The sermon emphasizes persistent prayer as an expression of faith, examining Jesus' questions about faith and identity. The preacher highlights the importance of knowing Christ's true identity, maintaining faith during trials, and responding to Christ's call to love and serve. The message encourages believers to draw near to God through prayer and Scripture to strengthen their faith.
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But God, we're so thankful once again to But God, we're so thankful once again to be here in your house. We just want to be here in your house. We just want to be here in your house. We just want to worship you wholeheartedly tonight and worship you wholeheartedly tonight and worship you wholeheartedly tonight and hear what you have to say to us. Preach hear what you have to say to us. Preach hear what you have to say to us. Preach your word tonight. Lord, we just thank your word tonight. Lord, we just thank your word tonight. Lord, we just thank you in Jesus name. Amen. Amazing grace. grace. How sweet the sound How sweet the sound How sweet the sound that save Yes, I once Yes, I once was lost was lost was lost but now I am found. but now I am found. but now I am found. I wouldn't mind. I wouldn't mind. I wouldn't mind. But now But now But now I see. I see. I see. Oh, it is amazing Oh, it is amazing Oh, it is amazing grace. grace. grace. Oh, how sweet Oh, how sweet Oh, how sweet the sound. the sound. the sound. I save I save I save a rich a rich a rich like me. I once I once was lost, was lost, was lost, but now I know I'm found. I was blind, but now I know I'm found. I was blind, but now I know I'm found. I was blind, but now but now but now I see. Was grace Was grace that taught that taught that taught my heart my heart my heart to fear. to fear. to fear. and grace and grace and grace my fears my fears my fears really. thy grace thy grace appear. appear. appear. We are We are We are a thirst a thirst a thirst we need. Through many Through many dangers, dangers, dangers, coils coils coils and snares and snares and snares I have I have I have already already already come. It is grace that has brought me safe It is grace that has brought me safe thus far. And it will be grace that will thus far. And it will be grace that will thus far. And it will be grace that will lead me home. lead me home. lead me home. Oh yes, it is amazing Oh yes, it is amazing Oh yes, it is amazing grace. Oh, how sweet grace. Oh, how sweet grace. Oh, how sweet the sound the sound the sound that save that save that save a wretch a wretch a wretch like me. I once was lost, I once was lost, but now I know I'm found. I was blind, but now I know I'm found. I was blind, but now I know I'm found. I was blind, but now but now but now I see. When we've When we've been there been there been there 10,000 10,000 10,000 years, years, years, my shining the sun. the sun. Oh, we've no less days Oh, we've no less days Oh, we've no less days to sing God's praise to sing God's praise to sing God's praise than when than when than when we first. Oh, so praise God. Praise God. Praise Oh, so praise God. Praise God. Praise God. Oh, praise God. God. Oh, praise God. God. Oh, praise God. Praise God. Praise God. Praise God. Praise God. Praise God. Praise God. Praise God. Praise God. Praise God. Praise God. Oh, praise God. Praise God. Oh, praise God. Praise God. Oh, praise God. Praise God. Praise God. Praise God. Praise God. Praise God. was grace was grace that taught that taught that taught my heart my heart my heart to fear to fear to fear and grace my fears. that grace that grace appear appear appear the hour that I first the hour that I first the hour that I first believe. And through many And through many many dangers and toils and many snares. many dangers and toils and many snares. many dangers and toils and many snares. Oh, I have Oh, I have Oh, I have already already already come. His grace is that brought me safe thus His grace is that brought me safe thus far. And it will be grace that will lead far. And it will be grace that will lead far. And it will be grace that will lead me home. me home. me home. So we sing praise God, So we sing praise God, So we sing praise God, praise God, praise God. Oh, praise God. praise God, praise God. Oh, praise God. praise God, praise God. Oh, praise God. Hallelujah. Praise God. Praise God. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Yes. Praise God. Praise God. Praise God. Yes. Praise God. Praise God. Praise God. Yes. Praise God. Praise God. Praise God. Oh, praise God. Praise God. Praise God. Oh, praise God. Praise God. Praise God. Oh, praise God. Praise God. Praise God. Praise God. When we've When we've been there 10,000 years, years, bright childing bright childing bright childing us us us the sun. the sun. the sun. the church with no less days the church with no less days the church with no less days to sing our God's praise. to sing our God's praise. to sing our God's praise. Then when Then when Then when we first we first we first began Oh, so let's praise God. Praise God. Oh, so let's praise God. Praise God. Praise God. Oh, praise God. Praise God. Praise God. Oh, praise God. Praise God. Praise God. Oh, praise God. Praise God. Praise God. Praise God. Praise God. Praise God. Praise God. Praise God. Oh, praise God. Praise God. Praise God. Oh, praise God. Praise God. Praise God. Oh, praise God. Praise God. Praise God. Oh, praise you, God. Praise God. Praise Oh, praise you, God. Praise God. Praise Oh, praise you, God. Praise God. Praise God. Praise God. God. Praise God. God. Praise God. Yeah. Praise God. Praise God. Oh, praise Yeah. Praise God. Praise God. Oh, praise Yeah. Praise God. Praise God. Oh, praise God. I praise you, God. Praise God. God. I praise you, God. Praise God. God. I praise you, God. Praise God. Praise God. Oh, praise God. Praise God. Praise God. Praise God. Oh, Praise God. Praise God. Praise God. Oh, praise God. Praise God. Praise God. praise God. Praise God. Praise God. praise God. Praise God. Praise God. Praise God. Praise God. Praise God. Yes. Praise God. Praise God. Praise God. Yes. Praise God. Praise God. Praise God. Yes. Praise God. Praise God. Praise God. Oh, praise God. Praise God. Praise God. Oh, praise God. Praise God. Praise God. Oh, praise God. Praise God. Praise God. Praise God. Praise God. Praise God. Yes. Praise God. I praise you, God. Yes. Praise God. I praise you, God. Yes. Praise God. I praise you, God. Praise God. Oh, praise God. Praise God. Praise God. Oh, praise God. Praise God. Praise God. Oh, praise God. Praise God. Praise God. Praise God. Praise God. Praise God. Praise God. Praise God. We sing. Praise God. Praise God. Praise We sing. Praise God. Praise God. Praise We sing. Praise God. Praise God. Praise God. We praise you God. Praise God. God. We praise you God. Praise God. God. We praise you God. Praise God. Praise God. Praise God. Praise God. Praise God. Praise God. Praise God. Oh, praise God. Oh, praise God. Oh, praise God. Praise God. Praise God. Yes, I praise Praise God. Praise God. Yes, I praise Praise God. Praise God. Yes, I praise you, God. Praise God. Praise God. Praise you, God. Praise God. Praise God. Praise you, God. Praise God. Praise God. Praise God. Because it is amazing Because it is amazing grace. grace. grace. Oh, how sweet the sound Oh, how sweet the sound Oh, how sweet the sound does that take does that take does that take a rich like you and me. Cuz I once Cuz I once was lost, was lost, was lost, but now I know that I'm found. Before I but now I know that I'm found. Before I but now I know that I'm found. Before I was blind, was blind, was blind, but now but now but now I see. Hallelujah. Praise God. Praise God. Hallelujah. Praise God. Praise God. Praise God. Praise God. Praise God. Praise the Lord. Praise the Lord. What Praise the Lord. Praise the Lord. What Praise the Lord. Praise the Lord. What amazing grace. Sing the wonderous love of Jesus. Sing Sing the wonderous love of Jesus. Sing his mercy and his grace his mercy and his grace his mercy and his grace in the man shines bright and blessed. He in the man shines bright and blessed. He in the man shines bright and blessed. He will prepare for us a place will prepare for us a place will prepare for us a place when we all when we all when we all get to heaven. get to heaven. get to heaven. What a day of rejoicing that will be. What a day of rejoicing that will be. What a day of rejoicing that will be. And we all And we all And we all see Jesus. see Jesus. see Jesus. We'll sing and shout the victory. While we walk the pilgrim pathway, While we walk the pilgrim pathway, clouds roll over, spread the sky. clouds roll over, spread the sky. clouds roll over, spread the sky. But when traveling days are over, not a But when traveling days are over, not a But when traveling days are over, not a shadow, not a sound. shadow, not a sound. shadow, not a sound. Church, when we all Church, when we all Church, when we all get to heaven, get to heaven, get to heaven, what a day of rejoicing that will be. what a day of rejoicing that will be. what a day of rejoicing that will be. Oh, when we all Oh, when we all Oh, when we all see Jesus, see Jesus, see Jesus, we'll sing and shout the victory. Let us then be true and thankful, Let us then be true and thankful, trusting and serving trusting and serving trusting and serving every day. Because just one glimpse of every day. Because just one glimpse of every day. Because just one glimpse of him in glory will the toils of life him in glory will the toils of life him in glory will the toils of life repay. repay. repay. Oh, and we all Oh, and we all Oh, and we all get to heaven. get to heaven. get to heaven. What a day of rejoicing that will be. What a day of rejoicing that will be. What a day of rejoicing that will be. When we all When we all When we all see Jesus, see Jesus, see Jesus, we'll sing and shout the victory. we'll sing and shout the victory. we'll sing and shout the victory. Oh, when we all Oh, when we all Oh, when we all get to heaven, get to heaven, get to heaven, what a day of rejoicing that will be. what a day of rejoicing that will be. what a day of rejoicing that will be. When we all When we all When we all see Jesus, see Jesus, see Jesus, we'll sing and shout the victory. we'll sing and shout the victory. we'll sing and shout the victory. So onward to the prize before us. Soon So onward to the prize before us. Soon So onward to the prize before us. Soon his beauty will behold. And soon the his beauty will behold. And soon the his beauty will behold. And soon the pearly gates will open. And we shall pearly gates will open. And we shall pearly gates will open. And we shall tread the streets of gold. Hallelujah. tread the streets of gold. Hallelujah. tread the streets of gold. Hallelujah. When we all When we all When we all get to heaven. get to heaven. get to heaven. Lord, I tell every rejoicing that will Lord, I tell every rejoicing that will Lord, I tell every rejoicing that will be. be. be. When we all When we all When we all see Jesus see Jesus see Jesus will sing and shout the victory, will sing and shout the victory, will sing and shout the victory, church, when we all church, when we all church, when we all get to heaven. get to heaven. get to heaven. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Oh, what a day that's going to be when Oh, what a day that's going to be when Oh, what a day that's going to be when we all we all we all see Jesus. see Jesus. see Jesus. We'll see and shout the victory. Let us then be true and faithful, Let us then be true and faithful, trusting and serving every day. Cuz just trusting and serving every day. Cuz just trusting and serving every day. Cuz just one glimpse of him up in glory will the one glimpse of him up in glory will the one glimpse of him up in glory will the toils of life repay. toils of life repay. toils of life repay. Oh when we all Oh when we all Oh when we all get to heaven. get to heaven. get to heaven. What a day of rejoicing that will be. What a day of rejoicing that will be. What a day of rejoicing that will be. When we all When we all When we all see Jesus see Jesus see Jesus will sing and shout the victory. will sing and shout the victory. will sing and shout the victory. So onward to the prize before us. Soon So onward to the prize before us. Soon So onward to the prize before us. Soon his beauty will behold. his beauty will behold. his beauty will behold. Soon those pearly gates will open. We Soon those pearly gates will open. We Soon those pearly gates will open. We shall tre and the streets have gone. shall tre and the streets have gone. shall tre and the streets have gone. Church, when we all when we all get to Church, when we all when we all get to Church, when we all when we all get to heaven. Oh, what a day of rejoicing that heaven. Oh, what a day of rejoicing that heaven. Oh, what a day of rejoicing that will be. Yes. We all will be. Yes. We all will be. Yes. We all sing. Jesus. sing. Jesus. sing. Jesus. We'll sing and shout the victory. We'll sing and shout the victory. We'll sing and shout the victory. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Oh, when we all get to heaven. Oh, when we all get to heaven. Oh, when we all get to heaven. What a day. Oh, what a day that's going What a day. Oh, what a day that's going What a day. Oh, what a day that's going to be. Hallelujah. When we all to be. Hallelujah. When we all to be. Hallelujah. When we all see Jesus, see Jesus, see Jesus, we'll sing and shout the victory. we'll sing and shout the victory. we'll sing and shout the victory. Yes. When we all Yes. When we all Yes. When we all get to heaven. get to heaven. get to heaven. What a day of rejoicing that will be. What a day of rejoicing that will be. What a day of rejoicing that will be. When we all When we all When we all see Jesus see Jesus see Jesus will sing and share the victory. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Are you ready to see Jesus? Praise God. Are you ready to see Jesus? Praise God. Are you ready to see Jesus? Praise God. Praise God. Praise God. Praise the Lord. You know, I think about Praise the Lord. You know, I think about Amazing Grace, how sweet this sound. Never thought about it until just a Never thought about it until just a minute ago, but Amazing Grace, how sweet minute ago, but Amazing Grace, how sweet minute ago, but Amazing Grace, how sweet this sound. So Jesus's grace, you know, this sound. So Jesus's grace, you know, this sound. So Jesus's grace, you know, to us happened on Calvary. to us happened on Calvary. to us happened on Calvary. There's a lot of suffering going on on There's a lot of suffering going on on There's a lot of suffering going on on that hill. He suffered for us and bled that hill. He suffered for us and bled that hill. He suffered for us and bled and died for us. and died for us. and died for us. Sweet to us. Think about it. What he was Sweet to us. Think about it. What he was Sweet to us. Think about it. What he was going through for us. going through for us. going through for us. Praise God. He did it. Praise God. He did it. Praise God. He did it. So very sweet to us. Precious blood that So very sweet to us. Precious blood that So very sweet to us. Precious blood that was shed on Calvar's cross. if we accept that free gift of grace and if we accept that free gift of grace and salvation. I had a sister ask me a while salvation. I had a sister ask me a while salvation. I had a sister ask me a while ago, "Have you got your armor on?" ago, "Have you got your armor on?" ago, "Have you got your armor on?" So, we need to So, we need to So, we need to check with her brothers, "Have you got check with her brothers, "Have you got check with her brothers, "Have you got all your gear on?" all your gear on?" all your gear on?" We need to watch each other's back and We need to watch each other's back and We need to watch each other's back and you know, if you look in that thing, you know, if you look in that thing, you know, if you look in that thing, there's nothing on the backside. there's nothing on the backside. there's nothing on the backside. Need to pair up, team up, make sure Need to pair up, team up, make sure Need to pair up, team up, make sure somebody's got your back and helping you somebody's got your back and helping you somebody's got your back and helping you out along the way. out along the way. out along the way. And then when we finally make it, we've And then when we finally make it, we've And then when we finally make it, we've won that battle. won that battle. won that battle. My my get the look upon his face like My my get the look upon his face like My my get the look upon his face like that last song we sang. Praise the Lord. that last song we sang. Praise the Lord. that last song we sang. Praise the Lord. Help your brother, your sister out. I Help your brother, your sister out. I Help your brother, your sister out. I want to make it. We haven't made it yet, want to make it. We haven't made it yet, want to make it. We haven't made it yet, but we're striving every day. Striving but we're striving every day. Striving but we're striving every day. Striving every day. God bless you. I love you every day. God bless you. I love you every day. God bless you. I love you tonight. Let's continue our worship with tonight. Let's continue our worship with tonight. Let's continue our worship with the giving and tithes and offering. Our the giving and tithes and offering. Our the giving and tithes and offering. Our ushers will come. right, God bless you. Thank you for your right, God bless you. Thank you for your giving and your worship tonight. We're giving and your worship tonight. We're giving and your worship tonight. We're going to keep right on worshiping. I going to keep right on worshiping. I going to keep right on worshiping. I believe um Brother Blake is going to believe um Brother Blake is going to believe um Brother Blake is going to sing or is there going to be a duo? sing or is there going to be a duo? sing or is there going to be a duo? All right, so worship with them and then All right, so worship with them and then All right, so worship with them and then Brother Robert as soon as they get done, Brother Robert as soon as they get done, Brother Robert as soon as they get done, come on and bring us what the Lord has come on and bring us what the Lord has come on and bring us what the Lord has to say to us tonight. God bless you. This road I'm on is straight and narrow, This road I'm on is straight and narrow, but it leads to a better home. but it leads to a better home. but it leads to a better home. It was laid by Christ one day at Calvary It was laid by Christ one day at Calvary It was laid by Christ one day at Calvary while he suffered all along. while he suffered all along. while he suffered all along. This road may lead over many high This road may lead over many high This road may lead over many high mountains and valleys, dark and low, mountains and valleys, dark and low, mountains and valleys, dark and low, but I'll walk each day with sweet but I'll walk each day with sweet but I'll walk each day with sweet assurance. And I'll safely reach my assurance. And I'll safely reach my assurance. And I'll safely reach my home. home. home. Ahead Ahead Ahead there's joy and gladness and rest for my there's joy and gladness and rest for my there's joy and gladness and rest for my wey soul. wey soul. wey soul. Ahead Ahead Ahead there's peace and contentment. Everybody there's peace and contentment. Everybody there's peace and contentment. Everybody will be happy and whole. I know that will be happy and whole. I know that will be happy and whole. I know that I'll be I'll be I'll be at home with Jesus where tears will at home with Jesus where tears will at home with Jesus where tears will never be shed. Though so often this road never be shed. Though so often this road never be shed. Though so often this road gets rough and rocky, still I know what gets rough and rocky, still I know what gets rough and rocky, still I know what lies ahead. Oh, ahead lies ahead. Oh, ahead lies ahead. Oh, ahead there's joy and gladness and rest for my there's joy and gladness and rest for my there's joy and gladness and rest for my wey soul. Oh, ahead wey soul. Oh, ahead wey soul. Oh, ahead there's peace and contentment. Everybody there's peace and contentment. Everybody there's peace and contentment. Everybody will be happy and oh I know that I'll be will be happy and oh I know that I'll be will be happy and oh I know that I'll be at home with Jesus where tears will at home with Jesus where tears will at home with Jesus where tears will never be shed. never be shed. never be shed. Though so often this road gets rough and Though so often this road gets rough and Though so often this road gets rough and rocky, still I know what lies ahead. While on this road I get so weary and While on this road I get so weary and often my feet do stray. often my feet do stray. often my feet do stray. But a gentle hand still leads me under But a gentle hand still leads me under But a gentle hand still leads me under and helps me find the way as I climb and helps me find the way as I climb and helps me find the way as I climb each hill and cross each valley by his each hill and cross each valley by his each hill and cross each valley by his hand. I'm daily led. No, I won't look hand. I'm daily led. No, I won't look hand. I'm daily led. No, I won't look back. Got to keep on walking for I know back. Got to keep on walking for I know back. Got to keep on walking for I know what lies ahead. what lies ahead. what lies ahead. Ahead Ahead Ahead there's joy and gladness and rest my there's joy and gladness and rest my there's joy and gladness and rest my weary soul. Oh ahead weary soul. Oh ahead weary soul. Oh ahead peace and contentment. Everybody will be peace and contentment. Everybody will be peace and contentment. Everybody will be happy and whole. I know that I'll be happy and whole. I know that I'll be happy and whole. I know that I'll be at home with Jesus where tears will at home with Jesus where tears will at home with Jesus where tears will never be shed. never be shed. never be shed. So often this road gets rough and rocky. So often this road gets rough and rocky. So often this road gets rough and rocky. Still I know what lies ahead. This road I'm on. It's straight and This road I'm on. It's straight and narrow but leads to a better home. narrow but leads to a better home. narrow but leads to a better home. It was laid by Christ one day at Calvary It was laid by Christ one day at Calvary It was laid by Christ one day at Calvary while he suffered all along. while he suffered all along. while he suffered all along. This road has led over many high This road has led over many high This road has led over many high mountains and valleys, dark and low. mountains and valleys, dark and low. mountains and valleys, dark and low. But I'll walk each day with sweet But I'll walk each day with sweet But I'll walk each day with sweet assurance, and I'll safely reach my assurance, and I'll safely reach my assurance, and I'll safely reach my home. home. home. Oh, ahead Oh, ahead Oh, ahead there's joy and gladness and rest for my there's joy and gladness and rest for my there's joy and gladness and rest for my wey soul. wey soul. wey soul. Ahead, Ahead, Ahead, peace and contentment. Everybody will be peace and contentment. Everybody will be peace and contentment. Everybody will be happy and whole. Know that I'll be happy and whole. Know that I'll be happy and whole. Know that I'll be at home with Jesus where tears will at home with Jesus where tears will at home with Jesus where tears will never be shed. never be shed. never be shed. Often this road gets rough and rocky. Often this road gets rough and rocky. Often this road gets rough and rocky. Still no one lies ahead. Yes, this road I moan is straight and Yes, this road I moan is straight and narrow, but leads to a better home. It narrow, but leads to a better home. It narrow, but leads to a better home. It was laid one day by Christ at Calvary was laid one day by Christ at Calvary was laid one day by Christ at Calvary while he suffered all along. while he suffered all along. while he suffered all along. This road has led over many high This road has led over many high This road has led over many high mountains and valleys, dark and low. mountains and valleys, dark and low. mountains and valleys, dark and low. But I'll walk each day with sweet But I'll walk each day with sweet But I'll walk each day with sweet assurance, and I'll safely reach my assurance, and I'll safely reach my assurance, and I'll safely reach my home. Oh, ahead home. Oh, ahead home. Oh, ahead there's joy and gladness and rest for my there's joy and gladness and rest for my there's joy and gladness and rest for my weery soul. Oh, ahead weery soul. Oh, ahead weery soul. Oh, ahead there's peace and contentment. Everybody there's peace and contentment. Everybody there's peace and contentment. Everybody will be happy and I know that I'll be will be happy and I know that I'll be will be happy and I know that I'll be I'll be at home. Home with Jesus where I'll be at home. Home with Jesus where I'll be at home. Home with Jesus where tears will never be shed. tears will never be shed. tears will never be shed. Though so often this road gets rough and Though so often this road gets rough and Though so often this road gets rough and rocky, still know what lies ahead. Oh, rocky, still know what lies ahead. Oh, rocky, still know what lies ahead. Oh, ahead. ahead. ahead. There's joy and gladness and rest for my There's joy and gladness and rest for my There's joy and gladness and rest for my weary soul. Ahead weary soul. Ahead weary soul. Ahead there's peace and contentment. Everybody there's peace and contentment. Everybody there's peace and contentment. Everybody will be happy and I know that I'll be will be happy and I know that I'll be will be happy and I know that I'll be at home with Jesus where tears will at home with Jesus where tears will at home with Jesus where tears will never be shed. The soul left in this rug never be shed. The soul left in this rug never be shed. The soul left in this rug gets rough and rocky. Still no one lies gets rough and rocky. Still no one lies gets rough and rocky. Still no one lies ahead. I know that I'll be ahead. I know that I'll be ahead. I know that I'll be at home with Jesus where tears will at home with Jesus where tears will at home with Jesus where tears will never be shed. Though so often this road never be shed. Though so often this road never be shed. Though so often this road gets rough and rocky, still I know what gets rough and rocky, still I know what gets rough and rocky, still I know what lies ahead. lies ahead. lies ahead. Though so often this road gets rough and Though so often this road gets rough and Though so often this road gets rough and rocky, still I know what lies ahead. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. How many of you know this road gets How many of you know this road gets rough and rocky, but we also know what rough and rocky, but we also know what rough and rocky, but we also know what lies ahead? For I read in the word of lies ahead? For I read in the word of lies ahead? For I read in the word of God that there's going to come a day God that there's going to come a day God that there's going to come a day that Christ is going to wipe away all that Christ is going to wipe away all that Christ is going to wipe away all tears. tears. tears. All tears. There will be no more pain, All tears. There will be no more pain, All tears. There will be no more pain, no more sorrow. For the former things no more sorrow. For the former things no more sorrow. For the former things will be passed away and all things will will be passed away and all things will will be passed away and all things will become new. I was thinking about it become new. I was thinking about it become new. I was thinking about it earlier sitt on that pew. We don't have earlier sitt on that pew. We don't have earlier sitt on that pew. We don't have any clue how it would feel to be out of any clue how it would feel to be out of any clue how it would feel to be out of this flesh. You know, the flesh this flesh. You know, the flesh this flesh. You know, the flesh sometimes weighs you down. the the flesh sometimes weighs you down. the the flesh sometimes weighs you down. the the flesh causes you problems, but we don't have a causes you problems, but we don't have a causes you problems, but we don't have a clue how it's actually really going to clue how it's actually really going to clue how it's actually really going to feel to leave this flesh behind and that feel to leave this flesh behind and that feel to leave this flesh behind and that immortal body in the very presence of immortal body in the very presence of immortal body in the very presence of the son of God living in his very the son of God living in his very the son of God living in his very presence. We we talk about it, we read presence. We we talk about it, we read presence. We we talk about it, we read about it, but in reality, we that's about it, but in reality, we that's about it, but in reality, we that's doesn't do any justice. All right? But doesn't do any justice. All right? But doesn't do any justice. All right? But it's good to think about and look for it's good to think about and look for it's good to think about and look for that we have a promise ahead. A lot that we have a promise ahead. A lot that we have a promise ahead. A lot better than what is behind us better than what is behind us better than what is behind us of the armor of God. He never give you of the armor of God. He never give you of the armor of God. He never give you anything to protect you from behind anything to protect you from behind anything to protect you from behind because he doesn't want you to look because he doesn't want you to look because he doesn't want you to look behind, look ahead. And that's what we behind, look ahead. And that's what we behind, look ahead. And that's what we got to do uh this evening. Well, I do got to do uh this evening. Well, I do got to do uh this evening. Well, I do welcome everyone that's watching with us welcome everyone that's watching with us welcome everyone that's watching with us on live stream tonight. Uh please on live stream tonight. Uh please on live stream tonight. Uh please continue to pray for the pastor. He's in continue to pray for the pastor. He's in continue to pray for the pastor. He's in revival. Um, as has been said this revival. Um, as has been said this revival. Um, as has been said this afternoon, so please pray for him. And I afternoon, so please pray for him. And I afternoon, so please pray for him. And I appreciate uh the opportunity to stand appreciate uh the opportunity to stand appreciate uh the opportunity to stand here tonight behind this pull pit. Uh, here tonight behind this pull pit. Uh, here tonight behind this pull pit. Uh, don't take it lightly. This is a this is don't take it lightly. This is a this is don't take it lightly. This is a this is a awesome responsibility when you stand a awesome responsibility when you stand a awesome responsibility when you stand behind this and you open the word of behind this and you open the word of behind this and you open the word of God. Um, so again, I thank the Lord and God. Um, so again, I thank the Lord and God. Um, so again, I thank the Lord and I I thank my pastor for uh giving me I I thank my pastor for uh giving me I I thank my pastor for uh giving me that opportunity. Tonight I'm going to that opportunity. Tonight I'm going to that opportunity. Tonight I'm going to speak to you um from the book of Luke speak to you um from the book of Luke speak to you um from the book of Luke chapter 18 vers beginning verse one. chapter 18 vers beginning verse one. chapter 18 vers beginning verse one. Luke chapter 18 beginning with verse Luke chapter 18 beginning with verse Luke chapter 18 beginning with verse one. If everyone would stand. And the Bible says and he spake a And the Bible says and he spake a parable unto them to this end that men parable unto them to this end that men parable unto them to this end that men ought always to pray and not faint. How ought always to pray and not faint. How ought always to pray and not faint. How often are we to pray? Always to pray and often are we to pray? Always to pray and often are we to pray? Always to pray and not to faint. Saying, there was in a not to faint. Saying, there was in a not to faint. Saying, there was in a city a judge which feared not God, city a judge which feared not God, city a judge which feared not God, neither regarded man. And there was a neither regarded man. And there was a neither regarded man. And there was a widow in that city. And she came unto widow in that city. And she came unto widow in that city. And she came unto him, saying, Avenge me of mine him, saying, Avenge me of mine him, saying, Avenge me of mine adversary. And he would not for a while, adversary. And he would not for a while, adversary. And he would not for a while, but afterward he said within himself, but afterward he said within himself, but afterward he said within himself, "Though I fear not God, nor regard man, "Though I fear not God, nor regard man, "Though I fear not God, nor regard man, yet because this widow troubleth me, I yet because this widow troubleth me, I yet because this widow troubleth me, I will avenge her, lest by her continual will avenge her, lest by her continual will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me." And the Lord said, coming she weary me." And the Lord said, coming she weary me." And the Lord said, "Hear what the unjust judge saith. And "Hear what the unjust judge saith. And "Hear what the unjust judge saith. And shall not God avenge his own elect which shall not God avenge his own elect which shall not God avenge his own elect which cry day and night unto him, though he cry day and night unto him, though he cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them? I tell you that he bear long with them? I tell you that he bear long with them? I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless, will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless, will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless, when the son of man cometh, shall he when the son of man cometh, shall he when the son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth. What a find faith on the earth. What a find faith on the earth. What a question. That last that last sentence, question. That last that last sentence, question. That last that last sentence, he said, "Nevertheless, when the son of he said, "Nevertheless, when the son of he said, "Nevertheless, when the son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the man cometh, shall he find faith on the man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?" I'm going to speak to you earth?" I'm going to speak to you earth?" I'm going to speak to you tonight on a thought, the one question tonight on a thought, the one question tonight on a thought, the one question Jesus never asked. The one question Jesus never asked. The one question Jesus never asked. The one question Jesus never asked. I'd like for you to Jesus never asked. I'd like for you to Jesus never asked. I'd like for you to bow your head and let's ask the Lord to bow your head and let's ask the Lord to bow your head and let's ask the Lord to meet with us in this service. Heavenly meet with us in this service. Heavenly meet with us in this service. Heavenly Father, we thank you. Prepare our hearts, God, to receive with Prepare our hearts, God, to receive with faith the engrafted word of God. For it faith the engrafted word of God. For it faith the engrafted word of God. For it is your word, God, that is able to save is your word, God, that is able to save is your word, God, that is able to save souls and strengthen and do whatever souls and strengthen and do whatever souls and strengthen and do whatever needs to be done among your people. And needs to be done among your people. And needs to be done among your people. And God, we'll give you the praise, the God, we'll give you the praise, the God, we'll give you the praise, the honor, and the glory in Jesus name. honor, and the glory in Jesus name. honor, and the glory in Jesus name. Amen. You may be seated. You know, famous questions. You look at You know, famous questions. You look at from the history of history's greatest from the history of history's greatest from the history of history's greatest minds, you've heard famous questions minds, you've heard famous questions minds, you've heard famous questions with for some of these people who were with for some of these people who were with for some of these people who were considered to be a genius. And I've got considered to be a genius. And I've got considered to be a genius. And I've got a few questions. I'm simply going to a few questions. I'm simply going to a few questions. I'm simply going to read from some of these uh genius minds read from some of these uh genius minds read from some of these uh genius minds if you will history's greatest minds. if you will history's greatest minds. if you will history's greatest minds. Volater a French philosopher said if Volater a French philosopher said if Volater a French philosopher said if this is the best of possible worlds what this is the best of possible worlds what this is the best of possible worlds what then are the others? then are the others? then are the others? And then Betron Russell English And then Betron Russell English And then Betron Russell English philosopher he said if is there any philosopher he said if is there any philosopher he said if is there any knowledge in the world which is so knowledge in the world which is so knowledge in the world which is so certain that no reasonable man could certain that no reasonable man could certain that no reasonable man could doubt it. And Plato we've all heard of doubt it. And Plato we've all heard of doubt it. And Plato we've all heard of Plato right? Plato, philosopher, student Plato right? Plato, philosopher, student Plato right? Plato, philosopher, student of Socrates and teacher of Aristotle. He of Socrates and teacher of Aristotle. He of Socrates and teacher of Aristotle. He said, "Have you ever sensed that our said, "Have you ever sensed that our said, "Have you ever sensed that our soul is immortal and never dies?" What a soul is immortal and never dies?" What a soul is immortal and never dies?" What a question that uh Aristotle uh posed. uh question that uh Aristotle uh posed. uh question that uh Aristotle uh posed. uh Leo Toltoy, he said, "How can one be Leo Toltoy, he said, "How can one be Leo Toltoy, he said, "How can one be well when one suffers morally?" well when one suffers morally?" well when one suffers morally?" And there's many others. And again, And there's many others. And again, And there's many others. And again, Confucious, Chinese philosopher, he Confucious, Chinese philosopher, he Confucious, Chinese philosopher, he said, 'If you look into your own heart said, 'If you look into your own heart said, 'If you look into your own heart and you find nothing wrong there, what and you find nothing wrong there, what and you find nothing wrong there, what is there to worry about? What is there is there to worry about? What is there is there to worry about? What is there to fear? Uh Confucious was to fear? Uh Confucious was to fear? Uh Confucious was misunderstood, wasn't he? He was he was misunderstood, wasn't he? He was he was misunderstood, wasn't he? He was he was living in deception. Uh because your own living in deception. Uh because your own living in deception. Uh because your own heart will deceive you. Well, there was heart will deceive you. Well, there was heart will deceive you. Well, there was there are many other questions by these there are many other questions by these there are many other questions by these bright minds. But the point here is even bright minds. But the point here is even bright minds. But the point here is even the brightest minds that come up with the brightest minds that come up with the brightest minds that come up with some of the most profound questions ever some of the most profound questions ever some of the most profound questions ever asked. in the re uh in the course of asked. in the re uh in the course of asked. in the re uh in the course of history come from finite minds in human history come from finite minds in human history come from finite minds in human error. All right. So again they they are error. All right. So again they they are error. All right. So again they they are intriguing and they represent uh most intriguing and they represent uh most intriguing and they represent uh most thoughtprovoking inquiries of all human thoughtprovoking inquiries of all human thoughtprovoking inquiries of all human history. Questions are important. I've history. Questions are important. I've history. Questions are important. I've come to believe a life well-lived is not come to believe a life well-lived is not come to believe a life well-lived is not found by having all the answers. Nobody found by having all the answers. Nobody found by having all the answers. Nobody has all the answers but life is found by has all the answers but life is found by has all the answers but life is found by having the right questions. All right? having the right questions. All right? having the right questions. All right? Asking the right questions. Uh and as we Asking the right questions. Uh and as we Asking the right questions. Uh and as we look into Jesus' earthly life, Jesus look into Jesus' earthly life, Jesus look into Jesus' earthly life, Jesus asked approximately 305 questions asked approximately 305 questions asked approximately 305 questions recorded in the scripture. Some 305 recorded in the scripture. Some 305 recorded in the scripture. Some 305 questions Jesus Jesus asked. He only questions Jesus Jesus asked. He only questions Jesus Jesus asked. He only answered eight questions as recorded uh answered eight questions as recorded uh answered eight questions as recorded uh in the scripture. So that tells you that in the scripture. So that tells you that in the scripture. So that tells you that Christ when he asked 305 questions, he Christ when he asked 305 questions, he Christ when he asked 305 questions, he already knew the answer. If he already already knew the answer. If he already already knew the answer. If he already knew the answer, he was God. Then why is knew the answer, he was God. Then why is knew the answer, he was God. Then why is he asking questions? he asking questions? he asking questions? Ever thought about that? Ever thought about that? Ever thought about that? So again uh he he asked he only answered So again uh he he asked he only answered So again uh he he asked he only answered eight there appears questions uh in fact eight there appears questions uh in fact eight there appears questions uh in fact a lot of his teaching uh came in the a lot of his teaching uh came in the a lot of his teaching uh came in the form of a question and whenever Christ form of a question and whenever Christ form of a question and whenever Christ asked a question it requires our asked a question it requires our asked a question it requires our attention and and our thought to find attention and and our thought to find attention and and our thought to find out if if if he's asking a question he out if if if he's asking a question he out if if if he's asking a question he already knows the answer then then the already knows the answer then then the already knows the answer then then the question is not for him to gain question is not for him to gain question is not for him to gain knowledge the question is for me to look knowledge the question is for me to look knowledge the question is for me to look at myself at myself at myself all right so that's the purpose of the all right so that's the purpose of the all right so that's the purpose of the questions questions questions there. God knows all. He asked probing there. God knows all. He asked probing there. God knows all. He asked probing questions that could reveal motive of questions that could reveal motive of questions that could reveal motive of his enemies. He saw he asked questions his enemies. He saw he asked questions his enemies. He saw he asked questions seeking to undermine uh people asked him seeking to undermine uh people asked him seeking to undermine uh people asked him questions seeking to undermine his questions seeking to undermine his questions seeking to undermine his credibility. He taught the meaning of credibility. He taught the meaning of credibility. He taught the meaning of parables by questions. He had insight parables by questions. He had insight parables by questions. He had insight that exceeded a normal person. So the that exceeded a normal person. So the that exceeded a normal person. So the purpose of Christ's questions are are purpose of Christ's questions are are purpose of Christ's questions are are three-fold. To reveal the heart of man, three-fold. To reveal the heart of man, three-fold. To reveal the heart of man, to teach profound truths, and to foster to teach profound truths, and to foster to teach profound truths, and to foster personal relationships. So the personal relationships. So the personal relationships. So the three-fold purposes of Christ asking three-fold purposes of Christ asking three-fold purposes of Christ asking questions and again as a disciple of questions and again as a disciple of questions and again as a disciple of Christ there's no one we should pattern Christ there's no one we should pattern Christ there's no one we should pattern our life after more than Jesus Christ. our life after more than Jesus Christ. our life after more than Jesus Christ. If you want to know what God looks like If you want to know what God looks like If you want to know what God looks like in the flesh uh study the life of in the flesh uh study the life of in the flesh uh study the life of Christ. If you want to know what how he Christ. If you want to know what how he Christ. If you want to know what how he wants you to behave and act and conduct wants you to behave and act and conduct wants you to behave and act and conduct yourself and live and love and what you yourself and live and love and what you yourself and live and love and what you need to hate. Study the life of Christ. need to hate. Study the life of Christ. need to hate. Study the life of Christ. Uh he is God personified in the flesh. Uh he is God personified in the flesh. Uh he is God personified in the flesh. Uh, so again, if there's anybody you're Uh, so again, if there's anybody you're Uh, so again, if there's anybody you're looking to pattern your life after looking to pattern your life after looking to pattern your life after tonight, or I'm looking to pattern my tonight, or I'm looking to pattern my tonight, or I'm looking to pattern my life after tonight, it should be the son life after tonight, it should be the son life after tonight, it should be the son of God, Jesus Christ. of God, Jesus Christ. of God, Jesus Christ. Thank you, Lord. Thank you, Lord. Thank you, Lord. So, what a powerful question that we So, what a powerful question that we So, what a powerful question that we read in our scripture. When the son of read in our scripture. When the son of read in our scripture. When the son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the man cometh, shall he find faith on the man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth? At the time his return draws near earth? At the time his return draws near earth? At the time his return draws near will become so dominant, uh, many in the will become so dominant, uh, many in the will become so dominant, uh, many in the church will fall away from the kind of church will fall away from the kind of church will fall away from the kind of faith that perseveres in prayer. Now in faith that perseveres in prayer. Now in faith that perseveres in prayer. Now in our scripture you saw a direct link our scripture you saw a direct link our scripture you saw a direct link between prayer and faith persistent between prayer and faith persistent between prayer and faith persistent prayer and faith. When a man has true prayer and faith. When a man has true prayer and faith. When a man has true faith uh in the God he says he has uh faith uh in the God he says he has uh faith uh in the God he says he has uh then he's going to have a prayer life. then he's going to have a prayer life. then he's going to have a prayer life. You're not going to have to prog him to You're not going to have to prog him to You're not going to have to prog him to prayer pro him to prayer he understands prayer pro him to prayer he understands prayer pro him to prayer he understands that prayer is his intimacy and his time that prayer is his intimacy and his time that prayer is his intimacy and his time and his relationship with God. And when and his relationship with God. And when and his relationship with God. And when you have faith uh you'll have a prayer you have faith uh you'll have a prayer you have faith uh you'll have a prayer life. Uh if you don't have a prayer life life. Uh if you don't have a prayer life life. Uh if you don't have a prayer life it doesn't matter what we say we it doesn't matter what we say we it doesn't matter what we say we believe. believe. believe. If you don't have a prayer life, you If you don't have a prayer life, you If you don't have a prayer life, you don't have faith. don't have faith. don't have faith. They're they're intimately connected. They're they're intimately connected. They're they're intimately connected. And what Christ was saying is he gave And what Christ was saying is he gave And what Christ was saying is he gave the example of the unjust judge. He the example of the unjust judge. He the example of the unjust judge. He said, "If that just is judge is unjust said, "If that just is judge is unjust said, "If that just is judge is unjust and and he uh answered and took care of and and he uh answered and took care of and and he uh answered and took care of that per woman because of her continual that per woman because of her continual that per woman because of her continual docking." He said, "How much more if an docking." He said, "How much more if an docking." He said, "How much more if an unjust judge would get up and avenge uh unjust judge would get up and avenge uh unjust judge would get up and avenge uh this lady? And how much more will the this lady? And how much more will the this lady? And how much more will the loving father avenge those speedily that loving father avenge those speedily that loving father avenge those speedily that are his children tonight? Uh so again are his children tonight? Uh so again are his children tonight? Uh so again prayer is linked to faith. And then he prayer is linked to faith. And then he prayer is linked to faith. And then he asked a powerful question. Will the son asked a powerful question. Will the son asked a powerful question. Will the son of man come back? Will he find any faith of man come back? Will he find any faith of man come back? Will he find any faith in the earth? Now there is going to be in the earth? Now there is going to be in the earth? Now there is going to be faith among the body of Christ. Uh faith among the body of Christ. Uh faith among the body of Christ. Uh there'll be faith among the true church. there'll be faith among the true church. there'll be faith among the true church. But I believe that question he was But I believe that question he was But I believe that question he was posing to them is a question posed to posing to them is a question posed to posing to them is a question posed to each individual as we look in our life each individual as we look in our life each individual as we look in our life and within our heart and in the mirror and within our heart and in the mirror and within our heart and in the mirror and say, "If Christ come today, would he and say, "If Christ come today, would he and say, "If Christ come today, would he find the faith that he's looking for in find the faith that he's looking for in find the faith that he's looking for in my life?" Uh would he find me trusting my life?" Uh would he find me trusting my life?" Uh would he find me trusting and praying? Uh and would he find me and praying? Uh and would he find me and praying? Uh and would he find me leaning upon the everlasting arms? Uh leaning upon the everlasting arms? Uh leaning upon the everlasting arms? Uh would he find me looking for his coming? would he find me looking for his coming? would he find me looking for his coming? Would he find the things that that that Would he find the things that that that Would he find the things that that that would be pleasing to him? Uh should he would be pleasing to him? Uh should he would be pleasing to him? Uh should he come today? So we all can ask uh and come today? So we all can ask uh and come today? So we all can ask uh and look as if Christ is asking the question look as if Christ is asking the question look as if Christ is asking the question to each of us uh when he comes will he to each of us uh when he comes will he to each of us uh when he comes will he find faith. find faith. find faith. There's a great falling away in the There's a great falling away in the There's a great falling away in the church and there's a great falling away church and there's a great falling away church and there's a great falling away of the faith. of the faith. of the faith. People have people go through the People have people go through the People have people go through the motions and they're religious but motions and they're religious but motions and they're religious but there's no power. There's no spirit. there's no power. There's no spirit. there's no power. There's no spirit. There's no life. It's still dead and There's no life. It's still dead and There's no life. It's still dead and it's dry and it's drunk. But where the it's dry and it's drunk. But where the it's dry and it's drunk. But where the spirit of the Lord is there's liberty. spirit of the Lord is there's liberty. spirit of the Lord is there's liberty. And where he is, there's life. Uh, and And where he is, there's life. Uh, and And where he is, there's life. Uh, and where he is, there's power. And it's where he is, there's power. And it's where he is, there's power. And it's time for the church uh uh the church of time for the church uh uh the church of time for the church uh uh the church of Jesus Christ uh to shake oursel uh and Jesus Christ uh to shake oursel uh and Jesus Christ uh to shake oursel uh and to wake up uh and to get back on our to wake up uh and to get back on our to wake up uh and to get back on our knees uh and our eyes back upon him uh knees uh and our eyes back upon him uh knees uh and our eyes back upon him uh and and seek his face uh in the last and and seek his face uh in the last and and seek his face uh in the last days that we're in, lest we also fall days that we're in, lest we also fall days that we're in, lest we also fall asleep. Persistent prayer is counted as faith. Persistent prayer is counted as faith. Why does a man pray? Because he has Why does a man pray? Because he has Why does a man pray? Because he has faith that when he gets on his knees and faith that when he gets on his knees and faith that when he gets on his knees and he cries out to his savior, he has faith he cries out to his savior, he has faith he cries out to his savior, he has faith that God's going to hear him and his that God's going to hear him and his that God's going to hear him and his petition will be received of him and petition will be received of him and petition will be received of him and God's going to answer his prayer either God's going to answer his prayer either God's going to answer his prayer either way. That's faith. way. That's faith. way. That's faith. Persistent prayer is a sign of faith. Persistent prayer is a sign of faith. Persistent prayer is a sign of faith. All right. So again, as we explore now, All right. So again, as we explore now, All right. So again, as we explore now, I want you to table that thought a I want you to table that thought a I want you to table that thought a minute as because we're going on to minute as because we're going on to minute as because we're going on to about three more questions or so that about three more questions or so that about three more questions or so that Christ asked. I told you he asked 305 Christ asked. I told you he asked 305 Christ asked. I told you he asked 305 questions among the gospels. 305. questions among the gospels. 305. questions among the gospels. 305. All of them are important, but I'm going All of them are important, but I'm going All of them are important, but I'm going to I'm going to cover three of them that to I'm going to cover three of them that to I'm going to cover three of them that will help us understand those questions will help us understand those questions will help us understand those questions meant for us today. How do they apply to meant for us today. How do they apply to meant for us today. How do they apply to me today? and how might we answer as we me today? and how might we answer as we me today? and how might we answer as we ask them of ourselves, applying them to ask them of ourselves, applying them to ask them of ourselves, applying them to our own lives and circumstances. You our own lives and circumstances. You our own lives and circumstances. You know, God asked some powerful questions. know, God asked some powerful questions. know, God asked some powerful questions. The first question Christ asked on this The first question Christ asked on this The first question Christ asked on this earth was as a 12 year old boy, must not earth was as a 12 year old boy, must not earth was as a 12 year old boy, must not I be about my father's business. The I be about my father's business. The I be about my father's business. The first qu and again that's not one of my first qu and again that's not one of my first qu and again that's not one of my three, but that was the first question three, but that was the first question three, but that was the first question recorded that Christ asked. And the recorded that Christ asked. And the recorded that Christ asked. And the first question let us know how important first question let us know how important first question let us know how important it is to be about our father's business. it is to be about our father's business. it is to be about our father's business. That was what that question was. And That was what that question was. And That was what that question was. And again, that's just extra uh because it's again, that's just extra uh because it's again, that's just extra uh because it's not in in my notes. Uh the first not in in my notes. Uh the first not in in my notes. Uh the first question I'm looking at comes from question I'm looking at comes from question I'm looking at comes from Matthew 16 13 and 14. And the question Matthew 16 13 and 14. And the question Matthew 16 13 and 14. And the question is this. said, "When Jesus came and to is this. said, "When Jesus came and to is this. said, "When Jesus came and to the coast of Cesaria Philippi, he asked the coast of Cesaria Philippi, he asked the coast of Cesaria Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, who do men say his disciples, saying, who do men say his disciples, saying, who do men say that I, the son of man, am?" And and that I, the son of man, am?" And and that I, the son of man, am?" And and they answered, "Some say thou are John they answered, "Some say thou are John they answered, "Some say thou are John the Baptist, some Elias, others Jeremiah the Baptist, some Elias, others Jeremiah the Baptist, some Elias, others Jeremiah or one of the prophets." So we see this or one of the prophets." So we see this or one of the prophets." So we see this initial question here uh really uh initial question here uh really uh initial question here uh really uh followed by another question in just a followed by another question in just a followed by another question in just a moment. So these two questions are moment. So these two questions are moment. So these two questions are closely interconnected to each other. closely interconnected to each other. closely interconnected to each other. Who does the who does who does they say Who does the who does who does they say Who does the who does who does they say that I am? Who does the world say I am? that I am? Who does the world say I am? that I am? Who does the world say I am? That's the first question that he asked. That's the first question that he asked. That's the first question that he asked. And of course, they gave him the answers And of course, they gave him the answers And of course, they gave him the answers that reflect the confusion of the crowd. that reflect the confusion of the crowd. that reflect the confusion of the crowd. The world recognized Christ was The world recognized Christ was The world recognized Christ was important. They he was either a prophet important. They he was either a prophet important. They he was either a prophet or Elias or Jeremiah or John the or Elias or Jeremiah or John the or Elias or Jeremiah or John the Baptist. They realized he was an Baptist. They realized he was an Baptist. They realized he was an important man just as society today. A important man just as society today. A important man just as society today. A lot of every religion acknowledges Jesus lot of every religion acknowledges Jesus lot of every religion acknowledges Jesus Christ. They'll say he was a prophet. Christ. They'll say he was a prophet. Christ. They'll say he was a prophet. They'll say he was a a a a a man, a good They'll say he was a a a a a man, a good They'll say he was a a a a a man, a good man, but they will not acknowledge or man, but they will not acknowledge or man, but they will not acknowledge or recognize who he really is being the son recognize who he really is being the son recognize who he really is being the son of God. The world today is just as of God. The world today is just as of God. The world today is just as confused about who Christ was as they confused about who Christ was as they confused about who Christ was as they were confused that day when he said, were confused that day when he said, were confused that day when he said, "Who do they say that I am?" Uh he gave "Who do they say that I am?" Uh he gave "Who do they say that I am?" Uh he gave up. Boy, they quickly rattled off a list up. Boy, they quickly rattled off a list up. Boy, they quickly rattled off a list of answers. And that is the same today. of answers. And that is the same today. of answers. And that is the same today. You you'd be surprised the answers you'd You you'd be surprised the answers you'd You you'd be surprised the answers you'd get uh if you went out into the world get uh if you went out into the world get uh if you went out into the world and just periodically asked people, "Who and just periodically asked people, "Who and just periodically asked people, "Who is Jesus Christ?" Uh who do you think he is Jesus Christ?" Uh who do you think he is Jesus Christ?" Uh who do you think he is? Uh you'd be amazed or astounded at is? Uh you'd be amazed or astounded at is? Uh you'd be amazed or astounded at the answers that you might get. But we the answers that you might get. But we the answers that you might get. But we see here the confusion of the crowd. The see here the confusion of the crowd. The see here the confusion of the crowd. The world uh recognize him as special but world uh recognize him as special but world uh recognize him as special but not divine. not divine. not divine. The devil don't care that you recognize The devil don't care that you recognize The devil don't care that you recognize Christ as being a good man or special or Christ as being a good man or special or Christ as being a good man or special or prophet as long as you don't recognize prophet as long as you don't recognize prophet as long as you don't recognize him as being divine God himself. All him as being divine God himself. All him as being divine God himself. All right. So again uh this question uh the right. So again uh this question uh the right. So again uh this question uh the purpose of this question was to uh lead purpose of this question was to uh lead purpose of this question was to uh lead to the next question and Matthew 16 and to the next question and Matthew 16 and to the next question and Matthew 16 and 15 we see that follow-up question. He 15 we see that follow-up question. He 15 we see that follow-up question. He said unto them but who say ye that I am? said unto them but who say ye that I am? said unto them but who say ye that I am? He brought it home now didn't he? Who's He brought it home now didn't he? Who's He brought it home now didn't he? Who's the world say I am? What do I mean to the world say I am? What do I mean to the world say I am? What do I mean to the world? And who do they say I am? But the world? And who do they say I am? But the world? And who do they say I am? But now let me ask you a question. Who do now let me ask you a question. Who do now let me ask you a question. Who do you say that I am? And that was the you say that I am? And that was the you say that I am? And that was the question he posed to his disciples here. question he posed to his disciples here. question he posed to his disciples here. And he wasn't looking for a quick And he wasn't looking for a quick And he wasn't looking for a quick answer. What he was doing was inviting answer. What he was doing was inviting answer. What he was doing was inviting them to a deeper revelation about who them to a deeper revelation about who them to a deeper revelation about who the son of God is, who Christ is, about the son of God is, who Christ is, about the son of God is, who Christ is, about who they are in him. Uh we need to know who they are in him. Uh we need to know who they are in him. Uh we need to know not only who he is, uh but who we are in not only who he is, uh but who we are in not only who he is, uh but who we are in Christ. uh and the power we have in Christ. uh and the power we have in Christ. uh and the power we have in Christ uh and the freedom we have in Christ uh and the freedom we have in Christ uh and the freedom we have in Christ. Uh he was inviting them into a Christ. Uh he was inviting them into a Christ. Uh he was inviting them into a deeper revelation uh of who he was uh deeper revelation uh of who he was uh deeper revelation uh of who he was uh and who they were in him uh and the and who they were in him uh and the and who they were in him uh and the unshakable foundation uh on which his unshakable foundation uh on which his unshakable foundation uh on which his kingdom was built. Uh it's an unshakable kingdom was built. Uh it's an unshakable kingdom was built. Uh it's an unshakable foundation. And there's implication. foundation. And there's implication. foundation. And there's implication. Here's what astounds me. When they ask Here's what astounds me. When they ask Here's what astounds me. When they ask him, "Who do who do men say that I am or him, "Who do who do men say that I am or him, "Who do who do men say that I am or the world?" They rattled off answers the world?" They rattled off answers the world?" They rattled off answers quick. quick. quick. But then if you'll study that in that But then if you'll study that in that But then if you'll study that in that verse, he said, "By whom say ye that I verse, he said, "By whom say ye that I verse, he said, "By whom say ye that I am?" There seems to be an implication of am?" There seems to be an implication of am?" There seems to be an implication of a hesitancy to answer the question. a hesitancy to answer the question. a hesitancy to answer the question. Everybody didn't rattle off an answer. Everybody didn't rattle off an answer. Everybody didn't rattle off an answer. So there appears to be hesitancy, which So there appears to be hesitancy, which So there appears to be hesitancy, which to me is shocking. Number one, these to me is shocking. Number one, these to me is shocking. Number one, these were all Jewish young men who were were all Jewish young men who were were all Jewish young men who were raised and versed in the law. All right? raised and versed in the law. All right? raised and versed in the law. All right? So number two, they've walked alongside So number two, they've walked alongside So number two, they've walked alongside Jesus for countless miles. They've Jesus for countless miles. They've Jesus for countless miles. They've witnessed healings. They've witnessed witnessed healings. They've witnessed witnessed healings. They've witnessed feedings and other miracles. They've feedings and other miracles. They've feedings and other miracles. They've heard sermons and prayers. They've lived heard sermons and prayers. They've lived heard sermons and prayers. They've lived with him daily. Yet, when they face with him daily. Yet, when they face with him daily. Yet, when they face testifying to what they know about who testifying to what they know about who testifying to what they know about who he is, many remain silent. he is, many remain silent. he is, many remain silent. God, help us, church, God, help us, church, God, help us, church, not to remain silent not to remain silent not to remain silent and testifying who Christ is. Help us and testifying who Christ is. Help us and testifying who Christ is. Help us not to remain silent. not to remain silent. not to remain silent. So again, we see the implication of So again, we see the implication of So again, we see the implication of hesitancy. But but but one stood up and hesitancy. But but but one stood up and hesitancy. But but but one stood up and answered. Thank God for the one. We know answered. Thank God for the one. We know answered. Thank God for the one. We know Simon Peter. He stood up and by the holy Simon Peter. He stood up and by the holy Simon Peter. He stood up and by the holy spir spir spir uh spirit. He said, "Thou are Christ, uh spirit. He said, "Thou are Christ, uh spirit. He said, "Thou are Christ, the son of the living God." Now uh what the son of the living God." Now uh what the son of the living God." Now uh what I'll say there and then Christ I'll say there and then Christ I'll say there and then Christ responded, "Blessed art thou, for flesh responded, "Blessed art thou, for flesh responded, "Blessed art thou, for flesh and blood has not revealed this to this and blood has not revealed this to this and blood has not revealed this to this to thee, but my father which is in to thee, but my father which is in to thee, but my father which is in heaven." The only someone the only way heaven." The only someone the only way heaven." The only someone the only way you can get a clear understanding of who you can get a clear understanding of who you can get a clear understanding of who Jesus Christ is is by revelation of the Jesus Christ is is by revelation of the Jesus Christ is is by revelation of the father. Revelation God revealing father. Revelation God revealing father. Revelation God revealing himself, revealing his son through his himself, revealing his son through his himself, revealing his son through his spirit. Uh and that is the way and spirit. Uh and that is the way and spirit. Uh and that is the way and that's what he told Peter. Uh man hadn't that's what he told Peter. Uh man hadn't that's what he told Peter. Uh man hadn't told you this. Man didn't conjure up told you this. Man didn't conjure up told you this. Man didn't conjure up this in your mind. Uh you got it from this in your mind. Uh you got it from this in your mind. Uh you got it from from the father above. It was revelation from the father above. It was revelation from the father above. It was revelation from him. That's what he was telling from him. That's what he was telling from him. That's what he was telling him. So again, we see the illustration him. So again, we see the illustration him. So again, we see the illustration point here. Well, looking on at the next point here. Well, looking on at the next point here. Well, looking on at the next couple of verses, uh, Matthew 6, chapter couple of verses, uh, Matthew 6, chapter couple of verses, uh, Matthew 6, chapter 16, 17-19. 16, 17-19. 16, 17-19. And that's that was the response I And that's that was the response I And that's that was the response I talked about. Jesus answered and said talked about. Jesus answered and said talked about. Jesus answered and said unto him, "Blessed art thou, Simon unto him, "Blessed art thou, Simon unto him, "Blessed art thou, Simon Barjonah, flesh and blood hath not Barjonah, flesh and blood hath not Barjonah, flesh and blood hath not revealed it to thee, but my father which revealed it to thee, but my father which revealed it to thee, but my father which is in heaven. And I say also unto thee, is in heaven. And I say also unto thee, is in heaven. And I say also unto thee, thou art Peter, and upon this rock I thou art Peter, and upon this rock I thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church, and the gates of will build my church, and the gates of will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. And hell shall not prevail against it. And hell shall not prevail against it. And I'll give unto thee the kingdoms keys of I'll give unto thee the kingdoms keys of I'll give unto thee the kingdoms keys of the kingdoms of the heaven, and the kingdoms of the heaven, and the kingdoms of the heaven, and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatsoever shall be bound in heaven, and whatsoever shall be bound in heaven, and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth will be loosed thou shalt loose on earth will be loosed thou shalt loose on earth will be loosed in heaven. See, what he's trying to in heaven. See, what he's trying to in heaven. See, what he's trying to teach them is to get a revelation of who teach them is to get a revelation of who teach them is to get a revelation of who he is. And what he told Peter, he said, he is. And what he told Peter, he said, he is. And what he told Peter, he said, "Upon this rock, I'll build my church." "Upon this rock, I'll build my church." "Upon this rock, I'll build my church." Uh that is the deception. That is how Uh that is the deception. That is how Uh that is the deception. That is how the Catholic church got started in the the Catholic church got started in the the Catholic church got started in the deception that they thought that when deception that they thought that when deception that they thought that when Christ said upon this rock uh that Christ said upon this rock uh that Christ said upon this rock uh that Christ was talking about Peter because Christ was talking about Peter because Christ was talking about Peter because actually Peter's name Cphus means a actually Peter's name Cphus means a actually Peter's name Cphus means a stone. So they they they got and twisted stone. So they they they got and twisted stone. So they they they got and twisted that around and that's how they that around and that's how they that around and that's how they developed that that that's the root of developed that that that's the root of developed that that that's the root of the Cath Catholic religion that Peter the Cath Catholic religion that Peter the Cath Catholic religion that Peter was the first pope. was the first pope. was the first pope. But the rock that Christ was talking But the rock that Christ was talking But the rock that Christ was talking about wasn't Peter. The rock was the about wasn't Peter. The rock was the about wasn't Peter. The rock was the confession or the truth that the father confession or the truth that the father confession or the truth that the father revealed to Peter that he was Christ the revealed to Peter that he was Christ the revealed to Peter that he was Christ the son of the living God. That was the that son of the living God. That was the that son of the living God. That was the that was the rock that he built his church. was the rock that he built his church. was the rock that he built his church. And that's the rock. He said, "I'll And that's the rock. He said, "I'll And that's the rock. He said, "I'll 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." Is the shall not prevail against it." Is the shall not prevail against it." Is the testimony, the revelation and testimony, the revelation and testimony, the revelation and understanding of who Jesus Christ is. understanding of who Jesus Christ is. understanding of who Jesus Christ is. Whom do you say that I am? Whom do you say that I am? Whom do you say that I am? The true church will rise up in faith, The true church will rise up in faith, The true church will rise up in faith, authority, and power of the Holy Ghost authority, and power of the Holy Ghost authority, and power of the Holy Ghost and to righteously assault Satan's and to righteously assault Satan's and to righteously assault Satan's kingdom and domain of darkness by kingdom and domain of darkness by kingdom and domain of darkness by delivering people from bondage, sin, and delivering people from bondage, sin, and delivering people from bondage, sin, and oppression. I am I tired of the mundane oppression. I am I tired of the mundane oppression. I am I tired of the mundane and I'm tired of of just going through and I'm tired of of just going through and I'm tired of of just going through the the coming and not seeing people get the the coming and not seeing people get the the coming and not seeing people get delivered and not seeing people get delivered and not seeing people get delivered and not seeing people get saved for what? Because again that is saved for what? Because again that is saved for what? Because again that is what the power of the church uh Christ what the power of the church uh Christ what the power of the church uh Christ has already paid the price to set the has already paid the price to set the has already paid the price to set the captive free and what he's telling his captive free and what he's telling his captive free and what he's telling his young disciples and what he's telling young disciples and what he's telling young disciples and what he's telling this church tonight I believe through this church tonight I believe through this church tonight I believe through his word is realize who I am realize who his word is realize who I am realize who his word is realize who I am realize who you are in me and you have authority you are in me and you have authority you are in me and you have authority he's given you and I keys to the kingdom he's given you and I keys to the kingdom he's given you and I keys to the kingdom whatsoever thou shall bind on earth will whatsoever thou shall bind on earth will whatsoever thou shall bind on earth will be bound in heaven whatsoever thou shalt be bound in heaven whatsoever thou shalt be bound in heaven whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth will be loosed in heaven loose on earth will be loosed in heaven loose on earth will be loosed in heaven Christ has already paid the price on Christ has already paid the price on Christ has already paid the price on Calvary. The price for the deliverance Calvary. The price for the deliverance Calvary. The price for the deliverance has already been paid. Uh he has already has already been paid. Uh he has already has already been paid. Uh he has already took care of that on on Calvar's heel. took care of that on on Calvar's heel. took care of that on on Calvar's heel. So in essence, what he's saying, the So in essence, what he's saying, the So in essence, what he's saying, the price has already been paid. Uh realize price has already been paid. Uh realize price has already been paid. Uh realize who you are in me and take authority in who you are in me and take authority in who you are in me and take authority in the name of Christ through the spirit of the name of Christ through the spirit of the name of Christ through the spirit of God. And don't let the enemy intimidate God. And don't let the enemy intimidate God. And don't let the enemy intimidate you. you. you. We're not to be intimidated by the We're not to be intimidated by the We're not to be intimidated by the devil. devil. devil. Greater is he that is in us Greater is he that is in us Greater is he that is in us than he that is in the world. We are not than he that is in the world. We are not than he that is in the world. We are not to be intimidated by the enemy. And he to be intimidated by the enemy. And he to be intimidated by the enemy. And he was trying to teach these young was trying to teach these young was trying to teach these young disciples. Very important point. Uh the disciples. Very important point. Uh the disciples. Very important point. Uh the proclamation of the gospel has been proclamation of the gospel has been proclamation of the gospel has been given the keys to bind demons to given the keys to bind demons to given the keys to bind demons to disease, loose prisoners of sin, disease, loose prisoners of sin, disease, loose prisoners of sin, addiction, sickness from their bondage, addiction, sickness from their bondage, addiction, sickness from their bondage, captivity, and to salvation. I know captivity, and to salvation. I know captivity, and to salvation. I know before I got saved, I was bound. And I before I got saved, I was bound. And I before I got saved, I was bound. And I was way I probably was closer to the was way I probably was closer to the was way I probably was closer to the legion legion legion than I was to just saying I have one than I was to just saying I have one than I was to just saying I have one devil. And I I don't say that. I say devil. And I I don't say that. I say devil. And I I don't say that. I say that because I know the power of God that because I know the power of God that because I know the power of God because I know who I was and I know what because I know who I was and I know what because I know who I was and I know what he did and I knew because of his grace he did and I knew because of his grace he did and I knew because of his grace that I wasn't what I was be anymore. You that I wasn't what I was be anymore. You that I wasn't what I was be anymore. You know, you don't have to be a you don't know, you don't have to be a you don't know, you don't have to be a you don't have to be a theologian. You don't have have to be a theologian. You don't have have to be a theologian. You don't have to know three scriptures to know that to know three scriptures to know that to know three scriptures to know that when you got down here, you you you you when you got down here, you you you you when you got down here, you you you you were one way. And when you got up and were one way. And when you got up and were one way. And when you got up and walked back to that pew, you were a walked back to that pew, you were a walked back to that pew, you were a different man. You don't have to be a different man. You don't have to be a different man. You don't have to be a theologian to understand that. You don't theologian to understand that. You don't theologian to understand that. You don't have to be versed in the scriptures to have to be versed in the scriptures to have to be versed in the scriptures to know uh about like the blind man when know uh about like the blind man when know uh about like the blind man when they tried to pinpoint the blind man and they tried to pinpoint the blind man and they tried to pinpoint the blind man and they asked his parents and they say, "Go they asked his parents and they say, "Go they asked his parents and they say, "Go ask him. He's of age." And they asked ask him. He's of age." And they asked ask him. He's of age." And they asked the blind man about whether it was the blind man about whether it was the blind man about whether it was Christ that healed him. He said, Christ that healed him. He said, Christ that healed him. He said, "Whether he's this or that, I know not. "Whether he's this or that, I know not. "Whether he's this or that, I know not. But one thing I do know, he said, "I was But one thing I do know, he said, "I was But one thing I do know, he said, "I was blind, but now I see." One thing you do blind, but now I see." One thing you do blind, but now I see." One thing you do know tonight, if you're sitting on that know tonight, if you're sitting on that know tonight, if you're sitting on that pew and you've been delivered from the pew and you've been delivered from the pew and you've been delivered from the bondage and the power of sin, one thing bondage and the power of sin, one thing bondage and the power of sin, one thing you do know that one day, one day you you do know that one day, one day you you do know that one day, one day you come down to an altar and you were come down to an altar and you were come down to an altar and you were blind, and one day you got up from that blind, and one day you got up from that blind, and one day you got up from that altar and you were a free man, a new altar and you were a free man, a new altar and you were a free man, a new man, a man that has been delivered by man, a man that has been delivered by man, a man that has been delivered by the power of the blood of Jesus Christ. the power of the blood of Jesus Christ. the power of the blood of Jesus Christ. That's one thing we did know. Thank you, That's one thing we did know. Thank you, That's one thing we did know. Thank you, Lord. Lord. Lord. Peter stirred. Peter give him an answer. Peter stirred. Peter give him an answer. Peter stirred. Peter give him an answer. The identity of Christ is at the heart The identity of Christ is at the heart The identity of Christ is at the heart of this story. And the identity of of this story. And the identity of of this story. And the identity of Christ is at the heart of our lives. Christ is at the heart of our lives. Christ is at the heart of our lives. Understanding who he is that question. Understanding who he is that question. Understanding who he is that question. He came to live among God's creation to He came to live among God's creation to He came to live among God's creation to show a way back to the creator. He came show a way back to the creator. He came show a way back to the creator. He came to live among his own creation to live among his own creation to live among his own creation to show a way back to the creator. When to show a way back to the creator. When to show a way back to the creator. When man was separated by sin from the man was separated by sin from the man was separated by sin from the creator, our answer to Jesus questions creator, our answer to Jesus questions creator, our answer to Jesus questions reflects the truth of our experience reflects the truth of our experience reflects the truth of our experience with him. Your answer to the question, with him. Your answer to the question, with him. Your answer to the question, whom do you say that I am? And that my whom do you say that I am? And that my whom do you say that I am? And that my answer to the question will directly answer to the question will directly answer to the question will directly reflect my experience with who with him. reflect my experience with who with him. reflect my experience with who with him. Is he a stranger? Is he my Lord? Do I Is he a stranger? Is he my Lord? Do I Is he a stranger? Is he my Lord? Do I visit him occasionally? Do I just come visit him occasionally? Do I just come visit him occasionally? Do I just come to visit him Sunday morning, Sunday to visit him Sunday morning, Sunday to visit him Sunday morning, Sunday night, occasionally Tuesday night? My night, occasionally Tuesday night? My night, occasionally Tuesday night? My experience with him will answer the experience with him will answer the experience with him will answer the question, question, question, who do you say that I am? who do you say that I am? who do you say that I am? My experience. Well, the second question My experience. Well, the second question My experience. Well, the second question I want to mention, actually those were I want to mention, actually those were I want to mention, actually those were two questions there, a follow-up two questions there, a follow-up two questions there, a follow-up question, but the you'll find it in uh question, but the you'll find it in uh question, but the you'll find it in uh the book of Mark 5:es 24- 29. It said, the book of Mark 5:es 24- 29. It said, the book of Mark 5:es 24- 29. It said, "A certain woman which had an issue of "A certain woman which had an issue of "A certain woman which had an issue of blood 12 years suffered many things of blood 12 years suffered many things of blood 12 years suffered many things of many physicians and had spent all that many physicians and had spent all that many physicians and had spent all that she had. She was not any better, but she had. She was not any better, but she had. She was not any better, but rather grew worse. And when she had rather grew worse. And when she had rather grew worse. And when she had heard of Jesus, she came in the press heard of Jesus, she came in the press heard of Jesus, she came in the press behind and she touched his garment. For behind and she touched his garment. For behind and she touched his garment. For she said, "If I may but touch his she said, "If I may but touch his she said, "If I may but touch his clothes, I shall be whole." And clothes, I shall be whole." And clothes, I shall be whole." And straightway the fountain of her blood straightway the fountain of her blood straightway the fountain of her blood was dried up and she felt in her body was dried up and she felt in her body was dried up and she felt in her body and she was healed of that plague. And and she was healed of that plague. And and she was healed of that plague. And as you continue the story, you'll get to as you continue the story, you'll get to as you continue the story, you'll get to the point that Christ turned around and the point that Christ turned around and the point that Christ turned around and he asked her a very pointed question. he asked her a very pointed question. he asked her a very pointed question. Who touched me? Who touched me? Who touched me? Immedi immediately knowing in himself Immedi immediately knowing in himself Immedi immediately knowing in himself virtue gone out he turned about in the virtue gone out he turned about in the virtue gone out he turned about in the press and he said who touched my clothes press and he said who touched my clothes press and he said who touched my clothes who touched me who touched me who touched me this woman let's let's look at the this woman let's let's look at the this woman let's let's look at the people in the event here in this qu people in the event here in this qu people in the event here in this qu because this is an important question because this is an important question because this is an important question who touched me and it goes a lot deeper who touched me and it goes a lot deeper who touched me and it goes a lot deeper than just reaching out and touching his than just reaching out and touching his than just reaching out and touching his garment that question applies today and garment that question applies today and garment that question applies today and it's a relative question today number it's a relative question today number it's a relative question today number one let's look at the woman she was a one let's look at the woman she was a one let's look at the woman she was a desperate woman for 12 years she had a desperate woman for 12 years she had a desperate woman for 12 years she had a bleeding issue you. And for 12 years, bleeding issue you. And for 12 years, bleeding issue you. And for 12 years, she went to see every doctor she could she went to see every doctor she could she went to see every doctor she could find and spend all the money she had. find and spend all the money she had. find and spend all the money she had. And she didn't not only not get better, And she didn't not only not get better, And she didn't not only not get better, she got worse. So this lady was was in a she got worse. So this lady was was in a she got worse. So this lady was was in a bad way. She'd been living a life bad way. She'd been living a life bad way. She'd been living a life social, spiritual, and physical torment. social, spiritual, and physical torment. social, spiritual, and physical torment. All right? Not just physical, social, All right? Not just physical, social, All right? Not just physical, social, and spiritual. What do you mean by this? and spiritual. What do you mean by this? and spiritual. What do you mean by this? Uh if you look at the Levitical law, by Uh if you look at the Levitical law, by Uh if you look at the Levitical law, by her having an issue of blood, she was her having an issue of blood, she was her having an issue of blood, she was considered unclean and she wasn't considered unclean and she wasn't considered unclean and she wasn't allowed to go into the temple and she allowed to go into the temple and she allowed to go into the temple and she wasn't supposed to be around and wasn't supposed to be around and wasn't supposed to be around and touching that pre pressing through that touching that pre pressing through that touching that pre pressing through that crowd because of her uncleanness and she crowd because of her uncleanness and she crowd because of her uncleanness and she knew it was a violation of Levitical law knew it was a violation of Levitical law knew it was a violation of Levitical law when she did that. So, not only was she when she did that. So, not only was she when she did that. So, not only was she was she was physically torment, she was was she was physically torment, she was was she was physically torment, she was spiritual torment cuz she weren't spiritual torment cuz she weren't spiritual torment cuz she weren't allowed to go into the temple and and allowed to go into the temple and and allowed to go into the temple and and her social torment because she wasn't her social torment because she wasn't her social torment because she wasn't allowed to be around anybody. allowed to be around anybody. allowed to be around anybody. That's the condition of this woman. But That's the condition of this woman. But That's the condition of this woman. But she heard of Jesus. That was the thing she heard of Jesus. That was the thing she heard of Jesus. That was the thing there. And and she pressed through the there. And and she pressed through the there. And and she pressed through the crowd, breaking her religious law in crowd, breaking her religious law in crowd, breaking her religious law in order to make her way to Jesus. So order to make her way to Jesus. So order to make her way to Jesus. So again, she broke through her religion. again, she broke through her religion. again, she broke through her religion. She broke through that religion that She broke through that religion that She broke through that religion that kept her back and told her she was kept her back and told her she was kept her back and told her she was supposed to be unclean. And she broke supposed to be unclean. And she broke supposed to be unclean. And she broke through that religion that told her she through that religion that told her she through that religion that told her she shouldn't bother him. And she broke shouldn't bother him. And she broke shouldn't bother him. And she broke through that religion and she pressed through that religion and she pressed through that religion and she pressed through that crowd cuz she understood. through that crowd cuz she understood. through that crowd cuz she understood. She heard Christ was coming and she She heard Christ was coming and she She heard Christ was coming and she said, "If I may but touch him." She said, "If I may but touch him." She said, "If I may but touch him." She heard he was coming and she went to meet heard he was coming and she went to meet heard he was coming and she went to meet him. She heard and she went. She heard him. She heard and she went. She heard him. She heard and she went. She heard and she went. That's what God wants us and she went. That's what God wants us and she went. That's what God wants us to understand tonight. We hear and we to understand tonight. We hear and we to understand tonight. We hear and we go. faith that state that we go. You go. faith that state that we go. You go. faith that state that we go. You hear and she went. So again, we see uh hear and she went. So again, we see uh hear and she went. So again, we see uh though that she made her way through though that she made her way through though that she made her way through that crowd. She fought through that that crowd. She fought through that that crowd. She fought through that religion. God is not interested in religion. God is not interested in religion. God is not interested in religion. What he is interested in uh is religion. What he is interested in uh is religion. What he is interested in uh is for you to reach out in faith and get for you to reach out in faith and get for you to reach out in faith and get hold of his son and know who he is to hold of his son and know who he is to hold of his son and know who he is to you and and and reach out and touch him. you and and and reach out and touch him. you and and and reach out and touch him. That's what he's interested in tonight. That's what he's interested in tonight. That's what he's interested in tonight. She fought through her religion. She She fought through her religion. She She fought through her religion. She fought through the crowd were fought through the crowd were fought through the crowd were spectators. See, you had a crowd of spectators. See, you had a crowd of spectators. See, you had a crowd of spectators that were walking with him, spectators that were walking with him, spectators that were walking with him, thronging Christ. All these people thronging Christ. All these people thronging Christ. All these people surrounded him, bumping into him, and surrounded him, bumping into him, and surrounded him, bumping into him, and and he's walking and and those and he's walking and and those and he's walking and and those spectators had already seen the spectators had already seen the spectators had already seen the miracles, seen him feed the 5,000. And miracles, seen him feed the 5,000. And miracles, seen him feed the 5,000. And the spectators wanted to see what else the spectators wanted to see what else the spectators wanted to see what else he was going to do. But the woman desired a life-changing But the woman desired a life-changing encounter. encounter. encounter. The crowd were spectators, but she was The crowd were spectators, but she was The crowd were spectators, but she was looking a life-changing encounter. looking a life-changing encounter. looking a life-changing encounter. There's people that come to church and There's people that come to church and There's people that come to church and they sit on pews and they're nothing they sit on pews and they're nothing they sit on pews and they're nothing more than spectators. more than spectators. more than spectators. Looking to see what's going to go on, Looking to see what's going to go on, Looking to see what's going to go on, looking to see looking for entertainment looking to see looking for entertainment looking to see looking for entertainment whether they realize it or not. How loud whether they realize it or not. How loud whether they realize it or not. How loud the shout and what what's going to the shout and what what's going to the shout and what what's going to happen today and what's going A lot of happen today and what's going A lot of happen today and what's going A lot of people come in to the house of God as people come in to the house of God as people come in to the house of God as spectators. But we need to come in like spectators. But we need to come in like spectators. But we need to come in like this lady did as she heard and she went this lady did as she heard and she went this lady did as she heard and she went and she purposed that she was going to and she purposed that she was going to and she purposed that she was going to reach out and break through her reach out and break through her reach out and break through her religion, her dryness, her isolation, religion, her dryness, her isolation, religion, her dryness, her isolation, and she was going to touch Christ and she was going to touch Christ and she was going to touch Christ because she needed a lifechanging because she needed a lifechanging because she needed a lifechanging experience. She was tired of religion. experience. She was tired of religion. experience. She was tired of religion. She was tired of formality. She was tired of formality. She was tired of formality. She was tired if she was ever a She was tired if she was ever a She was tired if she was ever a spectator. spectator. spectator. I'm I'm I'm not I'm not a spectator I'm I'm I'm not I'm not a spectator I'm I'm I'm not I'm not a spectator anymore. I'm ready for a lifechanging anymore. I'm ready for a lifechanging anymore. I'm ready for a lifechanging experience. And that was her mindset. experience. And that was her mindset. experience. And that was her mindset. And when we come to the house of God, we And when we come to the house of God, we And when we come to the house of God, we need to expect a lifechanging need to expect a lifechanging need to expect a lifechanging experience. We need to have the faith experience. We need to have the faith experience. We need to have the faith this lady had when Jesus said, "Who this lady had when Jesus said, "Who this lady had when Jesus said, "Who touched me?" What do you mean who touched me?" What do you mean who touched me?" What do you mean who touched you? All the crowds strong in touched you? All the crowds strong in touched you? All the crowds strong in you. That was the response he got. But you. That was the response he got. But you. That was the response he got. But those were spectators. The one touched those were spectators. The one touched those were spectators. The one touched that mattered. that mattered. that mattered. Here's what got his attention. What What Here's what got his attention. What What Here's what got his attention. What What got Christ's attention? that woman's got Christ's attention? that woman's got Christ's attention? that woman's faith and fire went out from him into her. and fire went out from him into her. Well, what got his attention was her Well, what got his attention was her Well, what got his attention was her faith because he turned around and told faith because he turned around and told faith because he turned around and told her that she was healed because of her her that she was healed because of her her that she was healed because of her faith. faith. faith. If you want c one way to get Christ's If you want c one way to get Christ's If you want c one way to get Christ's attention is faith. Remember that attention is faith. Remember that attention is faith. Remember that question we began in my introduction question we began in my introduction question we began in my introduction when he said, "When the son of man when he said, "When the son of man when he said, "When the son of man comes, shall he find any faith on the comes, shall he find any faith on the comes, shall he find any faith on the earth?" earth?" earth?" Faith will get the attention of Christ. Faith will get the attention of Christ. Faith will get the attention of Christ. Jesus asked, "Who touched me?" Not Jesus asked, "Who touched me?" Not Jesus asked, "Who touched me?" Not because he liked knowledge, but to because he liked knowledge, but to because he liked knowledge, but to publicly acknowledge the woman's faith. publicly acknowledge the woman's faith. publicly acknowledge the woman's faith. He said what he did and draw her out of He said what he did and draw her out of He said what he did and draw her out of an enemity anonymity and declare her an enemity anonymity and declare her an enemity anonymity and declare her healing and for the sake of the witness healing and for the sake of the witness healing and for the sake of the witness or the testimony. That's why he said, or the testimony. That's why he said, or the testimony. That's why he said, "Who touched me?" He knew. He already "Who touched me?" He knew. He already "Who touched me?" He knew. He already knew who touched him. He's He's God. He knew who touched him. He's He's God. He knew who touched him. He's He's God. He knows everything. But he did to call her knows everything. But he did to call her knows everything. But he did to call her out and for her testimony to be heard. out and for her testimony to be heard. out and for her testimony to be heard. And now she's no longer needs to be And now she's no longer needs to be And now she's no longer needs to be isolated. Can you imagine the fear of isolated. Can you imagine the fear of isolated. Can you imagine the fear of this lady because she was unclean and this lady because she was unclean and this lady because she was unclean and knowing she was breaking the Levitical knowing she was breaking the Levitical knowing she was breaking the Levitical law as she began to make her way law as she began to make her way law as she began to make her way silently through and the the the crowd silently through and the the the crowd silently through and the the the crowd uh to reach out and to get to Christ. Uh uh to reach out and to get to Christ. Uh uh to reach out and to get to Christ. Uh she didn't let it stop her, but can you she didn't let it stop her, but can you she didn't let it stop her, but can you imagine there was hesitancy. I'm sure imagine there was hesitancy. I'm sure imagine there was hesitancy. I'm sure there was fear. But she purposed in her there was fear. But she purposed in her there was fear. But she purposed in her mind one thing and one thing only is I'm mind one thing and one thing only is I'm mind one thing and one thing only is I'm going to go and find him and I'm going going to go and find him and I'm going going to go and find him and I'm going to touch him when I get to him. And to touch him when I get to him. And to touch him when I get to him. And that's what we got to do as a church. Uh that's what we got to do as a church. Uh that's what we got to do as a church. Uh we got to understand that question. So we got to understand that question. So we got to understand that question. So again uh where did this faith come from? again uh where did this faith come from? again uh where did this faith come from? Where does faith come from? Man can't Where does faith come from? Man can't Where does faith come from? Man can't decide to just think it up or conjure it decide to just think it up or conjure it decide to just think it up or conjure it up. Faith comes from God. God has dealt up. Faith comes from God. God has dealt up. Faith comes from God. God has dealt every man a measure of faith. Faith every man a measure of faith. Faith every man a measure of faith. Faith comes is departed from God. This is more comes is departed from God. This is more comes is departed from God. This is more than a physical healing. This lady got than a physical healing. This lady got than a physical healing. This lady got it was restoration to her dignity, her it was restoration to her dignity, her it was restoration to her dignity, her identity, and her community. Jesus identity, and her community. Jesus identity, and her community. Jesus question turned a private miracle into a question turned a private miracle into a question turned a private miracle into a public testimony. When God does public testimony. When God does public testimony. When God does something for you, you need to come to something for you, you need to come to something for you, you need to come to the house of God and you need to testify the house of God and you need to testify the house of God and you need to testify and you need to let people know. Why? and you need to let people know. Why? and you need to let people know. Why? Not not for you to be heard, but but but Not not for you to be heard, but but but Not not for you to be heard, but but but for people to hear and and and the for people to hear and and and the for people to hear and and and the testimony of what God has done because testimony of what God has done because testimony of what God has done because in turn that will build up their faith in turn that will build up their faith in turn that will build up their faith and build up the the the body of Christ and build up the the the body of Christ and build up the the the body of Christ and encourage the body of Christ. When and encourage the body of Christ. When and encourage the body of Christ. When God does a miracle for us, uh when God God does a miracle for us, uh when God God does a miracle for us, uh when God does something for us, uh we need to does something for us, uh we need to does something for us, uh we need to come to the house of God and we need to come to the house of God and we need to come to the house of God and we need to testify about that miracle that there's testify about that miracle that there's testify about that miracle that there's not enough testimonies going on anymore. not enough testimonies going on anymore. not enough testimonies going on anymore. Used to you'd see testimonies like Used to you'd see testimonies like Used to you'd see testimonies like popcorn. Testimonies like popcorn about popcorn. Testimonies like popcorn about popcorn. Testimonies like popcorn about the goodness of God and what he's done the goodness of God and what he's done the goodness of God and what he's done that that that we don't see it like we that that that we don't see it like we that that that we don't see it like we used to anymore. But what we need to do used to anymore. But what we need to do used to anymore. But what we need to do is get back to the faith and reality. is get back to the faith and reality. is get back to the faith and reality. And when God does something for you, we And when God does something for you, we And when God does something for you, we need to testify to encourage others that need to testify to encourage others that need to testify to encourage others that God did it for me, he'll do it for you. God did it for me, he'll do it for you. God did it for me, he'll do it for you. There's a purpose behind the testimony. There's a purpose behind the testimony. There's a purpose behind the testimony. Shame on me if God performed a miracle Shame on me if God performed a miracle Shame on me if God performed a miracle and I'll come and I won't even open my and I'll come and I won't even open my and I'll come and I won't even open my mouth and tell and and give him glory uh mouth and tell and and give him glory uh mouth and tell and and give him glory uh so that he can edify the body of Christ. So again, that's what the purpose of So again, that's what the purpose of what happened. So again, where did the what happened. So again, where did the what happened. So again, where did the faith come from? It will come from God. faith come from? It will come from God. faith come from? It will come from God. Faith is a work of God. The Holy Spirit Faith is a work of God. The Holy Spirit Faith is a work of God. The Holy Spirit creates faith within us. creates faith within us. creates faith within us. You have a fruit of faith. You have a fruit of faith. You have a fruit of faith. The So that tells you the spirit. The So that tells you the spirit. The So that tells you the spirit. The fruit of the spirit that tells you The fruit of the spirit that tells you The fruit of the spirit that tells you he will develop your faith if you allow he will develop your faith if you allow he will develop your faith if you allow him to. And then you have a spiritual him to. And then you have a spiritual him to. And then you have a spiritual gift of faith, supernatural faith. And gift of faith, supernatural faith. And gift of faith, supernatural faith. And that is we should be he said he said that is we should be he said he said that is we should be he said he said that the church should be desiring the that the church should be desiring the that the church should be desiring the gifts of the spirit. How many of us and gifts of the spirit. How many of us and gifts of the spirit. How many of us and I I'm just say I said us. How many of us I I'm just say I said us. How many of us I I'm just say I said us. How many of us are desiring and praying for the gifts are desiring and praying for the gifts are desiring and praying for the gifts of the spirit? That's what his of the spirit? That's what his of the spirit? That's what his instructions were. instructions were. instructions were. We're living below our means and what we We're living below our means and what we We're living below our means and what we need to do is is get hold of the Lord need to do is is get hold of the Lord need to do is is get hold of the Lord and let him get hold of us and seek and and let him get hold of us and seek and and let him get hold of us and seek and desire those spiritual gifts. But so desire those spiritual gifts. But so desire those spiritual gifts. But so since faith is a part a gift imparted to since faith is a part a gift imparted to since faith is a part a gift imparted to us by Christ, it's important to draw us by Christ, it's important to draw us by Christ, it's important to draw near to Christ. How do you increase your near to Christ. How do you increase your near to Christ. How do you increase your faith? By drawing near to Christ, his faith? By drawing near to Christ, his faith? By drawing near to Christ, his word, and deepen our commitment to him word, and deepen our commitment to him word, and deepen our commitment to him and confidence in him. How what do you and confidence in him. How what do you and confidence in him. How what do you mean, brother Robert? You your faith is mean, brother Robert? You your faith is mean, brother Robert? You your faith is imparted by drawing near to Christ. imparted by drawing near to Christ. imparted by drawing near to Christ. Because the Bible says faith cometh by Because the Bible says faith cometh by Because the Bible says faith cometh by hearing, hearing by the word of God. How hearing, hearing by the word of God. How hearing, hearing by the word of God. How are you going to hear are you going to hear are you going to hear unless you're drawing near to him? unless you're drawing near to him? unless you're drawing near to him? You're in his house like y'all are You're in his house like y'all are You're in his house like y'all are tonight. You're in the word. You're tonight. You're in the word. You're tonight. You're in the word. You're reading the word. Faith cometh by reading the word. Faith cometh by reading the word. Faith cometh by hearing, hearing by the word of God. If hearing, hearing by the word of God. If hearing, hearing by the word of God. If we want if we want faith uh uh then we we want if we want faith uh uh then we we want if we want faith uh uh then we need to draw near to Christ because he need to draw near to Christ because he need to draw near to Christ because he is the source of our faith. In fact, he is the source of our faith. In fact, he is the source of our faith. In fact, he is the author and finisher of our faith. is the author and finisher of our faith. is the author and finisher of our faith. His presence and our obedience to his His presence and our obedience to his His presence and our obedience to his word or s the source and the secret of word or s the source and the secret of word or s the source and the secret of faith. tonight. It is given to faith. tonight. It is given to faith. tonight. It is given to accomplish his will and express his love accomplish his will and express his love accomplish his will and express his love for us. I heard people I wish I had so for us. I heard people I wish I had so for us. I heard people I wish I had so and so's faith. Ain't nobody super and so's faith. Ain't nobody super and so's faith. Ain't nobody super spiritual in this. Nobody has such great spiritual in this. Nobody has such great spiritual in this. Nobody has such great faith and you have little faith. All you faith and you have little faith. All you faith and you have little faith. All you need is a little faith as long as you need is a little faith as long as you need is a little faith as long as you have that faith. Because in fact, he have that faith. Because in fact, he have that faith. Because in fact, he said if you have the faith as of a grain said if you have the faith as of a grain said if you have the faith as of a grain of mustard seed, you can't even hardly of mustard seed, you can't even hardly of mustard seed, you can't even hardly see a mustard seed. If but if you have a see a mustard seed. If but if you have a see a mustard seed. If but if you have a little faith, it's not how much faith little faith, it's not how much faith little faith, it's not how much faith you got, it's who your faith is in. A you got, it's who your faith is in. A you got, it's who your faith is in. A little faith in Jesus Christ uh in the little faith in Jesus Christ uh in the little faith in Jesus Christ uh in the finished work on Calvary on the cross of finished work on Calvary on the cross of finished work on Calvary on the cross of Calvary. A little faith in understanding Calvary. A little faith in understanding Calvary. A little faith in understanding what happened on that hill that day and what happened on that hill that day and what happened on that hill that day and what it did for me and how it applies to what it did for me and how it applies to what it did for me and how it applies to my life and the way I am to live today. my life and the way I am to live today. my life and the way I am to live today. A little faith in that is m is is is A little faith in that is m is is is A little faith in that is m is is is better than a lot of faith in the wrong better than a lot of faith in the wrong better than a lot of faith in the wrong object. object. object. People have great faith in themsel. They People have great faith in themsel. They People have great faith in themsel. They have faith in their faith. have faith in their faith. have faith in their faith. A little faith in the son of God will A little faith in the son of God will A little faith in the son of God will take you where you need to go. So again, take you where you need to go. So again, take you where you need to go. So again, faith he the drawing close to him. If faith he the drawing close to him. If faith he the drawing close to him. If you want your faith to increase, draw you want your faith to increase, draw you want your faith to increase, draw closer to him. Put down put down things closer to him. Put down put down things closer to him. Put down put down things that are distracting. Put down things that are distracting. Put down things that are distracting. Put down things that are robbing time. that are robbing time. that are robbing time. If I'm spending three hours a day on a If I'm spending three hours a day on a If I'm spending three hours a day on a phone or television or combination phone or television or combination phone or television or combination and I'm spending 15 minutes in the word and I'm spending 15 minutes in the word and I'm spending 15 minutes in the word of God, no wonder I don't have any more of God, no wonder I don't have any more of God, no wonder I don't have any more faith than I do. I've got to draw near faith than I do. I've got to draw near faith than I do. I've got to draw near to him. to him. to him. I've got to give him my attention and I've got to give him my attention and I've got to give him my attention and I've got to I've got to draw near to I've got to I've got to draw near to I've got to I've got to draw near to him. Well, the third question here is uh him. Well, the third question here is uh him. Well, the third question here is uh found in the book of John chapter 21. found in the book of John chapter 21. found in the book of John chapter 21. Uh, and we see beginning with verse 15 Uh, and we see beginning with verse 15 Uh, and we see beginning with verse 15 said, "So when they had dined, Jesus said, "So when they had dined, Jesus said, "So when they had dined, Jesus said to Simon Peter," Simon son of said to Simon Peter," Simon son of said to Simon Peter," Simon son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He said unto him, "Yay, Lord, thou He said unto him, "Yay, Lord, thou He said unto him, "Yay, Lord, thou knowest that I love thee?" He said unto knowest that I love thee?" He said unto knowest that I love thee?" He said unto them, "Feed my lambs." He said unto him them, "Feed my lambs." He said unto him them, "Feed my lambs." He said unto him again the second time, "Simon, son of again the second time, "Simon, son of again the second time, "Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me?" He said to him, Jonas, lovest thou me?" He said to him, Jonas, lovest thou me?" He said to him, "Yay, Lord, thou knowest that I love "Yay, Lord, thou knowest that I love "Yay, Lord, thou knowest that I love thee." He said to them, "Feed my sheep." thee." He said to them, "Feed my sheep." thee." He said to them, "Feed my sheep." He said to him a third time, "Simon, son He said to him a third time, "Simon, son He said to him a third time, "Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me?" And he said of Jonas, lovest thou me?" And he said of Jonas, lovest thou me?" And he said unto him, "Lord, thou knowest all unto him, "Lord, thou knowest all unto him, "Lord, thou knowest all things. Thou know that I love thee." things. Thou know that I love thee." things. Thou know that I love thee." Jesus said unto him, "Feed my sheep." So Jesus said unto him, "Feed my sheep." So Jesus said unto him, "Feed my sheep." So Christ asked this third question three Christ asked this third question three Christ asked this third question three times. times. times. And the question we're going to look at And the question we're going to look at And the question we're going to look at now is, "Do you love me?" Powerful now is, "Do you love me?" Powerful now is, "Do you love me?" Powerful question. That was part of the most question. That was part of the most question. That was part of the most important question Peter ever faced on important question Peter ever faced on important question Peter ever faced on his life on the face of this earth is his life on the face of this earth is his life on the face of this earth is when he stood there in front of the son when he stood there in front of the son when he stood there in front of the son of God and he asked him, "Do you love of God and he asked him, "Do you love of God and he asked him, "Do you love me?" What a question. The most important me?" What a question. The most important me?" What a question. The most important question that can ever be asked, "Do you question that can ever be asked, "Do you question that can ever be asked, "Do you love me?" See, let's look at leading up love me?" See, let's look at leading up love me?" See, let's look at leading up to this day in these three questions. to this day in these three questions. to this day in these three questions. Y'all know the story. Uh uh but we we Y'all know the story. Uh uh but we we Y'all know the story. Uh uh but we we know there was a time uh leading up uh know there was a time uh leading up uh know there was a time uh leading up uh before the crucifixion uh that Christ before the crucifixion uh that Christ before the crucifixion uh that Christ told Peter, he said, "Simon, Simon, told Peter, he said, "Simon, Simon, told Peter, he said, "Simon, Simon, Satan desires to have you that he might Satan desires to have you that he might Satan desires to have you that he might sift you as wheat." He said, "But I sift you as wheat." He said, "But I sift you as wheat." He said, "But I prayed for you that your faith fail not prayed for you that your faith fail not prayed for you that your faith fail not and when thou are converted, strengthen and when thou are converted, strengthen and when thou are converted, strengthen thy brethren." And that was the thy brethren." And that was the thy brethren." And that was the instruction that Christ gave events instruction that Christ gave events instruction that Christ gave events leading up to this question. Do you love leading up to this question. Do you love leading up to this question. Do you love me? Uh and again sifting wheat was what me? Uh and again sifting wheat was what me? Uh and again sifting wheat was what is what does he mean by Satan desires to is what does he mean by Satan desires to is what does he mean by Satan desires to have you there he might sift you as have you there he might sift you as have you there he might sift you as wheat. Uh wheat was harvested it was wheat. Uh wheat was harvested it was wheat. Uh wheat was harvested it was beaten. It was thrown into the air or beaten. It was thrown into the air or beaten. It was thrown into the air or shaken in a sea so that the lighter shaken in a sea so that the lighter shaken in a sea so that the lighter shaft will be blown away and the heavier shaft will be blown away and the heavier shaft will be blown away and the heavier seed leaving the heavier useless kernels seed leaving the heavier useless kernels seed leaving the heavier useless kernels will be left behind. And that's what it will be left behind. And that's what it will be left behind. And that's what it meant to uh sift as as wheat. And that's meant to uh sift as as wheat. And that's meant to uh sift as as wheat. And that's the way it happened. And what Christ was the way it happened. And what Christ was the way it happened. And what Christ was telling Peter is Satan intended to shake telling Peter is Satan intended to shake telling Peter is Satan intended to shake Peter's faith violently. He intended to Peter's faith violently. He intended to Peter's faith violently. He intended to test uh his loyalty and confidence to test uh his loyalty and confidence to test uh his loyalty and confidence to Christ. May I tell you today that c the Christ. May I tell you today that c the Christ. May I tell you today that c the enemy is out to try to shake your faith enemy is out to try to shake your faith enemy is out to try to shake your faith uh and not only shake it, shake it uh and not only shake it, shake it uh and not only shake it, shake it violently. And he's trying to destroy violently. And he's trying to destroy violently. And he's trying to destroy your confidence uh in who Jesus Christ your confidence uh in who Jesus Christ your confidence uh in who Jesus Christ is. All these questions point to is. All these questions point to is. All these questions point to understanding who he is and trusting in understanding who he is and trusting in understanding who he is and trusting in him. And then here we see the ironic him. And then here we see the ironic him. And then here we see the ironic thing was Christ told Peter. He didn't thing was Christ told Peter. He didn't thing was Christ told Peter. He didn't say Satan desires to have you that he say Satan desires to have you that he say Satan desires to have you that he might sift you as wheat, but I'm not might sift you as wheat, but I'm not might sift you as wheat, but I'm not going to let him. He didn't say, "I'm not going to let him He didn't say, "I'm not going to let him sift you." sift you." sift you." But he did say, "I'll be praying for But he did say, "I'll be praying for But he did say, "I'll be praying for you. I'm going to pray, Peter, that when you. I'm going to pray, Peter, that when you. I'm going to pray, Peter, that when you're sifted, when you're tried and you're sifted, when you're tried and you're sifted, when you're tried and tested, and when you face a situation tested, and when you face a situation tested, and when you face a situation that literally knocks your spiritual that literally knocks your spiritual that literally knocks your spiritual breath out of you, then I'm praying for breath out of you, then I'm praying for breath out of you, then I'm praying for you, Peter, that at that moment, in that you, Peter, that at that moment, in that you, Peter, that at that moment, in that darkest hour, that your faith does not darkest hour, that your faith does not darkest hour, that your faith does not fail you. That you realize in that dark fail you. That you realize in that dark fail you. That you realize in that dark hour, I'm still Christ. Uh, and I'm hour, I'm still Christ. Uh, and I'm hour, I'm still Christ. Uh, and I'm still the son of God, and I still love still the son of God, and I still love still the son of God, and I still love you and I'm still for you. Uh, and I'm you and I'm still for you. Uh, and I'm you and I'm still for you. Uh, and I'm there with you. Uh Peter, I'm going to there with you. Uh Peter, I'm going to there with you. Uh Peter, I'm going to pray for you that when you are sifted, pray for you that when you are sifted, pray for you that when you are sifted, your faith does not fail. Uh we all have your faith does not fail. Uh we all have your faith does not fail. Uh we all have been sifted. And if you haven't been been sifted. And if you haven't been been sifted. And if you haven't been sifted, the enemy will come along and sifted, the enemy will come along and sifted, the enemy will come along and try to sift you again. Uh and again, uh try to sift you again. Uh and again, uh try to sift you again. Uh and again, uh he'll try to destroy your faith. he'll try to destroy your faith. he'll try to destroy your faith. As a young Christian, I'm not going to As a young Christian, I'm not going to As a young Christian, I'm not going to diverge the details, but as a young diverge the details, but as a young diverge the details, but as a young Christian, Christian, Christian, my daddy was uh diagnosed with cancer. my daddy was uh diagnosed with cancer. my daddy was uh diagnosed with cancer. And there was uh and this was years ago And there was uh and this was years ago And there was uh and this was years ago and nobody knows who I'm talking about. and nobody knows who I'm talking about. and nobody knows who I'm talking about. It was years ago in fact but we were in It was years ago in fact but we were in It was years ago in fact but we were in the old church the old church the old church and I was young in the Lord and I didn't and I was young in the Lord and I didn't and I was young in the Lord and I didn't know a whole lot of nothing. I don't know a whole lot of nothing. I don't know a whole lot of nothing. I don't know much now. I didn't know a whole lot know much now. I didn't know a whole lot know much now. I didn't know a whole lot of nothing back then but there was a of nothing back then but there was a of nothing back then but there was a there was somebody that give a message there was somebody that give a message there was somebody that give a message and interpreted in tongues that my daddy and interpreted in tongues that my daddy and interpreted in tongues that my daddy would be healed. Well, I'm a young would be healed. Well, I'm a young would be healed. Well, I'm a young Christian. I took that. Christian. I took that. Christian. I took that. I held on to it. Well, my daddy drew his I held on to it. Well, my daddy drew his I held on to it. Well, my daddy drew his last breath. You're talking about last breath. You're talking about last breath. You're talking about sifted. sifted. sifted. You're talking about the enemy trying to You're talking about the enemy trying to You're talking about the enemy trying to come and and and and and laugh in my come and and and and and laugh in my come and and and and and laugh in my face and destroy my confidence in God. face and destroy my confidence in God. face and destroy my confidence in God. That was the time in my life. That was That was the time in my life. That was That was the time in my life. That was one of the times in my life that I was one of the times in my life that I was one of the times in my life that I was sifted because I know what I heard and I sifted because I know what I heard and I sifted because I know what I heard and I believed and I but yet I seen. But believed and I but yet I seen. But believed and I but yet I seen. But here's what I knew and here's what kept here's what I knew and here's what kept here's what I knew and here's what kept me in the faith and it's going to keep me in the faith and it's going to keep me in the faith and it's going to keep you in the faith when you're sifted and you in the faith when you're sifted and you in the faith when you're sifted and when the devil laughs in your face and when the devil laughs in your face and when the devil laughs in your face and says, "Where's God now?" I thought you says, "Where's God now?" I thought you says, "Where's God now?" I thought you trusted him. Here's what's going to keep trusted him. Here's what's going to keep trusted him. Here's what's going to keep you. I didn't understand why that you. I didn't understand why that you. I didn't understand why that happened. I didn't have all the answers, happened. I didn't have all the answers, happened. I didn't have all the answers, but one thing I knew. I looked in the but one thing I knew. I looked in the but one thing I knew. I looked in the mirror and I said, "You're a new man. mirror and I said, "You're a new man. mirror and I said, "You're a new man. You're not what you used to be. That You're not what you used to be. That You're not what you used to be. That that wasn't a facade. That wasn't that that wasn't a facade. That wasn't that that wasn't a facade. That wasn't that wasn't a storyline. So, I know God is wasn't a storyline. So, I know God is wasn't a storyline. So, I know God is real. I know God is real because I know real. I know God is real because I know real. I know God is real because I know I see the miracle in me. So I know I I see the miracle in me. So I know I I see the miracle in me. So I know I don't understand that situation, but I don't understand that situation, but I don't understand that situation, but I can look and I can know that God is real can look and I can know that God is real can look and I can know that God is real because I can look at my miracle. I can because I can look at my miracle. I can because I can look at my miracle. I can look at the miracle done within the look at the miracle done within the look at the miracle done within the heart of Robert. And when the enemy heart of Robert. And when the enemy heart of Robert. And when the enemy wants to sift you, uh, and he's trying wants to sift you, uh, and he's trying wants to sift you, uh, and he's trying to take a and and literally knock the to take a and and literally knock the to take a and and literally knock the spiritual breath out of you, uh, and spiritual breath out of you, uh, and spiritual breath out of you, uh, and destroy your faith and confidence in destroy your faith and confidence in destroy your faith and confidence in God, you look and say, "Oh, no. I I know God, you look and say, "Oh, no. I I know God, you look and say, "Oh, no. I I know what he has done for me in my life up to what he has done for me in my life up to what he has done for me in my life up to this point. I know who he is, and I know this point. I know who he is, and I know this point. I know who he is, and I know what I am in him." And you're not, what I am in him." And you're not, what I am in him." And you're not, you've come too late to to convince me you've come too late to to convince me you've come too late to to convince me that God is not real or he doesn't love that God is not real or he doesn't love that God is not real or he doesn't love me or it's just a facade. uh you will be me or it's just a facade. uh you will be me or it's just a facade. uh you will be sifted. But it's in that darkest hour sifted. But it's in that darkest hour sifted. But it's in that darkest hour when the devil tells you whatever you're when the devil tells you whatever you're when the devil tells you whatever you're looking for is impossible and you begin looking for is impossible and you begin looking for is impossible and you begin to dwell on that impossible. Then to dwell on that impossible. Then to dwell on that impossible. Then reminded by the word of God, if thou can reminded by the word of God, if thou can reminded by the word of God, if thou can believe, uh if thou cast believe, all believe, uh if thou cast believe, all believe, uh if thou cast believe, all things uh are possible to him that things uh are possible to him that things uh are possible to him that believeth. If thou can believe, he told believeth. If thou can believe, he told believeth. If thou can believe, he told that man, all things are possible to him that man, all things are possible to him that man, all things are possible to him that believe. in the darkest hour when that believe. in the darkest hour when that believe. in the darkest hour when it looks impossible. Remind yourself and it looks impossible. Remind yourself and it looks impossible. Remind yourself and encourage yourself in the Lord that all encourage yourself in the Lord that all encourage yourself in the Lord that all things are possible. If we can believe things are possible. If we can believe things are possible. If we can believe with God, all things are possible with God, all things are possible with God, all things are possible tonight. If you believe it, say amen. tonight. If you believe it, say amen. tonight. If you believe it, say amen. Lift your hands. Worship the Lord. All Lift your hands. Worship the Lord. All Lift your hands. Worship the Lord. All things are possible to him that things are possible to him that things are possible to him that believeth. believeth. believeth. Thank you, Lord. Glory. So again, we see Christ acknowledged he So again, we see Christ acknowledged he would allow Peter to be sifted, but he would allow Peter to be sifted, but he would allow Peter to be sifted, but he said, "I'm going to pray for you that said, "I'm going to pray for you that said, "I'm going to pray for you that your fate fell not." That day, that day, your fate fell not." That day, that day, your fate fell not." That day, that day, I was sifted as a young Christian. I was sifted as a young Christian. I was sifted as a young Christian. Christ was praying for me. No doubt. Christ was praying for me. No doubt. Christ was praying for me. No doubt. Just like he told Peter, Just like he told Peter, Just like he told Peter, and he's the one I have no doubt, to and he's the one I have no doubt, to and he's the one I have no doubt, to reminded me, son, you've seen the reminded me, son, you've seen the reminded me, son, you've seen the miracle in you. miracle in you. miracle in you. And you know I'm real. And that's what I And you know I'm real. And that's what I And you know I'm real. And that's what I held on to at that moment held on to at that moment held on to at that moment that I that that I knew. I knew I don't that I that that I knew. I knew I don't that I that that I knew. I knew I don't understand. Things going to happen that understand. Things going to happen that understand. Things going to happen that we won't understand. It's going to knock we won't understand. It's going to knock we won't understand. It's going to knock our breath out and we'll never our breath out and we'll never our breath out and we'll never understand. But one thing we know, just understand. But one thing we know, just understand. But one thing we know, just like that blind man, I don't know this like that blind man, I don't know this like that blind man, I don't know this or that, but one thing I know, I was or that, but one thing I know, I was or that, but one thing I know, I was blind, blind, blind, but now I see. I was lost, but now I'm but now I see. I was lost, but now I'm but now I see. I was lost, but now I'm found. I was bound, but now I'm free. found. I was bound, but now I'm free. found. I was bound, but now I'm free. That's one thing I do know. Amen. It's That's one thing I do know. Amen. It's That's one thing I do know. Amen. It's one thing you do know tonight, don't one thing you do know tonight, don't one thing you do know tonight, don't you? That's what that's the main thing you? That's what that's the main thing you? That's what that's the main thing we need to know. So again, we see uh we need to know. So again, we see uh we need to know. So again, we see uh sometimes spiritual growth requires sometimes spiritual growth requires sometimes spiritual growth requires sifting. sifting. sifting. Talking about sifting now. Sometimes Talking about sifting now. Sometimes Talking about sifting now. Sometimes spiritual growth requires sifting. spiritual growth requires sifting. spiritual growth requires sifting. Peter Peter had a little problem with Peter Peter had a little problem with Peter Peter had a little problem with self-confidence. self-confidence. self-confidence. Peter had a little problem with pride. Peter had a little problem with pride. Peter had a little problem with pride. Oh no. I I I I'll go to prison and die Oh no. I I I I'll go to prison and die Oh no. I I I I'll go to prison and die for you, Lord. for you, Lord. for you, Lord. I know what I can do. I know what I'll I know what I can do. I know what I'll I know what I can do. I know what I'll do. I'll go to prison. I'll go to the do. I'll go to prison. I'll go to the do. I'll go to prison. I'll go to the end of the earth. I'll die for you. I'm end of the earth. I'll die for you. I'm end of the earth. I'll die for you. I'm paraphrasing. paraphrasing. paraphrasing. And that's when Christ told him. He And that's when Christ told him. He And that's when Christ told him. He said, "You're going to deny me three said, "You're going to deny me three said, "You're going to deny me three times." Oh no. times." Oh no. times." Oh no. Peter had a problem with a little pride Peter had a problem with a little pride Peter had a problem with a little pride and self-confidence and self-confidence and self-confidence and impulsiveness. and impulsiveness. and impulsiveness. And I believe Christ allowed him to be And I believe Christ allowed him to be And I believe Christ allowed him to be sifted for his good so that to bring him sifted for his good so that to bring him sifted for his good so that to bring him back to a place of humility where he back to a place of humility where he back to a place of humility where he realized where his strength comes from realized where his strength comes from realized where his strength comes from and where he needed to put his faith and and where he needed to put his faith and and where he needed to put his faith and trust in. So sometimes spiritual growth trust in. So sometimes spiritual growth trust in. So sometimes spiritual growth requires sifting removing it requires to requires sifting removing it requires to requires sifting removing it requires to remove weaknesses, impulsiveness, pride remove weaknesses, impulsiveness, pride remove weaknesses, impulsiveness, pride and overconfidence as what we deal with and overconfidence as what we deal with and overconfidence as what we deal with sh saw with Peter. After boasting he sh saw with Peter. After boasting he sh saw with Peter. After boasting he would never deny him and denying him would never deny him and denying him would never deny him and denying him three times. We know the story. Peter three times. We know the story. Peter three times. We know the story. Peter was grieved. So again, now we that was was grieved. So again, now we that was was grieved. So again, now we that was that was leading up to this uh that was leading up to this uh that was leading up to this uh conversation where this question was conversation where this question was conversation where this question was asked. Do you love me? So we know he asked. Do you love me? So we know he asked. Do you love me? So we know he denied Christ. Christ told him he was denied Christ. Christ told him he was denied Christ. Christ told him he was going to be sifted. He prayed for him going to be sifted. He prayed for him going to be sifted. He prayed for him that his faith not be fail. that his faith not be fail. that his faith not be fail. So Peter So Peter So Peter denied Christ. He stood by the enemy's denied Christ. He stood by the enemy's denied Christ. He stood by the enemy's fire. He uh denied knowing the man and fire. He uh denied knowing the man and fire. He uh denied knowing the man and he met he he met eye to eye with Christ he met he he met eye to eye with Christ he met he he met eye to eye with Christ and he ran out and wept bitterly. At and he ran out and wept bitterly. At and he ran out and wept bitterly. At that point, Peter was being sifted. that point, Peter was being sifted. that point, Peter was being sifted. Peter was being sifted in his moment of Peter was being sifted in his moment of Peter was being sifted in his moment of weakness, his moment of failure. He was weakness, his moment of failure. He was weakness, his moment of failure. He was being sifted. But again, he was grieved. being sifted. But again, he was grieved. being sifted. But again, he was grieved. But now Christ, he was he was But now Christ, he was he was But now Christ, he was he was resurrected. And now the uh disciples resurrected. And now the uh disciples resurrected. And now the uh disciples are back in the Sea of Galilee fishing. are back in the Sea of Galilee fishing. are back in the Sea of Galilee fishing. And they fished all night and they And they fished all night and they And they fished all night and they didn't catch anything. Well, Christ told didn't catch anything. Well, Christ told didn't catch anything. Well, Christ told him to cast her net. Y'all know the him to cast her net. Y'all know the him to cast her net. Y'all know the story on the right side. story on the right side. story on the right side. And then when they had lifted up the And then when they had lifted up the And then when they had lifted up the fish, one of the disciples said, "It's fish, one of the disciples said, "It's fish, one of the disciples said, "It's the Lord." Well, Peter heard that. He the Lord." Well, Peter heard that. He the Lord." Well, Peter heard that. He jumped out of the boat, swam to shore. jumped out of the boat, swam to shore. jumped out of the boat, swam to shore. He didn't want to wait for the boat to He didn't want to wait for the boat to He didn't want to wait for the boat to get there. So, he swam to shore get there. So, he swam to shore get there. So, he swam to shore to to go back to the Lord, to Jesus. So to to go back to the Lord, to Jesus. So to to go back to the Lord, to Jesus. So they're standing there by a fire they're standing there by a fire they're standing there by a fire and Jesus is cooking food fish on the and Jesus is cooking food fish on the and Jesus is cooking food fish on the fire fire fire and that's where this conversation takes and that's where this conversation takes and that's where this conversation takes place. I wonder if he asked him three place. I wonder if he asked him three place. I wonder if he asked him three times did he love him because he denied times did he love him because he denied times did he love him because he denied the Lord three times. I mean I I'm the Lord three times. I mean I I'm the Lord three times. I mean I I'm wonder you know that that thought wonder you know that that thought wonder you know that that thought crosses your mind. Uh did he ask him crosses your mind. Uh did he ask him crosses your mind. Uh did he ask him three times uh because he was denied three times uh because he was denied three times uh because he was denied three times? Jesus Christ asked each one three times? Jesus Christ asked each one three times? Jesus Christ asked each one of us for our heart. And that's the of us for our heart. And that's the of us for our heart. And that's the point of this whole thing. Christ don't point of this whole thing. Christ don't point of this whole thing. Christ don't want your money and he don't want your want your money and he don't want your want your money and he don't want your this and your that. He wants your heart. this and your that. He wants your heart. this and your that. He wants your heart. Because when you give him your heart, Because when you give him your heart, Because when you give him your heart, everything else comes with it. everything else comes with it. everything else comes with it. And that's what he was trying he he he And that's what he was trying he he he And that's what he was trying he he he what Christ was doing and asking Peter, what Christ was doing and asking Peter, what Christ was doing and asking Peter, he was restoring Peter. And he was tell he was restoring Peter. And he was tell he was restoring Peter. And he was tell he was letting Peter know Peter I know he was letting Peter know Peter I know he was letting Peter know Peter I know that uh you you did fail me and and you that uh you you did fail me and and you that uh you you did fail me and and you might feel condemned right now or you might feel condemned right now or you might feel condemned right now or you might feel low but I love you and I am might feel low but I love you and I am might feel low but I love you and I am here to restore you and that's what he here to restore you and that's what he here to restore you and that's what he was doing in that conversation when he was doing in that conversation when he was doing in that conversation when he asked him did he love him. This is a asked him did he love him. This is a asked him did he love him. This is a beautiful example with this question of beautiful example with this question of beautiful example with this question of a merciful savior restoring a disciple a merciful savior restoring a disciple a merciful savior restoring a disciple who aired in weakness because he had who aired in weakness because he had who aired in weakness because he had work for Peter to do. You love me, feed work for Peter to do. You love me, feed work for Peter to do. You love me, feed my sheep. Or all my lambs, you love me, my sheep. Or all my lambs, you love me, my sheep. Or all my lambs, you love me, feed my sheep. Love me, feed my sheep. feed my sheep. Love me, feed my sheep. feed my sheep. Love me, feed my sheep. So again, he still had work. You may be So again, he still had work. You may be So again, he still had work. You may be sitting here tonight, maybe you feel sitting here tonight, maybe you feel sitting here tonight, maybe you feel like a failure. Maybe you feel like you like a failure. Maybe you feel like you like a failure. Maybe you feel like you haven't measured up or lived up or haven't measured up or lived up or haven't measured up or lived up or whatever the case the enemy is trying to whatever the case the enemy is trying to whatever the case the enemy is trying to hinder you with or me. hinder you with or me. hinder you with or me. But you have a merciful savior who say But you have a merciful savior who say But you have a merciful savior who say who's asking that question and it's who's asking that question and it's who's asking that question and it's still relevant. Do you love me? still relevant. Do you love me? still relevant. Do you love me? Then get out and be and and do what I've Then get out and be and and do what I've Then get out and be and and do what I've called you to do. Don't sit there in called you to do. Don't sit there in called you to do. Don't sit there in your failure. Don't sit there in your your failure. Don't sit there in your your failure. Don't sit there in your condemnation. You love me. Get up. Get condemnation. You love me. Get up. Get condemnation. You love me. Get up. Get out. out. out. You're restored. You're forgiven. And You're restored. You're forgiven. And You're restored. You're forgiven. And get busy. And that's what he's telling get busy. And that's what he's telling get busy. And that's what he's telling Peter. Get up. Get out. Get busy. Feed Peter. Get up. Get out. Get busy. Feed Peter. Get up. Get out. Get busy. Feed my lambs, my sheep. Do the work I've my lambs, my sheep. Do the work I've my lambs, my sheep. Do the work I've commissioned you to do. That's what the commissioned you to do. That's what the commissioned you to do. That's what the church is tonight. We love the Lord. church is tonight. We love the Lord. church is tonight. We love the Lord. We need to get up, get out, and get We need to get up, get out, and get We need to get up, get out, and get busy. Uh, doing the work of the Lord. busy. Uh, doing the work of the Lord. busy. Uh, doing the work of the Lord. That's what it's all about. Uh, so That's what it's all about. Uh, so That's what it's all about. Uh, so again, um, if somebody could come and again, um, if somebody could come and again, um, if somebody could come and play um, for me, I've got a lot more I play um, for me, I've got a lot more I play um, for me, I've got a lot more I could say, could say, could say, but sometimes you got to know when but sometimes you got to know when but sometimes you got to know when enough. When the Lord's through talking, enough. When the Lord's through talking, enough. When the Lord's through talking, time for Robert to stop talking. Spirits time for Robert to stop talking. Spirits time for Robert to stop talking. Spirits through talking, telling him to stop through talking, telling him to stop through talking, telling him to stop talking. Used to, I didn't understand talking. Used to, I didn't understand talking. Used to, I didn't understand that, man. And I'd stand here and preach that, man. And I'd stand here and preach that, man. And I'd stand here and preach an hour and 15 minutes, hour and a half. an hour and 15 minutes, hour and a half. an hour and 15 minutes, hour and a half. Look, that goes back to the Sunday Look, that goes back to the Sunday Look, that goes back to the Sunday school lesson. If a man like wisdom, let school lesson. If a man like wisdom, let school lesson. If a man like wisdom, let him pray and ask. I pray for wisdom. him pray and ask. I pray for wisdom. him pray and ask. I pray for wisdom. God, I'm still praying for wisdom. So, God, I'm still praying for wisdom. So, God, I'm still praying for wisdom. So, y'all pray for me that God give me some y'all pray for me that God give me some y'all pray for me that God give me some wisdom. All right. Um, so again, uh, the wisdom. All right. Um, so again, uh, the wisdom. All right. Um, so again, uh, the evidence of loving Christ. How when he evidence of loving Christ. How when he evidence of loving Christ. How when he said, "Do you love me, Peter?" What's said, "Do you love me, Peter?" What's said, "Do you love me, Peter?" What's the evidence that we love the Lord? the evidence that we love the Lord? the evidence that we love the Lord? Number one, keeping his commandments. Number one, keeping his commandments. Number one, keeping his commandments. Number two, loving one another. By this, Number two, loving one another. By this, Number two, loving one another. By this, he said, "Shall men know you're my he said, "Shall men know you're my he said, "Shall men know you're my disciples if you have love one for the disciples if you have love one for the disciples if you have love one for the other." Another way is taking up our other." Another way is taking up our other." Another way is taking up our cross. Because that's what he told cross. Because that's what he told cross. Because that's what he told Peter. He told him to feed his sheep. Peter. He told him to feed his sheep. Peter. He told him to feed his sheep. But he said, "Follow thou me. But he said, "Follow thou me. But he said, "Follow thou me. Follow me." And that's the command he Follow me." And that's the command he Follow me." And that's the command he gave Peter. Get up. You're restored. gave Peter. Get up. You're restored. gave Peter. Get up. You're restored. Do the work I've called you to do. Do the work I've called you to do. Do the work I've called you to do. Follow me. And that's that's the Follow me. And that's that's the Follow me. And that's that's the instruction tonight is do not picking up instruction tonight is do not picking up instruction tonight is do not picking up the cross. Remain in his love. the cross. Remain in his love. the cross. Remain in his love. Obey his teachings helps one abide in Obey his teachings helps one abide in Obey his teachings helps one abide in his love. his love. his love. Another question I'm brought to as I Another question I'm brought to as I Another question I'm brought to as I transition to clo close. And actually transition to clo close. And actually transition to clo close. And actually the first question that God askked in the first question that God askked in the first question that God askked in the word of God book of Genesis, the word of God book of Genesis, the word of God book of Genesis, Adam, Adam, Adam, where art thou? where art thou? where art thou? What a question. Let's talk about that question a moment Let's talk about that question a moment in closing. It's appropriate for in closing. It's appropriate for in closing. It's appropriate for closing. God knew where Adam was. And a closing. God knew where Adam was. And a closing. God knew where Adam was. And a lot of times we read that question and lot of times we read that question and lot of times we read that question and we think about Adam's physical location. we think about Adam's physical location. we think about Adam's physical location. God knew where Adam was. But what God God knew where Adam was. But what God God knew where Adam was. But what God wanted Adam to do is know where he was wanted Adam to do is know where he was wanted Adam to do is know where he was spiritually. spiritually. spiritually. Adam, where art thou? It's not a Adam, where art thou? It's not a Adam, where art thou? It's not a question of physical location, but one question of physical location, but one question of physical location, but one of his spiritual position. He was of his spiritual position. He was of his spiritual position. He was inviting Adam to acknowledge his inviting Adam to acknowledge his inviting Adam to acknowledge his spiritual position and his need. spiritual position and his need. spiritual position and his need. And that's why the question was asked. And that's why the question was asked. And that's why the question was asked. Human vulnerability. Adam attempts to Human vulnerability. Adam attempts to Human vulnerability. Adam attempts to hide. hide. hide. And that reflects a common human And that reflects a common human And that reflects a common human tendency that when people get sin in tendency that when people get sin in tendency that when people get sin in their life, they want to withdraw from their life, they want to withdraw from their life, they want to withdraw from God and hide. But when God's saying, God and hide. But when God's saying, God and hide. But when God's saying, "Where art thou?" You know what that "Where art thou?" You know what that "Where art thou?" You know what that tells you about the heavenly father? Christ. In fact, Christ told us what Christ. In fact, Christ told us what that story told us about the heavenly that story told us about the heavenly that story told us about the heavenly father. Christ said he come to seek and father. Christ said he come to seek and father. Christ said he come to seek and save that which was lost. Well, if you save that which was lost. Well, if you save that which was lost. Well, if you go back to the garden of Eden and when go back to the garden of Eden and when go back to the garden of Eden and when you see God say, "Adam, where art thou?" you see God say, "Adam, where art thou?" you see God say, "Adam, where art thou?" You know why God was there? To seek and You know why God was there? To seek and You know why God was there? To seek and to re and and and to bring him up and to to re and and and to bring him up and to to re and and and to bring him up and to restore. That's why he killed that restore. That's why he killed that restore. That's why he killed that animal, the first death of anything animal, the first death of anything animal, the first death of anything recorded in the Bible. And took those recorded in the Bible. And took those recorded in the Bible. And took those skins and clothed Adam and Eve who were skins and clothed Adam and Eve who were skins and clothed Adam and Eve who were naked and destitute. naked and destitute. naked and destitute. And he he he made that sacrifice and he And he he he made that sacrifice and he And he he he made that sacrifice and he put those skins on him because he is a put those skins on him because he is a put those skins on him because he is a merciful father. This question calls for merciful father. This question calls for merciful father. This question calls for self-reflection. It shows you the nature self-reflection. It shows you the nature self-reflection. It shows you the nature of God. Where art thou? He's looking. He of God. Where art thou? He's looking. He of God. Where art thou? He's looking. He never stops looking. He never stops never stops looking. He never stops never stops looking. He never stops seeking to save that which is lost. And seeking to save that which is lost. And seeking to save that which is lost. And I know the Tuesday night crowd is I know the Tuesday night crowd is I know the Tuesday night crowd is normally the saved crowd, but somebody normally the saved crowd, but somebody normally the saved crowd, but somebody needs to be encouraged and know wherever needs to be encouraged and know wherever needs to be encouraged and know wherever life is facing you right now, whether life is facing you right now, whether life is facing you right now, whether you're being sifted like Peter was with you're being sifted like Peter was with you're being sifted like Peter was with his question his question his question uh for the do you love me and the uh for the do you love me and the uh for the do you love me and the devil's laughing in your face or whether devil's laughing in your face or whether devil's laughing in your face or whether the lady with the issue of blood if you the lady with the issue of blood if you the lady with the issue of blood if you have a problem and you've purposed I've have a problem and you've purposed I've have a problem and you've purposed I've got to get to Jesus got to get to Jesus got to get to Jesus or could it be the first question who do or could it be the first question who do or could it be the first question who do you say that I am in your life. Who am I you say that I am in your life. Who am I you say that I am in your life. Who am I to you? Why call me Lord, Lord, and do to you? Why call me Lord, Lord, and do to you? Why call me Lord, Lord, and do not the things that I say? not the things that I say? not the things that I say? God is a God of restoration and love. He God is a God of restoration and love. He God is a God of restoration and love. He is a God of compassion. As we see in the is a God of compassion. As we see in the is a God of compassion. As we see in the garden when he went looking for Adam, he garden when he went looking for Adam, he garden when he went looking for Adam, he knew where Adam was. As we see the knew where Adam was. As we see the knew where Adam was. As we see the prodical son whose father was looking prodical son whose father was looking prodical son whose father was looking for him before he ever got home. That's for him before he ever got home. That's for him before he ever got home. That's the heart of a merciful savior. That is the heart of a merciful savior. That is the heart of a merciful savior. That is the nature of our God that we serve. I'd the nature of our God that we serve. I'd the nature of our God that we serve. I'd like for everyone to stand. Several questions in my closing. Several questions in my closing. Just going to mention them. There was a Just going to mention them. There was a Just going to mention them. There was a time that Christ asked some of his time that Christ asked some of his time that Christ asked some of his disciples, "Will you also go away?" disciples, "Will you also go away?" disciples, "Will you also go away?" Powerful question. Powerful question. Powerful question. "Will you also go away?" "Will you also go away?" "Will you also go away?" He asked another man to the pool of a He asked another man to the pool of a He asked another man to the pool of a seta without be made whole. seta without be made whole. seta without be made whole. I encourage you do a study of every I encourage you do a study of every I encourage you do a study of every question that Christ asked in that word. question that Christ asked in that word. question that Christ asked in that word. There's a meaning behind it and there's There's a meaning behind it and there's There's a meaning behind it and there's a message behind all 305 questions that a message behind all 305 questions that a message behind all 305 questions that Christ asked in that word. Powerful Christ asked in that word. Powerful Christ asked in that word. Powerful relevant questions relevant to us today. relevant questions relevant to us today. relevant questions relevant to us today. Encourage yourself in the Lord. Reach Encourage yourself in the Lord. Reach Encourage yourself in the Lord. Reach out and touch him. Don't let him sift out and touch him. Don't let him sift out and touch him. Don't let him sift you to the point that you lose your you to the point that you lose your you to the point that you lose your faith and your confidence in God. Don't faith and your confidence in God. Don't faith and your confidence in God. Don't let it happen. The altars are open. If let it happen. The altars are open. If let it happen. The altars are open. If anybody would like to come and pray, the anybody would like to come and pray, the anybody would like to come and pray, the no specific altar no specific altar no specific altar But the altars are Okay.
