GO!
Sermon Series
GO XIII: The Truth About Sharing Your Faith
December 13, 2020 • Paul Barnard
*Act 17:16 Now while Paul was waiting for them at Athens, his spirit was provoked within him as he saw that the city was full of idols. Act 17:17 So he reasoned in the synagogue with the Jews and the devout persons, and in the marketplace every day with those who happened to be there.* Sees something wrong and feels the need to change it *Act 17:18 Some of the Epicurean and Stoic philosophers also conversed with him. And some said, “What does this babbler wish to say?” Others said, “He seems to be a preacher of foreign divinities”—because he was preaching Jesus and the resurrection. Act 17:19 And they took him and brought him to the Areopagus, saying, “May we know what this new teaching is that you are presenting? Act 17:20 For you bring some strange things to our ears. We wish to know therefore what these things mean.” Act 17:21 Now all the Athenians and the foreigners who lived there would spend their time in nothing except telling or hearing something new.* *Act 17:22 So Paul, standing in the midst of the Areopagus, said: “Men of Athens, I perceive that in every way you are very religious. Act 17:23 For as I passed along and observed the objects of your worship, I found also an altar with this inscription: ‘To the unknown god.’ What therefore you worship as unknown, this I proclaim to you.* Identify with people *Act 17:24 The God who made the world and everything in it, being Lord of heaven and earth, does not live in temples made by man, Act 17:25 nor is he served by human hands, as though he needed anything, since he himself gives to all mankind life and breath and everything.* *Act 17:26 And he made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined allotted periods and the boundaries of their dwelling place, Act 17:27 that they should seek God, and perhaps feel their way toward him and find him. Yet he is actually not far from each one of us, Act 17:28 for “‘In him we live and move and have our being’; as even some of your own poets have said, “‘For we are indeed his offspring.’* *Act 17:29 Being then God's offspring, we ought not to think that the divine being is like gold or silver or stone, an image formed by the art and imagination of man. Act 17:30 The times of ignorance God overlooked, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent, Act 17:31 because he has fixed a day on which he will judge the world in righteousness by a man whom he has appointed; and of this he has given assurance to all by raising him from the dead.”* *Act 17:32 Now when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked. But others said, “We will hear you again about this.” Act 17:33 So Paul went out from their midst.* *Act 17:34 But some men joined him and believed, among whom also were Dionysius the Areopagite and a woman named Damaris and others with them.* The truth about evangelism- Relational Personal Spiritual
GO XII - "Unity for Opportunity"
November 29, 2020 • Paul Barnard
The Philippian Jailer Converted Act 16:25 About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them, Act 16:26 and suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken. And immediately all the doors were opened, and everyone's bonds were unfastened. Act 16:27 When the jailer woke and saw that the prison doors were open, he drew his sword and was about to kill himself, supposing that the prisoners had escaped. Act 16:28 But Paul cried with a loud voice, “Do not harm yourself, for we are all here.” Act 16:29 And the jailer called for lights and rushed in, and trembling with fear he fell down before Paul and Silas. Act 16:30 Then he brought them out and said, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” Act 16:31 And they said, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household.” Act 16:32 And they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all who were in his house. Act 16:33 And he took them the same hour of the night and washed their wounds; and he was baptized at once, he and all his family. Act 16:34 Then he brought them up into his house and set food before them. And he rejoiced along with his entire household that he had believed in God. Act 16:35 But when it was day, the magistrates sent the police, saying, “Let those men go.” Act 16:36 And the jailer reported these words to Paul, saying, “The magistrates have sent to let you go. Therefore come out now and go in peace.” Act 16:37 But Paul said to them, “They have beaten us publicly, uncondemned, men who are Roman citizens, and have thrown us into prison; and do they now throw us out secretly? No! Let them come themselves and take us out.” Act 16:38 The police reported these words to the magistrates, and they were afraid when they heard that they were Roman citizens. Act 16:39 So they came and apologized to them. And they took them out and asked them to leave the city. Act 16:40 So they went out of the prison and visited Lydia. And when they had seen the brothers, they encouraged them and departed. Dealing with injustice: Flesh- Cover ourselves-how will this affect me? Emotion rules us-Anger and fear will cause us to react Cause damage to the kingdom-What will Christians be known for. Spirit- Worship-Vs 25- Learning to thank God for opportunity Watch- Look for the opportunity Work-Take the opportunity What injustice are you willing to experience for the opportunity to serve?
GO XI “Sent to Move”
November 22, 2020 • Paul Barnard
Luk 10:1 After this the Lord appointed seventy-two others and sent them on ahead of him, two by two, into every town and place where he himself was about to go. Luk 10:2 And he said to them, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest. Luk 10:3 Go your way; behold, I am sending you out as lambs in the midst of wolves. Luk 10:4 Carry no moneybag, no knapsack, no sandals, and greet no one on the road. Luk 10:5 Whatever house you enter, first say, ‘Peace be to this house!’ Luk 10:6 And if a son of peace is there, your peace will rest upon him. But if not, it will return to you. Luk 10:7 And remain in the same house, eating and drinking what they provide, for the laborer deserves his wages. Do not go from house to house. **Luk 10:8 Whenever you enter a town and they receive you, eat what is set before you. **Luk 10:9 Heal the sick in it and say to them, ‘The kingdom of God has come near to you.’**Luk 10:10 But whenever you enter a town and they do not receive you, go into its streets and say, Luk 10:11 ‘Even the dust of your town that clings to our feet we wipe off against you. Nevertheless know this, that the kingdom of God has come near.’ Luk 10:12 I tell you, it will be more bearable on that day for Sodom than for that town.* God sets up the plan and gets His people to act on it (Peter and Saul) *Act 13:1 Now there were in the church at Antioch prophets and teachers, Barnabas, Simeon who was called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen a lifelong friend of Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. Act 13:2 While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” Act 13:3 Then after fasting and praying they laid their hands on them and sent them off.* Paul’s first missionary Journey *Act 14:21 When they had preached the gospel to that city and had made many disciples, they returned to Lystra and to Iconium and to Antioch, Act 14:22 strengthening the souls of the disciples, encouraging them to continue in the faith, and saying that through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God. Act 14:23 And when they had appointed elders for them in every church, with prayer and fasting they committed them to the Lord in whom they had believed.* *Act 14:24 Then they passed through Pisidia and came to Pamphylia. Act 14:25 And when they had spoken the word in Perga, they went down to Attalia, Act 14:26 and from there they sailed to Antioch, where they had been commended to the grace of God for the work that they had fulfilled. Act 14:27 And when they arrived and gathered the church together, they declared all that God had done with them, and how he had opened a door of faith to the Gentiles.* 1. Holy spirit started a movement. When does it stop? 2. Church planting (kingdom concept) 3. Movements move Are you apart of the movement or the problem?
GO X - "Will you Participate?"
November 15, 2020 • Paul Barnard
Act 10:17 Now while Peter was inwardly perplexed as to what the vision that he had seen might mean, behold, the men who were sent by Cornelius, having made inquiry for Simon's house, stood at the gate Act 10:18 and called out to ask whether Simon who was called Peter was lodging there. Act 10:19 And while Peter was pondering the vision, the Spirit said to him, “Behold, three men are looking for you. Act 10:20 Rise and go down and accompany them without hesitation, for I have sent them.” Act 10:21 And Peter went down to the men and said, “I am the one you are looking for. What is the reason for your coming?” Act 10:22 And they said, “Cornelius, a centurion, an upright and God-fearing man, who is well spoken of by the whole Jewish nation, was directed by a holy angel to send for you to come to his house and to hear what you have to say.” Act 10:23 So he invited them in to be his guests. The next day he rose and went away with them, and some of the brothers from Joppa accompanied him. Act 10:24 And on the following day they entered Caesarea. Cornelius was expecting them and had called together his relatives and close friends. Act 10:25 When Peter entered, Cornelius met him and fell down at his feet and worshiped him. Act 10:26 But Peter lifted him up, saying, “Stand up; I too am a man.” Act 10:27 And as he talked with him, he went in and found many persons gathered. Act 10:28 And he said to them, “You yourselves know how unlawful it is for a Jew to associate with or to visit anyone of another nation, but God has shown me that I should not call any person common or unclean. Act 10:29 So when I was sent for, I came without objection. I ask then why you sent for me.” Act 10:30 And Cornelius said, “Four days ago, about this hour, I was praying in my house at the ninth hour, and behold, a man stood before me in bright clothing Act 10:31 and said, ‘Cornelius, your prayer has been heard and your alms have been remembered before God. Act 10:32 Send therefore to Joppa and ask for Simon who is called Peter. He is lodging in the house of Simon, a tanner, by the sea.’ Act 10:33 So I sent for you at once, and you have been kind enough to come. Now therefore we are all here in the presence of God to hear all that you have been commanded by the Lord.”
GO IX - “Compelling Arguments"
November 1, 2020 • Paul Barnard
Act 9:1 But Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest Act 9:2 and asked him for letters to the synagogues at Damascus, so that if he found any belonging to the Way, men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem. Act 9:3 Now as he went on his way, he approached Damascus, and suddenly a light from heaven shone around him. Act 9:4 And falling to the ground, he heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?” Act 9:5 And he said, “Who are you, Lord?” And he said, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. Act 9:6 But rise and enter the city, and you will be told what you are to do.” Act 9:7 The men who were traveling with him stood speechless, hearing the voice but seeing no one. Act 9:8 Saul rose from the ground, and although his eyes were opened, he saw nothing. So they led him by the hand and brought him into Damascus. Act 9:9 And for three days he was without sight, and neither ate nor drank. Act 9:10 Now there was a disciple at Damascus named Ananias. The Lord said to him in a vision, “Ananias.” And he said, “Here I am, Lord.” Act 9:11 And the Lord said to him, “Rise and go to the street called Straight, and at the house of Judas look for a man of Tarsus named Saul, for behold, he is praying, Act 9:12 and he has seen in a vision a man named Ananias come in and lay his hands on him so that he might regain his sight.” Act 9:13 But Ananias answered, “Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much evil he has done to your saints at Jerusalem. Act 9:14 And here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who call on your name.” Act 9:15 But the Lord said to him, “Go, for he is a chosen instrument of mine to carry my name before the Gentiles and kings and the children of Israel. Act 9:16 For I will show him how much he must suffer for the sake of my name.” Act 9:17 So Ananias departed and entered the house. And laying his hands on him he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus who appeared to you on the road by which you came has sent me so that you may regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” Act 9:18 And immediately something like scales fell from his eyes, and he regained his sight. Then he rose and was baptized; We all have frame of reference that guides us- Saul- Religious Judaism Ananias- Safety and security We can learn from these two about Biases based on environment Information can change viewpoint (Saul learned who he was talking to) Obedience trumps personal bias every time (Ananias chose to bey God and go against his own biases. When our biases stop kingdom growth, our biases need to be checked. Three truths that will always be according to God’s Word People are never the enemy. Satan and his influence are Assuming truth other than God’s truth leads to destruction The Holy Spirit presents the most compelling argument
GO VIII "Escape Plan"
October 25, 2020 • Paul Barnard
“We are going to change the world” those words seem like a huge task. Almost impossible. Why even try? Can we really? We have to remember, this is not our movement. It is God’s. We have a hard time receiving this. Why? *Act 5:17 But the high priest rose up, and all who were with him (that is, the party of the Sadducees), and filled with jealousy Act 5:18 they arrested the apostles and put them in the public prison.* The Public Prison The odds are against us The court of public opinion Our past Our present *Act 5:19 But during the night an angel of the Lord opened the prison doors and brought them out, and said, Act 5:20 “Go and stand in the temple and speak to the people all the words of this Life.” Act 5:21 And when they heard this, they entered the temple at daybreak and began to teach.* - No matter the prison, they had a job to do and they did it. - No prison can stop God’s movement *Now when the high priest came, and those who were with him, they called together the council, all the senate of the people of Israel, and sent to the prison to have them brought.* *Act 5:22 But when the officers came, they did not find them in the prison, so they returned and reported, Act 5:23 “We found the prison securely locked and the guards standing at the doors, but when we opened them we found no one inside.”* Satan has plan but God has the power *Act 5:24 Now when the captain of the temple and the chief priests heard these words, they were greatly perplexed about them, wondering what this would come to. Act 5:25 And someone came and told them, “Look! The men whom you put in prison are standing in the temple and teaching the people.”Act 5:26 Then the captain with the officers went and brought them, but not by force, for they were afraid of being stoned by the people.* Don’t be surprised when people not of this movement become perplexed *Act 5:27 And when they had brought them, they set them before the council. And the high priest questioned them, Act 5:28 saying, “We strictly charged you not to teach in this name, yet here you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching, and you intend to bring this man's blood upon us.”Act 5:29 But Peter and the apostles answered, “We must obey God rather than men.* *Act 5:30 The God of our fathers raised Jesus, whom you killed by hanging him on a tree.* *Act 5:31 God exalted him at his right hand as Leader and Savior, to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins. Act 5:32 And we are witnesses to these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey him.”* *Act 5:38 So in the present case I tell you, keep away from these men and let them alone, for if this plan or this undertaking is of man, it will fail; Act 5:39 but if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them. You might even be found opposing God!” So they took his advice,* *Act 5:40 and when they had called in the apostles, they beat them and charged them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. Act 5:41 Then they left the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the name. Act 5:42 And every day, in the temple and from house to house, they did not cease teaching and preaching that the Christ is Jesus.*
GO VII “GO TEAMS”
October 18, 2020 • Paul Barnard
Act 5:12 Now many signs and wonders were regularly done among the people by the hands of the apostles. And they were all together in Solomon's Portico. Act 5:13 None of the rest dared join them, but the people held them in high esteem. When God asked something of you there will always be risk. When with risk there is fear. (need boldness) Fear is overpowered by truth and love. Truth- fear is a lie that presents itself as the truth. Truth kills lies. Love- When the love you have for Jesus and others is more than your love of yourself and your security, then and only then will you act through he risk. Act 5:14 And more than ever believers were added to the Lord, multitudes of both men and women, This is how we love others to Jesus GO TEAMS G - Gatherings (Churches, New and Old) O - Overflow (Serving within our body of believers) T - Training for jobs (Occupational mentoring and job placement) E - EMS (Emergency services: Fire, Police, Ambulance) A - Action oriented ministries (Ministries within our community and beyond) M - Medical (Mental health, Physical health and their administrations) S - Schools (Students, teachers and their administrations) In what way will you love others to Jesus?
GO VI “All for one and one for all” '
October 11, 2020 • Paul Barnard
Act 4:32 Now the full number of those who believed were of one heart and soul, Jesus Prayer and no one said that any of the things that belonged to him was his own, but they had everything in common. One problem was everyone’s problem NO one needed a ride No one needed money No one needed medicine No one needed someone to listen Act 4:33 And with great power the apostles were giving their testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all. Their purpose was the Gospel They used their influence for the Gospel and the Gospel alone Act 4:34 There was not a needy person among them, for as many as were owners of lands or houses sold them and brought the proceeds of what was sold Act 4:35 and laid it at the apostles' feet, and it was distributed to each as any had need. Proceeds went to the church (prevention giving vs. intervention giving) Church was the pillar of the community of believers not just a meeting place. They didn’t spend big money on buildings, programs, but on meeting the needs of the people Their vision was similar to ours- Bring hope and change to the hopeless through the gospel Wouldn’t this be awesome. How? Unity Generosity Christ Centered believers
GO! V - "Boldness"
October 4, 2020 • Paul Barnard
Matt 16:18 And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. Act 4:23 When they were released, they went to their friends and reported what the chief priests and the elders had said to them. Act 4:24 And when they heard it, they lifted their voices together to God and said, “Sovereign Lord, who made the heaven and the earth and the sea and everything in them, Act 4:25 who through the mouth of our father David, your servant, said by the Holy Spirit, “‘Why did the Gentiles rage, and the peoples plot in vain?* Act 4:26 The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers were gathered together, against the Lord and against his Anointed’— Act 4:27 for truly in this city there were gathered together against your holy servant Jesus, whom you anointed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, along with the Gentiles and the peoples of Israel, Act 4:28 to do whatever your hand and your plan had predestined to take place. Act 4:29 And now, Lord, look upon their threats and grant to your servants to continue to speak your word with all boldness, Act 4:30 while you stretch out your hand to heal, and signs and wonders are performed through the name of your holy servant Jesus.” Act 4:31 And when they had prayed, the place in which they were gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak the word of God with boldness.* When was the last time you prayed for boldness? The things they realized were not about the mission. It was about the power. - The issue was the risk In a “Go” attitude, there is a relentless passion for furthering the kingdom through serving others and sharing the love of Jesus and His gospel. The path is set. The power is there. Where are the people?
GO! IV “Be Confident”
September 27, 2020 • Matthew Temple
Acts 4:1-22 *Salesman Story. “Confident“* If he didn't believe in what he is selling then more than likely you will not buy it. *Acts 4:1-4 - Practice it. * * Peter and John were proclaiming the gospel everywhere they went. They “practiced” their faith to anyone who would hear it. * Practice make you confident *Acts 4:5-7 - Intimidation - *Caiaphas - one of the Jewish leaders that handed Jesus over to pilot. * Sanhedrin were like the Supreme Court and Congress all rolled into one. They had religious and, to a great degree, civil authority in Jerusalem. *Acts 4:8-12 - Obedience - *Peter had practiced his faith by walking it out in the spirt. * The lame beggar *Acts 4:13* - *Boldness *Came from: * They had been with *Jesus * * The cripple man * The miracle * Remember Peter denied Christ three times and ran like a coward to keep from being arrested. *Uneducated Common Men - * Unlearned fisherman where the real teachers of that time. * Acts 4:8 Peter was filled with all he needed * Luke 12:11-12 And when they bring you before the synagogues and the rulers and the authorities, do not be anxious about how you should defend yourself or what you should say, for the Holy Spirit will teach you in that very hour what you ought to say.” *Acts 4:19 - We must speak out! * * Many Christians today have to be reminded to speak. * *Persecution* - Mark 13:13 And you will be hated for all by my name sake. But the one who will endure till the end will be saved. * *Matthew 5:10* Blessed. * *Phil 1:6* being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus *Conclusion * Ephesians 6:19-20, the apostle Paul shares a startling prayer request: “Pray on my behalf, that utterance may be given to me in the opening of my mouth, to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in proclaiming it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.” Twice he repeats his request, that he might speak boldly. It’s the same Greek word translated “confidence” in *Acts 4:13*
GO! III “Own it”
September 20, 2020 • Paul Barnard
Act 3:11 While he clung to Peter and John, all the people, utterly astounded, ran together to them in the portico called Solomon’s. Act 3:12 And when Peter saw it he addressed the people: “Men of Israel, why do you wonder at this, or why do you stare at us, as though by our own power or piety we have made him walk? Wow what if we could do that? Jesus is attractive. Act 3:13 The God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, the God of our fathers, glorified his servant Jesus, whom you delivered over and denied in the presence of Pilate, when he had decided to release him. Act 3:14 But you denied the Holy and Righteous One, and asked for a murderer to be granted to you, Act 3:15 and you killed the Author of life, whom God raised from the dead. To this we are witnesses. Act 3:16 And his name—by faith in his name—has made this man strong whom you see and know, and the faith that is through Jesus has given the man this perfect health in the presence of you all. Step one: Trust in Jesus See the sin (We see sin just not our sin) Respond Act 3:17 “And now, brothers, I know that you acted in ignorance, as did also your rulers. Act 3:18 But what God foretold by the mouth of all the prophets, that his Christ would suffer, he thus fulfilled. Act 3:19 Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out, Act 3:20 that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, and that he may send the Christ appointed for you, Jesus, Act 3:21 whom heaven must receive until the time for restoring all the things about which God spoke by the mouth of his holy prophets long ago. Act 3:22 Moses said, ‘The Lord God will raise up for you a prophet like me from your brothers. You shall listen to him in whatever he tells you. Act 3:23 And it shall be that every soul who does not listen to that prophet shall be destroyed from the people.’ Act 3:24 And all the prophets who have spoken, from Samuel and those who came after him, also proclaimed these days. Act 3:25 You are the sons of the prophets and of the covenant that God made with your fathers, saying to Abraham, ‘And in your offspring shall all the families of the earth be blessed.’ Step two: Trust the redemption Act 3:26 God, having raised up his servant, sent him to you first, to bless you by turning every one of you from your wickedness.” Step Three: Trust in the Power
Go! II - "Serve"
September 13, 2020 • Matthew Temple
Acts 3:1-10 Who were the first believers? / Blue collar every day people. Share the work, * Buddy System / Team work/Early Church * Luke 10:1 * No one can do EVERYTHING but EVERYONE can do SOMETHING See the wound, * What do you see? * It’s hard to look suffering in the face, isn’t it? Wouldn’t we rather turn away? Stare in a different direction? Fix our gaze on fairer objects? Wouldn’t we rather live in our own little world? Do you see the begger or do you see what God see’s? * Luke 7:44 Sinful women forgiven. * God Changed my view story! * “When He saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion for them, because they weary and scattered, like sheep having no shepherd” Matthew 9:36 Serve the weak. * I don't have silver and gold * James 2:14-16 /Serving people in need is putting faith in action. *Conclusion* * Share the work. See the wound. Serve the weak. Could this be God’s strategy for human hurt? First, kind eyes meet desperate ones. Next, strong hands help weak ones. Then, the miracle of God. We do our small part, he does his big part, and life at the Beautiful Gate begins to be just that—beautiful.
GO! I - "Sent"
September 6, 2020 • Paul Barnard
*Act 1:6 So when they had come together, they asked him, “Lord, will you at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?” Act 1:7 He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or seasons that the Father has fixed by his own authority. Act 1:8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”* Are you going to do something for us? No, you are going to do something for me Focused on us not them. Us not God. Us not kingdom. *Act 1:9 And when he had said these things, as they were looking on, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight.* *Act 1:10 And while they were gazing into heaven as he went, behold, two men stood by them in white robes, Act 1:11 and said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into heaven? This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven.”* Go back to the hotel- A movement began When a person is saved they immediately begin to be about a vision and mission to reach others for Christ. *Act 2:40 And with many other words he bore witness and continued to exhort them, saying, “Save yourselves from this crooked generation.”* *Act 2:41 So those who received his word were baptized, and there were added that day about three thousand souls.* *Act 2:47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.* So many of us are stuck at the hotel- We have the resources just not the faith We have the Spirit but operate in the flesh We have a mission just not the motivation Let God reign in your heart Let the Spirit motivate you to do what you were saved to do *Eph 2:10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.*