Gateway Church Live | “Wonderful; Counselor” by Pastor Joakim Lundqvist | November 29–30

Whether you're here ((music playing)) in the room, joining us online, at one of our Gateway gatherings, ((music playing)) or one of our prison ministries, we're so glad that you're with ((music playing)) us. We are one family, one body of Christ, >> ((music playing)) >> and we're going to praise the Lord together. Psalm 100 verse 4 says, ((music playing)) "Enter his gates with thanksgiving.

Enter his courts with praise." So, let's lean in, lift your ((music playing)) voice, and let's praise the Lord. >> ((music playing)) ((music playing)) ((music playing)) ((music playing)) ((music playing)) ((music playing)) [singing] ((music playing)) ((music playing)) ((music playing)) ((music playing)) ((music playing)) ((music playing)) ((music playing)) ((music playing)) ((music playing)) ((music playing)) ((music playing)) ((music playing)) ((music playing)) ((music playing)) ((music playing)) ((music playing)) ((music playing)) ((music playing)) ((music playing)) ((music playing)) ((music playing)) ((music playing)) ((music playing)) ((music playing)) ((music playing)) ((music playing)) ((music playing)) ((music playing)) ((music playing)) ((music playing)) ((music playing)) ((music playing)) ((music playing)) ((music playing)) ((music playing)) ((music playing)) ((music playing)) ((music playing)) ((music playing)) ((music playing)) >> We praise God. It's such a special gift we have. You know, I was thinking about this when we were rehearsing this stuff yesterday and even when we did service last night, um I do not like to talk about myself.

I don't like to talk about my physical issues that I've had. And I've I've had way too many >> ((music playing)) >> that I like to think about. So, I don't like to give attention to it. But, I don't want to miss this moment to allow God to use something that I would maybe deem bad and use it for good because we so easily can miss ((music playing)) God because we choose to think something is bad, you know?

And just on this idea of gratitude, this idea of thankfulness, I grew up in you grow up in church world and you kind of think kind of taught that the only way you get a testimony is if you get to the end ((music playing)) that you have the victory. And so, you get stuck in the the I for me at least I get stuck in ((music playing)) that shame cycle of thinking, "Well, shoot.

My my issues have gotten worse and worse. I've got spinal damage. I've got permanent nerve damage. I've got issues with blood flow going to my brain and out of it." All these things that have gotten worse and worse this year. And I've had some really good teachable moments with the Lord because you realize, "Hey, it's so easy to praise God when you have the victory." >> ((music playing)) >> I mean, who who can't do that?

It's like it's like it's easy to say thank you when somebody gives you something that you want and something that you need. But, how hard is it to praise God when you don't have what you need? We so limit ourselves with God because we put him in this box and then we get mad at him when he doesn't live up to that expectation.

It's like John the Baptist. ((music playing)) What do you what happens when you when you meet the God who doesn't live up to your expectation? Maybe it's not God's the problem. Maybe we have to change ((music playing)) our expectations and stop letting the world decide who God is, but let God say who he is. >> ((music playing)) >> Amen?

So, I just want to challenge you today, myself included, one of the best gifts that God's given me is ((music playing)) to learn how to choose gratitude when I have every right to not be grateful. And to understand that God's not looking at even in my situation and saying, "Ah, you're missing this.

You don't have enough belief. You have this thing wrong in your life and that's why you don't have this." That's not the way God looks. God turns around to me and says, "Hey, bud. I'm proud of you. I'm proud of You need to hear that today. It's not about walking into this place and having everything together.

You need to hear God's so ((music playing)) proud of you just for taking a step into this place today. That's a choice that you've made to step towards God and I promise you there ((music playing)) is no amount of space between us and God because God, the second we choose to take even the smallest of steps towards him, >> ((music playing)) >> he's right there.

He meets us right there. So, that's why we choose gratitude in this place. >> ((music playing)) >> That's why we choose to praise God because one of the best things you can ever learn is to praise God in the valley. Amen? So, can we just take this opportunity to praise God, to thank him, to give him thanks?

Maybe maybe you need some healing in your life. Maybe you need a mountain to move, but I promise you the best ((music playing)) thing you can learn is to praise when that mountain is in your way. Not just when you're on the top of the mountain, but when the mountain's in your way to say, ((music playing)) "God, I choose to see you for who you are.

That you are wonderful, merciful ((music playing)) counselor. That you are my salvation. That you are my healing. And whether it's on this side ((music playing)) or the other side of heaven, God, I know you are good. You are faithful. You are true. ((music playing)) You will have my praise, God. You will have my song.

It's not about me being perfect, but it's about choosing to just say yes to you, Father. ((music playing)) Yes to your goodness. Yes to your mercy. Yes to your peace. Yes to your grace, God. ((music playing)) We praise you, Jesus. We praise you, God. Praise ((music playing)) God from whom all blessings flow. Come on, tell them.

Praise him, all creatures here below. Come on, it's more than a song. ((music playing)) We choose to praise him above in heaven. Oh, praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. >> ((music playing)) >> And we choose today to say, "Praise God." So, praise ((music playing)) God from >> [singing] >> whom all blessings >> ((music playing)) >> flow.

Praise him, all creatures >> ((music playing)) >> all we join with all of heaven and praise >> ((music playing)) [singing] >> him above in heavenly hosts. >> ((music playing)) >> We praise Father, Son, >> ((music playing)) >> and Holy >> ((music playing)) >> Come on, praise him. Thank you, Jesus. No one more worthy of ((music playing)) our song. No one more worthy of our worship.

You'll have our praise, God. >> ((music playing)) ((music playing)) >> Here I >> ((music playing)) >> bow, humbled that I >> [singing] >> am allowed before the throne >> [singing] >> of God, ((music playing)) the almighty king. I ((music playing)) cast down all of [singing] my earthly crowns. Their only use ((music playing)) right [singing] now is to lay at your feet. Who ((music playing)) was, and is, >> [singing] >> and is to >> ((music playing)) >> come.

To him >> ((music playing)) >> be praise. Holy, >> ((music playing)) >> holy is [singing] the Lord almighty. >> ((music playing)) >> Worthy, worthy is your name. [music and singing] And all the glory >> [music and singing] >> to the Lamb forever. Worthy, >> ((music playing)) >> worthy is your name. >> [singing] >> And greatly >> ((music playing)) >> to be praised. >> ((music playing)) >> You >> ((music playing)) >> alone, Lamb who was slain for >> ((music playing)) >> us, ransomed by your blood. >> ((music playing)) >> It won't be in vain.

Every >> ((music playing)) >> tribe, nation, and every >> ((music playing)) >> tongue now through the Lamb we run >> ((music playing)) >> into your heart. >> ((music playing)) >> Who was, >> [singing] >> and is, and is to >> ((music playing)) >> come. To him be praise. >> ((music playing)) >> Holy, holy is >> ((music playing)) >> the Lord almighty. Worthy, >> ((music playing)) >> worthy is your name. >> ((music playing)) >> And all the glory to the Lamb forever.

Worthy, >> ((music playing)) >> worthy is your >> ((music playing)) >> name. And greatly to be praised. Greatly >> ((music playing)) >> to be praised. You are greatly >> ((music playing)) >> to be praised. Greatly to be praised. Yes, you are. >> ((music playing)) >> All the angels bow in reverence. All ((music playing)) you children sing your praises. All the blessing to the name above every >> ((music playing)) >> name.

All the >> ((music playing)) >> angels bow in reverence. All you children sing your praises. >> ((music playing)) >> All the blessing to the name above >> ((music playing)) >> every name. Now we stand [singing] in expectation for the >> ((music playing)) >> day you return. Now and ever, come, Lord Jesus, we await. >> ((music playing)) >> Our souls and our spirits >> ((music playing)) >> now preparing the way of glory for the moment when we >> ((music playing)) >> see you face to face.

Holy, holy is the ((music playing)) Lord almighty. Worthy, worthy >> ((music playing)) >> is your name. And all the glory >> ((music playing)) >> to the Lamb forever. Worthy, >> ((music playing)) >> worthy is your name. And greatly >> ((music playing)) >> to be praised. Greatly to be praised. Greatly >> ((music playing)) >> to be praised. Greatly to be praised.

You are greatly >> ((music playing)) >> to be praised. Greatly >> ((music playing)) >> to be praised. Greatly >> ((music playing)) >> to be praised. Greatly to be praised. Yes, you are the >> ((music playing)) >> You're great and greatly to be praised. There is no one like our God. There is no one like ((music playing)) you, Lord.

There is no one like you, Lord. No one greater, ((music playing)) no one more faithful. Jesus. ((music playing)) We sing Holy, ((music playing)) holy is the Lord almighty. Worthy, worthy is your name. And all the glory glory to the Lamb forever. Worthy, worthy ((music playing)) is your name. Come on, let's sing that again. We sing holy.

Holy. Come on, every voice. >> Holy. [singing and music] Is the Lord almighty. Worthy, >> ((music playing)) >> worthy is so worthy, Jesus. All the glory ((music playing)) And >> [singing] >> all the glory ((music playing)) to the Lamb forever. Worthy, worthy [singing and music] is your name. And greatly [singing and music] to be praised. Greatly [music and singing] to be praised. So, I throw [music and singing] my hands and praise you again and ((music playing)) again.

Cuz all that I have is a heart that thanks. Hallelujah. [music and singing] And I know it's not much, >> ((music playing)) ((music playing)) >> Come on, let's sing that again. So I throw up my hands and praise you again and again. [singing and music] Cuz all that I have is a heart. >> ((music playing)) >> And I know it's not much.

I It's all I have to give. Except for a heart singing hallelujah. >> ((music playing)) ((music playing)) >> And it's all I have to give. I sing. And there's nothing left to sing. >> ((music playing)) ((music playing)) >> Maybe we [music and singing] have made this complicated more >> ((music playing)) >> than it was ever meant to be. >> ((music playing)) >> Hasn't it always been about the same thing?

Lord, >> [music and singing] >> bring us back to simple things. You ((music playing)) be the center of it all. My heart belongs to you, >> ((music playing)) >> my savior [singing] all and all. You're the one I hold >> ((music playing)) >> on to. For the beauty of your name, my soul will live >> [singing and music] >> to say Jesus, I love you.

Teach us to discern the moment >> ((music playing)) >> of when to serve >> ((music playing)) >> or when to sit here [singing] at your feet. >> ((music playing)) >> And [snorts] keep us awake to what's important. >> ((music playing)) >> Just like Mary chose the better thing. >> ((music playing)) >> For you, I'm the center of >> ((music playing)) >> it all.

My heart belongs to you, >> ((music playing)) >> my savior all and all. You're the one I hold on to. For the beauty >> ((music playing)) >> of your name, my soul will live >> [music and singing] >> to say Jesus, I love you. For you, for ((music playing)) you, I'm the center of it all. My heart belongs ((music playing)) to you, my savior all and all.

You're the one ((music playing)) I hold on to. For the beauty of your ((music playing)) name, my soul will live to say oh Jesus, I love >> ((music playing)) >> you. Oh, how I love you. >> ((music playing)) >> Yes. Oh, how I love you. >> ((music playing)) >> Jesus, I love you. Oh, how I love >> ((music playing)) >> you.

Love you. Love you. Oh, how I love you. Jesus, I love you. And my whole life >> ((music playing)) >> for your glory, my whole world for ((music playing)) you only, everything for the [singing] honor of your name. >> ((music playing)) >> And if my [singing] days tell the story, ((music playing)) let it be of you only, everything >> [music and singing] >> for the honor Oh, come on, church, we sing it.

My whole life >> ((music playing)) >> for your glory, my whole world for you only, everything ((music playing)) for the [singing] honor And if >> ((music playing)) >> my days, if my days tell the story, let >> ((music playing)) >> it be of you >> [singing] >> only, everything for the honor >> ((music playing)) >> of your My whole life for your glory, my whole world >> ((music playing)) >> for you only, everything for the honor of your >> ((music playing)) >> If my days tell the story, let it be of you >> ((music playing)) >> only, everything for the honor of Oh, how I >> ((music playing)) >> Yes, we >> ((music playing)) >> Oh, how I love you.

Jesus, I love >> ((music playing)) >> you. Oh, how I love you. With everything. >> ((music playing)) >> Oh, how I love you. Jesus, I love >> ((music playing)) >> you. And my whole life for your glory, my whole world >> ((music playing)) >> everything for the honor of your name, Jesus. If >> ((music playing)) >> my days And let it be of you >> ((music playing)) >> only, everything for the honor of your My whole life >> ((music playing)) >> for your glory, my whole world for you >> ((music playing)) >> only, everything for the honor of your >> ((music playing)) >> And if my days tell the story, let it be of you only, >> ((music playing)) >> everything for the honor of your My whole ((music playing)) life for your glory, everything for the honor of your name.

((music playing)) Jesus, we love you so much. We love you. We love you. We love you. Those words are so ((music playing)) important to me. They just really resonate in my heart because a few weeks ago, I went on an adventure mission trip and we hiked ((music playing)) some very tall mountains and it was very hard.

Days after days of trekking. ((music playing)) It was intense. And we went way up the mountain, but the whole point was ((music playing)) when we got to the other side of the mountain, we stopped in the villages. And we looked into the ((music playing)) people's eyes and we said, "He loves you. He knows you.

He cares about you. He's got ((music playing)) your name. He died for you. He loves everything ((music playing)) about you. He knows every step you take. He is with you. He ((music playing)) is always here. He surrounds you." And when we saw the light in their faces light up, "My whole life for your glory."

That's what it was. And if you've ((music playing)) if you've ever hiked or trekked, you know that when your boots hit the trail, initially, ((music playing)) you kind of think, "Wait a minute. Whose idea was this? Why am I carrying a 27-lb pack? >> ((music playing)) >> And how long is this going to take?

Do I have the grit and the determination to complete ((music playing)) this? Can I stay?" And it I liken ((music playing)) it so much to worship. I worship so much on the trail, but I think that sometimes when we come ((music playing)) into worship, our our minds are full of to-do lists ((music playing)) and the things that we haven't gotten done and our shortcomings, our anxiety.

We compare to other people, but as we enter in, those things kind ((music playing)) of fall away and we we we enter into his presence. Just like on the trail, once you are hiking for a little bit, suddenly you see the beauty, right? The heavens the heavens declare ((music playing)) his glory and you see how gorgeous it is.

And I'm reminded that ((music playing)) in Isaiah 9:6, it says, "His name will be called a wonderful counselor, mighty God, everlasting ((music playing)) father, prince of peace." And that's who he is. That's who we're worshipping today. That's who we're we're giving ((music playing)) our heart to, our heart to him only. And when Jesus walked the earth before he ((music playing)) left, he said to us in John 14:27, "My peace I give to you.

My peace ((music playing)) I leave with you." And that's what we want to enter into today. So, I want to just ((music playing)) ask if you would close your eyes for a moment and just take a great big deep breath. And I want to invite ((music playing)) you to allow all the cares of this world to roll away.

Relax ((music playing)) your shoulders, allow them to soften. And I want you to whisper in your heart, "Prince of peace, please come in." Heavenly Father, we are so grateful ((music playing)) that we worship a good God who truly is the prince of peace. That you are steadfast, ((music playing)) that you are always there, that you are wonderful, that you are our ((music playing)) counselor, that you are our everlasting father, our mighty God.

You are our prince ((music playing)) of peace. And so, Father, as we continue to worship, would you help us to set all the worldly things aside? ((music playing)) Would you help us to lay everything at your feet? Would you help us to give you all of our worries >> ((music playing)) >> and not to pick them up again?

And Father, allow us to worship you with all of our ((music playing)) heart. In Jesus' name. Amen. >> ((music playing)) ((music playing)) ((music playing)) ((music playing)) ((music playing)) ((music playing)) ((music playing)) ((music playing)) ((music playing)) ((music playing)) ((music playing)) ((music playing)) ((music playing)) ((music playing)) >> Hallelujah. Glory. We love you, Jesus. We love you, Lord. Praise you, Father. Praise you, Jesus. ((music playing)) Thank you so much for worshipping with us today. Don't you just love God? I mean, don't you just love God?

Love being in the house. Amen. Amen. Well, hey, um we have ((music playing)) a big treat today because Pastor Yoakim is in the house. Um also, I just want to remind you at the end of service when you leave, there in the lobby, there's some ((music playing)) invite cards and some yard signs that you can put to in in your yard to invite ((music playing)) people to our Christmas candlelight service December 20th and 21st.

You know it's going to be spectacular ((music playing)) and you know you're going to want to invite all your friends to come. So, be sure and get a sign or invite card. ((music playing)) And then, before you sit down, if you would turn around and greet someone, give them a high ((music playing)) five, a fist bump, a hug, if you will, and welcome to church. >> ((music playing)) >> Hey Gateway ((music playing)) family, we're so glad you're here.

At Gateway, we're all about people because we know that God ((music playing)) is all about people. If you're a guest today, please know that we would love to get to know you. You can meet us in the lobby at Connect Central after service or text connect to 71010. ((music playing)) We have tons of ways for you to connect with God and with others. >> No matter what stage of life you're in, we believe ((music playing)) there's something for you.

Here are a few things happening we want you to know about. >> ((music playing)) >> Giving is at the core of who God is. And we believe that we're called to reflect his heart by being givers ourselves. If you'd like to give today, you can give through our website, the mobile app, or in an envelope in any of our campuses.

Remember to follow us on social media or join your campus Facebook group to stay up to date with everything ((music playing)) that's going on. Thanks again for joining us. There's power when we gather together and go for God. ((music playing)) Cuz when two or three are gathered together in Jesus' name, he's right there in the midst.

And nothing's better than being in his presence. >> ((music playing)) >> ALL RIGHT, GATEWAY FAMILY. OH, PRAISE GOD. So good to be back in the house that we love so much. And uh every time we come, Maria and I are just so excited to be with you. Even this morning that you all call cold, we're super excited to be here.

And I hope we we hope you had a great Thanksgiving. You know, Maria and I are still kind of working in the tradition of Thanksgiving into our lives because being Europeans, we don't have it automatically. Obviously, Thanksgiving is an American holiday to celebrate that you all broke free from well, us basically.

So, good for you all. Good for you all. But now, as we know, Thanksgiving is in the back and now we start to look ahead toward Christmas. And worldwide, this weekend actually is referred to as the first of Advent, the first of the four weekends leading up to Christmas when we celebrate and marvel at the thought of Christ being born and our salvation, uh our savior and our Lord being born into this earth in the town of Bethlehem 2,000 years ago.

So, what I want to do here as we start this brand new series called His Name Will Be Called, which is really an Old Testament prophecy about Jesus, uh one of the Messianic prophecies. Uh and we're going to look at that for for the upcoming weekends. But what I want to do here today is basically just build a foundation with you all and teach you about how we see and recognize and perceive Christ in the Old Testament because he's present throughout the Old Testament.

Every single book points toward his coming. But before we get into the word of God, let's just pray for the Holy Spirit to be with us. Lord, we thank you so much. And may we never take the presence of the Holy Spirit for granted. We pray that you will touch our eyes so we can see, touch our ears so we can hear, and open our hearts so we can understand and receive everything you want to teach us today.

We pray in Jesus' name. Amen. All right, would you open your Bible, please, to John chapter 1 and verse 1. And that's where we're going to start out our journey. This is more like a Bible study that we're doing today. I actually have a teaching series of 15 sessions about Jesus in the Old Testament.

So, I'm just going to squeeze them all into one message right here. John chapter 1 and verse 1. It says, "In the beginning was the word, and the word was with God, and the word was God." Now, if you would read all the way down to verse 14, you will read that the word became flesh and dwelt among us.

So, we know that the word being referred to here is not just any spoken word, but the living word, Jesus Christ himself. And please note that it says the word was in the beginning. See, here's where many Christian go wrong because they think that Jesus' existence started 2,000 years ago in a manger in Bethlehem.

But Jesus as the part of the about head Trinity is from the beginning. He was there at the beginning of time. Just like the Father and the Spirit was, Jesus has been present all throughout the Old Testament. And he actually refers to this as well in John chapter 8.

The Oh, I love this conversation. John chapter 8 contains a moment here where Jesus is being questioned by some Jewish scribes and Pharisees. And as he is, he responds in verse 56. John John 50 John 8:56. And he says, "Your father Abraham rejoiced to see my day. And he saw it and was glad."

Then the Jews said to him, "You're not yet 50 years old, and have you seen Abraham?" Jesus said to them, "Most assuredly I say to you, before Abraham was, I am." Which is pretty much the best answer in the history of ever. "Before Abraham was, I am." And again, he's underlining that he did not start to exist 30 years ago at this point.

He is from the beginning. In the Nicene Creed, we confess Jesus was born of the Father before all time. And that means that even though we see the Father moving in the Old Testament, and we see the Spirit moving in the Old Testament, Jesus also is moving and is visible in the Old Testament.

And so, how do we see Jesus in the Old Testament? How do we recognize and perceive him in the Old Testament? Great question. I was just getting to that. Three ways. Three ways for your notes. Number one, the first way that we see and understand and perceive and recognize Jesus in the Old Testament is through what I called image prophecies.

Image prophecies. Now, the way we define image prophecies is basically this Old Testament people who are experiencing and going through things that we later understand points to Christ. Old Testament people that are experiencing and going through things that we later understand points to Christ. Now, they would not have known at the time because they didn't know the details of Christ appearing in 2,000 years ago.

So, for them, it didn't make much sense much sense. But for us, all these image prophecies throughout the Old Testament are like trailers. God is like releasing trailers with sneak peeks pointing to the main movie that was released 2,000 years ago, which is the life of Jesus. And we see these image prophecies throughout the Old Testament.

We see them in people, and we see them in events. Like the person of David, for example. He was a shepherd from Bethlehem who became a great king. Hello. Image prophecy. We even see that in in the miracles of the prophet Elisha. You know, Elisha performed 16 miracles that were documented all over the Old Testament.

And each one of those 16 miracles would actually relate to one miracle that Jesus performed in the four gospels. All 16 of them has reference points to a miracle that Jesus performs. Again, that's God releasing a new sneak peek trailer of what is about to come. One of the most powerful image prophecy stories though is the life story of Joseph as we read it in Genesis chapter 37 to chapter 45.

It's a long story about Joseph and so many reference points to Jesus. He was the special beloved son of his father. His father gave him a very special robe. Now, the robe always represents the anointing. But then he was betrayed and and attacked by his own, and they threw him in a deep pit.

In the Apostolic Creed, we confess he descended into hell. And then he was sold to Egypt. He came among the heathens. And eventually, Joseph was raised to fame and recognition among the Gentiles way before he was recognized by his own people, the Jewish people. And that's exactly where we are today.

However, the last chapter of this story, Genesis 45, contains an image prophecy that has not yet been fulfilled even to this day, but it will be one day. That's the moment when Jesus Oh, sorry. Joseph takes off his Egyptian garment and he introduces himself to his brothers, the 12 tribes of Israel, representing the Jewish people.

And he says, "I am Joseph, your brother." And for the first time, they recognize him, and they reunite, and redemption comes to Israel. The Bible says one day, all Israel will see him, and all Israel will be saved. Glory to the name of Jesus. >> ((applause)) >> I got goosebumps on my goosebumps right now.

But among all the image prophecies in the Old Testament, maybe the most powerful one, the most special and unique one is the story of Abraham and Isaac. And as we read it now in Genesis 22, I want you to try to put yourself in Abraham's shoes for just a second.

Because the commandment that he's given at this point would have been made zero sense at all. Because he wasn't aware that God was really painting a picture, recording a trailer for the main movie. But in verse two of Genesis 22, God says, "Take your son, your only son whom you love, Isaac, and go to the region of Moriah.

Sacrifice him there as a burnt offering on a mountain I will show you." What in the world? God God has never required human sacrifice, nor will he ever require human sacrifice. But still, the commandment comes to Abraham to sacrifice his own beloved son. And he can't just do it there.

He has to travel to Moriah. That was a three-day journey. He has to come to Mount Moriah very specifically. And Abraham reluctantly obeys, and he sets out on the journey together with Isaac. They ends up They end up on the mountain of Moriah. Little did he know that on the mountain of Moriah, there is a small hill that would later be called Calvary.

And he gets ready to sacrifice his own son, not understanding why he needs to do this. But right at the last moment, God stops him and says, "No, you don't have to go through with it." And we read again from verse 13. Abraham looked up, and there in the thicket, he saw a ram caught by its horns.

He went over and took the ram and sacrificed it as a burnt offering instead of his son. So, Abraham called that place the Lord will provide. Jehovah Jireh. And to this day, it is said, "On the mountain of the Lord, it will be provided." On the mountain of the Lord, it will be provided. 2,100 years before Jesus dies on the cross on Mount Calvary, it had been said, "On that mountain, it will be provided."

What will be provided? Salvation, redemption, reunion with God, forgiveness of sins, and eternal life. Can we be grateful in the house of the Lord? Praise God. And let me tell you this, when you see our God preparing Jesus' death on Calvary 2,100 years in advance, I can tell you this, you are 100% safe placing your life in the hand of such a God.

Cuz he does not improvise. He doesn't change his mind every 5 seconds. He has a plan, and even if that plan takes hundreds of years to accomplish, it will be accomplished. He has a dream, and even if that dream takes thousands of years to be fulfilled, it will be fulfilled.

And gave way, let me tell you, he's got a plan for your life. He's got a dream for you, and that dream will come to pass no matter what. Thanks be to God almighty. So, that's image prophecy. But we also see Jesus and recognize Jesus in the Old Testament through apparitions.

Apparitions are the times in the Old Testament where we can assume, um, though we cannot know 100% that Jesus is actually appearing physically in the Old Testament. And why wouldn't he? If he was around, which he was, it's likely and it's natural for him to actually appear at some points.

Again, we can't say for sure because never in the Old Testament does he introduce himself by the name of Jesus, but there are some some things there in some places where we can assume and be quite certain that this person appearing is not just another angel, it's actually the Lord Jesus, the second person of the Trinity.

And one of the most famous stories, one of the most well-known stories about Jesus possibly appearing is the story of the fourth man in the fire. The fourth man in the fire, Daniel chapter 3. The backstory is this. We have three young Jewish men, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego.

They're all in exile in Babylon, and they're forced to fall down to worship an idol, and if they refuse, they will be thrown in a fiery furnace for punishment. And they refuse. They will not bow down to any other god but the God of Israel, and they're thrown into the fiery furnace.

Still, when the king Nebuchadnezzar looks into the fire, he says, this is Daniel 3:25, "I see four men loose walking in the midst of the fire, and they are not hurt, and the four form of the fourth is like the son of God." Son with a capital S, praise God.

And I can totally see this being Jesus. I can see Christ sitting on the right hand side of the Father looking down on the three young Jewish men completely determined to only praise and worship the Lord God Jehovah, and then being thrown into the fiery furnace, and I can see Jesus turning to the Father and said, "Father, I just have to go down and hang out with these three guys."

And then he steps in and he walks with them and they are loose. And if you would read the whole story, as they come out, it says they don't even didn't even smell of smoke. And what we learn from this is this. Jesus has not promised you to not walk through fire.

We will walk through fire, but when we do, he is with us. And when we come out, there will not even be the smell of smoke on us. Praise God. >> ((applause)) >> Let me tell you, 18 months ago, this church went through fire. But when I came into this building today, I didn't even smell feel the smell of smoke.

Just the glory of the Lord and the presence of the Holy Spirit. ALL GLORY TO THE NAME of Jesus for his faithfulness. >> ((applause)) >> Still, there is one possible apparition where I'm even more convinced that the person appearing is actually Jesus Christ himself. So, let me take you there.

This is found in Joshua chapter 5. Joshua chapter 5. The context states that the children of Israel have just entered into the promised land after the long journey back from slavery in Egypt. Moses is dead. The new leader of Israel is Joshua, and they're just coming up toward Jericho, the first fortified city that they need to conquer.

And right before they're going to march on Jericho, something special happens. Joshua chapter 5 verse 13. It says, "And it came to pass when Joshua was by Jericho, that he lifted his eyes and looked, and behold, a man stood opposite him with his sword drawn in his hand.

And Joshua went to him and said to him, 'Are you for us or for our adversaries?' So, he said, 'No.'" Which is also a brilliant answer. Hey, are you for us or for them? No. "But as the commander of the army of the Lord, I have now come."

And Joshua fell on his face to the earth and worshipped and said to him, "What does my Lord say to his servant?" Then the commander of the Lord's army said to Joshua, "Take your sandal off your foot, for the place where you stand is holy." And Joshua did so.

Now, how can we know that this is not just an angel, a mighty angel like Michael or Gabriel appearing? Well, there's one element that tells us it couldn't have been. Because no angel would ever receive worship. No angel would ever accept to be worshipped. Because one angel once desired worship.

His name was Lucifer. And that didn't end well at all. And I think the rumor has spread among the angels that let's be very, very careful from now on not to draw any worship or any attention toward ourselves. Actually, let me take you to a just really quickly to a verse that shows us the natural, normal angelic response to being given worship.

We found that in the very last chapter of the Bible, Revelation chapter 22. Revelation chapter 22 verse 8. It's right at the end of the whole revelation that John has received. And he writes, as part of his final words, "I John am the one who heard and saw these things, and when I heard and seen them, I fell down to worship at the feet of the angel who had been showing them to me.

But he said to me, 'Don't do that.'" Exclamation mark. This is quite intense. Said, "Dear Lord, did anyone see that? Don't do the curl up. I'm a fellow servant with you and with your fellow prophets and with all who keep the words of this scroll, worship God. And God alone."

However, back in Joshua 5, the commander of the army of the Lord not only receives worship, but he actually emphasizes worship saying, "Yeah, that's good. Now, take your sandals off as well. This is holy ground." And if that is Jesus, which I think it is, what a beautiful moment right there.

Because Joshua in the Old Testament and Jesus in the new actually carry the same name. So, we have Old Testament Joshua encountering New Testament Joshua. And just before Old Testament Joshua is about to lead the people of God into a physical promised land, really reflecting the fact that the New Testament Joshua, Jesus, would lead God's people into a spiritual promised land, the two have a moment together, and this young man, Old Testament Joshua, is allowed to just breathe in the strength and the presence of God himself before he starts out fulfilling his calling.

Isn't God so good? Praise God. The third way that we see and recognize and perceive Jesus in the Old Testament, after image prophecies and apparitions, is spoken prophecies. And this is where we approach the prophecy that will be guiding us throughout December. Isaiah chapter 9, "His name will be called."

There are so many spoken prophecies in the Old Testament. The first one actually spoken just minutes after the fall of mankind. Adam and Eve have broken God's commandment, and God has to speak judgment on them, and then he turns to the serpent, to Satan, and he speaks to the serpent, and as he does, he's actually given the very first prophecy, spoken prophecy, of the coming savior, the Messiah, Jesus Christ.

He said, "The seed of the woman will crush your head." The seed of the woman will crush your head. Please note, God did not have to step aside for a few centuries and come up with a new plan. He didn't have to go, "Oh, no. I didn't see this coming.

Now, what do I do?" But the same second the disaster has happened, God already has a way out. Whatever happens in your life, whatever fire you might be going through, always remember, God has a way. God has a way. God has a way. It's just a matter of finding it and seeing it and bowing down to him and let him have his way in your situation.

Amen. We have >> [clears throat] >> other spoken prophecies like David's words in Psalms 22, where he writes, "They have pierced my hands and feet." They have pierced my hands and feet. Please note, friends, David wrote this centuries before crucifixion was even invented. He wouldn't have had a clue what he was writing, but still the spirit urged him, "Just write it."

But what what is this all about? What do you mean piercing hands and feet? You will understand later in heaven. And he writes it, and we have a beautiful spoken prophecy, a little trailer, a sneak peek of the official movie that would come out way, way, way later.

Because it it was all in God's hands, all in God's plan. We have Isaiah 53, the suffering servant of the Lord, and so many others. But the one I want to draw your attention to, because I love this one so much, even though it's lesser known and rarely preached, is found in the book of Numbers, chapter 24.

Numbers 24. And this actually this prophecy actually has a great connection to the season, to Christmas. Now, the backstory of this event that I we're going to read about in the book of Numbers, uh for you to understand it, let's just pull up a map, shall we, of the journey of the people of Israel from Egypt, from the captivity in Egypt, uh until the promised land.

So, we see they set out from Egypt, the great Exodus. They're walking through the Red Sea on dry land, the most powerful miracle in the Old Testament. But then they come into Sinai. And here's where things take a turn for the worse. Because the people of God started spending more time complaining about what they didn't have than being grateful for what they did have.

I'm going to take that again, because I heard good things coming out of my mouth right there. The people of God started spending more time complaining about what they didn't have than being grateful for what they did have. And after a while, God just got sick and tired of it, and he said, "Okay, you know what?

I'm just going to hold on for one generation. I'm going to let this grumpy generation die in the desert. And I'm just going to wait until a new generation rises up that will choose faith over fear and grumpiness, and then my plans will be fulfilled." And eventually that happens after 40 years, and the children of Israel set out for the promised land.

Now, as they do, please note, they pass through the southern tip of present-day Israel, and they come up in the land of Moab, which is east of Israel, and they walk through Moab, and then they entered into the promised land from the east, passing the River Jordan and coming up against Jericho.

Now, as the people of Israel walk through um uh Moab, the king of Moab freaks out. And rightfully so. Because we're talking about between 1 and 3 million people walking through his land, and rumor has it that God is on their side. And the king of Moab went, "What would happen if they turn on me?

If they turn on us?" So, what he does, oh, this is so pathetic. He pays a guy called Balaam to speak curses over Israel. Like that would make any difference whatsoever. So, he pays this guy called Balaam, which was a real character, by the way. Balaam claims to know the God of Israel, but he's also worshipping other gods.

So, he's really an idol worshipper. And he receives payment to curse the children of Israel. So, he Balaam sets out aiming to curse the children of Israel, but as he opens his mouth, only blessings come out. And the king of Moab freaks out even more now. He said, "Hey, come on, man.

I paid you to speak curses." And Balaam goes, "Oh, sorry, man. I don't know what happened there. I'll try again." So, he prophesies second time aiming to curse, but only blessings come out of his mouth. He tries a third time to curse, only blessings come out of his mouth.

You know why? Because you can't curse whatever God has blessed. IF GOD HAS SPOKEN HIS BLESSING, no man is going to be able to remove that blessing. Praise God. I heard this testimony from a German woman a couple of years back. She used to be a witch, and quite high up in the like witch hierarchy, however that works.

But then she got radically saved. Her life was turned around by Jesus. And now, as she gave her testimony, she actually retold when she was a witch and and she was like in witch school, and she was being trained to be a witch, and they were training her and the other witches to be on how to cast spells and throw curses and stuff.

They actually said their teachers actually said, "Never ever cast a spell or throw a curse on a Christian who is strong and secure in her or his faith. Because the curse will bounce off of them and will bounce back on you." I thought to myself, if I would have been in that room, I would have started think, maybe I'm connected to the wrong God here, you know.

It seems there's a higher power for me to connect with. But anyway, Balaam tries three times, and he he can't curse what God has blessed. And then finally sets out a fourth time. This time, not only does he speak blessing upon Israel, but he actually speaks out a prophecy about the coming savior.

How good is this? Numbers 24, verse 17. I see him, but not now. I behold him, but not near. A star shall come out of Jacob. A scepter shall rise out of Israel and batter the brow of Moab and destroy all the sons of tumult. This, my friends, is the only Messianic prophecy ever to be spoken east of Israel.

This is important. The only Messianic prophecy to be spoken east of Israel. And it connects the coming of the Messiah with a rising star. Now, we fast forward 1,500 years. A child is born and put in a manger in the town of Bethlehem. That night, angels sing praises over the slopes of Bethlehem, and shepherds come to worship this baby boy that is born.

A little while later, some men appear from the east. We refer to them as the wise men. And in Sweden, we always say this is why Jesus could not have been born in Norway, because there were not wise men available. And they come to Jerusalem, and they start asking around.

And what do they say? Matthew 2 and 2, "Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we have seen his star in the east, and will and have come to worship him." Now, a lot of people think that these guys were motivated by astrology and horoscope.

They weren't. They were motivated by a Messianic spoken prophecy 1,500 years earlier that had resounded for 1,500 years. The Messiah will come as a star will rise. All of a sudden they saw it, and they came to worship. By the way, if you're a Christian, don't even go near astrology and horoscope.

Don't even play with that. That's the teaching of demons right there. And it's all there to keep people mentally in hostage, because they think that their destiny is written in the stars and the planets, which is a lie from hell. It is. Our destiny's in the hands of the Lord God Almighty. >> ((applause)) >> Seriously, every time someone asks me, "Hey, dude, well, you know, what's your sign?

What sign are you born in?" I always respond, "I'm born in the sign of the cross." That's the only sign that has any effect on my life. I'll tell you that. So, these two groups of people are the two first to worship. The shepherds and the wise men.

Why? Again, God does not improvise. There's always a plan. There is always a purpose. There is always a picture that he paints, a prophetic picture. So, why these two groups? I'll be close with that. The shepherds represents the poor, the low, the humble people. The wise men represents the powerful, the rich, and the mighty.

This child will be the king of both of them and of anyone in between. But even more profound than that, the shepherds were Jews. And the wise men were Gentiles. >> [snorts] >> This child would not only be king of the Jews, he would be the savior of the world. >> ((applause)) >> God leaves nothing to chance.

For unto us a child is born. Unto us a son is given. And the government will be upon his shoulder. And his name will be called wonderful, counselor, mighty God, everlasting father, prince of peace. This is the prophecy we will dive into in weeks to come. I just want to focus your attention on that first name.

His name will be called wonderful. We serve a God whose name is wonderful. And wonderful does not just mean awesome and amazing. Wonderful literally means full of wonder. Full of wonders and miracles. And whatever wonder or miracle you might need today, he is wonderful. He's full of wonders.

He's full of miracles. Counselor. Why counselor? Because he knows you. And he empathizes with you. And he has compassion with you. Hebrews 4 says, "For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weakness, but we have one who has been tempted in every way just as we >> ((music playing)) >> are.

Yet he did not sin." Also, the first two words of this prophecy, wonderful. He has a wonderful you whatever your need is. And counselor. He knows you. He understands you. And he loves you. Can I have every eye closed and every head bowed just for the final few minutes of our time together?

Lord, here we are in gratitude and thanksgiving. In awe of how you set everything up in the Old Testament to culminate in the new. Thank you, Father, for pointing to Jesus all the way through the Old Testament so we can stand here today in awe and wonder. And thank you for naming yourself wonderful, full of wonders.

I pray, Lord, in Jesus' name for every single need represented in this house today. I know there is a wonder, there is a miracle that matches every single need because you're full of wonders. Thank you for being our counselor, the one who understands us and knows us more than anything anyone, and then still you love us more than anyone.

I pray for your saving grace to be released right now in Jesus' name. I want to give you an invitation if you're here today and you know in your heart that you're not right with God. Maybe you've never ever accepted Christ. Maybe you came with a family member.

This is your first time in this church or maybe in a church. Jesus is standing here, that wonderful counselor is standing here with his arms open wide inviting you to come to him and to have the forgiveness of sins, the redemption that he died for, the salvation that his heart aches to give you.

Maybe you had that once, but you don't have it anymore if you're honest with your heart. Maybe you need to commit your life to Jesus or recommit your life to Jesus. Please, I beg you. Take this opportunity that this moment provides if this is you cuz you don't know if the opportunity will come again.

If you would like me to include you in a prayer to accept Jesus or come back to a relationship with Jesus that you somehow have lost, would you just lift up your hand right now? Wherever you sit in this building, there are hands going up all over the place.

If your hand needs to be among those raised already, then please don't hesitate. Take this moment that the Lord himself provides, an opportunity for you to come back into the family of God or you to enter it for the first time. I want to pray this prayer. We can all repeat this prayer after me, but if you're praying it for the first time because you raised your hand or some of of you still have it raised, then dare to believe this dare to pray this prayer from the bottom of your heart and dare to believe that as you do, God will listen and God will come into your heart make all things new.

Let's pray. Dear Jesus, thank you for loving me. Thank you for dying for my sins, taking my place so that I would go free. Today, Jesus, I receive you. I accept you. I proclaim you as my Lord. And I leave my old life behind to follow you, love you, and serve you for the rest of my life.

I pray this in Jesus' name. Amen. Amen. Let's welcome all of our new brothers and sisters into the family of God. >> ((applause)) >> Amen. Let's stand to our feet together and just stay in the presence of God for just a few more seconds. ((music playing)) Amen. Thank you, Pastor Yohkim.

What a beautiful message about the thread of Jesus from the Old Testament ((music playing)) to the New Testament. I always love when a message pulls me back to the Bible and I want to read it and say, "All of that ((music playing)) was there?" I've read the Bible, but it's all there.

So, I just invite you this week to go over your notes ((music playing)) and to look at it and see Jesus everywhere in your life. At this time, I want to invite the prayer team to come forward. We will ((music playing)) always want to take an opportunity to allow you to have someone agree with you in prayer about whatever is on your heart.

During ((music playing)) this time of the year, it's the the marketing, the comparison, it really gets overwhelming. ((music playing)) And so, I just want to invite you if you have a need, if you want someone to agree ((music playing)) with you in prayer about getting rid of anxiety, about healing, about marriages, about relationships, ((music playing)) about prodigals, about having peace in your heart, would you come forward ((music playing)) now?

These people are just ready to pray with you. They want to storm heaven with you, and we want to see Jesus make a difference in your life. Um the other thing I want to just ((music playing)) share with you is you've heard Pastor Daniel talk about something we're going to do next weekend, and it's called the ((music playing)) My Love My City Offering.

And so, what we're going to do, all of the campuses, we're going to link >> ((music playing)) >> and we're going to take an offering, and we're going to every dime that is received will go to help ((music playing)) our community. It'll go to schools and 40 different organizations that ((music playing)) work with individuals and schools and families who have great needs during the holiday season.

And so, this week, >> ((music playing)) >> at some point during the week, we want to ask you if you will just say, "Lord, what would you have me give?" ((music playing)) And then obey. And then we will see God do beautiful things in the very community ((music playing)) that we live, and we'll see God's glory and his goodness.

So, I want to thank ((music playing)) you for being here today. I know that you were blessed by Pastor Yohkim's message. Please be sure ((music playing)) to come and get prayer. Grab a sign in the lobby if you want to put it in your yard for the candlelight service. Start inviting your friends, ((music playing)) and let me pray over you.

May the Lord bless you and keep you. May the Lord's face shine ((music playing)) upon you and be gracious to you. May he lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace. Amen. >> ((music playing)) >> God bless you. Have a great day. >> ((music playing))