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Jack Graham: Angels: God’s Secret Agents | Praise

July 24, 2025 | 57:47

Sheila Walsh hosts Pastor Jack Graham, Senior Pastor of Prestonwood Baptist Church, to discuss angels and the unseen world around us.

#Angels #Author #Supernatural #Theology #Bible #Protection #PersonalStory #SpiritualWarfare

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Praise | Jack Graham: Angels: God’s Secret Agents | Praise | July 24, 2025

Coming up tonight on praise...
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About that same time, i had breakfast with a friend and
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She was dying.
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She said, i want to really ask you to reconsider writing a
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Book about the angels.
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She said, you know, i'm going to be with the angels soon, and
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I'd like to know a little bit more about them before i go.
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And so i took that to heart and i went home, got my legal pad,
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And i just started referencing all the times in the scripture
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That the bible talks about angels.
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And i prayed about it and i said, let's try to write a book
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That would set the record straight.
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And thus came the book.
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♪♪
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On praise from dallas, senior pastor of prestonwood baptist
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Church, author and biblical teacher jack graham.
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And now your host, sheila walsh.
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Well, i am very excited tonight to have as our special guest,
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Pastor jack graham.
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I don't know if you know this, but that is my own pastor.
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Barry and i have been part of prestonwood church for
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Quite some time.
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In fact, i don't know if you know this pastor,
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Do you know how we ended up choosing your church?
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I think i do. children's ministry, correct?
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It was.
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Yeah, we were going to a different church that was close
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To where we lived.
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And one morning when i wake my son up to go to church, he
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Said, mom, it's really boring and i won't tell you what
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Church it was, but i slipped in the back and i listened to it,
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And i said to him afterwards, you know what?
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You're right.
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That was kind of a bit of a yawn.
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Yeah. and so, um, we visited and the minute we went into
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Prestonwood and christian hit the kids ministry was like,
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Mom, i'm home.
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Ah, well, a little child shall lead them.
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So we're glad that christian
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Led you and barry to prestonwood.
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It's a privilege.
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I brag when i say i get to be the pastor of sheila and
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Barry walsh and christian.
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And so thank you for being such a warrior for the lord.
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Yeah. gosh. what other way
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Would would we want to live?
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Um, the book we're talking about today, this is an
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Incredible book and it's called angels, who they are, what they
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Do, and why it matters.
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So i know you've got a lot of questions, so we're going to
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Try and attempt to answer some of those questions.
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Whenever there's a new book i always
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Want to know, like what was the genesis?
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Why did you write this book?
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But it was almost, wasn't it, a conversation over breakfast?
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It was.
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I had-- i had written a book
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Called unseen about the unseen world.
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And, you know, all around us there is this invisible world.
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And in that world you have angels and demons,
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Of course, god himself, who is a spirit and just the presence
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Of the divine, the supernatural in the world.
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So i wrote a book about that.
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I talked about heaven, talked about hell, talked about the
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Soul, things unseen,
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Because as the scripture says in ii corinthians 4, the
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Things that we see are transitory.
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They pass away, but the things that are unseen are eternal.
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So, you know, we need to wake up to the world around us,
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This invisible world.
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So it came out of that.
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I had a chapter in there on the angels, and i don't know that
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I'd ever preached or taught-- and my books flow out of my
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Preaching ministry, but i don't know that i'd ever really--
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I'd given passing uh, you know, acquaintance to the angels, but
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I never really addressed it that much.
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And i wrote this chapter about them.
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And of all the questions and like interviews like this, when
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People were so interested in the angels.
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Wow. and so the publisher of my book came to me and said, would
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You write a book just on the angels?
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And i said, absolutely not.
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And they said, well, why?
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I said, well, i said, i don't want to be as the guy who wrote
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The angel book.
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I don't think that's my lane.
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And i mean, i said, you know, it can get-- angel
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Things can get a little fringy, a little weird, a little
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Strange sometimes.
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And there are a lot of books about angels.
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And i said, i just, i don't, i don't think i want to do that.
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And about that same time, i had breakfast with a friend and she
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Was dying, and she knew of the publisher's desire.
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They worked with us in our book ministry.
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And she said, i want to really ask you to reconsider writing a
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Book about the angels.
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And she said several things.
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And but the most memorable, she said, you know, i'm going to be
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With the angels soon, and i'd like to know a little bit more
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About them before i go. wow.
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And so i took that to heart.
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I went home, got my legal pad, and i just started referencing
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All the times in the scripture
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That the bible talks about angels.
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And really, i was so wrong.
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It's not a fringe subject, because you can hear the flap
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Of angel's wings with every turn of scripture and
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The angels are everywhere,
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Before genesis, after
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Revelation, and all through and through.
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They're everywhere in the bible.
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Over 300-plus references to angels in the bible.
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So i said, okay, this is not a fringe subject.
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And i prayed about it and i said, let's try to write a book
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That would set the record straight and that it would be
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Truly a biblical--
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I didn't spend a lot of time in this book.
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There are some stories, contemporary stories about
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Angel appearances.
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But what i said, let's get to the bible.
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I'm a bible guy.
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And let's-- what does the bible say?
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And what are the stories in the bible
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We read about the angels? and thus came the book.
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What do you think are some of the most common misconception
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About angels in our culture?
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Well, probably the biggest one is that babies turn into
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Angels, and we hear that a lot.
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And parents are grieving and some, you know, a
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Grandparent says, well, you know, she's a little angel now
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And, and there's no evidence ever in the bible that, uh, a
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Human being becomes an angel.
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An angel is a unique creation of god separate from humanity.
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And so that's that's one of the main ones.
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And so i address all kinds of subjects regarding, uh, people
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Thinking we turn into angels or, uh, that angels are, you
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Know, everywhere, or that we can command angels.
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That's another one.
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Uh, you see it sometimes. let's command the angels to come.
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Well, only jesus commands the angels and so on.
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Yeah, you know when you talk on little ones,
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People saying babies became angels,
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The news is actually far better.
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They're home safe with jesus. yes.
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In the presence of angels.
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No, they're not-- yeah, yeah.
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The news is far better, i like that.
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Yeah. yeah.
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I'd rather be a redeemed, chosen child of god,
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And that includes children who who die before their time.
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Yeah. i'd rather be a redeemed child of god than an angel.
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Absolutely. absolutely.
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How do angels differ, though,
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From the rest of god's creation?
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Because they are created.
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But they're different.
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They are different in that they bear--
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They don't bear the image of god as human beings do, but
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They bear the creation of god in that he created them
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To worship him.
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And heaven is is a place filled
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With praise and adoration to god.
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And you know, i believe the angels do
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Primarily-- there are three things the angels do.
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One is they are worshipers.
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And in the end, angels do not want to be recognized.
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That's another thing that kind of is a myth.
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Maybe one of the reasons that i wasn't onto the angels that
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Much at one time in that, you know, angels kind of operate as
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Secret agents.
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They don't need the attention or desire the attention.
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They want all the focus and all the praise and all the glory to
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Go to god and to christ.
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And so they are worshipers.
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And when we meet the angelic hosts in the bible, they are
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Praising god forever and ever.
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And therefore, why does that matter to us?
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They prompt us to worship and they teach us to worship when
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You consider their eternal role.
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And so they were created before genesis in eternity past,
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Before human beings were created.
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And they were there from time immemorial, before time was
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Counted, praising god.
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But they are created beings and their worshipers.
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And then they are warriors.
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That's the next thing.
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So a lot of-- another misconception about the angels
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Is that they're little cuddly creatures, like
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Little, little cupids with a bow and arrow and a heart and,
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And little cuddlies for, you know, your grandchildren.
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And often they're seen as fluffy and white, but that's
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Not what we see in the bible.
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The angels are actually warriors.
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When the bible speaks of the lord of hosts, the lord of
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Armies, he's talking about the angel armies.
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Uh, chris tomlin wrote a song about angel armies, which is
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Great, but they are great warriors and so they are often
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On mission engaged in--
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We often see angels engaged in the bible on battlefields,
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And even in history,
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Angels have appeared on battlefields and shown up in
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Places where, uh, spiritual war is taking place, as well
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As physical war.
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But mainly they are, you know, they're involved in our lives
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In that, in this unseen world around us,
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They are fighting with us the battles that are eternal.
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And if i could, you know, make that personal is that when we
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Are fighting, we're not fighting alone,
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That the that the angels are with us and that they are
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Mighty powerful warriors.
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And for example, uh, when sodom and gomorrah happened and god
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Sent those two angels in to warn, uh, the people of sodom
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And gomorrah and, uh, they were like ninja warriors.
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They went in and, uh, they wreaked havoc in there
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Because of the judgment that was coming from god.
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You often see angels-- again,
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People don't like this about the angels necessarily.
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Some people don't, because you see them enacting judgment.
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They're involved in the judgment and even at when the
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Man and the woman, adam and eve, were cast out of the
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Garden, there was an angel posted there to to signify that
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The garden was closed at this point to men.
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So they are warriors, and it's good to know that therefore
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They resolve, they protect us there.
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There is a sense in which, of course, god protects us.
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The holy spirit is with us, but he has given us angels.
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And psalm 91 talks about this, a great psalm about the angels.
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And so these angels are warriors doing the work of god
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In behalf of creation.
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You know, i was just thinking, sheila, recently we had those
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American pilots who took those bombs over in to explode the
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Nuclear reactors in iran.
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And it was-- it was an amazing thing.
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And that they left missouri under the cloak of darkness and
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Flew all the way, were fueled and refueled along the way.
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They were undetected.
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And yes, there was great military preparation and
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There was incredible technology
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That helped to make that happen.
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But when you see something like that and you realize how god
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Has worked in the past, it appears--
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And i bet if you talk to those pilots, they might just say we
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There was some divine protection going on there, that
00:11:31.947 --> 00:11:34.784
There was a covering there.
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They were in and out. no one--
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They were in and back home in missouri with with
00:11:37.686 --> 00:11:40.055
Mission accomplished.
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And so i don't know that. you know, that's certainly
00:11:41.423 --> 00:11:44.693
Speculation, but i just know in history and in time,
00:11:44.693 --> 00:11:48.931
You know, with israel, uh, including new israel, the
00:11:48.931 --> 00:11:53.068
Rebirth of israel, there are amazing stories about how god
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Moved on battlefields.
00:11:55.871 --> 00:11:57.606
And it seemed that angels
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Worked in behalf of his people, israel.
00:11:59.074 --> 00:12:02.011
And so these are warriors.
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These are fighters in our behalf.
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And, you know, we're involved in this spiritual battle, and
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The battle is prayer, and they definitely are involved.
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Uh, remember, daniel, the story of daniel, and he was praying
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And praying, and for 21 days he didn't seem like he
00:12:15.024 --> 00:12:18.127
Was getting through.
00:12:18.127 --> 00:12:19.395
And then god said, look, you know, we had an angel take care
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Of this a good while ago.
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It's already happened.
00:12:23.632 --> 00:12:24.834
So, uh, there's another example.
00:12:24.834 --> 00:12:27.102
And then angels are not only worshipers and warriors, but
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They're witnesses.
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Because when you see angels in the bible, they're often
00:12:32.842 --> 00:12:36.045
Showing up and making big announcements, like for unto you
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Is born this day a savior, who is christ the lord.
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And making these announcements.
00:12:42.852 --> 00:12:45.020
And when jesus comes again, there's going to be a voice in
00:12:45.020 --> 00:12:47.489
The shout, the voice of the
00:12:47.489 --> 00:12:48.490
Archangel and the trumpet of god.
00:12:48.490 --> 00:12:50.759
And so angels show up with
00:12:50.759 --> 00:12:52.761
Important times to deliver a message.
00:12:52.761 --> 00:12:54.930
In fact, the word angel, angelos, means messengers.
00:12:54.930 --> 00:12:58.667
So god uses the angels as his
00:12:58.667 --> 00:13:01.370
Messengers to people in certain situations
00:13:01.370 --> 00:13:05.074
Uh, in the bible. yeah.
00:13:05.074 --> 00:13:07.009
If you're just joining us, i'm here with pastor jack graham
00:13:07.009 --> 00:13:09.111
And this book on angels, who they are, what they do,
00:13:09.111 --> 00:13:12.014
And why it matters.
00:13:12.014 --> 00:13:13.649
One of the parts of your book that challenged me most was,
00:13:13.649 --> 00:13:16.819
How does the awareness of
00:13:16.819 --> 00:13:17.987
Angels call us to live a holier life?
00:13:17.987 --> 00:13:20.723
Mm. yeah.
00:13:20.723 --> 00:13:22.658
That is a great question and a great point to make, because
00:13:22.658 --> 00:13:27.930
When you realize you're living
00:13:27.930 --> 00:13:29.665
In a, in a world beyond yourself--
00:13:29.665 --> 00:13:31.934
I mean, we are.
00:13:31.934 --> 00:13:33.202
So, uh, the problem we have is that we're earth bound, and
00:13:33.202 --> 00:13:39.208
What's going on around us can, can pollute the way we think.
00:13:39.208 --> 00:13:44.313
A toxic environment in terms of spiritual toxicity.
00:13:44.313 --> 00:13:47.850
And so we live in a, in a dirty world.
00:13:47.850 --> 00:13:50.586
We live in a world that is filled with sin.
00:13:50.586 --> 00:13:55.291
But when you have another perspective, when you
00:13:55.291 --> 00:13:58.494
Recognize and realize that there is another world, that
00:13:58.494 --> 00:14:01.864
There is a spiritual world in
00:14:01.864 --> 00:14:03.532
Which, uh, god brings heaven to earth.
00:14:03.532 --> 00:14:08.103
Now, heaven is a holy place.
00:14:08.103 --> 00:14:09.471
God is a holy god, and by his spirit and even the presence,
00:14:09.471 --> 00:14:15.377
I would believe of these angels that you are, you're introduced
00:14:15.377 --> 00:14:21.483
To another world, and so you're no longer earthbound,
00:14:21.483 --> 00:14:27.556
But you have eternity on your
00:14:27.556 --> 00:14:29.124
Mind, and you have things that are
00:14:29.124 --> 00:14:32.094
Beyond human experience when you contemplate the angels
00:14:32.094 --> 00:14:37.099
And who they are.
00:14:37.099 --> 00:14:38.767
I mean, if you saw an angel, if you physically saw an angel,
00:14:38.767 --> 00:14:43.372
You would probably do what the apostle paul john did when the
00:14:43.372 --> 00:14:46.909
Angel appeared, and john fell on his face to worship him.
00:14:46.909 --> 00:14:51.680
And the angel said, stop that.
00:14:51.680 --> 00:14:53.782
You're going to get us both in trouble, you know, because i'm
00:14:53.782 --> 00:14:58.320
Not here to be worshiped.
00:14:58.320 --> 00:14:59.321
Only god is to be worshiped.
00:14:59.321 --> 00:15:01.256
But these angels, he saw the divine presence of god in the
00:15:01.256 --> 00:15:07.629
Face of this angel, or in the presence of this angel.
00:15:07.629 --> 00:15:10.699
And so in that sense, when you when you realize how great
00:15:10.699 --> 00:15:13.702
They are and how glorious--
00:15:13.702 --> 00:15:14.970
I mean, the bible describes them as glorious creations and
00:15:14.970 --> 00:15:19.508
Great beings, and we will be with the angels someday,
00:15:19.508 --> 00:15:23.879
And it's hard to fathom.
00:15:23.879 --> 00:15:26.115
But the point also is of why this matters is that there-- the
00:15:26.115 --> 00:15:31.120
Reality of angels means that we don't live for just this world,
00:15:31.120 --> 00:15:37.026
That there is a world beyond
00:15:37.026 --> 00:15:38.460
Us, and we need to be--
00:15:38.460 --> 00:15:40.562
Recognize it for ourselves and live accordingly.
00:15:40.562 --> 00:15:44.199
Can they see what we are doing?
00:15:44.199 --> 00:15:46.101
Uh, yes, i do believe that.
00:15:46.101 --> 00:15:47.770
And i believe that angels--
00:15:47.770 --> 00:15:49.905
You know, there is a,
00:15:49.905 --> 00:15:52.041
I like to say that there is a very thin veil between heaven
00:15:52.041 --> 00:15:56.912
And earth, between physical life and eternal life.
00:15:56.912 --> 00:16:01.083
And in many ways-- you know, doctor w.a.
00:16:01.083 --> 00:16:04.086
Criswell was the first one i heard say this, and i've always
00:16:04.086 --> 00:16:07.356
Believed that when he would talk about the invisible world
00:16:07.356 --> 00:16:10.893
And the world of the spirit,
00:16:10.893 --> 00:16:14.163
He would say, and when he talk about heaven, he said, you
00:16:14.163 --> 00:16:16.865
Know, heaven is a place.
00:16:16.865 --> 00:16:18.634
It's out there, but heaven is closer than you think.
00:16:18.634 --> 00:16:22.438
Heaven is all around us. heaven is near.
00:16:22.438 --> 00:16:28.277
And this very thin veil separates us.
00:16:28.277 --> 00:16:31.246
And so, so often we see it in the bible that heaven touches
00:16:31.246 --> 00:16:36.452
Earth, and the realities of of the presence of god and
00:16:36.452 --> 00:16:42.024
Everything that has to do with his presence breaks through.
00:16:42.024 --> 00:16:46.128
Uh, there's that old gospel song, heaven came down and
00:16:46.128 --> 00:16:48.630
Glory filled my soul.
00:16:48.630 --> 00:16:50.299
Yeah. and so that's what happens.
00:16:50.299 --> 00:16:53.035
And, um, so this very thin line.
00:16:53.035 --> 00:16:55.404
So what we need to be able to do is not to obsess about
00:16:55.404 --> 00:16:58.207
The angels. again,
00:16:58.207 --> 00:16:59.675
The last thing angels want is for us to obsess about them.
00:16:59.675 --> 00:17:02.611
They're not the story.
00:17:02.611 --> 00:17:04.613
They tell the story.
00:17:04.613 --> 00:17:05.481
That's why they're witnesses.
00:17:05.481 --> 00:17:06.949
They tell the story, they point to jesus.
00:17:06.949 --> 00:17:09.351
And, uh, it's all about jesus as far as the angels go.
00:17:09.351 --> 00:17:13.422
So don't worship me.
00:17:13.422 --> 00:17:14.790
Worship jesus.
00:17:14.790 --> 00:17:16.158
And, uh, but when the angels show up and there's even a
00:17:16.158 --> 00:17:20.996
Reference, uh, in second corinthians with paul,
00:17:20.996 --> 00:17:24.867
That angels attend church,
00:17:24.867 --> 00:17:26.969
Things that angels desire to look upon.
00:17:26.969 --> 00:17:29.538
And i often remind our people that angels are near and when
00:17:29.538 --> 00:17:32.808
We gather to worship him.
00:17:32.808 --> 00:17:34.543
But to me there's something about that, pastor,
00:17:34.543 --> 00:17:37.446
That calls me to live differently.
00:17:37.446 --> 00:17:39.481
It's like if they look into our salvation and wonder, it makes
00:17:39.481 --> 00:17:44.019
You want to live worthy of the calling because they're living
00:17:44.019 --> 00:17:46.922
In the presence of a holy god, and they know the whole story
00:17:46.922 --> 00:17:50.759
That's been unfolded so far.
00:17:50.759 --> 00:17:52.828
It makes me want to be careful how i live.
00:17:52.828 --> 00:17:55.030
Mhm. well, angels are inspiring. they are.
00:17:55.030 --> 00:17:59.201
They, they do motivate us to to live beyond ourselves
00:17:59.201 --> 00:18:03.071
And live for god.
00:18:03.071 --> 00:18:04.673
I mean, again to worship god.
00:18:04.673 --> 00:18:06.708
That's why i said in the-- if god made them to worship, he,
00:18:06.708 --> 00:18:10.245
You know, that is our chief aim to is, as the westminster
00:18:10.245 --> 00:18:13.148
Confession said, that the chief aim of man is to enjoy god and
00:18:13.148 --> 00:18:17.352
Glorify him and glorify him forever.
00:18:17.352 --> 00:18:19.354
And don't you know that angels enjoy god?
00:18:19.354 --> 00:18:22.257
They enjoy his presence and they worship him forever, so
00:18:22.257 --> 00:18:25.994
They prompt us, ourselves to do the same.
00:18:25.994 --> 00:18:29.231
It's interesting that often when angels appear, the very
00:18:29.231 --> 00:18:32.367
First words they say are, fear not.
00:18:32.367 --> 00:18:35.170
Oh, so often. why is that?
00:18:35.170 --> 00:18:36.738
You think just because they're so magnificent?
00:18:36.738 --> 00:18:39.608
Well, number one, god knows
00:18:39.608 --> 00:18:43.745
How much we deal with fear.
00:18:43.745 --> 00:18:45.747
And, you know, throughout the bible we're told not to fear,
00:18:45.747 --> 00:18:49.451
Not to dread, not to live with, with these kinds of anxieties.
00:18:49.451 --> 00:18:52.921
And, and it's hard.
00:18:52.921 --> 00:18:55.490
Because we all face fears in our lives and we have to
00:18:55.490 --> 00:18:58.727
Overcome them.
00:18:58.727 --> 00:18:59.728
Yeah. i've been afraid.
00:18:59.728 --> 00:19:00.596
You've been afraid?
00:19:00.596 --> 00:19:01.463
We've all faced fears in our lives.
00:19:01.463 --> 00:19:04.233
So i think it's wonderful that god gives us all these
00:19:04.233 --> 00:19:06.768
Scriptures to remind us to do not fear.
00:19:06.768 --> 00:19:09.071
Do not fear.
00:19:09.071 --> 00:19:10.105
It's like a parent would say to a frightened
00:19:10.105 --> 00:19:12.774
Child, do not be afraid. do not be afraid.
00:19:12.774 --> 00:19:15.877
And even when, when the shepherds were so frightened,
00:19:15.877 --> 00:19:20.382
When the heavens exploded that night,
00:19:20.382 --> 00:19:22.417
And all the angels danced on, on the clouds and on the stars
00:19:22.417 --> 00:19:25.787
At the birth of jesus,
00:19:25.787 --> 00:19:28.590
They were sore afraid.
00:19:28.590 --> 00:19:30.325
The old king james says, they were just, you know, they were
00:19:30.325 --> 00:19:32.694
Stunned, terrorized by it.
00:19:32.694 --> 00:19:34.730
And the angel said, don't be afraid.
00:19:34.730 --> 00:19:36.531
And in that sense, god is saying, you know, i'm bringing
00:19:36.531 --> 00:19:39.735
You good news.
00:19:39.735 --> 00:19:40.636
Don't don't be afraid.
00:19:40.636 --> 00:19:41.737
There's good news coming.
00:19:41.737 --> 00:19:43.472
Uh, but, um, because god knows we have so many fears,
00:19:43.472 --> 00:19:48.176
This is one of the roles of
00:19:48.176 --> 00:19:49.244
Angels, as i see it, to comfort us.
00:19:49.244 --> 00:19:52.014
And you see that in the bible that if you know that
00:19:52.014 --> 00:19:56.084
There are angels, and i do-- people also ask, do i have
00:19:56.084 --> 00:19:59.554
A guardian angel? personal one.
00:19:59.554 --> 00:20:01.823
That's a-- and--
00:20:01.823 --> 00:20:04.092
And the bible is really silent on that.
00:20:04.092 --> 00:20:05.994
There's part of a verse where jesus talked about there angels
00:20:05.994 --> 00:20:09.097
Speaking of babies, children.
00:20:09.097 --> 00:20:11.400
But, you know, we don't know for sure.
00:20:11.400 --> 00:20:13.535
I would say there are multiple angels watching over us.
00:20:13.535 --> 00:20:17.406
Some of us probably need more angels than others.
00:20:17.406 --> 00:20:20.008
We need a troop of angels.
00:20:20.008 --> 00:20:21.276
A whole crew of angels watching over us.
00:20:21.276 --> 00:20:23.845
And, uh-- but i do think about people
00:20:23.845 --> 00:20:26.682
Who are serving lord in dangerous places.
00:20:26.682 --> 00:20:29.651
Yeah. uh, and, and christians who are fighting battles on
00:20:29.651 --> 00:20:35.490
Battlefields and, um, that, that angels bring about a sense
00:20:35.490 --> 00:20:40.228
Of god's presence.
00:20:40.228 --> 00:20:41.430
I mean, you have the holy spirit who is the comforter.
00:20:41.430 --> 00:20:44.533
And, you know, one question might be, well, why do you need
00:20:44.533 --> 00:20:47.602
Angels if you have god's spirit, your holy spirit?
00:20:47.602 --> 00:20:49.938
Well, these are specifically designed to extend god's
00:20:49.938 --> 00:20:55.043
Presence into our surrounding, our situation, uh, our
00:20:55.043 --> 00:20:59.715
Spiritual battles.
00:20:59.715 --> 00:21:01.283
I just really believe that when i'm in a spiritual fight and
00:21:01.283 --> 00:21:05.520
I'm tempted to be afraid, or i am afraid, that
00:21:05.520 --> 00:21:10.459
I find great comfort and encouragement in knowing that
00:21:10.459 --> 00:21:13.995
God cares enough to provide angels to protect me.
00:21:13.995 --> 00:21:19.301
Beautiful. mhm.
00:21:19.301 --> 00:21:20.569
And you touch on it-- again,
00:21:20.569 --> 00:21:22.637
I'm probably dragging something up
00:21:22.637 --> 00:21:24.473
From memory from a long time ago.
00:21:24.473 --> 00:21:26.508
But you, you touch on one of my favorite things.
00:21:26.508 --> 00:21:28.677
I never miss a charlie brown christmas every year.
00:21:28.677 --> 00:21:31.513
When that comes on, i always watch that.
00:21:31.513 --> 00:21:33.582
You talk about there's something in that that's really
00:21:33.582 --> 00:21:35.317
Significant that kind of redirects our hearts back to
00:21:35.317 --> 00:21:38.053
Where they should be.
00:21:38.053 --> 00:21:39.521
Yeah. well, that's that's been one of the most interesting
00:21:39.521 --> 00:21:43.058
Things that has-- that
00:21:43.058 --> 00:21:44.326
Charlie brown christmas has been sustained through through
00:21:44.326 --> 00:21:47.796
The years.
00:21:47.796 --> 00:21:48.530
I mean, it's really, really old.
00:21:48.530 --> 00:21:50.499
Uh, but i just love the fact that it's just the simplicity
00:21:50.499 --> 00:21:55.337
Of the pure gospel in that and the presence of the angels and
00:21:55.337 --> 00:21:59.708
And, uh, and how we are strengthened by that good news
00:21:59.708 --> 00:22:05.080
Of great joy that, uh, the little guy promised.
00:22:05.080 --> 00:22:08.717
I love that because it's i mean, it's such a fun thing,
00:22:08.717 --> 00:22:11.820
But for them to end it with,
00:22:11.820 --> 00:22:14.289
Here's what it's actually all about.
00:22:14.289 --> 00:22:16.091
Here's what matters. here's the truth.
00:22:16.091 --> 00:22:17.492
It's such a beautiful reminder. here's the gospel
00:22:17.492 --> 00:22:20.095
Every christmas.
00:22:20.095 --> 00:22:21.396
We actually sometimes we'll run it at our christmas eve service
00:22:21.396 --> 00:22:23.832
Just as a reminder.
00:22:23.832 --> 00:22:25.100
And people, people remember it from from their childhood.
00:22:25.100 --> 00:22:28.703
Yeah. yeah, it's a good one.
00:22:28.703 --> 00:22:30.772
How do we, um--
00:22:30.772 --> 00:22:33.542
I'm just thinking about how crazy the world is right now.
00:22:33.542 --> 00:22:36.144
And a lot of people are afraid.
00:22:36.144 --> 00:22:38.480
They're like, we don't know what's happening.
00:22:38.480 --> 00:22:40.949
There's something about understanding the spiritual
00:22:40.949 --> 00:22:43.585
Realm that i think gives us strength in our faith,
00:22:43.585 --> 00:22:47.722
Doesn't it? not to give in to to fear.
00:22:47.722 --> 00:22:50.125
What would you say to people who are watching at home
00:22:50.125 --> 00:22:51.860
Thinking, i don't know what's
00:22:51.860 --> 00:22:52.594
Going on in the world right now?
00:22:52.594 --> 00:22:54.229
Well, there is a lot of fear and uncertainty and not only on
00:22:54.229 --> 00:22:59.034
The global stage that we know is is a battle.
00:22:59.034 --> 00:23:03.338
And these battles of ideologies are even battles
00:23:03.338 --> 00:23:09.110
Of false religions.
00:23:09.110 --> 00:23:11.246
And it's all going on right now in the world.
00:23:11.246 --> 00:23:14.483
And even what we're seeing in the middle east, that's all
00:23:14.483 --> 00:23:20.088
A part of god's plan and for the future.
00:23:20.088 --> 00:23:22.924
And we know that ultimately lasting peace won't come until
00:23:22.924 --> 00:23:27.829
Jesus returns and, and gives peace, ultimate world peace.
00:23:27.829 --> 00:23:32.767
But it's good to know,
00:23:32.767 --> 00:23:33.935
It's great to know, as a christian, that god does has a
00:23:33.935 --> 00:23:36.471
Plan, that things aren't out of control, that when they seem to
00:23:36.471 --> 00:23:39.941
Be out of control, whether it's the global stage or even here
00:23:39.941 --> 00:23:42.677
In america where we have so much political violence going
00:23:42.677 --> 00:23:46.281
On now and weaponization of the courts and violence in the
00:23:46.281 --> 00:23:50.485
Streets, and you've got, you know, the problem, you know,
00:23:50.485 --> 00:23:53.788
You've got the immigration issue that is that is a very
00:23:53.788 --> 00:23:57.125
Difficult issue for people.
00:23:57.125 --> 00:23:58.860
And, and people are afraid.
00:23:58.860 --> 00:24:00.629
I mean, we have a very large,
00:24:00.629 --> 00:24:02.864
Uh, hispanic congregation at prestonwood.
00:24:02.864 --> 00:24:04.866
It's wonderful.
00:24:04.866 --> 00:24:06.167
In fact, the pastor, gilberto corredera, for 15 years, it's a
00:24:06.167 --> 00:24:09.271
Great story, uh, how he came to america.
00:24:09.271 --> 00:24:12.541
But i was talking to him right now.
00:24:12.541 --> 00:24:15.010
And everybody wants, for
00:24:15.010 --> 00:24:16.711
Example, immigration to be legal.
00:24:16.711 --> 00:24:21.016
But then there are people who are here, who have been here,
00:24:21.016 --> 00:24:24.653
Who are living in dread and fear.
00:24:24.653 --> 00:24:26.621
It's very complicated right now.
00:24:26.621 --> 00:24:27.789
It's a complicated thing because they've been here and
00:24:27.789 --> 00:24:30.825
They've earned living.
00:24:30.825 --> 00:24:31.826
They're not they're not violent criminals.
00:24:31.826 --> 00:24:35.730
They're people who are here, and now
00:24:35.730 --> 00:24:37.566
They're living in fear that they're going to be ripped away
00:24:37.566 --> 00:24:39.768
From their families.
00:24:39.768 --> 00:24:40.669
So i just give that as an example.
00:24:40.669 --> 00:24:42.304
I know that's a debatable hot
00:24:42.304 --> 00:24:43.838
Issue right now for a lot of people.
00:24:43.838 --> 00:24:46.308
And we do need to clean up the immigration system in america.
00:24:46.308 --> 00:24:50.412
And i support our president in trying to protect americans
00:24:50.412 --> 00:24:53.848
In all of this.
00:24:53.848 --> 00:24:55.116
But at the same time, it's an illustration of just,
00:24:55.116 --> 00:24:58.320
I mean, people are afraid.
00:24:58.320 --> 00:24:59.521
Yeah. people are fearful for their families, for their
00:24:59.521 --> 00:25:03.158
Lives, for their future.
00:25:03.158 --> 00:25:04.459
And so in the midst of all of that, as christians, we should
00:25:04.459 --> 00:25:10.098
Never have to live with headline hysteria.
00:25:10.098 --> 00:25:12.100
We live in the, in the, in the, uh, in the faith that
00:25:12.100 --> 00:25:20.442
That god is working all things together for good.
00:25:20.442 --> 00:25:23.612
And that's more than a christian cliche.
00:25:23.612 --> 00:25:25.814
It is the truth that god is good, he does good, and he's
00:25:25.814 --> 00:25:29.551
Working all things together for good, that he is in control.
00:25:29.551 --> 00:25:32.754
Nothing is out of control.
00:25:32.754 --> 00:25:34.289
I mean, and where he's not in control, where he doesn't rule,
00:25:34.289 --> 00:25:37.258
He overrules.
00:25:37.258 --> 00:25:38.560
And i just look at our country right now, and i look for the
00:25:38.560 --> 00:25:42.030
Sake of our children and our grandchildren.
00:25:42.030 --> 00:25:45.033
Uh, it's a scary world to live in, and it's a scary future
00:25:45.033 --> 00:25:48.470
That we're offering them.
00:25:48.470 --> 00:25:49.904
And yet,
00:25:49.904 --> 00:25:51.206
And yet we can see god's hand in the midst of this, you know.
00:25:51.206 --> 00:25:55.443
Did you know that bible sales are way up, like in london and
00:25:55.443 --> 00:25:58.546
Across the united states, especially with young people?
00:25:58.546 --> 00:26:01.082
And the emptiness that people are experiencing right
00:26:01.082 --> 00:26:04.786
Now, and just the fear and the chaos of the world around us,
00:26:04.786 --> 00:26:08.857
People are saying there's got to be more to life than this.
00:26:08.857 --> 00:26:11.359
And they're turning to god in
00:26:11.359 --> 00:26:12.494
Many, in many ways. college campuses,
00:26:12.494 --> 00:26:15.096
We're seeing students come to christ and renew their faith.
00:26:15.096 --> 00:26:18.700
Yeah. you hear a lot about deconstruction of faith.
00:26:18.700 --> 00:26:21.369
And there's some of that with young people,
00:26:21.369 --> 00:26:24.239
But more than that, i see just
00:26:24.239 --> 00:26:25.907
The the renewal of faith and revival.
00:26:25.907 --> 00:26:28.443
I mean, i, i really believe and i'm hopeful that we're going to
00:26:28.443 --> 00:26:31.379
See before christ comes one last big revival.
00:26:31.379 --> 00:26:34.516
Absolutely. yeah.
00:26:34.516 --> 00:26:35.684
I was interviewing the other day, greg laurie, and he
00:26:35.684 --> 00:26:38.286
Was talking about two of the fastest growing churches in the
00:26:38.286 --> 00:26:41.623
World at the moment are in iran.
00:26:41.623 --> 00:26:43.925
Yeah. and in china.
00:26:43.925 --> 00:26:44.793
Christ appearing to people in iran.
00:26:44.793 --> 00:26:47.662
Yeah. yeah. dreams.
00:26:47.662 --> 00:26:48.830
Uh, we've had a ministry in iran,
00:26:48.830 --> 00:26:51.299
Our church has.
00:26:51.299 --> 00:26:52.033
And powerpoint, our television
00:26:52.033 --> 00:26:53.935
Ministry has been on via the internet in
00:26:53.935 --> 00:26:57.572
Iran for a number of years.
00:26:57.572 --> 00:26:58.940
And there's such an openness to christ and the
00:26:58.940 --> 00:27:02.077
Gospel. they are rejecting, you know, false religion.
00:27:02.077 --> 00:27:05.480
And because they know it's, it's empty.
00:27:05.480 --> 00:27:07.682
And then there are these supernatural events occurring
00:27:07.682 --> 00:27:10.351
Where jesus is showing up in dreams, and witnesses show up,
00:27:10.351 --> 00:27:13.888
Uh, to tell them about jesus.
00:27:13.888 --> 00:27:15.724
So, uh, and i was told, and i believe it's an accurate, uh,
00:27:15.724 --> 00:27:21.730
Story, that there have been more iranians,
00:27:21.730 --> 00:27:24.632
Persians come to faith in jesus since 2000 than in the previous
00:27:24.632 --> 00:27:29.104
2000 years before.
00:27:29.104 --> 00:27:30.672
I read that, too.
00:27:30.672 --> 00:27:31.806
And so i what i do know is true is that hundreds and
00:27:31.806 --> 00:27:36.077
Hundreds, if not thousands, are open to the gospel in iran and
00:27:36.077 --> 00:27:40.815
In other parts of the middle east.
00:27:40.815 --> 00:27:42.417
Yeah. it's phenomenal. yeah.
00:27:42.417 --> 00:27:44.285
When you see what's going on with israel at the moment--
00:27:44.285 --> 00:27:47.455
Mhm. um, when you see the antisemitism in our country,
00:27:47.455 --> 00:27:50.558
Which frankly is it's more than shocking to me.
00:27:50.558 --> 00:27:53.728
I don't even understand.
00:27:53.728 --> 00:27:54.763
I mean, it feels to me demonic.
00:27:54.763 --> 00:27:57.198
It is demonic.
00:27:57.198 --> 00:27:58.166
Um, what do you-- what do you say to that?
00:27:58.166 --> 00:28:00.435
And how do we as god's people stand up for israel?
00:28:00.435 --> 00:28:04.239
Well, i think we start with our own neighbors.
00:28:04.239 --> 00:28:07.609
One of the things that i said to our church, i said, in the
00:28:07.609 --> 00:28:10.779
Midst of all this anti-semitism that is moving across europe,
00:28:10.779 --> 00:28:14.516
Obviously you've got issues in the middle east and then
00:28:14.516 --> 00:28:16.618
Here in america,
00:28:16.618 --> 00:28:18.253
Uh, tell your jewish friends and neighbors of your love for
00:28:18.253 --> 00:28:22.090
Them and your support for them, and that your prayers for them.
00:28:22.090 --> 00:28:25.693
And many of our church members
00:28:25.693 --> 00:28:27.996
Have done that in their neighborhoods.
00:28:27.996 --> 00:28:29.531
And it's been a very healing thing, uh, for jewish people to
00:28:29.531 --> 00:28:34.435
Hear this coming from
00:28:34.435 --> 00:28:35.336
Christians and especially evangelical.
00:28:35.336 --> 00:28:38.173
You know, the--
00:28:38.173 --> 00:28:40.275
I believe i actually was in a meeting with prime minister
00:28:40.275 --> 00:28:43.511
Netanyahu not long ago, and he knows and the leadership of
00:28:43.511 --> 00:28:47.282
Israel knows, that the best friends that israel have are
00:28:47.282 --> 00:28:51.386
Bible believing, evangelical christians in america and in
00:28:51.386 --> 00:28:57.192
Other parts of the world, but certainly in america.
00:28:57.192 --> 00:28:59.727
And so that message is getting through to israel.
00:28:59.727 --> 00:29:02.664
But it's a fight.
00:29:02.664 --> 00:29:03.765
It's it goes back to this spiritual war that we're
00:29:03.765 --> 00:29:05.667
Talking about, and satan hates israel.
00:29:05.667 --> 00:29:08.670
And why does satan hate israel?
00:29:08.670 --> 00:29:10.972
Uh, because god loves israel.
00:29:10.972 --> 00:29:13.608
And so if i want to hurt you, i attack someone you love.
00:29:13.608 --> 00:29:18.346
And so satan attacks with all his.
00:29:18.346 --> 00:29:21.316
And when we're talking about angels, then there are also
00:29:21.316 --> 00:29:24.853
Demonic forces.
00:29:24.853 --> 00:29:26.454
These are fallen angels.
00:29:26.454 --> 00:29:28.356
Before there was rebellion on earth in the garden of eden,
00:29:28.356 --> 00:29:30.959
There was a revolt in heaven when the angelic beings rose up
00:29:30.959 --> 00:29:34.262
With lucifer and declared war on god.
00:29:34.262 --> 00:29:37.632
And that's-- so
00:29:37.632 --> 00:29:38.867
We're all a part of this cosmic war that's being going on
00:29:38.867 --> 00:29:43.638
Behind the scenes, and it's being played out in real lives,
00:29:43.638 --> 00:29:47.108
In real times.
00:29:47.108 --> 00:29:48.409
But none of these things should surprise us, and certainly we
00:29:48.409 --> 00:29:53.014
Should not be shocked,
00:29:53.014 --> 00:29:54.015
But we should--
00:29:54.015 --> 00:29:56.651
We should stand up for our israeli friends wherever we see
00:29:56.651 --> 00:30:00.755
Them being mistreated and and to speak openly of this.
00:30:00.755 --> 00:30:05.460
And this doesn't mean that we don't love all people.
00:30:05.460 --> 00:30:08.029
No. and that we don't love palestinian people because as
00:30:08.029 --> 00:30:11.666
We do as christians.
00:30:11.666 --> 00:30:12.934
But god has given us a very special directive that we are
00:30:12.934 --> 00:30:16.671
To bless israel.
00:30:16.671 --> 00:30:18.273
Your message on speaking up for our neighbors,
00:30:18.273 --> 00:30:21.109
I mean, that message impacted me.
00:30:21.109 --> 00:30:22.944
And so i was actually in a discount tire place.
00:30:22.944 --> 00:30:24.913
I'd got a nail in a tire and i had to get a new one.
00:30:24.913 --> 00:30:28.316
And i saw this,
00:30:28.316 --> 00:30:29.517
The person who was ahead of me was a young jewish boy.
00:30:29.517 --> 00:30:31.953
I could tell by his little, um, do you call that, yarmulke?
00:30:31.953 --> 00:30:35.456
Yarmulke.
00:30:35.456 --> 00:30:36.324
Yeah. and so i just said to him, i--
00:30:36.324 --> 00:30:39.394
I hope you don't mind me interrupting you.
00:30:39.394 --> 00:30:40.595
I just want you to know i'm a believer.
00:30:40.595 --> 00:30:42.697
Um. and we stand with israel.
00:30:42.697 --> 00:30:44.699
We stand with your people.
00:30:44.699 --> 00:30:45.867
And this young boy started to cry.
00:30:45.867 --> 00:30:49.170
I was so moved by that because it was just i can't imagine
00:30:49.170 --> 00:30:51.940
What it's like where just because of who you are, who you
00:30:51.940 --> 00:30:56.444
Were born to be, that there's this hatred.
00:30:56.444 --> 00:30:59.580
Yeah. but i'm so glad you speak out about things like that
00:30:59.580 --> 00:31:02.817
Because it's not--
00:31:02.817 --> 00:31:03.851
It's not normal human hatred. no, it's not.
00:31:03.851 --> 00:31:06.154
When you see this thing, it clearly goes back to
00:31:06.154 --> 00:31:10.758
This spiritual battle, this unseen, invisible war that is
00:31:10.758 --> 00:31:15.496
Raging behind the scenes.
00:31:15.496 --> 00:31:16.898
And satan wants to destroy israel and will use any proxy
00:31:16.898 --> 00:31:20.068
He can to try to do it.
00:31:20.068 --> 00:31:22.036
So grateful for the leadership of our nation, for president
00:31:22.036 --> 00:31:27.008
Trump, who is helping us to stand strong for israel in
00:31:27.008 --> 00:31:29.744
Terms of political.
00:31:29.744 --> 00:31:31.212
And you know, when you say you support israel, we should say
00:31:31.212 --> 00:31:35.416
It doesn't mean you support everything political israel or
00:31:35.416 --> 00:31:38.152
The government of israel does.
00:31:38.152 --> 00:31:39.954
That's not the point.
00:31:39.954 --> 00:31:41.255
But the people of israel, the people we are to love them and
00:31:41.255 --> 00:31:45.860
Support them and bless them in every way that we can, and to
00:31:45.860 --> 00:31:49.931
Support the nation of israel as a right to exist,
00:31:49.931 --> 00:31:52.967
Uh, biblically. yeah.
00:31:52.967 --> 00:31:55.169
I'm talking with pastor jack graham on his book, angels who
00:31:55.169 --> 00:31:58.473
They are, what they do, and why it matters.
00:31:58.473 --> 00:32:03.511
I'm just wondering, as a pastor, you know, of a
00:32:03.511 --> 00:32:06.514
Fantastic church, beautiful congregation,
00:32:06.514 --> 00:32:09.117
What do you see god doing in these days?
00:32:09.117 --> 00:32:12.520
I see god moving with young people as we noted.
00:32:12.520 --> 00:32:16.524
And, uh, there is a really strong,
00:32:16.524 --> 00:32:21.896
Uh, spirit of revival going on among our high school students,
00:32:21.896 --> 00:32:26.901
Even middle school.
00:32:26.901 --> 00:32:28.736
Uh, we just got back from student camps.
00:32:28.736 --> 00:32:31.072
And everybody, i hope, nearly has student camps
00:32:31.072 --> 00:32:33.941
And we have them.
00:32:33.941 --> 00:32:35.676
But, uh, this one, you know, there were 600 students at this
00:32:35.676 --> 00:32:39.680
Camp, and we baptized, i don't know, 130 brand new believers.
00:32:39.680 --> 00:32:45.153
There were 20 or 30 of these
00:32:45.153 --> 00:32:46.854
Kids that were called to ministry.
00:32:46.854 --> 00:32:49.657
And when i see that, i mean, i have so much hope
00:32:49.657 --> 00:32:53.795
For the future.
00:32:53.795 --> 00:32:55.063
And whatever's happened in the past, these young people are
00:32:55.063 --> 00:32:58.566
More serious about their faith than i've seen in a good while.
00:32:58.566 --> 00:33:03.171
Uh, not to brag about my generation, but we were the
00:33:03.171 --> 00:33:07.075
Jesus movement generation back in the 60s and early 70s, and
00:33:07.075 --> 00:33:11.512
God really did a work in the midst of of political
00:33:11.512 --> 00:33:14.382
Revolution, sexual revolution of the 60s, all, you know,
00:33:14.382 --> 00:33:17.819
The whole vietnam war.
00:33:17.819 --> 00:33:19.187
It was-- the 60s were rough.
00:33:19.187 --> 00:33:21.522
And in a lot of ways, we grew
00:33:21.522 --> 00:33:23.024
Up in those in that era in some ways.
00:33:23.024 --> 00:33:25.726
And yet, yet this great revival came among young people.
00:33:25.726 --> 00:33:28.496
Most revivals in history, if not all revivals in history,
00:33:28.496 --> 00:33:32.066
Have come with young people, including the disciples of
00:33:32.066 --> 00:33:34.769
Jesus, by the way, uh, who were all typically young.
00:33:34.769 --> 00:33:38.473
But when you i see this generation, generation z
00:33:38.473 --> 00:33:43.845
They're being called,
00:33:43.845 --> 00:33:45.146
Very much like the 60s generation of teenagers.
00:33:45.146 --> 00:33:49.951
They want authenticity.
00:33:49.951 --> 00:33:52.787
They don't like fraud.
00:33:52.787 --> 00:33:55.490
They don't necessarily need in church all the smoke machines
00:33:55.490 --> 00:33:58.059
And the lights and everything that we do.
00:33:58.059 --> 00:33:59.694
And, you know, i'm not criticizing that necessarily,
00:33:59.694 --> 00:34:02.230
But they just want it real. be real.
00:34:02.230 --> 00:34:04.866
And if you're real, whatever
00:34:04.866 --> 00:34:06.734
Your style is, is going to be fine.
00:34:06.734 --> 00:34:09.370
But i see that.
00:34:09.370 --> 00:34:10.638
And then even reflecting back to easter this year,
00:34:10.638 --> 00:34:15.243
Uh, at our church, and i heard this from many pastors
00:34:15.243 --> 00:34:18.079
Across the country,
00:34:18.079 --> 00:34:19.313
My friends, easter was very different this year in that,
00:34:19.313 --> 00:34:23.017
Uh, everybody shows up on easter.
00:34:23.017 --> 00:34:24.752
I mean, we all can expect a big crowds at easter and, uh, you
00:34:24.752 --> 00:34:29.190
Know, and that's good.
00:34:29.190 --> 00:34:30.258
We welcome everybody on easter.
00:34:30.258 --> 00:34:32.126
But, uh, what we saw at our church and many other pastors
00:34:32.126 --> 00:34:36.130
Saw it was, there was a spiritual impact at easter,
00:34:36.130 --> 00:34:40.034
Just in the services.
00:34:40.034 --> 00:34:41.836
And i think, you know, we had days of prayer.
00:34:41.836 --> 00:34:44.405
People are praying.
00:34:44.405 --> 00:34:46.741
And at easter when we had those huge crowds there, it just
00:34:46.741 --> 00:34:49.577
Wasn't a, you know, a big high attendance day.
00:34:49.577 --> 00:34:52.680
Uh, we we sensed that the
00:34:52.680 --> 00:34:54.148
Resurrected lord was present, and
00:34:54.148 --> 00:34:56.751
It gives me chills just thinking about it.
00:34:56.751 --> 00:34:58.319
Yeah, it was good. wow.
00:34:58.319 --> 00:34:59.754
So that's just some of the things, um, you know, i see
00:34:59.754 --> 00:35:03.891
Christians today very involved in the social issues.
00:35:03.891 --> 00:35:09.230
And, you know, whether it's working in a pregnancy center
00:35:09.230 --> 00:35:12.066
Or, uh, you know, one of the guests you recently had, uh,
00:35:12.066 --> 00:35:15.503
Was working with fostering, uh, children.
00:35:15.503 --> 00:35:18.272
And i see, i see many christians who are not content
00:35:18.272 --> 00:35:22.276
Just to sit on the pew, sit still while somebody instills.
00:35:22.276 --> 00:35:25.980
They want to take their faith to the streets, take it to the
00:35:25.980 --> 00:35:29.750
Hospitals, take it--
00:35:29.750 --> 00:35:31.185
Take it to the university
00:35:31.185 --> 00:35:32.186
Campuses, take it to their office.
00:35:32.186 --> 00:35:34.889
There's something stirring right now.
00:35:34.889 --> 00:35:37.758
I'm certain of it.
00:35:37.758 --> 00:35:39.360
Yeah. i follow on instagram,
00:35:39.360 --> 00:35:41.295
It's called god behind bars.
00:35:41.295 --> 00:35:43.364
And it's like what god's doing in prisons.
00:35:43.364 --> 00:35:45.566
A number of people who are coming to christ in prison
00:35:45.566 --> 00:35:47.635
And being baptized.
00:35:47.635 --> 00:35:49.103
And i was watching one, and it was a worship service.
00:35:49.103 --> 00:35:51.372
I mean, it was a maximum security prison.
00:35:51.372 --> 00:35:53.541
And you've got 100 men with their arms in the air
00:35:53.541 --> 00:35:56.043
Worshiping god with tears rolling down their face.
00:35:56.043 --> 00:35:58.512
Not i just come to jesus quick
00:35:58.512 --> 00:36:00.147
Conversion because i'm in trouble,
00:36:00.147 --> 00:36:01.849
But a genuine encounter with the risen christ, which to me
00:36:01.849 --> 00:36:05.052
Is just so encouraging. it is.
00:36:05.052 --> 00:36:07.588
I was watching, and of course
00:36:07.588 --> 00:36:08.789
Social media is a big part of this.
00:36:08.789 --> 00:36:10.491
I mean, there's a lot of negatives about social media.
00:36:10.491 --> 00:36:12.860
But it becomes a platform, a pulpit for people to share
00:36:12.860 --> 00:36:16.264
Their faith.
00:36:16.264 --> 00:36:17.265
I was watching the great running back for the
00:36:17.265 --> 00:36:19.267
Philadelphia eagles booth, the eagles.
00:36:19.267 --> 00:36:21.168
They always beat my cowboys lately.
00:36:21.168 --> 00:36:23.871
Uh, but uh and he had a great season.
00:36:23.871 --> 00:36:27.174
Super bowl mvp, i believe.
00:36:27.174 --> 00:36:29.644
Uh and he was saying they, he was riding in a golf cart with
00:36:29.644 --> 00:36:34.015
Someone another athlete, a golfer actually.
00:36:34.015 --> 00:36:36.917
And he said i became a christian this year.
00:36:36.917 --> 00:36:40.021
Wow. and he said, i can't help but believe my success on the
00:36:40.021 --> 00:36:44.091
Field has to do with my coming to faith in christ.
00:36:44.091 --> 00:36:47.295
That, uh, it was just different.
00:36:47.295 --> 00:36:49.463
And so there again, just a little thing.
00:36:49.463 --> 00:36:51.299
Here's a major athlete testifying of his faith, and
00:36:51.299 --> 00:36:55.403
You can find it on your phone easily.
00:36:55.403 --> 00:36:57.204
And so i think that's a lot of
00:36:57.204 --> 00:36:59.140
What's happening with young people.
00:36:59.140 --> 00:37:00.574
And you do see-- here's another thing,
00:37:00.574 --> 00:37:02.410
You do see a lot of many athletes who are publicly
00:37:02.410 --> 00:37:07.782
Saying, i'm a christian, i'm a follower of jesus.
00:37:07.782 --> 00:37:10.618
And that's powerful.
00:37:10.618 --> 00:37:12.153
Yeah, it's very powerful.
00:37:12.153 --> 00:37:13.220
Yeah. one of the things that
00:37:13.220 --> 00:37:15.423
It's just a daily prayer of mine,
00:37:15.423 --> 00:37:17.258
I always pray god, today give me eyes to see what i'm going to
00:37:17.258 --> 00:37:20.795
Miss without you and give me ears to hear behind what
00:37:20.795 --> 00:37:23.898
Somebody is saying to what's
00:37:23.898 --> 00:37:25.800
Actually going on in their hearts.
00:37:25.800 --> 00:37:27.501
I think these are great days to be in love with jesus, and to
00:37:27.501 --> 00:37:31.172
Be the fragrance of christ in a world that has become so
00:37:31.172 --> 00:37:34.108
Bitter, so polarized.
00:37:34.108 --> 00:37:36.477
How should we as god's people live in these days?
00:37:36.477 --> 00:37:40.381
Um, you know, i was telling a young pastor yesterday, he was
00:37:40.381 --> 00:37:44.819
Talking about the challenges of his church and his ministry.
00:37:44.819 --> 00:37:47.188
I said, you know, uh, keep your keep your knees on the floor
00:37:47.188 --> 00:37:51.192
And your nose in the book and your eyes on the lord, and
00:37:51.192 --> 00:37:54.662
You're and your ears open to the needs all around you.
00:37:54.662 --> 00:37:58.466
And so with that simple thing, i would say this
00:37:58.466 --> 00:38:01.602
Is a time to be filled with the spirit of god.
00:38:01.602 --> 00:38:06.140
And, you know, we're promised the holy spirit.
00:38:06.140 --> 00:38:08.943
He lives in us.
00:38:08.943 --> 00:38:10.711
And frankly,
00:38:10.711 --> 00:38:13.714
You know, i wasn't hearing a lot about the holy spirit for a
00:38:13.714 --> 00:38:16.450
Few years recently.
00:38:16.450 --> 00:38:17.752
It seems like, you know, all we heard about was church growth
00:38:17.752 --> 00:38:19.854
And these strategies.
00:38:19.854 --> 00:38:20.855
Here's how to have a mega church here.
00:38:20.855 --> 00:38:22.990
And in many quarters, not not all.
00:38:22.990 --> 00:38:25.726
But there was, you know, the the holy spirit was absent and
00:38:25.726 --> 00:38:29.730
It-- we kind of traded the holy spirit and his work
00:38:29.730 --> 00:38:33.100
For our work.
00:38:33.100 --> 00:38:34.602
And when we work with our own hands, we get what we can do.
00:38:34.602 --> 00:38:38.539
But when we work in concert or the holy spirit, we get what
00:38:38.539 --> 00:38:41.375
God can do.
00:38:41.375 --> 00:38:42.543
Paul said, be filled with the holy spirit.
00:38:42.543 --> 00:38:45.179
And so every christian needs to begin
00:38:45.179 --> 00:38:50.618
Every day, most days, every day--
00:38:50.618 --> 00:38:53.120
God willing, it would be every day, uh, opening god's word,
00:38:53.120 --> 00:38:57.291
Asking god to speak to us.
00:38:57.291 --> 00:38:59.493
And when, you know, typically the way i do a devotional time
00:38:59.493 --> 00:39:02.430
Is i open scripture and i read what i'm reading, and i'm
00:39:02.430 --> 00:39:06.767
Reading through different
00:39:06.767 --> 00:39:07.701
Passages, but i turn that into prayers.
00:39:07.701 --> 00:39:10.337
This becomes my devotional life.
00:39:10.337 --> 00:39:12.473
And when we meditate on god's word, when we think
00:39:12.473 --> 00:39:17.144
Clearly on scripture.
00:39:17.144 --> 00:39:18.345
I've written a book called the jesus book.
00:39:18.345 --> 00:39:20.614
It really is my latest book.
00:39:20.614 --> 00:39:22.149
That's a great. book.
00:39:22.149 --> 00:39:23.317
And it's all about how to understand how to read and
00:39:23.317 --> 00:39:26.153
Understand the bible for
00:39:26.153 --> 00:39:27.087
Yourself, what the bible is all about.
00:39:27.087 --> 00:39:29.356
But you just can't get away from god's word.
00:39:29.356 --> 00:39:32.526
We don't run on emotions.
00:39:32.526 --> 00:39:34.261
The holy spirit is not about the feeling of the spirit.
00:39:34.261 --> 00:39:36.897
It's the filling of the spirit, living under the control of the
00:39:36.897 --> 00:39:41.068
Holy spirit in our lives.
00:39:41.068 --> 00:39:43.337
And why? well, he is our comforter.
00:39:43.337 --> 00:39:46.907
He strengthens us and he does a lot for us.
00:39:46.907 --> 00:39:49.810
But the holy spirit, he said, jesus said, will testify of me.
00:39:49.810 --> 00:39:54.281
So why the reason god gave us the spirit?
00:39:54.281 --> 00:39:56.383
You shall become my witnesses.
00:39:56.383 --> 00:39:58.118
And after the holy spirit has
00:39:58.118 --> 00:40:00.120
Come upon you, you will be my witnesses.
00:40:00.120 --> 00:40:02.756
So when we wake up every day, as you just mentioned,
00:40:02.756 --> 00:40:07.828
And we open our bibles and, and, and open our hearts to the
00:40:07.828 --> 00:40:10.898
Lord, and we pray and we ask the spirit of god to fill us,
00:40:10.898 --> 00:40:15.569
And then we're alert.
00:40:15.569 --> 00:40:19.440
I'm just more alert to people around me and the needs of
00:40:19.440 --> 00:40:24.512
People around me. when we're abiding in christ,
00:40:24.512 --> 00:40:26.947
Jesus said, without me, you can do nothing.
00:40:26.947 --> 00:40:29.583
So, um, i want to be filled
00:40:29.583 --> 00:40:32.386
With god, his spirit present in me.
00:40:32.386 --> 00:40:35.789
And back to our subject of the angels.
00:40:35.789 --> 00:40:38.959
Uh, i,
00:40:38.959 --> 00:40:41.061
You know, angels often open doors in scripture for the
00:40:41.061 --> 00:40:44.231
Sharing of the gospel and even knock some doors down.
00:40:44.231 --> 00:40:48.235
So who knows, but that angels are with us.
00:40:48.235 --> 00:40:51.572
We have the holy spirit, but that angels are with us
00:40:51.572 --> 00:40:54.508
Arranging divine appointments if we're just paying attention.
00:40:54.508 --> 00:40:58.679
What you said about gen z, i think is, is really important
00:40:58.679 --> 00:41:01.649
Because, um, last night we had dinner with our son, um,
00:41:01.649 --> 00:41:06.186
Christian, and he told his dad that not only do he and his
00:41:06.186 --> 00:41:10.090
Girlfriend, they're part of a small church near where they
00:41:10.090 --> 00:41:13.193
Live, um, where they both live separate places, but they're
00:41:13.193 --> 00:41:16.030
Part of the small church.
00:41:16.030 --> 00:41:17.665
But he also he's in a bible study, but he's also in an
00:41:17.665 --> 00:41:21.268
Accountability group.
00:41:21.268 --> 00:41:22.736
So. and he said, it's three.
00:41:22.736 --> 00:41:24.471
It's three of us as guys
00:41:24.471 --> 00:41:26.307
Because we needed male role models.
00:41:26.307 --> 00:41:28.842
And i think, i wonder if so many of the things we hear and
00:41:28.842 --> 00:41:31.278
Read about, about people falling away from their faith
00:41:31.278 --> 00:41:33.847
Or getting into all sorts of
00:41:33.847 --> 00:41:35.082
Trouble is because there's no accountability.
00:41:35.082 --> 00:41:37.851
How important is that to be known?
00:41:37.851 --> 00:41:40.521
Correct. very, very important.
00:41:40.521 --> 00:41:43.390
Because if, you know, on my own,
00:41:43.390 --> 00:41:46.527
That's why god gave us the church.
00:41:46.527 --> 00:41:48.195
Okay. so no one is, can do this solo.
00:41:48.195 --> 00:41:51.332
I can't.
00:41:51.332 --> 00:41:52.600
And we need people in our lives in which we share life and
00:41:52.600 --> 00:41:56.403
Do life together.
00:41:56.403 --> 00:41:58.238
And of course, in church, you got the big rooms and with
00:41:58.238 --> 00:42:02.009
A lot of people in there.
00:42:02.009 --> 00:42:03.010
And that's one effect and one impact.
00:42:03.010 --> 00:42:06.180
You know, heaven's going to be a really big place with a lot
00:42:06.180 --> 00:42:08.549
Of people in there.
00:42:08.549 --> 00:42:09.683
And to experience your corporate worship and, and a
00:42:09.683 --> 00:42:13.287
Big room filled with people, i mean, that's, that's a sense of
00:42:13.287 --> 00:42:16.824
Accountability that i'm going to show up at church even when
00:42:16.824 --> 00:42:21.295
I would maybe rather sleep in and i'm going to show up
00:42:21.295 --> 00:42:24.632
Whether i feel like it or not, because god has commanded me
00:42:24.632 --> 00:42:27.267
Not to forsake the assembling of ourselves together.
00:42:27.267 --> 00:42:29.737
So i go to church, i show up, and i'm a part of something
00:42:29.737 --> 00:42:33.374
Bigger than myself.
00:42:33.374 --> 00:42:34.908
And i realize that god works within the body of christ.
00:42:34.908 --> 00:42:40.948
But there needs to be another step.
00:42:40.948 --> 00:42:44.518
And so, like in our church, we have small groups and then
00:42:44.518 --> 00:42:47.788
Groups within the groups.
00:42:47.788 --> 00:42:49.089
Yeah. uh, but as what christian is doing is, is is happening a
00:42:49.089 --> 00:42:54.161
Lot with young people who
00:42:54.161 --> 00:42:56.397
Realize that, that they're vulnerable.
00:42:56.397 --> 00:42:59.800
We are all vulnerable and we are under spiritual attack.
00:42:59.800 --> 00:43:04.004
And so let's have some brothers and sisters in christ right
00:43:04.004 --> 00:43:07.074
Alongside of us.
00:43:07.074 --> 00:43:08.609
And to truly hold us accountable in the sense that,
00:43:08.609 --> 00:43:14.114
Uh, we're just showing up and sharing life together.
00:43:14.114 --> 00:43:18.118
I mean, you can you can lie to an accountability partner.
00:43:18.118 --> 00:43:20.921
I mean, it's all a matter of the heart in that sense.
00:43:20.921 --> 00:43:24.291
But when you're honest and real and authentic, back to the
00:43:24.291 --> 00:43:26.727
Thing young people, christian's age, they want authenticity.
00:43:26.727 --> 00:43:30.998
The last thing they want to
00:43:30.998 --> 00:43:31.899
See-- they saw a lot of hypocrisy.
00:43:31.899 --> 00:43:33.934
Yeah. in some in their parents and in the country, they
00:43:33.934 --> 00:43:37.571
See all these frankly, you know, pastors that are failing
00:43:37.571 --> 00:43:41.675
And falling and churches that are, you know, corrupt and
00:43:41.675 --> 00:43:46.413
It's disappointing, it's discouraging.
00:43:46.413 --> 00:43:48.582
But if they can be with true christians and share in a, in a
00:43:48.582 --> 00:43:52.586
Church that is genuine
00:43:52.586 --> 00:43:54.088
With pastors that, you know-- and i say with all these
00:43:54.088 --> 00:43:56.957
Pastors that may fail, just like a falling star, when you
00:43:56.957 --> 00:44:00.160
See a comet or a falling star, everybody gasps, oh, look,
00:44:00.160 --> 00:44:03.497
A falling star.
00:44:03.497 --> 00:44:05.499
While there are billions of stars in their place shining
00:44:05.499 --> 00:44:08.102
Brightly, and i always remind anyone who is discouraged when
00:44:08.102 --> 00:44:12.005
They see a big failure or a big
00:44:12.005 --> 00:44:13.540
Fall, a big comet go down that look,
00:44:13.540 --> 00:44:16.744
There are thousands of faithful people, including pastors, who
00:44:16.744 --> 00:44:21.281
Are serving the lord, who are not frauds, who are not
00:44:21.281 --> 00:44:24.718
Involved in a scandal.
00:44:24.718 --> 00:44:26.286
They love the lord, they work hard and so on.
00:44:26.286 --> 00:44:28.922
Yeah, that's so true. yeah.
00:44:28.922 --> 00:44:31.391
I just want to say to any of you who are watching, i've been
00:44:31.391 --> 00:44:33.560
Talking with pastor jack graham, whose book on angels,
00:44:33.560 --> 00:44:36.130
But also his book, the jesus book,
00:44:36.130 --> 00:44:38.665
You really want to get hold of a copy of that book.
00:44:38.665 --> 00:44:41.068
It's a phenomenal, phenomenal book.
00:44:41.068 --> 00:44:43.103
But i feel like in these days-- um, i give my life to christ
00:44:43.103 --> 00:44:46.774
When i was 11.
00:44:46.774 --> 00:44:48.208
So it's been god has this years of a track record with me.
00:44:48.208 --> 00:44:52.913
But i'm wondering, pastor, for those who are watching at home
00:44:52.913 --> 00:44:55.415
Who feel discouraged in their faith, who feel like maybe
00:44:55.415 --> 00:44:58.051
They're not as close to god as they once were, who maybe
00:44:58.051 --> 00:45:00.621
Stopped going to church during
00:45:00.621 --> 00:45:01.889
Covid and never got back into it,
00:45:01.889 --> 00:45:04.258
Would you maybe have a word for people and maybe pray for
00:45:04.258 --> 00:45:07.528
Some of our viewers who feel
00:45:07.528 --> 00:45:08.962
Kind of a little lost at the moment?
00:45:08.962 --> 00:45:10.798
Yeah, we've been talking a lot about young people, and we care
00:45:10.798 --> 00:45:14.735
Deeply about young people.
00:45:14.735 --> 00:45:16.403
And we're going to work hard with the new generation.
00:45:16.403 --> 00:45:20.908
But i also, just as you were speaking, i was just prompted
00:45:20.908 --> 00:45:24.478
To think about a lot of older adults who are discouraged and
00:45:24.478 --> 00:45:29.283
Feel like maybe they're stuck.
00:45:29.283 --> 00:45:31.084
The best days are behind them.
00:45:31.084 --> 00:45:33.020
Um, the illnesses are cropping up.
00:45:33.020 --> 00:45:36.356
They're facing surgeries, facing, uh, loss.
00:45:36.356 --> 00:45:41.995
You know, deb and i, we've been married 55 years now, and, you
00:45:41.995 --> 00:45:45.399
Know, her sister just passed away, and our circle is getting
00:45:45.399 --> 00:45:49.403
Of our friends is getting smaller.
00:45:49.403 --> 00:45:51.038
And as you age, there's a lot of loss.
00:45:51.038 --> 00:45:54.842
And, you know, i could be speaking to someone who's just
00:45:54.842 --> 00:45:57.211
Feeling a lot of loss right now.
00:45:57.211 --> 00:46:00.147
And satan talking about these spiritual battles would love to
00:46:00.147 --> 00:46:04.351
Discourage you, defeat you to think that god has forgotten
00:46:04.351 --> 00:46:08.355
You, but god has not forgotten you.
00:46:08.355 --> 00:46:11.124
He's right where he's always been, and his love and his
00:46:11.124 --> 00:46:13.994
Grace and his mercy meets us every morning.
00:46:13.994 --> 00:46:16.430
And in spite of all the the aches and pains and the
00:46:16.430 --> 00:46:19.366
Struggles and the surgeries and problems with kids-- a lot of
00:46:19.366 --> 00:46:22.736
People have problems with their kids as they get older and
00:46:22.736 --> 00:46:25.873
They're just, you know, why am i even here? uh, i can't tell
00:46:25.873 --> 00:46:30.077
You how many times as a pastor
00:46:30.077 --> 00:46:31.645
People have said to me, why am i--
00:46:31.645 --> 00:46:33.180
Why am i even here?
00:46:33.180 --> 00:46:34.648
Why am i still here?
00:46:34.648 --> 00:46:36.183
But if you're still here, if
00:46:36.183 --> 00:46:37.284
You're not dead, you're not done.
00:46:37.284 --> 00:46:39.286
And god has a plan.
00:46:39.286 --> 00:46:40.554
And you can be a prayer warrior, and you can be
00:46:40.554 --> 00:46:42.356
Faithful to your church, and you can encourage a young
00:46:42.356 --> 00:46:45.125
Person and you can be involved in people's lives.
00:46:45.125 --> 00:46:47.728
The worst thing we can do, uh,
00:46:47.728 --> 00:46:49.930
Is to get depressed and turn inward.
00:46:49.930 --> 00:46:52.132
And as hard as it is to force ourselves again back to the
00:46:52.132 --> 00:46:55.936
Work of the holy spirit, that the holy spirit would enable us
00:46:55.936 --> 00:47:00.040
Even in our weakness.
00:47:00.040 --> 00:47:00.941
What did paul say?
00:47:00.941 --> 00:47:01.942
When i'm weak, that's when i'm strongest.
00:47:01.942 --> 00:47:03.977
And while he prayed for that thorn to be removed three
00:47:03.977 --> 00:47:06.513
Times, god said, my grace is sufficient.
00:47:06.513 --> 00:47:08.982
So that's what i would say to you.
00:47:08.982 --> 00:47:11.318
That god's grace is sufficient for you,
00:47:11.318 --> 00:47:14.121
Whatever you're going through, god's up to it.
00:47:14.121 --> 00:47:17.090
And the questions that we have, god's up to that too.
00:47:17.090 --> 00:47:21.161
And you read the psalms.
00:47:21.161 --> 00:47:22.629
What did david do?
00:47:22.629 --> 00:47:23.664
He often cried out to god.
00:47:23.664 --> 00:47:25.532
So cry out to god.
00:47:25.532 --> 00:47:26.967
And also if you're a middle aged or an older person, just
00:47:26.967 --> 00:47:32.639
Know that someone behind you needs your encouragement.
00:47:32.639 --> 00:47:36.643
It may be your own grandchildren.
00:47:36.643 --> 00:47:38.111
I'm here in great part today as a preacher because of my
00:47:38.111 --> 00:47:41.014
Grandfather, uh, my maternal grandfather, who put me in his
00:47:41.014 --> 00:47:44.818
Lap virtually every night and read the scriptures to me, or
00:47:44.818 --> 00:47:48.388
The stories of the bible, which i enjoyed so much.
00:47:48.388 --> 00:47:51.391
And he gave me a love for scripture.
00:47:51.391 --> 00:47:53.126
And you can have an incredible impact upon your grandchildren,
00:47:53.126 --> 00:47:58.365
Even if they're far away from you,
00:47:58.365 --> 00:48:00.167
They, you know, your prayers can reach them.
00:48:00.167 --> 00:48:02.970
So, sheila, i just believe that everyone who calls on the name
00:48:02.970 --> 00:48:07.341
Of the lord will find a refuge and find a hope and a future.
00:48:07.341 --> 00:48:12.713
Yeah, absolutely.
00:48:12.713 --> 00:48:14.348
And i would just say to those of you too, who feel
00:48:14.348 --> 00:48:16.883
Discouraged, you know, do you remember how elijah was after
00:48:16.883 --> 00:48:20.253
Seeing spectacular miracles on that mountainside?
00:48:20.253 --> 00:48:23.490
And yet, um, then he decides that he's just done.
00:48:23.490 --> 00:48:27.594
Asked god to take his his life.
00:48:27.594 --> 00:48:29.863
Because i think sometimes when you're exhausted and you feel
00:48:29.863 --> 00:48:33.000
As if someone is coming after you, you're just ready to kind
00:48:33.000 --> 00:48:35.736
Of give up.
00:48:35.736 --> 00:48:37.004
But you know what was important about elijah's life? i often
00:48:37.004 --> 00:48:39.539
Think about this was elisha was coming behind him.
00:48:39.539 --> 00:48:42.676
You know, elijah was like, i'm the only one left.
00:48:42.676 --> 00:48:44.277
Nobody else loves you.
00:48:44.277 --> 00:48:45.912
And god said, no, there's actually 7000 who haven't
00:48:45.912 --> 00:48:48.648
Bowed the knee.
00:48:48.648 --> 00:48:49.916
But it wasn't just important for elijah, his own self, that
00:48:49.916 --> 00:48:52.919
He got back up.
00:48:52.919 --> 00:48:54.187
There were people coming behind him, and i'm thinking of all
00:48:54.187 --> 00:48:56.556
The people who've been faithful supporters of tbn for years and
00:48:56.556 --> 00:49:00.227
Maybe just feel as if, well, i've kind of done my stuff now.
00:49:00.227 --> 00:49:02.596
There's nothing else that i can really do.
00:49:02.596 --> 00:49:05.232
But for those who are coming behind, you know, to still
00:49:05.232 --> 00:49:08.402
Stand up and say, you know what?
00:49:08.402 --> 00:49:10.070
So, um, i'm going to ask pastor jack to pray for you, that
00:49:10.070 --> 00:49:13.874
God would fill you again and that you would be,
00:49:13.874 --> 00:49:17.978
You would just know that if i don't have if i still have a
00:49:17.978 --> 00:49:20.680
Pulse and there's not a white chalk mark around my body, god
00:49:20.680 --> 00:49:24.084
Is not done with me yet.
00:49:24.084 --> 00:49:25.652
So, pastor, would you pray.
00:49:25.652 --> 00:49:26.953
If you got a pulse, you got a purpose.
00:49:26.953 --> 00:49:29.256
And even playing on what you said about elijah,
00:49:29.256 --> 00:49:34.261
Back to our angel stories,
00:49:34.261 --> 00:49:35.996
An angel shows up there.
00:49:35.996 --> 00:49:37.798
Yeah. and elijah is so defeated and so down
00:49:37.798 --> 00:49:41.101
And ready to die.
00:49:41.101 --> 00:49:42.436
He said, lord, just take my life.
00:49:42.436 --> 00:49:43.904
I'm done.
00:49:43.904 --> 00:49:45.238
And god ministered to him, and god encouraged him and
00:49:45.238 --> 00:49:49.743
Sent an angel to bake a cake.
00:49:49.743 --> 00:49:53.547
That was the first angel food cake.
00:49:53.547 --> 00:49:56.817
Really corny joke.
00:49:56.817 --> 00:49:57.918
But it is true.
00:49:57.918 --> 00:50:00.020
Angels will minister to you.
00:50:00.020 --> 00:50:02.289
And so some of you right now, just know that that his
00:50:02.289 --> 00:50:05.992
Presence is real and the presence of his angels, and
00:50:05.992 --> 00:50:10.664
They're fighting battles for you that you may not even know,
00:50:10.664 --> 00:50:14.301
But just trust god's word on that one.
00:50:14.301 --> 00:50:16.503
And please know that we do love you and we're praying for you
00:50:16.503 --> 00:50:20.407
And find a church, i would say where you can really grow in
00:50:20.407 --> 00:50:25.412
Your faith and where you can make friends.
00:50:25.412 --> 00:50:27.214
And if you can't get to church, uh, if you can't physically
00:50:27.214 --> 00:50:31.485
Get to church,
00:50:31.485 --> 00:50:32.853
There are many opportunities today via media, even tbn.
00:50:32.853 --> 00:50:38.058
You know, our program is on tbn every sunday.
00:50:38.058 --> 00:50:40.427
We so appreciate that opportunity,
00:50:40.427 --> 00:50:42.596
Um, to do that.
00:50:42.596 --> 00:50:43.597
But there are many wonderful
00:50:43.597 --> 00:50:44.965
Messages that you can find online.
00:50:44.965 --> 00:50:47.434
So but just don't unplug from god and god's people and plug
00:50:47.434 --> 00:50:52.606
In and power up because the
00:50:52.606 --> 00:50:55.442
Lord has something great for you.
00:50:55.442 --> 00:50:57.410
And then when it's all done, we're going to stand in the
00:50:57.410 --> 00:51:00.547
Presence of god and worship him forever and ever.
00:51:00.547 --> 00:51:03.550
So, uh, you don't want to go in on your
00:51:03.550 --> 00:51:07.187
Hands and knees in the sense of defeated.
00:51:07.187 --> 00:51:09.556
I want to, i want to get to heaven with my hands raised
00:51:09.556 --> 00:51:12.192
High and break the tape.
00:51:12.192 --> 00:51:14.261
And so let's let's do it that way.
00:51:14.261 --> 00:51:16.897
So let's pray together.
00:51:16.897 --> 00:51:18.198
Lord, we thank you, lord, for the promises that your presence
00:51:18.198 --> 00:51:22.903
Never leaves us to the degree that not only you have given us
00:51:22.903 --> 00:51:26.506
Your spirit and your living presence, that jesus is alive
00:51:26.506 --> 00:51:29.776
In us, but you have given holy angels to watch over us and
00:51:29.776 --> 00:51:36.850
Minister to us in ways that we could not even imagine.
00:51:36.850 --> 00:51:41.421
We thank you in the midst of our battles, our spiritual
00:51:41.421 --> 00:51:44.157
Battles, the fights that we face that you have given us
00:51:44.157 --> 00:51:48.662
Victory in christ, and that there are more with us than
00:51:48.662 --> 00:51:52.666
Those who are against us
00:51:52.666 --> 00:51:54.401
Because of these wonderful angels.
00:51:54.401 --> 00:51:56.603
I pray that your peace would fill every home and every heart
00:51:56.603 --> 00:52:00.907
Right now, that your very presence would saturate that
00:52:00.907 --> 00:52:05.645
Living room, or that bedroom, or that car, and that the
00:52:05.645 --> 00:52:09.282
Presence of your love and your grace and your power would
00:52:09.282 --> 00:52:13.753
Encourage people right now.
00:52:13.753 --> 00:52:15.522
Help people who are about to give up, to never give up.
00:52:15.522 --> 00:52:18.558
Because we know that if we are steadfast, immovable, always
00:52:18.558 --> 00:52:22.829
Abounding in the work of the lord, that our labor in you,
00:52:22.829 --> 00:52:25.665
Jesus, is not in vain.
00:52:25.665 --> 00:52:28.668
Help us to fight the good fight, to finish the course, and lord,
00:52:28.668 --> 00:52:34.274
To run the race and victoriously celebrate you
00:52:34.274 --> 00:52:38.044
Forever and ever.
00:52:38.044 --> 00:52:39.679
And we pray this in jesus' name. amen.
00:52:39.679 --> 00:52:42.782
Amen. amen.
00:52:42.782 --> 00:52:44.317
And as pastor said, find,
00:52:44.317 --> 00:52:46.319
Find a good church.
00:52:46.319 --> 00:52:47.153
Don't look for a perfect one.
00:52:47.153 --> 00:52:48.154
It doesn't exist.
00:52:48.154 --> 00:52:49.456
And if we show up, we're going to ruin the whole thing anyway.
00:52:49.456 --> 00:52:52.792
But find a place where they stand on the word of god, where
00:52:52.792 --> 00:52:56.696
They will love you and encourage you.
00:52:56.696 --> 00:52:58.698
And i just want to say to anybody who was, you know,
00:52:58.698 --> 00:53:00.734
Sometimes we just channel surf.
00:53:00.734 --> 00:53:02.502
Um, and you might have paused on a program like this and
00:53:02.502 --> 00:53:04.738
You're thinking, well, what is this all about?
00:53:04.738 --> 00:53:06.873
And maybe you don't have a
00:53:06.873 --> 00:53:08.275
Personal relationship with jesus.
00:53:08.275 --> 00:53:11.511
Do you know that is the greatest rsvp that has ever
00:53:11.511 --> 00:53:14.114
Been sent out in all eternity?
00:53:14.114 --> 00:53:16.549
That god himself would like to know you, would like to have a
00:53:16.549 --> 00:53:20.186
Relationship with you, and all you have to do is respond.
00:53:20.186 --> 00:53:24.124
And it's not enough that your family or believers or your
00:53:24.124 --> 00:53:26.660
Mother went to church.
00:53:26.660 --> 00:53:27.727
This is an individual thing.
00:53:27.727 --> 00:53:29.629
I learned that when i was a little girl growing up in
00:53:29.629 --> 00:53:31.631
Scotland, that god has no grandchildren.
00:53:31.631 --> 00:53:33.933
He only has sons and daughters.
00:53:33.933 --> 00:53:36.136
But scripture makes it really clear whoever calls on the name
00:53:36.136 --> 00:53:39.906
Of the lord will be saved.
00:53:39.906 --> 00:53:42.509
Simply saying, lord, i believe that you are the son of god.
00:53:42.509 --> 00:53:46.212
I believe that you died.
00:53:46.212 --> 00:53:47.947
I believe that you rose again, and i know, i know, i am a
00:53:47.947 --> 00:53:51.851
Sinner, and i ask that you would forgive me.
00:53:51.851 --> 00:53:54.854
That you would give me a clean heart and new beginning.
00:53:54.854 --> 00:53:58.024
And you know, if you pray a simple prayer like that,
00:53:58.024 --> 00:54:00.794
There's a party going on in heaven and your names on every
00:54:00.794 --> 00:54:04.964
One of the balloons. just know that we're here, that we're
00:54:04.964 --> 00:54:07.734
Always here, that you can give us a call.
00:54:07.734 --> 00:54:10.437
Talk to us.
00:54:10.437 --> 00:54:11.738
We have people who would love to pray for you, and i would so
00:54:11.738 --> 00:54:13.807
Encourage you to get hold of pastor graham's books.
00:54:13.807 --> 00:54:16.476
I've probably read everything you've ever written.
00:54:16.476 --> 00:54:19.179
I love that they come out of your sermon series, that they
00:54:19.179 --> 00:54:22.382
Come out of the deep study of the word of god into our lives.
00:54:22.382 --> 00:54:25.719
How can people, how can our family pray for you?
00:54:25.719 --> 00:54:28.655
Well, thank you.
00:54:28.655 --> 00:54:29.956
Um, one thing, an opportunity, another thing that is happening
00:54:29.956 --> 00:54:33.560
In the world is extreme interest in the bible.
00:54:33.560 --> 00:54:36.563
As i mentioned, bible sales are up.
00:54:36.563 --> 00:54:38.798
And, uh, we did a thing
00:54:38.798 --> 00:54:40.567
Recently called the bible in a year.
00:54:40.567 --> 00:54:42.302
It's on a prayer app called,pray.com.
00:54:42.302 --> 00:54:45.839
And you can download that app.
00:54:45.839 --> 00:54:47.207
It has blown up.
00:54:47.207 --> 00:54:48.641
Yeah. so we thought, i thought when they asked me to do it,
00:54:48.641 --> 00:54:51.177
What it is is genesis to revelation.
00:54:51.177 --> 00:54:53.046
I do a little opening and a close takes about 12 minutes.
00:54:53.046 --> 00:54:56.383
We have a lovely, uh, european voice.
00:54:56.383 --> 00:54:59.018
I don't know if they're scot.
00:54:59.018 --> 00:55:00.053
They may be english, reading the scripture.
00:55:00.053 --> 00:55:02.789
And then i do an application.
00:55:02.789 --> 00:55:04.524
So when i, you know,
00:55:04.524 --> 00:55:05.425
So i went to the studio, i did all this,
00:55:05.425 --> 00:55:07.527
I thought, you know, if we get a couple of hundred thousand
00:55:07.527 --> 00:55:09.596
People on this, it'll be worthwhile.
00:55:09.596 --> 00:55:11.097
Well, now we're at 83 million downloads.
00:55:11.097 --> 00:55:13.967
It's one of the most downloaded, uh, i think in
00:55:13.967 --> 00:55:17.737
Religion, maybe one of the top in the world, and most of them
00:55:17.737 --> 00:55:21.174
Have never heard of jack graham.
00:55:21.174 --> 00:55:22.776
But when they see the bible in
00:55:22.776 --> 00:55:24.277
A year, what is the bible saying?
00:55:24.277 --> 00:55:25.612
What is the bible all about?
00:55:25.612 --> 00:55:27.814
People want to know and faith comes by hearing and hearing by
00:55:27.814 --> 00:55:31.117
The word of god.
00:55:31.117 --> 00:55:32.419
So here i am right now with the greatest opportunity with god's
00:55:32.419 --> 00:55:35.121
Word that i've ever had through this little simple app.
00:55:35.121 --> 00:55:37.290
This is a great time to be alive and to preach the gospel.
00:55:37.290 --> 00:55:40.059
There's never been a better time to preach the gospel than
00:55:40.059 --> 00:55:42.195
Right now.
00:55:42.195 --> 00:55:43.062
Wow. it's wonderful.
00:55:43.062 --> 00:55:43.997
Good to all places in the world.
00:55:43.997 --> 00:55:45.999
So pastor, thank you so much for who you are.
00:55:45.999 --> 00:55:48.268
My pleasure. always good to be with you.
00:55:48.268 --> 00:55:49.836
And just remember, here at tbn, we love you, we pray for you,
00:55:49.836 --> 00:55:53.573
And we look forward to seeing you next time.
00:55:53.573 --> 00:55:57.410
♪♪
00:55:57.410 --> 00:55:57.410

Jack Graham: Angels: God’s Secret Agents | Praise

July 24, 2025 | 57:47

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