Kings of Judah: Manasseh & Amon

Hey, good morning church family. How are Hey, good morning church family. How are we doing today? It's great to see you we doing today? It's great to see you we doing today? It's great to see you guys. My name is Jared. Let's go ahead guys. My name is Jared. Let's go ahead guys. My name is Jared. Let's go ahead and stand this morning as we worship and stand this morning as we worship and stand this morning as we worship King Jesus. I'm glad you're here at King Jesus. I'm glad you're here at King Jesus. I'm glad you're here at Austin Stone North. I want to start just Austin Stone North. I want to start just Austin Stone North. I want to start just by reading Ephesians 2:8 and 9 as we by reading Ephesians 2:8 and 9 as we by reading Ephesians 2:8 and 9 as we prepare to worship King Jesus today. For prepare to worship King Jesus today. For prepare to worship King Jesus today. For by grace you have been saved through by grace you have been saved through by grace you have been saved through faith and this is not your own doing. It faith and this is not your own doing. It faith and this is not your own doing. It is the gift of God. Amen. Not a result is the gift of God. Amen. Not a result is the gift of God. Amen. Not a result of works. so that no one may boast. of works. so that no one may boast. of works. so that no one may boast. [music] Come on, let's worship him for [music] Come on, let's worship him for [music] Come on, let's worship him for who he is today. He's worthy of our who he is today. He's worthy of our who he is today. He's worthy of our praise. Let's trust in his promises this praise. Let's trust in his promises this praise. Let's trust in his promises this morning. [music] Let's sing this together, church. Your Let's sing this together, church. Your word, your word word, your word word, your word is a lamp [music] unto [singing] my is a lamp [music] unto [singing] my is a lamp [music] unto [singing] my feet. It's your way It's your way is the [music] only way for me.

is the [music] only way for me. is the [music] only way for me. It's a narrow [singing and music] road It's a narrow [singing and music] road It's a narrow [singing and music] road that leads to life, but I want to be on that leads to life, but I want to be on that leads to life, but I want to be on [music] it. [music] it. [music] it. It's a narrow [singing] road, but the It's a narrow [singing] road, but the It's a narrow [singing] road, but the mercy is wide. You're good on your mercy is wide. You're good on your mercy is wide. You're good on your promise. Let's sing it together. [music] promise. Let's sing it together. [music] promise. Let's sing it together. [music] I'll take you at your word. I'll take you at your word. I'll take you at your word. If you said [music] it, [singing] I If you said [music] it, [singing] I If you said [music] it, [singing] I believe it. I see how good it work. believe it. I see how good it work. believe it. I see how good it work. [music and singing] [music] [music] spoke that you spoke spoke that you spoke spoke that you spoke in the chaos fell in [music] in the chaos fell in [music] in the chaos fell in [music] my but I know [singing] but I know [singing] cuz I've seen [music] it in my life. cuz I've seen [music] it in my life. cuz I've seen [music] it in my life. Thank you God. It's a narrow [music] Thank you God. It's a narrow [music] Thank you God. It's a narrow [music] road that leads you to life, but I want road that leads you to life, but I want road that leads you to life, but I want to be on it.

to be on it. to be on it. It's a narrow [singing] road [music] It's a narrow [singing] road [music] It's a narrow [singing] road [music] with the tin. with the tin. with the tin. You the water. You the water. You the water. I [music] take you at your word. I [music] take you at your word. I [music] take you at your word. You said it. I believe it. [music] I see You said it. I believe it. [music] I see You said it. I believe it. [music] I see how good it was. how good it was. how good it was. It's not [music and singing] your It's not [music and singing] your It's not [music and singing] your sing. I'll take you [music] as sing. I'll take you [music] as sing. I'll take you [music] as you said. See how [music and singing] good it See how [music and singing] good it work. [music] [music] I'll take you at your word. [music] Let's believe this together [music] Let's believe this together today. You said your love, he's speaking today. You said your love, he's speaking today. You said your love, he's speaking this. You [music] said your love this. You [music] said your love this. You [music] said your love [singing] would never give up. And you [singing] would never give up. And you [singing] would never give up. And you said your grace is always enough. And said your grace is always enough. And said your grace is always enough. And you said [music] your heart would never you said [music] your heart would never you said [music] your heart would never forget or forsake me.

forget or forsake me. forget or forsake me. [music] And you said I'm saved. And you [music] And you said I'm saved. And you [music] And you said I'm saved. And you call me yours. And [music] you set call me yours. And [music] you set call me yours. And [music] you set [singing] my future full of your love. [singing] my future full of your love. [singing] my future full of your love. And you never fail. So I know that And you never fail. So I know that And you never fail. So I know that [music and singing] you'll never fail [music and singing] you'll never fail [music and singing] you'll never fail me. Sing it again. me. Sing it again. me. Sing it again. You said your love will never [music] You said your love will never [music] You said your love will never [music] give up. You said your grace is always give up. You said your grace is always give up. You said your grace is always enough. [music] You said your heart will enough. [music] You said your heart will enough. [music] You said your heart will never forget forsake me. [music] You said You said you call me yours. You said my future. you call me yours. You said my future. you call me yours. You said my future. [music] So I [music] know that you never fail So I [music] know that you never fail me. I'll take you as your word. Come on, me. I'll take you as your word. Come on, me. I'll take you as your word. Come on, sing it. If you said it, I'll sing it. If you said it, I'll sing it. If you said it, I'll [singing and music] leave it. I see how [singing and music] leave it. I see how [singing and music] leave it. I see how good it works. Amen. You started good it works. Amen. You started good it works. Amen. You started [music and singing] your [music and singing] your [music and singing] your I take you as your >> [music]

>> [music] >> The wages of my sin was [singing] dead. You knew I couldn't pay You knew I couldn't pay [singing and music] the debt. You paid it with your final breath. Oh, You paid it with your final breath. Oh, hallelujah. [singing] [music] [music] Hallelujah. You took the wrath that You took the wrath that [singing and music] I deserve. Your holy [music and singing] blood Your holy [music and singing] blood broke every curse. Your mercy [singing and music] had a Your mercy [singing and music] had a final word. final word. final word. Oh hallelu hallelu. [singing] hallelu. [singing] [music] [music] [music] We see Christ and Christ We see Christ and Christ We see Christ and Christ crucified [singing] crucified [singing] crucified [singing] in you. We're raised from death to in you. We're raised from death to in you. We're raised from death to [music] life. We sing Christ and Christ [music] life. We sing Christ and Christ [music] life. We sing Christ and Christ crucified.

crucified. crucified. [music and singing] [music and singing] [music and singing] Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Come on [music] church, rejoice in this Come on [music] church, rejoice in this day. No sin day. No sin day. No sin and no sin is bigger [music and singing] and no sin is bigger [music and singing] and no sin is bigger [music and singing] than your love. No [music] shame is stronger than your No [music] shame is stronger than your [singing] [singing] [singing] love. Thank you Jesus. love. Thank you Jesus. love. Thank you Jesus. You [music] said it's finished. It is You [music] said it's finished. It is You [music] said it's finished. It is done. Oh hallelujah. [singing] Hallelu. Hallelu. [music] Death couldn't [music and singing] keep Death couldn't [music and singing] keep you in the ground. [music] You rose in [singing] power and [music] You rose in [singing] power and took down that power living in [music] us now. that power living in [music] us now. [singing] Oh, [music] hallelujah.

[music] hallelujah. [singing] [singing] [singing] We see Christ [music] and Christ in you. [music] in you. [music] We raise from dead [singing] to life. We raise from dead [singing] to life. We raise from dead [singing] to life. [music] [music] [music] We see Christ and Christ We see Christ and Christ We see Christ and Christ crucified. [music] crucified. [music] crucified. [music] [singing] Hallelujah. [singing] Hallelujah. [singing] Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. We [music] see Christ We [music] see Christ We [music] see Christ and and and crucified. crucified. crucified. [music and singing] >> Oh hallelujah Jesus.

>> Oh hallelujah Jesus. [music] Could it hold [music] you down? Could it hold [music] you down? [singing] Hell couldn't seal your crown. [singing] Hell couldn't seal your crown. [singing] Hell couldn't seal your crown. [music] There's resurrection power in [music] There's resurrection power in [music] There's resurrection power in your name. In your nameless [music] your name. In your nameless [music] your name. In your nameless [music] all the earth cry [singing] out lift of all the earth cry [singing] out lift of all the earth cry [singing] out lift of a holy sound again all the glory now a holy sound again all the glory now a holy sound again all the glory now [music] to Jesus name to sing it again [music] to Jesus name to sing it again [music] to Jesus name to sing it again could it hold you [singing] down [music] could it hold you [singing] down [music] could it hold you [singing] down [music] could see your crown could see your crown could see your crown resurrection [music] resurrection [music] resurrection [music] [singing] power in your name in your [singing] power in your name in your [singing] power in your name in your name name name all The [music] earth cry out [singing] all The [music] earth cry out [singing] all The [music] earth cry out [singing] for a holy sound again all the glory now for a holy sound again all the glory now for a holy sound again all the glory now [music] [music] [music] Jesus name Jesus Jesus name Jesus Jesus name Jesus dead couldn't hold you down dead couldn't hold you down dead couldn't hold you down couldn't seal [music and singing] your couldn't seal [music and singing] your couldn't seal [music and singing] your ground ground ground resurrection resurrection resurrection in your name in [music] your name in your name in [music] your name in your name in [music] your name all the earth cry Holy sun Holy sun [music] [music] [music] glory glory glory Jesus name. Jesus name. [music] Jesus name. Jesus name. [music] Jesus name. Jesus name. [music] Heat. Heat. Heat.

From From death to life we sing Christ and [music] death to life we sing Christ and [music] death to life we sing Christ and [music] Christlu church. Let's give him praise today for church. Let's give him praise today for who he is, what he's done for us. Amen. you have given us the very best of news. you have given us the very best of news. And so I'm just asking, Holy Spirit, And so I'm just asking, Holy Spirit, And so I'm just asking, Holy Spirit, that you would deliver again the that you would deliver again the that you would deliver again the goodness of this news to your people goodness of this news to your people goodness of this news to your people today. today. today. Would you even just take a moment where you you even just take a moment where you are and just ask God to speak to your are and just ask God to speak to your are and just ask God to speak to your heart in the midst of your heart in the midst of your heart in the midst of your circumstances, in the midst of your circumstances, in the midst of your circumstances, in the midst of your story? Would you ask him to meet you story? Would you ask him to meet you story? Would you ask him to meet you there even now?

Heavenly Father, you love your people. Heavenly Father, you love your people. You love them with this great enduring You love them with this great enduring You love them with this great enduring bloodshedding kind of love. And so would bloodshedding kind of love. And so would bloodshedding kind of love. And so would [music] you this morning use these [music] you this morning use these [music] you this morning use these moments? Would you use even me to feed moments? Would you use even me to feed moments? Would you use even me to feed your sheep, your sheep, your sheep, to strengthen [music] your people, to to strengthen [music] your people, to to strengthen [music] your people, to strengthen them with grace? strengthen them with grace? strengthen them with grace? It's in Jesus's name we pray. Amen. It's in Jesus's name we pray. Amen. It's in Jesus's name we pray. Amen. All right, you can have a seat. All right, you can have a seat. All right, you can have a seat. Good morning to you church. If you have Good morning to you church. If you have Good morning to you church. If you have a Bible, you can turn to 2 Chronicles a Bible, you can turn to 2 Chronicles a Bible, you can turn to 2 Chronicles chapter 33. chapter 33. chapter 33. As you're turning there, I'll say I I As you're turning there, I'll say I I As you're turning there, I'll say I I joined a slow men's slow pitch softball joined a slow men's slow pitch softball joined a slow men's slow pitch softball team recently with some other guys who team recently with some other guys who team recently with some other guys who used to be athletes from our church as used to be athletes from our church as used to be athletes from our church as well. They they they actually were well. They they they actually were well. They they they actually were already a team and then they consented already a team and then they consented already a team and then they consented to letting me be part of it, which was to letting me be part of it, which was to letting me be part of it, which was nice of them um to let me join. And so I nice of them um to let me join. And so I nice of them um to let me join. And so I I went to my first game this week and I I went to my first game this week and I I went to my first game this week and I was impressed because I saw some was impressed because I saw some was impressed because I saw some genuinely athletic movements by these genuinely athletic movements by these genuinely athletic movements by these people on the field. It was very people on the field. It was very people on the field. It was very impressive. Our North Executive pastor, impressive. Our North Executive pastor, impressive. Our North Executive pastor, Brian Bingorf, made a diving stop at Brian Bingorf, made a diving stop at Brian Bingorf, made a diving stop at second base. That was truly amazing. Uh second base. That was truly amazing. Uh second base. That was truly amazing. Uh and possibly the reason why he will need and possibly the reason why he will need and possibly the reason why he will need a knee replacement sooner rather than a knee replacement sooner rather than a knee replacement sooner rather than later. So I was also feeling my age. Uh later. So I was also feeling my age. Uh later. So I was also feeling my age. Uh as a fly ball came my way. I I don't see as a fly ball came my way. I I don't see as a fly ball came my way. I I don't see at night like I used to, which is like at night like I used to, which is like at night like I used to, which is like that's just what what is happening with that's just what what is happening with that's just what what is happening with that, you know? That's sad. Um I could

that, you know? That's sad. Um I could that, you know? That's sad. Um I could definitely see that a flyball was hit my definitely see that a flyball was hit my definitely see that a flyball was hit my direction, but it was kind of tough to direction, but it was kind of tough to direction, but it was kind of tough to gauge the distance. gauge the distance. gauge the distance. And so don't worry, you're like, "But And so don't worry, you're like, "But And so don't worry, you're like, "But did you catch the fly ball?" Yeah, I did you catch the fly ball?" Yeah, I did you catch the fly ball?" Yeah, I caught it. I caught it. But what I'm caught it. I caught it. But what I'm caught it. I caught it. But what I'm saying is it wasn't quite as easy as it saying is it wasn't quite as easy as it saying is it wasn't quite as easy as it used to be. As easy as like back in the used to be. As easy as like back in the used to be. As easy as like back in the day. day. day. my my depth perception isn't as good. my my depth perception isn't as good. my my depth perception isn't as good. And depth perception isn't this like And depth perception isn't this like And depth perception isn't this like just nice to have feature of our vision. just nice to have feature of our vision. just nice to have feature of our vision. It helps you actually navigate the world It helps you actually navigate the world It helps you actually navigate the world around you. And it's not just about like around you. And it's not just about like around you. And it's not just about like old guys softball leagues catching fly old guys softball leagues catching fly old guys softball leagues catching fly balls. Peter who who helps cultivate balls. Peter who who helps cultivate balls. Peter who who helps cultivate this space every Sunday for us as our as this space every Sunday for us as our as this space every Sunday for us as our as our production leader. He um he has an our production leader. He um he has an our production leader. He um he has an eye condition that means that he he's eye condition that means that he he's eye condition that means that he he's never had death perception and it's led never had death perception and it's led never had death perception and it's led to all but one of his toes being broken to all but one of his toes being broken to all but one of his toes being broken at some point in his life, his at some point in his life, his at some point in his life, his testimony. And so this lack of death testimony. And so this lack of death testimony. And so this lack of death perception can cause real problems, real perception can cause real problems, real perception can cause real problems, real pain as we're trying to navigate the pain as we're trying to navigate the pain as we're trying to navigate the world that we are living in. And this is world that we are living in. And this is world that we are living in. And this is true for us spiritually as well, except true for us spiritually as well, except true for us spiritually as well, except with higher stakes. Think about two with higher stakes. Think about two with higher stakes. Think about two things that are central to the story of things that are central to the story of things that are central to the story of redemption that God is writing through redemption that God is writing through redemption that God is writing through history. Two things that are seen often, history. Two things that are seen often, history. Two things that are seen often, but their depth is misjudged.

but their depth is misjudged. but their depth is misjudged. Sin and grace. There's these two things Sin and grace. There's these two things Sin and grace. There's these two things that are seen often, but the depth of that are seen often, but the depth of that are seen often, but the depth of them is often misjudged. them is often misjudged. them is often misjudged. And so you you probably are familiar And so you you probably are familiar And so you you probably are familiar with sin and grace and you wouldn't have with sin and grace and you wouldn't have with sin and grace and you wouldn't have trouble seeing them, trouble seeing them, trouble seeing them, but the depth of them is the question. but the depth of them is the question. but the depth of them is the question. So take sin. Sin is a word that feel So take sin. Sin is a word that feel So take sin. Sin is a word that feel feels spiritually and culturally loaded. feels spiritually and culturally loaded. feels spiritually and culturally loaded. If you just talk about sin out there in If you just talk about sin out there in If you just talk about sin out there in the world, there's a lot there's a lot the world, there's a lot there's a lot the world, there's a lot there's a lot of it's a very spiritually loaded word. of it's a very spiritually loaded word. of it's a very spiritually loaded word. But I I heard somebody in a totally But I I heard somebody in a totally But I I heard somebody in a totally secular setting describing somebody's secular setting describing somebody's secular setting describing somebody's behavior as particularly transgressive. behavior as particularly transgressive. behavior as particularly transgressive. Now, that was interesting because it Now, that was interesting because it Now, that was interesting because it wasn't a preacher. It was a book critic. wasn't a preacher. It was a book critic. wasn't a preacher. It was a book critic. Okay? Speaking of transgressions. Okay? Speaking of transgressions. Okay? Speaking of transgressions. Transgression is the language of the Transgression is the language of the Transgression is the language of the Bible. Bible. Bible. A transgression is a sin. A transgression is a sin. A transgression is a sin. You have gone where you ought not to go. You have gone where you ought not to go. You have gone where you ought not to go. That's what it means. You have done what That's what it means. You have done what That's what it means. You have done what you ought not to have done. And so, sin you ought not to have done. And so, sin you ought not to have done. And so, sin is real.

is real. is real. And you have felt that reality when And you have felt that reality when And you have felt that reality when you're sinned against. Everybody might you're sinned against. Everybody might you're sinned against. Everybody might think sin is very subjective until it is think sin is very subjective until it is think sin is very subjective until it is done to them. You can recognize that done to them. You can recognize that done to them. You can recognize that it's really there. We also recognize it's really there. We also recognize it's really there. We also recognize grace when we see it, don't we? Whenever grace when we see it, don't we? Whenever grace when we see it, don't we? Whenever you see somebody getting something good you see somebody getting something good you see somebody getting something good that they didn't earn, you can recognize that they didn't earn, you can recognize that they didn't earn, you can recognize this is something distinct. That's this is something distinct. That's this is something distinct. That's grace. When somebody treats us with the grace. When somebody treats us with the grace. When somebody treats us with the kindness that we don't deserve, you've kindness that we don't deserve, you've kindness that we don't deserve, you've experienced and you can see there is experienced and you can see there is experienced and you can see there is grace in this world. And so the problem grace in this world. And so the problem grace in this world. And so the problem for many of us is not blindness, just for many of us is not blindness, just for many of us is not blindness, just outright blindness to sin and grace. outright blindness to sin and grace. outright blindness to sin and grace. It's that we don't see them. Uh it's It's that we don't see them. Uh it's It's that we don't see them. Uh it's that we misjudge their depth. It's not that we misjudge their depth. It's not that we misjudge their depth. It's not that we don't see them at all. It's that that we don't see them at all. It's that that we don't see them at all. It's that we misjudge the depth of sin and grace we misjudge the depth of sin and grace we misjudge the depth of sin and grace to our peril. to our peril. to our peril. We have a spiritual depth perception We have a spiritual depth perception We have a spiritual depth perception problem. problem. problem. But in Manasseh and Ammon, these two But in Manasseh and Ammon, these two But in Manasseh and Ammon, these two kings of Judah, we have the opportunity kings of Judah, we have the opportunity kings of Judah, we have the opportunity to correct that spiritual depth to correct that spiritual depth to correct that spiritual depth perception problem. We have the perception problem. We have the perception problem. We have the opportunity to correct that. Okay, these opportunity to correct that. Okay, these opportunity to correct that. Okay, these are two of the kings of Judah that we're are two of the kings of Judah that we're are two of the kings of Judah that we're going to be studying today. For the last going to be studying today. For the last going to be studying today. For the last 15 weeks, we've been tracing through 15 weeks, we've been tracing through 15 weeks, we've been tracing through this line of the kings of Judah. Kings this line of the kings of Judah. Kings this line of the kings of Judah. Kings who ruled in the kingdom of Judah, born who ruled in the kingdom of Judah, born who ruled in the kingdom of Judah, born in the line of King David. And our aim in the line of King David. And our aim in the line of King David. And our aim in all of this series is not just to in all of this series is not just to in all of this series is not just to learn about these kings. It's not like learn about these kings. It's not like learn about these kings. It's not like some kind of like biblical history class some kind of like biblical history class some kind of like biblical history class that you get to audit. It's to learn that you get to audit. It's to learn that you get to audit. It's to learn from these kings. And so Manasseh and from these kings. And so Manasseh and from these kings. And so Manasseh and Ammon in particular are going to help us

Ammon in particular are going to help us Ammon in particular are going to help us correct this spiritual depth perception correct this spiritual depth perception correct this spiritual depth perception problem because they're going to teach problem because they're going to teach problem because they're going to teach us these three things. They're going to us these three things. They're going to us these three things. They're going to teach us that one, our sin goes deeper teach us that one, our sin goes deeper teach us that one, our sin goes deeper than we want to think. two that God's than we want to think. two that God's than we want to think. two that God's grace reaches deeper than we dare to grace reaches deeper than we dare to grace reaches deeper than we dare to believe. And three, that seeing is not believe. And three, that seeing is not believe. And three, that seeing is not enough to save. So these three things we enough to save. So these three things we enough to save. So these three things we want to look at. The first one, our sin want to look at. The first one, our sin want to look at. The first one, our sin goes deeper than we want to think. Okay? goes deeper than we want to think. Okay? goes deeper than we want to think. Okay? Manasseh and Ammon's lives are recorded Manasseh and Ammon's lives are recorded Manasseh and Ammon's lives are recorded in the books of Kings and Chronicles. If in the books of Kings and Chronicles. If in the books of Kings and Chronicles. If you want to learn about them, you turn you want to learn about them, you turn you want to learn about them, you turn to the books of Kings and Chronicles. At to the books of Kings and Chronicles. At to the books of Kings and Chronicles. At this point in the Bible, God has rescued this point in the Bible, God has rescued this point in the Bible, God has rescued the Israelites out of Egypt. I I want to the Israelites out of Egypt. I I want to the Israelites out of Egypt. I I want to kind of position you where we are in the kind of position you where we are in the kind of position you where we are in the scriptures. Okay. So, God's rescued his scriptures. Okay. So, God's rescued his scriptures. Okay. So, God's rescued his people out of Egypt. He's led them people out of Egypt. He's led them people out of Egypt. He's led them through the wilderness, brought them through the wilderness, brought them through the wilderness, brought them into the land that he promised into the land that he promised into the land that he promised beforehand to Abraham generations beforehand to Abraham generations beforehand to Abraham generations before. And then God has conquered the before. And then God has conquered the before. And then God has conquered the people who has who were inhabiting that people who has who were inhabiting that people who has who were inhabiting that geography before the Israelites. But geography before the Israelites. But geography before the Israelites. But there is a remnant of the worship of there is a remnant of the worship of there is a remnant of the worship of those people. These people that those people. These people that those people. These people that previously inhabited the promised land.

previously inhabited the promised land. previously inhabited the promised land. There's a remnant of their worship that There's a remnant of their worship that There's a remnant of their worship that keeps showing up in the lives of God's keeps showing up in the lives of God's keeps showing up in the lives of God's people and they're referred to over and people and they're referred to over and people and they're referred to over and over again as the high places. These over again as the high places. These over again as the high places. These high places are a recurring theme high places are a recurring theme high places are a recurring theme throughout the accounts of Kings and throughout the accounts of Kings and throughout the accounts of Kings and Chronicles because they keep showing up Chronicles because they keep showing up Chronicles because they keep showing up because how the kings related to these because how the kings related to these because how the kings related to these high places said something about the high places said something about the high places said something about the worship that was happening during the worship that was happening during the worship that was happening during the reign of that king. And it keeps coming reign of that king. And it keeps coming reign of that king. And it keeps coming up. It's because it's the worship of up. It's because it's the worship of up. It's because it's the worship of God's people that was the true measure God's people that was the true measure God's people that was the true measure of the reign of that king. That was the of the reign of that king. That was the of the reign of that king. That was the true measure was the worship of God's true measure was the worship of God's true measure was the worship of God's people that was cultivated in the people that was cultivated in the people that was cultivated in the context of that reign. And so when you context of that reign. And so when you context of that reign. And so when you read through the account of this time, read through the account of this time, read through the account of this time, if you were just read it straight if you were just read it straight if you were just read it straight through like a narrative, this is one of through like a narrative, this is one of through like a narrative, this is one of the things that feels just kind of like the things that feels just kind of like the things that feels just kind of like so discouraging so discouraging so discouraging because the good guys, you're like, because the good guys, you're like, because the good guys, you're like, "Hey, these are these are God's people. "Hey, these are these are God's people. "Hey, these are these are God's people. The people that God has rescued, the The people that God has rescued, the The people that God has rescued, the people that to whom he gave these people that to whom he gave these people that to whom he gave these outrageously big and good promises, outrageously big and good promises, outrageously big and good promises, they keep failing to deal with the high they keep failing to deal with the high they keep failing to deal with the high places. They keep showing up. And so places. They keep showing up. And so places. They keep showing up. And so these high places, what's so bad about these high places, what's so bad about these high places, what's so bad about them? They're shrines, altars, they're them? They're shrines, altars, they're them? They're shrines, altars, they're places of worship to pagan gods and places of worship to pagan gods and places of worship to pagan gods and goddesses.

goddesses. goddesses. Theoretically, they were places where Theoretically, they were places where Theoretically, they were places where God's people could also worship him, but God's people could also worship him, but God's people could also worship him, but in an unauthorized in an unauthorized in an unauthorized way, worshiping God on their terms and way, worshiping God on their terms and way, worshiping God on their terms and not his. And so, at best, these high not his. And so, at best, these high not his. And so, at best, these high places were artifacts of the spiritual places were artifacts of the spiritual places were artifacts of the spiritual adultery of God's people at the time. adultery of God's people at the time. adultery of God's people at the time. That's the language that God uses so That's the language that God uses so That's the language that God uses so often in the Old Testament, that the often in the Old Testament, that the often in the Old Testament, that the sins that God's people were committing sins that God's people were committing sins that God's people were committing were like spiritual adultery. were like spiritual adultery. were like spiritual adultery. And so at best they were places of And so at best they were places of And so at best they were places of spiritual adultery. At worst they were spiritual adultery. At worst they were spiritual adultery. At worst they were places where parents went to sacrifice places where parents went to sacrifice places where parents went to sacrifice their children, where men and women went their children, where men and women went their children, where men and women went to commune with the demonic realm. These to commune with the demonic realm. These to commune with the demonic realm. These are places of spiritual darkness. are places of spiritual darkness. are places of spiritual darkness. Now, that makes them seem very Now, that makes them seem very Now, that makes them seem very otherworldly, otherworldly, otherworldly, like something from the pages of a myth like something from the pages of a myth like something from the pages of a myth or a fantasy story, like these are what or a fantasy story, like these are what or a fantasy story, like these are what are all around Mordor or something, you are all around Mordor or something, you are all around Mordor or something, you know? But these know? But these know? But these think think about what they are. They think think about what they are. They think think about what they are. They are functionally just symbols of are functionally just symbols of are functionally just symbols of worship. And worship is ubiquitous worship. And worship is ubiquitous worship. And worship is ubiquitous in this world. It's everywhere. Humans in this world. It's everywhere. Humans in this world. It's everywhere. Humans worship something. Full stop.

worship something. Full stop. worship something. Full stop. It doesn't always happen as a at a It doesn't always happen as a at a It doesn't always happen as a at a shrine, but it does happen. It can shrine, but it does happen. It can shrine, but it does happen. It can happen in a classroom worshiping the happen in a classroom worshiping the happen in a classroom worshiping the approval that you gain through your GPA. approval that you gain through your GPA. approval that you gain through your GPA. It can happen in a brothel or on some It can happen in a brothel or on some It can happen in a brothel or on some website worshiping the pleasure of sex. website worshiping the pleasure of sex. website worshiping the pleasure of sex. It can happen at a bank worshiping the It can happen at a bank worshiping the It can happen at a bank worshiping the power of wealth. power of wealth. power of wealth. Worship can happen in a cathedral or in Worship can happen in a cathedral or in Worship can happen in a cathedral or in a car lot, in a slum or in a seminary. a car lot, in a slum or in a seminary. a car lot, in a slum or in a seminary. It's happening all over the world It's happening all over the world It's happening all over the world in every people. in every people. in every people. And so this is this is one of the most And so this is this is one of the most And so this is this is one of the most misunderstood things about sin misunderstood things about sin misunderstood things about sin when we're talking about how that sin when we're talking about how that sin when we're talking about how that sin goes deeper than we think that it does. goes deeper than we think that it does. goes deeper than we think that it does. What's misunderstood about sin is that What's misunderstood about sin is that What's misunderstood about sin is that it isn't the bad stuff that we do. It's it isn't the bad stuff that we do. It's it isn't the bad stuff that we do. It's our misdirected worship at its core. our misdirected worship at its core. our misdirected worship at its core. It's not misbehavior. It's not misbehavior. It's not misbehavior. It's misdirected worship. And so in the It's misdirected worship. And so in the It's misdirected worship. And so in the book of Romans, Paul explains that the book of Romans, Paul explains that the book of Romans, Paul explains that the ultimate issue for humanity, the big ultimate issue for humanity, the big ultimate issue for humanity, the big problem in this world is that we problem in this world is that we problem in this world is that we exchange the truth about God for a lie exchange the truth about God for a lie exchange the truth about God for a lie and worshiped and served the creature and worshiped and served the creature and worshiped and served the creature rather than the creator. Sin is a matter rather than the creator. Sin is a matter rather than the creator. Sin is a matter of worship of worship of worship and worship is at the core of who we and worship is at the core of who we and worship is at the core of who we are.

are. are. Which is why the persistence of these Which is why the persistence of these Which is why the persistence of these high places is such a discouraging high places is such a discouraging high places is such a discouraging footnote on the reign of the few good footnote on the reign of the few good footnote on the reign of the few good kings that we encounter in this line of kings that we encounter in this line of kings that we encounter in this line of the kings of Judah. If you're just the kings of Judah. If you're just the kings of Judah. If you're just jumping in today, the legacy of these jumping in today, the legacy of these jumping in today, the legacy of these kings is not good. Like if you haven't kings is not good. Like if you haven't kings is not good. Like if you haven't been here for any other Kings of Judah been here for any other Kings of Judah been here for any other Kings of Judah message, you're like, "But maybe they're message, you're like, "But maybe they're message, you're like, "But maybe they're like kind of all right guys." Most of like kind of all right guys." Most of like kind of all right guys." Most of them aren't. Most of them are not good them aren't. Most of them are not good them aren't. Most of them are not good kings. Most of them are bad kings. kings. Most of them are bad kings. kings. Most of them are bad kings. But the even the ones who seem like they But the even the ones who seem like they But the even the ones who seem like they get it, you come across an Asa or a get it, you come across an Asa or a get it, you come across an Asa or a Jehoshaphat or a Joash and you're like, Jehoshaphat or a Joash and you're like, Jehoshaphat or a Joash and you're like, "All right, these guys are getting it. "All right, these guys are getting it. "All right, these guys are getting it. We're going somewhere." And then it's We're going somewhere." And then it's We're going somewhere." And then it's like, "But the high places were not like, "But the high places were not like, "But the high places were not removed." But the high places were not removed." But the high places were not removed." But the high places were not removed. But the high places were not removed. But the high places were not removed. But the high places were not removed until you get to Hezekiah, the removed until you get to Hezekiah, the removed until you get to Hezekiah, the king that we were looking at for the king that we were looking at for the king that we were looking at for the last two weeks. We finally get to last two weeks. We finally get to last two weeks. We finally get to Hezekiah and he brings him down. He Hezekiah and he brings him down. He Hezekiah and he brings him down. He tears him down. I remember the first tears him down. I remember the first tears him down. I remember the first time I was reading through the Bible time I was reading through the Bible time I was reading through the Bible just as a young guy. I was trying to just as a young guy. I was trying to just as a young guy. I was trying to read through the Old Testament, read through the Old Testament, read through the Old Testament, understand it, and I came to this moment understand it, and I came to this moment understand it, and I came to this moment because I kept on seeing I was like, because I kept on seeing I was like, because I kept on seeing I was like, "Maybe Asa is going to do it. Maybe "Maybe Asa is going to do it. Maybe "Maybe Asa is going to do it. Maybe Jehoshaphat's got this." And then Jehoshaphat's got this." And then Jehoshaphat's got this." And then finally get to Hezekiah and you're like, finally get to Hezekiah and you're like, finally get to Hezekiah and you're like, "We did it. We did it. They're down. We "We did it. We did it. They're down. We "We did it. We did it. They're down. We won.

won. won. But then like five seconds in one But then like five seconds in one But then like five seconds in one chapter later, we read this about chapter later, we read this about chapter later, we read this about Manasseh, Hezekiah's own son, it says, Manasseh, Hezekiah's own son, it says, Manasseh, Hezekiah's own son, it says, "And he did what was evil in the sight "And he did what was evil in the sight "And he did what was evil in the sight of the Lord according to the of the Lord according to the of the Lord according to the abominations of the nations whom the abominations of the nations whom the abominations of the nations whom the Lord drove out before the people of Lord drove out before the people of Lord drove out before the people of Israel. For he rebuilt the high places Israel. For he rebuilt the high places Israel. For he rebuilt the high places that his father Hezekiah had broken that his father Hezekiah had broken that his father Hezekiah had broken down." Just stop right there. down." Just stop right there. down." Just stop right there. What came down with such difficulty What came down with such difficulty What came down with such difficulty was rebuilt with such ease. was rebuilt with such ease. was rebuilt with such ease. And so the tendency here when you read And so the tendency here when you read And so the tendency here when you read about Manasseh and you read that he about Manasseh and you read that he about Manasseh and you read that he rebuilt the high places, the tendency rebuilt the high places, the tendency rebuilt the high places, the tendency that we have is to focus on how bad that we have is to focus on how bad that we have is to focus on how bad Manasseh is. And to be fair, it's pretty Manasseh is. And to be fair, it's pretty Manasseh is. And to be fair, it's pretty easy to focus on that because he's easy to focus on that because he's easy to focus on that because he's really bad. Like like he does some really bad. Like like he does some really bad. Like like he does some really bad stuff. And and it says this really bad stuff. And and it says this really bad stuff. And and it says this about him in the scriptures. It says, about him in the scriptures. It says, about him in the scriptures. It says, "Manasse led Judah and the inhabitants "Manasse led Judah and the inhabitants "Manasse led Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem astray to do more evil than of Jerusalem astray to do more evil than of Jerusalem astray to do more evil than the nations whom the Lord destroyed the nations whom the Lord destroyed the nations whom the Lord destroyed before the people of Israel." So his before the people of Israel." So his before the people of Israel." So his wickedness isn't just worse than all the wickedness isn't just worse than all the wickedness isn't just worse than all the other kings of Judah, it's worse than other kings of Judah, it's worse than other kings of Judah, it's worse than the kings who were there before God's the kings who were there before God's the kings who were there before God's people even came on the scene.

people even came on the scene. people even came on the scene. So it's really easy to say like, "Well, So it's really easy to say like, "Well, So it's really easy to say like, "Well, I mean, he's a really bad guy." But I mean, he's a really bad guy." But I mean, he's a really bad guy." But look, this is showing us, if we're going look, this is showing us, if we're going look, this is showing us, if we're going to learn not just about these kings, but to learn not just about these kings, but to learn not just about these kings, but from these kings, you need to see that from these kings, you need to see that from these kings, you need to see that this is showing us more than the this is showing us more than the this is showing us more than the wickedness of Manasseh, it's showing us wickedness of Manasseh, it's showing us wickedness of Manasseh, it's showing us the depth of sin in the world, the depth the depth of sin in the world, the depth the depth of sin in the world, the depth of sin in us, because it goes deeper of sin in us, because it goes deeper of sin in us, because it goes deeper than we want to think it does. than we want to think it does. than we want to think it does. Just because a practice is removed from Just because a practice is removed from Just because a practice is removed from the surface of our lives like these high the surface of our lives like these high the surface of our lives like these high places were, that doesn't mean that it's places were, that doesn't mean that it's places were, that doesn't mean that it's gone from the depths of who you are. gone from the depths of who you are. gone from the depths of who you are. This is this is part of the problem and This is this is part of the problem and This is this is part of the problem and the danger of sin in our lives. the danger of sin in our lives. the danger of sin in our lives. Modifying our behavior does not mean Modifying our behavior does not mean Modifying our behavior does not mean that you're getting rid of sin. It often that you're getting rid of sin. It often that you're getting rid of sin. It often time just oftenimes just means that time just oftenimes just means that time just oftenimes just means that you're relocating it. you're relocating it. you're relocating it. You can tear down the high place of You can tear down the high place of You can tear down the high place of sexual addiction in your life and have sexual addiction in your life and have sexual addiction in your life and have it resurface as pride in your own it resurface as pride in your own it resurface as pride in your own purity.

purity. purity. You can tear down the high place of You can tear down the high place of You can tear down the high place of greed in your life and have it resurface greed in your life and have it resurface greed in your life and have it resurface as anger toward your spouse for the way as anger toward your spouse for the way as anger toward your spouse for the way that you're they're spending money. that you're they're spending money. that you're they're spending money. This is what the Pharisees were doing in This is what the Pharisees were doing in This is what the Pharisees were doing in Jesus's day. These religious leaders who Jesus's day. These religious leaders who Jesus's day. These religious leaders who were performatively righteous, were performatively righteous, were performatively righteous, they tore down one kind of a high place they tore down one kind of a high place they tore down one kind of a high place and rebuilt them in another, oftentimes and rebuilt them in another, oftentimes and rebuilt them in another, oftentimes less seen less seen less seen because they had a depth perception because they had a depth perception because they had a depth perception problem when it came to sin. And this is problem when it came to sin. And this is problem when it came to sin. And this is what Jesus was warning them about when what Jesus was warning them about when what Jesus was warning them about when he said this in Matthew 23. He said, he said this in Matthew 23. He said, he said this in Matthew 23. He said, "Woe to you scribes and Pharisees, "Woe to you scribes and Pharisees, "Woe to you scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites, hypocrites, hypocrites, for you are like whitewashed tombs, for you are like whitewashed tombs, for you are like whitewashed tombs, which outwardly appear beautiful, but which outwardly appear beautiful, but which outwardly appear beautiful, but within are full of dead people's bones within are full of dead people's bones within are full of dead people's bones and all uncleanness. So you also and all uncleanness. So you also and all uncleanness. So you also outwardly appear righteous to others, outwardly appear righteous to others, outwardly appear righteous to others, but within are full of hypocrisy and but within are full of hypocrisy and but within are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness."

lawlessness." lawlessness." He warns them, "Your sin is deeper than He warns them, "Your sin is deeper than He warns them, "Your sin is deeper than you think it is." [snorts] And this you think it is." [snorts] And this you think it is." [snorts] And this isn't just a warning to those Pharisees. isn't just a warning to those Pharisees. isn't just a warning to those Pharisees. It's a warning to us right now. For It's a warning to us right now. For It's a warning to us right now. For anyone who is dealing with the surface anyone who is dealing with the surface anyone who is dealing with the surface level reality of their sin but failing level reality of their sin but failing level reality of their sin but failing to engage with the deeper reality of it, to engage with the deeper reality of it, to engage with the deeper reality of it, this is a warning for you because this is a warning for you because this is a warning for you because Monassa corrected depth perception helps Monassa corrected depth perception helps Monassa corrected depth perception helps you see that dealing with sin once and you see that dealing with sin once and you see that dealing with sin once and for all requires something deeper, for all requires something deeper, for all requires something deeper, something stronger than just tearing something stronger than just tearing something stronger than just tearing down the artifacts of false worship in down the artifacts of false worship in down the artifacts of false worship in your life. It will mean something deeper your life. It will mean something deeper your life. It will mean something deeper has to come, has to help. And so this is has to come, has to help. And so this is has to come, has to help. And so this is what I mean when I say that God's grace what I mean when I say that God's grace what I mean when I say that God's grace reaches deeper than we dare to believe. reaches deeper than we dare to believe. reaches deeper than we dare to believe. Our sin, our sin goes deeper than we Our sin, our sin goes deeper than we Our sin, our sin goes deeper than we want to think, but God's grace reaches want to think, but God's grace reaches want to think, but God's grace reaches deeper than we even dare to believe. deeper than we even dare to believe. deeper than we even dare to believe. Manass's life can show us this. to to Manass's life can show us this. to to Manass's life can show us this. to to get you to to that point. I want to just get you to to that point. I want to just get you to to that point. I want to just say that Manasses sin gained momentum say that Manasses sin gained momentum say that Manasses sin gained momentum throughout his life as sin often does.

throughout his life as sin often does. throughout his life as sin often does. It was dark, very dark spiritually in It was dark, very dark spiritually in It was dark, very dark spiritually in the land of Judah underneath the reign the land of Judah underneath the reign the land of Judah underneath the reign of Manasseh, which was 55 years long. of Manasseh, which was 55 years long. of Manasseh, which was 55 years long. So, he was the longest reigning king in So, he was the longest reigning king in So, he was the longest reigning king in Judah. And throughout that time, his sin Judah. And throughout that time, his sin Judah. And throughout that time, his sin was picking up speed like [snorts] some was picking up speed like [snorts] some was picking up speed like [snorts] some kind of sin snowball rolling down the kind of sin snowball rolling down the kind of sin snowball rolling down the hill. hill. hill. He didn't stop with just rebuilding the He didn't stop with just rebuilding the He didn't stop with just rebuilding the high places. He wasn't content just with high places. He wasn't content just with high places. He wasn't content just with that. that. that. Bringing idols and objects of worship Bringing idols and objects of worship Bringing idols and objects of worship into the temple itself, into the holy into the temple itself, into the holy into the temple itself, into the holy places that God has set up for his places that God has set up for his places that God has set up for his people. It's those faces that he brought people. It's those faces that he brought people. It's those faces that he brought idols and objects of worship. He idols and objects of worship. He idols and objects of worship. He sacrificed his own children on the altar sacrificed his own children on the altar sacrificed his own children on the altar of false gods. And then even more, he of false gods. And then even more, he of false gods. And then even more, he shed the innocent blood of others as shed the innocent blood of others as shed the innocent blood of others as well. We read this chilling line about well. We read this chilling line about well. We read this chilling line about Manasseh in 2 Kings 21. It says, Manasseh in 2 Kings 21. It says, Manasseh in 2 Kings 21. It says, "Moreover, Manasseh shed very much "Moreover, Manasseh shed very much "Moreover, Manasseh shed very much innocent blood till he had filled innocent blood till he had filled innocent blood till he had filled Jerusalem from one end to another."

Jerusalem from one end to another." Jerusalem from one end to another." And eventually And eventually And eventually this sin spiral landed him chained up in this sin spiral landed him chained up in this sin spiral landed him chained up in a Babylonian prison. God said enough. a Babylonian prison. God said enough. a Babylonian prison. God said enough. And the Babylonians came and they drugg And the Babylonians came and they drugg And the Babylonians came and they drugg him off with hooks and bound him in a him off with hooks and bound him in a him off with hooks and bound him in a prison with chains of bronze. prison with chains of bronze. prison with chains of bronze. But then we are told this. But then we are told this. But then we are told this. And when he was in distress, he And when he was in distress, he And when he was in distress, he intreated the favor of the Lord his God intreated the favor of the Lord his God intreated the favor of the Lord his God and humbled himself greatly before the and humbled himself greatly before the and humbled himself greatly before the God of his fathers. God of his fathers. God of his fathers. Okay, so pay close attention here. Okay, so pay close attention here. Okay, so pay close attention here. This is the child sacrificing temple This is the child sacrificing temple This is the child sacrificing temple prostitutel loving king who filled the prostitutel loving king who filled the prostitutel loving king who filled the streets of his kingdom with the blood of streets of his kingdom with the blood of streets of his kingdom with the blood of the innocents. the innocents. the innocents. And now now that he's chained up, now And now now that he's chained up, now And now now that he's chained up, now that he's in distress, he cries out for that he's in distress, he cries out for that he's in distress, he cries out for help. It's a scoff scoff. Right It's a scoff scoff. Right now you want God's help. Now that your now you want God's help. Now that your now you want God's help. Now that your life and your kingdom are totally life and your kingdom are totally life and your kingdom are totally trashed, now you want God to come to trashed, now you want God to come to trashed, now you want God to come to your rescue. We almost want to say into your rescue. We almost want to say into your rescue. We almost want to say into the scriptures to him chained up. This the scriptures to him chained up. This the scriptures to him chained up. This is what you deserve, Manasseh.

is what you deserve, Manasseh. is what you deserve, Manasseh. Right? Right? Right? This is how life works, Manasseh. You This is how life works, Manasseh. You This is how life works, Manasseh. You blew it for 55 years. You blew it, blew it for 55 years. You blew it, blew it for 55 years. You blew it, Manasseh. You did terrible stuff and you Manasseh. You did terrible stuff and you Manasseh. You did terrible stuff and you don't deserve God's help. don't deserve God's help. don't deserve God's help. That's what we want to say. What do you That's what we want to say. What do you That's what we want to say. What do you think the people who whose kids were think the people who whose kids were think the people who whose kids were killed by Manasseh, what do you think killed by Manasseh, what do you think killed by Manasseh, what do you think they want to say to him? they want to say to him? they want to say to him? Amen. Sorry. Don't worry about this. Amen. Sorry. Don't worry about this. Amen. Sorry. Don't worry about this. Come on back. Come on back. Come on back. No. No. No. No. They want to say, "You stay there No. They want to say, "You stay there No. They want to say, "You stay there and rot forever like you deserve." What he dem what justice demands for him What he dem what justice demands for him is wrath. fiery, ferocious, forever is wrath. fiery, ferocious, forever is wrath. fiery, ferocious, forever wrath. wrath. wrath. But it says this in verse 13, he prayed to it says this in verse 13, he prayed to him to God him to God him to God and God was moved by his intreaty and and God was moved by his intreaty and and God was moved by his intreaty and heard his plea and brought him again to heard his plea and brought him again to heard his plea and brought him again to Jerusalem into his kingdom. Then Jerusalem into his kingdom. Then Jerusalem into his kingdom. Then Manasseh knew that the Lord was God.

What? What? God heard his plea and brought him again God heard his plea and brought him again God heard his plea and brought him again into his kingdom. into his kingdom. into his kingdom. Instead of God's wrath poured out on Instead of God's wrath poured out on Instead of God's wrath poured out on him, instead of even just a cold him, instead of even just a cold him, instead of even just a cold shoulder from God, he gets unmmerited, shoulder from God, he gets unmmerited, shoulder from God, he gets unmmerited, unearned, undeserved favor from God. unearned, undeserved favor from God. unearned, undeserved favor from God. This is grace defined. Grace epitomized This is grace defined. Grace epitomized This is grace defined. Grace epitomized grace that reaches down into the grace that reaches down into the grace that reaches down into the deepest, darkest parts of the most deepest, darkest parts of the most deepest, darkest parts of the most wicked, awful person and says, "I can do wicked, awful person and says, "I can do wicked, awful person and says, "I can do it. I can rescue you. I can save you and it. I can rescue you. I can save you and it. I can rescue you. I can save you and I will." If you look at Manass's life in the book If you look at Manass's life in the book of Kings, so I remember we said it's in of Kings, so I remember we said it's in of Kings, so I remember we said it's in Kings and in Chronicles. And so there's Kings and in Chronicles. And so there's Kings and in Chronicles. And so there's these two accounts and and in in our these two accounts and and in in our these two accounts and and in in our Bible they're they're put back toback. 1 Bible they're they're put back toback. 1 Bible they're they're put back toback. 1 2 Kings 1 Second Chronicles. Okay? So if 2 Kings 1 Second Chronicles. Okay? So if 2 Kings 1 Second Chronicles. Okay? So if you memorize the Bible song, you know, 1 you memorize the Bible song, you know, 1 you memorize the Bible song, you know, 1 Second Kings, 1 Second Chronicles, Second Kings, 1 Second Chronicles, Second Kings, 1 Second Chronicles, they're like right there. But in the they're like right there. But in the they're like right there. But in the Hebrew Bible, they actually weren't Hebrew Bible, they actually weren't Hebrew Bible, they actually weren't backtoback. Chronicles sits at the end backtoback. Chronicles sits at the end backtoback. Chronicles sits at the end of the Hebrew Bible of the Hebrew Bible of the Hebrew Bible because they're written to God's people because they're written to God's people because they're written to God's people in two different moments. Okay?

in two different moments. Okay? in two different moments. Okay? Kings was written to a people who were Kings was written to a people who were Kings was written to a people who were in exile and it was helping them in exile and it was helping them in exile and it was helping them understand why are we here? What went understand why are we here? What went understand why are we here? What went wrong? wrong? wrong? Manass's life up to this moment up to Manass's life up to this moment up to Manass's life up to this moment up to his repentance his repentance his repentance explains what went wrong. There were explains what went wrong. There were explains what went wrong. There were terrible kings who led you to worship terrible kings who led you to worship terrible kings who led you to worship false gods and that sin caused you to be false gods and that sin caused you to be false gods and that sin caused you to be exiled from this promised land. But exiled from this promised land. But exiled from this promised land. But Chronicles is being written to God's Chronicles is being written to God's Chronicles is being written to God's people when they have come back from people when they have come back from people when they have come back from exile. And the chronicer is helping them exile. And the chronicer is helping them exile. And the chronicer is helping them answer this question. But will God answer this question. But will God answer this question. But will God forgive us? forgive us? forgive us? What is God really like? What is God really like? What is God really like? And the answer to that question is that And the answer to that question is that And the answer to that question is that God is gracious. God is gracious. God is gracious. That's what he's like. If he will That's what he's like. If he will That's what he's like. If he will restore that wicked king Manasseh, if restore that wicked king Manasseh, if restore that wicked king Manasseh, if he's at the table, then there's room for he's at the table, then there's room for he's at the table, then there's room for me at the table. There's room for you. me at the table. There's room for you. me at the table. There's room for you. There's room for us at that table. There's room for us at that table. There's room for us at that table. But the question that you must ask, that But the question that you must ask, that But the question that you must ask, that should be asked, how can a God of should be asked, how can a God of should be asked, how can a God of justice do that?

justice do that? justice do that? Where does the wrath go? The language of the B Bible often uses The language of the B Bible often uses our for our sin, the language, the kind our for our sin, the language, the kind our for our sin, the language, the kind of language it uses for our sin is the of language it uses for our sin is the of language it uses for our sin is the language of economics. Sin creates a language of economics. Sin creates a language of economics. Sin creates a death, a a debt. The wages of it are death, a a debt. The wages of it are death, a a debt. The wages of it are death. What is owed for sin is death. death. What is owed for sin is death. death. What is owed for sin is death. And so the question is is where'd the And so the question is is where'd the And so the question is is where'd the debt go? Who paid the debt? Justice debt go? Who paid the debt? Justice debt go? Who paid the debt? Justice demands that all debts be paid? demands that all debts be paid? demands that all debts be paid? Where does God's wrath for sin go? Where does God's wrath for sin go? Where does God's wrath for sin go? On Jesus. On Jesus. On Jesus. It is poured out in full on Jesus for It is poured out in full on Jesus for It is poured out in full on Jesus for everyone who will receive him. Everyone. everyone who will receive him. Everyone. everyone who will receive him. Everyone. Even Manasseh. Jesus wasn't around. How Even Manasseh. Jesus wasn't around. How Even Manasseh. Jesus wasn't around. How could God pour out wrath on on Jesus for could God pour out wrath on on Jesus for could God pour out wrath on on Jesus for Manasseh? Look in Romans 3, Paul writes, Manasseh? Look in Romans 3, Paul writes, Manasseh? Look in Romans 3, Paul writes, he says that it was God's divine he says that it was God's divine he says that it was God's divine forbearance that he that that allowed forbearance that he that that allowed forbearance that he that that allowed him to pass over former sins. He did not him to pass over former sins. He did not him to pass over former sins. He did not sweep them under the rug. He did not sweep them under the rug. He did not sweep them under the rug. He did not pretend that they never existed. He pretend that they never existed. He pretend that they never existed. He doesn't pretend to weigh debts. That's doesn't pretend to weigh debts. That's doesn't pretend to weigh debts. That's not how a just judge works. Justice not how a just judge works. Justice not how a just judge works. Justice demands that the debt be paid. And God demands that the debt be paid. And God demands that the debt be paid. And God kept a record of it. And then he poured kept a record of it. And then he poured kept a record of it. And then he poured it out in full on Jesus for anyone ever it out in full on Jesus for anyone ever it out in full on Jesus for anyone ever who would trust in God's grace.

who would trust in God's grace. who would trust in God's grace. That's what it says. For all have sinned That's what it says. For all have sinned That's what it says. For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. and fall short of the glory of God. and fall short of the glory of God. Everyone. Everyone ever. and and and are Everyone. Everyone ever. and and and are Everyone. Everyone ever. and and and are justified by his grace as a gift through justified by his grace as a gift through justified by his grace as a gift through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus the redemption that is in Christ Jesus the redemption that is in Christ Jesus whom God put forward as a propitiation whom God put forward as a propitiation whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood to be received by faith. by his blood to be received by faith. by his blood to be received by faith. Now packed into this are some really big Now packed into this are some really big Now packed into this are some really big theological terms. Don't get lost in theological terms. Don't get lost in theological terms. Don't get lost in them. Don't lose the power of them them. Don't lose the power of them them. Don't lose the power of them because of the number of syllables. A because of the number of syllables. A because of the number of syllables. A propitiation is a sacrifice that propitiation is a sacrifice that propitiation is a sacrifice that satisfies completely wrath for somebody satisfies completely wrath for somebody satisfies completely wrath for somebody or something. That is what Jesus was on or something. That is what Jesus was on or something. That is what Jesus was on the cross for anyone who would trust in the cross for anyone who would trust in the cross for anyone who would trust in him and trust in God to cover their him and trust in God to cover their him and trust in God to cover their debts. Who admits bankruptcy and says, debts. Who admits bankruptcy and says, debts. Who admits bankruptcy and says, "I need somebody to pay my debt. "I need somebody to pay my debt. "I need somebody to pay my debt. Somebody to absorb my wrath. I'm owed Somebody to absorb my wrath. I'm owed Somebody to absorb my wrath. I'm owed wrath and I'm going to receive the wrath and I'm going to receive the wrath and I'm going to receive the sacrifice of Jesus for that wrath." sacrifice of Jesus for that wrath." sacrifice of Jesus for that wrath." Jesus is our propitiation.

Jesus is our propitiation. Jesus is our propitiation. And that's why Paul writes elsewhere And that's why Paul writes elsewhere And that's why Paul writes elsewhere that when we confess our sins, God is that when we confess our sins, God is that when we confess our sins, God is faithful and just to forgive us. This is faithful and just to forgive us. This is faithful and just to forgive us. This is this should be shocking. This should be this should be shocking. This should be this should be shocking. This should be shocking because we stand so often shocking because we stand so often shocking because we stand so often concerned about God's justice. But but concerned about God's justice. But but concerned about God's justice. But but God's justice means that wrath would be God's justice means that wrath would be God's justice means that wrath would be poured out on me. Not anymore. poured out on me. Not anymore. poured out on me. Not anymore. Our appeal to God is actually no longer Our appeal to God is actually no longer Our appeal to God is actually no longer on the basis of his mercy. It's on the on the basis of his mercy. It's on the on the basis of his mercy. It's on the basis of his justice. basis of his justice. basis of his justice. God's justice demands God's justice demands God's justice demands not that you absorb wrath from him, that not that you absorb wrath from him, that not that you absorb wrath from him, that you receive wrath from him. It demands you receive wrath from him. It demands you receive wrath from him. It demands that you be considered free that you be considered free that you be considered free because Jesus has paid the debt in full. because Jesus has paid the debt in full. because Jesus has paid the debt in full. He won't double charge for a debt. He won't double charge for a debt. He won't double charge for a debt. And you know what this means? It means And you know what this means? It means And you know what this means? It means that you don't have to live your life that you don't have to live your life that you don't have to live your life wondering where you stand with God. I know that many of you in this room I know that many of you in this room probably came here today and deep down probably came here today and deep down probably came here today and deep down somewhere in you, there is uncertainty somewhere in you, there is uncertainty somewhere in you, there is uncertainty about what God really thinks about you, about what God really thinks about you, about what God really thinks about you, where you really stand with God.

where you really stand with God. where you really stand with God. What would he really say if you stood What would he really say if you stood What would he really say if you stood before him today? before him today? before him today? some of you some of you some of you because we're we're streaming this because we're we're streaming this because we're we're streaming this message to South, but also we're message to South, but also we're message to South, but also we're streaming this message into hospital streaming this message into hospital streaming this message into hospital rooms rooms rooms where Christians are sitting wondering, where Christians are sitting wondering, where Christians are sitting wondering, "Does my presence in this room mean that "Does my presence in this room mean that "Does my presence in this room mean that God hates me? God hates me? God hates me? Has God changed his mind about me?" Has God changed his mind about me?" Has God changed his mind about me?" We're streaming this into people's We're streaming this into people's We're streaming this into people's living rooms, too depressed to get off living rooms, too depressed to get off living rooms, too depressed to get off their couch, barely able to turn on a their couch, barely able to turn on a their couch, barely able to turn on a screen, and they're wondering, "Because screen, and they're wondering, "Because screen, and they're wondering, "Because this darkness seems to never lift, has this darkness seems to never lift, has this darkness seems to never lift, has God changed his mind about me?" God changed his mind about me?" God changed his mind about me?" Maybe that's your story right here in Maybe that's your story right here in Maybe that's your story right here in this space. this space. this space. You're hoping that God won't notice you You're hoping that God won't notice you You're hoping that God won't notice you until you can get your life to look until you can get your life to look until you can get your life to look better. better. better. But listen, listen to the testimony of But listen, listen to the testimony of But listen, listen to the testimony of Paul for you.

Paul for you. Paul for you. He says, "This saying is trustworthy and He says, "This saying is trustworthy and He says, "This saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance." Stop and deserving of full acceptance." Stop and deserving of full acceptance." Stop and listen. He's saying, Paul is writing listen. He's saying, Paul is writing listen. He's saying, Paul is writing through the ages to you right there through the ages to you right there through the ages to you right there where you are, trust this. You can trust where you are, trust this. You can trust where you are, trust this. You can trust this. You should fully accept this. Bank this. You should fully accept this. Bank this. You should fully accept this. Bank on this that Christ Jesus came into the on this that Christ Jesus came into the on this that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners world to save sinners world to save sinners of whom he says I am the foremost but I of whom he says I am the foremost but I of whom he says I am the foremost but I receive mercy for this reason that in me receive mercy for this reason that in me receive mercy for this reason that in me as the foremost Jesus Christ might as the foremost Jesus Christ might as the foremost Jesus Christ might display his perfect patience as an display his perfect patience as an display his perfect patience as an example to those who were to believe in example to those who were to believe in example to those who were to believe in him for eternal life. him for eternal life. him for eternal life. Do you hear Paul? Do you hear Paul? Do you hear Paul? Paul is saying standing in some ways Paul is saying standing in some ways Paul is saying standing in some ways next to Manasseh, I'm at the table. Do next to Manasseh, I'm at the table. Do next to Manasseh, I'm at the table. Do you know how terrible of a person I was? you know how terrible of a person I was? you know how terrible of a person I was? Paul is saying he was a murderer. He was Paul is saying he was a murderer. He was Paul is saying he was a murderer. He was a terrorist a terrorist a terrorist and God was patient with him because he and God was patient with him because he and God was patient with him because he has perfect patience. And so Paul is has perfect patience. And so Paul is has perfect patience. And so Paul is saying, "Come on, don't stay far away.

saying, "Come on, don't stay far away. saying, "Come on, don't stay far away. Don't pull back. Don't dis disbelieve in Don't pull back. Don't dis disbelieve in Don't pull back. Don't dis disbelieve in God's love for you just because of your God's love for you just because of your God's love for you just because of your circumstances that you're walking circumstances that you're walking circumstances that you're walking through. God's love has not wavered for through. God's love has not wavered for through. God's love has not wavered for you because his grace is strong enough you because his grace is strong enough you because his grace is strong enough to reach you. Every one of Paul's to reach you. Every one of Paul's to reach you. Every one of Paul's letters letters letters starts and ends with grace. Go back and starts and ends with grace. Go back and starts and ends with grace. Go back and scroll. Just kind of like turn through scroll. Just kind of like turn through scroll. Just kind of like turn through the pages of your Bible. Open it to the pages of your Bible. Open it to the pages of your Bible. Open it to Ephesians or Corinthians or Ephesians or Corinthians or Ephesians or Corinthians or Thessalonians or any of these letters Thessalonians or any of these letters Thessalonians or any of these letters that Paul is trying to get to these that Paul is trying to get to these that Paul is trying to get to these churches. Colossians, any of them, go churches. Colossians, any of them, go churches. Colossians, any of them, go look there. There there's going to be look there. There there's going to be look there. There there's going to be some kind of greeting at the beginning. some kind of greeting at the beginning. some kind of greeting at the beginning. Grace and mercy. You, you know, grace Grace and mercy. You, you know, grace Grace and mercy. You, you know, grace and peace to you. There's a lot of and peace to you. There's a lot of and peace to you. There's a lot of things he wants to, you know, to come to things he wants to, you know, to come to things he wants to, you know, to come to you with grace. But at the end of all of you with grace. But at the end of all of you with grace. But at the end of all of them, the end of all of go, look how he them, the end of all of go, look how he them, the end of all of go, look how he signs off every one of these letters. He signs off every one of these letters. He signs off every one of these letters. He wants you to take something with you. He wants you to take something with you. He wants you to take something with you. He says, "Grace be with you. Grace be with says, "Grace be with you. Grace be with says, "Grace be with you. Grace be with you. Take this one thing with you. Never you. Take this one thing with you. Never you. Take this one thing with you. Never let it go. God's grace." He's obsessed let it go. God's grace." He's obsessed let it go. God's grace." He's obsessed with it. with it. with it. But how could he not be But how could he not be But how could he not be when you realize what you've been given?

when you realize what you've been given? when you realize what you've been given? He knows that he deserved not to be He knows that he deserved not to be He knows that he deserved not to be bound in bronze chains and rotting in a bound in bronze chains and rotting in a bound in bronze chains and rotting in a Babylonian jail cell like Manasseh, but Babylonian jail cell like Manasseh, but Babylonian jail cell like Manasseh, but to be bound in chains of fire and to rot to be bound in chains of fire and to rot to be bound in chains of fire and to rot in the darkness of an eternal hell. in the darkness of an eternal hell. in the darkness of an eternal hell. That's what he deserves. That's what he deserves. That's what he deserves. And God's grace is the one thing that And God's grace is the one thing that And God's grace is the one thing that transformed that. How would he not be transformed that. How would he not be transformed that. How would he not be obsessed with it? How would he not be obsessed with it? How would he not be obsessed with it? How would he not be overcome by it? How would he have overcome by it? How would he have overcome by it? How would he have something else to talk about? God's something else to talk about? God's something else to talk about? God's grace reaches deeper than we dare to grace reaches deeper than we dare to grace reaches deeper than we dare to believe. But look at Manasseh and look believe. But look at Manasseh and look believe. But look at Manasseh and look at Paul and oh that I'm praying that God at Paul and oh that I'm praying that God at Paul and oh that I'm praying that God would correct your depth perception of would correct your depth perception of would correct your depth perception of his grace this morning and show you how his grace this morning and show you how his grace this morning and show you how good, how strong, how powerful that good, how strong, how powerful that good, how strong, how powerful that grace really is and that it would send grace really is and that it would send grace really is and that it would send like a shiver of joy down the spine of like a shiver of joy down the spine of like a shiver of joy down the spine of your soul. your soul. your soul. Not just for your sake though, not just Not just for your sake though, not just Not just for your sake though, not just not just for you, for the sake of all not just for you, for the sake of all not just for you, for the sake of all the manasses in your life, for the ma the manasses in your life, for the ma the manasses in your life, for the ma manasses around you. You see, we tend to manasses around you. You see, we tend to manasses around you. You see, we tend to offer the same thing that we receive.

offer the same thing that we receive. offer the same thing that we receive. And I think that there's a lot of And I think that there's a lot of And I think that there's a lot of law-abidity law-abidity law-abidity that's getting shared out there. that's getting shared out there. that's getting shared out there. That there's a lot of Christians That there's a lot of Christians That there's a lot of Christians just sharing morality with their just sharing morality with their just sharing morality with their co-workers or their neighbors or their co-workers or their neighbors or their co-workers or their neighbors or their extended family. extended family. extended family. There's not a lot of grace saturated There's not a lot of grace saturated There's not a lot of grace saturated gospel getting shared. gospel getting shared. gospel getting shared. And so my question for you is who who And so my question for you is who who And so my question for you is who who who have you stopped praying for, who have you stopped praying for, who have you stopped praying for, stopped pursuing, stopped caring about stopped pursuing, stopped caring about stopped pursuing, stopped caring about because you think that they are too far because you think that they are too far because you think that they are too far gone. They're just in some Babylonian gone. They're just in some Babylonian gone. They're just in some Babylonian jail now. They're locked away, too far jail now. They're locked away, too far jail now. They're locked away, too far for God to reach. Look, God has swung wide the gates of Look, God has swung wide the gates of heaven. And he has said to you and to heaven. And he has said to you and to heaven. And he has said to you and to all of the world, "Anyone, anyone can all of the world, "Anyone, anyone can all of the world, "Anyone, anyone can come. You need only to trust in the son, come. You need only to trust in the son, come. You need only to trust in the son, the true king of Judah, who did not the true king of Judah, who did not the true king of Judah, who did not climb to a throne out of the depths like climb to a throne out of the depths like climb to a throne out of the depths like Manasseh. He left his throne and Manasseh. He left his throne and Manasseh. He left his throne and descended into the depths that Manasseh descended into the depths that Manasseh descended into the depths that Manasseh deserved. The one whose innocent blood deserved. The one whose innocent blood deserved. The one whose innocent blood was shed not in tragedy, but in victory.

was shed not in tragedy, but in victory. was shed not in tragedy, but in victory. a victory that can reach you and heal a victory that can reach you and heal a victory that can reach you and heal you and take away the eternal sting of you and take away the eternal sting of you and take away the eternal sting of your sin. That's what God has declared your sin. That's what God has declared your sin. That's what God has declared in Jesus. That's the message of grace in Jesus. That's the message of grace in Jesus. That's the message of grace that he has given to the whole world. that he has given to the whole world. that he has given to the whole world. He's given it to you and then when you He's given it to you and then when you He's given it to you and then when you receive it, he's given it through you to receive it, he's given it through you to receive it, he's given it through you to the world. Beautiful are the feet that the world. Beautiful are the feet that the world. Beautiful are the feet that are carrying the news, not of law to the are carrying the news, not of law to the are carrying the news, not of law to the world, but of grace. The feet that are world, but of grace. The feet that are world, but of grace. The feet that are carrying grace all the way to the edges carrying grace all the way to the edges carrying grace all the way to the edges of the world. of the world. of the world. Beautiful are those feet because sin Beautiful are those feet because sin Beautiful are those feet because sin runs deeper than we think. But God's runs deeper than we think. But God's runs deeper than we think. But God's grace reaches deeper than we dare to grace reaches deeper than we dare to grace reaches deeper than we dare to believe. But my last word to you today believe. But my last word to you today believe. But my last word to you today is just that seeing grace, seeing that is just that seeing grace, seeing that is just that seeing grace, seeing that it's there, having your depth perception it's there, having your depth perception it's there, having your depth perception about it corrected, it's not enough. about it corrected, it's not enough. about it corrected, it's not enough. Seeing is not enough to save. Seeing is not enough to save. Seeing is not enough to save. This is the tragic reality we learn not This is the tragic reality we learn not This is the tragic reality we learn not from Manasseh but from Manass's son, from Manasseh but from Manass's son, from Manasseh but from Manass's son, Aean. Aean. Aean. Think about Ammon. Think about Ammon. Think about Ammon. This prince This prince This prince growing up in the land of Judah, seeing growing up in the land of Judah, seeing growing up in the land of Judah, seeing the broken worship of his father, seeing the broken worship of his father, seeing the broken worship of his father, seeing his father dragged off to a jail cell in his father dragged off to a jail cell in his father dragged off to a jail cell in Babylon, seeing his father return.

Babylon, seeing his father return. Babylon, seeing his father return. You know, when You know, when You know, when when Manasseh came back, he was when Manasseh came back, he was when Manasseh came back, he was different. different. different. And Ammon had a front row seat to see And Ammon had a front row seat to see And Ammon had a front row seat to see his dad transformed. When Manasseh got back, he took the When Manasseh got back, he took the altars to those false gods. And you know altars to those false gods. And you know altars to those false gods. And you know what he did? He chunked them out of the what he did? He chunked them out of the what he did? He chunked them out of the city. It says he threw them outside of city. It says he threw them outside of city. It says he threw them outside of the city. the city. the city. This was gracefueled transformation. This was gracefueled transformation. This was gracefueled transformation. Just so you know, in is evident right Just so you know, in is evident right Just so you know, in is evident right there. Even in the Old Testament, it's there. Even in the Old Testament, it's there. Even in the Old Testament, it's God's grace that transforms you, not his God's grace that transforms you, not his God's grace that transforms you, not his law. God's grace transformed Manasseh law. God's grace transformed Manasseh law. God's grace transformed Manasseh and his son Aemon would have seen all of and his son Aemon would have seen all of and his son Aemon would have seen all of it. He was sitting right there. it. He was sitting right there. it. He was sitting right there. And yet we are told this in 2 Chronicles And yet we are told this in 2 Chronicles And yet we are told this in 2 Chronicles 33. 33. 33. And he Ammon did what was evil in the And he Ammon did what was evil in the And he Ammon did what was evil in the sight of the Lord as Manasseh his father sight of the Lord as Manasseh his father sight of the Lord as Manasseh his father had done. Amen sacrificed to all the had done. Amen sacrificed to all the had done. Amen sacrificed to all the images that Manasseh his father had made images that Manasseh his father had made images that Manasseh his father had made and served them. And he did not humble and served them. And he did not humble and served them. And he did not humble himself before the Lord as Manasseh his himself before the Lord as Manasseh his himself before the Lord as Manasseh his father had humbled himself. But this father had humbled himself. But this father had humbled himself. But this Aemon incurred guilt more and more.

Aemon incurred guilt more and more. Aemon incurred guilt more and more. And so in this Aemon becomes a living And so in this Aemon becomes a living And so in this Aemon becomes a living testimony that grace is not just testimony that grace is not just testimony that grace is not just something for you to see. It's not something for you to see. It's not something for you to see. It's not something that you can observe from something that you can observe from something that you can observe from afar. It's not just a come in and listen afar. It's not just a come in and listen afar. It's not just a come in and listen and go back out and continue your life. and go back out and continue your life. and go back out and continue your life. That's not how grace works. Grace can't That's not how grace works. Grace can't That's not how grace works. Grace can't just be seen. It must be received. just be seen. It must be received. just be seen. It must be received. It must be believed. That word believe It must be believed. That word believe It must be believed. That word believe when you see it in the New Testament is when you see it in the New Testament is when you see it in the New Testament is not talking about a mental ascent of not talking about a mental ascent of not talking about a mental ascent of something. It's talking about a whole something. It's talking about a whole something. It's talking about a whole life trust in something. I'm going to life trust in something. I'm going to life trust in something. I'm going to put my whole the weight of my entire put my whole the weight of my entire put my whole the weight of my entire soul resting upon this one thing. God's soul resting upon this one thing. God's soul resting upon this one thing. God's grace. grace. grace. And so there's a lot that we could say And so there's a lot that we could say And so there's a lot that we could say here, but the one thing I want to here, but the one thing I want to here, but the one thing I want to highlight for you this morning is that highlight for you this morning is that highlight for you this morning is that it wasn't that God wasn't willing to it wasn't that God wasn't willing to it wasn't that God wasn't willing to save Amen. save Amen. save Amen. It's not that God wasn't willing to It's not that God wasn't willing to It's not that God wasn't willing to extend grace to Amen. it's that he extend grace to Amen. it's that he extend grace to Amen. it's that he didn't want it. didn't want it. didn't want it. He tragically refused God's grace. He He tragically refused God's grace. He He tragically refused God's grace. He refused to humble himself before the refused to humble himself before the refused to humble himself before the Lord. And so it was that he refused the Lord. And so it was that he refused the Lord. And so it was that he refused the one thing that would have saved not just one thing that would have saved not just one thing that would have saved not just his reign as a king, but saved his soul his reign as a king, but saved his soul his reign as a king, but saved his soul before God.

It's not that there wasn't grace It's not that there wasn't grace available. And it's not that there available. And it's not that there available. And it's not that there wasn't enough grace for him. It's that wasn't enough grace for him. It's that wasn't enough grace for him. It's that he refused it. in his life in the he refused it. in his life in the he refused it. in his life in the process became a tragedy. And so it says this interesting thing. And so it says this interesting thing. Do you see it? Do you see it? Do you see it? He refused to humble himself. He refused to humble himself. He refused to humble himself. It was a matter of humility that caused It was a matter of humility that caused It was a matter of humility that caused him to refuse God's grace. him to refuse God's grace. him to refuse God's grace. And so my pleading with you this And so my pleading with you this And so my pleading with you this morning, whether you have just for the morning, whether you have just for the morning, whether you have just for the first time heard that God has grace for first time heard that God has grace for first time heard that God has grace for you or whether you have been walking in you or whether you have been walking in you or whether you have been walking in the halls of churches since you could the halls of churches since you could the halls of churches since you could walk. My plea for you is to look again not at My plea for you is to look again not at the the the law of God or the power of God, but look law of God or the power of God, but look law of God or the power of God, but look again today at the humility of God. If again today at the humility of God. If again today at the humility of God. If the challenge or the call is to humble the challenge or the call is to humble the challenge or the call is to humble yourself, look first at the humility of yourself, look first at the humility of yourself, look first at the humility of Jesus for you.

Jesus for you. Jesus for you. God hasn't chosen to stand far off, arms God hasn't chosen to stand far off, arms God hasn't chosen to stand far off, arms crossed, waiting till you get your life crossed, waiting till you get your life crossed, waiting till you get your life cleaned up. He came and he was broken. cleaned up. He came and he was broken. cleaned up. He came and he was broken. He was pierced. He humbled himself for He was pierced. He humbled himself for He was pierced. He humbled himself for you. And so, will you not today humble you. And so, will you not today humble you. And so, will you not today humble yourself before him? yourself before him? yourself before him? He went first even in humility. He went first even in humility. He went first even in humility. Would you humble yourself before him and Would you humble yourself before him and Would you humble yourself before him and receive his kindness to you? receive his kindness to you? receive his kindness to you? What will define your life in the end is What will define your life in the end is What will define your life in the end is not how gifted you are or how much money not how gifted you are or how much money not how gifted you are or how much money you made or how much money you gave or you made or how much money you gave or you made or how much money you gave or how much your colleagues respected you how much your colleagues respected you how much your colleagues respected you or how much your family honored you. or how much your family honored you. or how much your family honored you. None of those things will define your None of those things will define your None of those things will define your life in the end. What will define your life in the end. What will define your life in the end. What will define your life for eternity is whether you were life for eternity is whether you were life for eternity is whether you were willing to receive the grace of God for willing to receive the grace of God for willing to receive the grace of God for you. but are you receiving God's grace today?

but are you receiving God's grace today? Not just have you, but are you receiving Not just have you, but are you receiving Not just have you, but are you receiving God's grace? Because some of you, some God's grace? Because some of you, some God's grace? Because some of you, some of you are sitting this auditorium and of you are sitting this auditorium and of you are sitting this auditorium and you're like, I've done that. I've you're like, I've done that. I've you're like, I've done that. I've trusted in God's grace. Do I need to get trusted in God's grace. Do I need to get trusted in God's grace. Do I need to get saved again? You remember as a kid, saved again? You remember as a kid, saved again? You remember as a kid, you'd go to these camps, you're like, I you'd go to these camps, you're like, I you'd go to these camps, you're like, I guess I got to get saved again. There's guess I got to get saved again. There's guess I got to get saved again. There's some students at students camp right some students at students camp right some students at students camp right now. They're probably like, "Oh man, I now. They're probably like, "Oh man, I now. They're probably like, "Oh man, I got to get saved." You don't need to get got to get saved." You don't need to get got to get saved." You don't need to get saved again. But you do need to be saved again. But you do need to be saved again. But you do need to be renewed by God's grace again. You need renewed by God's grace again. You need renewed by God's grace again. You need to come back again to God's grace. Paul to come back again to God's grace. Paul to come back again to God's grace. Paul didn't say, "Hey, here's a little bit of didn't say, "Hey, here's a little bit of didn't say, "Hey, here's a little bit of grace, but you don't need that for the grace, but you don't need that for the grace, but you don't need that for the rest of your life." He's like, "Please rest of your life." He's like, "Please rest of your life." He's like, "Please take with you this one thing, Christian. take with you this one thing, Christian. take with you this one thing, Christian. Please keep looking at this one thing, Please keep looking at this one thing, Please keep looking at this one thing, Christian. Please keep this one thing Christian. Please keep this one thing Christian. Please keep this one thing with you, Christian. God's grace for with you, Christian. God's grace for with you, Christian. God's grace for you. you. you. And so some of you need to reopen the And so some of you need to reopen the And so some of you need to reopen the floodgates of God's grace into your floodgates of God's grace into your floodgates of God's grace into your life. life. life. Would you ask God to be gracious to you Would you ask God to be gracious to you Would you ask God to be gracious to you today? Would you admit the places that today? Would you admit the places that today? Would you admit the places that you need his grace for you today? And And will you share that grace?

will you share that grace? will you share that grace? Some of you are like Manasseh and you're Some of you are like Manasseh and you're Some of you are like Manasseh and you're sitting next to an Aemon. sitting next to an Aemon. sitting next to an Aemon. Maybe not in this room, but across the Maybe not in this room, but across the Maybe not in this room, but across the dinner table from an Aemon or you are dinner table from an Aemon or you are dinner table from an Aemon or you are sitting in a cubicle next to an Aemon. sitting in a cubicle next to an Aemon. sitting in a cubicle next to an Aemon. You are serving alongside an Aemon. You are serving alongside an Aemon. You are serving alongside an Aemon. Somebody who is observing God's grace, Somebody who is observing God's grace, Somebody who is observing God's grace, but they've never received it for but they've never received it for but they've never received it for themselves. Would you offer it? themselves. Would you offer it? themselves. Would you offer it? Would you not just be the one who Would you not just be the one who Would you not just be the one who receives it, but would you be the one receives it, but would you be the one receives it, but would you be the one who offers that? Give what you have been who offers that? Give what you have been who offers that? Give what you have been given. Sin is deep, deeper than we want given. Sin is deep, deeper than we want given. Sin is deep, deeper than we want to think, but grace reaches deeper than to think, but grace reaches deeper than to think, but grace reaches deeper than we dare to believe. Oh church, that you we dare to believe. Oh church, that you we dare to believe. Oh church, that you would believe it again today. That you would believe it again today. That you would believe it again today. That you would enjoy it again today. That you'd would enjoy it again today. That you'd would enjoy it again today. That you'd boast in it again today. Grace be with boast in it again today. Grace be with boast in it again today. Grace be with you. Let me pray. there is no one and nothing like you in there is no one and nothing like you in all the universe. all the universe. all the universe. You are worthy of all of our worship You are worthy of all of our worship You are worthy of all of our worship today, God.

today, God. today, God. Even even in these moments, would you Even even in these moments, would you Even even in these moments, would you pull our eyes up to see to see like pull our eyes up to see to see like pull our eyes up to see to see like Isaiah Isaiah Isaiah that holy, holy, holy is our God. that holy, holy, holy is our God. that holy, holy, holy is our God. To see that the real problem that we To see that the real problem that we To see that the real problem that we have here is that we've been separated have here is that we've been separated have here is that we've been separated from the Holy One. And we ought to be from the Holy One. And we ought to be from the Holy One. And we ought to be because of our sin. because of our sin. because of our sin. But oh God, would you show us again But oh God, would you show us again But oh God, would you show us again today that we don't have to be because today that we don't have to be because today that we don't have to be because your grace can bridge that gap. Your your grace can bridge that gap. Your your grace can bridge that gap. Your grace can heal everything. Your grace grace can heal everything. Your grace grace can heal everything. Your grace can save us. Your grace can reach us. can save us. Your grace can reach us. can save us. Your grace can reach us. Holy Spirit, I'm asking again. Would you Holy Spirit, I'm asking again. Would you Holy Spirit, I'm asking again. Would you not just help these men and women to see not just help these men and women to see not just help these men and women to see that you are gracious gracious, but to that you are gracious gracious, but to that you are gracious gracious, but to receive your grace to them today? Holy receive your grace to them today? Holy receive your grace to them today? Holy Spirit, would you apply the grace of God Spirit, would you apply the grace of God Spirit, would you apply the grace of God to your people today? There is nothing to your people today? There is nothing to your people today? There is nothing like it. You are so, so good. It's in like it. You are so, so good. It's in like it. You are so, so good. It's in Jesus's name that we pray. Amen.

Amen. Church, let's stand together this Amen. Church, let's stand together this morning as we respond. morning as we respond. morning as we respond. And the sun sets free is free indeed. And the sun sets free is free indeed. And the sun sets free is free indeed. Come on, [music] let's sing of his grace Come on, [music] let's sing of his grace Come on, [music] let's sing of his grace this morning. Let's give him praise and this morning. Let's give him praise and this morning. Let's give him praise and glory for who he is. >> Let's sing this together. I was lost. >> Let's sing this together. I was lost. [music] I [singing] was lost in sin. [music] I [singing] was lost in sin. [music] I [singing] was lost in sin. H captive by my fear. Till [music] your H captive by my fear. Till [music] your H captive by my fear. Till [music] your mercy showed. mercy showed. mercy showed. Your hand was reaching near. [music] Your hand was reaching near. [music] Your hand was reaching near. [music] My God, you came and made [music] a way My God, you came and made [music] a way My God, you came and made [music] a way for me. for me. for me. You made a way for me. [music] You made a way for me. [music] You made a way for me. [music] Amen.

Let's sing this again together. I was Let's sing this again together. I was lost. Oh, I was [music and singing] lost lost. Oh, I was [music and singing] lost lost. Oh, I was [music and singing] lost in sin. in sin. in sin. held captive bound my fear till your held captive bound my fear till your held captive bound my fear till your [music] mercy showed [music] mercy showed [music] mercy showed that your hand was [singing] reaching that your hand was [singing] reaching that your hand was [singing] reaching near. My God, you came and made a near. My God, you came and made a near. My God, you came and made a [singing] way for [music] me. You made a [singing] way for [music] me. You made a [singing] way for [music] me. You made a way for me. way for me. way for me. Let's see it, church. [music] My Let's see it, church. [music] My Let's see it, church. [music] My [singing] [singing] [singing] Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, gracious redeemer gracious redeemer gracious redeemer and friend. There's nothing like your and friend. There's nothing like your and friend. There's nothing like your [singing] love [music] without end. [singing] love [music] without end. [singing] love [music] without end. My hope was [music and singing] My hope was [music and singing] My hope was [music and singing] purchased by the blood of the lamb. My purchased by the blood of the lamb. My purchased by the blood of the lamb. My Jesus Jesus Jesus redeemer. [music and singing] >> Come on. This is what our savior did.

>> Come on. This is what our savior did. Sing it, church. You defeated Sing it, church. You defeated Sing it, church. You defeated [music and singing] [music and singing] [music and singing] death. death. death. You trampled over sin. You're the You trampled over sin. You're the You trampled over sin. You're the [singing] risen king. [singing] risen king. [singing] risen king. You're [music] coming back again. You're [music] coming back again. You're [music] coming back again. Oh God, [singing] Oh God, [singing] Oh God, [singing] you came [music] you came [music] you came [music] and made a way for us. If you made a and made a way for us. If you made a and made a way for us. If you made a [singing] way for us, [singing] way for us, [singing] way for us, [music] [music] [music] my Jesus my Jesus my Jesus Christ is redeemer. Christ is redeemer. Christ is redeemer. There's nothing [music] like you without There's nothing [music] like you without There's nothing [music] like you without it. it. it. [music] My home was purchased by the [music] My home was purchased by the [music] My home was purchased by the blood of the lamb. My [music] blood of the lamb. My [music] blood of the lamb. My [music] Jesus Jesus Jesus redeemer. >> There's no [music] guilt and no shame, >> There's no [music] guilt and no shame, [singing] [singing] [singing] no curse, no [music] chains. New life no curse, no [music] chains. New life no curse, no [music] chains. New life you gave.

you gave. you gave. Redeemer, [singing] no guilt. There's no shame, [music] no guilt. There's no shame, [music] no curse, no [singing] chains, new life. no curse, no [singing] chains, new life. no curse, no [singing] chains, new life. You came [music] You came [music] You came [music] redeemer, my church, your life is hidden [music] my church, your life is hidden [music] with Christ on high. Let's sing that with Christ on high. Let's sing that with Christ on high. Let's sing that again together in faith. There's no again together in faith. There's no again together in faith. There's no guilt. There's no [music] kill and no guilt. There's no [music] kill and no guilt. There's no [music] kill and no shame. No [singing] curse. [music] No shame. No [singing] curse. [music] No shame. No [singing] curse. [music] No shame. shame. shame. You came You came You came [music] my You You [singing] redeemer.

redeemer. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. [music] [singing] [singing] [music] By the blood of the lamb By the blood of the lamb [music] Jesus [music] [music] Jesus Jesus Jesus is redeemer. is redeemer. is redeemer. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> Heat. Heat. [music] [music] Our Jesus Our Jesus Our Jesus redeemer. [music] thank you, Jesus. [music] thank you, Jesus. [music] Amen. Come on, church. Give him praise Amen. Come on, church. Give him praise Amen. Come on, church. Give him praise today for who he is. Amen.

So Lord, I come So Lord, I come and I [music] confess. and I [music] confess. and I [music] confess. Bowing here, Bowing here, Bowing here, I find my rest. I find my rest. I find my rest. Cuz without you, Cuz without you, Cuz without you, I fall apart. I fall apart. I fall apart. God, you're the one God, you're the one God, you're the one that guides my [music] heart. that guides my [music] heart. that guides my [music] heart. Come on, church. Let's tell him today. Come on, church. Let's tell him today. Come on, church. Let's tell him today. Lord, I need you. Lord, I need you. Oh, Lord, I need you. Lord, I need you. Oh, Lord, I need you. Lord, I need you. Oh, [singing] I need [music] [singing] I need [music] [singing] I need [music] you. Yes. Every you. Yes. Every you. Yes. Every hour [singing] hour [singing] hour [singing] I [music] need I [music] need I [music] need you. Cuz you're my one defense. You're you. Cuz you're my one defense. You're you. Cuz you're my one defense. You're my rightousness. my rightousness. my rightousness. Oh God, [music] Oh God, [music] Oh God, [music] how [singing] I need how [singing] I need how [singing] I need you. you. you. >> [music] Your grace is Lord.

Your grace is Lord. Where gracious [music] Where gracious [music] Where gracious [music] found found found is [singing] where you are. is [singing] where you are. is [singing] where you are. >> Where you are [music] and where you are. >> Where you are [music] and where you are. >> Where you are [music] and where you are. Lord, I [singing] am free. [music] Holiness Holiness is [music] Christ. Yes. [music] Every Yes. [music] Every hour I need hour I need hour I need you. You're my [music] you. You're my [music] you. You're my [music] Jesus. You're my [singing] Oh, God. Now I need [music] Oh, God. Now I need [music] you you you to to to teach my soul. Teach my soul to teach my soul. Teach my soul to teach my soul. Teach my soul to [music and singing] rise to you.

When temptation [music] When temptation [music] comes [singing] my way. comes [singing] my way. comes [singing] my way. When I cannot stand, I'll hold on you. Temptation comes my way Temptation comes my way when I [music] cannot [singing] stand when I [music] cannot [singing] stand when I [music] cannot [singing] stand you you you cuz [music] Jesus [singing] you're my cuz [music] Jesus [singing] you're my cuz [music] Jesus [singing] you're my hope [music] [music] I need I need I need I [singing] [music] [music] [singing] [singing] [singing] [music] >> It's all we need. All we need >> It's all we need. All we need [music]

and Lord I need you. Oh, I need and Lord I need you. Oh, I need >> sing it church. Every >> sing it church. Every >> sing it church. Every [singing] >> cuz you're my one >> cuz you're my one defense. defense. defense. You're my [singing] rightousness. You're my [singing] rightousness. You're my [singing] rightousness. [music] [music] [music] Oh God, how I need [music] [singing] grace, [singing] grace, how sweet how sweet how sweet the sound the sound the sound that a rich a rich like me. I once I once was lost [singing] was lost [singing] was lost [singing] but now but now but now I'm found.

I'm found. I'm found. was blind was blind was blind but [singing] but [singing] but [singing] now now now I see. I see. I see. Sing was grace. Sing was grace. Sing was grace. was grace was grace was grace that taught that taught that taught my [singing] my [singing] my [singing] heart heart heart to fear. to fear. to fear. And grace And grace And grace my fears my fears my fears really. that grace that grace of peace. of peace. of peace. We are We are We are our first our first our first being. We thank you Jesus. We thank you Jesus. Thank you for your grace Lord.

Sing when [music] we Sing when [music] we when we years years bright shineing [singing] bright shineing [singing] bright shineing [singing] as as as the sun days days to sing. We're going to sing God's to sing. We're going to sing God's to sing. We're going to sing God's [singing] praise [singing] praise [singing] praise than when [music] than when [music] than when [music] we first we first we first beun. [singing] beun. [singing] beun. [singing] [music] [music] [music] We've no less. No [singing] No [singing] less days less days less days to see to see to see God's [singing] God's [singing] God's [singing] praise. praise. praise. Then Then Then we [singing] first we [singing] first we [singing] first beun.

Praise God. I'm going to go ahead and Praise God. I'm going to go ahead and invite our usher team forward and we're invite our usher team forward and we're invite our usher team forward and we're going to take the offering just as an going to take the offering just as an going to take the offering just as an act of worship this morning. As they do act of worship this morning. As they do act of worship this morning. As they do that, I want to just stay in this that, I want to just stay in this that, I want to just stay in this posture. If you'll bow your heads with posture. If you'll bow your heads with posture. If you'll bow your heads with me, I'd love to pray to the Lord Jesus. me, I'd love to pray to the Lord Jesus. me, I'd love to pray to the Lord Jesus. Thank him for his grace and his mercy. Thank him for his grace and his mercy. Thank him for his grace and his mercy. Thank him today that he sees you and all Thank him today that he sees you and all Thank him today that he sees you and all the mess the mess the mess and all of the sin and he's still and all of the sin and he's still and all of the sin and he's still gracious towards you. gracious towards you. gracious towards you. So Lord Jesus, we come before you humbly So Lord Jesus, we come before you humbly So Lord Jesus, we come before you humbly today. today. today. Oh, the depths and riches of your grace Oh, the depths and riches of your grace Oh, the depths and riches of your grace and mercy, Lord Jesus, upon our lives. and mercy, Lord Jesus, upon our lives. and mercy, Lord Jesus, upon our lives. God, we boast in nothing but you. We God, we boast in nothing but you. We God, we boast in nothing but you. We don't boast in our gifts, our talents, don't boast in our gifts, our talents, don't boast in our gifts, our talents, the things that we can bring. God, we the things that we can bring. God, we the things that we can bring. God, we boast only in you and your grace. God, boast only in you and your grace. God, boast only in you and your grace. God, we thank you that your blood covers us we thank you that your blood covers us we thank you that your blood covers us today. That once we were a people who today. That once we were a people who today. That once we were a people who were far off, but now we have been were far off, but now we have been were far off, but now we have been brought near by the blood of Jesus brought near by the blood of Jesus brought near by the blood of Jesus Christ. God, we boast only in you today. Christ. God, we boast only in you today. Christ. God, we boast only in you today. So God, would you help us? So God, would you help us? So God, would you help us? Help us to live in that freedom like we Help us to live in that freedom like we Help us to live in that freedom like we just sang about. There's no guilt.

just sang about. There's no guilt. just sang about. There's no guilt. There's no shame. Help us to run towards There's no shame. Help us to run towards There's no shame. Help us to run towards you, Jesus, with everything that we you, Jesus, with everything that we you, Jesus, with everything that we have. God, we thank you that we get to have. God, we thank you that we get to have. God, we thank you that we get to sing to you. And just the melody of the sing to you. And just the melody of the sing to you. And just the melody of the person next to us reminds us, God, that person next to us reminds us, God, that person next to us reminds us, God, that you're here and that you're with us and you're here and that you're with us and you're here and that you're with us and that you're a good and faithful king. that you're a good and faithful king. that you're a good and faithful king. God, we thank you for your church today. God, we thank you for your church today. God, we thank you for your church today. God, as we take up the offering now, God, as we take up the offering now, God, as we take up the offering now, God, would this be just an act of God, would this be just an act of God, would this be just an act of worship towards you? You've provided worship towards you? You've provided worship towards you? You've provided everything that we need. So God, we give everything that we need. So God, we give everything that we need. So God, we give this back to you and we trust you with this back to you and we trust you with this back to you and we trust you with it and we praise you for it. We love it and we praise you for it. We love it and we praise you for it. We love you, Lord Jesus. We pray all this in you, Lord Jesus. We pray all this in you, Lord Jesus. We pray all this in Jesus name. And everybody said, "Amen." Jesus name. And everybody said, "Amen." Jesus name. And everybody said, "Amen." Church, you can go ahead and have a Church, you can go ahead and have a Church, you can go ahead and have a seat. Offering team, y'all can go ahead seat. Offering team, y'all can go ahead seat. Offering team, y'all can go ahead and start passing the baskets. As you and start passing the baskets. As you and start passing the baskets. As you said, uh there's going to be a couple said, uh there's going to be a couple said, uh there's going to be a couple questions that are going to be up on the questions that are going to be up on the questions that are going to be up on the screen for you to reflect on this screen for you to reflect on this screen for you to reflect on this morning. Feel free to jot those down in morning. Feel free to jot those down in morning. Feel free to jot those down in your notes app or on a piece of paper. your notes app or on a piece of paper. your notes app or on a piece of paper. But let's not move past this moment. But let's not move past this moment. But let's not move past this moment. Where in your life do you need to Where in your life do you need to Where in your life do you need to receive God's grace? And with whom in receive God's grace? And with whom in receive God's grace? And with whom in your life do you need to share God's your life do you need to share God's your life do you need to share God's grace? Take a few moments and just grace? Take a few moments and just grace? Take a few moments and just answer those. Pray through those.

I really hope you won't rush past those. I really hope you won't rush past those. Maybe it sometimes people ask me Maybe it sometimes people ask me Maybe it sometimes people ask me questions and I I need a little bit questions and I I need a little bit questions and I I need a little bit longer to actually think about it. And longer to actually think about it. And longer to actually think about it. And so write write that down and maybe let so write write that down and maybe let so write write that down and maybe let that inform your time with God. Maybe that inform your time with God. Maybe that inform your time with God. Maybe maybe you haven't spent time with God in maybe you haven't spent time with God in maybe you haven't spent time with God in a long time. a long time. a long time. Maybe just start with this that word Maybe just start with this that word Maybe just start with this that word that shows up twice. Need. that shows up twice. Need. that shows up twice. Need. The church is The church is The church is essentially a needy people. It's not a essentially a needy people. It's not a essentially a needy people. It's not a bunch of people who are really awesome bunch of people who are really awesome bunch of people who are really awesome showing the world how great we are. showing the world how great we are. showing the world how great we are. There's a bunch of needy people showing There's a bunch of needy people showing There's a bunch of needy people showing the world how good God is. And so don't the world how good God is. And so don't the world how good God is. And so don't rush past that. rush past that. rush past that. But with that, I also have a couple of But with that, I also have a couple of But with that, I also have a couple of things to kind of some congregation things to kind of some congregation things to kind of some congregation business before we send you out from business before we send you out from business before we send you out from this place. And so um the church is a this place. And so um the church is a this place. And so um the church is a needy people uh commissioned to share needy people uh commissioned to share needy people uh commissioned to share God's grace. We're also the one thing God's grace. We're also the one thing God's grace. We're also the one thing that God says we get to be competitive that God says we get to be competitive that God says we get to be competitive about in in the church is showing one about in in the church is showing one about in in the church is showing one another honor. It says, "Outdo one another honor. It says, "Outdo one another honor. It says, "Outdo one another and showing honor." Be another and showing honor." Be another and showing honor." Be competitive at that, not men's slow competitive at that, not men's slow competitive at that, not men's slow pitch softball. Okay? Although we are pitch softball. Okay? Although we are pitch softball. Okay? Although we are competitive and we won against the competitive and we won against the competitive and we won against the Northwest team. Uh Northwest Northwest team. Uh Northwest Northwest team. Uh Northwest congregation got smoked. Okay? Uh uh but congregation got smoked. Okay? Uh uh but congregation got smoked. Okay? Uh uh but outdo in showing honor. And so I we want outdo in showing honor. And so I we want outdo in showing honor. And so I we want to do that this morning um for Andrea to do that this morning um for Andrea to do that this morning um for Andrea Wheeler and her husband Eric. Um, Wheeler and her husband Eric. Um, Wheeler and her husband Eric. Um, Andrea, as they come up, I I'll just Andrea, as they come up, I I'll just Andrea, as they come up, I I'll just tell you a little bit about Andrea's tell you a little bit about Andrea's tell you a little bit about Andrea's service to our church over the last four service to our church over the last four service to our church over the last four and a half years. She has served in this

and a half years. She has served in this and a half years. She has served in this child care coordinator role uh for our child care coordinator role uh for our child care coordinator role uh for our congregation. And if [music] you just congregation. And if [music] you just congregation. And if [music] you just just when you're out in the foyer, take just when you're out in the foyer, take just when you're out in the foyer, take note of everybody who's, you know, this note of everybody who's, you know, this note of everybody who's, you know, this tall and less. And it's a lot. You know, tall and less. And it's a lot. You know, tall and less. And it's a lot. You know, there's a lot of kids, a lot of children there's a lot of kids, a lot of children there's a lot of kids, a lot of children in our congregation. And a lot of the in our congregation. And a lot of the in our congregation. And a lot of the ways that we're able to to form and ways that we're able to to form and ways that we're able to to form and shape and encourage and bless the saints shape and encourage and bless the saints shape and encourage and bless the saints of our church is because we're bringing of our church is because we're bringing of our church is because we're bringing those kids into a space where they can those kids into a space where they can those kids into a space where they can be formed and shaped and blessed during be formed and shaped and blessed during be formed and shaped and blessed during some event, during some moment, during some event, during some moment, during some event, during some moment, during some training, during some class. And some training, during some class. And some training, during some class. And Andrea was the one who was hustling day Andrea was the one who was hustling day Andrea was the one who was hustling day in and day out to Yeah. [laughter] to in and day out to Yeah. [laughter] to in and day out to Yeah. [laughter] to help. help. help. Go Let's go ahead and clap right now. Go Let's go ahead and clap right now. Go Let's go ahead and clap right now. Let's get our claps out. Yeah. Let's get our claps out. Yeah. Let's get our claps out. Yeah. >> [applause] >> Andrea cared deeply for our church in >> Andrea cared deeply for our church in the way that she coordinated child care the way that she coordinated child care the way that she coordinated child care for the events that we were hosting and for the events that we were hosting and for the events that we were hosting and um took care of those whom Jesus said, um took care of those whom Jesus said, um took care of those whom Jesus said, "Hey, let those get don't ever keep "Hey, let those get don't ever keep "Hey, let those get don't ever keep those kids from getting to me." [music] those kids from getting to me." [music] those kids from getting to me." [music] And so those were the people that she And so those were the people that she And so those were the people that she was serving uh first and foremost as she was serving uh first and foremost as she was serving uh first and foremost as she was serving our congregation. but also was serving our congregation. but also was serving our congregation. but also Eric and Andrea have been serving our Eric and Andrea have been serving our Eric and Andrea have been serving our kids and our church for a long long kids and our church for a long long kids and our church for a long long time. Whether that's uh as kids coaches time. Whether that's uh as kids coaches time. Whether that's uh as kids coaches way back when there was a 4pm service of way back when there was a 4pm service of way back when there was a 4pm service of the of North, you know, not anytime soon the of North, you know, not anytime soon the of North, you know, not anytime soon are we planning on that, but uh again, are we planning on that, but uh again, are we planning on that, but uh again, but back then you guys were serving as but back then you guys were serving as but back then you guys were serving as kids coaches then. You've you've served

kids coaches then. You've you've served kids coaches then. You've you've served your decom with such uh selflessness and your decom with such uh selflessness and your decom with such uh selflessness and love and uh and you're serving all over love and uh and you're serving all over love and uh and you're serving all over our church. And so we just this morning our church. And so we just this morning our church. And so we just this morning want to say thank you and we love you. want to say thank you and we love you. want to say thank you and we love you. And uh and good news for us is that uh And uh and good news for us is that uh And uh and good news for us is that uh even though Andrea is stepping out of even though Andrea is stepping out of even though Andrea is stepping out of her role as a childcare coordinator into her role as a childcare coordinator into her role as a childcare coordinator into this next season, they're still going to this next season, they're still going to this next season, they're still going to be in our congregation members of this be in our congregation members of this be in our congregation members of this body, partners with us in mission. And body, partners with us in mission. And body, partners with us in mission. And so um I would love to pray for you as so um I would love to pray for you as so um I would love to pray for you as you're stepping into this next chapter. you're stepping into this next chapter. you're stepping into this next chapter. And um but hear us together saying thank And um but hear us together saying thank And um but hear us together saying thank you. Okay. Heavenly Father, we want to you. Okay. Heavenly Father, we want to you. Okay. Heavenly Father, we want to say thank you to you. Ultimately, say thank you to you. Ultimately, say thank you to you. Ultimately, the Wheelers are your creation the Wheelers are your creation the Wheelers are your creation made in your image and then your made in your image and then your made in your image and then your recreation through Christ. And they have recreation through Christ. And they have recreation through Christ. And they have walked in these good works that you walked in these good works that you walked in these good works that you prepared beforehand for them to walk in. prepared beforehand for them to walk in. prepared beforehand for them to walk in. And so we just say thank you for your And so we just say thank you for your And so we just say thank you for your goodness to us through them. And would goodness to us through them. And would goodness to us through them. And would you bless them and keep them and make you bless them and keep them and make you bless them and keep them and make your face to shine upon them as they your face to shine upon them as they your face to shine upon them as they step into this next chapter where Andre step into this next chapter where Andre step into this next chapter where Andre doesn't have a staff role anymore, but doesn't have a staff role anymore, but doesn't have a staff role anymore, but they still have very much an important they still have very much an important they still have very much an important part to play in the life of this church.

part to play in the life of this church. part to play in the life of this church. So would you bless them in that and help So would you bless them in that and help So would you bless them in that and help them uh more than anything with them them uh more than anything with them them uh more than anything with them take grace into this next season. We take grace into this next season. We take grace into this next season. We love you, Father. It's in Jesus's name love you, Father. It's in Jesus's name love you, Father. It's in Jesus's name we pray. Amen. Yeah. Thank you guys. we pray. Amen. Yeah. Thank you guys. we pray. Amen. Yeah. Thank you guys. All right. [applause] Two two more things and I'm going to Two two more things and I'm going to send you out. You're like, can you do send you out. You're like, can you do send you out. You're like, can you do this? It's only 10:13. Okay. And so I'm this? It's only 10:13. Okay. And so I'm this? It's only 10:13. Okay. And so I'm going I've got a little bit of time, not going I've got a little bit of time, not going I've got a little bit of time, not much. And with this time, I want to tell much. And with this time, I want to tell much. And with this time, I want to tell you um about our women's ministry and you um about our women's ministry and you um about our women's ministry and specifically about our women's specifically about our women's specifically about our women's leadership team. Yeah. So, look at this. leadership team. Yeah. So, look at this. leadership team. Yeah. So, look at this. Okay, this is your North Women's Okay, this is your North Women's Okay, this is your North Women's Leadership Team. Okay, and I'm Leadership Team. Okay, and I'm Leadership Team. Okay, and I'm highlighting that because although we highlighting that because although we highlighting that because although we don't have a staff role of a women's don't have a staff role of a women's don't have a staff role of a women's director for our congregation, we very director for our congregation, we very director for our congregation, we very much have a leadership team who is much have a leadership team who is much have a leadership team who is leading the ministry of our Yeah, here leading the ministry of our Yeah, here leading the ministry of our Yeah, here we go. we go. we go. See, look at Peter back there [music] See, look at Peter back there [music] See, look at Peter back there [music] making it happen. Um, so now you can see making it happen. Um, so now you can see making it happen. Um, so now you can see them maybe a little bit clearly, but um them maybe a little bit clearly, but um them maybe a little bit clearly, but um I want you to see their face. I want you I want you to see their face. I want you I want you to see their face. I want you to see their names because these women to see their names because these women to see their names because these women are helping to lead our women's ministry are helping to lead our women's ministry are helping to lead our women's ministry at North. So if you have questions about at North. So if you have questions about at North. So if you have questions about what's going on, look, women are serving what's going on, look, women are serving what's going on, look, women are serving all over our church. They're serving in all over our church. They're serving in all over our church. They're serving in decoms. They're serving in equipping.

decoms. They're serving in equipping. decoms. They're serving in equipping. They're serving in kids. They're serving They're serving in kids. They're serving They're serving in kids. They're serving in students. They're serving in here. in students. They're serving in here. in students. They're serving in here. They're serving all over the place. The They're serving all over the place. The They're serving all over the place. The women's ministry at North is meant to women's ministry at North is meant to women's ministry at North is meant to specifically cultivate disciplehip specifically cultivate disciplehip specifically cultivate disciplehip environments that are unique to women, environments that are unique to women, environments that are unique to women, places for them to gather and grow as places for them to gather and grow as places for them to gather and grow as women particularly. And this team is the women particularly. And this team is the women particularly. And this team is the one who's going to be leading the charge one who's going to be leading the charge one who's going to be leading the charge on that. So if you have questions about on that. So if you have questions about on that. So if you have questions about um what's going on in that ministry, I um what's going on in that ministry, I um what's going on in that ministry, I just wanted to give you some faces and just wanted to give you some faces and just wanted to give you some faces and names to talk to. Ginger specifically is names to talk to. Ginger specifically is names to talk to. Ginger specifically is the point person for this team. And so the point person for this team. And so the point person for this team. And so if you have a question, you can if you have a question, you can if you have a question, you can definitely uh go to Ginger if you come definitely uh go to Ginger if you come definitely uh go to Ginger if you come to me with currently I am on our website to me with currently I am on our website to me with currently I am on our website when you like are looking for women's when you like are looking for women's when you like are looking for women's ministry information and that [music] ministry information and that [music] ministry information and that [music] will may it be that it changes soon. Um will may it be that it changes soon. Um will may it be that it changes soon. Um not that I get asked anything but I not that I get asked anything but I not that I get asked anything but I think people see that and they're like think people see that and they're like think people see that and they're like doesn't look like he knows, you know. doesn't look like he knows, you know. doesn't look like he knows, you know. Uh, and I don't I do actually, but I I Uh, and I don't I do actually, but I I Uh, and I don't I do actually, but I I want you to ask Ginger or one of the want you to ask Ginger or one of the want you to ask Ginger or one of the members of this team. Okay. And the members of this team. Okay. And the members of this team. Okay. And the second thing I want to tell you about in second thing I want to tell you about in second thing I want to tell you about in the life of this church, um, is coming the life of this church, um, is coming the life of this church, um, is coming up this next fall, and that's ASDP, up this next fall, and that's ASDP, up this next fall, and that's ASDP, Austin Stone Development Program. So, I Austin Stone Development Program. So, I Austin Stone Development Program. So, I would, if you've gone through Austin would, if you've gone through Austin would, if you've gone through Austin Stone Development Program or whatever Stone Development Program or whatever Stone Development Program or whatever version or name it was back then, will version or name it was back then, will version or name it was back then, will you raise your hand?

you raise your hand? you raise your hand? Okay. So, look, you can see around this Okay. So, look, you can see around this Okay. So, look, you can see around this room there's a number of people. Now, room there's a number of people. Now, room there's a number of people. Now, put your hands down because now I want put your hands down because now I want put your hands down because now I want to ask, will you raise your hand if this to ask, will you raise your hand if this to ask, will you raise your hand if this significantly impacted your faith and significantly impacted your faith and significantly impacted your faith and your walk with Jesus? your walk with Jesus? your walk with Jesus? All right, I didn't do that, Matt. I All right, I didn't do that, Matt. I All right, I didn't do that, Matt. I don't know what the difference is in don't know what the difference is in don't know what the difference is in those numbers. Maybe some of people are those numbers. Maybe some of people are those numbers. Maybe some of people are like, "No." But most people who have like, "No." But most people who have like, "No." But most people who have walked through that program will say walked through that program will say walked through that program will say that it has impacted my faith in a that it has impacted my faith in a that it has impacted my faith in a significant way. And so, this next fall, significant way. And so, this next fall, significant way. And so, this next fall, we are going to run that program here at we are going to run that program here at we are going to run that program here at North. And in that program, you will get North. And in that program, you will get North. And in that program, you will get some very intensive theological some very intensive theological some very intensive theological training. and you'll get to be a part of training. and you'll get to be a part of training. and you'll get to be a part of a cohort. Um you're you're going to get a cohort. Um you're you're going to get a cohort. Um you're you're going to get to uh study in depth the truths about to uh study in depth the truths about to uh study in depth the truths about God's goodness and grace and it's a very God's goodness and grace and it's a very God's goodness and grace and it's a very rich time. So I'm telling you that rich time. So I'm telling you that rich time. So I'm telling you that because we have room for about 200 because we have room for about 200 because we have room for about 200 people to go through that program. And people to go through that program. And people to go through that program. And so my hope is that we will fill every so my hope is that we will fill every so my hope is that we will fill every seat in this auditorium as we're doing seat in this auditorium as we're doing seat in this auditorium as we're doing that because we want to actually raise that because we want to actually raise that because we want to actually raise up the next generation of leaders in up the next generation of leaders in up the next generation of leaders in this church and the churches [music] this church and the churches [music] this church and the churches [music] beyond us. Okay. Um and so look look out beyond us. Okay. Um and so look look out beyond us. Okay. Um and so look look out for that invitation to join ASP. If for that invitation to join ASP. If for that invitation to join ASP. If you're like, "Hey, I want to be a cohort you're like, "Hey, I want to be a cohort you're like, "Hey, I want to be a cohort leader. I want to do be a part of this."

leader. I want to do be a part of this." leader. I want to do be a part of this." Um, you can go ahead and, Um, you can go ahead and, Um, you can go ahead and, um, email me. Uh, you can do that. I'm um, email me. Uh, you can do that. I'm um, email me. Uh, you can do that. I'm gonna be out of town next week, so don't gonna be out of town next week, so don't gonna be out of town next week, so don't look for that response that soon, but look for that response that soon, but look for that response that soon, but I'll be out of town next week. It starts I'll be out of town next week. It starts I'll be out of town next week. It starts in August, so we have time. Um, and so in August, so we have time. Um, and so in August, so we have time. Um, and so you can do that. Um, and just as you're you can do that. Um, and just as you're you can do that. Um, and just as you're going into this summer, my hope for you going into this summer, my hope for you going into this summer, my hope for you is that you will continue to be a is that you will continue to be a is that you will continue to be a disciple of Jesus as you go through disciple of Jesus as you go through disciple of Jesus as you go through whatever as you're going out of town, as whatever as you're going out of town, as whatever as you're going out of town, as you're going to work, as you're taking you're going to work, as you're taking you're going to work, as you're taking your kids to camp, whatever it is that your kids to camp, whatever it is that your kids to camp, whatever it is that you're doing, that you would walk with you're doing, that you would walk with you're doing, that you would walk with Jesus in that space. [music] And Jesus in that space. [music] And Jesus in that space. [music] And specifically this morning, I want to specifically this morning, I want to specifically this morning, I want to exhort you. exhort you. exhort you. Go with his grace. Go with his grace. Go with his grace. Would grace be with you is our prayer Would grace be with you is our prayer Would grace be with you is our prayer for you this morning. And so as we for you this morning. And so as we for you this morning. And so as we conclude the service with our conclude the service with our conclude the service with our benediction, will you stand now? We're benediction, will you stand now? We're benediction, will you stand now? We're going to sing to the giver of that grace production. I actually want to keep the production. I actually want to keep the lights like this up so everybody can see lights like this up so everybody can see lights like this up so everybody can see each other. Just as we close today, um I each other. Just as we close today, um I each other. Just as we close today, um I want to remind you guys before we close want to remind you guys before we close want to remind you guys before we close that there'll be a prayer team down that there'll be a prayer team down that there'll be a prayer team down front, both men and women who would love front, both men and women who would love front, both men and women who would love to pray with you. If you need anything, to pray with you. If you need anything, to pray with you. If you need anything, need to be just prayed over. Even if you need to be just prayed over. Even if you need to be just prayed over. Even if you don't have the words to say, just come don't have the words to say, just come don't have the words to say, just come on up. We would it would be our honor to on up. We would it would be our honor to on up. We would it would be our honor to be able to pray over you guys. But let's be able to pray over you guys. But let's be able to pray over you guys. But let's close with all hell king Jesus. As we do close with all hell king Jesus. As we do close with all hell king Jesus. As we do every week, let's raise our hands every week, let's raise our hands every week, let's raise our hands together just in reverence to our king together just in reverence to our king together just in reverence to our king today. Let's praise him for all that he today. Let's praise him for all that he today. Let's praise him for all that he is. Come on, sing it. All hell king is. Come on, sing it. All hell king is. Come on, sing it. All hell king Jesus.

All hail the Lord All hail the Lord of heaven [singing] of heaven [singing] of heaven [singing] and earth. and earth. and earth. All hail king Jesus. All hail [singing and music] All hail [singing and music] the savior the savior the savior of the [singing] world. >> Amen. Church, go in his grace. Go in his >> Amen. Church, go in his grace. Go in his peace. See you next week. hey hey hey hey hey hey hey hey hey hey hey hey hey hey hey hey hey hey hey hey

Hey, Hey, hey, hey.

hey, hey, hey. hey, hey, hey.