Storm the Gates

Los Angeles, September 28, 2002

Disclaimer: I've learned some awesome things from the PK speakers.  However, Bill McCartney has a Catholic background and some of the PK administration embraces ecumenicalism.  This has made me give them a tentative endorsement.  Nonetheless, the notes I have taken align with the scriptures.

This year's Promise Keepers was awesome.  The following men blessed us with their words of wisdom: Marcos Whitt, Ed Barron, Randy Phillips, Reggie Dabbs, Larry Crabb and John Dawson.

The following quotes are things these guys said or things that God's Spirit told me while I was listening.  God bless you!

Praise and excitement are natural responses for us.

We want to praise God with excitement until someone tells us to be quiet.

God is a promise keeper.

Worship is an act of the will.

Hear with the intent to do.

Satan hates Christians celebrating to God.

Satan wanted worship in Heaven and he still wants it, today.

Praise God that the Bible doesn't tell us Jesus was materialistic.

There is something powerful when a guy makes loud worship to God.

When we dance, shout and give a praise offering to God, it drives our spiritual enemies crazy.

3 Reasons Jesus Could Have Been Black (This is a joke):

1) He called everyone "Brother"

2) He loved gospel music

3) He couldn't get a fair trial

The U.S. is the spiritual pulse of the world.

When coals are spread apart, they don't stay lit or produce much heat.  When they some together, they stay very hot.

Be a supporter of your pastor, not just a critic of his sermon.

When Mom gets saved first, 19% of the time, the family comes to Christ.  When the son gets saved first, 34% of the time, the family comes to Christ.  When the Dad gets saved first, over 90% of the time, the family gets saved!

We all want to be a hero and have a hero.

The most influential title a person could have is "Father".

A father can give help and encouragement or abandonment and pain.

Are you committed to changing what you're doing?

Are you helping the people who are in pain around you?

When someone speaks about God's Word and His stories are uninteresting to you, God's Spirit can speak to you on other issues.

The destiny and legacy of a people are determined by their relationship with God.

Two-thirds of the kids leave the church when they leave home.

Connecting with the next generation requires compassion for them.

It's important to be transparent with the people you love.

Without the truth, the heart remains untransformed.

3 Reasons We Lack Godly Adults:

1) There is no vision of godly adulthood

2) There are no mentors to aid kids

3) There is no celebration for youth becoming godly adults

Kids need to know there is someone who loves them just the way they are and just the way they dress.

You can change the man and the father you'll be tomorrow.

Have you ever noticed that sometimes you say something, but are trying to convey something else?

Are you a tick (parasite) to your wife?

If I'm going to love my wife like Christ loved the church, then I must have a strong relationship with Jesus.

Are you a giver or a taker?

What do you want the most?

We were created to experience joy through loving God; more than anything else.

If you're anchored in Jesus Christ, it will show when you are let down.

When you do the right things for the wrong reasons, you lose power.

Are you simply trying to persuade Jesus to further your wants and interests?

Don't live for your children to turn out well.

Our highest calling isn't to be a great father or husband; it is to love and know God so deeply that we reveal God to our wife and children.

How badly do you want others to know the God you know?

Write the name of one person who needs your grace.

Are you a manipulative tick that requires or demands things of your loved ones?

A biblical worldview begins with the past.

There are many things that God does not command, but He hopes we do.

The cross is an offense to the intellect.

Are you simply accepting others or are you loving them?

Sin violates relationships.

Be ambassadors of reconciliation.

Feel free to think about what you should have said.

You must start somewhere.

You have a unique opportunity to impact the world with Christ.

Do you know more about the dark side of your city than what Jesus is doing?

Give some time to God and He'll tell you how you can use your time for His kingdom.

God is calling you to be His happy son, not simply more religious.

Stop tempting your leaders by idolizing them.

Identify the Devil's strongholds in your city and pray and act against them in Jesus' name.