BattleCreek Church | The Table | Part 1 | 11:30am FULL SERVICE

want you. want you. Heat. Heat. N. [music] [music] >> Heat. Heat. [music] [music] Heat. Heat.

[music] [music] >> On July 15th, a team of Battle Creek >> On July 15th, a team of Battle Creek >> On July 15th, a team of Battle Creek students set out freedom. Their mission students set out freedom. Their mission students set out freedom. Their mission was simple. Share the gospel with a was simple. Share the gospel with a was simple. Share the gospel with a nation hungry for hope. Partnering with nation hungry for hope. Partnering with nation hungry for hope. Partnering with TC Egypt gave them access to ministry TC Egypt gave them access to ministry TC Egypt gave them access to ministry [music] only a local church could [music] only a local church could [music] only a local church could provide. And it started at Student Camp provide. And it started at Student Camp provide. And it started at Student Camp serving alongside [music] more than 800 serving alongside [music] more than 800 serving alongside [music] more than 800 students. Our [music] [music] students connected with locals through students connected with locals through students connected with locals through community groups and served alongside community groups and served alongside community groups and served alongside local churches meeting [music] real local churches meeting [music] real local churches meeting [music] real needs in their communities. In fact, 1 needs in their communities. In fact, 1 needs in their communities. In fact, 1 1600 people attended our outreach 1600 people attended our outreach 1600 people attended our outreach events, church. That's 1,600 [music] events, church. That's 1,600 [music] events, church. That's 1,600 [music] seeds that were planted. And by the end seeds that were planted. And by the end seeds that were planted. And by the end of the week, over 100 students have of the week, over 100 students have of the week, over 100 students have given their lives to Christ. That's a given their lives to Christ. That's a given their lives to Christ. That's a hundred different people that Jesus has hundred different people that Jesus has hundred different people that Jesus has welcomed into his kingdom. Battle welcomed into his kingdom. Battle welcomed into his kingdom. Battle [music] Creek, this isn't just one trip. [music] Creek, this isn't just one trip. [music] Creek, this isn't just one trip. This is the next generation leading the This is the next generation leading the This is the next generation leading the next generation to Christ. [music] next generation to Christ. [music] next generation to Christ. [music] Mark 16:15 says, "Go into all the world Mark 16:15 says, "Go into all the world Mark 16:15 says, "Go into all the world and preach the good news to everyone."

>> [music] >> [music] >> Battle Creek Church, thank you for >> Battle Creek Church, thank you for >> Battle Creek Church, thank you for sending, supporting, and praying for sending, supporting, and praying for sending, supporting, and praying for [music] our students as they help others [music] our students as they help others [music] our students as they help others advance in their walk with Jesus Christ. advance in their walk with Jesus Christ. advance in their walk with Jesus Christ. [music] [music] [music] This morning, you know, I want to stand This morning, you know, I want to stand This morning, you know, I want to stand and invite you to stand with us and and invite you to stand with us and and invite you to stand with us and let's worship. [music] Let's sing it let's worship. [music] Let's sing it let's worship. [music] Let's sing it out. Hallel out. Hallel out. Hallel Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. You [music] get all [singing] the You [music] get all [singing] the You [music] get all [singing] the praise. We say halle praise. We say halle praise. We say halle [music] [music] [music] Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. You get all the praise always. You get all the praise always. You get all the praise always. [music] You get all the praise. We say You get all the praise. We say hallelujah. [music] [music] You get all the praise always. [music] I You get all the praise always. [music] I You get all the praise always. [music] I got a power for me. got a power for me. got a power for me. He's over [music] making away He's over [music] making away He's over [music] making away the so the so the so [music] everything everything we gave me [music] a song I can sing I we gave me [music] a song I can sing I we gave me [music] a song I can sing I can't can't can't praise Heat. Heat. [music]

>> [music] >> [music] >> Heat. Heat. Heat. [music] Who is Who is [music] my Oh, Oh, [music] [music] [music] heat, heat.

heat. [music] Yeah. Yeah. [music] Heat. >> [music] >> [music] >> Heat. Heat. Heat. [music] [music]

[music] my way but to do I gave you praise. Give my way but to do I gave you praise. Give my way but to do I gave you praise. Give him a shout of praise this morning. him a shout of praise this morning. him a shout of praise this morning. Amen. Amen. Amen. Amen. Amen. Hey, listen. in the uh Amen. Amen. Hey, listen. in the uh Amen. Amen. Hey, listen. in the uh the book of Joel um [music] Joel is the book of Joel um [music] Joel is the book of Joel um [music] Joel is speaking speaking speaking and uh God is speaking through him and and uh God is speaking through him and and uh God is speaking through him and at the time Judah is having a very hard at the time Judah is having a very hard at the time Judah is having a very hard time. They're taking a lot of L's and a time. They're taking a lot of L's and a time. They're taking a lot of L's and a lot of it's their fault. You know, God lot of it's their fault. You know, God lot of it's their fault. You know, God is [music] sending plagues and Joel's is [music] sending plagues and Joel's is [music] sending plagues and Joel's just taking this moment to appeal to just taking this moment to appeal to just taking this moment to appeal to them to return to God. And what it says them to return to God. And what it says them to return to God. And what it says in the second chapter, the 11th vers uh in the second chapter, the 11th vers uh in the second chapter, the 11th vers uh verses, God tells him to say, "Return to verses, God tells him to say, "Return to verses, God tells him to say, "Return to me with your whole heart." me with your whole heart." me with your whole heart." And I want to ask you today, what does And I want to ask you today, what does And I want to ask you today, what does that mean to you to [music] return to that mean to you to [music] return to that mean to you to [music] return to God with your whole heart? God with your whole heart? God with your whole heart? That's what I want you to ponder today.

That's what I want you to ponder today. That's what I want you to ponder today. I want to be clear [music] that I want to be clear [music] that I want to be clear [music] that returning to God doesn't necessarily returning to God doesn't necessarily returning to God doesn't necessarily mean returning to church, but we mean returning to church, but we mean returning to church, but we definitely have the resources [music] definitely have the resources [music] definitely have the resources [music] for you to return back to him. for you to return back to him. for you to return back to him. So, what does that mean to you? It could So, what does that mean to you? It could So, what does that mean to you? It could mean [music] partaking in Holy mean [music] partaking in Holy mean [music] partaking in Holy Communion, which we're going to do at Communion, which we're going to do at Communion, which we're going to do at the end of service. It could mean you the end of service. It could mean you the end of service. It could mean you joining [music] a small group because we joining [music] a small group because we joining [music] a small group because we exist as a church to help you advance in exist as a church to help you advance in exist as a church to help you advance in your journey. could mean taking your your journey. could mean taking your your journey. could mean taking your kids kids kids to students [music] every Wednesday or to students [music] every Wednesday or to students [music] every Wednesday or bringing them to kids ministry every bringing them to kids ministry every bringing them to kids ministry every single week or you yourself [music] single week or you yourself [music] single week or you yourself [music] showing up every single week. It could showing up every single week. It could showing up every single week. It could mean being generous with what God has mean being generous with what God has mean being generous with what God has given you to bless others. Can we take a given you to bless others. Can we take a given you to bless others. Can we take a moment? Can we look to heaven? You can moment? Can we look to heaven? You can moment? Can we look to heaven? You can open your hands, lift your hands. Let's open your hands, lift your hands. Let's open your hands, lift your hands. Let's ponder the goodness of God. ponder the goodness of God. ponder the goodness of God. >> I love you, Lord. [music] Oh, your mercy never fails me. Oh, your mercy never fails me. And all [music] my days And all [music] my days And all [music] my days I've been held in your hands.

I've been held in your hands. I've been held in your hands. From the moment [music] that I wake up From the moment [music] that I wake up From the moment [music] that I wake up until I lay my [music] head. until I lay my [music] head. until I lay my [music] head. Oh, I will sing of the goodness of God. Oh, I will sing of the goodness of God. Oh, I will sing of the goodness of God. Let's sing this together. [music] Let's sing this together. [music] Let's sing this together. [music] All my life [singing] All my life [singing] All my life [singing] you have been faithful. [music] Yes, you you have been faithful. [music] Yes, you you have been faithful. [music] Yes, you are. are. are. All my life you have been so so [music] [music] good of God. [music] good of God. I [music] love your voice. You are there [music] through the fire You are there [music] through the fire and darkest night. and darkest night. and darkest night. You are close like no [music] other. You are close like no [music] other. You are close like no [music] other. I've known you as a father.

I've known you as a father. I've known you as a father. I've known you as [music] a friend. Come I've known you as [music] a friend. Come I've known you as [music] a friend. Come on. And I have lived in the goodness of on. And I have lived in the goodness of on. And I have lived in the goodness of God. God. God. [music] Heat. Heat. Heat. [singing] Heat. Heat. Heat. [singing] [music] >> Heat. Heat. [singing] >> Heat. Heat. [singing] [music] Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. [music] [music] [music] heat, heat, heat, heat. [music] [music] [music] Heat. Heat.

Let's sing this out. [music] Let's sing this out. [music] And all my life you have been faithful. And all my life you have been faithful. And all my life you have been faithful. Yes, you have. Come on. All my life you Yes, you have. Come on. All my life you Yes, you have. Come on. All my life you have been so [music] so [music] [music] Yeah. Heat. [music] [music] Heat. >> [music] >> [music] >> Heat. Heat. >> [music] >> [music] >> Oh, [singing] >> Oh, [singing] >> Oh, [singing] we give him some praise this morning.

we give him some praise this morning. we give him some praise this morning. Come on. [applause] >> I don't want to be familiar, >> I don't want to be familiar, treated like it doesn't [music] matter. treated like it doesn't [music] matter. treated like it doesn't [music] matter. I don't want to lose the wonder of your I don't want to lose the wonder of your I don't want to lose the wonder of your presence. [music] And I don't want to come [music] in And I don't want to come [music] in title. title. title. Just want to run it like a child. Just want to run it like a child. Just want to run it like a child. caught up in the joy and wonder of caught up in the joy and wonder of caught up in the joy and wonder of [music] your presence. [music] your presence. [music] your presence. Come on, sing church. And I am coming Come on, sing church. And I am coming Come on, sing church. And I am coming [music] back to first love. Coming back [music] back to first love. Coming back [music] back to first love. Coming back to [singing] Jesus. to [singing] Jesus. to [singing] Jesus. I'm coming back to you. [music] And no more going [music] through the And no more going [music] through the motions.

motions. motions. You're my wonderful voice. [music] I'm You're my wonderful voice. [music] I'm You're my wonderful voice. [music] I'm coming back [singing] to you. coming back [singing] to you. coming back [singing] to you. Yeah. Yeah. [music] [music] [music] Cuz I can feel a world of difference. Cuz I can feel a world of difference. Cuz I can feel a world of difference. And suddenly [music] the room is And suddenly [music] the room is And suddenly [music] the room is shifting. shifting. shifting. I'm finding it again. [music] The wonder I'm finding it again. [music] The wonder I'm finding it again. [music] The wonder of your presence. I never [music] want to leave communion. I never [music] want to leave communion. Just want to be where you move. Just want to be where you move. Just want to be where you move. I'm caught up in the [music] joy and I'm caught up in the [music] joy and I'm caught up in the [music] joy and wonder of your presence. wonder of your presence. wonder of your presence. So So So I am [music] coming back to first I am [music] coming back to first I am [music] coming back to first coming back [singing] coming back [singing] coming back [singing] to Jesus. to Jesus. to Jesus. [music] Coming back to you [music] Coming back to you [music] Coming back to you [singing] [singing] [singing] know [music] know [music] know [music] going through the motion.

going through the motion. going through the motion. [music] You're my one devotion. [music] You're my one devotion. [music] You're my one devotion. I'm coming back [singing] to you. I'm coming back [singing] to you. I'm coming back [singing] to you. Heat. Heat. [music] Nothing Nothing [music] nothing [music] nothing [music] nothing matters more to me. You're all I need. matters more to me. You're all I need. matters more to me. You're all I need. Nothing matters. Lift it up this [music] Nothing matters. Lift it up this [music] Nothing matters. Lift it up this [music] morning. Come on. Nothing morning. Come on. Nothing morning. Come on. Nothing nothing nothing nothing [music] [music] [music] [singing] matters. [singing] matters. [singing] matters. You're all I need. [music] You're all I need. [music] You're all I need. [music] >> Come on. Can we lift our hands?

>> Come on. Can we lift our hands? >> Come on. Can we lift our hands? >> Nothing. >> Nothing. >> Nothing. Nothing. [music] Nothing. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. [music] Heat. Heat. [music] Yeah. Heat.

Yeah. Heat. [music] [music] [music] Yeah. Heat. [music] [music] here. Oh, Oh, [music] up here.

up here. [music] Yeah. Yeah. [music] >> I [music] exalt >> I [music] exalt thee. I [singing] exalt I [singing] exalt thee thee thee [music] [music] [music] and I [singing] and I [singing] and I [singing] exalt exalt exalt thee. thee. thee. [music] [music] [music] Oh, [singing] >> come on. Can we lift our hands all over >> come on. Can we lift our hands all over the room? God, we honor you today. We the room? God, we honor you today. We the room? God, we honor you today. We thank you because you're good. thank you because you're good. thank you because you're good. We declare [music] to you that we are We declare [music] to you that we are We declare [music] to you that we are coming back to you with our whole heart.

coming back to you with our whole heart. coming back to you with our whole heart. [music] [music] [music] Help us to remember this moment and help Help us to remember this moment and help Help us to remember this moment and help us to remember to give you all the us to remember to give you all the us to remember to give you all the praise. It's in the mighty name of Jesus praise. It's in the mighty name of Jesus praise. It's in the mighty name of Jesus we [music] pray. Come on, somebody shout we [music] pray. Come on, somebody shout we [music] pray. Come on, somebody shout amen if you believe it. Hallelujah. amen if you believe it. Hallelujah. amen if you believe it. Hallelujah. Amen. Amen. Well, hey church. Good morning and Well, hey church. Good morning and welcome. What a good day to be here. welcome. What a good day to be here. welcome. What a good day to be here. IT'S LAUNCH SUNDAY. [screaming] COME ON IT'S LAUNCH SUNDAY. [screaming] COME ON IT'S LAUNCH SUNDAY. [screaming] COME ON right now in the chat. Put your favorite right now in the chat. Put your favorite right now in the chat. Put your favorite emoji. Uh put you dancing. It's going to emoji. Uh put you dancing. It's going to emoji. Uh put you dancing. It's going to be a fantastic day. We're starting a be a fantastic day. We're starting a be a fantastic day. We're starting a brand new series called The Table with brand new series called The Table with brand new series called The Table with Pastor Alex. And so we're getting to get Pastor Alex. And so we're getting to get Pastor Alex. And so we're getting to get ready for that. But if you don't know ready for that. But if you don't know ready for that. But if you don't know me, my name is Josiah Guardo. I get to me, my name is Josiah Guardo. I get to me, my name is Josiah Guardo. I get to serve here as your pastor of Battle serve here as your pastor of Battle serve here as your pastor of Battle Creek Church online. And man, I I'm Creek Church online. And man, I I'm Creek Church online. And man, I I'm thankful that you're here. God has been thankful that you're here. God has been thankful that you're here. God has been doing tremendous things through our doing tremendous things through our doing tremendous things through our Battle Creek Church online community. Uh Battle Creek Church online community. Uh Battle Creek Church online community. Uh and we're connecting all over Tulsa, and we're connecting all over Tulsa, and we're connecting all over Tulsa, America, and the world. And so, hey, if America, and the world. And so, hey, if America, and the world. And so, hey, if you're maybe attending for the very you're maybe attending for the very you're maybe attending for the very first time, or maybe you've been first time, or maybe you've been first time, or maybe you've been attending [music] for a while and you attending [music] for a while and you attending [music] for a while and you haven't had a really haven't got a a haven't had a really haven't got a a haven't had a really haven't got a a time or a place to get connected, I time or a place to get connected, I time or a place to get connected, I would love for you to get connected would love for you to get connected would love for you to get connected today. Uh right now in the chat and on today. Uh right now in the chat and on today. Uh right now in the chat and on the screen below, they're putting a way the screen below, they're putting a way the screen below, they're putting a way for you to fill out a connect card. And for you to fill out a connect card. And for you to fill out a connect card. And uh I know that can be sometimes uh I know that can be sometimes uh I know that can be sometimes intimidating or you're not really sure intimidating or you're not really sure intimidating or you're not really sure to if you want to give your information.

to if you want to give your information. to if you want to give your information. Hey, all we're going to do is reach out Hey, all we're going to do is reach out Hey, all we're going to do is reach out and just get [music] to hear what God and just get [music] to hear what God and just get [music] to hear what God has been doing in and through your life has been doing in and through your life has been doing in and through your life and and see how we can come alongside and and see how we can come alongside and and see how we can come alongside you, serve you, love on you, help you you, serve you, love on you, help you you, serve you, love on you, help you advance in your journey with Christ. If advance in your journey with Christ. If advance in your journey with Christ. If you're wondering what is what does it you're wondering what is what does it you're wondering what is what does it mean advance in your journey with mean advance in your journey with mean advance in your journey with Christ? Well, here at Battle Creek Christ? Well, here at Battle Creek Christ? Well, here at Battle Creek Church, our our mission is simple. It's Church, our our mission is simple. It's Church, our our mission is simple. It's this that we exist by glorify God by this that we exist by glorify God by this that we exist by glorify God by helping all people of all ages all the helping all people of all ages all the helping all people of all ages all the time advance in their journey with time advance in their journey with time advance in their journey with Christ. And so we're just hoping uh that Christ. And so we're just hoping uh that Christ. And so we're just hoping uh that we can help you take your next step. And we can help you take your next step. And we can help you take your next step. And whether you're uh been serving the Lord whether you're uh been serving the Lord whether you're uh been serving the Lord for many, many years or maybe you just for many, many years or maybe you just for many, many years or maybe you just saying, "Hey, I want to have a saying, "Hey, I want to have a saying, "Hey, I want to have a relationship with Jesus." We we want to relationship with Jesus." We we want to relationship with Jesus." We we want to help you to do that to to know him uh help you to do that to to know him uh help you to do that to to know him uh and to continue to grow uh with him. And and to continue to grow uh with him. And and to continue to grow uh with him. And online, we have our Battle Creek [music] online, we have our Battle Creek [music] online, we have our Battle Creek [music] Battle Creek Church app uh that is an Battle Creek Church app uh that is an Battle Creek Church app uh that is an easy way for you to get in the word uh easy way for you to get in the word uh easy way for you to get in the word uh and have a daily practice. There's an a and have a daily practice. There's an a and have a daily practice. There's an a tab on that. But we're really excited. tab on that. But we're really excited. tab on that. But we're really excited. [music] And today is launch Sunday. I [music] And today is launch Sunday. I [music] And today is launch Sunday. I have my shirt on. Uh it's really where have my shirt on. Uh it's really where have my shirt on. Uh it's really where we launch into the fall. School's we launch into the fall. School's we launch into the fall. School's starting. Uh and I don't know where starting. Uh and I don't know where starting. Uh and I don't know where you're located at, but school is mostly you're located at, but school is mostly you're located at, but school is mostly starting around this time. And uh we're starting around this time. And uh we're starting around this time. And uh we're getting back into our routine, right?

getting back into our routine, right? getting back into our routine, right? We're going to work and kids are school We're going to work and kids are school We're going to work and kids are school and practices and all those kinds of and practices and all those kinds of and practices and all those kinds of things. And so here at Battle Creek things. And so here at Battle Creek things. And so here at Battle Creek Church, we're so thankful for God, all Church, we're so thankful for God, all Church, we're so thankful for God, all that God did in the summer. And in just that God did in the summer. And in just that God did in the summer. And in just a little bit, we'll get to see a little a little bit, we'll get to see a little a little bit, we'll get to see a little bit more about that. But we're excited bit more about that. But we're excited bit more about that. But we're excited for what God is going to do as we launch for what God is going to do as we launch for what God is going to do as we launch in to the fall. And so, uh, with that, in to the fall. And so, uh, with that, in to the fall. And so, uh, with that, we're launching. And so, at all of our we're launching. And so, at all of our we're launching. And so, at all of our cur our campuses locally, they're if you cur our campuses locally, they're if you cur our campuses locally, they're if you have kids, they're moving up in class. have kids, they're moving up in class. have kids, they're moving up in class. And if you're in a community group, And if you're in a community group, And if you're in a community group, we're launching off the semester. And if we're launching off the semester. And if we're launching off the semester. And if you're not in a community group and you're not in a community group and you're not in a community group and you're saying, "Well, I'm not located in you're saying, "Well, I'm not located in you're saying, "Well, I'm not located in Tulsa." [music] Hey, that's okay. We Tulsa." [music] Hey, that's okay. We Tulsa." [music] Hey, that's okay. We have online community groups. Uh, and we have online community groups. Uh, and we have online community groups. Uh, and we just launched them uh a couple weeks just launched them uh a couple weeks just launched them uh a couple weeks ago. I should say, we just launched one, ago. I should say, we just launched one, ago. I should say, we just launched one, our very first one a couple weeks ago. our very first one a couple weeks ago. our very first one a couple weeks ago. and uh it's been growing and God has and uh it's been growing and God has and uh it's been growing and God has been really using that as a space for been really using that as a space for been really using that as a space for people people are saying, "Hey, I didn't people people are saying, "Hey, I didn't people people are saying, "Hey, I didn't know I could have community. I didn't know I could have community. I didn't know I could have community. I didn't know I could be able to talk to people know I could be able to talk to people know I could be able to talk to people like that." And so, if you're alone like that." And so, if you're alone like that." And so, if you're alone right now or or or you feel isolated or right now or or or you feel isolated or right now or or or you feel isolated or you feel like, "Hey, I don't really have you feel like, "Hey, I don't really have you feel like, "Hey, I don't really have community around me." Scan that QR code, community around me." Scan that QR code, community around me." Scan that QR code, fill out that link that's being dropped fill out that link that's being dropped fill out that link that's being dropped in in the chat right now. Don't do life in in the chat right now. Don't do life in in the chat right now. Don't do life alone. Battle Creek Church, we believe alone. Battle Creek Church, we believe alone. Battle Creek Church, we believe this, life is better together. We want this, life is better together. We want this, life is better together. We want to do life in circles. And so, get that.

to do life in circles. And so, get that. to do life in circles. And so, get that. Let's get you connected. And if that Let's get you connected. And if that Let's get you connected. And if that grows, we'll launch another one and grows, we'll launch another one and grows, we'll launch another one and continuing to launching because we know continuing to launching because we know continuing to launching because we know this that God has called you and me to this that God has called you and me to this that God has called you and me to community, to walk alongside each other, community, to walk alongside each other, community, to walk alongside each other, to love each other, to encourage each to love each other, to encourage each to love each other, to encourage each other. Uh and so I don't want you to do other. Uh and so I don't want you to do other. Uh and so I don't want you to do life alone. I want you to do life life alone. I want you to do life life alone. I want you to do life together. And so we're launching into together. And so we're launching into together. And so we're launching into the fall. Community groups is starting. the fall. Community groups is starting. the fall. Community groups is starting. Fill it out. Get connected. Uh [music] Fill it out. Get connected. Uh [music] Fill it out. Get connected. Uh [music] it's incredible to see all that God is it's incredible to see all that God is it's incredible to see all that God is doing in and through our groups and at doing in and through our groups and at doing in and through our groups and at Battle Creek Church. And church, I just Battle Creek Church. And church, I just Battle Creek Church. And church, I just want to say thank you. Thank you for want to say thank you. Thank you for want to say thank you. Thank you for your [music] generosity. Thank you for your [music] generosity. Thank you for your [music] generosity. Thank you for giving week after week. You know, uh at giving week after week. You know, uh at giving week after week. You know, uh at times you're like, "Well, what what times you're like, "Well, what what times you're like, "Well, what what where what's happening [music] with where what's happening [music] with where what's happening [music] with that?" God is using that through Battle that?" God is using that through Battle that?" God is using that through Battle Creek Church to help launch online Creek Church to help launch online Creek Church to help launch online groups to help our our our kids and our groups to help our our our kids and our groups to help our our our kids and our students and our young adults, helping students and our young adults, helping students and our young adults, helping them grow in finding community. And so, them grow in finding community. And so, them grow in finding community. And so, it's without your generosity, we it's without your generosity, we it's without your generosity, we wouldn't be able to do that. [music] And wouldn't be able to do that. [music] And wouldn't be able to do that. [music] And so, I'm thankful as our online pastor so, I'm thankful as our online pastor so, I'm thankful as our online pastor that we're helping people find community that we're helping people find community that we're helping people find community all over the world. people that are all over the world. people that are all over the world. people that are literally saying, like I just said, that literally saying, like I just said, that literally saying, like I just said, that they didn't know they could they could they didn't know they could they could they didn't know they could they could have community. They didn't know that have community. They didn't know that have community. They didn't know that they could have people to talk to and to they could have people to talk to and to they could have people to talk to and to connect to and to relate to. And man, connect to and to relate to. And man, connect to and to relate to. And man, the enemy wants to isolate us and tell the enemy wants to isolate us and tell the enemy wants to isolate us and tell us that we're not like anybody else, us that we're not like anybody else, us that we're not like anybody else, that we're a little bit different and that we're a little bit different and that we're a little bit different and that people don't care or that God that people don't care or that God that people don't care or that God doesn't care or they don't see us or doesn't care or they don't see us or doesn't care or they don't see us or know us. And what I want to tell you know us. And what I want to tell you know us. And what I want to tell you today is that's not true. Don't listen today is that's not true. Don't listen today is that's not true. Don't listen to that. Listen to what God is telling to that. Listen to what God is telling to that. Listen to what God is telling us. That there's community around us and us. That there's community around us and us. That there's community around us and he [music] wants us to be a part of it.

he [music] wants us to be a part of it. he [music] wants us to be a part of it. And so, uh, church, I just want to say And so, uh, church, I just want to say And so, uh, church, I just want to say thank you. If you've never given before, thank you. If you've never given before, thank you. If you've never given before, there's a link right now. There's a there's a link right now. There's a there's a link right now. There's a couple ways for you to do that. But couple ways for you to do that. But couple ways for you to do that. But thank [music] you for doing that. And if thank [music] you for doing that. And if thank [music] you for doing that. And if you're like, "Hey, that is my next step, you're like, "Hey, that is my next step, you're like, "Hey, that is my next step, my next step." Take that today. [music] my next step." Take that today. [music] my next step." Take that today. [music] I promise you, you won't regret it. Like I promise you, you won't regret it. Like I promise you, you won't regret it. Like I said, we're starting a brand new I said, we're starting a brand new I said, we're starting a brand new series called [music] The Table. And series called [music] The Table. And series called [music] The Table. And we're going to be talking about the we're going to be talking about the we're going to be talking about the Lord's Supper. And so, if you're in your Lord's Supper. And so, if you're in your Lord's Supper. And so, if you're in your home right now, go find uh some home right now, go find uh some home right now, go find uh some crackers, uh some bread or or some crackers, uh some bread or or some crackers, uh some bread or or some juice, and we're going to take that at juice, and we're going to take that at juice, and we're going to take that at the end. And we're actually going to do the end. And we're actually going to do the end. And we're actually going to do that all series long for the next three that all series long for the next three that all series long for the next three weeks. So, this [music] week and two weeks. So, this [music] week and two weeks. So, this [music] week and two weeks later. And so, get ready for that. weeks later. And so, get ready for that. weeks later. And so, get ready for that. If you got to go to the store and maybe If you got to go to the store and maybe If you got to go to the store and maybe get some stuff, I would encourage you to get some stuff, I would encourage you to get some stuff, I would encourage you to do so. But we're going to be learning do so. But we're going to be learning do so. But we're going to be learning what it is, why we do it, uh, and take what it is, why we do it, uh, and take what it is, why we do it, uh, and take some time to do that throughout this some time to do that throughout this some time to do that throughout this series. And so, as always, let's get series. And so, as always, let's get series. And so, as always, let's get ready for that. Grab uh, your Bible and ready for that. Grab uh, your Bible and ready for that. Grab uh, your Bible and your notebook and let's sit down and and your notebook and let's sit down and and your notebook and let's sit down and and get ready for that. And uh, as we jump get ready for that. And uh, as we jump get ready for that. And uh, as we jump in, God has done tremendous things in, God has done tremendous things in, God has done tremendous things through the summer. We've been talking through the summer. We've been talking through the summer. We've been talking about it. And church, I just want to say about it. And church, I just want to say about it. And church, I just want to say thank you uh, for giving to the summer thank you uh, for giving to the summer thank you uh, for giving to the summer offering. It's helped kids and students offering. It's helped kids and students offering. It's helped kids and students help uh, at camps and in Egypt. And uh I help uh, at camps and in Egypt. And uh I help uh, at camps and in Egypt. And uh I don't want to just tell you about it. I don't want to just tell you about it. I don't want to just tell you about it. I want you to see a little bit. So check want you to see a little bit. So check want you to see a little bit. So check out this video and then we'll jump into out this video and then we'll jump into out this video and then we'll jump into our message with Pastor Alex today.

our message with Pastor Alex today. our message with Pastor Alex today. This summer at Battle Creek Church, God This summer at Battle Creek Church, God This summer at Battle Creek Church, God did something incredible. This summer did something incredible. This summer did something incredible. This summer [music] season was filled with [music] season was filled with [music] season was filled with unforgettable memories, late night unforgettable memories, late night unforgettable memories, late night worship, crazy games, and moments that worship, crazy games, and moments that worship, crazy games, and moments that changed [music] lives forever. Across changed [music] lives forever. Across changed [music] lives forever. Across our church with kids camp and student our church with kids camp and student our church with kids camp and student camp and camp empower, [music] we saw camp and camp empower, [music] we saw camp and camp empower, [music] we saw over 2100 people attend and 171 people over 2100 people attend and 171 people over 2100 people attend and 171 people say yes to Jesus. say yes to Jesus. say yes to Jesus. 161 took their [music] next step through 161 took their [music] next step through 161 took their [music] next step through believers baptism. We also sent 21 believers baptism. We also sent 21 believers baptism. We also sent 21 students and leaders to Egypt to support students and leaders to Egypt to support students and leaders to Egypt to support TC Egypt and help with [music] their TC Egypt and help with [music] their TC Egypt and help with [music] their student camp where over a thousand student camp where over a thousand student camp where over a thousand people attended. Can we celebrate that people attended. Can we celebrate that people attended. Can we celebrate that church? You see, those numbers aren't church? You see, those numbers aren't church? You see, those numbers aren't just statistics. Their [music] lives just statistics. Their [music] lives just statistics. Their [music] lives forever changed, their kids finding hope forever changed, their kids finding hope forever changed, their kids finding hope and students making a difference and and students making a difference and and students making a difference and families being impacted for generations families being impacted for generations families being impacted for generations [music] [music] [music] to come. And none of it happens without to come. And none of it happens without to come. And none of it happens without you. You see, because of your you. You see, because of your you. You see, because of your generosity, we created a place where generosity, we created a place where generosity, we created a place where people could encounter Jesus, building people could encounter Jesus, building people could encounter Jesus, building lasting friendships [music] and lasting friendships [music] and lasting friendships [music] and experience moments that they'll never experience moments that they'll never experience moments that they'll never forget. So, Battle Creek Church, thank forget. So, Battle Creek Church, thank forget. So, Battle Creek Church, thank you. [music] Thank you for investing in you. [music] Thank you for investing in you. [music] Thank you for investing in the next generation. Thank you for the next generation. Thank you for the next generation. Thank you for believing in what God is doing [music] believing in what God is doing [music] believing in what God is doing [music] here. And thank you for helping make here. And thank you for helping make here. And thank you for helping make every one of those stories possible.

every one of those stories possible. every one of those stories possible. Thank you for being the hands and feet Thank you for being the hands and feet Thank you for being the hands and feet of Jesus. Thank you, [music] Battle of Jesus. Thank you, [music] Battle of Jesus. Thank you, [music] Battle Creek Church. >> We celebrate all that God has done. Good >> We celebrate all that God has done. Good morning, church. morning, church. morning, church. >> Morning. >> Morning. >> Morning. >> It is great to be back uh with you >> It is great to be back uh with you >> It is great to be back uh with you today. Uh I am good. Many of you have today. Uh I am good. Many of you have today. Uh I am good. Many of you have asked already this morning. I'm good. asked already this morning. I'm good. asked already this morning. I'm good. About 95% back. I I intended actually About 95% back. I I intended actually About 95% back. I I intended actually it's been five weeks ago. I missed five it's been five weeks ago. I missed five it's been five weeks ago. I missed five weeks. I was uh last one I preached was weeks. I was uh last one I preached was weeks. I was uh last one I preached was on spiritual warfare uh after youth camp on spiritual warfare uh after youth camp on spiritual warfare uh after youth camp and I was going to do three of the love and I was going to do three of the love and I was going to do three of the love languages and a tick got in the way of languages and a tick got in the way of languages and a tick got in the way of that and uh I never thought I would say that and uh I never thought I would say that and uh I never thought I would say that phrase ever. Uh but I want to thank that phrase ever. Uh but I want to thank that phrase ever. Uh but I want to thank today Kate and Pastor John and Josiah today Kate and Pastor John and Josiah today Kate and Pastor John and Josiah for filling in. would you just thank for filling in. would you just thank for filling in. would you just thank them uh for filling in on those uh three them uh for filling in on those uh three them uh for filling in on those uh three weeks uh today. Before we jump in, let weeks uh today. Before we jump in, let weeks uh today. Before we jump in, let me just remind you of a few things. And me just remind you of a few things. And me just remind you of a few things. And maybe your campus pastor just said this, maybe your campus pastor just said this, maybe your campus pastor just said this, but I I I think it bears uh repeating.

but I I I think it bears uh repeating. but I I I think it bears uh repeating. Uh two weeks from today on August the Uh two weeks from today on August the Uh two weeks from today on August the 30th is our next Gospel Sunday. And 30th is our next Gospel Sunday. And 30th is our next Gospel Sunday. And gospel Sundays, we do three of them a gospel Sundays, we do three of them a gospel Sundays, we do three of them a year. And if you're new around here, let year. And if you're new around here, let year. And if you're new around here, let me just say this to you. The expectation me just say this to you. The expectation me just say this to you. The expectation on you is that you would invest in on you is that you would invest in on you is that you would invest in somebody's life to the degree that you somebody's life to the degree that you somebody's life to the degree that you have the ability to invite them with you have the ability to invite them with you have the ability to invite them with you on a gospel Sunday and and three times a on a gospel Sunday and and three times a on a gospel Sunday and and three times a year at least you would have friends uh year at least you would have friends uh year at least you would have friends uh neighbors work associates your kids uh neighbors work associates your kids uh neighbors work associates your kids uh ball team with you uh at church and we ball team with you uh at church and we ball team with you uh at church and we will clearly and concisely share the will clearly and concisely share the will clearly and concisely share the gospel. We will not embarrass you. We gospel. We will not embarrass you. We gospel. We will not embarrass you. We will not embarrass your friends. Uh but will not embarrass your friends. Uh but will not embarrass your friends. Uh but we will give them a chance to respond uh we will give them a chance to respond uh we will give them a chance to respond uh to the good news, the the greatest news to the good news, the the greatest news to the good news, the the greatest news on on planet earth. And so two weeks on on planet earth. And so two weeks on on planet earth. And so two weeks from today uh is Gospel Sunday. Uh but from today uh is Gospel Sunday. Uh but from today uh is Gospel Sunday. Uh but today I want to begin a three-part today I want to begin a three-part today I want to begin a three-part series that I'm calling the table. And series that I'm calling the table. And series that I'm calling the table. And the table uh that we're talking about is the table uh that we're talking about is the table uh that we're talking about is the Lord's uh table or what we call uh the Lord's uh table or what we call uh the Lord's uh table or what we call uh in the evangelical church the Lord's uh in the evangelical church the Lord's uh in the evangelical church the Lord's uh supper. You you might have been raised supper. You you might have been raised supper. You you might have been raised calling it communion. Some of you may calling it communion. Some of you may calling it communion. Some of you may have been raised calling it the have been raised calling it the have been raised calling it the eukarist. Uh we we call it the Lord's eukarist. Uh we we call it the Lord's eukarist. Uh we we call it the Lord's supper because that's what it is. It's a supper because that's what it is. It's a supper because that's what it is. It's a supper that belongs to the Lord. It it's supper that belongs to the Lord. It it's supper that belongs to the Lord. It it's his. And maybe you grew up doing this his. And maybe you grew up doing this his. And maybe you grew up doing this every single week. Uh maybe every month every single week. Uh maybe every month every single week. Uh maybe every month or however often uh you did that. Or or however often uh you did that. Or or however often uh you did that. Or maybe you're new to this whole church maybe you're new to this whole church maybe you're new to this whole church thing. And today uh will be your thing. And today uh will be your thing. And today uh will be your introduction to uh the Lord's Supper.

introduction to uh the Lord's Supper. introduction to uh the Lord's Supper. And it doesn't matter whether you've And it doesn't matter whether you've And it doesn't matter whether you've known about it for five minutes or known about it for five minutes or known about it for five minutes or forever. I would guess there are parts forever. I would guess there are parts forever. I would guess there are parts of the Lord's supper you've never really of the Lord's supper you've never really of the Lord's supper you've never really taken the time to ponder uh to study and taken the time to ponder uh to study and taken the time to ponder uh to study and to think about. For example, have you to think about. For example, have you to think about. For example, have you ever pondered the fact that that in the ever pondered the fact that that in the ever pondered the fact that that in the Lord's supper is this intersection Lord's supper is this intersection Lord's supper is this intersection a an intersection of two Adams, a an intersection of two Adams, a an intersection of two Adams, >> two covenants, two lambs, a and two >> two covenants, two lambs, a and two >> two covenants, two lambs, a and two meals and one of them foreshadowing the meals and one of them foreshadowing the meals and one of them foreshadowing the other at each junction. And and so I other at each junction. And and so I other at each junction. And and so I want you to ponder those things and to want you to ponder those things and to want you to ponder those things and to study those things on your own uh study those things on your own uh study those things on your own uh getting ready to come into Sundays over getting ready to come into Sundays over getting ready to come into Sundays over the next two uh Sundays. And on Sundays, the next two uh Sundays. And on Sundays, the next two uh Sundays. And on Sundays, what I want to do with you is dive into what I want to do with you is dive into what I want to do with you is dive into the context and the culture of the the context and the culture of the the context and the culture of the Bible, the whole Bible, and see what Bible, the whole Bible, and see what Bible, the whole Bible, and see what this really means and what the this really means and what the this really means and what the implications are for for our lives. implications are for for our lives. implications are for for our lives. Because hear me, the Lord's Supper is a Because hear me, the Lord's Supper is a Because hear me, the Lord's Supper is a very important part of theology. very important part of theology. very important part of theology. And so I think it helps to start on the And so I think it helps to start on the And so I think it helps to start on the same page. And I think it helps to get same page. And I think it helps to get same page. And I think it helps to get on the same page by uh providing a on the same page by uh providing a on the same page by uh providing a definition so that we know what we're definition so that we know what we're definition so that we know what we're talking about. Here's my uh simple talking about. Here's my uh simple talking about. Here's my uh simple definition. The Lord's supper is a definition. The Lord's supper is a definition. The Lord's supper is a special meal that believers take part in special meal that believers take part in special meal that believers take part in to remind us of what Jesus said and did.

to remind us of what Jesus said and did. to remind us of what Jesus said and did. And that's a 50,000 foot uh view. But I And that's a 50,000 foot uh view. But I And that's a 50,000 foot uh view. But I want you to pay attention to the fact want you to pay attention to the fact want you to pay attention to the fact that Jesus told us to do this. This did that Jesus told us to do this. This did that Jesus told us to do this. This did not come from a church. It did not come not come from a church. It did not come not come from a church. It did not come from a an institution or an from a an institution or an from a an institution or an organization. It came from Jesus organization. It came from Jesus organization. It came from Jesus himself. That's why we call it the himself. That's why we call it the himself. That's why we call it the Lord's supper. This was something Jesus Lord's supper. This was something Jesus Lord's supper. This was something Jesus did and told us uh to do. And in the did and told us uh to do. And in the did and told us uh to do. And in the Lord's supper there there are two Lord's supper there there are two Lord's supper there there are two elements and and the first one is the elements and and the first one is the elements and and the first one is the bread and it's unleavened bread. So it bread and it's unleavened bread. So it bread and it's unleavened bread. So it usually appears like a wafer but but you usually appears like a wafer but but you usually appears like a wafer but but you have the bread and you have the cup. We have the bread and you have the cup. We have the bread and you have the cup. We use juice. Some denominations use wine. use juice. Some denominations use wine. use juice. Some denominations use wine. Uh but but you need to know in in Uh but but you need to know in in Uh but but you need to know in in introductory fashion that the bread introductory fashion that the bread introductory fashion that the bread represents Jesus' body that was broken represents Jesus' body that was broken represents Jesus' body that was broken uh for us and the cup represents uh the uh for us and the cup represents uh the uh for us and the cup represents uh the blood of Jesus that was spilled out for blood of Jesus that was spilled out for blood of Jesus that was spilled out for us. And so at its very essence, the us. And so at its very essence, the us. And so at its very essence, the Lord's supper is a picture of what Jesus Lord's supper is a picture of what Jesus Lord's supper is a picture of what Jesus did at the cross. All of what he did did at the cross. All of what he did did at the cross. All of what he did that he paid the price for your sins and that he paid the price for your sins and that he paid the price for your sins and made a way for you to reconcile with made a way for you to reconcile with made a way for you to reconcile with your God. He brought peace between us your God. He brought peace between us your God. He brought peace between us and God. And he even made a way for us and God. And he even made a way for us and God. And he even made a way for us to experience healing. And as I said, in to experience healing. And as I said, in to experience healing. And as I said, in the last supper is an intersection of the last supper is an intersection of the last supper is an intersection of two Adams and two covenants and two two Adams and two covenants and two two Adams and two covenants and two lambs and two meals. One forhadowing the lambs and two meals. One forhadowing the lambs and two meals. One forhadowing the other. But the origin of what we call uh other. But the origin of what we call uh other. But the origin of what we call uh the Lord's supper is the last supper.

the Lord's supper is the last supper. the Lord's supper is the last supper. The last meal that Jesus had with his The last meal that Jesus had with his The last meal that Jesus had with his disciples before going to the cross. And disciples before going to the cross. And disciples before going to the cross. And that in that day was actually another that in that day was actually another that in that day was actually another meal. It had a precursor uh called the meal. It had a precursor uh called the meal. It had a precursor uh called the Passover. And if you were here uh during Passover. And if you were here uh during Passover. And if you were here uh during Holy Week at at during Easter time, you Holy Week at at during Easter time, you Holy Week at at during Easter time, you know all about that. And I'll refer back know all about that. And I'll refer back know all about that. And I'll refer back to that throughout the series. But let's to that throughout the series. But let's to that throughout the series. But let's just go uh to Luke and let's read his just go uh to Luke and let's read his just go uh to Luke and let's read his version of the last supper uh together version of the last supper uh together version of the last supper uh together this morning. Uh it says, "When the time this morning. Uh it says, "When the time this morning. Uh it says, "When the time came, came, came, Jesus and the apostles sat down together Jesus and the apostles sat down together Jesus and the apostles sat down together at the table." Say the table. Amen. at the table." Say the table. Amen. at the table." Say the table. Amen. >> And Jesus said, "I have been very eager >> And Jesus said, "I have been very eager >> And Jesus said, "I have been very eager to eat this Passover meal with you to eat this Passover meal with you to eat this Passover meal with you before my suffering begins." Now, this before my suffering begins." Now, this before my suffering begins." Now, this phrase uh very eager, it's translated phrase uh very eager, it's translated phrase uh very eager, it's translated into English as very eager. In the into English as very eager. In the into English as very eager. In the Greek, I it it conveys all kinds of Greek, I it it conveys all kinds of Greek, I it it conveys all kinds of passion because it actually literally passion because it actually literally passion because it actually literally says, "I have desired with desiring." says, "I have desired with desiring." says, "I have desired with desiring." Passionate. I have desired with Passionate. I have desired with Passionate. I have desired with desiring. Sometimes Meredith talks with desiring. Sometimes Meredith talks with desiring. Sometimes Meredith talks with that kind of passion about Mexican food, that kind of passion about Mexican food, that kind of passion about Mexican food, right? And and uh and and what it means right? And and uh and and what it means right? And and uh and and what it means is simply I have one goal in mind, is simply I have one goal in mind, is simply I have one goal in mind, right? That that I I want to eat this right? That that I I want to eat this right? That that I I want to eat this meal with my disciples on on this meal with my disciples on on this meal with my disciples on on this evening. Now, he goes on to say in verse evening. Now, he goes on to say in verse evening. Now, he goes on to say in verse 16, for I tell you now that I won't eat 16, for I tell you now that I won't eat 16, for I tell you now that I won't eat this meal again until its meaning is this meal again until its meaning is this meal again until its meaning is fulfilled in the kingdom of God. The fulfilled in the kingdom of God. The fulfilled in the kingdom of God. The kingdom, what he means is to come. He's kingdom, what he means is to come. He's kingdom, what he means is to come. He's talking about his second uh coming. Uh talking about his second uh coming. Uh talking about his second uh coming. Uh so so the Lord's supper always looks

so so the Lord's supper always looks so so the Lord's supper always looks back and in Jesus' day it was looking back and in Jesus' day it was looking back and in Jesus' day it was looking back to the Passover. Uh for us it's back to the Passover. Uh for us it's back to the Passover. Uh for us it's looking back to uh the cross which keep looking back to uh the cross which keep looking back to uh the cross which keep in mind when Jesus gave these in mind when Jesus gave these in mind when Jesus gave these instructions and did this with his instructions and did this with his instructions and did this with his disciples had not happened yet. Right? disciples had not happened yet. Right? disciples had not happened yet. Right? He knew it was going to happen. They did He knew it was going to happen. They did He knew it was going to happen. They did not know it was going to happen. But it not know it was going to happen. But it not know it was going to happen. But it also always looks forward. It looks also always looks forward. It looks also always looks forward. It looks forward to the age when Jesus will come forward to the age when Jesus will come forward to the age when Jesus will come back. And during the Passover, we talked back. And during the Passover, we talked back. And during the Passover, we talked about this at at Easter, Jewish people about this at at Easter, Jewish people about this at at Easter, Jewish people drink from uh several cups. Anybody drink from uh several cups. Anybody drink from uh several cups. Anybody remember how many cups? remember how many cups? remember how many cups? Four, right? I gave it to you, right? Four, right? I gave it to you, right? Four, right? I gave it to you, right? I'm helpful, pastor. Right. How? Let's I'm helpful, pastor. Right. How? Let's I'm helpful, pastor. Right. How? Let's do that again. You remember? Anybody do that again. You remember? Anybody do that again. You remember? Anybody remember how many cups the Jewish remember how many cups the Jewish remember how many cups the Jewish people? Four. Four cups. And it was people? Four. Four cups. And it was people? Four. Four cups. And it was during one of those cups that that Jesus during one of those cups that that Jesus during one of those cups that that Jesus announces something big. In fact, let's announces something big. In fact, let's announces something big. In fact, let's just look at it. He took some bread, just look at it. He took some bread, just look at it. He took some bread, gave thanks to God for it. He broke it gave thanks to God for it. He broke it gave thanks to God for it. He broke it into uh pieces. He gave it to the into uh pieces. He gave it to the into uh pieces. He gave it to the disciples saying, "This is my body which disciples saying, "This is my body which disciples saying, "This is my body which is given for you. Do this in uh is given for you. Do this in uh is given for you. Do this in uh remembrance of me." In other words, remembrance of me." In other words, remembrance of me." In other words, we're supposed to remember the cross, we're supposed to remember the cross, we're supposed to remember the cross, not merely admire it.

not merely admire it. not merely admire it. After supper, that's important, by the After supper, that's important, by the After supper, that's important, by the way, because it's the fourth cup. He way, because it's the fourth cup. He way, because it's the fourth cup. He took another cup of wine and said, "This took another cup of wine and said, "This took another cup of wine and said, "This cup is the new covenant between God and cup is the new covenant between God and cup is the new covenant between God and his people, an agreement confirmed with his people, an agreement confirmed with his people, an agreement confirmed with my blood, which is poured out as a my blood, which is poured out as a my blood, which is poured out as a sacrifice for you." That in two simple sacrifice for you." That in two simple sacrifice for you." That in two simple verses is the story of the Lord's verses is the story of the Lord's verses is the story of the Lord's supper. but the culture and the context supper. but the culture and the context supper. but the culture and the context of what was going on. I I mean th this of what was going on. I I mean th this of what was going on. I I mean th this was a whole world of meaning and a whole was a whole world of meaning and a whole was a whole world of meaning and a whole world of theology and implication for world of theology and implication for world of theology and implication for our lives. This was not just a little our lives. This was not just a little our lives. This was not just a little snack uh to tide them over. And this was snack uh to tide them over. And this was snack uh to tide them over. And this was not just a part of a bigger feast called not just a part of a bigger feast called not just a part of a bigger feast called the Passover. It was huge and the Passover. It was huge and the Passover. It was huge and monumental. And when Jesus calls this monumental. And when Jesus calls this monumental. And when Jesus calls this the new covenant, remember I said two the new covenant, remember I said two the new covenant, remember I said two covenants, two lambs, uh two Adams and covenants, two lambs, uh two Adams and covenants, two lambs, uh two Adams and two meals, one foreshadowing the other. two meals, one foreshadowing the other. two meals, one foreshadowing the other. He's starting the new uh covenant. They He's starting the new uh covenant. They He's starting the new uh covenant. They would hear when he said that something would hear when he said that something would hear when he said that something that was so big and so lifechanging by that was so big and so lifechanging by that was so big and so lifechanging by calling this simple meal the beginning calling this simple meal the beginning calling this simple meal the beginning of the new covenant. Jesus is ushering of the new covenant. Jesus is ushering of the new covenant. Jesus is ushering in a whole new state of uh affairs. And in a whole new state of uh affairs. And in a whole new state of uh affairs. And and he was saying everything is about to and he was saying everything is about to and he was saying everything is about to be different in ways they could not be different in ways they could not be different in ways they could not comprehend until days uh later. But what comprehend until days uh later. But what comprehend until days uh later. But what I want to talk about today is the I want to talk about today is the I want to talk about today is the concept of the covenant meal. The concept of the covenant meal. The concept of the covenant meal. The covenant meal is a shared meal that at covenant meal is a shared meal that at covenant meal is a shared meal that at least two parties uh partake in

least two parties uh partake in least two parties uh partake in together. They sit down, they eat together. They sit down, they eat together. They sit down, they eat together as a way of sealing a a together as a way of sealing a a together as a way of sealing a a covenant. And by the way, you see this covenant. And by the way, you see this covenant. And by the way, you see this everywhere in the ancient uh world. Even everywhere in the ancient uh world. Even everywhere in the ancient uh world. Even today, quite honestly, you see this today, quite honestly, you see this today, quite honestly, you see this everywhere in the Middle East. Meals are everywhere in the Middle East. Meals are everywhere in the Middle East. Meals are incredibly important to them. Meals are incredibly important to them. Meals are incredibly important to them. Meals are important to me probably for less important to me probably for less important to me probably for less spiritual or relational uh reasons, spiritual or relational uh reasons, spiritual or relational uh reasons, right? But but I enjoy a a good steak right? But but I enjoy a a good steak right? But but I enjoy a a good steak when it is prepared uh the right way. when it is prepared uh the right way. when it is prepared uh the right way. And I'll just say if you order a steak, And I'll just say if you order a steak, And I'll just say if you order a steak, well done. We'll still let you come to well done. We'll still let you come to well done. We'll still let you come to the table. the table. the table. It's a church of grace. You can sit at It's a church of grace. You can sit at It's a church of grace. You can sit at another table, but we'll let you come uh another table, but we'll let you come uh another table, but we'll let you come uh to to the table, right? Uh but but in to to the table, right? Uh but but in to to the table, right? Uh but but in the Middle East, they [snorts] almost the Middle East, they [snorts] almost the Middle East, they [snorts] almost always overcook beef. Like it's so always overcook beef. Like it's so always overcook beef. Like it's so disappointing. They're afraid like disappointing. They're afraid like disappointing. They're afraid like they're afraid of parasites and bacteria they're afraid of parasites and bacteria they're afraid of parasites and bacteria and maybe they should be but but but and maybe they should be but but but and maybe they should be but but but they're afraid right so that you will they're afraid right so that you will they're afraid right so that you will never see blood on on a plate uh where never see blood on on a plate uh where never see blood on on a plate uh where beef is served with you but it's not beef is served with you but it's not beef is served with you but it's not always about the quality of the food in always about the quality of the food in always about the quality of the food in the Middle East but it is always about the Middle East but it is always about the Middle East but it is always about the quality of the company the quality of the company the quality of the company and and in that culture it's all about and and in that culture it's all about and and in that culture it's all about who you share the meal with it it is who you share the meal with it it is who you share the meal with it it is about sitting down uh sometimes I say about sitting down uh sometimes I say about sitting down uh sometimes I say sometimes actually I would say usually sometimes actually I would say usually sometimes actually I would say usually for hours a and you're talking and for hours a and you're talking and for hours a and you're talking and you're laughing and you are being with you're laughing and you are being with you're laughing and you are being with each other. And this goes back to Old each other. And this goes back to Old each other. And this goes back to Old Testament times. Specifically, this idea Testament times. Specifically, this idea Testament times. Specifically, this idea of a covenant meal. In fact, in Exodus, of a covenant meal. In fact, in Exodus, of a covenant meal. In fact, in Exodus, we see it where God invites Moses and we see it where God invites Moses and we see it where God invites Moses and the elders to come join him on the

the elders to come join him on the the elders to come join him on the mountain in a covenant meal. Let let me mountain in a covenant meal. Let let me mountain in a covenant meal. Let let me show it to you. In Exodus uh 24, the show it to you. In Exodus uh 24, the show it to you. In Exodus uh 24, the Lord instructed Moses, "Come up here and Lord instructed Moses, "Come up here and Lord instructed Moses, "Come up here and bring along Aaron and Naab and Abaiu and bring along Aaron and Naab and Abaiu and bring along Aaron and Naab and Abaiu and 70 of Israel's elders." Now, if you 70 of Israel's elders." Now, if you 70 of Israel's elders." Now, if you remember, Moses had been up there about remember, Moses had been up there about remember, Moses had been up there about a week. And he received the Ten a week. And he received the Ten a week. And he received the Ten Commandments and some other teachings Commandments and some other teachings Commandments and some other teachings that are a part of what's called the that are a part of what's called the that are a part of what's called the Book of the Covenant. And Moses comes Book of the Covenant. And Moses comes Book of the Covenant. And Moses comes down, he writes it all down in in a down, he writes it all down in in a down, he writes it all down in in a book, and then he reads it to all of book, and then he reads it to all of book, and then he reads it to all of Israel. A and then he asks them after he Israel. A and then he asks them after he Israel. A and then he asks them after he reads the whole thing to them, do all of reads the whole thing to them, do all of reads the whole thing to them, do all of you agree to this covenant? And they all you agree to this covenant? And they all you agree to this covenant? And they all respond, "Yes, we we all uh uh agree." respond, "Yes, we we all uh uh agree." respond, "Yes, we we all uh uh agree." Look, look at verse uh seven. He took Look, look at verse uh seven. He took Look, look at verse uh seven. He took the book of the covenant, read it aloud the book of the covenant, read it aloud the book of the covenant, read it aloud to the people. What that means is they to the people. What that means is they to the people. What that means is they could not scroll to the bottom and just could not scroll to the bottom and just could not scroll to the bottom and just click yes. click yes. click yes. He read it to them, all of it, right? He read it to them, all of it, right? He read it to them, all of it, right? And they responded, "We will do And they responded, "We will do And they responded, "We will do everything the Lord has commanded. We everything the Lord has commanded. We everything the Lord has commanded. We will obey." In other words, this is will obey." In other words, this is will obey." In other words, this is their part of the covenant.

their part of the covenant. their part of the covenant. You get it? And and so we need to know You get it? And and so we need to know You get it? And and so we need to know what a covenant is. And I think in our what a covenant is. And I think in our what a covenant is. And I think in our culture, it's very difficult to culture, it's very difficult to culture, it's very difficult to understand uh that word and it's a bit understand uh that word and it's a bit understand uh that word and it's a bit confusing. If you're a homeowner and confusing. If you're a homeowner and confusing. If you're a homeowner and your home is in a neighborhood that has your home is in a neighborhood that has your home is in a neighborhood that has an HOA, let me let me see your hand. If an HOA, let me let me see your hand. If an HOA, let me let me see your hand. If you have an HOA, man, bunch of you. A you have an HOA, man, bunch of you. A you have an HOA, man, bunch of you. A and uh HOA stands for homeowners and uh HOA stands for homeowners and uh HOA stands for homeowners association. And if you moved into a association. And if you moved into a association. And if you moved into a house that has a HOA, when you buy the house that has a HOA, when you buy the house that has a HOA, when you buy the house, they hand you a booklet that that house, they hand you a booklet that that house, they hand you a booklet that that has rules in it. And and some of they're has rules in it. And and some of they're has rules in it. And and some of they're called covenants. And and some of the called covenants. And and some of the called covenants. And and some of the rules are strange, like you can't mow rules are strange, like you can't mow rules are strange, like you can't mow your lawn on Tuesday morning, right? Or your lawn on Tuesday morning, right? Or your lawn on Tuesday morning, right? Or you can only paint your house this shade you can only paint your house this shade you can only paint your house this shade of white or that shade of of tan, right? of white or that shade of of tan, right? of white or that shade of of tan, right? And by the way, we we don't have an HOA And by the way, we we don't have an HOA And by the way, we we don't have an HOA in my neighborhood. It's like the Wild in my neighborhood. It's like the Wild in my neighborhood. It's like the Wild Wild West. And uh I think we should have Wild West. And uh I think we should have Wild West. And uh I think we should have an HOA and I'll nominate myself as an HOA and I'll nominate myself as an HOA and I'll nominate myself as president. Uh my my religious background president. Uh my my religious background president. Uh my my religious background makes me really good at coming up with makes me really good at coming up with makes me really good at coming up with rules. Your grass is too tall. Fine. rules. Your grass is too tall. Fine. rules. Your grass is too tall. Fine. Your trash cans are still out. Fine.

Your trash cans are still out. Fine. Your trash cans are still out. Fine. Right. You put up Christmas lights Right. You put up Christmas lights Right. You put up Christmas lights before Thanksgiving. Church discipline, before Thanksgiving. Church discipline, before Thanksgiving. Church discipline, right? Like we're going to deal with it. right? Like we're going to deal with it. right? Like we're going to deal with it. But but that's not what a covenant is, But but that's not what a covenant is, But but that's not what a covenant is, right? A covenant, not in the Old right? A covenant, not in the Old right? A covenant, not in the Old Testament sense of the word, right? A Testament sense of the word, right? A Testament sense of the word, right? A covenant is not a booklet or a list of covenant is not a booklet or a list of covenant is not a booklet or a list of rules you find somewhere. A covenant is rules you find somewhere. A covenant is rules you find somewhere. A covenant is a bond that you share with someone else. a bond that you share with someone else. a bond that you share with someone else. In fact, the verb uh the Bible verb used In fact, the verb uh the Bible verb used In fact, the verb uh the Bible verb used to describe the ceiling of a covenant is to describe the ceiling of a covenant is to describe the ceiling of a covenant is not that you would sign something or not that you would sign something or not that you would sign something or that you would shake hands. The verb is that you would shake hands. The verb is that you would shake hands. The verb is to cut. to cut. to cut. You cut a covenant with someone. Back in You cut a covenant with someone. Back in You cut a covenant with someone. Back in Genesis 15, 600 years earlier in the Genesis 15, 600 years earlier in the Genesis 15, 600 years earlier in the life of Israel, God tells Abram to cut a life of Israel, God tells Abram to cut a life of Israel, God tells Abram to cut a covenant with him. And he tells Abram, covenant with him. And he tells Abram, covenant with him. And he tells Abram, take a heer and a goat and a ram and two take a heer and a goat and a ram and two take a heer and a goat and a ram and two birds. And he tells them to cut the birds. And he tells them to cut the birds. And he tells them to cut the animals in half. Not the birds, but the animals in half. Not the birds, but the animals in half. Not the birds, but the other animals to cut them in half and to other animals to cut them in half and to other animals to cut them in half and to lay the two halves with a path in the lay the two halves with a path in the lay the two halves with a path in the rock uh between the two halves of the rock uh between the two halves of the rock uh between the two halves of the animals. And so Abraham lays these animals. And so Abraham lays these animals. And so Abraham lays these bloody animals out, one piece on each bloody animals out, one piece on each bloody animals out, one piece on each side with a rock path in the middle. And side with a rock path in the middle. And side with a rock path in the middle. And the blood would pull up in the uh the blood would pull up in the uh the blood would pull up in the uh crevices of the rock. It's a very very crevices of the rock. It's a very very crevices of the rock. It's a very very bloody experience. The blood is bloody experience. The blood is bloody experience. The blood is everywhere. And so Abraham is everywhere. And so Abraham is everywhere. And so Abraham is anticipating something really big is anticipating something really big is anticipating something really big is about to happen. And in those days and about to happen. And in those days and about to happen. And in those days and in that culture, if you wanted to make a in that culture, if you wanted to make a in that culture, if you wanted to make a covenant with someone that you would covenant with someone that you would covenant with someone that you would agree first of all to the terms, agree first of all to the terms, agree first of all to the terms, write them down and maybe you sign them

write them down and maybe you sign them write them down and maybe you sign them and then you would take these animals, and then you would take these animals, and then you would take these animals, cut them in half, and and you would both cut them in half, and and you would both cut them in half, and and you would both walk through this path and meet in the walk through this path and meet in the walk through this path and meet in the middle, each of you barefoot, walking middle, each of you barefoot, walking middle, each of you barefoot, walking into the blood, leaving your footprints into the blood, leaving your footprints into the blood, leaving your footprints on on the rock. And as you get to the on on the rock. And as you get to the on on the rock. And as you get to the middle, then you would look at these middle, then you would look at these middle, then you would look at these halves of the animals and you would say, halves of the animals and you would say, halves of the animals and you would say, "May what happened to these animals "May what happened to these animals "May what happened to these animals happen to me if I don't keep my end of happen to me if I don't keep my end of happen to me if I don't keep my end of the covenant." the covenant." the covenant." And in Genesis 15, instead of God And in Genesis 15, instead of God And in Genesis 15, instead of God meeting Abraham in the middle of this meeting Abraham in the middle of this meeting Abraham in the middle of this path, God meets himself. path, God meets himself. path, God meets himself. And he comes through first as a smoke And he comes through first as a smoke And he comes through first as a smoke and secondly as a flame. And he meets and secondly as a flame. And he meets and secondly as a flame. And he meets himself in the middle of this path. In himself in the middle of this path. In himself in the middle of this path. In other words, he's communicating, hey, other words, he's communicating, hey, other words, he's communicating, hey, this covenant is all up to me. He's this covenant is all up to me. He's this covenant is all up to me. He's saying, Abraham, you don't have anything saying, Abraham, you don't have anything saying, Abraham, you don't have anything to do with fulfilling this covenant. I to do with fulfilling this covenant. I to do with fulfilling this covenant. I will do all of the work. And for those will do all of the work. And for those will do all of the work. And for those of you who've been around Christianity of you who've been around Christianity of you who've been around Christianity and been around the Bible, this sounds and been around the Bible, this sounds and been around the Bible, this sounds very familiar to you. It sounds a whole very familiar to you. It sounds a whole very familiar to you. It sounds a whole lot like grace.

lot like grace. lot like grace. Amazing grace. that salvation is not Amazing grace. that salvation is not Amazing grace. that salvation is not dependent upon what we do but completely dependent upon what we do but completely dependent upon what we do but completely dependent upon what God does and that's dependent upon what God does and that's dependent upon what God does and that's the type of covenant that God makes with the type of covenant that God makes with the type of covenant that God makes with uh us. Now, after the terms are agreed uh us. Now, after the terms are agreed uh us. Now, after the terms are agreed to a and the covenant is cut, uh these to a and the covenant is cut, uh these to a and the covenant is cut, uh these these terms were written down in the these terms were written down in the these terms were written down in the book of the covenant and they were read book of the covenant and they were read book of the covenant and they were read as I mentioned a moment ago by Moses to as I mentioned a moment ago by Moses to as I mentioned a moment ago by Moses to all of the people. And then in this all of the people. And then in this all of the people. And then in this story, Moses kills the bull and he took story, Moses kills the bull and he took story, Moses kills the bull and he took the blood. Well, let me let me just read the blood. Well, let me let me just read the blood. Well, let me let me just read it to you. it to you. it to you. He took the blood from the blens and He took the blood from the blens and He took the blood from the blens and splattered it all over the people. This is one of those Bible stories that This is one of those Bible stories that never made it to flannelraphph in Sunday never made it to flannelraphph in Sunday never made it to flannelraphph in Sunday school, right? school, right? school, right? And he declares, look, this blood, by And he declares, look, this blood, by And he declares, look, this blood, by the way, I don't know if this ever the way, I don't know if this ever the way, I don't know if this ever happened anywhere else in the Bible. happened anywhere else in the Bible. happened anywhere else in the Bible. Somebody research that. To my knowledge, Somebody research that. To my knowledge, Somebody research that. To my knowledge, this the only time that ever happened to this the only time that ever happened to this the only time that ever happened to people where the blood was spread out people where the blood was spread out people where the blood was spread out all over the people. Usually, it's on all over the people. Usually, it's on all over the people. Usually, it's on the altar. the altar. the altar. This is the blood that confirms the This is the blood that confirms the This is the blood that confirms the covenant the Lord has made with you in covenant the Lord has made with you in covenant the Lord has made with you in giving you these instructions. Now, giving you these instructions. Now, giving you these instructions. Now, where did Moses get that idea? I already where did Moses get that idea? I already where did Moses get that idea? I already told you, remember Genesis 15, Abraham told you, remember Genesis 15, Abraham told you, remember Genesis 15, Abraham had to slaughter those animals and Moses had to slaughter those animals and Moses had to slaughter those animals and Moses is using that blueprint for this is using that blueprint for this is using that blueprint for this procedure. And the biblical point is procedure. And the biblical point is procedure. And the biblical point is this. A covenant requires blood.

this. A covenant requires blood. this. A covenant requires blood. And the new covenant that Jesus is And the new covenant that Jesus is And the new covenant that Jesus is referring to referring to referring to does not require the blood of bulls or does not require the blood of bulls or does not require the blood of bulls or rams or hephers or birds. It requires rams or hephers or birds. It requires rams or hephers or birds. It requires the blood of the lamb, the lamb of God, the blood of the lamb, the lamb of God, the blood of the lamb, the lamb of God, Jesus himself. And that's what Jesus was Jesus himself. And that's what Jesus was Jesus himself. And that's what Jesus was setting up by declaring this as a new setting up by declaring this as a new setting up by declaring this as a new covenant. And when Jesus said what he covenant. And when Jesus said what he covenant. And when Jesus said what he said at the last supper, the disciples said at the last supper, the disciples said at the last supper, the disciples knew something big just happened and knew something big just happened and knew something big just happened and just transpired. In fact, let me just just transpired. In fact, let me just just transpired. In fact, let me just show you uh this passage [clears throat] show you uh this passage [clears throat] show you uh this passage [clears throat] from Exodus and this passage from Luke from Exodus and this passage from Luke from Exodus and this passage from Luke side by side and and see if you see uh side by side and and see if you see uh side by side and and see if you see uh the connection. I colorcoded uh the the connection. I colorcoded uh the the connection. I colorcoded uh the words for you. Okay. And so uh this cup words for you. Okay. And so uh this cup words for you. Okay. And so uh this cup is the new say it is the new say it is the new say it >> covenant between God and his people. An >> covenant between God and his people. An >> covenant between God and his people. An agreement say it agreement say it agreement say it >> confirmed with >> confirmed with >> confirmed with >> my blood >> my blood >> my blood >> which is poured out as a sacrifice >> which is poured out as a sacrifice >> which is poured out as a sacrifice >> for you >> for you >> for you >> for you. Now now watch what Jesus says. >> for you. Now now watch what Jesus says. >> for you. Now now watch what Jesus says. This blood confirms the covenant the This blood confirms the covenant the This blood confirms the covenant the Lord has made with you. Do you see it?

Lord has made with you. Do you see it? Lord has made with you. Do you see it? Yes. Yes. Yes. >> The blood confirms the covenant and it >> The blood confirms the covenant and it >> The blood confirms the covenant and it is a covenant [clears throat] both made is a covenant [clears throat] both made is a covenant [clears throat] both made with you and for you. And when Jesus with you and for you. And when Jesus with you and for you. And when Jesus spoke those words, he was doing spoke those words, he was doing spoke those words, he was doing something very special in the Jewish something very special in the Jewish something very special in the Jewish world. He was using a rabbitic technique world. He was using a rabbitic technique world. He was using a rabbitic technique called Rayz. I've taught you about this called Rayz. I've taught you about this called Rayz. I've taught you about this before where the teacher quotes part of before where the teacher quotes part of before where the teacher quotes part of a scripture, part of a Bible story, part a scripture, part of a Bible story, part a scripture, part of a Bible story, part of a Bible text and he expects the of a Bible text and he expects the of a Bible text and he expects the students to know where that came from students to know where that came from students to know where that came from and to know all of the context. So when and to know all of the context. So when and to know all of the context. So when Jesus the rabbi used these three words, Jesus the rabbi used these three words, Jesus the rabbi used these three words, the disciples minds immediately went to the disciples minds immediately went to the disciples minds immediately went to the story in Exodus 24 and they knew the story in Exodus 24 and they knew the story in Exodus 24 and they knew this is very very very special. It's this is very very very special. It's this is very very very special. It's monumental. It's amazing. This is a monumental. It's amazing. This is a monumental. It's amazing. This is a covenant meal that Jesus is doing with covenant meal that Jesus is doing with covenant meal that Jesus is doing with us. Well, now what is a covenant uh us. Well, now what is a covenant uh us. Well, now what is a covenant uh meal? Okay. Well, let's go back to meal? Okay. Well, let's go back to meal? Okay. Well, let's go back to Exodus and let me show you. Then Moses, Exodus and let me show you. Then Moses, Exodus and let me show you. Then Moses, Aaron, Naab, and Abaiu and the 70 elders Aaron, Naab, and Abaiu and the 70 elders Aaron, Naab, and Abaiu and the 70 elders of Israel climbed up the mountain. Watch of Israel climbed up the mountain. Watch of Israel climbed up the mountain. Watch this. There they saw they saw the God of Israel.

the God of Israel. the God of Israel. >> They saw him under his feet. There >> They saw him under his feet. There >> They saw him under his feet. There seemed to be a surface of brilliant blue seemed to be a surface of brilliant blue seemed to be a surface of brilliant blue lapsis lazuli as clear as the sky lapsis lazuli as clear as the sky lapsis lazuli as clear as the sky itself. Moses, Aaron, the 72 others itself. Moses, Aaron, the 72 others itself. Moses, Aaron, the 72 others climbed up the mountain. And they had to climbed up the mountain. And they had to climbed up the mountain. And they had to be fearful. be fearful. be fearful. They had been warned. They had been They had been warned. They had been They had been warned. They had been told, "Don't go up the mountain. Don't told, "Don't go up the mountain. Don't told, "Don't go up the mountain. Don't even touch the mountain." Right? even touch the mountain." Right? even touch the mountain." Right? [clears throat] And now they get up [clears throat] And now they get up [clears throat] And now they get up there and lo and behold, they can see there and lo and behold, they can see there and lo and behold, they can see God. Which usually in that culture was God. Which usually in that culture was God. Which usually in that culture was very bad news, right? But but look what very bad news, right? But but look what very bad news, right? But but look what happens uh in in verse 11. And though happens uh in in verse 11. And though happens uh in in verse 11. And though these nobles of Israel, there it is these nobles of Israel, there it is these nobles of Israel, there it is again, gaze, they didn't just see him, again, gaze, they didn't just see him, again, gaze, they didn't just see him, they're gazing upon God, they're gazing upon God, they're gazing upon God, he did not destroy them. he did not destroy them. he did not destroy them. In fact, they ate they ate a covenant meal, a covenant meal, a covenant meal, eating and drinking eating and drinking eating and drinking in his presence. They were not in his presence. They were not in his presence. They were not destroyed, yet they could see God and destroyed, yet they could see God and destroyed, yet they could see God and they lived and ate a covenant meal with they lived and ate a covenant meal with they lived and ate a covenant meal with him. In other words, a covenant meal is him. In other words, a covenant meal is him. In other words, a covenant meal is an in is a part of the entire process.

an in is a part of the entire process. an in is a part of the entire process. And the process included uh agreeing to And the process included uh agreeing to And the process included uh agreeing to the terms, going through this blood the terms, going through this blood the terms, going through this blood ritual, and then sealing it with a meal. ritual, and then sealing it with a meal. ritual, and then sealing it with a meal. And after they had just done this blood And after they had just done this blood And after they had just done this blood thing with blood everywhere, they would thing with blood everywhere, they would thing with blood everywhere, they would say, "Let's eat." say, "Let's eat." say, "Let's eat." A and in the Bible in Genesis 26, you A and in the Bible in Genesis 26, you A and in the Bible in Genesis 26, you see this when Isaac makes a treaty with see this when Isaac makes a treaty with see this when Isaac makes a treaty with his neighbors. You see it in Genesis 31 his neighbors. You see it in Genesis 31 his neighbors. You see it in Genesis 31 when Jacob makes peace with Laban. You when Jacob makes peace with Laban. You when Jacob makes peace with Laban. You see it in Genesis 18 when Abram and see it in Genesis 18 when Abram and see it in Genesis 18 when Abram and Yahweh eat a covenant meal together. And Yahweh eat a covenant meal together. And Yahweh eat a covenant meal together. And in each of those stories, they share a in each of those stories, they share a in each of those stories, they share a meal after making a covenant. And it was meal after making a covenant. And it was meal after making a covenant. And it was not a meal just to feed their stomachs not a meal just to feed their stomachs not a meal just to feed their stomachs because contract negotiations and because contract negotiations and because contract negotiations and slaughtering bulls is hard work and you slaughtering bulls is hard work and you slaughtering bulls is hard work and you know makes you hungry. No, it's more know makes you hungry. No, it's more know makes you hungry. No, it's more than that. And I just want to show you than that. And I just want to show you than that. And I just want to show you two aspects as a form of introduction to two aspects as a form of introduction to two aspects as a form of introduction to this short series of a covenant meal this short series of a covenant meal this short series of a covenant meal that will help you understand what the that will help you understand what the that will help you understand what the Lord represents and the implications on Lord represents and the implications on Lord represents and the implications on your life today. Because the Lord's your life today. Because the Lord's your life today. Because the Lord's supper points to something bigger. supper points to something bigger. supper points to something bigger. If if you were to drive out west of town If if you were to drive out west of town If if you were to drive out west of town here near Sepula, you you would see this here near Sepula, you you would see this here near Sepula, you you would see this sign, Oklahoma City, 100 miles. How many sign, Oklahoma City, 100 miles. How many sign, Oklahoma City, 100 miles. How many of you seen that sign?

Now, you may have been to Oklahoma City. Now, you may have been to Oklahoma City. You may have lived in Oklahoma City. I You may have lived in Oklahoma City. I You may have lived in Oklahoma City. I don't know why you would want to do don't know why you would want to do don't know why you would want to do that. that. that. Tulsa is far better than Oklahoma City, Tulsa is far better than Oklahoma City, Tulsa is far better than Oklahoma City, right? Prettier, greener usually, right? right? Prettier, greener usually, right? right? Prettier, greener usually, right? A and more culture, better pastors. A and more culture, better pastors. A and more culture, better pastors. Like, it's just a much better city than Like, it's just a much better city than Like, it's just a much better city than than Oklahoma City, right? But but you than Oklahoma City, right? But but you than Oklahoma City, right? But but you may have been there. You may have never may have been there. You may have never may have been there. You may have never been there. And by the way, if you've been there. And by the way, if you've been there. And by the way, if you've never been there, that sign doesn't help never been there, that sign doesn't help never been there, that sign doesn't help you. Now, it points to the fact that you. Now, it points to the fact that you. Now, it points to the fact that there is an Oklahoma city, but it there is an Oklahoma city, but it there is an Oklahoma city, but it doesn't help you. Here's what I mean by doesn't help you. Here's what I mean by doesn't help you. Here's what I mean by that. The Lord's Supper is a sign. that. The Lord's Supper is a sign. that. The Lord's Supper is a sign. It's a sign. It's not the thing. It's a It's a sign. It's not the thing. It's a It's a sign. It's not the thing. It's a sign of the thing. And so, let me show sign of the thing. And so, let me show sign of the thing. And so, let me show you with you two points today as a way you with you two points today as a way you with you two points today as a way to set this whole thing up. I want you to set this whole thing up. I want you to set this whole thing up. I want you to know, ponder, and write these things to know, ponder, and write these things to know, ponder, and write these things down. Okay. Number one, [clears throat] down. Okay. Number one, [clears throat] down. Okay. Number one, [clears throat] covenant meals are a symbol of peace. covenant meals are a symbol of peace. covenant meals are a symbol of peace. What does that mean? It means to share a What does that mean? It means to share a What does that mean? It means to share a meal means that you can rest. meal means that you can rest. meal means that you can rest. There's no more conflict.

There's no more conflict. There's no more conflict. In that culture, you you would sit down. In that culture, you you would sit down. In that culture, you you would sit down. You wouldn't just sit down to eat. You You wouldn't just sit down to eat. You You wouldn't just sit down to eat. You actually lay down, right? You would actually lay down, right? You would actually lay down, right? You would split out a blanket and and lay down at split out a blanket and and lay down at split out a blanket and and lay down at a low table. And some of you are a low table. And some of you are a low table. And some of you are thinking, "Finally, a spiritual thinking, "Finally, a spiritual thinking, "Finally, a spiritual discipline I can practice eating in bed, discipline I can practice eating in bed, discipline I can practice eating in bed, right?" [laughter] But but the act of right?" [laughter] But but the act of right?" [laughter] But but the act of laying down, here's the point, puts you laying down, here's the point, puts you laying down, here's the point, puts you in a vulnerable position. in a vulnerable position. in a vulnerable position. where you can be harmed. So when you where you can be harmed. So when you where you can be harmed. So when you share that meal, you're actually saying, share that meal, you're actually saying, share that meal, you're actually saying, "I trust you." "I trust you." "I trust you." Every single time I walk in my house, my Every single time I walk in my house, my Every single time I walk in my house, my three-year-old Australian shepherd, acts three-year-old Australian shepherd, acts three-year-old Australian shepherd, acts like I've been gone a year and runs like I've been gone a year and runs like I've been gone a year and runs around and she actually talks. It's like around and she actually talks. It's like around and she actually talks. It's like just making this noise. And and then she just making this noise. And and then she just making this noise. And and then she she's so excited. Little tail nub is she's so excited. Little tail nub is she's so excited. Little tail nub is going 90 to nothing. And in fact, her going 90 to nothing. And in fact, her going 90 to nothing. And in fact, her whole butt shakes. And then she will lay whole butt shakes. And then she will lay whole butt shakes. And then she will lay herself down on the ground, turn herself herself down on the ground, turn herself herself down on the ground, turn herself up like this, and just spread eagle all up like this, and just spread eagle all up like this, and just spread eagle all four legs just exposing her belly to me. four legs just exposing her belly to me. four legs just exposing her belly to me. And I've been told by dog experts what And I've been told by dog experts what And I've been told by dog experts what that means is I trust you. And I have that means is I trust you. And I have that means is I trust you. And I have put myself in a very vulnerable position put myself in a very vulnerable position put myself in a very vulnerable position where you could actually hurt me because where you could actually hurt me because where you could actually hurt me because I trust you. I can be safe around you I trust you. I can be safe around you I trust you. I can be safe around you because I am at peace. Think about Psalm because I am at peace. Think about Psalm because I am at peace. Think about Psalm 23. We studied it a few years ago. David 23. We studied it a few years ago. David 23. We studied it a few years ago. David says, "You says, "You says, "You prepare a table." Say, "Table."

prepare a table." Say, "Table." prepare a table." Say, "Table." >> Table >> Table >> Table >> before me. >> before me. >> before me. >> Before me >> Before me >> Before me >> in the presence of my enemies. In other >> in the presence of my enemies. In other >> in the presence of my enemies. In other words, even though there are people out words, even though there are people out words, even though there are people out there who are out to get me. I can lay there who are out to get me. I can lay there who are out to get me. I can lay down before you be at peace because I down before you be at peace because I down before you be at peace because I trust you, God, to protect me. That's trust you, God, to protect me. That's trust you, God, to protect me. That's what the Lord's Supper represents. And what the Lord's Supper represents. And what the Lord's Supper represents. And it is a big deal that we have been made it is a big deal that we have been made it is a big deal that we have been made right with God and we actually have right with God and we actually have right with God and we actually have peace with God. Paul talks about this in peace with God. Paul talks about this in peace with God. Paul talks about this in the New Testament. Look at what he says the New Testament. Look at what he says the New Testament. Look at what he says in in in Romans chapter 5. Therefore, in in in Romans chapter 5. Therefore, in in in Romans chapter 5. Therefore, say therefore. say therefore. say therefore. >> Therefore, >> Therefore, >> Therefore, >> you ought to go back and read what's >> you ought to go back and read what's >> you ought to go back and read what's before that in chapter 4 because you before that in chapter 4 because you before that in chapter 4 because you always ask what the therefore is there always ask what the therefore is there always ask what the therefore is there for. Right? Therefore, since we have for. Right? Therefore, since we have for. Right? Therefore, since we have been made right in God's sight, we have been made right in God's sight, we have been made right in God's sight, we have something. Because we've been made right in God's Because we've been made right in God's sight. We We have something. We have peace with God. We have peace with God. Why? Because of what Jesus Christ, our Why? Because of what Jesus Christ, our Why? Because of what Jesus Christ, our Lord, has done for us. And when we take Lord, has done for us. And when we take Lord, has done for us. And when we take the Lord's supper, that verse is coming the Lord's supper, that verse is coming the Lord's supper, that verse is coming alive. We finally have peace between us alive. We finally have peace between us alive. We finally have peace between us and God. And that might sound like we're and God. And that might sound like we're and God. And that might sound like we're the ones who decided we want to be at the ones who decided we want to be at the ones who decided we want to be at peace wi with God. that we had something peace wi with God. that we had something peace wi with God. that we had something against God and we forgave God and we against God and we forgave God and we against God and we forgave God and we got it right with God. But that's not at got it right with God. But that's not at got it right with God. But that's not at all the case. We were the enemies of all the case. We were the enemies of all the case. We were the enemies of God. We were the ones with all the God. We were the ones with all the God. We were the ones with all the attitude and all the sin that caused the attitude and all the sin that caused the attitude and all the sin that caused the relationship to go bad. But it was God relationship to go bad. But it was God relationship to go bad. But it was God who did everything that was needed to

who did everything that was needed to who did everything that was needed to settle that peace by sending Jesus down settle that peace by sending Jesus down settle that peace by sending Jesus down to die for us and to shed his blood on to die for us and to shed his blood on to die for us and to shed his blood on our behalf. That's why Jesus said, "This our behalf. That's why Jesus said, "This our behalf. That's why Jesus said, "This new covenant is confirmed by my blood." new covenant is confirmed by my blood." new covenant is confirmed by my blood." And the Lord's supper confronts my And the Lord's supper confronts my And the Lord's supper confronts my tendency to measure my relationship with tendency to measure my relationship with tendency to measure my relationship with God by how well I have performed. God by how well I have performed. God by how well I have performed. And can I just declare to you today when you failed, when you failed, there's no need to run from Jesus. there's no need to run from Jesus. there's no need to run from Jesus. You need to run to the table. A and that You need to run to the table. A and that You need to run to the table. A and that peace brings peace into every peace brings peace into every peace brings peace into every relationship in our lives. That peace relationship in our lives. That peace relationship in our lives. That peace leads to peace all around our lives. In leads to peace all around our lives. In leads to peace all around our lives. In fact, if you're here today and you do fact, if you're here today and you do fact, if you're here today and you do not have, cannot find peace in your own not have, cannot find peace in your own not have, cannot find peace in your own life. You feel unsettled in your own life. You feel unsettled in your own life. You feel unsettled in your own heart. It could be that you've not heart. It could be that you've not heart. It could be that you've not accepted that peace, the very peace of accepted that peace, the very peace of accepted that peace, the very peace of God. And you haven't accepted his God. And you haven't accepted his God. And you haven't accepted his invitation uh to to come be his child invitation uh to to come be his child invitation uh to to come be his child and follow him with all of your heart.

and follow him with all of your heart. and follow him with all of your heart. And when you accept that invitation, you And when you accept that invitation, you And when you accept that invitation, you now belong to his family. And and so the now belong to his family. And and so the now belong to his family. And and so the second thing that I want you to write second thing that I want you to write second thing that I want you to write down is that covenant meals are a sign down is that covenant meals are a sign down is that covenant meals are a sign of say it. of say it. of say it. >> Notice that Moses didn't take the >> Notice that Moses didn't take the >> Notice that Moses didn't take the covenant meal by himself. God told him, covenant meal by himself. God told him, covenant meal by himself. God told him, "Iv invite your brother, his sons, all "Iv invite your brother, his sons, all "Iv invite your brother, his sons, all of them, right? While you're at it, a of them, right? While you're at it, a of them, right? While you're at it, a bunch of other guys as well." In other bunch of other guys as well." In other bunch of other guys as well." In other words, the meal was a banquet. words, the meal was a banquet. words, the meal was a banquet. It wasn't a work lunch. It was all about It wasn't a work lunch. It was all about It wasn't a work lunch. It was all about community. community. community. The Christian life is about community. The Christian life is about community. The Christian life is about community. It was never meant to be walked alone. It was never meant to be walked alone. It was never meant to be walked alone. We were made to enjoy community with one We were made to enjoy community with one We were made to enjoy community with one another. In fact, in the opening pages another. In fact, in the opening pages another. In fact, in the opening pages of this book and the book of the of this book and the book of the of this book and the book of the covenant that that that Moses wrote up covenant that that that Moses wrote up covenant that that that Moses wrote up on that mountain in the book of Genesis, on that mountain in the book of Genesis, on that mountain in the book of Genesis, it says that God made the heavens and it says that God made the heavens and it says that God made the heavens and the earth and he called them good. He the earth and he called them good. He the earth and he called them good. He made the sun and the moon and the stars made the sun and the moon and the stars made the sun and the moon and the stars and he called them, say it, and he called them, say it, and he called them, say it, >> good. He made the plants and the animals >> good. He made the plants and the animals >> good. He made the plants and the animals and he called them and he called them and he called them >> good.

>> good. >> good. >> But the first time God said, "That ain't >> But the first time God said, "That ain't >> But the first time God said, "That ain't good." I'm not sure he said it that way, >> was when he saw Adam. And Adam was all >> was when he saw Adam. And Adam was all alone alone alone because God knew that we were made to because God knew that we were made to because God knew that we were made to need each other. And around here, we say need each other. And around here, we say need each other. And around here, we say it this way. Life is better together. it this way. Life is better together. it this way. Life is better together. Meaning, we cannot do this alone. And Meaning, we cannot do this alone. And Meaning, we cannot do this alone. And when we do it together, it's so much when we do it together, it's so much when we do it together, it's so much better. And that's why in this church, better. And that's why in this church, better. And that's why in this church, we don't just meet in rows and big rooms we don't just meet in rows and big rooms we don't just meet in rows and big rooms on Sunday mornings. We actually meet in on Sunday mornings. We actually meet in on Sunday mornings. We actually meet in circles and living rooms and homes all circles and living rooms and homes all circles and living rooms and homes all over this city by the hundreds and over this city by the hundreds and over this city by the hundreds and hundreds and hundreds of groups almost hundreds and hundreds of groups almost hundreds and hundreds of groups almost every day of the week. There is an every day of the week. There is an every day of the week. There is an option for you. A and if you don't have option for you. A and if you don't have option for you. A and if you don't have a group, we've made it so simple uh for a group, we've made it so simple uh for a group, we've made it so simple uh for you today. There's an expo in the hall you today. There's an expo in the hall you today. There's an expo in the hall of every campus where you can go meet a of every campus where you can go meet a of every campus where you can go meet a leader and try to uh plug into a group. leader and try to uh plug into a group. leader and try to uh plug into a group. But that word community, But that word community, But that word community, I mentioned it earlier. Some of you uh I mentioned it earlier. Some of you uh I mentioned it earlier. Some of you uh were raised in a church where you called were raised in a church where you called were raised in a church where you called the Lord's supper communion, the Lord's supper communion, the Lord's supper communion, same word.

same word. same word. Communion and community. Communion and community. Communion and community. In other words, community or communion In other words, community or communion In other words, community or communion by definition cannot be taken alone. by definition cannot be taken alone. by definition cannot be taken alone. It is a shared meal. When when we take It is a shared meal. When when we take It is a shared meal. When when we take the Lord's supper, listen, here's what the Lord's supper, listen, here's what the Lord's supper, listen, here's what we're saying. And don't miss this. We're we're saying. And don't miss this. We're we're saying. And don't miss this. We're saying we belong to you, Christ, and saying we belong to you, Christ, and saying we belong to you, Christ, and therefore we belong to your people. therefore we belong to your people. therefore we belong to your people. And every covenant meal is a shared And every covenant meal is a shared And every covenant meal is a shared meal. When you share a meal in the meal. When you share a meal in the meal. When you share a meal in the Middle East, you're saying you and I are Middle East, you're saying you and I are Middle East, you're saying you and I are one. In fact, they say those kinds of one. In fact, they say those kinds of one. In fact, they say those kinds of things. We're in family with one things. We're in family with one things. We're in family with one another. You you sit at the table and another. You you sit at the table and another. You you sit at the table and they will say, "I'm opening the table." they will say, "I'm opening the table." they will say, "I'm opening the table." I'm like, "What? What do you mean? we I'm like, "What? What do you mean? we I'm like, "What? What do you mean? we going to be here a while going to be here a while going to be here a while until you stop eating until you stop eating until you stop eating and you have this whole concept of we're and you have this whole concept of we're and you have this whole concept of we're a part of the same family now it means a part of the same family now it means a part of the same family now it means I'm a part of your tribe you're you're a I'm a part of your tribe you're you're a I'm a part of your tribe you're you're a part of my tribe and it still happens part of my tribe and it still happens part of my tribe and it still happens today today today in fact if you go with me to Israel or in fact if you go with me to Israel or in fact if you go with me to Israel or Egypt uh uh you you and we get invited Egypt uh uh you you and we get invited Egypt uh uh you you and we get invited to a meal in somebody's home which to a meal in somebody's home which to a meal in somebody's home which happens periodically happens periodically happens periodically in fact to next week I think is Jolie in fact to next week I think is Jolie in fact to next week I think is Jolie the deadline for Kenya is coming the deadline for Kenya is coming the deadline for Kenya is coming sometime this Okay, if you're thinking sometime this Okay, if you're thinking sometime this Okay, if you're thinking about going to Kenya with us in January, about going to Kenya with us in January, about going to Kenya with us in January, you need to sign up. Only a few spots you need to sign up. Only a few spots you need to sign up. Only a few spots still open, but but when you go on these still open, but but when you go on these still open, but but when you go on these trips, apparently uh uh there are times trips, apparently uh uh there are times trips, apparently uh uh there are times where we meet people where we meet people where we meet people and they practice Middle Eastern and they practice Middle Eastern and they practice Middle Eastern hospitality and they say, "I want you to hospitality and they say, "I want you to hospitality and they say, "I want you to come to my home."

come to my home." come to my home." And when you sit down with them in their And when you sit down with them in their And when you sit down with them in their home, it's never just a quick bite from home, it's never just a quick bite from home, it's never just a quick bite from McDonald's. McDonald's. McDonald's. It means something to them. They're It means something to them. They're It means something to them. They're inviting you to sit with them. It's inviting you to sit with them. It's inviting you to sit with them. It's almost like almost like almost like finding that your table in high school finding that your table in high school finding that your table in high school in the cafeteria. Until you find that table where you Until you find that table where you belong, it's a nerve-wracking experience belong, it's a nerve-wracking experience belong, it's a nerve-wracking experience to grab that tray and turn and face that to grab that tray and turn and face that to grab that tray and turn and face that room. room. room. But when you have your table with your But when you have your table with your But when you have your table with your people and you know you can go sit and people and you know you can go sit and people and you know you can go sit and be comfortable and and be comfortable and and be comfortable and and be accepted be accepted be accepted now the peace enters into that that now the peace enters into that that now the peace enters into that that moment. And they have this saying in the moment. And they have this saying in the moment. And they have this saying in the Middle East Middle East Middle East especially among the Bedawin tribes who especially among the Bedawin tribes who especially among the Bedawin tribes who still live in tents to this day and are still live in tents to this day and are still live in tents to this day and are still nomadic and roaming around. still nomadic and roaming around. still nomadic and roaming around. And and this is the statement I'll never And and this is the statement I'll never And and this is the statement I'll never forget sitting in one of these tents forget sitting in one of these tents forget sitting in one of these tents under the open tent under the stars under the open tent under the stars under the open tent under the stars where you see 10 billion stars where you see 10 billion stars where you see 10 billion stars with a fire going and this statement made and this statement made there's now salt between us.

there's now salt between us. there's now salt between us. I'm going to make you Middle Eastern I'm going to make you Middle Eastern I'm going to make you Middle Eastern today. There's now salt between us. Let me let There's now salt between us. Let me let me just have you say that phrase. >> Here's what they mean. They share the >> Here's what they mean. They share the salt with you, not just for seasoning salt with you, not just for seasoning salt with you, not just for seasoning the food, but but it means we are now the food, but but it means we are now the food, but but it means we are now bonded forever. The picture in their bonded forever. The picture in their bonded forever. The picture in their mind is this way that you took your salt mind is this way that you took your salt mind is this way that you took your salt shaker, they took their salt shaker, and shaker, they took their salt shaker, and shaker, they took their salt shaker, and you mixed them into one and shook it up. you mixed them into one and shook it up. you mixed them into one and shook it up. It's now impossible to separate these It's now impossible to separate these It's now impossible to separate these things. And the idea in that culture is things. And the idea in that culture is things. And the idea in that culture is salt lasts forever. I don't know if you salt lasts forever. I don't know if you salt lasts forever. I don't know if you ever noticed that or not. It doesn't ever noticed that or not. It doesn't ever noticed that or not. It doesn't have an expiration date. It lasts have an expiration date. It lasts have an expiration date. It lasts forever. Now, it may lose its taste, but forever. Now, it may lose its taste, but forever. Now, it may lose its taste, but it does not go bad. It lasts forever. it does not go bad. It lasts forever. it does not go bad. It lasts forever. That's why they use it for preserving. That's why they use it for preserving. That's why they use it for preserving. In the days before refrigeration, you In the days before refrigeration, you In the days before refrigeration, you could take raw fish and lay it in salt could take raw fish and lay it in salt could take raw fish and lay it in salt and it would uh preserve it for days, and it would uh preserve it for days, and it would uh preserve it for days, right? The point in their mind is salt right? The point in their mind is salt right? The point in their mind is salt is eternal and it is everlasting. And it is eternal and it is everlasting. And it is eternal and it is everlasting. And it means something. It means there's no end means something. It means there's no end means something. It means there's no end to this covenant uh between us. And when to this covenant uh between us. And when to this covenant uh between us. And when Jesus told his disciples, "This is a Jesus told his disciples, "This is a Jesus told his disciples, "This is a meal of the new covenant," they knew meal of the new covenant," they knew meal of the new covenant," they knew that he was providing them with peace.

that he was providing them with peace. that he was providing them with peace. Peace between them and the father. They Peace between them and the father. They Peace between them and the father. They also knew that that uh would be they also knew that that uh would be they also knew that that uh would be they would now be bonded forever. A and there would now be bonded forever. A and there would now be bonded forever. A and there was an eternal everlasting aspect to was an eternal everlasting aspect to was an eternal everlasting aspect to this meal. It's not some oneoff. In this meal. It's not some oneoff. In this meal. It's not some oneoff. In fact, when Jesus says this, "Do this in fact, when Jesus says this, "Do this in fact, when Jesus says this, "Do this in remembrance of me." In three of the remembrance of me." In three of the remembrance of me." In three of the gospels, Matthew, Mark, and Luke, John gospels, Matthew, Mark, and Luke, John gospels, Matthew, Mark, and Luke, John does not talk about this. Okay? So, does not talk about this. Okay? So, does not talk about this. Okay? So, don't confuse John 6 with this. That don't confuse John 6 with this. That don't confuse John 6 with this. That that's a misinterpretation of the text. that's a misinterpretation of the text. that's a misinterpretation of the text. But in those three gospels, he says, "Do But in those three gospels, he says, "Do But in those three gospels, he says, "Do this in remembrance of me." The the word this in remembrance of me." The the word this in remembrance of me." The the word in the Greek was in the imperfect future in the Greek was in the imperfect future in the Greek was in the imperfect future tense, tense, tense, which meant you do this and you keep on which meant you do this and you keep on which meant you do this and you keep on doing this forever and ever and ever. doing this forever and ever and ever. doing this forever and ever and ever. Don't stop because I will never stop. Don't stop because I will never stop. Don't stop because I will never stop. You see, there's only one person who can You see, there's only one person who can You see, there's only one person who can really invite you to the table, and really invite you to the table, and really invite you to the table, and that's Jesus. And some churches have that's Jesus. And some churches have that's Jesus. And some churches have what they call closed communion, what they call closed communion, what they call closed communion, which means it's only for members. Some which means it's only for members. Some which means it's only for members. Some churches, like us, have what we call churches, like us, have what we call churches, like us, have what we call close communion, which means you're close communion, which means you're close communion, which means you're supposed to be close uh to Jesus. But supposed to be close uh to Jesus. But supposed to be close uh to Jesus. But but I want you to look at what Jesus but I want you to look at what Jesus but I want you to look at what Jesus said. The time came Jesus and the said. The time came Jesus and the said. The time came Jesus and the apostles sat down together at the table.

apostles sat down together at the table. apostles sat down together at the table. What is inherent in the Greek here is What is inherent in the Greek here is What is inherent in the Greek here is that Jesus is the one who invited them that Jesus is the one who invited them that Jesus is the one who invited them to his table. to his table. to his table. And it's a big table. And it's a big table. And it's a big table. Those of you who did Christianity in the Those of you who did Christianity in the Those of you who did Christianity in the '9s, it's a big big table with lots and '9s, it's a big big table with lots and '9s, it's a big big table with lots and lots of food. and and and and the table of Jesus is and and and and the table of Jesus is very big and it's full of people from very big and it's full of people from very big and it's full of people from all different backgrounds and all all different backgrounds and all all different backgrounds and all different nationalities with all different nationalities with all different nationalities with all personalities from the loud uh personalities from the loud uh personalities from the loud uh boisterous one to the quiet one and but boisterous one to the quiet one and but boisterous one to the quiet one and but at the end of the day it's Jesus who at the end of the day it's Jesus who at the end of the day it's Jesus who chooses who sits there and the thing is chooses who sits there and the thing is chooses who sits there and the thing is he's invited you to come sit as his at he's invited you to come sit as his at he's invited you to come sit as his at his table and the question for you today his table and the question for you today his table and the question for you today is have you accepted his invitation is have you accepted his invitation is have you accepted his invitation remember what Jesus said every time you remember what Jesus said every time you remember what Jesus said every time you eat and you drink you Proclaim the eat and you drink you Proclaim the eat and you drink you Proclaim the Lord's death. Meaning, this is not just Lord's death. Meaning, this is not just Lord's death. Meaning, this is not just about receiving. It is about about receiving. It is about about receiving. It is about proclaiming. proclaiming. proclaiming. And are you ready to extend that And are you ready to extend that And are you ready to extend that invitation to others? If the Holy Spirit invitation to others? If the Holy Spirit invitation to others? If the Holy Spirit hasn't yet laid on your name a on your hasn't yet laid on your name a on your hasn't yet laid on your name a on your heart a name to write on those two heart a name to write on those two heart a name to write on those two cards, cards, cards, would you just grab them would you just grab them would you just grab them and would you ask him to do that?

and would you ask him to do that? and would you ask him to do that? Write the same name on both cards. Write the same name on both cards. Write the same name on both cards. because in a moment we're going to stand because in a moment we're going to stand because in a moment we're going to stand together and we're going to come take together and we're going to come take together and we're going to come take the Lord's supper. the Lord's supper. the Lord's supper. A and you're going to keep one of those A and you're going to keep one of those A and you're going to keep one of those to pray for your friend, but you're to pray for your friend, but you're to pray for your friend, but you're going to bring one and leave it in the going to bring one and leave it in the going to bring one and leave it in the receptacle so that we can join you in receptacle so that we can join you in receptacle so that we can join you in praying for your friend or for your praying for your friend or for your praying for your friend or for your family or for your loved one or family or for your loved one or family or for your loved one or neighbor, whomever it is. neighbor, whomever it is. neighbor, whomever it is. So, so write those names down, but I So, so write those names down, but I So, so write those names down, but I want us to pray together across all of want us to pray together across all of want us to pray together across all of our campuses. And I want to give you a our campuses. And I want to give you a our campuses. And I want to give you a chance today to accept that invitation chance today to accept that invitation chance today to accept that invitation if you've not done that yet. Would you if you've not done that yet. Would you if you've not done that yet. Would you bow your heads and close your eyes? bow your heads and close your eyes? bow your heads and close your eyes? And if you're here today and you've And if you're here today and you've And if you're here today and you've never trusted Jesus, never trusted Jesus, never trusted Jesus, received his invitation to salvation, I received his invitation to salvation, I received his invitation to salvation, I want to lead you in a prayer helping you want to lead you in a prayer helping you want to lead you in a prayer helping you do just that. do just that. do just that. I'm going to pray it one phrase at a I'm going to pray it one phrase at a I'm going to pray it one phrase at a time time time and I want you to pray it after me if and I want you to pray it after me if and I want you to pray it after me if you want to trust Christ. You're going you want to trust Christ. You're going you want to trust Christ. You're going to hear people praying at every campus.

to hear people praying at every campus. to hear people praying at every campus. But if that's you, would you just say, But if that's you, would you just say, But if that's you, would you just say, "Dear God, "Dear God, "Dear God, I know I'm a sinner, I know I'm a sinner, I know I'm a sinner, but today I ask you to forgive me for but today I ask you to forgive me for but today I ask you to forgive me for all my sin. Jesus, come into my life to all my sin. Jesus, come into my life to all my sin. Jesus, come into my life to be my Lord. You call the shots as my be my Lord. You call the shots as my be my Lord. You call the shots as my savior, my forgiver in the best way that savior, my forgiver in the best way that savior, my forgiver in the best way that I know how. I turn my back on my sin and I know how. I turn my back on my sin and I know how. I turn my back on my sin and I trust you alone, Jesus, I trust you alone, Jesus, I trust you alone, Jesus, as the Lord of my life. as the Lord of my life. as the Lord of my life. Thank you for saving me. Thank you for saving me. Thank you for saving me. If you just prayed that prayer and you If you just prayed that prayer and you If you just prayed that prayer and you meant it with all of your heart, you're meant it with all of your heart, you're meant it with all of your heart, you're now invited to the Lord's table. Would now invited to the Lord's table. Would now invited to the Lord's table. Would you stand together at all of our you stand together at all of our you stand together at all of our campuses? And as you get ready to come, campuses? And as you get ready to come, campuses? And as you get ready to come, every campus has the elements at the every campus has the elements at the every campus has the elements at the front. Some campuses have it at the front. Some campuses have it at the front. Some campuses have it at the front and the back. front and the back. front and the back. Bring the name, drop it in the Bring the name, drop it in the Bring the name, drop it in the receptacle, take the elements, go back receptacle, take the elements, go back receptacle, take the elements, go back to your seat, and in a moment, your to your seat, and in a moment, your to your seat, and in a moment, your campus pastor will come and instruct you campus pastor will come and instruct you campus pastor will come and instruct you in receiving uh the Lord's supper. Come in receiving uh the Lord's supper. Come in receiving uh the Lord's supper. Come on, church, let's respond.

>> Church, as we prepare to take communion, >> Church, as we prepare to take communion, together. I want to encourage those of together. I want to encourage those of together. I want to encourage those of you who are joining us online to you who are joining us online to you who are joining us online to participate as well. And you know, it participate as well. And you know, it participate as well. And you know, it was on a night not too long ago when was on a night not too long ago when was on a night not too long ago when Jesus sat with his closest friends Jesus sat with his closest friends Jesus sat with his closest friends for a meal and they remembered God's for a meal and they remembered God's for a meal and they remembered God's faithfulness and then they looked faithfulness and then they looked faithfulness and then they looked forward to what God was going to do in forward to what God was going to do in forward to what God was going to do in the future. And so, if you would, you the future. And so, if you would, you the future. And so, if you would, you can peel off the top layer revealing the can peel off the top layer revealing the can peel off the top layer revealing the wafer and just hold the wafer in your wafer and just hold the wafer in your wafer and just hold the wafer in your hand for a moment. And it says that as they were eating, And it says that as they were eating, Jesus took some bread and he blessed it. Jesus took some bread and he blessed it. Jesus took some bread and he blessed it. And then he broke it in pieces and gave And then he broke it in pieces and gave And then he broke it in pieces and gave it to the disciples saying, "Take this it to the disciples saying, "Take this it to the disciples saying, "Take this and eat it and eat it and eat it for this is my body. You may take the for this is my body. You may take the for this is my body. You may take the bread." And they took a cup of wine and he gave And they took a cup of wine and he gave thanks to God for [music] it. And he thanks to God for [music] it. And he thanks to God for [music] it. And he gave it to them and said, "Each of you gave it to them and said, "Each of you gave it to them and said, "Each of you drink from it for this is my blood which drink from it for this is my blood which drink from it for this is my blood which confirms the covenant between God and confirms the covenant between God and confirms the covenant between God and his people. It is poured out as a his people. It is poured out as a his people. It is poured out as a sacrifice to forgive the sins of many."

sacrifice to forgive the sins of many." sacrifice to forgive the sins of many." He said, "Mark my words. I will not He said, "Mark my words. I will not He said, "Mark my words. I will not drink wine again until the day I drink drink wine again until the day I drink drink wine again until the day I drink it new with you in my father's kingdom. it new with you in my father's kingdom. it new with you in my father's kingdom. You may take the cup. Father, we thank you for this time Father, we thank you for this time together just to uh thank you for your together just to uh thank you for your together just to uh thank you for your sacrifice. And Father, we just take a sacrifice. And Father, we just take a sacrifice. And Father, we just take a moment to pray for the people that moment to pray for the people that moment to pray for the people that you're putting in our heart for Gospel you're putting in our heart for Gospel you're putting in our heart for Gospel Sunday that we would be able to know Sunday that we would be able to know Sunday that we would be able to know them and invest in them so that we can them and invest in them so that we can them and invest in them so that we can invite them. And so God, we just thank invite them. And so God, we just thank invite them. And so God, we just thank you for what you're doing and what you you for what you're doing and what you you for what you're doing and what you did today, God. And we love you. We did today, God. And we love you. We did today, God. And we love you. We thank you. in Jesus [music] name we thank you. in Jesus [music] name we thank you. in Jesus [music] name we pray. Amen. And amen. Hey church, well, pray. Amen. And amen. Hey church, well, pray. Amen. And amen. Hey church, well, what a great message. And as as pastor what a great message. And as as pastor what a great message. And as as pastor talked about, would you you obviously talked about, would you you obviously talked about, would you you obviously weren't able to grab a paper, but would weren't able to grab a paper, but would weren't able to grab a paper, but would you just write maybe in your note or you just write maybe in your note or you just write maybe in your note or maybe in the chat right now the first maybe in the chat right now the first maybe in the chat right now the first name of the person you're wanting to name of the person you're wanting to name of the person you're wanting to pray for? We'd love to pray with you, pray for? We'd love to pray with you, pray for? We'd love to pray with you, but we're believing with you [music] but we're believing with you [music] but we're believing with you [music] that you can begin to invest so we can that you can begin to invest so we can that you can begin to invest so we can invite them to church so they can know invite them to church so they can know invite them to church so they can know Jesus and uh and be able to experience Jesus and uh and be able to experience Jesus and uh and be able to experience [music] the hope that he is. I love you.

[music] the hope that he is. I love you. [music] the hope that he is. I love you. I'm praying for you. Thank you so much. I'm praying for you. Thank you so much. I'm praying for you. Thank you so much. Just a reminder, uh, launch Sunday, jump Just a reminder, uh, launch Sunday, jump Just a reminder, uh, launch Sunday, jump into our group. The next couple weeks, into our group. The next couple weeks, into our group. The next couple weeks, we're going to be taking the Lord's we're going to be taking the Lord's we're going to be taking the Lord's supper. Let's get ready for that. But supper. Let's get ready for that. But supper. Let's get ready for that. But know this, I love you. I'm praying for know this, I love you. I'm praying for know this, I love you. I'm praying for you. I can't wait to see you. We'll see you. I can't wait to see you. We'll see you. I can't wait to see you. We'll see you next Sunday. Yeah.

Yeah. [music] And I And I [music] never never [music]