem. >> Yeah. I I remember the first the the >> Yeah. I I remember the first the the very first election. This was the very first election. This was the very first election. This was the coolest thing I'd ever seen in my life. coolest thing I'd ever seen in my life. coolest thing I'd ever seen in my life. Fox News was talking about the election Fox News was talking about the election Fox News was talking about the election and it it was talking about how how how and it it was talking about how how how and it it was talking about how how how the president was already working. He the president was already working. He the president was already working. He was already at work. He had only been was already at work. He had only been was already at work. He had only been elected for a few hours and he was elected for a few hours and he was elected for a few hours and he was already getting things written out. He already getting things written out. He already getting things written out. He was he was already taking care of was he was already taking care of was he was already taking care of issues. And the craziest thing was they issues. And the craziest thing was they issues. And the craziest thing was they had a a camera because he was just had a a camera because he was just had a a camera because he was just elected and you probably remember this. elected and you probably remember this. elected and you probably remember this. They had a camera that was there was They had a camera that was there was They had a camera that was there was there was focused on the White House and there was focused on the White House and there was focused on the White House and apparently somebody knows where the apparently somebody knows where the apparently somebody knows where the president is in the White House because president is in the White House because president is in the White House because the camera was focused in that direction the camera was focused in that direction the camera was focused in that direction and the news anchor simply said, "Mr. and the news anchor simply said, "Mr. and the news anchor simply said, "Mr. Trump. President Trump, if you're Trump. President Trump, if you're Trump. President Trump, if you're watching the Fox News right now, would watching the Fox News right now, would watching the Fox News right now, would you flash your light in your room? you flash your light in your room? you flash your light in your room? So, help me God. It was like 1:00 in the So, help me God. It was like 1:00 in the So, help me God. It was like 1:00 in the morning. morning. morning. And the light in his room began to And the light in his room began to And the light in his room began to flash. He was working. flash. He was working. flash. He was working. Listen, we might know a lot about our Listen, we might know a lot about our Listen, we might know a lot about our president, but I got news for you. I president, but I got news for you. I president, but I got news for you. I don't know anybody in this house tonight don't know anybody in this house tonight don't know anybody in this house tonight where the president knows your name, where the president knows your name, where the president knows your name, knows where you live, knows where you live, knows where you live, knows where you have Sunday afternoon knows where you have Sunday afternoon knows where you have Sunday afternoon lunch, knows where your family goes on lunch, knows where your family goes on lunch, knows where your family goes on vacation. I doubt we might know where we vacation. I doubt we might know where we vacation. I doubt we might know where we might know about Camp David. We might might know about Camp David. We might might know about Camp David. We might know where they go, but I promise you, know where they go, but I promise you, know where they go, but I promise you, he doesn't know a thing about us, but we he doesn't know a thing about us, but we he doesn't know a thing about us, but we serve a God that's so much greater than serve a God that's so much greater than serve a God that's so much greater than a man in a white househ. The Bible says he knows the very number The Bible says he knows the very number of hairs on your head. He knows of hairs on your head. He knows of hairs on your head. He knows everything about Bible says when a everything about Bible says when a everything about Bible says when a sparrow falls out of the heavenshuh when sparrow falls out of the heavenshuh when sparrow falls out of the heavenshuh when a sparrow falls from a tree he knows he a sparrow falls from a tree he knows he a sparrow falls from a tree he knows he loves us and he wants to s with you. loves us and he wants to s with you. loves us and he wants to s with you. >> Does that mean anything to you? >> Does that mean anything to you? >> Does that mean anything to you? >> That your God wants to know you, wants >> That your God wants to know you, wants >> That your God wants to know you, wants to have a relationship with you. family, to have a relationship with you. family, to have a relationship with you. family, not just political figures, not just the not just political figures, not just the not just political figures, not just the high influent, not just the high influent, not just the high influent, not just the billionaires. He wants Brother Josh billionaires. He wants Brother Josh billionaires. He wants Brother Josh Wither. He wants to know us. He wants to Wither. He wants to know us. He wants to Wither. He wants to know us. He wants to commune with us. He wants a relationship commune with us. He wants a relationship commune with us. He wants a relationship with us. I'm not going to be very much with us. I'm not going to be very much with us. I'm not going to be very much longer. But as I got to thinking about longer. But as I got to thinking about longer. But as I got to thinking about this letter, this eighth letter about this letter, this eighth letter about this letter, this eighth letter about this church of America, I began to this church of America, I began to this church of America, I began to think, my God, what do you really look think, my God, what do you really look think, my God, what do you really look for in us? Woo! Those words uh weren't for in us? Woo! Those words uh weren't for in us? Woo! Those words uh weren't spoken to unbelievers. Uh when it talks spoken to unbelievers. Uh when it talks spoken to unbelievers. Uh when it talks about I stand at the door and knock. Uh about I stand at the door and knock. Uh about I stand at the door and knock. Uh this is not about salvation. This is not this is not about salvation. This is not this is not about salvation. This is not about letting the Lord into your heart about letting the Lord into your heart about letting the Lord into your heart as your personal savior. This was as your personal savior. This was as your personal savior. This was written to the church. Uh this was written to the church. Uh this was written to the church. Uh this was written to believers. Jesus wasn't written to believers. Jesus wasn't written to believers. Jesus wasn't looking for another building. He was looking for another building. He was looking for another building. He was looking for a relationship. He wasn't looking for a relationship. He wasn't looking for a relationship. He wasn't asking for a larger crowd. He was asking asking for a larger crowd. He was asking asking for a larger crowd. He was asking for open hearts. I believe he's still for open hearts. I believe he's still for open hearts. I believe he's still asking, "Will you let me search you? asking, "Will you let me search you? asking, "Will you let me search you? Will you let me strengthen you? Will you Will you let me strengthen you? Will you Will you let me strengthen you? Will you let me use you? Will you trust me with let me use you? Will you trust me with let me use you? Will you trust me with this generation?" this generation?" this generation?" >> Lord, >> Lord, >> Lord, >> 250 years ago, our forefathers built >> 250 years ago, our forefathers built >> 250 years ago, our forefathers built what we now enjoy. They fought, they what we now enjoy. They fought, they what we now enjoy. They fought, they sacrificed, they prayed, they believed, sacrificed, they prayed, they believed, sacrificed, they prayed, they believed, uh, they handed us something precious. uh, they handed us something precious. uh, they handed us something precious. But now it's our turn. uh our children But now it's our turn. uh our children But now it's our turn. uh our children are about to inherit what we pass down are about to inherit what we pass down are about to inherit what we pass down to them in the church. And the only to them in the church. And the only to them in the church. And the only question is uh what kind of church are question is uh what kind of church are question is uh what kind of church are they going to inherit? they going to inherit? they going to inherit? Come on. I'm talking about our strong Come on. I'm talking about our strong Come on. I'm talking about our strong tower students and our kids quest tower students and our kids quest tower students and our kids quest students uh will they inherit a church students uh will they inherit a church students uh will they inherit a church uh that loves the word of God? Will they uh that loves the word of God? Will they uh that loves the word of God? Will they inherit a church uh that believes that inherit a church uh that believes that inherit a church uh that believes that prayer is the beginning of everything? prayer is the beginning of everything? prayer is the beginning of everything? Will they inherit a church that knows Will they inherit a church that knows Will they inherit a church that knows how to worship in the good times and in how to worship in the good times and in how to worship in the good times and in the bad times? >> For he slay me yet will I trust him. >> For he slay me yet will I trust him. >> We don't know. Oh my god, Keith and >> We don't know. Oh my god, Keith and >> We don't know. Oh my god, Keith and Kelsey. Oh my God. I can't tell you how Kelsey. Oh my God. I can't tell you how Kelsey. Oh my God. I can't tell you how much you've been on my mind. The much you've been on my mind. The much you've been on my mind. The thoughts that go through my mind. Even thoughts that go through my mind. Even thoughts that go through my mind. Even sometimes the fear. I've got three kids sometimes the fear. I've got three kids sometimes the fear. I've got three kids and the fear that can go through my mind and the fear that can go through my mind and the fear that can go through my mind just the thought of something happening just the thought of something happening just the thought of something happening to one of my children. But let me tell to one of my children. But let me tell to one of my children. But let me tell you something. I believe we can hand a you something. I believe we can hand a you something. I believe we can hand a church down to the next generation that church down to the next generation that church down to the next generation that even when all hell breaks loose in our even when all hell breaks loose in our even when all hell breaks loose in our homes, uh even when things go wrong and homes, uh even when things go wrong and homes, uh even when things go wrong and tragedy takes place, uh we can still tragedy takes place, uh we can still tragedy takes place, uh we can still lift up handsh and say, "Although I feel lift up handsh and say, "Although I feel lift up handsh and say, "Although I feel like I'm being slain, I still got to like I'm being slain, I still got to like I'm being slain, I still got to trust a God who knows what's best for me trust a God who knows what's best for me trust a God who knows what's best for me and whose ways are perfect." What will we hand down to the next What will we hand down to the next generation? generation? generation? Oh God, I believe we're going to hand Oh God, I believe we're going to hand Oh God, I believe we're going to hand down a church that believes in holiness. down a church that believes in holiness. down a church that believes in holiness. >> I believe they're going to inherit a >> I believe they're going to inherit a >> I believe they're going to inherit a church uh where the moving of the Holy church uh where the moving of the Holy church uh where the moving of the Holy Ghost is expected not just on Sunday Ghost is expected not just on Sunday Ghost is expected not just on Sunday night, but it's expected every single night, but it's expected every single night, but it's expected every single service. We believe on a Wednesday night service. We believe on a Wednesday night service. We believe on a Wednesday night that the Holy Ghost ought to be able to that the Holy Ghost ought to be able to that the Holy Ghost ought to be able to fall in this place. >> Revival isn't our responsibility. >> Revival isn't our responsibility. Faithfulness is. But God sends revival Faithfulness is. But God sends revival Faithfulness is. But God sends revival to the faithful. And that's what I want. to the faithful. And that's what I want. to the faithful. And that's what I want. I want my generation not to be I want my generation not to be I want my generation not to be remembered for great buildings. Thank remembered for great buildings. Thank remembered for great buildings. Thank God for this beautiful building. I don't God for this beautiful building. I don't God for this beautiful building. I don't want my generation to be remembered for want my generation to be remembered for want my generation to be remembered for our music and thank God for good music. our music and thank God for good music. our music and thank God for good music. I don't even want our generation to be I don't even want our generation to be I don't even want our generation to be remembered for our programs, for our remembered for our programs, for our remembered for our programs, for our youth ministries and children's youth ministries and children's youth ministries and children's ministries. Uh I want us to be ministries. Uh I want us to be ministries. Uh I want us to be remembered because we kept the faith remembered because we kept the faith remembered because we kept the faith because we love Jesus. Uh because we because we love Jesus. Uh because we because we love Jesus. Uh because we guarded truth. Uh because we stayed full guarded truth. Uh because we stayed full guarded truth. Uh because we stayed full of the Holy Ghost. The beautiful thing about this message The beautiful thing about this message is we don't actually need an eighth is we don't actually need an eighth is we don't actually need an eighth letter because God's already written to letter because God's already written to letter because God's already written to the church. 66 books, Genesis to the church. 66 books, Genesis to the church. 66 books, Genesis to Revelations. We already have everything Revelations. We already have everything Revelations. We already have everything we need to be successful in the kingdom we need to be successful in the kingdom we need to be successful in the kingdom of God. We already have everything we of God. We already have everything we of God. We already have everything we need to plant a church. We already have need to plant a church. We already have need to plant a church. We already have everything we need to have revival. We everything we need to have revival. We everything we need to have revival. We already have everything we need. Every already have everything we need. Every already have everything we need. Every promise, every warning, every promise, every warning, every promise, every warning, every correction, every invitation, every correction, every invitation, every correction, every invitation, every command is written to the church right command is written to the church right command is written to the church right here. God has already spoken. The here. God has already spoken. The here. God has already spoken. The question is, will his people respond? question is, will his people respond? question is, will his people respond? >> If that's what the whole theme of this >> If that's what the whole theme of this >> If that's what the whole theme of this message has been, is how are you going message has been, is how are you going message has been, is how are you going to respond when the Lord begins to speak to respond when the Lord begins to speak to respond when the Lord begins to speak to your heart and begins to try to to your heart and begins to try to to your heart and begins to try to correct things that need to be correct things that need to be correct things that need to be corrected? Because you have one of two corrected? Because you have one of two corrected? Because you have one of two decisions. Uh, you're either going to decisions. Uh, you're either going to decisions. Uh, you're either going to stand there and say, "I don't care." And stand there and say, "I don't care." And stand there and say, "I don't care." And you're going to die in your sin, or you're going to die in your sin, or you're going to die in your sin, or you're going to rise up and say, "I'm you're going to rise up and say, "I'm you're going to rise up and say, "I'm going to do whatever it takes to make going to do whatever it takes to make going to do whatever it takes to make sure this church uh goes forward to make sure this church uh goes forward to make sure this church uh goes forward to make sure the gospel is preached to every sure the gospel is preached to every sure the gospel is preached to every creature. I'm going to respond in a way creature. I'm going to respond in a way creature. I'm going to respond in a way that I know that Jesus wants us to that I know that Jesus wants us to that I know that Jesus wants us to respond. respond. respond. >> I want you to stand your feet. I didn't >> I want you to stand your feet. I didn't >> I want you to stand your feet. I didn't want to go past 8:00. Uh, I do want to go past 8:00. Uh, I do want to go past 8:00. Uh, I do apologize, but I feel that the Holy apologize, but I feel that the Holy apologize, but I feel that the Holy Ghost, uh, I feel that every saint of Ghost, uh, I feel that every saint of Ghost, uh, I feel that every saint of God in this place, uh, if you're God in this place, uh, if you're God in this place, uh, if you're thankful, oh, that a God can trust you thankful, oh, that a God can trust you thankful, oh, that a God can trust you with his truth, uh, if you're thankful with his truth, uh, if you're thankful with his truth, uh, if you're thankful that he's trusted us with his Holy that he's trusted us with his Holy that he's trusted us with his Holy Ghost. If you're thankful he's trusted Ghost. If you're thankful he's trusted Ghost. If you're thankful he's trusted us with his name, I believe it would be us with his name, I believe it would be us with his name, I believe it would be okay right now to just begin to lift up okay right now to just begin to lift up okay right now to just begin to lift up hands and respond to his word. I believe hands and respond to his word. I believe hands and respond to his word. I believe it would be okay. Matter of fact, if you it would be okay. Matter of fact, if you it would be okay. Matter of fact, if you want to just join me in this altar, I want to just join me in this altar, I want to just join me in this altar, I know I've been preaching to the church know I've been preaching to the church know I've been preaching to the church tonight. I I've not been preaching tonight. I I've not been preaching tonight. I I've not been preaching salvation. I I've not been preaching salvation. I I've not been preaching salvation. I I've not been preaching healing. And I I know a lot of those healing. And I I know a lot of those healing. And I I know a lot of those messages on faith and trust and hope, I messages on faith and trust and hope, I messages on faith and trust and hope, I know those are easy to come to the know those are easy to come to the know those are easy to come to the altar. But are there any are there any altar. But are there any are there any altar. But are there any are there any of the church of America that would want of the church of America that would want of the church of America that would want to come forward and simply say, "God, I to come forward and simply say, "God, I to come forward and simply say, "God, I will respond. Oh God, speak to me. God, will respond. Oh God, speak to me. God, will respond. Oh God, speak to me. God, speak to my heart. Oh God. Uh I don't speak to my heart. Oh God. Uh I don't speak to my heart. Oh God. Uh I don't want to be like some of these churches want to be like some of these churches want to be like some of these churches in the book of Revelation that were in the book of Revelation that were in the book of Revelation that were written to uh Lord God that became written to uh Lord God that became written to uh Lord God that became content uh with their walk who became oh content uh with their walk who became oh content uh with their walk who became oh they became so content uh and so they became so content uh and so they became so content uh and so lackadasical lackadasical lackadasical and so lukewarm that they never even and so lukewarm that they never even and so lukewarm that they never even realized that they were no longer the realized that they were no longer the realized that they were no longer the church that God had called them to be. church that God had called them to be. church that God had called them to be. But I believe everybody in this place uh But I believe everybody in this place uh But I believe everybody in this place uh can say and pray this prayer. Lord, I'm can say and pray this prayer. Lord, I'm can say and pray this prayer. Lord, I'm believing, Lord God, that you can trust believing, Lord God, that you can trust believing, Lord God, that you can trust me. Uh Lord, I want you to search my me. Uh Lord, I want you to search my me. Uh Lord, I want you to search my heart. Uh I want you to renew my heart. Uh I want you to renew my heart. Uh I want you to renew my consecration. Keep me in the love of consecration. Keep me in the love of consecration. Keep me in the love of your word. Keep me uh full of your your word. Keep me uh full of your your word. Keep me uh full of your spirit. Come on, somebody pray this spirit. Come on, somebody pray this spirit. Come on, somebody pray this prayer. Keep me faithful to your truth. prayer. Keep me faithful to your truth. prayer. Keep me faithful to your truth. Uh oh, God. I will keep guard I will Uh oh, God. I will keep guard I will Uh oh, God. I will keep guard I will keep guard of the truth that's in your keep guard of the truth that's in your keep guard of the truth that's in your word. Oh God, I will not allow this, oh word. Oh God, I will not allow this, oh word. Oh God, I will not allow this, oh God, to be watered down, to be diluted. God, to be watered down, to be diluted. God, to be watered down, to be diluted. But the next generation is going to get But the next generation is going to get But the next generation is going to get a stronger church than I receive from a stronger church than I receive from a stronger church than I receive from the past generation. I wish you would the past generation. I wish you would the past generation. I wish you would make up in your mind, Lord, this is our make up in your mind, Lord, this is our make up in your mind, Lord, this is our reply. Lord, this is our reply. I refuse reply. Lord, this is our reply. I refuse reply. Lord, this is our reply. I refuse to be lukewarm. I refuse to be to be lukewarm. I refuse to be to be lukewarm. I refuse to be coexistent with evil things and worldly coexistent with evil things and worldly coexistent with evil things and worldly things and cultural things. Oh God, that things and cultural things. Oh God, that things and cultural things. Oh God, that won my attention. But instead, God, I won my attention. But instead, God, I won my attention. But instead, God, I believe you've written this letter right believe you've written this letter right believe you've written this letter right here to the church. Uh I believe you've here to the church. Uh I believe you've here to the church. Uh I believe you've written to the church of America. And written to the church of America. And written to the church of America. And with it, oh God, we can check ourselves. with it, oh God, we can check ourselves. with it, oh God, we can check ourselves. Uh we can check our hearts. Oh God, if Uh we can check our hearts. Oh God, if Uh we can check our hearts. Oh God, if there be anything, Lord God, that is there be anything, Lord God, that is there be anything, Lord God, that is displeasing to you, I want you to displeasing to you, I want you to displeasing to you, I want you to forgive me right now. I wish you begin forgive me right now. I wish you begin forgive me right now. I wish you begin to pray a prayer of repentance in this to pray a prayer of repentance in this to pray a prayer of repentance in this house. God, if I have motives that are house. God, if I have motives that are house. God, if I have motives that are impure, God, Lord, wash me. Wash me. impure, God, Lord, wash me. Wash me. impure, God, Lord, wash me. Wash me. Lord, wash me. Wash my mind. Wash my Lord, wash me. Wash my mind. Wash my Lord, wash me. Wash my mind. Wash my thinking. Wash my speech. Wash what I thinking. Wash my speech. Wash what I thinking. Wash my speech. Wash what I put into my mind. What I ingest into my put into my mind. What I ingest into my put into my mind. What I ingest into my soul. Oh God, forgive me. God, where I soul. Oh God, forgive me. God, where I soul. Oh God, forgive me. God, where I fall short. I want to be the church of fall short. I want to be the church of fall short. I want to be the church of the living God. I don't want to be a the living God. I don't want to be a the living God. I don't want to be a church uh of a God of yesterday. Uh I church uh of a God of yesterday. Uh I church uh of a God of yesterday. Uh I don't want to be a church of a small G don't want to be a church of a small G don't want to be a church of a small G God. Uh but oh God, I want to be your God. Uh but oh God, I want to be your God. Uh but oh God, I want to be your church. Uh I want to be your people. I church. Uh I want to be your people. I church. Uh I want to be your people. I want to be redeemed by the blood of the want to be redeemed by the blood of the want to be redeemed by the blood of the lamb. I want to be a chosen generation, lamb. I want to be a chosen generation, lamb. I want to be a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation that's a royal priesthood, a holy nation that's a royal priesthood, a holy nation that's called out of this world and called into called out of this world and called into called out of this world and called into your kingdom. Come on. I know. I know we worshiped. I Come on. I know. I know we worshiped. I know we danced. I know some of you are know we danced. I know some of you are know we danced. I know some of you are tired. I know you gave your effort in tired. I know you gave your effort in tired. I know you gave your effort in worship and I'm thankful for it. But worship and I'm thankful for it. But worship and I'm thankful for it. But come on. Can you just give? Can you just come on. Can you just give? Can you just come on. Can you just give? Can you just push a little bit further and just say, push a little bit further and just say, push a little bit further and just say, "God, oh, I worshiped you. Now I need "God, oh, I worshiped you. Now I need "God, oh, I worshiped you. Now I need you to speak into my mind. I need you to you to speak into my mind. I need you to you to speak into my mind. I need you to speak into my heart. God, I need you to speak into my heart. God, I need you to speak into my heart. God, I need you to show me things. Show me things, oh God, show me things. Show me things, oh God, show me things. Show me things, oh God, that don't please you. Clean me, renew in me, Clean me, renew in me, cleanse me. As the heart panteth after the As the heart panteth after the waterbrook, as the deer panteth after waterbrook, as the deer panteth after waterbrook, as the deer panteth after the waterbrook, God, I long for your the waterbrook, God, I long for your the waterbrook, God, I long for your presence. presence. presence. I long to commune with you. I long to commune with you. I long to commune with you. I long Lord God for you to touch me and I long Lord God for you to touch me and I long Lord God for you to touch me and speak to me and speak Lord clearly to my speak to me and speak Lord clearly to my speak to me and speak Lord clearly to my mind. Speak speak clearly to my heart. mind. Speak speak clearly to my heart. mind. Speak speak clearly to my heart. Lord God, I never want to take for Lord God, I never want to take for Lord God, I never want to take for granted when I feel your anointing. I granted when I feel your anointing. I granted when I feel your anointing. I never want to take it for granted when I never want to take it for granted when I never want to take it for granted when I hear you speak to me and I speak into hear you speak to me and I speak into hear you speak to me and I speak into the life of one of the great saints of the life of one of the great saints of the life of one of the great saints of God in this church. Uh I never want to God in this church. Uh I never want to God in this church. Uh I never want to take it lightly, oh God. But oh God, oh take it lightly, oh God. But oh God, oh take it lightly, oh God. But oh God, oh flow in this house, flow. Let your flow in this house, flow. Let your flow in this house, flow. Let your spirit flow. Come on, church family. Come on. Come Come on, church family. Come on. Come on. We got to pour out our heart. on. We got to pour out our heart. on. We got to pour out our heart. I'm not even going to look around. But I'm not even going to look around. But I'm not even going to look around. But if you're just standing there bored, I I if you're just standing there bored, I I if you're just standing there bored, I I feel sorry for you. I feel like you feel sorry for you. I feel like you feel sorry for you. I feel like you might be the church of Leodysia. might be the church of Leodysia. might be the church of Leodysia. I believe you might as be content where I believe you might as be content where I believe you might as be content where you are in so scary place to be. you are in so scary place to be. you are in so scary place to be. >> That's such a scary place to be. >> Renewing me. Renewing me. Creating me. >> Renewing me. Renewing me. Creating me. Renewing me. Creating me. Renewing me. Creating me. Renewing me. Creating me. I need a new heart. I need a new heart. I need a new heart. God, give me a new heart. I believe a spirit can break out in this I believe a spirit can break out in this place of a church is so hungry that you place of a church is so hungry that you place of a church is so hungry that you want to carry truth. You're so hungry. want to carry truth. You're so hungry. want to carry truth. You're so hungry. You want to carry truth to this world. You want to carry truth to this world. You want to carry truth to this world. You want to pass truth in the next You want to pass truth in the next You want to pass truth in the next generation. You want to be the church generation. You want to be the church generation. You want to be the church that's at the gates of hell and the that's at the gates of hell and the that's at the gates of hell and the gates of hell cannot prevail against.