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Turning Point with Dr. David Jeremiah

David Jeremiah - Knowing a Sovereign God

April 13, 2025 | 57:29

David Jeremiah - Knowing a Sovereign God
The sound Bible-based teaching of Turning Point carries forward the goal of delivering the unchanging Word of God to an ever-changing world.
#Theology #TrustGod #Singer/Songwriter #SeekGod #Praise #Bible #Gospel #Religion #Study #Music #DavidJeremiah #Praise&Worship #Worship #ChristianMusic #Sovereignty

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Show Timecode
Turning Point with Dr. David Jeremiah | David Jeremiah - Knowing a Sovereign God | April 13, 2025
  • Male announcer: prepare your heart for the celebration
  • 00:00:01.117 --> 00:00:02.786
  • Of easter with "season of hope" by dr. david jeremiah.
  • 00:00:02.886 --> 00:00:06.322
  • This treasury of inspirational easter devotionals, readings,
  • 00:00:06.423 --> 00:00:09.426
  • And scripture will take you on a 25-day journey to easter sunday
  • 00:00:09.526 --> 00:00:10.627
  • And is sure to become a cherished volume
  • 00:00:13.329 --> 00:00:15.331
  • You will come back to, year after year,
  • 00:00:15.331 --> 00:00:17.734
  • Yours for a gift of any amount.
  • 00:00:17.734 --> 00:00:19.803
  • Or for a gift of $100 or more, order a 4-pack
  • 00:00:19.803 --> 00:00:23.206
  • To share with others.
  • 00:00:23.206 --> 00:00:24.774
  • Order "season of hope" from "turning point" today.
  • 00:00:24.774 --> 00:00:27.043
  • Dr. david jeremiah: some say that the greatest question
  • 00:00:29.879 --> 00:00:31.848
  • In life is, does god exist?
  • 00:00:31.848 --> 00:00:36.586
  • I say the greatest question is,
  • 00:00:36.586 --> 00:00:38.455
  • Do i know the god who does exist?
  • 00:00:38.455 --> 00:00:41.958
  • Do i know about him?
  • 00:00:41.958 --> 00:00:44.227
  • Do i know him personally?
  • 00:00:44.227 --> 00:00:47.730
  • The study of god
  • 00:00:47.730 --> 00:00:49.099
  • As he reveals himself in scripture
  • 00:00:49.099 --> 00:00:51.367
  • Is the supreme study of a lifetime.
  • 00:00:51.367 --> 00:00:55.171
  • It lifts our thoughts, steadies our nerves,
  • 00:00:55.171 --> 00:01:02.212
  • Purifies our motives, expands our confidence,
  • 00:01:02.212 --> 00:01:08.284
  • And strengthens our influence.
  • 00:01:08.284 --> 00:01:11.754
  • It's the greatest subject we could ever study.
  • 00:01:11.754 --> 00:01:15.425
  • For god is the apex of all reality.
  • 00:01:15.425 --> 00:01:19.963
  • ♪♪♪
  • 00:01:19.963 --> 00:02:01.504
  • Dr. jeremiah: discover more about god than you know
  • 00:01:29.973 --> 00:02:05.108
  • And become closer to him than you are.
  • 00:02:05.108 --> 00:02:08.244
  • ♪♪♪
  • 00:02:11.347 --> 00:02:17.187
  • Announcer: now, here is your host, dr. david jeremiah.
  • 00:02:17.187 --> 00:02:20.223
  • Dr. jeremiah: in today's news, we often read headlines
  • 00:02:21.724 --> 00:02:24.360
  • Relating to geopolitical issues
  • 00:02:24.360 --> 00:02:26.796
  • Like sovereign borders or sovereign currencies.
  • 00:02:26.796 --> 00:02:30.967
  • That word "sovereign"
  • 00:02:30.967 --> 00:02:32.902
  • Literally means to reign over all.
  • 00:02:32.902 --> 00:02:35.538
  • And while we may have heard that word used
  • 00:02:35.538 --> 00:02:37.707
  • To describe god at some point, that he is sovereign,
  • 00:02:37.707 --> 00:02:41.778
  • Many forget what that truly means.
  • 00:02:41.778 --> 00:02:45.448
  • Our lord possesses not only infinite power
  • 00:02:45.448 --> 00:02:48.384
  • As we have already discussed in this teaching series,
  • 00:02:48.384 --> 00:02:51.621
  • "the god you may not know," but as we'll learn today,
  • 00:02:51.621 --> 00:02:55.658
  • God also possesses infinite authority,
  • 00:02:55.658 --> 00:02:58.728
  • Right, rule, and reign.
  • 00:02:58.728 --> 00:03:02.398
  • The title of today's message is "knowing a sovereign god,"
  • 00:03:02.398 --> 00:03:06.236
  • And we'll find out that thinking of god as our sovereign lord
  • 00:03:06.236 --> 00:03:09.606
  • Answers one of the greatest questions in the human heart:
  • 00:03:09.606 --> 00:03:13.443
  • "who is in charge?"
  • 00:03:13.443 --> 00:03:16.346
  • And you'll discover how knowing this can mean everything,
  • 00:03:16.346 --> 00:03:20.250
  • Especially when life seems out of control.
  • 00:03:20.250 --> 00:03:24.454
  • So stay tuned for today's edition of "turning point."
  • 00:03:24.454 --> 00:03:28.157
  • ♪♪♪
  • 00:03:28.157 --> 00:03:35.231
  • ♪ soon and very soon, we are going to see the king ♪
  • 00:03:36.666 --> 00:03:57.420
  • ♪ hallelujah, hallelujah ♪
  • 00:03:43.773 --> 00:04:00.723
  • ♪ we're going to see the king ♪
  • 00:04:00.723 --> 00:04:04.661
  • ♪ no more crying there, we are going to see the king ♪
  • 00:04:04.661 --> 00:04:25.315
  • ♪ hallelujah, hallelujah, we're going to see the king ♪
  • 00:04:11.434 --> 00:04:32.588
  • ♪ no more dying there, we are going to see the king ♪
  • 00:04:32.588 --> 00:04:53.042
  • ♪ hallelujah, hallelujah, we're going to see the king ♪
  • 00:04:39.329 --> 00:05:00.383
  • ♪ soon and very soon, we are going to see the king ♪
  • 00:05:00.383 --> 00:05:20.737
  • ♪ hallelujah, hallelujah, we're going to see the king ♪
  • 00:05:07.223 --> 00:05:34.617
  • ♪ hallelujah, hallelujah, we're going to see the king ♪♪
  • 00:05:27.710 --> 00:05:44.660
  • [congregation applauding]
  • 00:05:45.328 --> 00:05:49.932
  • Male announcer: coming up on "turning point."
  • 00:05:49.932 --> 00:05:51.467
  • Dr. jeremiah: and when god gets involved in our lives,
  • 00:05:52.668 --> 00:05:54.670
  • He takes the good and the bad, the mistakes,
  • 00:05:54.670 --> 00:05:57.006
  • And all of the things we do right.
  • 00:05:57.006 --> 00:05:59.008
  • And in his sovereign, he mixes it all together,
  • 00:05:59.008 --> 00:06:01.611
  • And he puts it together in his plan.
  • 00:06:01.611 --> 00:06:03.646
  • And according to the scripture, he makes all things beautiful.
  • 00:06:03.646 --> 00:06:07.383
  • Announcer: isn't it time to take the journey from knowing
  • 00:06:09.819 --> 00:06:12.121
  • About god to deeply knowing him?
  • 00:06:12.121 --> 00:06:15.091
  • Push past the stained-glass ceiling of your faith
  • 00:06:15.091 --> 00:06:17.727
  • As you come to understand god for who he truly is
  • 00:06:17.727 --> 00:06:21.297
  • In dr. jeremiah's book, "the god you may not know."
  • 00:06:21.297 --> 00:06:25.334
  • In its pages, dr. jeremiah introduces you
  • 00:06:25.334 --> 00:06:28.037
  • To the eternal qualities god has revealed
  • 00:06:28.037 --> 00:06:29.906
  • About himself: god's knowledge, holiness,
  • 00:06:29.906 --> 00:06:33.209
  • All-pervasive presence, unlimited power, love,
  • 00:06:33.209 --> 00:06:36.612
  • And other characteristics that make him who he is.
  • 00:06:36.612 --> 00:06:39.816
  • Nothing is more critical in your life right now
  • 00:06:39.816 --> 00:06:42.618
  • Because you may not actually know god
  • 00:06:42.618 --> 00:06:44.821
  • As well as you think, but once you do,
  • 00:06:44.821 --> 00:06:47.256
  • You will be overwhelmed with the wonder
  • 00:06:47.256 --> 00:06:49.425
  • And joy of his person.
  • 00:06:49.425 --> 00:06:51.427
  • "the god you may not know" is yours for a gift
  • 00:06:51.427 --> 00:06:53.396
  • Of any amount in support of this program.
  • 00:06:53.396 --> 00:06:55.932
  • Or for a gift of $55 or more you will also receive
  • 00:06:55.932 --> 00:06:59.569
  • Dr. jeremiah's companion book "the jesus you may not know,"
  • 00:06:59.569 --> 00:07:03.606
  • And for a generous gift of $75 or more you will receive
  • 00:07:03.606 --> 00:07:07.643
  • "the god you may not know" set containing dr. jeremiah's book,
  • 00:07:07.643 --> 00:07:11.981
  • Teaching series on cd or dvd, a correlating study guide,
  • 00:07:11.981 --> 00:07:15.852
  • And the "knowing god" bookmark.
  • 00:07:15.852 --> 00:07:17.720
  • Don't go another day without personally experiencing
  • 00:07:17.720 --> 00:07:20.456
  • God's goodness, power, and presence in your life.
  • 00:07:20.456 --> 00:07:23.759
  • Order "the god you may not know" book or set from dr. jeremiah.
  • 00:07:23.759 --> 00:07:27.497
  • Contact turning point today.
  • 00:07:27.497 --> 00:07:29.332
  • ♪ who am i that the highest king ♪
  • 00:07:32.068 --> 00:07:35.471
  • ♪ would welcome me? ♪
  • 00:07:35.471 --> 00:07:40.343
  • ♪ i was lost but he brought me in ♪
  • 00:07:40.343 --> 00:07:43.513
  • ♪ oh, his love for me, oh, his love for me ♪
  • 00:07:43.513 --> 00:07:52.154
  • ♪ who the son sets free, oh, is free indeed ♪
  • 00:07:52.154 --> 00:08:00.429
  • ♪ i'm a child of god ♪
  • 00:08:00.429 --> 00:08:04.200
  • ♪ yes i am ♪
  • 00:08:04.200 --> 00:08:09.839
  • ♪ free at last, he has ransomed me ♪
  • 00:08:09.839 --> 00:08:13.376
  • ♪ his grace runs deep ♪
  • 00:08:13.376 --> 00:08:18.414
  • ♪ while i was a slave to sin, jesus died for me ♪
  • 00:08:18.414 --> 00:08:25.488
  • ♪ yes he died for me ♪
  • 00:08:25.488 --> 00:08:29.825
  • ♪ who the son sets free, oh, is free indeed ♪
  • 00:08:29.825 --> 00:08:38.334
  • ♪ i'm a child of god, yes i am ♪
  • 00:08:38.334 --> 00:08:46.809
  • ♪ in my father's house, there's a place for me ♪
  • 00:08:46.809 --> 00:08:55.017
  • ♪ i'm a child of god, yes i am ♪
  • 00:08:55.017 --> 00:09:03.693
  • ♪ i am chosen, not forsaken ♪
  • 00:09:03.693 --> 00:09:08.030
  • ♪ i am who you say i am ♪
  • 00:09:08.030 --> 00:09:11.968
  • ♪ you are for me, not against me ♪
  • 00:09:11.968 --> 00:09:16.472
  • ♪ i am who you say i am ♪
  • 00:09:16.472 --> 00:09:20.509
  • ♪ i am chosen, not forsaken ♪
  • 00:09:20.509 --> 00:09:24.947
  • ♪ i am who you say i am ♪
  • 00:09:24.947 --> 00:09:28.884
  • ♪ you are for me, not against me ♪
  • 00:09:28.884 --> 00:09:33.322
  • ♪ i am who you say i am ♪
  • 00:09:33.322 --> 00:09:41.764
  • ♪ who son sets free, oh, is free indeed ♪
  • 00:09:37.526 --> 00:09:49.872
  • ♪ i'm a child of god, yes i am ♪
  • 00:09:49.872 --> 00:09:58.280
  • ♪ in my father's house, there's a place for me ♪
  • 00:09:58.280 --> 00:10:06.722
  • ♪ i'm a child of god, yes i am ♪
  • 00:10:06.722 --> 00:10:15.264
  • ♪ i am chosen, not forsaken ♪
  • 00:10:15.264 --> 00:10:19.735
  • ♪ i am who you say i am ♪
  • 00:10:19.735 --> 00:10:23.539
  • ♪ you are for me, not against me ♪
  • 00:10:23.539 --> 00:10:28.077
  • ♪ i am who you say i am ♪
  • 00:10:28.077 --> 00:10:31.981
  • ♪ i am chosen, not forsaken ♪
  • 00:10:31.981 --> 00:10:36.452
  • ♪ i am who you say i am ♪
  • 00:10:36.452 --> 00:10:40.389
  • ♪ you are for me, not against me ♪
  • 00:10:40.389 --> 00:10:44.894
  • ♪ i am who you say i am ♪
  • 00:10:44.894 --> 00:10:48.864
  • ♪ i am chosen, not forsaken ♪
  • 00:10:48.864 --> 00:10:53.335
  • ♪ i am who you say i am ♪
  • 00:10:53.335 --> 00:10:57.139
  • ♪ you are for me, not against me ♪
  • 00:10:57.139 --> 00:11:01.777
  • ♪ i am who you say i am ♪
  • 00:11:01.777 --> 00:11:16.225
  • ♪ who the son sets free, oh, is free indeed ♪
  • 00:11:06.015 --> 00:11:24.633
  • ♪ i'm a child of god, yes i am ♪
  • 00:11:24.633 --> 00:11:33.109
  • ♪ in my father's house, there's a place for me ♪
  • 00:11:33.109 --> 00:11:41.417
  • ♪ i'm a child of god, yes i am ♪♪
  • 00:11:41.417 --> 00:11:50.893
  • [congregation applauding]
  • 00:11:50.960 --> 00:11:52.962
  • Announcer: dr. david jeremiah is delivering
  • 00:11:55.564 --> 00:11:57.233
  • The unchanging word of god every month
  • 00:11:57.233 --> 00:11:59.668
  • To more than half a million homes
  • 00:11:59.668 --> 00:12:01.637
  • Through "turning points" magazine and devotional.
  • 00:12:01.637 --> 00:12:04.039
  • Read articles and devotionals from dr. jeremiah each month
  • 00:12:04.039 --> 00:12:07.076
  • That will encourage, challenge,
  • 00:12:07.076 --> 00:12:08.644
  • And strengthen your walk with the lord.
  • 00:12:08.644 --> 00:12:10.679
  • As you explore the pages of "turning points" each month,
  • 00:12:10.679 --> 00:12:13.215
  • You'll find inspirational articles from dr. jeremiah on
  • 00:12:13.215 --> 00:12:15.951
  • Biblical themes he believes are most relevant for today's times
  • 00:12:15.951 --> 00:12:19.522
  • As well as daily devotionals including an uplifting thought
  • 00:12:19.522 --> 00:12:22.391
  • From dr. jeremiah, a powerful verse to remember,
  • 00:12:22.391 --> 00:12:25.161
  • A recommended scripture reading for deeper study,
  • 00:12:25.161 --> 00:12:27.930
  • And a yearly bible reading plan.
  • 00:12:27.930 --> 00:12:30.132
  • It's also the perfect way to stay connected
  • 00:12:30.132 --> 00:12:31.934
  • With the ministry of "turning point,"
  • 00:12:31.934 --> 00:12:33.569
  • Including a monthly schedule of radio and television,
  • 00:12:33.569 --> 00:12:36.005
  • The latest study resources from dr. jeremiah,
  • 00:12:36.005 --> 00:12:38.440
  • And ministry news.
  • 00:12:38.440 --> 00:12:39.942
  • Join more than half a million people
  • 00:12:39.942 --> 00:12:41.977
  • Who are inspired and encouraged
  • 00:12:41.977 --> 00:12:43.646
  • By "turning points" magazine and devotional each month.
  • 00:12:43.646 --> 00:12:46.749
  • Request your first three issues of "turning points"
  • 00:12:46.749 --> 00:12:49.451
  • Completely free from "turning point" today.
  • 00:12:49.451 --> 00:12:51.620
  • ♪♪♪
  • 00:12:54.089 --> 00:13:02.998
  • ♪ high and lifted up in all the earth ♪
  • 00:13:02.998 --> 00:13:05.334
  • ♪ is who you are ♪
  • 00:13:05.334 --> 00:13:07.136
  • ♪ high and lifted up in all the earth ♪
  • 00:13:07.136 --> 00:13:09.572
  • ♪ is who you are ♪
  • 00:13:09.572 --> 00:13:11.373
  • ♪ high and lifted up in all the earth ♪
  • 00:13:11.373 --> 00:13:13.742
  • ♪ is who you are ♪
  • 00:13:13.742 --> 00:13:15.811
  • ♪ lord we exalt your name ♪
  • 00:13:15.811 --> 00:13:24.353
  • ♪ high and lifted up in all the earth ♪
  • 00:13:19.915 --> 00:13:26.655
  • ♪ is who you are ♪
  • 00:13:26.655 --> 00:13:28.524
  • ♪ high and lifted up in all the earth ♪
  • 00:13:28.524 --> 00:13:30.926
  • ♪ is who you are ♪
  • 00:13:30.926 --> 00:13:32.895
  • ♪ high and lifted up in all the earth ♪
  • 00:13:32.895 --> 00:13:35.231
  • ♪ is who you are ♪
  • 00:13:35.231 --> 00:13:37.233
  • ♪ lord we exalt your name ♪
  • 00:13:37.233 --> 00:13:46.141
  • ♪ o lord, we praise you ♪
  • 00:13:41.303 --> 00:13:52.381
  • ♪ o lord, high and lifted up ♪
  • 00:13:48.244 --> 00:13:54.583
  • ♪ o lord, we praise you ♪
  • 00:13:54.583 --> 00:14:00.956
  • ♪ o lord, high and lifted up ♪
  • 00:13:56.652 --> 00:14:03.025
  • ♪ o lord, we praise you ♪
  • 00:14:03.025 --> 00:14:09.531
  • ♪ o lord, high and lifted up ♪
  • 00:14:05.194 --> 00:14:11.667
  • ♪ o lord, we praise you ♪
  • 00:14:11.667 --> 00:14:19.909
  • ♪ lord we exalt your name ♪
  • 00:14:13.802 --> 00:14:28.484
  • ♪ high and lifted up in all the earth ♪
  • 00:14:24.146 --> 00:14:30.886
  • ♪ is who you are ♪
  • 00:14:30.886 --> 00:14:32.788
  • ♪ high and lifted up in all the earth ♪
  • 00:14:32.788 --> 00:14:35.024
  • ♪ is who you are ♪
  • 00:14:35.024 --> 00:14:36.992
  • ♪ high and lifted up in all the earth ♪
  • 00:14:36.992 --> 00:14:39.361
  • ♪ is who you are ♪
  • 00:14:39.361 --> 00:14:41.363
  • ♪ lord we exalt your name ♪
  • 00:14:41.363 --> 00:14:49.772
  • ♪♪♪
  • 00:14:45.601 --> 00:14:58.547
  • ♪ high and lifted up in all the earth ♪
  • 00:14:58.547 --> 00:15:00.883
  • ♪ is who you are ♪
  • 00:15:00.883 --> 00:15:02.851
  • ♪ high and lifted up in all the earth ♪
  • 00:15:02.851 --> 00:15:05.120
  • ♪ is who you are ♪
  • 00:15:05.120 --> 00:15:07.056
  • ♪ high and lifted up in all the earth ♪
  • 00:15:07.056 --> 00:15:09.425
  • ♪ is who you are ♪
  • 00:15:09.425 --> 00:15:11.327
  • ♪ lord we exalt your name ♪
  • 00:15:11.327 --> 00:15:20.369
  • ♪ o lord, we praise you ♪
  • 00:15:15.698 --> 00:15:26.642
  • ♪ o lord, high and lifted up ♪
  • 00:15:22.338 --> 00:15:28.877
  • ♪ o lord, we praise you ♪
  • 00:15:28.877 --> 00:15:35.184
  • ♪ o lord, high and lifted up ♪
  • 00:15:30.913 --> 00:15:37.419
  • ♪ o lord, we praise you ♪
  • 00:15:37.419 --> 00:15:43.692
  • ♪ o lord, high and lifted up ♪
  • 00:15:39.455 --> 00:15:45.794
  • ♪ o lord, we praise you ♪
  • 00:15:45.794 --> 00:15:54.003
  • ♪ lord we exalt your name ♪
  • 00:15:47.863 --> 00:16:02.911
  • ♪ exalt your name ♪♪
  • 00:15:58.307 --> 00:16:05.748
  • [congregation applauding]
  • 00:16:06.548 --> 00:16:07.950
  • ♪ you are the everlasting god, the everlasting god ♪
  • 00:16:09.918 --> 00:16:18.627
  • ♪ you do not faint, you won't grow weary ♪
  • 00:16:18.627 --> 00:16:25.501
  • ♪ you're the defender of the weak ♪
  • 00:16:25.501 --> 00:16:30.506
  • ♪ you comfort those in need ♪
  • 00:16:30.506 --> 00:16:34.443
  • ♪ you lift us up on wings like eagles ♪
  • 00:16:34.443 --> 00:16:41.183
  • ♪♪♪
  • 00:16:41.183 --> 00:16:49.058
  • ♪ strength will rise as we wait upon the lord ♪
  • 00:16:49.058 --> 00:16:51.960
  • ♪ we will wait upon the lord ♪
  • 00:16:51.960 --> 00:16:56.932
  • ♪ strength will rise as we wait upon the lord ♪
  • 00:16:53.862 --> 00:16:59.701
  • ♪ we will wait upon the lord ♪
  • 00:16:59.701 --> 00:17:03.872
  • ♪ our god, you reign forever ♪
  • 00:17:01.703 --> 00:17:10.612
  • ♪ our hope, our strong deliverer ♪
  • 00:17:10.612 --> 00:17:18.754
  • ♪ you are the everlasting god, the everlasting god ♪
  • 00:17:18.754 --> 00:17:27.763
  • ♪ you do not faint, you won't grow weary ♪
  • 00:17:27.763 --> 00:17:34.503
  • ♪ you're the defender of the weak ♪
  • 00:17:34.503 --> 00:17:39.508
  • ♪ you comfort those in need ♪
  • 00:17:39.508 --> 00:17:43.479
  • ♪ you lift us up on wings like eagles ♪♪
  • 00:17:43.479 --> 00:17:53.655
  • [congregation applauding]
  • 00:17:53.722 --> 00:17:57.593
  • Announcer: david jeremiah and "turning point" are making
  • 00:17:59.528 --> 00:18:02.030
  • A global impact for the kingdom of god,
  • 00:18:02.030 --> 00:18:04.466
  • Delivering the unchanging word of god
  • 00:18:04.466 --> 00:18:06.068
  • To an ever-changing world every day.
  • 00:18:06.068 --> 00:18:08.871
  • But we can't do it alone.
  • 00:18:08.937 --> 00:18:10.672
  • That's where bible strong partners come in.
  • 00:18:10.672 --> 00:18:13.275
  • Bible strong partners form the foundation of turning point,
  • 00:18:13.275 --> 00:18:16.245
  • Allowing dr. jeremiah to teach the whole counsel of god,
  • 00:18:16.245 --> 00:18:19.314
  • Not being swayed by cultural trends
  • 00:18:19.314 --> 00:18:21.183
  • Or hot topics of the day.
  • 00:18:21.183 --> 00:18:23.018
  • Presenting the gospel across the globe,
  • 00:18:23.018 --> 00:18:25.187
  • And strengthening the saints.
  • 00:18:25.187 --> 00:18:27.256
  • In return, we want to encourage your daily walk with god
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  • Today.
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  • ♪♪♪
  • 00:18:54.249 --> 00:19:14.303
  • ♪ shackled by a heavy burden ♪
  • 00:19:14.369 --> 00:19:23.579
  • ♪ 'neath a load of guilt and shame ♪
  • 00:19:24.746 --> 00:19:33.522
  • ♪ then the hand of jesus touched me ♪
  • 00:19:34.990 --> 00:19:42.764
  • ♪ and now i am no longer the same ♪
  • 00:19:44.299 --> 00:19:52.140
  • ♪ he touched me, oh he touched me ♪
  • 00:19:54.876 --> 00:20:04.419
  • ♪ and oh the joy that floods my soul! ♪
  • 00:20:04.419 --> 00:20:14.296
  • ♪ something happened and now i know ♪
  • 00:20:15.264 --> 00:20:25.274
  • ♪ he touched me and made me whole ♪
  • 00:20:25.274 --> 00:20:32.614
  • ♪ since i met this blessed savior ♪
  • 00:20:35.584 --> 00:20:44.626
  • ♪ since he's cleansed and made me whole ♪
  • 00:20:46.128 --> 00:20:55.971
  • ♪ i will never cease to praise him ♪
  • 00:20:55.971 --> 00:21:05.314
  • ♪ i'll shout it while eternity rolls ♪
  • 00:21:05.314 --> 00:21:14.156
  • ♪ oh, he touched me, oh he touched me ♪
  • 00:21:14.156 --> 00:21:23.365
  • ♪ he touched me ♪
  • 00:21:23.365 --> 00:21:25.767
  • ♪ and oh the joy that floods my soul! ♪
  • 00:21:25.767 --> 00:21:36.244
  • ♪ something happened and now i know ♪
  • 00:21:36.311 --> 00:21:46.221
  • ♪ he touched me ♪
  • 00:21:46.221 --> 00:21:48.190
  • ♪ and made me whole ♪♪
  • 00:21:48.190 --> 00:21:57.866
  • [congregation applauding]
  • 00:21:57.866 --> 00:22:07.242
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  • Now, here is dr. jeremiah with his message,
  • 00:23:36.998 --> 00:23:40.235
  • "knowing a sovereign god."
  • 00:23:40.235 --> 00:23:41.970
  • Dr. jeremiah: sovereign is a word that means
  • 00:23:44.039 --> 00:23:46.441
  • God does everything on purpose.
  • 00:23:46.441 --> 00:23:49.744
  • It is a word that inspires a lot of headlines these days.
  • 00:23:49.744 --> 00:23:52.747
  • You know this word perhaps better than you think you do.
  • 00:23:52.747 --> 00:23:55.951
  • You often spot it
  • 00:23:55.951 --> 00:23:57.285
  • In the financial pages of the newspaper,
  • 00:23:57.285 --> 00:23:59.421
  • Say, about saudi arabia's sovereign funds
  • 00:23:59.421 --> 00:24:03.258
  • Or about sovereign investors
  • 00:24:03.258 --> 00:24:05.026
  • Who gobble up prime equities in the stock market.
  • 00:24:05.026 --> 00:24:08.296
  • Sometimes you'll read about russia's sovereign credit rating
  • 00:24:08.296 --> 00:24:11.399
  • Or about norway's sovereign wealth fund.
  • 00:24:11.399 --> 00:24:15.003
  • With the surge in refugees around the world,
  • 00:24:15.003 --> 00:24:17.172
  • Debates are raging about
  • 00:24:17.172 --> 00:24:18.607
  • The importance of sovereign borders
  • 00:24:18.607 --> 00:24:21.243
  • And, of course, here in the united states,
  • 00:24:21.243 --> 00:24:23.345
  • The matter of border security and sovereignty,
  • 00:24:23.345 --> 00:24:25.947
  • One of our most vexing issues.
  • 00:24:25.947 --> 00:24:29.117
  • How strange that a biblical word
  • 00:24:29.117 --> 00:24:32.053
  • Should show up in so many headlines.
  • 00:24:32.053 --> 00:24:35.657
  • According to the bible,
  • 00:24:35.657 --> 00:24:36.992
  • There is only one who is truly sovereign
  • 00:24:36.992 --> 00:24:39.728
  • And that's almighty god.
  • 00:24:39.728 --> 00:24:42.297
  • But what does that mean?
  • 00:24:42.297 --> 00:24:44.866
  • The english word "sovereign" means
  • 00:24:44.866 --> 00:24:46.368
  • Having unlimited power or authority.
  • 00:24:46.368 --> 00:24:48.770
  • It comes from the prefix "sov" which means over
  • 00:24:48.770 --> 00:24:52.007
  • And it's coupled with the word "reign"
  • 00:24:52.007 --> 00:24:54.476
  • So when it comes to sovereign,
  • 00:24:54.476 --> 00:24:57.245
  • The word means to have total control.
  • 00:24:57.245 --> 00:25:00.215
  • When it comes to finances and politics,
  • 00:25:00.215 --> 00:25:02.484
  • The term has to do
  • 00:25:02.484 --> 00:25:03.818
  • With a nation's right of self-determination,
  • 00:25:03.818 --> 00:25:06.588
  • Of answering to no higher authority than themselves,
  • 00:25:06.588 --> 00:25:10.425
  • Of being independent in their power.
  • 00:25:10.425 --> 00:25:13.194
  • It's a big deal in many cultures today.
  • 00:25:13.194 --> 00:25:16.231
  • But to say god is sovereign
  • 00:25:16.231 --> 00:25:17.566
  • Is to simply declare that he is god,
  • 00:25:17.566 --> 00:25:20.435
  • Elevated above the highest authority in all the universe,
  • 00:25:20.435 --> 00:25:23.505
  • And possessing not only infinite power,
  • 00:25:23.505 --> 00:25:26.274
  • But infinite right, infinite rule,
  • 00:25:26.274 --> 00:25:28.944
  • And infinite reign.
  • 00:25:28.944 --> 00:25:31.513
  • He is the most high,
  • 00:25:31.513 --> 00:25:34.015
  • Doing what he wills with the purposes of life.
  • 00:25:34.015 --> 00:25:38.720
  • He is in charge.
  • 00:25:38.720 --> 00:25:40.822
  • He is the head of the armies of heaven
  • 00:25:40.822 --> 00:25:43.858
  • So that no one can stay his hand or say to him,
  • 00:25:43.858 --> 00:25:46.394
  • "why are you doing what you are doing?"
  • 00:25:46.394 --> 00:25:49.064
  • To say god is sovereign is to say
  • 00:25:49.064 --> 00:25:50.799
  • That he's the governor over all the nations
  • 00:25:50.799 --> 00:25:53.535
  • And the commander of all history,
  • 00:25:53.535 --> 00:25:55.136
  • He's the king of kings, he's the lord of lords.
  • 00:25:55.136 --> 00:25:58.373
  • And thinking of god as our sovereign king and lord
  • 00:25:58.373 --> 00:26:00.875
  • Answers one of the biggest questions in the human heart,
  • 00:26:00.875 --> 00:26:03.812
  • And here it is: "who's in charge?"
  • 00:26:03.812 --> 00:26:07.716
  • That's what winston churchill wanted to know
  • 00:26:07.716 --> 00:26:09.551
  • Throughout the turbulence of the 1930s.
  • 00:26:09.551 --> 00:26:12.020
  • Churchill feared no one, and the british government
  • 00:26:12.020 --> 00:26:14.489
  • Was taking adolf hitler and the nazi threat seriously.
  • 00:26:14.489 --> 00:26:18.693
  • Prime minister stanley baldwin seemed unable to face
  • 00:26:18.693 --> 00:26:21.896
  • The challenges of leading england,
  • 00:26:21.896 --> 00:26:23.798
  • And churchill went around fuming about baldwin's inadequacy
  • 00:26:23.798 --> 00:26:28.169
  • And quoting a little poem that said,
  • 00:26:28.169 --> 00:26:30.338
  • "who's in charge of the clattering train?"
  • 00:26:30.338 --> 00:26:33.575
  • That's a question that is frequently asked today.
  • 00:26:33.575 --> 00:26:37.479
  • Is there anybody in charge?
  • 00:26:37.479 --> 00:26:40.115
  • That question determines what goes on in our homes.
  • 00:26:40.115 --> 00:26:42.984
  • It has a great deal to do with what goes on in our schools
  • 00:26:42.984 --> 00:26:45.654
  • And what goes on in our culture.
  • 00:26:45.654 --> 00:26:47.489
  • Who's in control here?
  • 00:26:47.489 --> 00:26:49.457
  • Sometimes you hear this question in the marketplace,
  • 00:26:49.457 --> 00:26:52.627
  • In the workplace, and on a larger scale,
  • 00:26:52.627 --> 00:26:55.397
  • In our cities and in the life of our nation.
  • 00:26:55.397 --> 00:26:58.800
  • Who's in charge?
  • 00:26:58.800 --> 00:27:00.235
  • If we're honest,
  • 00:27:00.235 --> 00:27:01.569
  • This question haunts us on a global level.
  • 00:27:01.569 --> 00:27:04.039
  • I mean, not a day passes
  • 00:27:04.039 --> 00:27:05.440
  • Without our wanting to stand up and shout,
  • 00:27:05.440 --> 00:27:07.542
  • "who's in control of this clattering train?"
  • 00:27:07.542 --> 00:27:11.713
  • How we answer that question determines to a great deal
  • 00:27:11.713 --> 00:27:14.482
  • How our lives and our future plays out.
  • 00:27:14.482 --> 00:27:19.354
  • So when i say god is sovereign,
  • 00:27:19.354 --> 00:27:21.122
  • I mean he's in charge of everything.
  • 00:27:21.122 --> 00:27:23.558
  • He's infinitely elevated above the highest creature.
  • 00:27:23.558 --> 00:27:26.828
  • He's the most high god, the lord of heaven and earth,
  • 00:27:26.828 --> 00:27:29.898
  • Subject to no one, influenced by no one,
  • 00:27:29.898 --> 00:27:32.767
  • Independent and free in his own being.
  • 00:27:32.767 --> 00:27:36.071
  • He does as he pleases, not only as he pleases,
  • 00:27:36.071 --> 00:27:39.340
  • Always as he pleases, everywhere as he pleases,
  • 00:27:39.340 --> 00:27:43.111
  • And forever as he pleases.
  • 00:27:43.111 --> 00:27:46.848
  • No one and nothing can hinder him,
  • 00:27:46.848 --> 00:27:49.851
  • Compel him, thwart him, or stop him.
  • 00:27:49.851 --> 00:27:54.456
  • But i must tell you
  • 00:27:54.456 --> 00:27:55.790
  • That while this is a wonderful truth to ponder and celebrate,
  • 00:27:55.790 --> 00:27:58.359
  • There is no aspect of the attributes of god
  • 00:27:58.359 --> 00:28:00.829
  • That causes more anger and stirs more debate
  • 00:28:00.829 --> 00:28:04.399
  • Than the teaching of the sovereignty of god.
  • 00:28:04.399 --> 00:28:07.869
  • You can take a knife
  • 00:28:07.869 --> 00:28:09.404
  • And cut it right down through evangelicalism,
  • 00:28:09.404 --> 00:28:12.006
  • And there's a different opinion on the sovereignty of god
  • 00:28:12.006 --> 00:28:14.909
  • On both sides of the mark that you make.
  • 00:28:14.909 --> 00:28:18.980
  • That's why we need
  • 00:28:18.980 --> 00:28:20.515
  • A strong, biblical understanding of this subject.
  • 00:28:20.515 --> 00:28:24.285
  • Working on this chapter, i jotted down
  • 00:28:24.285 --> 00:28:26.554
  • Nearly 50 key passages on the sovereignty of god
  • 00:28:26.554 --> 00:28:29.824
  • And i didn't even scratch the surface.
  • 00:28:29.824 --> 00:28:32.927
  • I'll just give you four or five of them
  • 00:28:32.927 --> 00:28:35.163
  • And you'll see what i'm talking about.
  • 00:28:35.163 --> 00:28:37.565
  • "the lord reigns; let the peoples tremble!
  • 00:28:37.565 --> 00:28:41.836
  • He dwells between the cherubim; let the earth be moved!"
  • 00:28:41.836 --> 00:28:45.607
  • "the lord has established his throne in heaven,
  • 00:28:45.607 --> 00:28:48.176
  • And his kingdom rules over all."
  • 00:28:48.176 --> 00:28:51.646
  • "but our god is in heaven; he does whatever he pleases."
  • 00:28:51.646 --> 00:28:54.983
  • I like that one.
  • 00:28:54.983 --> 00:28:57.552
  • "whatever the lord pleases he does, in heaven and in earth,
  • 00:28:57.552 --> 00:29:01.022
  • In the seas and in all deep places."
  • 00:29:01.022 --> 00:29:04.559
  • All of these verses and so many others
  • 00:29:04.559 --> 00:29:06.861
  • Convey the same thing, that god is in charge.
  • 00:29:06.861 --> 00:29:10.031
  • He is on his throne
  • 00:29:10.031 --> 00:29:11.366
  • And he always will be on his throne.
  • 00:29:11.366 --> 00:29:13.735
  • He rules and he reigns in the affairs of men worldwide
  • 00:29:13.735 --> 00:29:18.373
  • From history to prophecy, from sea to sea,
  • 00:29:18.373 --> 00:29:21.476
  • From time to eternity.
  • 00:29:21.476 --> 00:29:25.180
  • In my library, i have a set of books
  • 00:29:25.180 --> 00:29:28.349
  • That contain every single sermon
  • 00:29:28.349 --> 00:29:30.785
  • Charles haddon spurgeon ever preached.
  • 00:29:30.785 --> 00:29:34.389
  • It is one of the largest collections of writings
  • 00:29:34.389 --> 00:29:37.292
  • From a single person in the history of literature.
  • 00:29:37.292 --> 00:29:41.462
  • Spurgeon, who didn't live past 60,
  • 00:29:41.462 --> 00:29:44.566
  • Preached in london in the 1800s
  • 00:29:44.566 --> 00:29:46.901
  • And he was unbelievably prolific.
  • 00:29:46.901 --> 00:29:49.470
  • He was sublimely eloquent.
  • 00:29:49.470 --> 00:29:52.240
  • One of the volumes that i have in my set includes
  • 00:29:52.240 --> 00:29:54.375
  • An index of all the subjects he covered
  • 00:29:54.375 --> 00:29:56.711
  • In the message that he preached.
  • 00:29:56.711 --> 00:29:58.913
  • I looked under the subject of sovereignty
  • 00:29:58.913 --> 00:30:00.915
  • And i shook my head in amazement.
  • 00:30:00.915 --> 00:30:03.151
  • He must have preached on the sovereignty of god
  • 00:30:03.151 --> 00:30:05.453
  • Every other sunday.
  • 00:30:05.453 --> 00:30:07.488
  • He was enamored with this truth, and he constantly proclaimed
  • 00:30:07.488 --> 00:30:11.459
  • That almighty god oversees our daily lives
  • 00:30:11.459 --> 00:30:14.095
  • And our present world
  • 00:30:14.095 --> 00:30:15.430
  • And all the tides and trends of history.
  • 00:30:15.430 --> 00:30:17.532
  • Maybe that's why so many people went to hear him
  • 00:30:17.532 --> 00:30:20.368
  • Because when they went to church on sunday
  • 00:30:20.368 --> 00:30:22.437
  • Wondering who was in charge,
  • 00:30:22.437 --> 00:30:23.905
  • They came away with this absolute confidence
  • 00:30:23.905 --> 00:30:26.374
  • That we serve a god who rules over all
  • 00:30:26.374 --> 00:30:29.444
  • And we can rest tonight
  • 00:30:29.444 --> 00:30:30.912
  • Because god isn't gonna take the night off.
  • 00:30:30.912 --> 00:30:33.281
  • He's in charge.
  • 00:30:33.281 --> 00:30:36.451
  • "there is no attribute," said spurgeon,
  • 00:30:36.451 --> 00:30:40.321
  • "more comforting to his children
  • 00:30:40.321 --> 00:30:42.624
  • Than the doctrine of divine sovereignty.
  • 00:30:42.624 --> 00:30:45.927
  • Under the most adverse circumstances,
  • 00:30:45.927 --> 00:30:47.962
  • In the most severe troubles,
  • 00:30:47.962 --> 00:30:49.797
  • They believed that sovereignty has ordained their afflictions,
  • 00:30:49.797 --> 00:30:53.201
  • That sovereignty overrules them,
  • 00:30:53.201 --> 00:30:55.336
  • That sovereignty will sanctify them.
  • 00:30:55.336 --> 00:30:58.306
  • It is god upon the throne that we love to preach.
  • 00:30:58.306 --> 00:31:01.342
  • It is god upon his throne in whom we trust."
  • 00:31:01.342 --> 00:31:04.112
  • That's just a little excerpt
  • 00:31:04.112 --> 00:31:05.480
  • From one of his sermons on sovereignty.
  • 00:31:05.480 --> 00:31:08.950
  • I don't know that there's any truth in all the world
  • 00:31:08.950 --> 00:31:11.653
  • That should comfort us more in this day in which we live
  • 00:31:11.653 --> 00:31:14.555
  • Than this: that god is in control.
  • 00:31:14.555 --> 00:31:19.994
  • And someone says, "well, why don't we talk
  • 00:31:19.994 --> 00:31:21.396
  • About that anymore in our churches?"
  • 00:31:21.396 --> 00:31:23.097
  • Well, first of all,
  • 00:31:23.097 --> 00:31:24.699
  • We don't even talk about the bible anymore
  • 00:31:24.699 --> 00:31:26.501
  • In a lot of our churches.
  • 00:31:26.501 --> 00:31:28.603
  • But this is a biblical truth, and it's at odds
  • 00:31:28.603 --> 00:31:31.072
  • With what's going on in our world today.
  • 00:31:31.072 --> 00:31:33.074
  • It's because this is the day of humanism.
  • 00:31:33.074 --> 00:31:35.510
  • This is the era when people want autonomy and independence
  • 00:31:35.510 --> 00:31:38.680
  • And the absolute right to do whatever they want to do
  • 00:31:38.680 --> 00:31:41.382
  • Whenever they wanna do it, whatever feels good.
  • 00:31:41.382 --> 00:31:45.286
  • We attend seminars that tell us
  • 00:31:45.286 --> 00:31:46.955
  • Whatever we can conceive we can believe,
  • 00:31:46.955 --> 00:31:49.190
  • And whatever we can believe we can achieve and receive.
  • 00:31:49.190 --> 00:31:52.327
  • If we just give humanity a little bit more time,
  • 00:31:52.327 --> 00:31:54.662
  • We're told, all of the ills and problems
  • 00:31:54.662 --> 00:31:56.764
  • And difficulties of life will be resolved
  • 00:31:56.764 --> 00:31:59.167
  • Because man has become his own god.
  • 00:31:59.167 --> 00:32:03.304
  • But permit me to ask a question this morning.
  • 00:32:03.304 --> 00:32:06.140
  • How are you doing, sovereign man?
  • 00:32:06.140 --> 00:32:13.014
  • Is the world thriving with peace and prosperity
  • 00:32:13.014 --> 00:32:16.417
  • Under your so-called human sovereignty?
  • 00:32:16.417 --> 00:32:19.087
  • Or is it descending into disorder
  • 00:32:19.087 --> 00:32:21.189
  • And instability and chaos?
  • 00:32:21.189 --> 00:32:23.024
  • Is the world cleaner or more polluted?
  • 00:32:23.024 --> 00:32:25.360
  • Is it more peaceful or more threatened?
  • 00:32:25.360 --> 00:32:27.595
  • Is it more orderly or more violent?
  • 00:32:27.595 --> 00:32:29.764
  • Is it more prosperous
  • 00:32:29.764 --> 00:32:31.099
  • Or teetering on the verge of bankruptcy?
  • 00:32:31.099 --> 00:32:33.935
  • You would think after all the pain
  • 00:32:33.935 --> 00:32:35.803
  • We have felt as a nation,
  • 00:32:35.803 --> 00:32:37.271
  • After all the hurt and anguish we have felt as a world,
  • 00:32:37.271 --> 00:32:40.608
  • After all the problems we've experienced,
  • 00:32:40.608 --> 00:32:42.677
  • That somebody might just ask,
  • 00:32:42.677 --> 00:32:45.413
  • "is it possible we're going the wrong way?"
  • 00:32:45.413 --> 00:32:49.984
  • We started down this path as early as the book of genesis.
  • 00:32:49.984 --> 00:32:54.822
  • When nimrod got the people together and said, in effect,
  • 00:32:54.822 --> 00:32:57.191
  • "we don't need god coming down to talk to us.
  • 00:32:57.191 --> 00:32:59.927
  • We'll just build our own tower up to god.
  • 00:32:59.927 --> 00:33:02.263
  • We'll do our own thing,"
  • 00:33:02.263 --> 00:33:03.598
  • And they brought everyone together
  • 00:33:03.598 --> 00:33:04.932
  • And launched their project and went to work,
  • 00:33:04.932 --> 00:33:06.801
  • And something odd happened.
  • 00:33:06.801 --> 00:33:09.337
  • Suddenly, one day, they went to work
  • 00:33:09.337 --> 00:33:11.205
  • And no one could understand anybody else
  • 00:33:11.205 --> 00:33:13.741
  • Because god reached down and confounded their language.
  • 00:33:13.741 --> 00:33:16.744
  • God was in control.
  • 00:33:16.744 --> 00:33:19.947
  • If we keep reading in genesis, we come to the story of joseph.
  • 00:33:19.947 --> 00:33:23.384
  • As a teenager, he was abused by his brothers
  • 00:33:23.384 --> 00:33:26.187
  • Who threw him in a pit and sold him into slavery.
  • 00:33:26.187 --> 00:33:28.956
  • They did everything they could to erase his memory.
  • 00:33:28.956 --> 00:33:32.860
  • Years passed and one day in the sovereignty of god
  • 00:33:32.860 --> 00:33:36.297
  • They faced a severe famine in their land
  • 00:33:36.297 --> 00:33:39.200
  • And they journeyed down to egypt to get their food
  • 00:33:39.200 --> 00:33:41.402
  • And guess who was handing out the food?
  • 00:33:41.402 --> 00:33:44.472
  • It was joseph, who somehow had become
  • 00:33:44.472 --> 00:33:47.141
  • Prime minister of the greatest empire on earth in those days.
  • 00:33:47.141 --> 00:33:50.845
  • But it wasn't somehow, it was sovereignty.
  • 00:33:50.845 --> 00:33:54.782
  • Those poor boys thought they had been had.
  • 00:33:54.782 --> 00:33:58.219
  • Here they were, coming to get food
  • 00:33:58.219 --> 00:34:00.755
  • And running into the brother that they had betrayed
  • 00:34:00.755 --> 00:34:04.058
  • And now thought was dead.
  • 00:34:04.058 --> 00:34:07.161
  • Joseph looked him in the eye and gave this little speech:
  • 00:34:07.161 --> 00:34:11.399
  • "you meant evil against me; but god meant it for good,
  • 00:34:11.399 --> 00:34:16.537
  • In order to bring it about as it is this day,
  • 00:34:16.537 --> 00:34:19.407
  • To save many people alive.
  • 00:34:19.407 --> 00:34:22.276
  • Now therefore, do not be afraid."
  • 00:34:22.276 --> 00:34:26.781
  • Joseph said, "you tried to hurt me.
  • 00:34:26.781 --> 00:34:29.016
  • You tried to destroy me.
  • 00:34:29.016 --> 00:34:30.384
  • You tried to kill me.
  • 00:34:30.384 --> 00:34:32.520
  • But god was in charge and god oversaw all of this,
  • 00:34:32.520 --> 00:34:36.290
  • And he brought me to this place
  • 00:34:36.290 --> 00:34:37.725
  • Not only to be the savior of all of you,
  • 00:34:37.725 --> 00:34:40.394
  • But to be the savior of all of egypt,"
  • 00:34:40.394 --> 00:34:42.130
  • Because joseph became the prime minister of egypt
  • 00:34:42.130 --> 00:34:44.765
  • And doled out the food during the years of famine.
  • 00:34:44.765 --> 00:34:48.803
  • Turn over to the book of exodus
  • 00:34:48.803 --> 00:34:51.072
  • And listen while pharaoh commands
  • 00:34:51.072 --> 00:34:52.840
  • All the hebrew male children to be drowned in the nile river
  • 00:34:52.840 --> 00:34:56.377
  • To reduce the population of the jews.
  • 00:34:56.377 --> 00:34:59.514
  • But the lord said, as it were, i'll tell you what i'm gonna do.
  • 00:34:59.514 --> 00:35:04.051
  • I'll use the nile river to preserve a baby
  • 00:35:04.051 --> 00:35:07.021
  • Who will become the liberator of my people.
  • 00:35:07.021 --> 00:35:10.558
  • And there in a pitched basket on the nile river,
  • 00:35:10.558 --> 00:35:13.027
  • While pharaoh intended to kill these precious babies,
  • 00:35:13.027 --> 00:35:15.830
  • God hid a baby who would be named moses
  • 00:35:15.830 --> 00:35:19.667
  • Almost as if he were playing a joke on pharaoh.
  • 00:35:19.667 --> 00:35:24.005
  • Many years later, god said, "let my people go,"
  • 00:35:24.005 --> 00:35:26.307
  • To which pharaoh arrogantly responded, "who is the lord,
  • 00:35:26.307 --> 00:35:30.244
  • That i should obey his voice and let israel go?
  • 00:35:30.244 --> 00:35:34.248
  • I do not know the lord, nor will i let israel go."
  • 00:35:34.248 --> 00:35:39.053
  • That earned him ten plagues
  • 00:35:39.053 --> 00:35:41.022
  • And the death of the firstborn in every one of his families,
  • 00:35:41.022 --> 00:35:44.625
  • Followed by a rout at the red sea.
  • 00:35:44.625 --> 00:35:46.594
  • Somehow the stormy red sea,
  • 00:35:46.594 --> 00:35:47.962
  • Which pharaoh thought had trapped his enemies,
  • 00:35:47.962 --> 00:35:49.897
  • Became the avenue of their deliverance
  • 00:35:49.897 --> 00:35:51.766
  • And the watery tomb of pharaoh's army,
  • 00:35:51.766 --> 00:35:54.702
  • But it wasn't somehow, it was sovereignty.
  • 00:35:54.702 --> 00:35:57.805
  • God was in charge.
  • 00:35:57.805 --> 00:36:00.641
  • Isn't it incredible to read
  • 00:36:00.641 --> 00:36:01.976
  • The history of god's sovereignty in the affairs of men?
  • 00:36:01.976 --> 00:36:07.548
  • Haman had it in his heart to destroy the jews
  • 00:36:07.548 --> 00:36:10.184
  • And to obliterate the influence of god.
  • 00:36:10.184 --> 00:36:11.852
  • He built gallows on which he intended to hang mordecai.
  • 00:36:11.852 --> 00:36:15.489
  • But somehow, the tables were turned
  • 00:36:15.489 --> 00:36:17.458
  • And haman was impaled
  • 00:36:17.458 --> 00:36:18.793
  • On the gallows he had built for mordecai.
  • 00:36:18.793 --> 00:36:21.662
  • But it wasn't somehow, it was sovereignty.
  • 00:36:21.662 --> 00:36:24.832
  • The god of heaven was showing us who's in control.
  • 00:36:24.832 --> 00:36:31.072
  • Looking at it from the perspective of history,
  • 00:36:31.072 --> 00:36:33.574
  • Not just in biblical days,
  • 00:36:33.574 --> 00:36:35.776
  • But throughout all the history of the world,
  • 00:36:35.776 --> 00:36:38.412
  • Wherever humankind has tried his best
  • 00:36:38.412 --> 00:36:40.581
  • To prove he's in control,
  • 00:36:40.581 --> 00:36:42.550
  • He has been frustrated and thwarted.
  • 00:36:42.550 --> 00:36:44.819
  • Again and again, almighty god has said,
  • 00:36:44.819 --> 00:36:47.255
  • "i am the lord.
  • 00:36:47.255 --> 00:36:49.290
  • I rule in the heavens and in the earth
  • 00:36:49.290 --> 00:36:51.459
  • And in the hearts of men."
  • 00:36:51.459 --> 00:36:54.528
  • He is the sovereign god.
  • 00:36:54.528 --> 00:36:57.064
  • And when i see what's happening across this country,
  • 00:36:57.064 --> 00:36:59.267
  • I have to turn off the television,
  • 00:36:59.267 --> 00:37:00.701
  • Lay aside the newspaper, open my bible,
  • 00:37:00.701 --> 00:37:02.937
  • Bow my head and say,
  • 00:37:02.937 --> 00:37:04.272
  • "i know the one who's in charge."
  • 00:37:04.272 --> 00:37:07.742
  • The biblical teaching of god's sovereignty stirs me
  • 00:37:07.742 --> 00:37:10.544
  • When i think about it, and when i look at the fact
  • 00:37:10.544 --> 00:37:12.913
  • That there aren't any answers anyplace else,
  • 00:37:12.913 --> 00:37:14.882
  • This is in the lap of the almighty.
  • 00:37:14.882 --> 00:37:17.918
  • And i come away with three affirmations
  • 00:37:17.918 --> 00:37:21.022
  • Which i wanna leave with you
  • 00:37:21.022 --> 00:37:22.890
  • To take home in your heart today.
  • 00:37:22.890 --> 00:37:25.226
  • If this is true, if what i'm saying is true,
  • 00:37:25.226 --> 00:37:29.096
  • What should my response be
  • 00:37:29.096 --> 00:37:31.666
  • To the fact that almighty god is in charge?
  • 00:37:31.666 --> 00:37:35.703
  • That when you look into the heavens,
  • 00:37:35.703 --> 00:37:37.171
  • The throne is occupied,
  • 00:37:37.171 --> 00:37:39.907
  • That god doesn't go on vacations.
  • 00:37:39.907 --> 00:37:41.475
  • He never sleeps.
  • 00:37:41.475 --> 00:37:42.810
  • He never takes his hand off the control level.
  • 00:37:42.810 --> 00:37:47.682
  • So how should i respond to that?
  • 00:37:47.682 --> 00:37:49.116
  • Well, first of all, i've written down
  • 00:37:49.116 --> 00:37:51.118
  • Because he is sovereign, i will reverence him.
  • 00:37:51.118 --> 00:37:55.289
  • The first affirmation about god's sovereignty is this:
  • 00:37:55.289 --> 00:37:57.792
  • Because he is sovereign, i will give him reverence.
  • 00:37:57.792 --> 00:38:01.329
  • I've had the opportunity of sharing the word of god
  • 00:38:01.329 --> 00:38:03.931
  • In the presence of some national leaders
  • 00:38:03.931 --> 00:38:06.033
  • Over the years that i've been in the ministry.
  • 00:38:06.033 --> 00:38:08.636
  • That's a very scary thing
  • 00:38:08.636 --> 00:38:10.071
  • When you're asked to speak in front of a national leader.
  • 00:38:10.071 --> 00:38:13.974
  • But i want you to suppose with me
  • 00:38:13.974 --> 00:38:15.543
  • And take all of the nuance out
  • 00:38:15.543 --> 00:38:17.712
  • Of what's going on in our world today.
  • 00:38:17.712 --> 00:38:19.246
  • This is kind of not normal, what's happening right now,
  • 00:38:19.246 --> 00:38:22.016
  • But let's kind of get back to the normal
  • 00:38:22.016 --> 00:38:23.851
  • And think with me through this illustration.
  • 00:38:23.851 --> 00:38:26.954
  • Suppose i were preaching and a colleague
  • 00:38:26.954 --> 00:38:28.923
  • Came to the platform and handed me a note
  • 00:38:28.923 --> 00:38:31.625
  • And it said: "the president of the united states
  • 00:38:31.625 --> 00:38:33.828
  • Has just arrived unexpectedly
  • 00:38:33.828 --> 00:38:35.563
  • And he wants to attend your service today."
  • 00:38:35.563 --> 00:38:38.532
  • If he said that, do you know what i would do?
  • 00:38:38.532 --> 00:38:40.801
  • I would take a little break from my sermon
  • 00:38:40.801 --> 00:38:42.703
  • And i would say to the crowd,
  • 00:38:42.703 --> 00:38:44.772
  • "let's all welcome the president of the united states."
  • 00:38:44.772 --> 00:38:48.409
  • And regardless of who the president happened to be
  • 00:38:48.409 --> 00:38:50.745
  • At that moment,
  • 00:38:50.745 --> 00:38:52.079
  • And regardless of whether we agreed or disagreed
  • 00:38:52.079 --> 00:38:54.315
  • With his or her policies,
  • 00:38:54.315 --> 00:38:56.250
  • If we are the right kind of people,
  • 00:38:56.250 --> 00:38:58.018
  • We would stand and applaud, why?
  • 00:38:58.018 --> 00:38:59.353
  • Because we respect the office of the president of our nation
  • 00:38:59.353 --> 00:39:03.090
  • And the bible tells us to honor the king.
  • 00:39:03.090 --> 00:39:08.896
  • So if we can summon the courtesy to respect the human position
  • 00:39:08.896 --> 00:39:13.200
  • No matter who the leader might be,
  • 00:39:13.200 --> 00:39:15.669
  • What should be our attitude about confessing jesus christ
  • 00:39:15.669 --> 00:39:19.273
  • As lord of lords and king of kings?
  • 00:39:19.273 --> 00:39:21.809
  • The bible says: "the fear of the lord
  • 00:39:21.809 --> 00:39:24.645
  • Is the beginning of wisdom."
  • 00:39:24.645 --> 00:39:27.348
  • And the concept of fearing the lord troubles some people,
  • 00:39:27.348 --> 00:39:30.251
  • But we're not talking about a debilitating kind of fear.
  • 00:39:30.251 --> 00:39:33.621
  • We're talking about a worshipal reverence for god.
  • 00:39:33.621 --> 00:39:39.193
  • Christians were once described as god-fearing people.
  • 00:39:39.193 --> 00:39:42.696
  • Do you remember those days?
  • 00:39:42.696 --> 00:39:44.765
  • Nobody even knows what that means anymore.
  • 00:39:44.765 --> 00:39:47.401
  • We seldom hear that phrase,
  • 00:39:47.401 --> 00:39:48.969
  • And perhaps it's because we've lost the concept
  • 00:39:48.969 --> 00:39:51.572
  • Of the fear of the lord.
  • 00:39:51.572 --> 00:39:53.240
  • God wants us to reverence him, to bow before him,
  • 00:39:53.240 --> 00:39:57.511
  • To fear him with healthy, godly awe.
  • 00:39:57.511 --> 00:40:01.015
  • For god is sovereign, and he is worthy
  • 00:40:01.015 --> 00:40:04.618
  • Of our reverence and our respect.
  • 00:40:04.618 --> 00:40:08.155
  • We have tried in our culture
  • 00:40:08.155 --> 00:40:10.691
  • To bring god down to where we are
  • 00:40:10.691 --> 00:40:13.294
  • Because we feel so distant from him.
  • 00:40:13.294 --> 00:40:15.629
  • But i say to you, "leave god where he is
  • 00:40:15.629 --> 00:40:18.165
  • And get on your knees and reverence him.
  • 00:40:18.165 --> 00:40:20.401
  • He is worthy of your respect."
  • 00:40:20.401 --> 00:40:26.040
  • And because god is sovereign, my second affirmation is
  • 00:40:26.040 --> 00:40:30.811
  • I will respond to him in obedience.
  • 00:40:30.811 --> 00:40:33.347
  • A few pages back in this little sermon that i'm giving you,
  • 00:40:33.347 --> 00:40:37.618
  • When the lord told the israelites to go, this man,
  • 00:40:37.618 --> 00:40:40.354
  • This most powerful, feared man of his day, pharaoh,
  • 00:40:40.354 --> 00:40:44.124
  • Said--listen, do you remember this?
  • 00:40:44.124 --> 00:40:45.693
  • He said, "no."
  • 00:40:45.693 --> 00:40:47.328
  • But do you know why he disobeyed?
  • 00:40:47.328 --> 00:40:49.296
  • Here's what it says: "who is the lord,
  • 00:40:49.296 --> 00:40:51.832
  • That i should obey his voice to let israel go?
  • 00:40:51.832 --> 00:40:54.835
  • I do not know the lord, nor will i let israel go."
  • 00:40:54.835 --> 00:40:59.240
  • And if i were moses, i would have said,
  • 00:40:59.240 --> 00:41:00.674
  • "son, you're about ready to meet him."
  • 00:41:00.674 --> 00:41:04.945
  • Because pharaoh didn't understand
  • 00:41:04.945 --> 00:41:06.714
  • Or respect jehovah, he felt free to disobey.
  • 00:41:06.714 --> 00:41:12.586
  • When people disregard god's sovereignty,
  • 00:41:12.586 --> 00:41:15.055
  • They disobey him; but let's reverse the equation.
  • 00:41:15.055 --> 00:41:18.959
  • If irreverence produces disobedience,
  • 00:41:18.959 --> 00:41:21.529
  • Then surely reverence should promote obedience.
  • 00:41:21.529 --> 00:41:25.799
  • As i open my bible,
  • 00:41:25.799 --> 00:41:27.668
  • This is the word of a sovereign god.
  • 00:41:27.668 --> 00:41:30.938
  • I can't any longer read the bible just as a student.
  • 00:41:30.938 --> 00:41:35.743
  • I have to read it now as a servant.
  • 00:41:35.743 --> 00:41:38.412
  • I'm not just trying to learn what the bible says.
  • 00:41:38.412 --> 00:41:40.548
  • I'm trying to find out what god, the sovereign of the universe,
  • 00:41:40.548 --> 00:41:43.817
  • Is telling me to do, and i have to respond
  • 00:41:43.817 --> 00:41:46.153
  • With a "yes, lord."
  • 00:41:46.153 --> 00:41:49.056
  • It's interesting how you read the bible.
  • 00:41:49.056 --> 00:41:50.524
  • If you're just reading the bible for more information,
  • 00:41:50.524 --> 00:41:52.560
  • It won't change your life at all.
  • 00:41:52.560 --> 00:41:54.495
  • But if you read the bible as a servant and you say,
  • 00:41:54.495 --> 00:41:56.597
  • "lord, what do you have for me today
  • 00:41:56.597 --> 00:41:58.265
  • That you need to communicate to my life?"
  • 00:41:58.265 --> 00:42:00.568
  • Everything changes.
  • 00:42:00.568 --> 00:42:02.136
  • It's all about your mindset.
  • 00:42:02.136 --> 00:42:04.572
  • When we grasp the sovereign authority of god
  • 00:42:04.572 --> 00:42:07.141
  • In and over everything,
  • 00:42:07.141 --> 00:42:08.742
  • From the broadest galaxy to the smallest grain of sand,
  • 00:42:08.742 --> 00:42:12.179
  • We gladly submit to his will for our lives.
  • 00:42:12.179 --> 00:42:15.516
  • He's the captain.
  • 00:42:15.516 --> 00:42:17.017
  • He's in control.
  • 00:42:17.017 --> 00:42:19.253
  • His eye scans the maps and he knows what's best for us.
  • 00:42:19.253 --> 00:42:22.723
  • We may not always like
  • 00:42:22.723 --> 00:42:24.058
  • The weather or the scenery or the route,
  • 00:42:24.058 --> 00:42:25.926
  • But those issues pale
  • 00:42:25.926 --> 00:42:27.461
  • In the brilliance of his sovereign face.
  • 00:42:27.461 --> 00:42:30.931
  • In the old testament, there's a story about a man named eli.
  • 00:42:30.931 --> 00:42:34.768
  • He was a priest and he had two rebellious kids.
  • 00:42:34.768 --> 00:42:40.541
  • It's embarrassing to read what they did.
  • 00:42:40.541 --> 00:42:42.443
  • Now, i'm not gonna embarrass all of you by giving you the details
  • 00:42:42.443 --> 00:42:44.745
  • In the service this morning, you can find it out.
  • 00:42:44.745 --> 00:42:47.114
  • And now that i've told you about it,
  • 00:42:47.114 --> 00:42:48.449
  • I'm sure you'll look it up this afternoon.
  • 00:42:48.449 --> 00:42:50.417
  • But there in that setting, in shiloh,
  • 00:42:50.417 --> 00:42:54.922
  • Where these two rebellious sons
  • 00:42:54.922 --> 00:42:57.024
  • Were disgracing god and their father,
  • 00:42:57.024 --> 00:43:00.260
  • There was a young boy
  • 00:43:00.260 --> 00:43:01.595
  • Who was serving god in the tabernacle
  • 00:43:01.595 --> 00:43:04.164
  • And one evening, god spoke to this boy,
  • 00:43:04.164 --> 00:43:05.866
  • Saying, "samuel," and samuel said,
  • 00:43:05.866 --> 00:43:09.803
  • "speak, lord, for your servant hears."
  • 00:43:09.803 --> 00:43:13.440
  • And the lord gave samuel a message for eli,
  • 00:43:13.440 --> 00:43:16.143
  • And it was not a good word.
  • 00:43:16.143 --> 00:43:19.480
  • He told this young boy,
  • 00:43:19.480 --> 00:43:20.814
  • "go and tell eli what i'm telling you,"
  • 00:43:20.814 --> 00:43:23.017
  • And this is what the message was,
  • 00:43:23.017 --> 00:43:24.852
  • 1 samuel 3: "behold, i will do something in israel
  • 00:43:24.852 --> 00:43:28.989
  • At which both ears of everyone who hear it will tingle.
  • 00:43:28.989 --> 00:43:32.760
  • In that day, i will perform against eli
  • 00:43:32.760 --> 00:43:35.496
  • All that i have spoken concerning his house,
  • 00:43:35.496 --> 00:43:37.831
  • From beginning to end.
  • 00:43:37.831 --> 00:43:39.333
  • For i have told him that i will judge his house forever
  • 00:43:39.333 --> 00:43:43.003
  • For the iniquity which he knows,
  • 00:43:43.003 --> 00:43:44.672
  • Because his sons made themselves vile,
  • 00:43:44.672 --> 00:43:47.508
  • And he did not restrain them," wow.
  • 00:43:47.508 --> 00:43:54.281
  • Eli gets this message and you would have thought
  • 00:43:54.281 --> 00:43:58.619
  • He would push back.
  • 00:43:58.619 --> 00:44:00.254
  • Maybe ask for grace and say, "wait a minute,
  • 00:44:00.254 --> 00:44:02.056
  • Give me another chance."
  • 00:44:02.056 --> 00:44:04.358
  • But according to verse 18,
  • 00:44:04.358 --> 00:44:06.260
  • Samuel told eli everything god said
  • 00:44:06.260 --> 00:44:08.595
  • And eli said this: "it is the lord.
  • 00:44:08.595 --> 00:44:13.567
  • Let him do what seems good to him."
  • 00:44:13.567 --> 00:44:18.205
  • In other words, "whoa, samuel, if that's what the lord said,
  • 00:44:18.205 --> 00:44:23.977
  • Let the lord be the lord."
  • 00:44:23.977 --> 00:44:27.514
  • That's a pretty good sentence to keep in mind, isn't it?
  • 00:44:27.514 --> 00:44:30.184
  • Whatever happens to us, whatever god tells us to do,
  • 00:44:30.184 --> 00:44:33.687
  • We can simply say, "it is the lord.
  • 00:44:33.687 --> 00:44:36.457
  • Let him do what seems good to him."
  • 00:44:36.457 --> 00:44:39.393
  • Abraham said something similar
  • 00:44:39.393 --> 00:44:40.761
  • When he learned the fate of sodom and gomorrah.
  • 00:44:40.761 --> 00:44:43.497
  • He said, "shall not the judge of all the earth do right?"
  • 00:44:43.497 --> 00:44:48.702
  • Ladies and gentlemen,
  • 00:44:48.702 --> 00:44:50.037
  • The lord will do what seems good to him,
  • 00:44:50.037 --> 00:44:52.005
  • And the judge of all the earth will do right.
  • 00:44:52.005 --> 00:44:54.208
  • We get shook up by what's happening,
  • 00:44:54.208 --> 00:44:56.009
  • Whether near us or far away,
  • 00:44:56.009 --> 00:44:57.511
  • But the problem is our own human perspective.
  • 00:44:57.511 --> 00:44:59.947
  • That changes when we remember that god is in charge.
  • 00:44:59.947 --> 00:45:03.517
  • He sees everything from beginning to end,
  • 00:45:03.517 --> 00:45:05.452
  • And the more we comprehend that,
  • 00:45:05.452 --> 00:45:07.221
  • And the more we gladly resign ourselves to his will
  • 00:45:07.221 --> 00:45:10.023
  • And obey what he says,
  • 00:45:10.023 --> 00:45:11.959
  • And we come to the place where we can say, "it is the lord.
  • 00:45:11.959 --> 00:45:16.463
  • Let him do what seems good to him,"
  • 00:45:16.463 --> 00:45:19.166
  • He will do what is right.
  • 00:45:19.166 --> 00:45:21.335
  • He will always do what is best.
  • 00:45:21.335 --> 00:45:25.539
  • Because god is sovereign, i will reverence him
  • 00:45:25.539 --> 00:45:28.108
  • And i will respond to him in obedience.
  • 00:45:28.108 --> 00:45:30.144
  • And here we are, again, back to this familiar theme
  • 00:45:30.144 --> 00:45:32.913
  • And the attributes of god,
  • 00:45:32.913 --> 00:45:34.281
  • Because god is sovereign i will worship him.
  • 00:45:34.281 --> 00:45:38.519
  • Here's my final affirmation: throughout the old testament,
  • 00:45:38.519 --> 00:45:42.289
  • Especially at momentous times in israel's history,
  • 00:45:42.289 --> 00:45:45.092
  • Are great outbreaks of praise.
  • 00:45:45.092 --> 00:45:47.861
  • It's truly amazing if you study the old testament
  • 00:45:47.861 --> 00:45:50.731
  • With this is mind.
  • 00:45:50.731 --> 00:45:52.366
  • For instance, there's this one dramatic story
  • 00:45:52.366 --> 00:45:54.635
  • Where king david was trying to build
  • 00:45:54.635 --> 00:45:56.603
  • A temple in jerusalem for the lord.
  • 00:45:56.603 --> 00:45:59.139
  • It was the final dream of history's great visionary,
  • 00:45:59.139 --> 00:46:02.409
  • And his dream was good,
  • 00:46:02.409 --> 00:46:04.545
  • But god told him he wasn't gonna let him do it.
  • 00:46:04.545 --> 00:46:07.147
  • Do you remember that? and david was so frustrated.
  • 00:46:07.147 --> 00:46:11.084
  • He said to david,
  • 00:46:11.084 --> 00:46:12.419
  • "you shall not build me a house to dwell in."
  • 00:46:12.419 --> 00:46:14.555
  • Went on to say, "because you have been a shedder of blood,
  • 00:46:14.555 --> 00:46:17.057
  • You cannot build my temple."
  • 00:46:17.057 --> 00:46:20.027
  • You would have thought david would have gone off and pouted
  • 00:46:20.027 --> 00:46:22.162
  • And given up on the whole deal, but the bible says
  • 00:46:22.162 --> 00:46:25.132
  • That david was brokenhearted, but just for a moment.
  • 00:46:25.132 --> 00:46:27.668
  • He was a resilient man and what did he do?
  • 00:46:27.668 --> 00:46:31.839
  • He undertook the one thing he could do,
  • 00:46:31.839 --> 00:46:34.174
  • Which is always the hardest part of any building program.
  • 00:46:34.174 --> 00:46:37.377
  • He raised all the money for the project.
  • 00:46:37.377 --> 00:46:40.214
  • He personally gave from his wealth
  • 00:46:40.214 --> 00:46:42.282
  • And he appealed for funds from others,
  • 00:46:42.282 --> 00:46:44.852
  • And then they had this worship set
  • 00:46:44.852 --> 00:46:48.388
  • In the midst of that very unlikely situation.
  • 00:46:48.388 --> 00:46:52.292
  • Here it is from 1 chronicles chapter 29:
  • 00:46:52.292 --> 00:46:55.462
  • "david blessed the lord before all the assembly."
  • 00:46:55.462 --> 00:46:58.198
  • David who wanted to build a temple and couldn't
  • 00:46:58.198 --> 00:47:00.434
  • Because god wouldn't let him do it.
  • 00:47:00.434 --> 00:47:03.637
  • "and david said: 'blessed are you,
  • 00:47:03.637 --> 00:47:05.172
  • Lord god of israel, our father, forever and ever.
  • 00:47:05.172 --> 00:47:07.841
  • Yours, o lord, is the greatness, the power and the glory,
  • 00:47:07.841 --> 00:47:12.179
  • The victory and the majesty; for all that is in heaven
  • 00:47:12.179 --> 00:47:15.148
  • And in earth is yours; yours is the kingdom,
  • 00:47:15.148 --> 00:47:18.452
  • O lord, and you are exalted as head over all.
  • 00:47:18.452 --> 00:47:21.421
  • Both riches and honor come from you,
  • 00:47:21.421 --> 00:47:23.490
  • And you reign over all.
  • 00:47:23.490 --> 00:47:25.659
  • In your hand is power and might; and in your hand it is
  • 00:47:25.659 --> 00:47:28.562
  • To make great and to give strength to all."
  • 00:47:28.562 --> 00:47:33.367
  • I could never have come up with something like that
  • 00:47:33.367 --> 00:47:36.003
  • When i was nursing the wounds of a broken dream.
  • 00:47:36.003 --> 00:47:41.141
  • As king david stood that day to collect that offering
  • 00:47:41.141 --> 00:47:43.610
  • To finance one of the great wonders of the world,
  • 00:47:43.610 --> 00:47:45.679
  • He led his people in a prayer of worship,
  • 00:47:45.679 --> 00:47:48.048
  • Directed to the sovereign lord, and they brought their offerings
  • 00:47:48.048 --> 00:47:51.118
  • And david said in so many words: "god made you rich."
  • 00:47:51.118 --> 00:47:54.688
  • They stood that day
  • 00:47:54.688 --> 00:47:56.023
  • In a moment of strength and power
  • 00:47:56.023 --> 00:47:57.357
  • And david said, "god gives you strength."
  • 00:47:57.357 --> 00:47:59.793
  • And they stood that day and rejoiced and david said,
  • 00:47:59.793 --> 00:48:01.862
  • "god puts joy in your heart.
  • 00:48:01.862 --> 00:48:04.031
  • He's the sovereign god."
  • 00:48:04.031 --> 00:48:06.099
  • He understood what we're trying to learn today,
  • 00:48:06.099 --> 00:48:08.735
  • That our god is sovereign and our response
  • 00:48:08.735 --> 00:48:11.405
  • Is to praise his name and worship him and honor him
  • 00:48:11.405 --> 00:48:14.574
  • For he alone is worthy.
  • 00:48:14.574 --> 00:48:16.643
  • Whatever i have, whatever is in my heart,
  • 00:48:16.643 --> 00:48:19.713
  • Whatever i've done, whatever i'm doing,
  • 00:48:19.713 --> 00:48:21.615
  • God is behind it all.
  • 00:48:21.615 --> 00:48:23.917
  • I have no reason for pride.
  • 00:48:23.917 --> 00:48:26.653
  • I have every reason to bow humbly before him in gratitude
  • 00:48:26.653 --> 00:48:30.023
  • That he would be so willing to let me be a part
  • 00:48:30.023 --> 00:48:33.560
  • Of what he does.
  • 00:48:33.560 --> 00:48:36.029
  • We are not trapped in some aimless universe,
  • 00:48:36.029 --> 00:48:38.966
  • Spinning on a doomed planet, living in a meaningless life
  • 00:48:38.966 --> 00:48:42.169
  • And dying a hopeless death.
  • 00:48:42.169 --> 00:48:43.837
  • We're not riding on a runaway clattering train.
  • 00:48:43.837 --> 00:48:47.074
  • Our god is jehovah and there is none like him.
  • 00:48:47.074 --> 00:48:50.043
  • He is absolute,
  • 00:48:50.043 --> 00:48:51.378
  • He is eternal and all-powerful and utterly sovereign.
  • 00:48:51.378 --> 00:48:54.715
  • And when he reigns supreme and unrivaled as our captain,
  • 00:48:54.715 --> 00:48:59.786
  • Adonai yahweh will be your sovereign god.
  • 00:48:59.786 --> 00:49:04.024
  • Things work out in our lives.
  • 00:49:04.024 --> 00:49:06.927
  • Even if you got there because of an accident,
  • 00:49:06.927 --> 00:49:09.062
  • God has a perfect plan
  • 00:49:09.062 --> 00:49:10.397
  • And there are no accidents with god.
  • 00:49:10.397 --> 00:49:13.166
  • The family you were born in was no accident.
  • 00:49:13.166 --> 00:49:15.369
  • The country you live in, the language you speak,
  • 00:49:15.369 --> 00:49:17.704
  • The friends you have, your weaknesses, your mistakes,
  • 00:49:17.704 --> 00:49:20.440
  • All the things that you have done,
  • 00:49:20.440 --> 00:49:21.875
  • Your poor decisions,
  • 00:49:21.875 --> 00:49:23.210
  • None of them are accidents to god.
  • 00:49:23.210 --> 00:49:25.112
  • The book of romans tells us
  • 00:49:25.112 --> 00:49:26.446
  • That god works all things together for his glory
  • 00:49:26.446 --> 00:49:29.549
  • And the word for all things together is the word "synergéo,"
  • 00:49:29.549 --> 00:49:33.720
  • The word from which we get our word "synergy"
  • 00:49:33.720 --> 00:49:35.989
  • And synergy is when
  • 00:49:35.989 --> 00:49:37.324
  • You take a whole bunch of things and put 'em together
  • 00:49:37.324 --> 00:49:39.593
  • And the result is much more
  • 00:49:39.593 --> 00:49:41.361
  • Than all of them could be added up to be.
  • 00:49:41.361 --> 00:49:43.497
  • There's a synergistic effect.
  • 00:49:43.497 --> 00:49:45.132
  • And when god gets involved in our lives,
  • 00:49:45.132 --> 00:49:47.034
  • He takes the good and the bad,
  • 00:49:47.034 --> 00:49:48.668
  • The mistakes and all of the things we do right,
  • 00:49:48.668 --> 00:49:51.405
  • And in his sovereign he mixes it all together
  • 00:49:51.405 --> 00:49:53.740
  • And he puts it together in his plan,
  • 00:49:53.740 --> 00:49:56.043
  • And according to the scripture, he makes all things beautiful.
  • 00:49:56.043 --> 00:49:59.946
  • He's the sovereign god.
  • 00:49:59.946 --> 00:50:01.548
  • You may think today, "oh, i have blown it so much,
  • 00:50:01.548 --> 00:50:04.384
  • God can never use me."
  • 00:50:04.384 --> 00:50:05.786
  • No, if you've blown it, you ask for forgiveness,
  • 00:50:05.786 --> 00:50:08.288
  • You get right, and you wait for god's next word
  • 00:50:08.288 --> 00:50:10.791
  • And i promise you he's not done with you yet.
  • 00:50:10.791 --> 00:50:13.460
  • He has a purpose for you.
  • 00:50:13.460 --> 00:50:15.195
  • He will take what's wrong
  • 00:50:15.195 --> 00:50:16.730
  • And, somehow, he will weave it together into his plan
  • 00:50:16.730 --> 00:50:21.134
  • And he will make it right.
  • 00:50:21.134 --> 00:50:23.170
  • Do you regret certain decisions you've made?
  • 00:50:23.170 --> 00:50:26.039
  • Did things not turn out the way you had hoped?
  • 00:50:26.039 --> 00:50:28.809
  • Do you feel stuck?
  • 00:50:28.809 --> 00:50:30.277
  • Do you wish you had done things differently?
  • 00:50:30.277 --> 00:50:32.479
  • There are no accidents with god.
  • 00:50:32.479 --> 00:50:36.249
  • God in his sovereignty even overrides our sins.
  • 00:50:36.249 --> 00:50:40.187
  • Maybe you're suffering long-term consequences of a bad mistake.
  • 00:50:40.187 --> 00:50:44.057
  • Remember, there are no accidents with god.
  • 00:50:44.057 --> 00:50:46.426
  • God is not the author of sin.
  • 00:50:46.426 --> 00:50:48.195
  • So wherever we find ourselves,
  • 00:50:48.195 --> 00:50:50.430
  • And whatever we have to deal with,
  • 00:50:50.430 --> 00:50:52.466
  • We can know that god,
  • 00:50:52.466 --> 00:50:53.800
  • In his infinite wisdom and in his sovereignty,
  • 00:50:53.800 --> 00:50:56.169
  • Has designed it for our good
  • 00:50:56.169 --> 00:50:58.105
  • And to make us like christ and to bring him glory.
  • 00:50:58.105 --> 00:51:00.607
  • Just hang in there. you can trust god.
  • 00:51:00.607 --> 00:51:03.176
  • He's in control and he's a good god.
  • 00:51:03.176 --> 00:51:07.547
  • Donna and i are gonna board a ship in boston
  • 00:51:07.547 --> 00:51:10.684
  • That will take us to canada and new england.
  • 00:51:10.684 --> 00:51:13.220
  • I know, you feel badly for us, but somebody has to do this.
  • 00:51:13.220 --> 00:51:20.293
  • This ship is enormous.
  • 00:51:20.293 --> 00:51:22.863
  • Sometimes, when i go there
  • 00:51:22.863 --> 00:51:24.464
  • And i stand next to the ship and look up at it,
  • 00:51:24.464 --> 00:51:26.066
  • It's overwhelming to me,
  • 00:51:26.066 --> 00:51:28.335
  • That this humungous piece of steel can float,
  • 00:51:28.335 --> 00:51:33.874
  • Up on the bridge of this ship, the captain has his maps
  • 00:51:33.874 --> 00:51:39.279
  • And his charts and his navigational equipment.
  • 00:51:39.279 --> 00:51:42.716
  • And he and his crew have plied these waters many times.
  • 00:51:42.716 --> 00:51:46.686
  • They know exactly where the ship is headed.
  • 00:51:46.686 --> 00:51:49.122
  • They know the exact moments
  • 00:51:49.122 --> 00:51:50.690
  • When the ship will depart one port and reach another.
  • 00:51:50.690 --> 00:51:55.162
  • Meanwhile, down below the bridge,
  • 00:51:55.162 --> 00:51:57.797
  • Many kinds of people have booked passage.
  • 00:51:57.797 --> 00:52:00.567
  • They all think they're in charge of their lives.
  • 00:52:00.567 --> 00:52:04.404
  • Some will come to study the bible with me.
  • 00:52:04.404 --> 00:52:06.573
  • But as i walk around the ship,
  • 00:52:06.573 --> 00:52:08.208
  • I will notice a lot of people who, in absolute certainty,
  • 00:52:08.208 --> 00:52:11.378
  • Did not come to study the bible with me.
  • 00:52:11.378 --> 00:52:15.482
  • They're lost in their own pursuits
  • 00:52:15.482 --> 00:52:17.384
  • And in their own pleasures.
  • 00:52:17.384 --> 00:52:20.487
  • They're aboard that ship making their infinite daily decisions,
  • 00:52:20.487 --> 00:52:25.292
  • Like everybody else.
  • 00:52:25.292 --> 00:52:27.727
  • But none of that has anything to do with the captain.
  • 00:52:27.727 --> 00:52:31.798
  • None of that slows down the ship.
  • 00:52:31.798 --> 00:52:33.633
  • No matter what the passengers do or don't do,
  • 00:52:33.633 --> 00:52:35.802
  • Or how frustrated they become, or how carelessly they live,
  • 00:52:35.802 --> 00:52:39.272
  • The ship keeps bearing down on the waves,
  • 00:52:39.272 --> 00:52:42.676
  • Maintaining its pre-planned schedule and arriving
  • 00:52:42.676 --> 00:52:45.512
  • At its destination at just the right moment.
  • 00:52:45.512 --> 00:52:50.383
  • That's an inadequate illustration
  • 00:52:50.383 --> 00:52:52.085
  • Of the sovereignty of god,
  • 00:52:52.085 --> 00:52:53.420
  • But somehow it helps me to remember
  • 00:52:53.420 --> 00:52:55.622
  • That god has his hand on the wheel.
  • 00:52:55.622 --> 00:52:58.758
  • And the culture may change and the storms may rage
  • 00:52:58.758 --> 00:53:01.962
  • And there may be times when i think i'm running the show,
  • 00:53:01.962 --> 00:53:04.898
  • But it's all ridiculous
  • 00:53:04.898 --> 00:53:09.135
  • Because up in the wheelhouse is almighty god
  • 00:53:09.135 --> 00:53:12.372
  • And he's in charge
  • 00:53:12.372 --> 00:53:13.707
  • And the ship's going where he wants it to go,
  • 00:53:13.707 --> 00:53:15.408
  • And i'm on board,
  • 00:53:15.408 --> 00:53:16.743
  • And though i might be confused sometimes
  • 00:53:16.743 --> 00:53:19.379
  • About what's happening,
  • 00:53:19.379 --> 00:53:20.714
  • I can rest assured i trust the captain.
  • 00:53:20.714 --> 00:53:24.718
  • I believe he knows what he's doing and he's in charge.
  • 00:53:24.718 --> 00:53:29.322
  • And he's in charge of your life, whether you like it or not,
  • 00:53:29.322 --> 00:53:32.492
  • Whether you know it or not.
  • 00:53:32.492 --> 00:53:33.827
  • And the wonderful thing that happens
  • 00:53:33.827 --> 00:53:35.595
  • When you become a christian is you come to the place
  • 00:53:35.595 --> 00:53:38.732
  • Where you acknowledge that there is a sovereign god
  • 00:53:38.732 --> 00:53:41.301
  • And you realize how wonderful and powerful that is,
  • 00:53:41.301 --> 00:53:44.504
  • And you say to yourself,
  • 00:53:44.504 --> 00:53:46.373
  • "sovereign god, be sovereign of my life.
  • 00:53:46.373 --> 00:53:51.544
  • Come and sit in the wheelhouse of my heart.
  • 00:53:51.544 --> 00:53:54.981
  • Come and be my lord and my savior,"
  • 00:53:54.981 --> 00:53:58.251
  • And when you do that, he never ever says "no."
  • 00:53:58.251 --> 00:54:02.589
  • He doesn't say, "i'm too busy."
  • 00:54:02.589 --> 00:54:04.958
  • He always comes when we invite him,
  • 00:54:04.958 --> 00:54:07.260
  • But he never comes unless we do.
  • 00:54:07.260 --> 00:54:10.163
  • You don't get him by coming to church.
  • 00:54:10.163 --> 00:54:11.798
  • You don't get him by reading the bible
  • 00:54:11.798 --> 00:54:13.600
  • Or talking to other people
  • 00:54:13.600 --> 00:54:15.035
  • Or even learning the language of christianity.
  • 00:54:15.035 --> 00:54:17.370
  • You only get god when you invite his son
  • 00:54:17.370 --> 00:54:20.073
  • To come and live within your heart.
  • 00:54:20.073 --> 00:54:21.574
  • The bible says that
  • 00:54:21.574 --> 00:54:23.176
  • He is the way, the truth, and the life.
  • 00:54:23.176 --> 00:54:25.545
  • And no one comes to the father except through him.
  • 00:54:25.545 --> 00:54:28.381
  • So my plea to you today is
  • 00:54:28.381 --> 00:54:29.949
  • If you do not know this sovereign god,
  • 00:54:29.949 --> 00:54:31.951
  • You need somebody to get in control of your life.
  • 00:54:31.951 --> 00:54:35.255
  • And god almighty is waiting for you to invite him
  • 00:54:35.255 --> 00:54:38.558
  • To be your lord and savior.
  • 00:54:38.558 --> 00:54:40.760
  • What is there that would keep you from doing that?
  • 00:54:40.760 --> 00:54:44.064
  • Why would you not want to do that
  • 00:54:44.064 --> 00:54:45.598
  • When you know who he is and what he does?
  • 00:54:45.598 --> 00:54:49.903
  • Male announcer: dr. jeremiah will return in a moment
  • 00:54:51.604 --> 00:54:53.406
  • To close today's program right after this.
  • 00:54:53.406 --> 00:54:56.409
  • Male announcer: this month, "turning point"
  • 00:54:58.912 --> 00:55:00.447
  • Would like to offer you dr. jeremiah's book,
  • 00:55:00.447 --> 00:55:03.183
  • "the god you may not know," take the journey
  • 00:55:03.183 --> 00:55:05.752
  • From knowing about god to knowing god.
  • 00:55:05.752 --> 00:55:08.788
  • Inside which dr. jeremiah shares the powerful characteristics
  • 00:55:08.788 --> 00:55:12.125
  • That god himself wants you to understand.
  • 00:55:12.125 --> 00:55:15.295
  • Dr. jeremiah's book will be sent to you as a thank you for a gift
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  • Of any amount in support of this program.
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  • Or for a gift of $55 or more, you will also receive
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  • Dr. jeremiah's companion book, "the jesus you may not know."
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  • And for a generous gift of $75 or more, you'll receive
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  • "the god you may not know" set, containing dr. jeremiah's book,
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  • Teaching series on cd or dvd, a correlating study guide,
  • 00:55:37.517 --> 00:55:41.654
  • And the "knowing god" bookmark.
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  • Order "the god you may not know" book or set
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  • When you support the ministry of "turning point" today.
  • 00:55:46.259 --> 00:55:48.695
  • Announcer: and now, with one last word
  • 00:55:52.632 --> 00:55:54.267
  • For today's program, here is dr. jeremiah.
  • 00:55:54.267 --> 00:55:56.970
  • Dr. jeremiah: people who live in modern monarchies
  • 00:55:58.171 --> 00:56:00.240
  • Usually bow when they meet their king or queen.
  • 00:56:00.240 --> 00:56:04.477
  • But the bible says a day is coming when every person
  • 00:56:04.477 --> 00:56:07.480
  • In the world will bow before jesus christ
  • 00:56:07.480 --> 00:56:11.017
  • As the rightful king of all the earth.
  • 00:56:11.017 --> 00:56:14.154
  • Every knee, including yours and mine,
  • 00:56:14.154 --> 00:56:17.557
  • Will bend before christ.
  • 00:56:17.557 --> 00:56:20.126
  • If you have never bowed your knee before christ
  • 00:56:20.126 --> 00:56:22.695
  • And accepted him as your personal savior,
  • 00:56:22.695 --> 00:56:26.132
  • Please allow me to send you
  • 00:56:26.132 --> 00:56:27.734
  • Two free gifts from "turning point"
  • 00:56:27.734 --> 00:56:30.036
  • That can help you make that decision.
  • 00:56:30.036 --> 00:56:33.540
  • One is our booklet called, "your greatest turning point,"
  • 00:56:33.540 --> 00:56:36.876
  • And the other is our monthly devotional magazine called,
  • 00:56:36.876 --> 00:56:40.346
  • "turning points."
  • 00:56:40.346 --> 00:56:41.681
  • We will gladly send both these resources to you free of charge
  • 00:56:41.681 --> 00:56:45.452
  • If you'll contact us here at "turning point" today.
  • 00:56:45.452 --> 00:56:48.488
  • Female announcer: next time on "turning point."
  • 00:56:50.990 --> 00:56:53.359
  • Dr. jeremiah: jesus said, "i'm gonna die
  • 00:56:53.359 --> 00:56:55.795
  • And i'm going to come back,
  • 00:56:55.795 --> 00:56:57.130
  • And when i come out of the grave,
  • 00:56:57.130 --> 00:56:58.565
  • You're gonna know that everything i told you
  • 00:56:58.565 --> 00:57:00.300
  • About forgiveness is true."
  • 00:57:00.300 --> 00:57:02.969
  • And when jesus came out of the grave that day, what he proved
  • 00:57:02.969 --> 00:57:06.239
  • Was that his death on the cross was sufficient for our sin.
  • 00:57:06.239 --> 00:57:11.744
  • Announcer: thank you for being with us today.
  • 00:57:13.279 --> 00:57:15.281
  • Join dr. jeremiah next time for a special easter message,
  • 00:57:15.281 --> 00:57:20.019
  • "the resurrection of jesus," here on "turning point."
  • 00:57:20.019 --> 00:57:20.019