Summer Preaching Series: Romans 8:22-25

Well, hey, good morning, Austin. Glad Well, hey, good morning, Austin. Glad you're here. Let's stand to [music] our you're here. Let's stand to [music] our you're here. Let's stand to [music] our feet if you are able and let's sing feet if you are able and let's sing feet if you are able and let's sing together. >> Oh wow, wonders. What love is this? That >> Oh wow, wonders. What love is this? That Christ would die for [music and singing] Christ would die for [music and singing] Christ would die for [music and singing] me. me. me. His goodness is merit, his rightousness, His goodness is merit, his rightousness, His goodness is merit, his rightousness, the sinner's only plead. the sinner's only plead. the sinner's only plead. Oh, [music] Oh, [music] Oh, [music] Christ crucified. Christ crucified. Christ crucified. The work is [singing] finished. [music] The work is [singing] finished. [music] The work is [singing] finished. [music] All my hope is in Jesus. [singing] All my hope is in Jesus. [singing] All my hope is in Jesus. [singing] All my [music] hope is glory forever [singing] glory forever [singing] [music] in what the cross has done. [music] [music] My life is filled with graces undeserved My life is filled with graces undeserved My life is filled with graces undeserved [music] from mercy that ses from mercy that ses now return now return now return [music] [music] [music] my soul and bless the Lord.

my soul and bless the Lord. my soul and bless the Lord. [music] All my Jesus All my Jesus all forever [music] forever [music] [singing] [singing] [singing] in the cross has done. Oh, [music] in the cross has done. Oh, [music] in the cross has done. Oh, [music] praise. praise. praise. Oh, praise the [singing] one forever. Oh, praise the [singing] one forever. Oh, praise the [singing] one forever. [music] Bless Bless him alone. I him alone. I him alone. I adore [music] [music] and I [singing] and I [singing] and I [singing] will boast in love in the [music] love of Christ. in the [music] love of Christ. Sing it again. Christ Christ [music] reaches [music] a straight. strength reaches [music] a straight. strength [singing] and might but in the grace of [singing] and might but in the grace of [singing] and might but in the grace of God

God God I glory in weakness to [music] live as I glory in weakness to [music] live as I glory in weakness to [music] live as Christ in plenty Christ in plenty Christ in plenty at on at on at on that [music and singing] I may know that that [music and singing] I may know that that [music and singing] I may know that all may see his power within [music] all may see his power within [music] all may see his power within [music] me all my [singing] boast is in Jesus me all my [singing] boast is in Jesus me all my [singing] boast is in Jesus [music] all my hope is his >> [music] >> [music] >> Heat. Heat. I cannot [music] be ashamed. I cannot [music] be ashamed. My ghost is Jesus Christ. My ghost is Jesus Christ. My ghost is Jesus Christ. Oh my is Jesus [music] Oh my is Jesus [music] Oh my is Jesus [music] Christ. Oh my is Jesus Christ. Christ. Oh my is Jesus Christ. Christ. Oh my is Jesus Christ. [music] Amen. Lost in Stone. We are so glad that you Lost in Stone. We are so glad that you are here with us today. [music] My name are here with us today. [music] My name are here with us today. [music] My name is Garrett. Uh I am the worship director is Garrett. Uh I am the worship director is Garrett. Uh I am the worship director here. here. If I haven't had a chance to here. here. If I haven't had a chance to here. here. If I haven't had a chance to meet you yet, [music] I would love to meet you yet, [music] I would love to meet you yet, [music] I would love to meet you after uh our gathering here meet you after uh our gathering here meet you after uh our gathering here today. If you haven't noticed, it is today. If you haven't noticed, it is today. If you haven't noticed, it is family Sunday here in this room. And so, family Sunday here in this room. And so, family Sunday here in this room. And so, [music] we've got kiddos with us. And [music] we've got kiddos with us. And [music] we've got kiddos with us. And that is a blessing. We are excited that that is a blessing. We are excited that that is a blessing. We are excited that you are in here, kiddos, [music] to you are in here, kiddos, [music] to you are in here, kiddos, [music] to worship together with us uh in in big worship together with us uh in in big worship together with us uh in in big church today. Uh and so parents, adults church today. Uh and so parents, adults church today. Uh and so parents, adults in the room, [music] uh I just want to

in the room, [music] uh I just want to in the room, [music] uh I just want to encourage you uh that today as you encourage you uh that today as you encourage you uh that today as you [music] worship, our kids are watching [music] worship, our kids are watching [music] worship, our kids are watching us. They're watching how mom and dad us. They're watching how mom and dad us. They're watching how mom and dad engage [music] in singing. They're engage [music] in singing. They're engage [music] in singing. They're watching how mom and dad engage with watching how mom and dad engage with watching how mom and dad engage with sitting under the teaching of God's sitting under the teaching of God's sitting under the teaching of God's word. And so we have a chance to model word. And so we have a chance to model word. And so we have a chance to model that for them today. Uh and if you're that for them today. Uh and if you're that for them today. Uh and if you're not a parent in this room, we are all not a parent in this room, we are all not a parent in this room, we are all called [music] uh to disciple the next called [music] uh to disciple the next called [music] uh to disciple the next generation. Uh, and that's what we have generation. Uh, and that's what we have generation. Uh, and that's what we have an opportunity to do here in this place an opportunity to do here in this place an opportunity to do here in this place today. And I want to take us to Psalm today. And I want to take us to Psalm today. And I want to take us to Psalm 145 as we continue to sing and to 145 as we continue to sing and to 145 as we continue to sing and to worship today. And just to encourage us worship today. And just to encourage us worship today. And just to encourage us to this end [music] to teach one to this end [music] to teach one to this end [music] to teach one generation about who God is. Psalm 145 generation about who God is. Psalm 145 generation about who God is. Psalm 145 [music] starting in verse three says [music] starting in verse three says [music] starting in verse three says this, "Great is the Lord and greatly to this, "Great is the Lord and greatly to this, "Great is the Lord and greatly to be praised. [music] His greatness is be praised. [music] His greatness is be praised. [music] His greatness is unsearchable." Verse four, one unsearchable." Verse four, one unsearchable." Verse four, one generation shall commend your works to generation shall commend your works to generation shall commend your works to another and shall declare your mighty another and shall declare your mighty another and shall declare your mighty acts. On the glorious splendor of your acts. On the glorious splendor of your acts. On the glorious splendor of your majesty, and on your wondrous works I majesty, and on your wondrous works I majesty, and on your wondrous works I will meditate. [music] will meditate. [music] will meditate. [music] They shall speak of the might of your They shall speak of the might of your They shall speak of the might of your awesome deeds and I will declare [music] awesome deeds and I will declare [music] awesome deeds and I will declare [music] your greatness. So church, as we gather your greatness. So church, as we gather your greatness. So church, as we gather together today, would we from one together today, would we from one together today, would we from one generation to another commends generation to another commends generation to another commends of the Lord, [music] of the Lord, [music] of the Lord, [music] who he is and what he's done. Father, we who he is and what he's done. Father, we who he is and what he's done. Father, we are grateful to be gathered in your are grateful to be gathered in your are grateful to be gathered in your presence here today.

presence here today. presence here today. Would you help us as we lift our voice Would you help us as we lift our voice Would you help us as we lift our voice to you? As we open [music] your word, to you? As we open [music] your word, to you? As we open [music] your word, would you remind us of your great and would you remind us of your great and would you remind us of your great and awesome deeds? awesome deeds? awesome deeds? Would we commend those and teach those Would we commend those and teach those Would we commend those and teach those to one another in this room through to one another in this room through to one another in this room through song, through prayer, through the song, through prayer, through the song, through prayer, through the reading of your word? reading of your word? reading of your word? And God, would you help us [music] to And God, would you help us [music] to And God, would you help us [music] to remember the greatest gift that you have remember the greatest gift that you have remember the greatest gift that you have given us in sending your son Christ given us in sending your son Christ given us in sending your son Christ Jesus on the cross? God, we love you. We Jesus on the cross? God, we love you. We Jesus on the cross? God, we love you. We praise you. It's in your name we pray. praise you. It's in your name we pray. praise you. It's in your name we pray. And everybody said, "Amen." [music] And everybody said, "Amen." [music] And everybody said, "Amen." [music] Let's continue to sing. I am an instrument I am an instrument of exaltation of exaltation of exaltation [music] [music] [music] and I was born to lift the name above and I was born to lift the name above and I was born to lift the name above all names. [music] all names. [music] all names. [music] You hear [singing] the mey You hear [singing] the mey You hear [singing] the mey of all [music] creation, but there's a song of praise that only I but there's a song of praise that only I can bring.

can bring. can bring. Who else is worthy? [music] Who else is worthy? [music] Who else is worthy? [music] Who else [singing] is worthy? There is no one. [music] There is no one. [music] Only you, Jesus. Only you, Jesus. Only you, Jesus. [music] Who else is worthy? [music] Who else is worthy? [music] Who else is worthy? Who else is worthy? There is no [music] There is no [music] one one one only you Jesus. only you Jesus. only you Jesus. You [music and singing] are the age. You [music and singing] are the age. You [music and singing] are the age. God of the [singing] aes [music] God of the [singing] aes [music] God of the [singing] aes [music] yet you chose to make my heart your yet you chose to make my heart your yet you chose to make my heart your dwelling [music] dwelling [music] dwelling [music] place. place. place. You healed my brokenness. You healed my brokenness. You healed my brokenness. Show me your [music and singing] glory. Show me your [music and singing] glory. Show me your [music and singing] glory. So I have songs of [singing] things not So I have songs of [singing] things not So I have songs of [singing] things not even angels sing. even angels sing. even angels sing. Who else is worthy? [music] There is [music] no There is [music] no only Jesus. [music] only Jesus. [music] only Jesus. [music] Who else is worthy?

Who else is worthy? Who else is worthy? Who else is worthy? [music] is one [music and singing] is one [music and singing] only you Jesus only you Jesus only you Jesus who else is worthy who else is worthy who else is worthy who else [singing] is worthy there's no there's no only [music] you Jesus only [music] you Jesus only [music] you Jesus who else is worthy who else is worthy who else is worthy who else is worthy Jesus, Jesus, [music] [music] [music] you're worthy. You're worthy of our you're worthy. You're worthy of our you're worthy. You're worthy of our praise.

The lamb of God [music] anointed one who The lamb of God [music] anointed one who was in is and is to come. He's seated on was in is and is to come. He's seated on was in is and is to come. He's seated on the throne [music] above. Holy, the throne [music] above. Holy, the throne [music] above. Holy, holy, the righteous [music] holy, the righteous [music] holy, the righteous [music] one who shed his [singing] blood to one who shed his [singing] blood to one who shed his [singing] blood to prove to us the father's [music] prove to us the father's [music] prove to us the father's [music] love. Jesus Christ be lifted up. Holy, love. Jesus Christ be lifted up. Holy, love. Jesus Christ be lifted up. Holy, holy [music] holy [music] holy [music] lamb of God, anointed one who was and is lamb of God, anointed one who was and is lamb of God, anointed one who was and is and is to come. Seed on the and is to come. Seed on the and is to come. Seed on the holy holy holy holy holy holy righteous Who else is worthy? Who else is worthy? Who else is worthy? There is There is only [music]

only [music] only [music] Jesus. [music] [music] Yes, you worthy [singing] hallelu. [music] hallelu. [music] [singing] for the Lord God Almighty for the Lord God Almighty [music and singing] reigns [music and singing] reigns [music and singing] reigns right here and now. Hallelu. Hallelu. [music] [singing] For the Lord God Almighty [singing] For the Lord God Almighty reigns [music] reigns [music] reigns [music] all praise and [singing] honor.

Hallelu. [music] Hallelu. [music] [singing] [singing] [singing] Holy, holy holy [singing] [singing] [singing] are you, Lord God are you, Lord God are you, Lord God Almighty. [singing] Almighty. [singing] Almighty. [singing] [music] [music] [music] Worthy is the lamb. [music] Worthy is the lamb. [music] Worthy is the lamb. [music] Worthy is the lamb. Amen. Worthy is the lamb. Amen. Worthy is the lamb. Amen. [singing] Oh, Oh, as we sing [music and singing] as we sing [music and singing] as we sing [music and singing] hallelujah to your name, [singing] [singing] [music] [music] [music] for the Lord God [singing] Almighty Hallelujah. [music] Hallelujah. [music] [singing] [music] for the Lord God Almighty [music] for the Lord God Almighty reigns reigns reigns over [music] our hearts today. [singing] [music]

[music] holy, [singing] singing he's [music] worthy worthy to singing he's [music] worthy worthy to live live live [music] worthy [singing] [music] worthy [singing] [music] worthy [singing] to live for you are to live for you are to live for you are [singing] holy [music] holy [music] Lord are You are [singing] Lord are You are [singing] Lord are You are [singing] all [music] [music] [music] you. [singing] [singing] Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. [music] Heat.

Jes. Jes. [music] >> Amen. And amen. Church, you may grab a >> Amen. And amen. Church, you may grab a seat. seat. seat. And as Garrett said, it is family And as Garrett said, it is family And as Garrett said, it is family Sunday. And so I'd like to welcome all Sunday. And so I'd like to welcome all Sunday. And so I'd like to welcome all of our VIPs here, our young folks. And of our VIPs here, our young folks. And of our VIPs here, our young folks. And so in honor of it being Family Sunday, so in honor of it being Family Sunday, so in honor of it being Family Sunday, we are going to have a kid come up and we are going to have a kid come up and we are going to have a kid come up and and do our scripture reading for the and do our scripture reading for the and do our scripture reading for the passage that we'll be talking about passage that we'll be talking about passage that we'll be talking about today. And so y'all give it up for Miles today. And so y'all give it up for Miles today. And so y'all give it up for Miles Hunt as he comes forward.

Hunt as he comes forward. Hunt as he comes forward. [applause and cheering] >> Let's go. Miles, tell us uh how how old >> Let's go. Miles, tell us uh how how old are you? are you? are you? >> 11. >> 11. >> 11. >> 11. Are you nervous? >> 11. Are you nervous? >> 11. Are you nervous? >> Kind of. >> Kind of. >> Kind of. I'm nervous every time I come up here, I'm nervous every time I come up here, I'm nervous every time I come up here, too. So, I get it. I get it. What do you too. So, I get it. I get it. What do you too. So, I get it. I get it. What do you like to do for fun? like to do for fun? like to do for fun? >> Play outside sometimes. >> Play outside sometimes. >> Play outside sometimes. >> Okay. And the other times play inside. >> Okay. And the other times play inside. >> Okay. And the other times play inside. Is that either or? All right. Good. Is that either or? All right. Good. Is that either or? All right. Good. That's good. That's good. Um, man, I'm That's good. That's good. Um, man, I'm That's good. That's good. Um, man, I'm really thankful that you're here. I really thankful that you're here. I really thankful that you're here. I heard that you memorized it, but just heard that you memorized it, but just heard that you memorized it, but just out of out of doing this and not messing out of out of doing this and not messing out of out of doing this and not messing it up, so to speak, which is okay, we're it up, so to speak, which is okay, we're it up, so to speak, which is okay, we're you're going to read it for us, right? you're going to read it for us, right? you're going to read it for us, right? And so why don't you read us the passage And so why don't you read us the passage And so why don't you read us the passage we'll be talking about in Romans 8. >> For we know that the whole creation has >> For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together with labor pains been groaning together with labor pains been groaning together with labor pains until now. Not only that, but we until now. Not only that, but we until now. Not only that, but we ourselves [music] ourselves [music] ourselves [music] who have the spirit as the first fruits. who have the spirit as the first fruits. who have the spirit as the first fruits. We also grown within ourselves, eagerly We also grown within ourselves, eagerly We also grown within ourselves, eagerly waiting for adoption, the redemption of waiting for adoption, the redemption of waiting for adoption, the redemption of our bodies. Now in this hope we were our bodies. Now in this hope we were our bodies. Now in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is not saved. But hope that is seen is not saved. But hope that is seen is not hope. Because who hopes for what he hope. Because who hopes for what he hope. Because who hopes for what he sees? Now if we hope for what we do not sees? Now if we hope for what we do not sees? Now if we hope for what we do not see, we eagerly wait for it with see, we eagerly wait for it with see, we eagerly wait for it with patience. Romans 8:22.

patience. Romans 8:22. patience. Romans 8:22. >> Awesome. Thank you, Miles. [applause] >> Awesome. Thank you, Miles. [applause] >> Awesome. Thank you, Miles. [applause] Appreciate it. Appreciate it. Appreciate it. [music] [music] [music] Great job. Great job. Truly. All right, Great job. Great job. Truly. All right, Great job. Great job. Truly. All right, let's pray and then we'll dive in. let's pray and then we'll dive in. let's pray and then we'll dive in. God, I pray that you would speak to us. God, I pray that you would speak to us. God, I pray that you would speak to us. I thank you for young hearts and minds I thank you for young hearts and minds I thank you for young hearts and minds that that know your word. And that that know your word. And that that know your word. And and so God, I pray that we no matter how and so God, I pray that we no matter how and so God, I pray that we no matter how old we are, we would know your truth. We old we are, we would know your truth. We old we are, we would know your truth. We would seek your wisdom, that we would would seek your wisdom, that we would would seek your wisdom, that we would thank your thoughts. thank your thoughts. thank your thoughts. And so God, I pray that you would guide And so God, I pray that you would guide And so God, I pray that you would guide us and speak to us. I pray that your us and speak to us. I pray that your us and speak to us. I pray that your spirit would spirit would spirit would would have his way in our midst. And so would have his way in our midst. And so would have his way in our midst. And so God, we just offer this time to you speak. We we are listening and ready speak. We we are listening and ready in Jesus name we pray. And all God's in Jesus name we pray. And all God's in Jesus name we pray. And all God's people said, "Amen." people said, "Amen." people said, "Amen." Kids, imagine Kids, imagine Kids, imagine a butterfly and a caterpillar having a a butterfly and a caterpillar having a a butterfly and a caterpillar having a conversation.

conversation. conversation. See, the caterpillar is is perfectly See, the caterpillar is is perfectly See, the caterpillar is is perfectly content with his life and just inching content with his life and just inching content with his life and just inching forward, inch by inch, seeing a leaf, forward, inch by inch, seeing a leaf, forward, inch by inch, seeing a leaf, inching towards that leaf, eating that inching towards that leaf, eating that inching towards that leaf, eating that leaf, leaf, leaf, and then finds another leaf and then and then finds another leaf and then and then finds another leaf and then does the very same thing again over and does the very same thing again over and does the very same thing again over and over and over. His whole existence is over and over. His whole existence is over and over. His whole existence is wrapped up in what is immediately in wrapped up in what is immediately in wrapped up in what is immediately in front of him. front of him. front of him. Then one day a butterfly comes along and Then one day a butterfly comes along and Then one day a butterfly comes along and the butterfly says, "Brother, there the butterfly says, "Brother, there the butterfly says, "Brother, there there's so much more than this." there's so much more than this." there's so much more than this." And he's like, "More than what? All I And he's like, "More than what? All I And he's like, "More than what? All I see are leaves all around me." He's see are leaves all around me." He's see are leaves all around me." He's like, "Someday you are going to fly. like, "Someday you are going to fly. like, "Someday you are going to fly. You're going to soar. You you will You're going to soar. You you will You're going to soar. You you will you'll catch the currents that take you you'll catch the currents that take you you'll catch the currents that take you above and over mountains. You will be above and over mountains. You will be above and over mountains. You will be drinking nectar from flowers. drinking nectar from flowers. drinking nectar from flowers. You'll travel the world. You'll see so You'll travel the world. You'll see so You'll travel the world. You'll see so much more.

much more. much more. He says, "So there is so much that's He says, "So there is so much that's He says, "So there is so much that's going to change going to change going to change for the better." for the better." for the better." The caterpillar says, "That's that The caterpillar says, "That's that The caterpillar says, "That's that sounds nice, but I don't understand sounds nice, but I don't understand sounds nice, but I don't understand that. I have a perfectly good leaf right that. I have a perfectly good leaf right that. I have a perfectly good leaf right here." here." here." See, the butterfly knows something. and See, the butterfly knows something. and See, the butterfly knows something. and the caterpillar has not been able to the caterpillar has not been able to the caterpillar has not been able to imagine. imagine. imagine. And I think Paul is trying to lift our And I think Paul is trying to lift our And I think Paul is trying to lift our eyes as well in Romans 8. He's trying to eyes as well in Romans 8. He's trying to eyes as well in Romans 8. He's trying to to to get us away from thinking our best to to get us away from thinking our best to to get us away from thinking our best leaf now to imagining what it looks like leaf now to imagining what it looks like leaf now to imagining what it looks like where there's less limitations, there's where there's less limitations, there's where there's less limitations, there's more freedom, there's more joy, there's more freedom, there's more joy, there's more freedom, there's more joy, there's more to partake of. And I think that is more to partake of. And I think that is more to partake of. And I think that is what the passage is about today. what the passage is about today. what the passage is about today. saying that that real life is coming saying that that real life is coming saying that that real life is coming that that there's ought to be within us that that there's ought to be within us that that there's ought to be within us as believers in Christ a growing as believers in Christ a growing as believers in Christ a growing dissatisfaction and in a in a increasing dissatisfaction and in a in a increasing dissatisfaction and in a in a increasing longing for something else for something longing for something else for something longing for something else for something to look different in our lives.

to look different in our lives. to look different in our lives. Not because we hate this life, Not because we hate this life, Not because we hate this life, but we long for something else as well. but we long for something else as well. but we long for something else as well. And so Paul's like, I've done the And so Paul's like, I've done the And so Paul's like, I've done the calculations. I've done the math. I've calculations. I've done the math. I've calculations. I've done the math. I've measured it out. And and this is lacking measured it out. And and this is lacking measured it out. And and this is lacking what what God is hoping to do and to what what God is hoping to do and to what what God is hoping to do and to bring about for us. And it changes the way that we think And it changes the way that we think about suffering and joy, about suffering and joy, about suffering and joy, life and death, life and death, life and death, success and failure, success and failure, success and failure, happiness and sorrow. happiness and sorrow. happiness and sorrow. Will we just be fine to pursue present Will we just be fine to pursue present Will we just be fine to pursue present comfort or will will there be a comfort or will will there be a comfort or will will there be a futureoriented longing that we'll have futureoriented longing that we'll have futureoriented longing that we'll have as God's people? as God's people? as God's people? And so from the passage that was read, I And so from the passage that was read, I And so from the passage that was read, I want to talk to you about five truths want to talk to you about five truths want to talk to you about five truths that I think that Paul is trying to that I think that Paul is trying to that I think that Paul is trying to encourage us me along in as well. The encourage us me along in as well. The encourage us me along in as well. The first one is the sad news and the bad first one is the sad news and the bad first one is the sad news and the bad news. We grown in a groaning world.

news. We grown in a groaning world. news. We grown in a groaning world. Verse 22, for we know that the whole Verse 22, for we know that the whole Verse 22, for we know that the whole creation has been groaning together with creation has been groaning together with creation has been groaning together with labor pains until now. The whole labor pains until now. The whole labor pains until now. The whole creation, not part of it, like you creation, not part of it, like you creation, not part of it, like you you're you're in that as well. And it you're you're in that as well. And it you're you're in that as well. And it says also that we ourselves as humans, says also that we ourselves as humans, says also that we ourselves as humans, we grown also. But so this world that we we grown also. But so this world that we we grown also. But so this world that we live in is a grown fest. live in is a grown fest. live in is a grown fest. Things break, things struggle, we Things break, things struggle, we Things break, things struggle, we suffer, suffer, suffer, people we love die, will die. people we love die, will die. people we love die, will die. We'll have dreams that die. We'll have We'll have dreams that die. We'll have We'll have dreams that die. We'll have businesses that fail. Our minds may businesses that fail. Our minds may businesses that fail. Our minds may disappear and go. disappear and go. disappear and go. Memories fade. Bodies weaken. And Memories fade. Bodies weaken. And Memories fade. Bodies weaken. And nothing is untouched by a decay. Whe nothing is untouched by a decay. Whe nothing is untouched by a decay. Whe whether that's mental, not just whether that's mental, not just whether that's mental, not just physically, but like relationally and physically, but like relationally and physically, but like relationally and spiritually as well, emotionally, man, spiritually as well, emotionally, man, spiritually as well, emotionally, man, we know that. We feel that we there are we know that. We feel that we there are we know that. We feel that we there are just fears that we have that we're just fears that we have that we're just fears that we have that we're frustrated that we still have. There are frustrated that we still have. There are frustrated that we still have. There are things that we just don't we struggle things that we just don't we struggle things that we just don't we struggle why we can't just get over it or get why we can't just get over it or get why we can't just get over it or get better or we there's relationships that better or we there's relationships that better or we there's relationships that just never become what we hoped that just never become what we hoped that just never become what we hoped that they would become. We experience the they would become. We experience the they would become. We experience the pain of fracture.

pain of fracture. pain of fracture. We we struggle emotionally, We we struggle emotionally, We we struggle emotionally, relationally, spiritually because relationally, spiritually because relationally, spiritually because creation itself has been fractured. creation itself has been fractured. creation itself has been fractured. It says earlier that it's it's held It says earlier that it's it's held It says earlier that it's it's held down. It's it's been subjected to down. It's it's been subjected to down. It's it's been subjected to futility and in bondage to decay. And so futility and in bondage to decay. And so futility and in bondage to decay. And so this world we live in, it's it's a this world we live in, it's it's a this world we live in, it's it's a shattered glory. shattered glory. shattered glory. It's broken. It's broken. It's broken. That's what Romans 8 tells us is is if That's what Romans 8 tells us is is if That's what Romans 8 tells us is is if you're looking for everything here, you're looking for everything here, you're looking for everything here, you're going to be disappointed. you're going to be disappointed. you're going to be disappointed. But yet there's we get these But yet there's we get these But yet there's we get these visions in sight of Eden. visions in sight of Eden. visions in sight of Eden. We man, have you ever just stared at a We man, have you ever just stared at a We man, have you ever just stared at a brand new baby? It's just like you brand new baby? It's just like you brand new baby? It's just like you cannot resist pinching cannot resist pinching cannot resist pinching the cheeks. the cheeks. the cheeks. Or have you viewed a mountains or the Or have you viewed a mountains or the Or have you viewed a mountains or the ocean and then just be undone by the awe ocean and then just be undone by the awe ocean and then just be undone by the awe and the beauty and the glory of it all? and the beauty and the glory of it all? and the beauty and the glory of it all? Are there times where there's just Are there times where there's just Are there times where there's just transcendent happiness? It's that too.

transcendent happiness? It's that too. transcendent happiness? It's that too. It's both. It's both. It's both. And this world that we live in, it is And this world that we live in, it is And this world that we live in, it is breathtaking breathtaking breathtaking and heartbreaking. and heartbreaking. and heartbreaking. It it it is have a place of profound joy It it it is have a place of profound joy It it it is have a place of profound joy and profound sorrow. And that's what I'm and profound sorrow. And that's what I'm and profound sorrow. And that's what I'm thankful about with the Bible is that thankful about with the Bible is that thankful about with the Bible is that it's it's it's it's honest about the paradox of life it's honest about the paradox of life it's honest about the paradox of life that we experience. that we experience. that we experience. It it's not escapist. It is not It it's not escapist. It is not It it's not escapist. It is not delusional. delusional. delusional. It's not an emotional escape from It's not an emotional escape from It's not an emotional escape from reality. It's not asking you to put on a reality. It's not asking you to put on a reality. It's not asking you to put on a fake smile or have plastic optimism. It fake smile or have plastic optimism. It fake smile or have plastic optimism. It says, "This world hurts says, "This world hurts says, "This world hurts and it's holy. and it's holy. and it's holy. It's both." It's both." It's both." The second thing Paul says is, he's The second thing Paul says is, he's The second thing Paul says is, he's like, "But your pain can have purpose." like, "But your pain can have purpose." like, "But your pain can have purpose." Cuz if we would have stopped with just Cuz if we would have stopped with just Cuz if we would have stopped with just this world is groaning, it would this world is groaning, it would this world is groaning, it would probably be the most depressing thing in probably be the most depressing thing in probably be the most depressing thing in the whole world. But notice he's going the whole world. But notice he's going the whole world. But notice he's going to there's going to be two metaphors and to there's going to be two metaphors and to there's going to be two metaphors and pictures he paints for us.

pictures he paints for us. pictures he paints for us. One is he says it's groaning One is he says it's groaning One is he says it's groaning with labor pains with labor pains with labor pains that makes it look very very different. that makes it look very very different. that makes it look very very different. He says your pain can have purpose that He says your pain can have purpose that He says your pain can have purpose that he could have just said it's this world he could have just said it's this world he could have just said it's this world is is is he could have compared it to just he could have compared it to just he could have compared it to just someone who's dying and just it's all someone who's dying and just it's all someone who's dying and just it's all going to sink and go away. But he but he going to sink and go away. But he but he going to sink and go away. But he but he compares it to someone giving birth. compares it to someone giving birth. compares it to someone giving birth. He says this world is not broken beyond He says this world is not broken beyond He says this world is not broken beyond repair. It's pregnant with promise. repair. It's pregnant with promise. repair. It's pregnant with promise. Those are different realities, aren't Those are different realities, aren't Those are different realities, aren't they? they? they? I'm going to do something in the next I'm going to do something in the next I'm going to do something in the next minute or two that's bold and courageous minute or two that's bold and courageous minute or two that's bold and courageous or foolish. I'm going to be a guy that's or foolish. I'm going to be a guy that's or foolish. I'm going to be a guy that's talking about childbirth. talking about childbirth. talking about childbirth. [laughter] [laughter] [laughter] Y'all ready? I'm going to run that Y'all ready? I'm going to run that Y'all ready? I'm going to run that gauntlet. I'm gonna do it. Not catch gauntlet. I'm gonna do it. Not catch gauntlet. I'm gonna do it. Not catch strays. Direct fire. strays. Direct fire. strays. Direct fire. Here we go. I I'll start off by saying I Here we go. I I'll start off by saying I Here we go. I I'll start off by saying I personally loved pregnancy. [laughter] personally loved pregnancy. [laughter] personally loved pregnancy. [laughter] How am I doing? We're off to a good How am I doing? We're off to a good How am I doing? We're off to a good start, aren't we? Yeah, this is going as start, aren't we? Yeah, this is going as start, aren't we? Yeah, this is going as well as I thought. Um well as I thought. Um well as I thought. Um I don't understand what the big deal I don't understand what the big deal I don't understand what the big deal was.

I might have to change this for the I might have to change this for the 11:00 when she's here. [laughter] 11:00 when she's here. [laughter] 11:00 when she's here. [laughter] Here's what Here's why I loved it. Here's what Here's why I loved it. Here's what Here's why I loved it. Because my wife Because my wife Because my wife her she had a very unique craving. her she had a very unique craving. her she had a very unique craving. Her cravings were for chicken wings Her cravings were for chicken wings Her cravings were for chicken wings from a place called Wings and More. It from a place called Wings and More. It from a place called Wings and More. It wasn't just it was in College Station. wasn't just it was in College Station. wasn't just it was in College Station. It's a f well-known restaurant. It was It's a f well-known restaurant. It was It's a f well-known restaurant. It was like so three to four times a week I like so three to four times a week I like so three to four times a week I sacrificially served her. I went She sacrificially served her. I went She sacrificially served her. I went She didn't go with me. I went alone and got didn't go with me. I went alone and got didn't go with me. I went alone and got the wings. the wings. the wings. But in solidarity and unity, I ate those But in solidarity and unity, I ate those But in solidarity and unity, I ate those wings with her. I got some myself. wings with her. I got some myself. wings with her. I got some myself. And in solidarity and unity, I also And in solidarity and unity, I also And in solidarity and unity, I also added pregnancy weight as well. I did added pregnancy weight as well. I did added pregnancy weight as well. I did it. I did it. I want to make it clear. I This is a I want to make it clear. I This is a joke. joke. joke. What I observed, What I observed, What I observed, what I ex experienced from afar what I ex experienced from afar what I ex experienced from afar was pain and difficulty, was pain and difficulty, was pain and difficulty, suffering. You know, we're my wife, my suffering. You know, we're my wife, my suffering. You know, we're my wife, my wife's bladder constantly lost real wife's bladder constantly lost real wife's bladder constantly lost real estate to a growing baby and then became estate to a growing baby and then became estate to a growing baby and then became a punching bag for that baby. I saw a punching bag for that baby. I saw a punching bag for that baby. I saw everything start to hurt. I saw her everything start to hurt. I saw her everything start to hurt. I saw her experience contractions and labor and experience contractions and labor and experience contractions and labor and challenge.

challenge. challenge. The pain was real apparently The pain was real apparently The pain was real apparently from what she said, from what she said, from what she said, but the pain is not meaningless. but the pain is not meaningless. but the pain is not meaningless. There was there was there was something There was there was there was something There was there was there was something to it. And every new contraction to it. And every new contraction to it. And every new contraction contraction was bringing new life contraction was bringing new life contraction was bringing new life closer. And I hope that that informs the way And I hope that that informs the way that we think about the difficulties and that we think about the difficulties and that we think about the difficulties and the he's like that's what the groans the he's like that's what the groans the he's like that's what the groans are. They're groans that are that are are. They're groans that are that are are. They're groans that are that are leading towards something. leading towards something. leading towards something. He could have chosen so many different He could have chosen so many different He could have chosen so many different metaphors. He chose labor metaphors. He chose labor metaphors. He chose labor because it doesn't simply say that because it doesn't simply say that because it doesn't simply say that something hurts. something hurts. something hurts. It also says something wonderful is It also says something wonderful is It also says something wonderful is coming. coming. coming. He says that's that's what the groaning He says that's that's what the groaning He says that's that's what the groaning is. the pain that we experience in our is. the pain that we experience in our is. the pain that we experience in our lives. That's real. lives. That's real. lives. That's real. That's that's you can't minimize the That's that's you can't minimize the That's that's you can't minimize the difficulty, difficulty, difficulty, but it's not the last chapter is what but it's not the last chapter is what but it's not the last chapter is what he's trying to say to us. That that your he's trying to say to us. That that your he's trying to say to us. That that your that your pain is a chapter, but it's that your pain is a chapter, but it's that your pain is a chapter, but it's not the last one. And it won't be the not the last one. And it won't be the not the last one. And it won't be the definitive word of your existence and definitive word of your existence and definitive word of your existence and your life. There's a bigger story that's your life. There's a bigger story that's your life. There's a bigger story that's playing out in this.

playing out in this. playing out in this. God isn't just trying to help you God isn't just trying to help you God isn't just trying to help you survive until you get to heaven. survive until you get to heaven. survive until you get to heaven. He's bringing about a new creation He's bringing about a new creation He's bringing about a new creation in you and in this world. He's trying to in you and in this world. He's trying to in you and in this world. He's trying to bring about a new reality bring about a new reality bring about a new reality where there there is one king and where there there is one king and where there there is one king and there's no more political conversation there's no more political conversation there's no more political conversation to be had. to be had. to be had. where Jesus is the sovereign ruler and where Jesus is the sovereign ruler and where Jesus is the sovereign ruler and he is openly and joyfully ruling over he is openly and joyfully ruling over he is openly and joyfully ruling over everything and everything is made right. everything and everything is made right. everything and everything is made right. Everything that's broken gets fixed. Everything that's broken gets fixed. Everything that's broken gets fixed. Everything fractured gets restored. Everything fractured gets restored. Everything fractured gets restored. Everything wrong gets wiped away and Everything wrong gets wiped away and Everything wrong gets wiped away and it's just life and rightness in every it's just life and rightness in every it's just life and rightness in every single direction. single direction. single direction. What's coming is is a world where death What's coming is is a world where death What's coming is is a world where death gets swallowed up by life. gets swallowed up by life. gets swallowed up by life. A world of perfect vitality and energy A world of perfect vitality and energy A world of perfect vitality and energy and joy and peace and joy and peace and joy and peace where the labor will end but the joy where the labor will end but the joy where the labor will end but the joy will remain.

will remain. will remain. So Paul doesn't leave us staring at So Paul doesn't leave us staring at So Paul doesn't leave us staring at pain. He's pointing us towards hope. pain. He's pointing us towards hope. pain. He's pointing us towards hope. He's like, "The the pain is real, He's like, "The the pain is real, He's like, "The the pain is real, but hope ought to be as real, if not but hope ought to be as real, if not but hope ought to be as real, if not more." more." more." Because he also says in this passage Because he also says in this passage Because he also says in this passage that God's goodness has only begun. that God's goodness has only begun. that God's goodness has only begun. The good is has just started because the The good is has just started because the The good is has just started because the first image is of labor pains. So pain first image is of labor pains. So pain first image is of labor pains. So pain and that's real and then life. and that's real and then life. and that's real and then life. But he's also the other imagery he has But he's also the other imagery he has But he's also the other imagery he has is the first fruits of a harvest. And both are God's way of saying a And both are God's way of saying a similar thing. What you see and what you similar thing. What you see and what you similar thing. What you see and what you experience now is not the whole story of experience now is not the whole story of experience now is not the whole story of what's going on in the world what's going on in the world what's going on in the world and in redemptive history. We're going and in redemptive history. We're going and in redemptive history. We're going to look at verse 23. to look at verse 23. to look at verse 23. And not only that, the creation, but we And not only that, the creation, but we And not only that, the creation, but we ourselves ourselves ourselves who have the spirit as the first fruits, who have the spirit as the first fruits, who have the spirit as the first fruits, we also grown within ourselves, eagerly we also grown within ourselves, eagerly we also grown within ourselves, eagerly waiting for adoption, the redemption of waiting for adoption, the redemption of waiting for adoption, the redemption of our bodies.

our bodies. our bodies. Paul says we have the first fruits of Paul says we have the first fruits of Paul says we have the first fruits of the spirit in us. the spirit in us. the spirit in us. That means it's the first batch of That means it's the first batch of That means it's the first batch of things, the first basket that's come in things, the first basket that's come in things, the first basket that's come in from the harvest field, the first taste. from the harvest field, the first taste. from the harvest field, the first taste. After a season of of nothing, now it's After a season of of nothing, now it's After a season of of nothing, now it's time. Now we can get an apple any day we time. Now we can get an apple any day we time. Now we can get an apple any day we want. want. want. But not long ago it was like only in But not long ago it was like only in But not long ago it was like only in season. season. season. And that first taste that you had And that first taste that you had And that first taste that you had was a game changer. And it what it did was a game changer. And it what it did was a game changer. And it what it did is it communicated there's so much more is it communicated there's so much more is it communicated there's so much more to come. Like this is the first of a lot to come. Like this is the first of a lot to come. Like this is the first of a lot of a harvest to come. of a harvest to come. of a harvest to come. Paul says Paul says Paul says that's what the Holy Spirit does for that's what the Holy Spirit does for that's what the Holy Spirit does for every Christian. Here's what we know. every Christian. Here's what we know. every Christian. Here's what we know. When you gave your life to Christ, when When you gave your life to Christ, when When you gave your life to Christ, when you believed in him, the Holy Spirit you believed in him, the Holy Spirit you believed in him, the Holy Spirit made you brand new. made you brand new. made you brand new. You you are new in Christ. You you are new in Christ. You you are new in Christ. And then the Holy Spirit takes up And then the Holy Spirit takes up And then the Holy Spirit takes up residence and lives inside of you and residence and lives inside of you and residence and lives inside of you and begins starts shaping you and changing begins starts shaping you and changing begins starts shaping you and changing you in in sometimes some really you in in sometimes some really you in in sometimes some really remarkable ways early on, but most often remarkable ways early on, but most often remarkable ways early on, but most often in very imperceptible ways.

in very imperceptible ways. in very imperceptible ways. Slow changing, slow growth, almost Slow changing, slow growth, almost Slow changing, slow growth, almost impossible to to recognize in and of impossible to to recognize in and of impossible to to recognize in and of yourself. yourself. yourself. But what he's saying here is that it's But what he's saying here is that it's But what he's saying here is that it's just starting. just starting. just starting. like the the rest of your life if you've like the the rest of your life if you've like the the rest of your life if you've been a a Christian for 50 60 70 it's the been a a Christian for 50 60 70 it's the been a a Christian for 50 60 70 it's the first fruits of the spirit's work in first fruits of the spirit's work in first fruits of the spirit's work in your life your life your life it hasn't finished yet the work is not it hasn't finished yet the work is not it hasn't finished yet the work is not done done done I hope that that is encouraging because I hope that that is encouraging because I hope that that is encouraging because we can get so discouraged at the lack of we can get so discouraged at the lack of we can get so discouraged at the lack of progress that we see in our lives at progress that we see in our lives at progress that we see in our lives at times times times or maybe that's maybe just autobiography that it's like I get frustrated that I'm that it's like I get frustrated that I'm not further and faster spiritually or not further and faster spiritually or not further and faster spiritually or really in every area of life. really in every area of life. really in every area of life. I I I And Paul would say, "You've you've only And Paul would say, "You've you've only And Paul would say, "You've you've only received the first fruits. It's it's received the first fruits. It's it's received the first fruits. It's it's just now starting for you."

See, the the spirit keeps reminding us See, the the spirit keeps reminding us of Eden, of Eden, of Eden, telling us what we've lost, what sin's telling us what we've lost, what sin's telling us what we've lost, what sin's done to us, the pain that it's caused us done to us, the pain that it's caused us done to us, the pain that it's caused us and that we've experienced, the hurt and that we've experienced, the hurt and that we've experienced, the hurt that's happened, and the the the the that's happened, and the the the the that's happened, and the the the the separation from glory that we've separation from glory that we've separation from glory that we've experienced. experienced. experienced. But the spirit's also pointing us But the spirit's also pointing us But the spirit's also pointing us towards a new Jerusalem when everything towards a new Jerusalem when everything towards a new Jerusalem when everything broken is going to be made right. When broken is going to be made right. When broken is going to be made right. When when the pain is gone, there's death when the pain is gone, there's death when the pain is gone, there's death gone. Everything bad is untrue and it's gone. Everything bad is untrue and it's gone. Everything bad is untrue and it's just life. The spirit is is stretching just life. The spirit is is stretching just life. The spirit is is stretching us out in those things. us out in those things. us out in those things. He's stretching us out and He's stretching us out and He's stretching us out and he he wants us to to grow, he he wants us to to grow, he he wants us to to grow, but it's going to be slow. And that makes us homesick. There are And that makes us homesick. There are times I'm really really homesick times I'm really really homesick times I'm really really homesick where I'm like where I'm like where I'm like this is hard and I I know that it I know this is hard and I I know that it I know this is hard and I I know that it I know how it ends and I I want to experience how it ends and I I want to experience how it ends and I I want to experience that not in some kind of like defeist that not in some kind of like defeist that not in some kind of like defeist way or way or way or but it's like that's how that's how we but it's like that's how that's how we but it's like that's how that's how we need to view our lives that we are on a need to view our lives that we are on a need to view our lives that we are on a journey and we're not home yet but we'll journey and we're not home yet but we'll journey and we're not home yet but we'll get there in Christ. And so what that get there in Christ. And so what that get there in Christ. And so what that does is for us that that helps us enjoy does is for us that that helps us enjoy does is for us that that helps us enjoy things more. Like as a believer in things more. Like as a believer in things more. Like as a believer in Christ and a mature Christian, you ought Christ and a mature Christian, you ought Christ and a mature Christian, you ought to enjoy the things of the world more to enjoy the things of the world more to enjoy the things of the world more than anyone else

than anyone else than anyone else because you know where it came from. because you know where it came from. because you know where it came from. But also as a believer and a mature But also as a believer and a mature But also as a believer and a mature believer in Christ, you ought to be believer in Christ, you ought to be believer in Christ, you ought to be absolutely aware that that this isn't absolutely aware that that this isn't absolutely aware that that this isn't the full reality of what existence is the full reality of what existence is the full reality of what existence is either. either. either. And we don't have to get too upset about And we don't have to get too upset about And we don't have to get too upset about that. But but maybe your your restless that. But but maybe your your restless that. But but maybe your your restless longings are wrestlings for life. Maybe longings are wrestlings for life. Maybe longings are wrestlings for life. Maybe you're just realizing then there's you're just realizing then there's you're just realizing then there's something else. And so don't kill your something else. And so don't kill your something else. And so don't kill your longings. Don't just wait passively. It longings. Don't just wait passively. It longings. Don't just wait passively. It says, but long and dream, but do it with says, but long and dream, but do it with says, but long and dream, but do it with hope. hope. hope. And you're not just passing through the And you're not just passing through the And you're not just passing through the world. You're here to live on purpose. world. You're here to live on purpose. world. You're here to live on purpose. Even your pain can have purpose and Even your pain can have purpose and Even your pain can have purpose and God's goodness has only begun. God's goodness has only begun. God's goodness has only begun. And then in there's there's I hope that we become overwhelmed by I hope that we become overwhelmed by I hope that we become overwhelmed by goodness that we see.

goodness that we see. goodness that we see. Believers in Christ ought to be the most Believers in Christ ought to be the most Believers in Christ ought to be the most thankful, thankful, thankful, joyful, joyful, joyful, like we ought to see the gifts and the like we ought to see the gifts and the like we ought to see the gifts and the blessings of life better than anything blessings of life better than anything blessings of life better than anything else. else. else. We ought to be have and embrace those We ought to be have and embrace those We ought to be have and embrace those times of transcendent happiness. times of transcendent happiness. times of transcendent happiness. And they're God's gift to you saying And they're God's gift to you saying And they're God's gift to you saying that's a foretaste. That's the first that's a foretaste. That's the first that's a foretaste. That's the first bite of what's coming your way. That's bite of what's coming your way. That's bite of what's coming your way. That's just a a preview. just a a preview. just a a preview. Every good gift that you have is if Every good gift that you have is if Every good gift that you have is if that's God whispering. Wait till Wait till I show you what I Wait till Wait till I show you what I can do. can do. can do. Wait till Wait till we've removed all Wait till Wait till we've removed all Wait till Wait till we've removed all sin and death and then I'll show you who sin and death and then I'll show you who sin and death and then I'll show you who you'll be and the things I can do. you'll be and the things I can do. you'll be and the things I can do. Man, what a day. What a day. Man, what a day. What a day. Man, what a day. What a day. What is coming is the redemption of your What is coming is the redemption of your What is coming is the redemption of your bodies and the physical world.

bodies and the physical world. bodies and the physical world. I hope that you caught up at picked up I hope that you caught up at picked up I hope that you caught up at picked up at the end of verse 23. It ends with the at the end of verse 23. It ends with the at the end of verse 23. It ends with the redemption of our bodies. redemption of our bodies. redemption of our bodies. Notice what he doesn't say. He doesn't Notice what he doesn't say. He doesn't Notice what he doesn't say. He doesn't say that we're simply waiting to go to say that we're simply waiting to go to say that we're simply waiting to go to heaven so that we could leave this world heaven so that we could leave this world heaven so that we could leave this world behind. And but what he says is behind. And but what he says is behind. And but what he says is Christian redemption includes Christian redemption includes Christian redemption includes our physical bodies. That's what our physical bodies. That's what our physical bodies. That's what resurrection is all about. Jesus rose resurrection is all about. Jesus rose resurrection is all about. Jesus rose from the dead not just to to prove he from the dead not just to to prove he from the dead not just to to prove he could do so and was more powerful. could do so and was more powerful. could do so and was more powerful. That's it. That's enough. But he's That's it. That's enough. But he's That's it. That's enough. But he's saying this is how we we'll live this saying this is how we we'll live this saying this is how we we'll live this way moving forward. way moving forward. way moving forward. That may surprise a lot of people in That may surprise a lot of people in That may surprise a lot of people in this room. this room. this room. I think a lot of believers have this I think a lot of believers have this I think a lot of believers have this misunderstanding misunderstanding misunderstanding that when you die and you are in God's that when you die and you are in God's that when you die and you are in God's presence that you'll be some kind of presence that you'll be some kind of presence that you'll be some kind of spiritual being that's disembodied. spiritual being that's disembodied. spiritual being that's disembodied. Maybe you'll be on a cloud somewhere and Maybe you'll be on a cloud somewhere and Maybe you'll be on a cloud somewhere and forced to play a harp. I don't know.

forced to play a harp. I don't know. forced to play a harp. I don't know. I don't know. I don't know. I don't know. This isn't that's not the Bible. This isn't that's not the Bible. This isn't that's not the Bible. The Christian hope is way bigger than The Christian hope is way bigger than The Christian hope is way bigger than that. The final chapter of of God's that. The final chapter of of God's that. The final chapter of of God's story is not about souls escaping story is not about souls escaping story is not about souls escaping his creation. It's creation itself his creation. It's creation itself his creation. It's creation itself getting remade and renew. Renewed in getting remade and renew. Renewed in getting remade and renew. Renewed in perfection. perfection. perfection. It's resurrection, It's resurrection, It's resurrection, restoration, redeeming restoration, redeeming restoration, redeeming things. things. things. New heavens, new earth, glorified New heavens, new earth, glorified New heavens, new earth, glorified bodies. bodies. bodies. About 20 years ago, I About 20 years ago, I About 20 years ago, I in a time of incredible sorrow, I did a in a time of incredible sorrow, I did a in a time of incredible sorrow, I did a deep dive on deep dive on deep dive on started at the beginning and went all started at the beginning and went all started at the beginning and went all the way. I studied everything I could the way. I studied everything I could the way. I studied everything I could study. Every instance of in the Bible study. Every instance of in the Bible study. Every instance of in the Bible where it talked about heaven, God's where it talked about heaven, God's where it talked about heaven, God's presence, presence, presence, where what that what that was like, where what that what that was like, where what that what that was like, whether whether that was someone who was whether whether that was someone who was whether whether that was someone who was there or whether it was what God talked there or whether it was what God talked there or whether it was what God talked about when he talked about what the about when he talked about what the about when he talked about what the biblical writers said about it, any kind biblical writers said about it, any kind biblical writers said about it, any kind of talk about that at all. I was like, of talk about that at all. I was like, of talk about that at all. I was like, I need hope. And so I I did a deep dive.

I need hope. And so I I did a deep dive. I need hope. And so I I did a deep dive. I read books from faithful I read books from faithful I read books from faithful biblical writers biblical writers biblical writers to to think through, man, if if this is to to think through, man, if if this is to to think through, man, if if this is where my eternity is going to be, what's where my eternity is going to be, what's where my eternity is going to be, what's it going to be like? it going to be like? it going to be like? I was amazed. I was amazed. I was amazed. My heart was full and my mind was blown. My heart was full and my mind was blown. My heart was full and my mind was blown. I could talk about this for hours, but I I could talk about this for hours, but I I could talk about this for hours, but I am going to talk about it for a few am going to talk about it for a few am going to talk about it for a few minutes. minutes. minutes. and and and and I hope that some excitement and hope and I hope that some excitement and hope and I hope that some excitement and hope comes for you as well. comes for you as well. comes for you as well. These are things that the Bible says you These are things that the Bible says you These are things that the Bible says you you will have a body and it will be you you will have a body and it will be you you will have a body and it will be you and your body. and your body. and your body. You will have in the final redemption, You will have in the final redemption, You will have in the final redemption, you will have a new and glorious body. you will have a new and glorious body. you will have a new and glorious body. it'll be you after resurrection. Unless it'll be you after resurrection. Unless it'll be you after resurrection. Unless Jesus kind of blinded them from Jesus kind of blinded them from Jesus kind of blinded them from recognizing him, they knew it was him. recognizing him, they knew it was him. recognizing him, they knew it was him. They knew what he looked like. And They knew what he looked like. And They knew what he looked like. And they're like, clearly that's Jesus. He they're like, clearly that's Jesus. He they're like, clearly that's Jesus. He had he had the wounds on his hands to had he had the wounds on his hands to had he had the wounds on his hands to prove they knew who it was. He wasn't a prove they knew who it was. He wasn't a prove they knew who it was. He wasn't a ghost to them.

Our bodies will not be discarded. Our bodies will not be discarded. They'll be transformed. They'll be transformed. They'll be transformed. Mortality will put on immortality. Mortality will put on immortality. Mortality will put on immortality. Corruption will put on incorruption. Corruption will put on incorruption. Corruption will put on incorruption. And I think a lot of people, if they're And I think a lot of people, if they're And I think a lot of people, if they're honest, they're hearing this and they're honest, they're hearing this and they're honest, they're hearing this and they're like, like, like, I'm not super encouraged by that. I'm not super encouraged by that. I'm not super encouraged by that. [snorts] [snorts] [snorts] I They think, can I trade mine in? Can I I They think, can I trade mine in? Can I I They think, can I trade mine in? Can I trade up? trade up? trade up? But it will be raised in glory. But it will be raised in glory. But it will be raised in glory. And vanity won't be a thing in heaven And vanity won't be a thing in heaven And vanity won't be a thing in heaven either. either. either. But it will be forever But it will be forever But it will be forever vital, vital, vital, forever joyful. forever joyful. forever joyful. It'll be raised in glory, which means no It'll be raised in glory, which means no It'll be raised in glory, which means no more disease, more disease, more disease, no more cancer, no more cancer, no more cancer, no more dementia, no more dementia, no more dementia, no more funerals, no more funerals, no more funerals, no more surgeries, no more surgeries, no more surgeries, no more mental health challenges, no more hang-ups, struggles, no more hang-ups, struggles, no more disabilities of any kind.

no more disabilities of any kind. no more disabilities of any kind. No more exhaustion. No more aging. No more exhaustion. No more aging. No more exhaustion. No more aging. But it'll be you with your identity in But it'll be you with your identity in But it'll be you with your identity in your memories, in your stories your memories, in your stories your memories, in your stories and relationships. See, you'll have and relationships. See, you'll have and relationships. See, you'll have emotions emotions emotions and desires and creativity and and desires and creativity and and desires and creativity and enjoyments. enjoyments. enjoyments. People will matter to you. A vision of People will matter to you. A vision of People will matter to you. A vision of heaven that does not involve heaven that does not involve heaven that does not involve relationships is a rejection relationships is a rejection relationships is a rejection of the triune God. of the triune God. of the triune God. God, the Godhead is all about God, the Godhead is all about God, the Godhead is all about relationships. relationships. relationships. So, this one where we're all So, this one where we're all So, this one where we're all disconnected from each other and just disconnected from each other and just disconnected from each other and just happen to just love God. Like, I don't happen to just love God. Like, I don't happen to just love God. Like, I don't think that is a biblical idea at all. think that is a biblical idea at all. think that is a biblical idea at all. See, people are named. Angels have names See, people are named. Angels have names See, people are named. Angels have names in heaven. We know of at least two, in heaven. We know of at least two, in heaven. We know of at least two, Michael and Gabriel. Michael and Gabriel. Michael and Gabriel. That's so we can know them, identify That's so we can know them, identify That's so we can know them, identify them, and relate to them. [crying] them, and relate to them. [crying] them, and relate to them. [crying] That's what these stories are about in That's what these stories are about in That's what these stories are about in these people. And and I think that God these people. And and I think that God these people. And and I think that God gets tons of joy and pleasure and glory gets tons of joy and pleasure and glory gets tons of joy and pleasure and glory when his children relate to one another.

when his children relate to one another. when his children relate to one another. Well, I know I do. When my three boys Well, I know I do. When my three boys Well, I know I do. When my three boys are getting along, I'm not like, I need are getting along, I'm not like, I need are getting along, I'm not like, I need all their attention back at me. Bring it all their attention back at me. Bring it all their attention back at me. Bring it where it belongs. I find a lot of where it belongs. I find a lot of where it belongs. I find a lot of pleasure pleasure pleasure when they are experiencing joy and unity when they are experiencing joy and unity when they are experiencing joy and unity together. together. together. That's the heart of a loving father. And That's the heart of a loving father. And That's the heart of a loving father. And and God says he he is the best loving and God says he he is the best loving and God says he he is the best loving father that can possibly be. father that can possibly be. father that can possibly be. You wouldn't be you if you didn't love, You wouldn't be you if you didn't love, You wouldn't be you if you didn't love, remember, know, interact, and enjoy God remember, know, interact, and enjoy God remember, know, interact, and enjoy God with others. God has emotions. with others. God has emotions. with others. God has emotions. You will, too. You will, too. You will, too. The full scope of what it means to be The full scope of what it means to be The full scope of what it means to be human exists in heaven. human exists in heaven. human exists in heaven. only tons more and tons better. That's only tons more and tons better. That's only tons more and tons better. That's the whole theme of heaven. Tons more and the whole theme of heaven. Tons more and the whole theme of heaven. Tons more and tons better. tons better. tons better. But creation gets in on it, too. The But creation gets in on it, too. The But creation gets in on it, too. The same power that our bodies will same power that our bodies will same power that our bodies will experience at renewal, creation will experience at renewal, creation will experience at renewal, creation will also.

also. also. Creation wants in on the party that we Creation wants in on the party that we Creation wants in on the party that we will experience. The Bible, what we know will experience. The Bible, what we know will experience. The Bible, what we know is there is at least one tree in heaven is there is at least one tree in heaven is there is at least one tree in heaven and it's huge. It makes a seoia look or and it's huge. It makes a seoia look or and it's huge. It makes a seoia look or a red a redwood look tiny. a red a redwood look tiny. a red a redwood look tiny. This tree of life is colossal. It spans This tree of life is colossal. It spans This tree of life is colossal. It spans across an entire river. across an entire river. across an entire river. And it's not an apple tree. It's not a a And it's not an apple tree. It's not a a And it's not an apple tree. It's not a a fruit tree. It It's a different kind of fruit tree. It It's a different kind of fruit tree. It It's a different kind of tree every single month. Every month it tree every single month. Every month it tree every single month. Every month it has a different kind of fruit. Think has a different kind of fruit. Think has a different kind of fruit. Think about that. about that. about that. Let your mind be blown by that. that Let your mind be blown by that. that Let your mind be blown by that. that every single month it's it produces its every single month it's it produces its every single month it's it produces its leaves have have special properties. leaves have have special properties. leaves have have special properties. We know that there's a river in heaven. We know that there's a river in heaven. We know that there's a river in heaven. And when they're talking about like that And when they're talking about like that And when they're talking about like that is it is like literally clear as is it is like literally clear as is it is like literally clear as crystal. If there's one tree, could there be If there's one tree, could there be forests? forests? forests? If there's one river, could there be If there's one river, could there be If there's one river, could there be more water?

more water? more water? We know that there's at least another a We know that there's at least another a We know that there's at least another a mountain as well. John in Revelation is mountain as well. John in Revelation is mountain as well. John in Revelation is taken up there to a mountain where he taken up there to a mountain where he taken up there to a mountain where he sees New Jerusalem come down from heaven sees New Jerusalem come down from heaven sees New Jerusalem come down from heaven and earth, heaven and earth come and earth, heaven and earth come and earth, heaven and earth come together. Mountains usually exist in together. Mountains usually exist in together. Mountains usually exist in ranges. ranges. ranges. Will we ski? I don't know. Will we ski? I don't know. Will we ski? I don't know. Maybe. Maybe. Maybe. We know that there's food in heaven. We know that there's food in heaven. We know that there's food in heaven. You'll eat food. You'll eat food. You'll eat food. What will food be like? That's What will food be like? That's What will food be like? That's by people who have spent eternity honing by people who have spent eternity honing by people who have spent eternity honing a craft out of devotion to God. What's a craft out of devotion to God. What's a craft out of devotion to God. What's that going to be like? that going to be like? that going to be like? Joyful. Joyful. Joyful. We know that there's a huge city, the We know that there's a huge city, the We know that there's a huge city, the new Jerusalem. When Ross talked about new Jerusalem. When Ross talked about new Jerusalem. When Ross talked about that, it's huge in scope. There's going that, it's huge in scope. There's going that, it's huge in scope. There's going to be an energy and a joy and excitement to be an energy and a joy and excitement to be an energy and a joy and excitement about it. When Ross talked about it, he about it. When Ross talked about it, he about it. When Ross talked about it, he wasn't very excited. wasn't very excited. wasn't very excited. But what he also didn't mention is that But what he also didn't mention is that But what he also didn't mention is that city has gates. city has gates. city has gates. And we know John sees people traveling And we know John sees people traveling And we know John sees people traveling in and out.

in and out. in and out. And so we'll travel. We'll go different And so we'll travel. We'll go different And so we'll travel. We'll go different places. Well, and where a city ends, the places. Well, and where a city ends, the places. Well, and where a city ends, the country begins. country begins. country begins. What what else is beyond that city? That What what else is beyond that city? That What what else is beyond that city? That city is not all. We know there'll be other created beings We know there'll be other created beings there. there. there. There are all kinds of things that God There are all kinds of things that God There are all kinds of things that God created. created. created. And so other things of like it's it's And so other things of like it's it's And so other things of like it's it's going to be the Godhead. It'll be human going to be the Godhead. It'll be human going to be the Godhead. It'll be human beings. It'll be angels. And then we beings. It'll be angels. And then we beings. It'll be angels. And then we know there's other things there too. know there's other things there too. know there's other things there too. Like Ezekiel and in John and Revelation, Like Ezekiel and in John and Revelation, Like Ezekiel and in John and Revelation, they they try to describe these other they they try to describe these other they they try to describe these other kind of things. and they're like, "It's kind of things. and they're like, "It's kind of things. and they're like, "It's kind of like kind of like kind of like it's similar to it's similar to it's similar to sort of like sort of like sort of like so I don't know if you're so I don't know if you're so I don't know if you're I don't know if your pet I don't know I don't know if your pet I don't know I don't know if your pet I don't know about that. I don't know if Mr. Cuddles about that. I don't know if Mr. Cuddles about that. I don't know if Mr. Cuddles is going to be there, but I know that there God has created a but I know that there God has created a ton more things than what we have ton more things than what we have ton more things than what we have experienced and seen here on earth.

And so will that because we see this And so will that because we see this principle of continuity in heaven. principle of continuity in heaven. principle of continuity in heaven. We we see similar and like things in We we see similar and like things in We we see similar and like things in both perspectives but but better and both perspectives but but better and both perspectives but but better and more holy and right. more holy and right. more holy and right. Whatever it is like whatever is there or Whatever it is like whatever is there or Whatever it is like whatever is there or not there. Here is what I know. not there. Here is what I know. not there. Here is what I know. Here is what I know. It will be better Here is what I know. It will be better Here is what I know. It will be better than what is here and better than what than what is here and better than what than what is here and better than what you can imagine. Because you simply Because you simply cannot out imagine, cannot out imagine, cannot out imagine, outreate, outreate, outreate, out love, out love, out love, out invent, out invent, out invent, out enjoy, out love, or out curiosity out enjoy, out love, or out curiosity out enjoy, out love, or out curiosity God. Let that sink in. Let that sink in. Can you imagine a world where nothing Can you imagine a world where nothing Can you imagine a world where nothing decays, decays, decays, nothing?

nothing? nothing? Where beauty never fades? Where Where beauty never fades? Where Where beauty never fades? Where relationships never fracture? Joy never relationships never fracture? Joy never relationships never fracture? Joy never diminishes. diminishes. diminishes. Every day becomes somehow more joyful Every day becomes somehow more joyful Every day becomes somehow more joyful than the day before. than the day before. than the day before. Can you imagine seeing Jesus? Can you imagine seeing Jesus? Can you imagine seeing Jesus? That's coming. That's coming. That's coming. You You will see him and experience him. That's what Paul wants filling your That's what Paul wants filling your imagination. imagination. imagination. That's That's That's when your future becomes real. Your when your future becomes real. Your when your future becomes real. Your present suffering begins to look present suffering begins to look present suffering begins to look different. different. different. It doesn't become absolute anymore. And It doesn't become absolute anymore. And It doesn't become absolute anymore. And life here doesn't become a zero sum game life here doesn't become a zero sum game life here doesn't become a zero sum game of whether you're winning or you're of whether you're winning or you're of whether you're winning or you're losing. He wants you to fill your imagination. He wants you to fill your imagination. Is the groaning real? Yes. Is the groaning real? Yes. Is the groaning real? Yes. It's real. It's not small at times and It's real. It's not small at times and It's real. It's not small at times and it's not insignificant, it's not insignificant, it's not insignificant, but it's temporary.

but it's temporary. but it's temporary. It's temporary. It's temporary. It's temporary. And then he takes us to the application And then he takes us to the application And then he takes us to the application in the last two verses 24 and 25. Now in this hope we were saved but hope Now in this hope we were saved but hope that is seen is not hope because who that is seen is not hope because who that is seen is not hope because who hopes for what he sees? Now if we hope hopes for what he sees? Now if we hope hopes for what he sees? Now if we hope for what we do not see we eagerly wait for what we do not see we eagerly wait for what we do not see we eagerly wait for it with patience. He says the word hope five times in two He says the word hope five times in two verses. verses. verses. I think that's what he's trying to to I think that's what he's trying to to I think that's what he's trying to to get us to do. He's he's wanting us to get us to do. He's he's wanting us to get us to do. He's he's wanting us to practice hope, practice hope, practice hope, to actually do the work of hoping to actually do the work of hoping to actually do the work of hoping because two times in there, hope is a because two times in there, hope is a because two times in there, hope is a verb. It's something that we're to verb. It's something that we're to verb. It's something that we're to actually be about and and activate in actually be about and and activate in actually be about and and activate in our lives. our lives. our lives. See, we use hope wrongly so often in our See, we use hope wrongly so often in our See, we use hope wrongly so often in our culture. We we we view it as wishful culture. We we we view it as wishful culture. We we we view it as wishful thinking. What we'd like to see happen, thinking. What we'd like to see happen, thinking. What we'd like to see happen, but that's not biblical hope. Biblical but that's not biblical hope. Biblical but that's not biblical hope. Biblical hope is not crossing your fingers. It's hope is not crossing your fingers. It's hope is not crossing your fingers. It's standing on promises.

standing on promises. standing on promises. That is what hope is. That is what hope is. That is what hope is. And it's something that we can exercise And it's something that we can exercise And it's something that we can exercise and grow into and grow into and grow into that we can stretch out and make bigger that we can stretch out and make bigger that we can stretch out and make bigger that it becomes vivid and real the more that it becomes vivid and real the more that it becomes vivid and real the more that we do it. I wonder that we do it. I wonder that we do it. I wonder how much differently many of us would how much differently many of us would how much differently many of us would experience life experience life experience life if we spent as much time practicing hope if we spent as much time practicing hope if we spent as much time practicing hope as we do practicing worry. as we do practicing worry. as we do practicing worry. I I I wonder what that would look like. wonder what that would look like. wonder what that would look like. We replay conversations. We replay conversations. We replay conversations. We rehearse We rehearse We rehearse anxieties. anxieties. anxieties. We bring tomorrow's burdens We bring tomorrow's burdens We bring tomorrow's burdens into today before we even have to start into today before we even have to start into today before we even have to start worrying about those. Paul Paul gently says, "What if you became just as gently says, "What if you became just as gently says, "What if you became just as intentional about rehearsing God's intentional about rehearsing God's intentional about rehearsing God's promises promises promises and how things are going to go with you and how things are going to go with you and how things are going to go with you and for you?" Or every morning, rather and for you?" Or every morning, rather and for you?" Or every morning, rather than fear and worry or doubt, we spoke, than fear and worry or doubt, we spoke, than fear and worry or doubt, we spoke, "My body "My body "My body which got injured while I'm sleeping which got injured while I'm sleeping which got injured while I'm sleeping [laughter] [laughter] [laughter] will someday be redeemed.

My suffering has an expiration date. The My suffering has an expiration date. The difficulties of this world are for a difficulties of this world are for a difficulties of this world are for a season and that's all. season and that's all. season and that's all. Someday I will see Jesus. A believer is someone who refuses to A believer is someone who refuses to worship the gifts that God gives because worship the gifts that God gives because worship the gifts that God gives because they want to worship the giver because they want to worship the giver because they want to worship the giver because they know he's better. He's better. they know he's better. He's better. they know he's better. He's better. And Paul is saying God wants it all And Paul is saying God wants it all And Paul is saying God wants it all back. back. back. He's going to reclaim everything that's He's going to reclaim everything that's He's going to reclaim everything that's been infected by sin and he's going to been infected by sin and he's going to been infected by sin and he's going to reestablish it. And he's going to make a reestablish it. And he's going to make a reestablish it. And he's going to make a new creation with new heavens, new new creation with new heavens, new new creation with new heavens, new earth, new Jerusalem. earth, new Jerusalem. earth, new Jerusalem. So he says, "Wait for it with patience." So he says, "Wait for it with patience." So he says, "Wait for it with patience." Not passive, but active. Not passive, but active. Not passive, but active. He wants it all back. And God get God He wants it all back. And God get God He wants it all back. And God get God gets what he wants. gets what he wants. gets what he wants. He will restore things. And so, brothers He will restore things. And so, brothers He will restore things. And so, brothers and sisters, practice hope.

and sisters, practice hope. and sisters, practice hope. The other day, a young girl, her name is The other day, a young girl, her name is The other day, a young girl, her name is Cassie, Cassie, Cassie, maybe she's five or six. maybe she's five or six. maybe she's five or six. Uh she Uh she Uh she after church one time she's like, "Hey, after church one time she's like, "Hey, after church one time she's like, "Hey, come here." and she's in her car seat in come here." and she's in her car seat in come here." and she's in her car seat in a in her [laughter] minivan. Her parents a in her [laughter] minivan. Her parents a in her [laughter] minivan. Her parents are on their side loading her brother. are on their side loading her brother. are on their side loading her brother. She's like, "Guess what?" I'm like, "I'm She's like, "Guess what?" I'm like, "I'm She's like, "Guess what?" I'm like, "I'm going to need a little information. I going to need a little information. I going to need a little information. I don't have enough to make a good guess." don't have enough to make a good guess." don't have enough to make a good guess." She's like, "Yesterday is my birthday." She's like, "Yesterday is my birthday." She's like, "Yesterday is my birthday." She like, "Guess what?" I'm like, "I I She like, "Guess what?" I'm like, "I I She like, "Guess what?" I'm like, "I I don't what what like guess what the don't what what like guess what the don't what what like guess what the theme was for my birthday party was?" I theme was for my birthday party was?" I theme was for my birthday party was?" I was like, "I know that it's unicorns." was like, "I know that it's unicorns." was like, "I know that it's unicorns." Cuz she had unicorns Cuz she had unicorns Cuz she had unicorns tattooed all over her legs and arms. And tattooed all over her legs and arms. And tattooed all over her legs and arms. And she was like, "What? she was like, "What? she was like, "What? You're a sorcerer." [laughter] You're a sorcerer." [laughter] You're a sorcerer." [laughter] She didn't say that part. He said, She didn't say that part. He said, She didn't say that part. He said, "Guess what?" I was like, "Just tell me, "Guess what?" I was like, "Just tell me, "Guess what?" I was like, "Just tell me, Cassie."

Cassie." Cassie." It's like, "Next year the theme's going It's like, "Next year the theme's going It's like, "Next year the theme's going to be mermaids." to be mermaids." to be mermaids." I was like, "All right, we're going with I was like, "All right, we're going with I was like, "All right, we're going with a fantasy direction. a fantasy direction. a fantasy direction. And then she just kind of like And then she just kind of like And then she just kind of like left me, left the car, like started left me, left the car, like started left me, left the car, like started staring off and she was like, "I'm so staring off and she was like, "I'm so staring off and she was like, "I'm so excited. excited. excited. I wish it was here soon." I wish it was here soon." I wish it was here soon." It was such a sweet moment. And then the It was such a sweet moment. And then the It was such a sweet moment. And then the next Sunday, she did the exact same next Sunday, she did the exact same next Sunday, she did the exact same thing with my wife. And I was with them thing with my wife. And I was with them thing with my wife. And I was with them and I was like, "Unicorns, mermaids, and I was like, "Unicorns, mermaids, and I was like, "Unicorns, mermaids, done." I was like, "What? You're weird. done." I was like, "What? You're weird. done." I was like, "What? You're weird. [laughter] And I was preparing, thinking, praying, And I was preparing, thinking, praying, and I felt like and I felt like and I felt like for this sermon, I just I feel like the for this sermon, I just I feel like the for this sermon, I just I feel like the Holy Spirit Holy Spirit Holy Spirit brought Cassie to mind. brought Cassie to mind. brought Cassie to mind. And I felt like led me to this thought And I felt like led me to this thought And I felt like led me to this thought that God is more excited that God is more excited that God is more excited about all of these kids getting home to about all of these kids getting home to about all of these kids getting home to heaven than Cassie is with her birthday.

heaven than Cassie is with her birthday. heaven than Cassie is with her birthday. And I'm like, that's what's coming for And I'm like, that's what's coming for And I'm like, that's what's coming for us. Like that's the hope to have. us. Like that's the hope to have. us. Like that's the hope to have. Our God who is love calls himself a good Our God who is love calls himself a good Our God who is love calls himself a good father who loves to give good gifts. And father who loves to give good gifts. And father who loves to give good gifts. And he's like, I've got something for you. he's like, I've got something for you. he's like, I've got something for you. And so until we realize that fully, And so until we realize that fully, And so until we realize that fully, brothers and sisters, let's practice brothers and sisters, let's practice brothers and sisters, let's practice hope. hope. hope. Let's pray. God, I pray that you would God, I pray that you would stir our longings and our anticipation stir our longings and our anticipation stir our longings and our anticipation and joy for the day that we get to see you. for the day that we get to see you. Experience your creation in the ways Experience your creation in the ways Experience your creation in the ways that you that you that you long to show it to us.

So God, I pray that we would be about So God, I pray that we would be about the work of So church, right now, we're just going So church, right now, we're just going to give you a few minutes and I just invite you to practice hope, and I just invite you to practice hope, to think about it, to pray about it. to think about it, to pray about it. to think about it, to pray about it. either think or pray about what what either think or pray about what what either think or pray about what what life with God is going to look like when life with God is going to look like when life with God is going to look like when you're with him for forever. you're with him for forever. you're with him for forever. Think about the things I talked about of Think about the things I talked about of Think about the things I talked about of what the Bible says it's going to be. what the Bible says it's going to be. what the Bible says it's going to be. There's a million things we don't know There's a million things we don't know There's a million things we don't know and there are things that we know. and there are things that we know. and there are things that we know. So spending a moment or two praying or So spending a moment or two praying or So spending a moment or two praying or thinking on your own and then we'll thinking on your own and then we'll thinking on your own and then we'll respond how we ought to respond which is respond how we ought to respond which is respond how we ought to respond which is praising the Lord.

church. As we church. As we respond together this [music] morning, respond together this [music] morning, respond together this [music] morning, if you need to continue to sit, to if you need to continue to sit, to if you need to continue to sit, to stand, to kneel, uh we invite you to do stand, to kneel, uh we invite you to do stand, to kneel, uh we invite you to do so. As we respond this morning, we're so. As we respond this morning, we're so. As we respond this morning, we're going to teach you a new song. As we going to teach you a new song. As we going to teach you a new song. As we look [music] to the days to come where look [music] to the days to come where look [music] to the days to come where Christ Jesus returns and he makes all Christ Jesus returns and he makes all Christ Jesus returns and he makes all things new. [music] And we long for that things new. [music] And we long for that things new. [music] And we long for that day. day. day. would we be reminded that he is working would we be reminded that he is working would we be reminded that he is working here and now [music] until the day that here and now [music] until the day that here and now [music] until the day that he calls us home. So I want to teach us he calls us home. So I want to teach us he calls us home. So I want to teach us this chorus uh and then continue to sing this chorus uh and then continue to sing this chorus uh and then continue to sing the song together. He's making all [singing] things new. He's making all [singing] things new. I know it's coming soon. I know it's coming soon. I know it's coming soon. He's making all things right, bringing He's making all things right, bringing He's making all things right, bringing [singing] [singing] [singing] what's dead [music] to life. what's dead [music] to life. what's dead [music] to life. He's in our deepest pain, He's in our deepest pain, He's in our deepest pain, our hope in suffering.

our hope in suffering. our hope in suffering. He's making all things [singing] new. He's making all things [singing] new. He's making all things [singing] new. And he's coming [music] And he's coming [music] And he's coming [music] soon. Like a flower blooms in Like a flower blooms in [music and singing] winter snow. Like the warmth of [music] spring and Like the warmth of [music] spring and bit cold, I'm looking to the days I'm looking to the days [music and singing] [music and singing] [music and singing] to come. Oh, I'm longing for my future [music] Oh, I'm longing for my future [music] home. If a desert stream can somehow flow If a desert stream can somehow flow [music] [music] [music] in the bar and land a [singing] garden in the miracle [singing and music] in the miracle [singing and music] I'll surely see is the life of Christ [music] alive in is the life of Christ [music] alive in me. We sing this. All things.

me. We sing this. All things. me. We sing this. All things. [music] He's making all things new. I [music] He's making all things new. I [music] He's making all things new. I know he's coming [music] soon. He's know he's coming [music] soon. He's know he's coming [music] soon. He's making all things [singing] right. making all things [singing] right. making all things [singing] right. Bringing what's [music] dead to life. Bringing what's [music] dead to life. Bringing what's [music] dead to life. He's in our [singing] deepest pain. Our He's in our [singing] deepest pain. Our He's in our [singing] deepest pain. Our hope [music] in suffering. hope [music] in suffering. hope [music] in suffering. He's making all things new. He's making all things new. He's making all things new. [music and singing] [music and singing] [music and singing] He's coming soon. whether [music] here. whether [music] here. [singing] You planted every You planted every me. [music] That's the miracle of Christ in me.

That's the miracle of Christ in me. [music] [music] [music] [singing] [singing] [singing] That's the miracle of Christ in me. That's the miracle of Christ in me. That's the miracle of Christ in me. [music] [music] [music] He's making me. He's making me. He's making me. [music] I know it's coming soon. Heat. [music] I know it's coming soon. Heat. [music] I know it's coming soon. Heat. Heat. Why are you tell [music] Why are you tell [music] my soul when you belong [singing] to God my soul when you belong [singing] to God my soul when you belong [singing] to God alone? alone? alone? Every word [music] you said is true. Every word [music] you said is true. Every word [music] you said is true. He's coming soon.

He's coming soon. He's coming soon. [music] And why don't you open up your [music] And why don't you open up your [music] And why don't you open up your eyes? When begin eyes? When begin eyes? When begin [music] Yeah. [music] Yeah. [music] Heat. Every wrong will be made right.

Every wrong will be made right. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> No darkness, no night, >> No darkness, no night, >> No darkness, no night, and the sun will light the way. [music] The one who conquered death [music] and The one who conquered death [music] and grave. No more pain and [music] no more sorrow. No more pain and [music] no more sorrow. This hope for tomorrow This hope for tomorrow This hope for tomorrow is our hope for today. is our hope for today. is our hope for today. [music] He who was [music] He who was [music] and he who is and he who is and he who is here who was [music] here who was [music] here who was [music] he who is he who is he who is he who is to come. Christ [music and singing] the son of Christ [music and singing] the son of man man man riding on the clouds [singing] with riding on the clouds [singing] with riding on the clouds [singing] with [music] a crown upon his head.

[music] a crown upon his head. [music] a crown upon his head. Every eye will see him with the nail Every eye will see him with the nail Every eye will see him with the nail [music] scars in his hands. Hallelujah. [music] of all glory and all [singing] [music] of all glory and all [singing] praise. [music] [music] All we All we All we [singing] [singing] [singing] strength, wisdom, and power strength, wisdom, and power strength, wisdom, and power to the lamb [music] to the lamb [music] to the lamb [music] that was [singing] Every eye will see him with the nail Every eye will see him with the nail [music] stars in his hands. Hallelujah.

>> [music] >> [music] >> He's surely coming. All this tension growing stronger. It's All this tension growing stronger. It's just a sign he's getting closer. [music] just a sign he's getting closer. [music] just a sign he's getting closer. [music] He's already the story has been. [music] the story has been. [music] [singing] My [music] future has My [music] future has my eyes are on the same [music] my eyes are on the same [music] my eyes are on the same [music] coming back again. >> Heat. Heat.

>> Heat. Heat. [music] Yeah. [music] Yeah. [music] Heat. [music] [music] Yeah. >> Yes, Father. We sing hallelujah. Praise >> Yes, Father. We sing hallelujah. Praise be to our God. Holy, mighty, strong, be to our God. Holy, mighty, strong, be to our God. Holy, mighty, strong, providing for [music] us, [snorts] providing for [music] us, [snorts] providing for [music] us, [snorts] going before us, making a place for us.

Father, would [music] you keep our eyes Father, would [music] you keep our eyes and our gaze fixed on heaven, and our gaze fixed on heaven, and our gaze fixed on heaven, knowing that you [music] are working knowing that you [music] are working knowing that you [music] are working while we are here and you are moving while we are here and you are moving while we are here and you are moving in our hearts, continuing to make us new in our hearts, continuing to make us new in our hearts, continuing to make us new day by day as you sanctify us day by day as you sanctify us day by day as you sanctify us to make us look more and more like your to make us look more and more like your to make us look more and more like your son Christ Jesus. And that there will be son Christ Jesus. And that there will be son Christ Jesus. And that there will be [music] a day when every eye will see when every eye will see Christ Jesus. And we will know that following you was And we will know that following you was worth it. worth it. worth it. through the sorrow, through the through the sorrow, through the through the sorrow, through the suffering, through the groaning of you, suffering, through the groaning of you, suffering, through the groaning of you, of waiting [music] for you to come and of waiting [music] for you to come and of waiting [music] for you to come and make all things new. make all things new. make all things new. God, keep us our eyes fixed to that end, God, keep us our eyes fixed to that end, God, keep us our eyes fixed to that end, the day that is to come while we the day that is to come while we the day that is to come while we faithfully live here and now. God, we faithfully live here and now. God, we faithfully live here and now. God, we love you. We praise you. It's in your love you. We praise you. It's in your love you. We praise you. It's in your name we pray. Amen.

name we pray. Amen. name we pray. Amen. Well, church, uh, can we thank Kyle just Well, church, uh, can we thank Kyle just Well, church, uh, can we thank Kyle just for bringing the word for us the last for bringing the word for us the last for bringing the word for us the last couple weeks? Thank you for [music] couple weeks? Thank you for [music] couple weeks? Thank you for [music] pouring over God's word to lead us um pouring over God's word to lead us um pouring over God's word to lead us um and to and to teach us. Uh just one and to and to teach us. Uh just one and to and to teach us. Uh just one announcement for you before we go announcement for you before we go announcement for you before we go [music] today. Tonight here uh 5:00 p.m. [music] today. Tonight here uh 5:00 p.m. [music] today. Tonight here uh 5:00 p.m. we have our prayer gathering. Um and so we have our prayer gathering. Um and so we have our prayer gathering. Um and so we would love for you to come and be a we would love for you to come and be a we would love for you to come and be a part [music] of that. Uh essentially part [music] of that. Uh essentially part [music] of that. Uh essentially creating a prayer room out of our time creating a prayer room out of our time creating a prayer room out of our time here spent together. And so there is here spent together. And so there is here spent together. And so there is going to be um just time for us to going to be um just time for us to going to be um just time for us to [music] be led in personal prayer. Um [music] be led in personal prayer. Um [music] be led in personal prayer. Um and then we're going to sing together as and then we're going to sing together as and then we're going to sing together as well. So, I would invite you to come well. So, I would invite you to come well. So, I would invite you to come back and to take some time just to back and to take some time just to back and to take some time just to linger in the presence of God with the linger in the presence of God with the linger in the presence of God with the people of this church as we seek him and people of this church as we seek him and people of this church as we seek him and we ask for him to move in our lives. And we ask for him to move in our lives. And we ask for him to move in our lives. And so, that'll be tonight. We would love to so, that'll be tonight. We would love to so, that'll be tonight. We would love to see you here. And to close our time see you here. And to close our time see you here. And to close our time today, church, we're going to sing the today, church, we're going to sing the today, church, we're going to sing the benediction [music] together. So, if you benediction [music] together. So, if you benediction [music] together. So, if you would just outstretch your arms this would just outstretch your arms this would just outstretch your arms this morning to heaven [music] and let's morning to heaven [music] and let's morning to heaven [music] and let's praise the Trinity, the Father, the Son, praise the Trinity, the Father, the Son, praise the Trinity, the Father, the Son, and Holy Spirit.

Praise God from whom all blessings Praise God from whom all blessings flow. Praise him all creatures [music] Praise him all creatures [music] here below. Praise him Praise him above the heavenly above the heavenly above the heavenly host. host. host. Praise father, Praise father, Praise father, son, and holy son, and holy son, and holy ghost. ghost. ghost. [singing] [singing] [singing] Go in his grace. [music] Go in his Go in his grace. [music] Go in his Go in his grace. [music] Go in his peace. You're dismissed. hey,

hey, hey. my vision. Vision only

my vision. Vision only my vision only my vision only my vision only my vision only my vision only my vision only my vision only