WEBVTT 00:00:05.364 --> 00:00:07.090 Over the last ten days, 00:00:07.090 --> 00:00:08.675 as I began to pray about 00:00:08.675 --> 00:00:12.253 what to preach this morning, 00:00:12.253 --> 00:00:14.297 I finished two sermons to preach 00:00:14.297 --> 00:00:16.904 this morning. 00:00:16.904 --> 00:00:18.753 And last night, I was walking 00:00:18.753 --> 00:00:21.226 to my room. 00:00:21.226 --> 00:00:23.369 Brother Tim turned to me and said, 00:00:23.369 --> 00:00:24.722 "Brother, do you know what 00:00:24.722 --> 00:00:27.093 you're going to preach on?" 00:00:27.093 --> 00:00:29.901 And I said, well, I finished two sermons, 00:00:29.901 --> 00:00:33.530 but they've both flown away from me. 00:00:33.530 --> 00:00:36.338 And so last night, I went to the room, 00:00:36.338 --> 00:00:39.298 and just began to pray. 00:00:39.298 --> 00:00:41.714 And bits of conversations that I've had 00:00:41.714 --> 00:00:44.658 with Tim and Mack and Mike 00:00:44.658 --> 00:00:47.200 over the last two days 00:00:47.200 --> 00:00:48.963 started to come to mind 00:00:48.963 --> 00:00:52.207 and bring conviction to my heart. 00:00:52.207 --> 00:00:54.140 And I'm convinced that the Lord 00:00:54.140 --> 00:00:57.264 has brought me to this conference 00:00:57.264 --> 00:00:59.919 to do a work in my heart; 00:00:59.919 --> 00:01:01.449 to preach to my own soul 00:01:01.449 --> 00:01:05.440 and my own life. 00:01:05.440 --> 00:01:09.357 We all desparately and continually 00:01:09.357 --> 00:01:11.512 need to be growing 00:01:11.512 --> 00:01:17.400 in our doctrine and our theology. 00:01:17.400 --> 00:01:18.402 One brother said, 00:01:18.402 --> 00:01:20.000 if the "you" of today, 00:01:20.000 --> 00:01:22.847 doesn't look at the "you" of five years ago 00:01:22.847 --> 00:01:24.688 and call that man a heretic, 00:01:24.688 --> 00:01:28.914 you're not growing fast enough in truth. 00:01:28.914 --> 00:01:32.106 By God's grace, over the last fourteen years, 00:01:32.106 --> 00:01:35.639 I can see where the Lord has grown me much 00:01:35.639 --> 00:01:37.588 in understanding of the Gospel 00:01:37.588 --> 00:01:38.855 and the Scriptures, 00:01:38.855 --> 00:01:42.147 and doctrine and theology. 00:01:42.147 --> 00:01:45.171 Scripture is continually sharpening 00:01:45.171 --> 00:01:46.685 my understanding 00:01:46.685 --> 00:01:50.017 and shaping my theology and my doctrine 00:01:50.017 --> 00:01:52.682 and challenging what I was taught 00:01:52.682 --> 00:01:55.141 growing up. 00:01:55.141 --> 00:01:57.282 And that's a good thing. 00:01:57.282 --> 00:02:01.138 But there's also a potential danger there - 00:02:01.138 --> 00:02:03.205 a danger to be avoided as we grow 00:02:03.205 --> 00:02:06.296 in doctrine and theology. 00:02:06.296 --> 00:02:08.292 You see, fourteen years ago 00:02:08.292 --> 00:02:12.304 I didn't have a lot of understanding. 00:02:12.304 --> 00:02:16.929 I didn't have a lot of experience. 00:02:16.929 --> 00:02:20.622 And that's dangerous too. 00:02:20.622 --> 00:02:22.557 But with a little bit of understanding 00:02:22.557 --> 00:02:25.912 and the little experience I had then, 00:02:25.912 --> 00:02:30.872 I only had one place that I could lean. 00:02:30.872 --> 00:02:32.777 And that was in total and complete 00:02:32.777 --> 00:02:38.589 dependence upon the Lord. 00:02:38.589 --> 00:02:40.366 Do you know where that dependence 00:02:40.366 --> 00:02:42.456 on the Lord was reflected most 00:02:42.456 --> 00:02:46.631 in my life? 00:02:46.631 --> 00:02:50.790 It was in devotion to prayer. 00:02:50.790 --> 00:02:52.886 It was in devotion to prayer. 00:02:52.886 --> 00:02:58.683 Steadfast prayer. 00:02:58.683 --> 00:03:00.999 Last night, I began to wonder 00:03:00.999 --> 00:03:02.581 how much have I really grown 00:03:02.581 --> 00:03:03.994 in understanding and doctrine 00:03:03.994 --> 00:03:07.090 and theology? 00:03:07.090 --> 00:03:09.020 Because if those things really have 00:03:09.020 --> 00:03:10.455 their effect in your heart 00:03:10.455 --> 00:03:12.790 and they play themselves out in your life 00:03:12.790 --> 00:03:14.333 to the degree that they should, 00:03:14.333 --> 00:03:17.259 they should be manifested in many ways, 00:03:17.259 --> 00:03:20.117 but one way a true understanding 00:03:20.117 --> 00:03:22.385 of doctrine and theology 00:03:22.385 --> 00:03:24.054 should manifest in 00:03:24.054 --> 00:03:28.142 is a deeper devotion to prayer. 00:03:28.142 --> 00:03:40.274 A deeper leaning upon the Lord. 00:03:40.274 --> 00:03:42.117 As I listened to the brothers preach 00:03:42.117 --> 00:03:44.783 those three sermons yesterday - 00:03:44.783 --> 00:03:47.794 and praise God for their sermons - 00:03:47.794 --> 00:03:49.744 I learned a lot and there's much to apply 00:03:49.744 --> 00:03:51.235 in my life. 00:03:51.235 --> 00:03:52.892 But last night, I laid in the room 00:03:52.892 --> 00:03:55.151 and prayed. 00:03:55.151 --> 00:03:56.753 I thought about Mack's sermon: 00:03:56.753 --> 00:03:59.163 The Garden of Gesthemane. 00:03:59.163 --> 00:04:00.883 And there's so much to learn in that 00:04:00.883 --> 00:04:03.980 of what my brother preached. 00:04:03.980 --> 00:04:05.744 But what stood out to me last night 00:04:05.744 --> 00:04:09.859 in the room was the example of Jesus Christ 00:04:09.859 --> 00:04:12.821 and His fervency and dependence 00:04:12.821 --> 00:04:16.946 upon the Father in prayer. 00:04:16.946 --> 00:04:18.518 If you would just read through 00:04:18.518 --> 00:04:19.966 the book of Luke 00:04:19.966 --> 00:04:23.058 and highlight the prayer life of Christ 00:04:23.058 --> 00:04:24.547 in the book of Luke 00:04:24.547 --> 00:04:27.006 and look at the dependence 00:04:27.006 --> 00:04:29.857 of the Son upon the Father. 00:04:29.857 --> 00:04:31.430 As I listened to brother Mike 00:04:31.430 --> 00:04:33.586 preach on the sovereignty of God, 00:04:33.586 --> 00:04:35.155 that He controls all things, 00:04:35.155 --> 00:04:36.564 and if we don't let that go 00:04:36.564 --> 00:04:39.124 to the fatalistic mindset, 00:04:39.124 --> 00:04:42.055 which we should not, 00:04:42.055 --> 00:04:43.928 what impressed my heart last night 00:04:43.928 --> 00:04:47.031 was if He is really in control 00:04:47.031 --> 00:04:47.930 of all things, 00:04:47.930 --> 00:04:49.788 determining the end from the beginning, 00:04:49.788 --> 00:04:53.359 how can it not manifest itself in my life 00:04:53.359 --> 00:04:55.266 in devotion to prayer 00:04:55.266 --> 00:04:56.894 and dependence upon the One 00:04:56.894 --> 00:04:59.783 Who holds the universe in His hand? 00:04:59.783 --> 00:05:01.776 You say, well, how are you going to tie 00:05:01.776 --> 00:05:06.039 Brother Tim's sermon in from Hebrews 11? 00:05:06.039 --> 00:05:07.635 With Rahab? 00:05:07.635 --> 00:05:10.311 How'd you get to prayer from there? 00:05:10.311 --> 00:05:12.546 And I thought, I'm not going to try 00:05:12.546 --> 00:05:15.386 to make a way to prayer from there. 00:05:15.386 --> 00:05:16.853 It was so clear 00:05:16.853 --> 00:05:19.592 that it was a leading to prayer for me. 00:05:19.592 --> 00:05:22.192 Because one of the reasons that we struggle 00:05:22.192 --> 00:05:23.730 in coming to the Lord 00:05:23.730 --> 00:05:25.479 and approaching the Lord in prayer 00:05:25.479 --> 00:05:27.691 is because we look at ourselves, 00:05:27.691 --> 00:05:29.187 our scarlet letters, 00:05:29.187 --> 00:05:30.781 our Rahabs upon all of us, 00:05:30.781 --> 00:05:32.623 and we say, He doesn't want to listen 00:05:32.623 --> 00:05:33.897 to someone like me. 00:05:33.897 --> 00:05:35.673 I'm not worthy to come to the throne. 00:05:35.673 --> 00:05:37.812 But Brother Tim reminded us last night 00:05:37.812 --> 00:05:39.861 that because of the blood of Jesus Christ, 00:05:39.861 --> 00:05:43.306 I'm counted worthy. 00:05:43.306 --> 00:05:44.979 I can boldly come to the throne, 00:05:44.979 --> 00:05:46.323 not on my own righteousness, 00:05:46.323 --> 00:05:48.180 but on the righteousness of Another, 00:05:48.180 --> 00:05:58.134 and He delights in the prayers of the upright. 00:05:58.134 --> 00:06:00.496 Brothers and sisters, 00:06:00.496 --> 00:06:03.229 what I need - 00:06:03.229 --> 00:06:04.346 what we all need, 00:06:04.346 --> 00:06:07.835 what New England needs - 00:06:07.835 --> 00:06:10.269 is God. 00:06:10.269 --> 00:06:11.923 We need churches. 00:06:11.923 --> 00:06:15.250 We need faithful pastors and preachers. 00:06:15.250 --> 00:06:16.557 We need evangelists. 00:06:16.557 --> 00:06:18.651 We need faithful brothers and sisters 00:06:18.651 --> 00:06:20.932 living upright and godly lives. 00:06:20.932 --> 00:06:22.164 But in all of those, 00:06:22.164 --> 00:06:27.059 they're all dependent upon God. 00:06:27.059 --> 00:06:28.727 You can have a church 00:06:28.727 --> 00:06:30.946 that has right theology, 00:06:30.946 --> 00:06:32.636 but it's not lived itself out 00:06:32.636 --> 00:06:35.382 demonstrated through a dependence upon God 00:06:35.382 --> 00:06:39.954 and steadfast prayer. 00:06:39.954 --> 00:06:42.776 So I want to begin and just pray 00:06:42.776 --> 00:06:44.104 because we so need it. 00:06:44.104 --> 00:06:45.957 I so need it. 00:06:45.957 --> 00:06:47.544 And ask the Lord to do a work 00:06:47.544 --> 00:06:48.745 in my heart first. 00:06:48.745 --> 00:06:49.904 And if that's selfish, 00:06:49.904 --> 00:06:52.259 I'm going to be ok being selfish. 00:06:52.259 --> 00:07:02.851 And I'll pray for you as well. 00:07:02.851 --> 00:07:11.718 Father, we come in the name of Jesus Christ. 00:07:11.718 --> 00:07:15.272 God, we come, not minimizing our sin; 00:07:15.272 --> 00:07:18.159 not continuing in it that grace may abound 00:07:18.159 --> 00:07:21.357 but acknowledging it and confessing it, God. 00:07:21.357 --> 00:07:24.276 Believing that You have counted us worthy 00:07:24.276 --> 00:07:27.130 in Your Son Jesus. 00:07:27.130 --> 00:07:31.924 And in Him, we boldly come. 00:07:31.924 --> 00:07:33.950 God, we come because we need. 00:07:33.950 --> 00:07:35.216 We have so much need 00:07:35.216 --> 00:07:36.960 and we come because we don't realize 00:07:36.960 --> 00:07:38.224 how much need we have 00:07:38.224 --> 00:07:40.132 and we need to see that. 00:07:40.132 --> 00:07:46.727 I need to see that, Lord. 00:07:46.727 --> 00:07:48.198 God, would You show me things 00:07:48.198 --> 00:07:52.228 that I am leaning on instead of You? 00:07:52.228 --> 00:07:53.495 Would You show me things 00:07:53.495 --> 00:07:56.872 that we are trusting in 00:07:56.872 --> 00:08:02.044 instead of You? 00:08:02.044 --> 00:08:05.245 Would You show us Your willingness; 00:08:05.245 --> 00:08:06.752 would You show us Your desire 00:08:06.752 --> 00:08:09.929 for us to come, Lord? 00:08:09.929 --> 00:08:11.177 Draw us, God. 00:08:11.177 --> 00:08:12.388 As we draw near to You, 00:08:12.388 --> 00:08:14.634 draw near to us, God. 00:08:14.634 --> 00:08:16.280 Open up Your Word to us. 00:08:16.280 --> 00:08:18.689 And guard me, Father. 00:08:18.689 --> 00:08:20.294 But let this Word go into my own 00:08:20.294 --> 00:08:23.015 heart and soul this morning, God; 00:08:23.015 --> 00:08:24.399 into the hearts and souls 00:08:24.399 --> 00:08:26.985 of Your people here, God; 00:08:26.985 --> 00:08:29.648 that Your name would be great here. 00:08:29.648 --> 00:08:31.390 In the name of Jesus, 00:08:31.390 --> 00:08:34.217 Amen. 00:08:34.217 --> 00:08:35.342 Please open your Bibles 00:08:35.342 --> 00:08:44.735 to the book of Colossians 4. 00:08:44.735 --> 00:08:48.328 We'll just be looking at one verse this morning. 00:08:48.328 --> 00:09:00.470 Colossians 4.2 00:09:00.470 --> 00:09:04.013 "Continue steadfastly in prayer, 00:09:04.013 --> 00:09:05.815 being watchful in it, 00:09:05.815 --> 00:09:08.809 with thanksgiving." 00:09:08.809 --> 00:09:11.140 The New American Standard renders it, 00:09:11.140 --> 00:09:14.987 "Devote yourselves to prayer, 00:09:14.987 --> 00:09:16.585 keeping alert in it, 00:09:16.585 --> 00:09:20.674 with an attitude of thanksgiving." 00:09:20.674 --> 00:09:22.431 Paul here exhorting the church 00:09:22.431 --> 00:09:24.794 at Colossae. 00:09:24.794 --> 00:09:28.093 Living lives consistent 00:09:28.093 --> 00:09:30.368 with the revelation of who Jesus Christ is 00:09:30.368 --> 00:09:33.013 from chapter 1. 00:09:33.013 --> 00:09:34.953 He's exhorting them to live consistent 00:09:34.953 --> 00:09:36.870 in light of all that he has taught them 00:09:36.870 --> 00:09:39.216 in chapter 1. 00:09:39.216 --> 00:09:41.898 A Gospel-consistent life. 00:09:41.898 --> 00:09:43.345 And he calls them here to 00:09:43.345 --> 00:09:46.103 continue steadfastly in prayer, 00:09:46.103 --> 00:09:50.510 to devote themselves to prayer. 00:09:50.510 --> 00:09:54.700 To be courageously persistent in prayer. 00:09:54.700 --> 00:09:57.393 Holding fast to and not letting go of God 00:09:57.393 --> 00:09:58.812 in prayer. 00:09:58.812 --> 00:10:00.352 Enduring in prayer. 00:10:00.352 --> 00:10:05.961 Not fainting away. 00:10:05.961 --> 00:10:07.477 Let's first remember 00:10:07.477 --> 00:10:09.902 that this is a command. 00:10:09.902 --> 00:10:14.436 An imperative through Paul from God 00:10:14.436 --> 00:10:16.218 in Scripture. 00:10:16.218 --> 00:10:18.055 And what it teaches us right away 00:10:18.055 --> 00:10:19.607 is that God does not want us 00:10:19.607 --> 00:10:22.522 to give up in prayer. 00:10:22.522 --> 00:10:25.668 God does not want us to quit in prayer, 00:10:25.668 --> 00:10:27.734 but rather to persevere 00:10:27.734 --> 00:10:31.918 and be devoted to Him in prayer. 00:10:31.918 --> 00:10:33.221 Brothers and sisters, 00:10:33.221 --> 00:10:36.524 God knows our need for Him. 00:10:36.524 --> 00:10:38.794 No one knows your need for God 00:10:38.794 --> 00:10:41.375 better than God does. 00:10:41.375 --> 00:10:44.659 God knows our great need for Him. 00:10:44.659 --> 00:10:48.176 And so what does He do? 00:10:48.176 --> 00:10:52.495 He commands you to come. 00:10:52.495 --> 00:10:54.305 Do you see the grace and love 00:10:54.305 --> 00:10:57.124 of a God Who knows our greatest need 00:10:57.124 --> 00:10:59.318 and then commands us 00:10:59.318 --> 00:11:03.942 in regards to that great need? 00:11:03.942 --> 00:11:06.482 And it's not a command to just come and pray, 00:11:06.482 --> 00:11:09.336 it's a command to come and commune. 00:11:09.336 --> 00:11:12.537 To be with Him. 00:11:12.537 --> 00:11:14.510 The work of redemption on the cross 00:11:14.510 --> 00:11:16.150 was not an end. 00:11:16.150 --> 00:11:17.381 It was a means 00:11:17.381 --> 00:11:19.190 to bring us to Him 00:11:19.190 --> 00:11:20.205 in relation, 00:11:20.205 --> 00:11:21.628 to commune with Him 00:11:21.628 --> 00:11:22.712 and never to leave. 00:11:22.712 --> 00:11:25.905 To be with Him eternally. 00:11:25.905 --> 00:11:27.907 And we all know that for the true believer 00:11:27.907 --> 00:11:29.064 the commandments of God 00:11:29.064 --> 00:11:31.411 are not burdensome. 00:11:31.411 --> 00:11:34.378 They're a delight. 00:11:34.378 --> 00:11:37.257 They're a delight. 00:11:37.257 --> 00:11:38.524 But you know what can make 00:11:38.524 --> 00:11:44.697 the command of prayer burdensome? 00:11:44.697 --> 00:11:48.025 Pride. 00:11:48.025 --> 00:11:50.748 Pride makes the commandment of prayer 00:11:50.748 --> 00:11:53.122 burdensome. 00:11:53.122 --> 00:11:55.750 Listen, there's discipline in prayer. 00:11:55.750 --> 00:11:59.664 You must prioritize your life for prayer. 00:11:59.664 --> 00:12:02.093 But prayer becomes burdensome 00:12:02.093 --> 00:12:03.806 in a negative way 00:12:03.806 --> 00:12:06.466 because of pride. 00:12:06.466 --> 00:12:09.897 Because we fail to see our need 00:12:09.897 --> 00:12:15.178 and our weakness. 00:12:15.178 --> 00:12:17.006 This command from God to continue 00:12:17.006 --> 00:12:18.169 in prayer - 00:12:18.169 --> 00:12:22.260 Him knowing our greatest need - 00:12:22.260 --> 00:12:26.397 is like a man turning to a starving man 00:12:26.397 --> 00:12:29.377 and saying this: 00:12:29.377 --> 00:12:33.264 "I command you to come eat. 00:12:33.264 --> 00:12:38.402 And I will provide a buffet for you to feast." 00:12:38.402 --> 00:12:40.768 Now I want to ask you, 00:12:40.768 --> 00:12:42.877 is that a burdensome command 00:12:42.877 --> 00:12:45.304 to a starving person? 00:12:45.304 --> 00:12:47.308 Come and eat 00:12:47.308 --> 00:12:48.448 at the table 00:12:48.448 --> 00:12:52.886 and feast on My Son Jesus Christ. 00:12:52.886 --> 00:12:55.772 That's not a burdensome prayer. 00:12:55.772 --> 00:12:58.451 That is a gracious and loving command 00:12:58.451 --> 00:12:59.622 of our God, 00:12:59.622 --> 00:13:03.403 unless we don't realize that we're hungry. 00:13:03.403 --> 00:13:06.560 "I'm full. I'm not hungry right now, Lord. 00:13:06.560 --> 00:13:08.833 And You want me to come eat? 00:13:08.833 --> 00:13:10.391 I'm not hungry. 00:13:10.391 --> 00:13:11.905 I don't need to eat right now. 00:13:11.905 --> 00:13:15.473 I'll eat later on." 00:13:15.473 --> 00:13:18.037 It's burdensome if we don't see 00:13:18.037 --> 00:13:21.548 and acknowledge our need. 00:13:21.548 --> 00:13:22.813 Brothers and sisters, 00:13:22.813 --> 00:13:26.183 everyone in this room is dependent upon God 00:13:26.183 --> 00:13:28.857 and in great need at this very moment, 00:13:28.857 --> 00:13:30.123 whether we realize it, 00:13:30.123 --> 00:13:33.443 whether we feel it or not. 00:13:33.443 --> 00:13:35.212 Everyone here is completely, 00:13:35.212 --> 00:13:37.276 wholly, utterly, totally dependent 00:13:37.276 --> 00:13:39.205 upon God. 00:13:39.205 --> 00:13:41.432 Fourteen years ago, 00:13:41.432 --> 00:13:43.985 without much understanding; 00:13:43.985 --> 00:13:46.563 without much experience, 00:13:46.563 --> 00:13:49.085 I was totally dependent upon God 00:13:49.085 --> 00:13:51.578 and what God convicted me of last night 00:13:51.578 --> 00:13:53.227 is fourteen years later, 00:13:53.227 --> 00:13:54.998 I am in the same place 00:13:54.998 --> 00:13:57.082 of utter and total dependecy 00:13:57.082 --> 00:13:58.858 and the need for God, 00:13:58.858 --> 00:14:01.098 but I've allowed knowledge and experience 00:14:01.098 --> 00:14:03.377 to be something I feel like I can lean on, 00:14:03.377 --> 00:14:04.591 and that's foolishness, 00:14:04.591 --> 00:14:05.766 and it just reveals, 00:14:05.766 --> 00:14:09.571 I really don't have that much knowledge. 00:14:09.571 --> 00:14:11.377 A true knowledge of God should make us 00:14:11.377 --> 00:14:13.242 even more dependent upon Him 00:14:13.242 --> 00:14:15.592 as we grow in the revelation of Who He is, 00:14:15.592 --> 00:14:16.600 what He has done, 00:14:16.600 --> 00:14:18.465 and who I am in Jesus Christ, 00:14:18.465 --> 00:14:20.393 it should draw me to greater prayer 00:14:20.393 --> 00:14:21.735 and greater dependence; 00:14:21.735 --> 00:14:23.384 not the ability to stand 00:14:23.384 --> 00:14:25.169 because I'm a strong man now. 00:14:25.169 --> 00:14:27.027 Paul boasted in his weakness. 00:14:27.027 --> 00:14:28.855 He was proud of it 00:14:28.855 --> 00:14:30.861 because he knew that in his weakness 00:14:30.861 --> 00:14:39.233 he was strong. 00:14:39.233 --> 00:14:42.894 We need preachers. 00:14:42.894 --> 00:14:44.179 We need evangelists. 00:14:44.179 --> 00:14:45.528 We need churches. 00:14:45.528 --> 00:14:47.726 We need faithful church people. 00:14:47.726 --> 00:14:51.522 But we need God. 00:14:51.522 --> 00:14:55.755 You know what your prayer life truly reveals? 00:14:55.755 --> 00:14:58.383 Your pride life. 00:14:58.383 --> 00:15:00.258 Our prayer lives, brothers and sisters, 00:15:00.258 --> 00:15:02.705 are a direct reflection of one thing: 00:15:02.705 --> 00:15:06.288 our pride. 00:15:06.288 --> 00:15:11.282 I repented last night of pride. 00:15:11.282 --> 00:15:12.522 Pride in understanding; 00:15:12.522 --> 00:15:22.805 pride in experience. 00:15:22.805 --> 00:15:26.918 Here's how gracious our God is: 00:15:26.918 --> 00:15:28.737 When we don't understand 00:15:28.737 --> 00:15:30.833 the depth of understanding of our need 00:15:30.833 --> 00:15:32.349 and dependence upon Him, 00:15:32.349 --> 00:15:34.161 or when we forget it 00:15:34.161 --> 00:15:36.272 and begin to place that in other things; 00:15:36.272 --> 00:15:40.256 here's how gracious and loving this God is: 00:15:40.256 --> 00:15:44.463 He teaches you and He reminds you 00:15:44.463 --> 00:15:46.908 of your need for Him. 00:15:46.908 --> 00:15:51.039 How? 00:15:51.039 --> 00:15:56.957 Through trials, tribulation, and suffering. 00:15:56.957 --> 00:15:58.903 We talked about the sovereignty of God 00:15:58.903 --> 00:15:59.656 last night. 00:15:59.656 --> 00:16:01.664 The hidden things belonging to Him. 00:16:01.664 --> 00:16:04.036 But one thing that we can learn from Scripture, 00:16:04.036 --> 00:16:05.752 is that God is sovereign over 00:16:05.752 --> 00:16:08.979 our trials, tribulations, and suffering. 00:16:08.979 --> 00:16:11.283 And they are meant for our good. 00:16:11.283 --> 00:16:14.764 They are meant to teach us our need for God; 00:16:14.764 --> 00:16:16.510 our dependence upon God, 00:16:16.510 --> 00:16:18.908 and the willingness of God. 00:16:18.908 --> 00:16:20.682 If He is sovereign over my life, 00:16:20.682 --> 00:16:22.612 and He is bringing into my life 00:16:22.612 --> 00:16:23.771 these things, 00:16:23.771 --> 00:16:24.977 it has a purpose: 00:16:24.977 --> 00:16:26.800 to draw me back to weakness 00:16:26.800 --> 00:16:36.125 and dependence upon Him. 00:16:36.125 --> 00:16:41.329 I often feel very overwhelmed. 00:16:41.329 --> 00:16:44.085 The Lord has found it fit to save 00:16:44.085 --> 00:16:47.076 many people in Dallas. 00:16:47.076 --> 00:16:48.396 He has found it fit to draw 00:16:48.396 --> 00:16:53.251 many people to our assembly. 00:16:53.251 --> 00:16:54.871 And I look at what He's doing 00:16:54.871 --> 00:16:56.424 and I come to Him in a place 00:16:56.424 --> 00:16:57.870 of [being] overwhelmed, 00:16:57.870 --> 00:17:00.923 and I say, Lord, what are You doing? 00:17:00.926 --> 00:17:03.358 This is overwhelming, God. 00:17:03.358 --> 00:17:05.541 I'm not equipped for this, God. 00:17:05.541 --> 00:17:07.463 And last night, it was as though 00:17:07.463 --> 00:17:10.823 I had the understanding again: 00:17:10.823 --> 00:17:12.775 "Don't you know? 00:17:12.775 --> 00:17:16.633 I'm teaching you your weakness now? 00:17:16.633 --> 00:17:18.945 I'm showing you how dependent 00:17:18.945 --> 00:17:24.797 you must be upon Me." 00:17:24.797 --> 00:17:27.184 Can I encourage all of us in our trials, 00:17:27.184 --> 00:17:29.492 tribulations and sufferings 00:17:29.492 --> 00:17:31.841 come into our lives, 00:17:31.841 --> 00:17:32.975 that our first prayer 00:17:32.975 --> 00:17:36.351 wouldn't be for deliverance from them. 00:17:36.351 --> 00:17:38.515 That our first prayer would be 00:17:38.515 --> 00:17:42.144 that we would learn our need for Him; 00:17:42.144 --> 00:17:44.527 our weakness outside of Him, 00:17:44.527 --> 00:17:46.072 and that we would learn in this 00:17:46.072 --> 00:17:51.132 to be more devoted to Him in prayer. 00:17:51.132 --> 00:17:52.753 As the brother said the other day, 00:17:52.753 --> 00:17:54.328 many times we're praying for God 00:17:54.328 --> 00:17:57.387 to conform us to the image of Jesus Christ. 00:17:57.387 --> 00:17:58.532 And He does that work. 00:17:58.532 --> 00:18:06.938 Then, we pray for deliverance from His conformity. 00:18:06.938 --> 00:18:09.087 Pray that we would remember and know 00:18:09.087 --> 00:18:13.058 His power is made perfect in weakness. 00:18:13.058 --> 00:18:15.326 Pray that at the revelation of our weakness 00:18:15.326 --> 00:18:16.522 and our need for Him 00:18:16.522 --> 00:18:19.492 that we don't try to pretend we're strong. 00:18:19.492 --> 00:18:20.827 But because of the Gospel, 00:18:20.827 --> 00:18:22.686 we acknowledge our weakness. 00:18:22.686 --> 00:18:25.672 Not that we can continue in any sin, 00:18:25.672 --> 00:18:27.484 but acknowledge our weakness 00:18:27.484 --> 00:18:32.036 and come to Him in prayer. 00:18:32.036 --> 00:18:34.561 God doesn't need strong people. 00:18:34.561 --> 00:18:36.672 God's not going to bring strong people 00:18:36.672 --> 00:18:37.873 into New England. 00:18:37.873 --> 00:18:39.462 God is going to bring people 00:18:39.462 --> 00:18:41.096 who recognize their weakness 00:18:41.096 --> 00:18:43.455 upon a very strong, mighty, and holy God 00:18:43.455 --> 00:18:45.645 and who are devoted to Him in prayer. 00:18:45.645 --> 00:18:46.942 And through those people, 00:18:46.942 --> 00:18:49.237 He will work. 00:18:49.237 --> 00:18:53.597 Because He gets the glory. 00:18:53.597 --> 00:18:55.994 So I asked myself last night 00:18:55.994 --> 00:18:57.938 and I'll ask you: 00:18:57.938 --> 00:19:03.725 Do you want revival in your own heart? 00:19:03.725 --> 00:19:05.546 Do you want revival in the church 00:19:05.546 --> 00:19:08.041 that you're in right now? 00:19:08.041 --> 00:19:09.782 Do you want revival in this whole 00:19:09.782 --> 00:19:17.013 New England area? 00:19:17.013 --> 00:19:23.063 Are you given to prayer? 00:19:23.063 --> 00:19:28.196 Are we given to prayer then? 00:19:28.196 --> 00:19:29.851 Are we continuing in it? 00:19:29.851 --> 00:19:31.475 Are we being steadfast in it? 00:19:31.475 --> 00:19:33.801 Are we devoted to it? 00:19:33.801 --> 00:19:36.111 Because there's an inconsistency to say, 00:19:36.111 --> 00:19:38.852 God, we want You to come, 00:19:38.852 --> 00:19:41.559 but not being revealed in our consistency 00:19:41.559 --> 00:19:46.706 in prayer. 00:19:46.706 --> 00:19:48.967 We were talking the other day. 00:19:48.967 --> 00:19:51.712 We need to plant. 00:19:51.712 --> 00:19:53.109 And we need to strategize. 00:19:53.109 --> 00:19:54.192 Those are good things. 00:19:54.192 --> 00:19:55.676 You can read through Scripture. 00:19:55.676 --> 00:19:57.629 Paul says, I made plans to come to you. 00:19:57.629 --> 00:19:59.805 He plans things out. 00:19:59.805 --> 00:20:01.129 That's good. 00:20:01.129 --> 00:20:03.172 Planning and strategy is good. 00:20:03.172 --> 00:20:04.656 But I can tell you this, 00:20:04.656 --> 00:20:09.389 planning without prayer amounts to nothing. 00:20:09.389 --> 00:20:15.720 It is just the plans of men then. 00:20:15.720 --> 00:20:19.582 So does God really want us 00:20:19.582 --> 00:20:24.319 to continue in prayer? 00:20:24.319 --> 00:20:29.694 It seems some of us have been praying, 00:20:29.694 --> 00:20:32.652 but we're beginning to lose heart 00:20:32.652 --> 00:20:36.035 because we're not seeing God move yet. 00:20:36.035 --> 00:20:37.540 So I began to ask, 00:20:37.540 --> 00:20:40.265 does God really want us to continue in prayer? 00:20:40.265 --> 00:20:44.041 Does He really want us to be devoted to prayer? 00:20:44.041 --> 00:20:46.614 And when you begin to lose heart in prayer 00:20:46.614 --> 00:20:49.844 what do you do? 00:20:49.844 --> 00:20:54.091 Oh, God forbid that we would stop praying. 00:20:54.091 --> 00:20:56.729 When you are praying and praying 00:20:56.729 --> 00:20:57.958 and being devoted to it 00:20:57.958 --> 00:21:00.775 and you begin to lose heart in prayer, 00:21:00.775 --> 00:21:02.621 I hope you turn to the Scriptures 00:21:02.621 --> 00:21:05.862 and preach to your own soul. 00:21:05.862 --> 00:21:09.814 I hope you look at commands in Colossians 4:2 00:21:09.814 --> 00:21:11.084 where God through Paul 00:21:11.084 --> 00:21:13.939 commands you to continue steadfastly 00:21:13.939 --> 00:21:15.179 in prayer. 00:21:15.179 --> 00:21:17.080 But I want to give you two other texts 00:21:17.080 --> 00:21:19.016 to preach to your soul 00:21:19.016 --> 00:21:20.512 when you begin to lose heart. 00:21:20.512 --> 00:21:28.416 So turn if you will to Luke 11. 00:21:28.416 --> 00:21:35.544 Luke 11. 00:21:35.544 --> 00:21:37.660 As you're turning there, I'll remind you 00:21:37.660 --> 00:21:39.428 at the beginning of Luke 11 00:21:39.428 --> 00:21:41.270 is when the disciples are with Jesus 00:21:41.270 --> 00:21:44.763 and they are seeing Him pray. 00:21:44.763 --> 00:21:46.425 And they turn to Him and they say, 00:21:46.425 --> 00:21:49.259 Lord, teach us to pray. 00:21:49.259 --> 00:21:52.107 Teach us how to pray, Lord. 00:21:52.107 --> 00:21:54.377 And you know at the beginning of chapter 11 00:21:54.377 --> 00:21:57.390 He leads them through the Lord's prayer there. 00:21:57.390 --> 00:22:00.058 But we're going to pick up in verse 5 00:22:00.058 --> 00:22:02.276 at the second thing the Lord teaches them 00:22:02.276 --> 00:22:04.521 about prayer. 00:22:04.521 --> 00:22:06.942 Look at v. 5 with me. 00:22:06.942 --> 00:22:09.730 "And He said to them, 00:22:09.730 --> 00:22:13.693 which of you who has a friend 00:22:13.693 --> 00:22:15.903 will go to him at midnight and say to him, 00:22:15.903 --> 00:22:18.229 'friend, lend me three loaves 00:22:18.229 --> 00:22:19.887 for a friend of mine has arrived 00:22:19.887 --> 00:22:21.126 on a long journey, 00:22:21.126 --> 00:22:24.568 and I have nothing to set before him.' 00:22:24.568 --> 00:22:26.735 And he will answer from within..." 00:22:26.735 --> 00:22:31.557 This friend didn't even open the door. 00:22:31.557 --> 00:22:33.814 Lend me three loaves. 00:22:33.814 --> 00:22:35.648 Wouldn't even open the door. 00:22:35.648 --> 00:22:38.357 Talking through the door right now. 00:22:38.357 --> 00:22:40.724 "... and he answers from within, 00:22:40.724 --> 00:22:42.416 'Do not bother me. 00:22:42.416 --> 00:22:44.675 The door is now shut and my children 00:22:44.675 --> 00:22:46.627 are with me in bed. 00:22:46.627 --> 00:22:52.311 I cannot get up and give you anything.'" 00:22:52.311 --> 00:22:56.905 V. 8, "Jesus says, 'but I tell you, 00:22:56.905 --> 00:22:58.533 though he will not get up 00:22:58.533 --> 00:23:01.954 and give anything because he is his friend, 00:23:01.954 --> 00:23:06.219 yet because of his impudence 00:23:06.219 --> 00:23:11.004 he will rise and give him whatever he needs." 00:23:11.004 --> 00:23:14.942 Because of his shamelessness... 00:23:14.942 --> 00:23:19.831 Because of his nerve... 00:23:19.831 --> 00:23:21.928 this other friend who was knocking 00:23:21.928 --> 00:23:26.916 had the nerve to knock at midnight 00:23:26.916 --> 00:23:28.342 and keep knocking. 00:23:28.342 --> 00:23:29.712 And the friend didn't get up 00:23:29.712 --> 00:23:30.671 and answer the door 00:23:30.671 --> 00:23:32.517 because they had a good relationship; 00:23:32.517 --> 00:23:34.421 because their friendship was so strong; 00:23:34.421 --> 00:23:35.983 because he had so much affection 00:23:35.983 --> 00:23:37.250 for this other person, 00:23:37.250 --> 00:23:39.160 but because of the boldness 00:23:39.160 --> 00:23:41.289 and the nerve that this person would have 00:23:41.289 --> 00:23:43.864 to sit there and continue to knock. 00:23:43.864 --> 00:23:47.040 This so-called friend will finally say, 00:23:47.040 --> 00:23:48.899 fine, here's what you need. 00:23:48.899 --> 00:23:50.727 Take it. 00:23:50.727 --> 00:23:54.181 And then Jesus applies it here in v. 9. 00:23:54.181 --> 00:23:56.246 "I tell you, 00:23:56.246 --> 00:24:00.288 ask and it will be given to you. 00:24:00.288 --> 00:24:02.573 Seek and you will find. 00:24:02.573 --> 00:24:05.130 Knock and it will be opened to you. 00:24:05.130 --> 00:24:08.533 For everyone who asks receives, 00:24:08.533 --> 00:24:10.532 and the one who seeks finds, 00:24:10.532 --> 00:24:12.112 and to the one who knocks, 00:24:12.112 --> 00:24:15.060 it will be opened. 00:24:15.060 --> 00:24:16.418 What father among you 00:24:16.418 --> 00:24:18.302 if his son asks for a fish 00:24:18.302 --> 00:24:19.931 will instead of a fish 00:24:19.931 --> 00:24:21.084 give him a serpent? 00:24:21.084 --> 00:24:22.710 Or if he asks for an egg 00:24:22.710 --> 00:24:24.213 will give him a scorpion? 00:24:24.213 --> 00:24:26.064 If you then, who are evil, 00:24:26.064 --> 00:24:27.665 know how to give good gifts 00:24:27.665 --> 00:24:28.771 to your children, 00:24:28.771 --> 00:24:31.457 how much more will the heavenly Father 00:24:31.457 --> 00:24:37.083 give the Holy Spirit to those who ask." 00:24:37.083 --> 00:24:39.673 If a bad friend, because of the nerve 00:24:39.673 --> 00:24:40.916 of the other friend, 00:24:40.916 --> 00:24:42.718 and their continual knocking - 00:24:42.718 --> 00:24:44.344 the boldness of that person - 00:24:44.344 --> 00:24:46.223 will finally give in 00:24:46.223 --> 00:24:47.961 and give them what they need, 00:24:47.961 --> 00:24:49.938 how much more 00:24:49.938 --> 00:24:51.971 will the loving heavenly Father 00:24:51.971 --> 00:24:53.891 Who demonstrated His love 00:24:53.891 --> 00:24:56.110 through the crucifixion of His Son, 00:24:56.110 --> 00:24:59.199 Who's commanding us to remain in prayer - 00:24:59.199 --> 00:25:02.289 how much more will He give 00:25:02.289 --> 00:25:06.184 to those who ask. 00:25:06.184 --> 00:25:08.480 It's not an issue of ability. 00:25:08.480 --> 00:25:10.681 It's not an issue of His willingness. 00:25:10.681 --> 00:25:19.901 It is an issue of continual, steadfast prayer. 00:25:19.901 --> 00:25:28.386 Turn to the right 7 chapters to Luke 18. 00:25:28.386 --> 00:25:31.036 Is God really willing? 00:25:31.036 --> 00:25:33.554 Does God really desire for us 00:25:33.554 --> 00:25:35.769 to continue in prayer? 00:25:35.769 --> 00:25:40.055 Does God really want us to seek Him? 00:25:40.055 --> 00:25:42.018 Are you losing heart 00:25:42.018 --> 00:25:47.241 leading to quitting in prayer? 00:25:47.241 --> 00:25:48.912 Then we need to preach texts 00:25:48.912 --> 00:25:55.749 like Luke 18:1-8 to our soul. 00:25:55.749 --> 00:25:59.527 "And He told them a parable to the effect 00:25:59.527 --> 00:26:02.472 that they ought always to pray 00:26:02.472 --> 00:26:05.592 and not lose heart." 00:26:05.592 --> 00:26:08.254 You see, Jesus knows that we will pray 00:26:08.254 --> 00:26:11.591 and we will not hear when or what we want 00:26:11.591 --> 00:26:13.605 and we will begin to lose heart, 00:26:13.605 --> 00:26:15.331 so He says I'm going to address that 00:26:15.331 --> 00:26:17.194 because I know that's going to happen, 00:26:17.194 --> 00:26:18.313 and I want you to pray 00:26:18.313 --> 00:26:19.377 and not lose heart. 00:26:19.377 --> 00:26:20.399 I want you to pray 00:26:20.399 --> 00:26:21.399 and not stop. 00:26:21.399 --> 00:26:22.977 I want you to continue in prayer. 00:26:22.977 --> 00:26:24.695 So I'm going to remind you of this. 00:26:24.695 --> 00:26:26.914 And He says to them in v. 2, 00:26:26.914 --> 00:26:30.283 "In a certain city, there was a judge 00:26:30.283 --> 00:26:33.243 who neither feared God nor respected man. 00:26:33.243 --> 00:26:35.136 And there was a widow in that city 00:26:35.136 --> 00:26:39.274 who kept coming to him, 00:26:39.274 --> 00:26:41.236 and saying, 'give me justice 00:26:41.236 --> 00:26:43.362 against my adversary.' 00:26:43.362 --> 00:26:46.071 For awhile he refused. 00:26:46.071 --> 00:26:48.179 But afterwards he said to himself, 00:26:48.179 --> 00:26:51.184 'though I neither fear God, 00:26:51.184 --> 00:26:53.264 nor respect man, 00:26:53.264 --> 00:26:57.086 yet because this widow keeps bothering me, 00:26:57.086 --> 00:26:58.916 I will give her justice 00:26:58.916 --> 00:27:00.922 so that she will not beat me down 00:27:00.922 --> 00:27:05.725 with her continual coming.' 00:27:05.725 --> 00:27:08.305 And the Lord said, 00:27:08.305 --> 00:27:12.139 'Hear what the unrighteous judge says. 00:27:12.139 --> 00:27:14.734 and will not God give justice 00:27:14.734 --> 00:27:20.922 to His elect who cry to Him day and night? 00:27:20.922 --> 00:27:22.961 Will He delay long over them? 00:27:22.961 --> 00:27:25.573 I tell you, He will give justice to them 00:27:25.573 --> 00:27:26.752 speedily. 00:27:26.752 --> 00:27:28.811 Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, 00:27:28.811 --> 00:27:31.339 will He find faith on the earth?'" 00:27:31.339 --> 00:27:33.333 Do you see the comparison He makes? 00:27:33.333 --> 00:27:35.428 A judge who does not fear God; 00:27:35.428 --> 00:27:37.218 who does not respect man, 00:27:37.218 --> 00:27:38.102 yet why? 00:27:38.102 --> 00:27:41.188 Because this woman will continually come 00:27:41.188 --> 00:27:42.785 and continually ask 00:27:42.785 --> 00:27:44.398 and will not leave him alone, 00:27:44.398 --> 00:27:46.008 and she keeps bothering him, 00:27:46.008 --> 00:27:48.636 this evil man will reluctantly, 00:27:48.636 --> 00:27:49.799 finally just say, "here, 00:27:49.799 --> 00:27:51.428 take what you've been asking for. 00:27:51.428 --> 00:27:52.895 Just leave me alone." 00:27:52.895 --> 00:27:56.395 Then how much more 00:27:56.395 --> 00:27:59.589 this God Who chose you 00:27:59.589 --> 00:28:01.406 and set you apart 00:28:01.406 --> 00:28:03.745 at the cost of His own Son 00:28:03.745 --> 00:28:05.451 and adopted you, 00:28:05.451 --> 00:28:07.411 and commands you to come 00:28:07.411 --> 00:28:09.396 and petition and don't give up. 00:28:09.396 --> 00:28:12.748 If the evil judge will give in to this, 00:28:12.748 --> 00:28:16.001 how much more will the sovereign King 00:28:16.001 --> 00:28:17.980 Who loves you and has adopted you 00:28:17.980 --> 00:28:23.481 give you what you ask? 00:28:23.481 --> 00:28:26.805 Does He want us to come? 00:28:26.805 --> 00:28:29.394 That's exactly what He wants us to do. 00:28:29.394 --> 00:28:32.781 And He wants us to continue. 00:28:32.781 --> 00:28:34.968 The last line of that is very important 00:28:34.968 --> 00:28:37.215 because He says, 00:28:37.215 --> 00:28:41.722 "Will He find faith on the earth?" 00:28:41.722 --> 00:28:44.261 What does that teach us? 00:28:44.261 --> 00:28:46.921 The issue of continuing in prayer 00:28:46.921 --> 00:28:50.927 is a lack of faith in God. 00:28:50.927 --> 00:28:52.518 He's not going to answer... 00:28:52.518 --> 00:28:53.919 I prayed for two years. 00:28:53.919 --> 00:28:55.945 He hasn't answered yet. 00:28:55.945 --> 00:29:00.063 You say, well, it says He'll come speedily. 00:29:00.063 --> 00:29:05.123 Well, the secret things belong to the Lord. 00:29:05.123 --> 00:29:06.655 Speedily is different for you 00:29:06.655 --> 00:29:08.703 than it is for Him. 00:29:08.703 --> 00:29:12.772 Part of faith is trusting in His timing. 00:29:12.772 --> 00:29:13.912 If you're going to say, 00:29:13.912 --> 00:29:15.363 I'll pray and remain steadfast 00:29:15.363 --> 00:29:17.620 as long as You work on my timetable, 00:29:17.620 --> 00:29:23.658 you've just put yourself in a position of sovereignty. 00:29:23.658 --> 00:29:24.851 Brothers and sisters, 00:29:24.851 --> 00:29:27.098 we need to preach these verses to our soul 00:29:27.098 --> 00:29:29.448 when we find our hearts 00:29:29.448 --> 00:29:35.051 beginning to become weary. 00:29:35.051 --> 00:29:36.783 Quickly now, just the last two parts 00:29:36.783 --> 00:29:38.579 of Colossians 4. 00:29:38.579 --> 00:29:41.870 Not only are we to remain steadfast in prayer 00:29:41.870 --> 00:29:43.489 and be devoted to it, 00:29:43.489 --> 00:29:45.848 but he says we are to keep alert 00:29:45.848 --> 00:29:49.128 and be watchful in our prayer. 00:29:49.128 --> 00:29:52.842 It literally has the idea of staying awake. 00:29:52.842 --> 00:29:55.835 And Brother Mack just led us through 00:29:55.835 --> 00:29:59.998 the Garden of Gethsemane yesterday. 00:29:59.998 --> 00:30:02.163 And when our model Jesus Christ 00:30:02.163 --> 00:30:04.403 is petitioning the Father and continuing 00:30:04.403 --> 00:30:06.770 steadfastly in devotion to prayer 00:30:06.770 --> 00:30:08.957 which was His style of life, 00:30:08.957 --> 00:30:13.104 the disciples were on the side asleep. 00:30:13.104 --> 00:30:16.332 Not alert. 00:30:16.332 --> 00:30:17.757 Not keeping watch. 00:30:17.757 --> 00:30:19.091 Jesus actually says to them, 00:30:19.091 --> 00:30:21.634 "Keep watch that you might not fall into temptation." 00:30:21.634 --> 00:30:24.089 And they fall asleep. 00:30:24.089 --> 00:30:25.787 And Jesus said I know 00:30:25.787 --> 00:30:30.724 that the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak. 00:30:30.724 --> 00:30:32.673 And so in this command from Paul, 00:30:32.673 --> 00:30:35.288 we are called not only to continue steadfastly 00:30:35.288 --> 00:30:38.032 in prayer, but to keep alert 00:30:38.032 --> 00:30:43.037 and be watchful in it. 00:30:43.037 --> 00:30:46.006 So what does that mean? 00:30:46.006 --> 00:30:47.650 As you begin to try to apply: 00:30:47.650 --> 00:30:49.361 continue steadfastly in prayer, 00:30:49.361 --> 00:30:51.034 there's a temptation at some point 00:30:51.034 --> 00:30:52.985 to say, "Well, I'll just sit here 00:30:52.985 --> 00:30:54.183 and do this command 00:30:54.183 --> 00:30:55.857 and then God will answer it." 00:30:55.857 --> 00:30:57.171 And we can begin to do that 00:30:57.171 --> 00:30:58.737 without an awareness of mind 00:30:58.737 --> 00:31:02.364 of even what we are praying. 00:31:02.364 --> 00:31:04.167 And we need to have our minds 00:31:04.167 --> 00:31:05.848 alert and focused and be praying 00:31:05.848 --> 00:31:09.598 for specific things. 00:31:09.598 --> 00:31:13.375 Our minds need to be engaged in this prayer. 00:31:13.375 --> 00:31:16.727 It is not just filling up this quota of prayer. 00:31:16.727 --> 00:31:18.399 That if I hit this certain number, 00:31:18.399 --> 00:31:21.831 then I'll manipulate God to move in some way. 00:31:21.831 --> 00:31:23.915 It is a continuing in prayer, 00:31:23.915 --> 00:31:26.381 but it is a watchful prayer. 00:31:26.381 --> 00:31:28.754 It is an awareness prayer of the mind. 00:31:28.754 --> 00:31:32.628 It is specific prayers to be prayed. 00:31:32.628 --> 00:31:35.785 God's not impressed with how long you can pray. 00:31:35.785 --> 00:31:40.682 It is the awareness of how much we need Him 00:31:40.682 --> 00:31:43.614 that we pray with our minds. 00:31:43.614 --> 00:31:47.041 That's where our doctrine and theology comes in - 00:31:47.041 --> 00:31:48.821 Teaching us His sovereignty, 00:31:48.821 --> 00:31:53.676 our weakness and our great need. 00:31:53.676 --> 00:31:55.668 Then He says at the end here, 00:31:55.668 --> 00:31:58.150 with thanksgiving - 00:31:58.150 --> 00:32:02.022 or with an attitude of thanksgiving. 00:32:02.022 --> 00:32:03.769 Continuing steadfastly in prayer, 00:32:03.769 --> 00:32:05.179 being devoted to prayer, 00:32:05.179 --> 00:32:06.697 being watchful in it, 00:32:06.697 --> 00:32:08.082 keeping alert in it, 00:32:08.082 --> 00:32:13.077 but with an attitude of thanksgiving. 00:32:13.077 --> 00:32:14.229 And I loved it so much 00:32:14.229 --> 00:32:15.625 that when Brother Tim prayed, 00:32:15.625 --> 00:32:18.634 he said nearly that very thing. 00:32:18.634 --> 00:32:20.769 We are here asking God to come, 00:32:20.769 --> 00:32:22.071 asking God to move 00:32:22.071 --> 00:32:23.025 in our hearts, 00:32:23.025 --> 00:32:23.840 in our churches, 00:32:23.840 --> 00:32:25.549 in this area - 00:32:25.549 --> 00:32:28.242 but we still have so much to give thanks for 00:32:28.242 --> 00:32:30.852 that He has redeemed a wretch like me. 00:32:30.852 --> 00:32:32.669 There is so much He has done 00:32:32.669 --> 00:32:34.921 that as we are continuing steadfastly 00:32:34.921 --> 00:32:36.724 in prayer and petitioning the Father, 00:32:36.724 --> 00:32:38.095 continuing in it, 00:32:38.095 --> 00:32:39.336 not letting Him go, 00:32:39.336 --> 00:32:41.025 we also need to keep in mind 00:32:41.025 --> 00:32:42.390 all that He has done 00:32:42.390 --> 00:32:46.220 and be giving Him thanks. 00:32:46.220 --> 00:32:52.999 Hearts of thanksgiving. 00:32:52.999 --> 00:32:58.515 I was reminded last night of John 15:5. 00:32:58.515 --> 00:33:01.291 The vine and the branches. 00:33:01.291 --> 00:33:03.962 And v. 5 says this, 00:33:03.962 --> 00:33:09.599 "Without Me you can do nothing." 00:33:09.599 --> 00:33:14.603 And what convicted me last night was this: 00:33:14.603 --> 00:33:16.613 I thought with knowledge and experience 00:33:16.613 --> 00:33:23.535 I could actually do something without Him. 00:33:23.535 --> 00:33:24.798 And as much as you grow 00:33:24.798 --> 00:33:26.347 in knowledge and experience 00:33:26.347 --> 00:33:29.204 and maturity in Christ, 00:33:29.204 --> 00:33:32.278 that verse will never change. 00:33:32.278 --> 00:33:35.682 Without Him you can do nothing. 00:33:35.682 --> 00:33:36.910 So as I sat last night, 00:33:36.910 --> 00:33:38.682 I said how much do I really believe 00:33:38.682 --> 00:33:39.532 that verse? 00:33:39.532 --> 00:33:41.126 "Without Him I can do nothing." 00:33:41.126 --> 00:33:42.343 And here's the answer: 00:33:42.343 --> 00:33:43.644 I believe it to the degree 00:33:43.644 --> 00:33:46.383 that I continue steadfastly in prayer. 00:33:46.383 --> 00:33:48.333 That's how much I believe it. 00:33:48.333 --> 00:33:50.062 To the degree that I'm continuing 00:33:50.062 --> 00:33:51.864 steadfastly in prayer, 00:33:51.864 --> 00:33:54.599 I believe that verse. 00:33:54.599 --> 00:33:57.432 And when I stop or I grow weary, 00:33:57.432 --> 00:34:02.635 I stop believing that. 00:34:02.635 --> 00:34:03.733 Brothers and sisters, 00:34:03.733 --> 00:34:05.727 I can't tell you when God's going to come 00:34:05.727 --> 00:34:08.210 and pour out His Spirit in your heart 00:34:08.210 --> 00:34:09.954 or over New England. 00:34:09.954 --> 00:34:11.424 Those are the secret things 00:34:11.424 --> 00:34:13.234 that Brother Mike was speaking about. 00:34:13.234 --> 00:34:17.140 I can't tell you when He is going to do that, 00:34:17.140 --> 00:34:18.415 but I can tell you this, 00:34:18.415 --> 00:34:20.772 it will not be apart from steadfast 00:34:20.772 --> 00:34:24.198 devotion to prayer. 00:34:24.198 --> 00:34:25.465 It will not be apart 00:34:25.465 --> 00:34:32.169 from steadfast devotion to prayer. 00:34:32.169 --> 00:34:36.840 And I'll encourage you in this: 00:34:36.840 --> 00:34:44.586 When the Lord does answer that prayer, 00:34:44.586 --> 00:34:48.576 don't stop praying. 00:34:48.576 --> 00:34:53.544 When the Lord brings a man into your city, 00:34:53.544 --> 00:34:54.916 proclaims the Gospel, 00:34:54.916 --> 00:34:57.513 people start getting saved, 00:34:57.513 --> 00:35:00.764 a church is established by God, 00:35:00.764 --> 00:35:03.479 there is healthy life and fellowship 00:35:03.479 --> 00:35:05.770 with Jesus Christ at the center; 00:35:05.770 --> 00:35:07.977 you're beginning to see lives transformed; 00:35:07.977 --> 00:35:14.079 do not stop praying. 00:35:14.079 --> 00:35:20.956 It is then that we need to pray even more. 00:35:20.956 --> 00:35:27.640 Let me finish with Isaiah 62.6-7. 00:35:27.640 --> 00:35:30.502 "On your walls, O Jerusalem, 00:35:30.502 --> 00:35:33.042 I have set watchmen. 00:35:33.042 --> 00:35:34.638 All the day and all the night, 00:35:34.638 --> 00:35:36.976 they shall never be silent. 00:35:36.976 --> 00:35:38.741 You who put the Lord in remembrance, 00:35:38.741 --> 00:35:40.179 take no rest, 00:35:40.179 --> 00:35:41.638 and give Him no rest 00:35:41.638 --> 00:35:44.377 until He establishes Jerusalem 00:35:44.377 --> 00:35:48.219 and makes it a praise in the earth." 00:35:48.219 --> 00:35:49.309 Brothers and sisters, 00:35:49.309 --> 00:35:52.152 give the Lord no rest. 00:35:52.152 --> 00:35:56.257 He commands you to give Him no rest 00:35:56.257 --> 00:36:00.637 until His name is praised in the lands. 00:36:00.637 --> 00:36:05.481 So I pray that that was encouraging 00:36:05.481 --> 00:36:07.178 yet convicting. 00:36:07.178 --> 00:36:11.772 But I truly believe it was for my own soul. 00:36:11.772 --> 00:36:15.969 And by God's grace, I left 15 minutes. 00:36:15.969 --> 00:36:19.276 So here's what I'd like to do if it's alright. 00:36:19.276 --> 00:36:22.097 I'd like to just pray. 00:36:22.097 --> 00:36:24.294 I think the greatest thing you can do 00:36:24.294 --> 00:36:25.663 when you hear a sermon 00:36:25.663 --> 00:36:27.322 that convicts or encourages 00:36:27.322 --> 00:36:28.572 is as fast as you can, 00:36:28.572 --> 00:36:32.054 begin to implement that in your life. 00:36:32.054 --> 00:36:34.755 And so, if I can just pray, 00:36:34.755 --> 00:36:36.243 and you guys can pray with me 00:36:36.243 --> 00:36:39.237 and just in the next five minutes or so, 00:36:39.237 --> 00:36:41.813 praying about these things to the Lord. 00:36:41.813 --> 00:36:43.720 For your own heart 00:36:43.720 --> 00:36:45.467 and for this land. 00:36:45.467 --> 00:37:10.493 So if you'll bow with me. 00:37:10.493 --> 00:37:20.855 Father, in the name of Jesus, 00:37:20.855 --> 00:37:22.796 Lord, I confess even this morning, 00:37:22.796 --> 00:37:24.675 even a difference from last night. 00:37:24.675 --> 00:37:26.575 Last night, I seemed so aware 00:37:26.575 --> 00:37:28.892 of my weakness, God. 00:37:28.892 --> 00:37:32.429 So aware of my need for You, Lord Jesus. 00:37:32.429 --> 00:37:34.259 And even today I sense 00:37:34.259 --> 00:37:38.893 that that is beginning to wane, Lord. 00:37:38.893 --> 00:37:41.159 Lord, I know that I am just as needy 00:37:41.159 --> 00:37:43.757 last night as I am today, Lord, 00:37:43.757 --> 00:37:50.352 but I struggle to see it so often, God. 00:37:50.352 --> 00:37:52.240 God, we need You to see these things. 00:37:52.240 --> 00:37:53.753 We are asking now 00:37:53.753 --> 00:37:55.573 in each of the hearts of people 00:37:55.573 --> 00:37:56.534 represented here, 00:37:56.534 --> 00:37:58.821 and churches represented here, God, 00:37:58.821 --> 00:38:00.803 that You would help us to see, Lord, 00:38:00.803 --> 00:38:02.236 these things. 00:38:02.236 --> 00:38:04.745 See our great need, Lord; 00:38:04.745 --> 00:38:08.189 see Your willingness, God; 00:38:08.189 --> 00:38:10.270 see that You've made the way for us 00:38:10.270 --> 00:38:12.977 to be able to come through Jesus Christ. 00:38:12.977 --> 00:38:15.057 That we come, God, not on our own merit; 00:38:15.057 --> 00:38:19.395 not on our own righteousness. 00:38:19.395 --> 00:38:23.742 On the righteousness of Christ, we come. 00:38:23.742 --> 00:38:25.127 God, as we approach Your Word 00:38:25.127 --> 00:38:30.129 and we grow in doctrine and theology, God, 00:38:30.129 --> 00:38:32.462 let it lead to a greater revelation 00:38:32.462 --> 00:38:35.711 of weakness and dependence. 00:38:35.711 --> 00:38:37.575 Let it lead to a greater revelation 00:38:37.575 --> 00:38:40.363 of You and Your willingness, God. 00:38:40.363 --> 00:38:43.303 God, when we grow faint of heart, 00:38:43.303 --> 00:38:45.606 let us remember these petitions 00:38:45.606 --> 00:38:46.872 You've put before us; 00:38:46.872 --> 00:38:48.987 You're calling us and commanding us, God, 00:38:48.987 --> 00:38:50.292 to be persistent; 00:38:50.292 --> 00:38:52.669 to have the nerve to come 00:38:52.669 --> 00:38:56.813 to the King of the Universe. 00:38:56.813 --> 00:38:58.221 And to stay there, God. 00:38:58.221 --> 00:38:59.159 To remain there. 00:38:59.159 --> 00:39:02.450 To be devoted there. 00:39:02.450 --> 00:39:04.318 God, thank You, 00:39:04.318 --> 00:39:07.220 for Your loving chastening hand 00:39:07.220 --> 00:39:10.054 when we forget these things, 00:39:10.054 --> 00:39:11.193 to draw us back; 00:39:11.193 --> 00:39:15.454 to teach us. 00:39:15.454 --> 00:39:19.471 We want Your glory, God. 00:39:19.471 --> 00:39:23.898 We need You, Father. 00:39:23.898 --> 00:39:26.913 And so as I ask with my brothers and sisters 00:39:26.913 --> 00:39:29.596 that You come, Lord. 00:39:29.596 --> 00:39:32.053 I pray that it wouldn't be just here and now 00:39:32.053 --> 00:39:34.216 in this moment, 00:39:34.216 --> 00:39:38.552 but that You would keep us in a weak place 00:39:38.552 --> 00:39:39.819 where we are constantly 00:39:39.819 --> 00:39:43.830 and continually reaching for You 00:39:43.830 --> 00:39:46.240 in utter dependence 00:39:46.240 --> 00:39:54.733 manifested in devotion to prayer. 00:39:54.733 --> 00:39:58.371 Thank You for Your patience, Lord. 00:39:58.371 --> 00:40:03.902 Thank You for Your grace and kindness to us. 00:40:03.902 --> 00:40:06.211 Help us. 00:40:06.211 --> 00:40:08.919 In the name of Jesus our Savior, 00:40:08.919 --> 00:40:10.901 Amen.