Father in heaven I pray now that as we move into your word the same spirit that has

been upon this place would remain and abide. I pray that you would draw near in a very special way to help me be faithful to your truth. I pray for ears to hear. I pray that you do for each of these young people what you did

for Lydia when you opened her heart to give heed to the word.

I pray that it would sink down and take root and be unshakable.

I pray that in a hundred years, Lord, the reverberations of the transformation of these days would be going on and memory would be strong.

I pray that you would do exceedingly and abundantly beyond all that any of us has been able

to ask or think that you would come and ignite your name and your renown as our souls desire.

Protect us now from the evil one.

Protect us from pride and distraction.

And fill us all with your Holy Spirit, the Spirit of Truth and Love and Passion for

Your Name. Through Christ I pray.

Amen. I want to begin by telling you some of the reasons that I'm here.

One of the great advantages of being in a local church as a pastor for 16, 17 years is that

over the months and years the vision of the church and the vision of the pastor become one.

And about a year ago we produced a vision statement that goes like this. We exist to spread a passion for the

supremacy of God in all things for the joy of all peoples. And I think I can say without any

hesitation that that's my life mission as well as the mission of Bethlehem Baptist Church.

And so when I got an invitation and read about this conference, saw the word passion, saw

the truth behind Isaiah.

20, I figure out now, 26-8.

We wait for you. Your name and your renowned is the desire of our soul, the passion of our soul. I was hooked. I want to spread a passion for the supremacy of God in all things, for

the joy of all of you and all the peoples of this world. So that was reason number one that I'm

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