Would God Call You Great? | Pastor Luke Pettrey | Sunday Service | The Brooklyn Tabernacle

Welcome everyone. Let's all stand. Welcome everyone. Let's all stand. Amen. Are you happy to be in the house Amen. Are you happy to be in the house Amen. Are you happy to be in the house of the Lord? of the Lord? of the Lord? Praise the Lord. So good to see all of Praise the Lord. So good to see all of Praise the Lord. So good to see all of you. you. you. Lord, we come into your presence right Lord, we come into your presence right Lord, we come into your presence right now, God. We welcome you into this now, God. We welcome you into this now, God. We welcome you into this place. You promise to inhabit the praise place. You promise to inhabit the praise place. You promise to inhabit the praise of your people. So God, we lift up our of your people. So God, we lift up our of your people. So God, we lift up our voices now. We give you glory and honor voices now. We give you glory and honor voices now. We give you glory and honor Lord Jesus. We exalt your name in this Lord Jesus. We exalt your name in this Lord Jesus. We exalt your name in this place. God, I pray you would free us, place. God, I pray you would free us, place. God, I pray you would free us, Lord, to give you the praise that you Lord, to give you the praise that you Lord, to give you the praise that you deserve because there is no one like deserve because there is no one like deserve because there is no one like you. You are the name that is above you. You are the name that is above you. You are the name that is above every other name, Lord. So, we lift you every other name, Lord. So, we lift you every other name, Lord. So, we lift you high in this place, God. We love you. We high in this place, God. We love you. We high in this place, God. We love you. We praise you, Jesus. Come on, let's all praise you, Jesus. Come on, let's all praise you, Jesus. Come on, let's all sing this together. sing this together. sing this together. Yeah. Heat.

Yeah. Yeah. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Yeah.

Yeah. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Hallelujah.

Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. We exalt you Jesus. We exalt you Jesus. We exalt you Jesus. We exalt you, oh God. You are worthy, Jesus. You are worthy, Jesus. You are worthy. He is worthy today. He You are worthy. He is worthy today. He You are worthy. He is worthy today. He is worthy of all of our praise. is worthy of all of our praise. is worthy of all of our praise. We worship you, Jesus. We worship you, Jesus. We bless your We worship you, Jesus. We bless your name, God. We've come here to praise name, God. We've come here to praise name, God. We've come here to praise you, Lord. We've come here to lift up you, Lord. We've come here to lift up you, Lord. We've come here to lift up your matchless name, Lord. Be magnified, your matchless name, Lord. Be magnified, your matchless name, Lord. Be magnified, oh God. oh God. oh God. We bless you, Jesus. We bless you, Jesus. We bless you, Jesus. Hallelujah. Yeah.

Yeah. Heat. Yeah. Yeah. Heat. Yeah.

Yeah. Heat. Yeah.

Yeah. Heat. Yeah.

Yeah. Heat. Come on, worship the Lord. We bless your Come on, worship the Lord. We bless your name. name. name. We give you praise. We give you praise. We give you praise. We love you, Jesus. We bless you. We bless you. We praise you Jesus. Yeah.

Yeah. Heat. worship. worship. Just continue to worship the Lord. Just continue to worship the Lord. Just continue to worship the Lord. Just continue to open your heart to the Just continue to open your heart to the Just continue to open your heart to the Lord today. Your people praise you today, Lord. We Your people praise you today, Lord. We bless your name today, God. We lift you bless your name today, God. We lift you bless your name today, God. We lift you on high, Lord. We honor you. We honor on high, Lord. We honor you. We honor on high, Lord. We honor you. We honor you, precious savior. you, precious savior. you, precious savior. We bless your name. Oh, the name of We bless your name. Oh, the name of We bless your name. Oh, the name of Jesus. How we love that name today. Jesus. How we love that name today. Jesus. How we love that name today. That name that has saved us. That name That name that has saved us. That name That name that has saved us. That name that has cleansed us.

that has cleansed us. that has cleansed us. the one who sticks closer than any the one who sticks closer than any the one who sticks closer than any brother. brother. brother. Thank you, Jesus. Thank you, Jesus. Come Thank you, Jesus. Thank you, Jesus. Come Thank you, Jesus. Thank you, Jesus. Come on, just continue to worship him today. on, just continue to worship him today. on, just continue to worship him today. Lift up the name of Jesus in this place. Lift up the name of Jesus in this place. Lift up the name of Jesus in this place. We glorify your name, Lord. We glorify your name, Lord. We glorify your name, Lord. We give you praise, Jesus. We give you praise, Jesus. We give you praise, Jesus. Hallelu Jesus. Hallelu Jesus. Hallelu Jesus. Oh, how we love you, Lord. Come on. It's an honor to put that name Come on. It's an honor to put that name on our lips today. Let's sing it on our lips today. Let's sing it on our lips today. Let's sing it together. Heat. Heat.

Heat. Heat. Yeah.

Yeah. Heat. Come on, let's clap to the Lord this Come on, let's clap to the Lord this afternoon.

afternoon. afternoon. Give him praise today. Give him praise today. Give him praise today. Hallelujah, Jesus. We praise you Lord. Hallelujah, Jesus. We praise you Lord. Hallelujah, Jesus. We praise you Lord. We praise you Jesus. We bless you Lord. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. My family and I were out of town the My family and I were out of town the past couple weeks and we were in another past couple weeks and we were in another past couple weeks and we were in another country and we went in to some different places to see sites that were supposed places to see sites that were supposed to represent the gospel and to represent the gospel and to represent the gospel and Christianity. And my husband and I were Christianity. And my husband and I were Christianity. And my husband and I were so so so just taken aback of how in these places just taken aback of how in these places just taken aback of how in these places the emphasis seemed to be on everything the emphasis seemed to be on everything the emphasis seemed to be on everything but Jesus but Jesus but Jesus and different people from the Bible. And and different people from the Bible. And and different people from the Bible. And we said if you walked in these places we said if you walked in these places we said if you walked in these places and you knew nothing about anything, you and you knew nothing about anything, you and you knew nothing about anything, you wouldn't leave knowing that Jesus was wouldn't leave knowing that Jesus was wouldn't leave knowing that Jesus was the savior, that he was sufficient, that the savior, that he was sufficient, that the savior, that he was sufficient, that he's all we need, that he is the king of he's all we need, that he is the king of he's all we need, that he is the king of kings and the lord of lords. every kind kings and the lord of lords. every kind kings and the lord of lords. every kind of distraction, of distraction, of distraction, every kind of thing to to take people's every kind of thing to to take people's every kind of thing to to take people's eyes off of. The only one who saves, the eyes off of. The only one who saves, the eyes off of. The only one who saves, the only one who answers prayer, the only only one who answers prayer, the only only one who answers prayer, the only one that can help us, the only one who one that can help us, the only one who one that can help us, the only one who sticks closer than a brother, the only sticks closer than a brother, the only sticks closer than a brother, the only one who shed his blood for us, who lived

one who shed his blood for us, who lived one who shed his blood for us, who lived a perfect life and was able to be the a perfect life and was able to be the a perfect life and was able to be the substitution for us. It's Jesus. It's substitution for us. It's Jesus. It's substitution for us. It's Jesus. It's Jesus alone. Jesus plus nothing else. Jesus alone. Jesus plus nothing else. Jesus alone. Jesus plus nothing else. It's Jesus. So sing that again with me. It's Jesus. So sing that again with me. It's Jesus. So sing that again with me. Jesus. How many of you are so thankful that you How many of you are so thankful that you know Jesus today and that he is all you know Jesus today and that he is all you know Jesus today and that he is all you need? Amen. Amen.

need? Amen. Amen. need? Amen. Amen. He is all we need. He is all we need. Praise the Lord, church. How many are Praise the Lord, church. How many are grateful to be in the house of Jesus grateful to be in the house of Jesus grateful to be in the house of Jesus Christ? Amen. He's worthy to be praised. Christ? Amen. He's worthy to be praised. Christ? Amen. He's worthy to be praised. The word of God declares that everything The word of God declares that everything The word of God declares that everything that has breath, praise his name. So, that has breath, praise his name. So, that has breath, praise his name. So, you know what? We're going to sing this you know what? We're going to sing this you know what? We're going to sing this song today to lift high the name of song today to lift high the name of song today to lift high the name of Jesus. Come on. Praise him in the Jesus. Come on. Praise him in the Jesus. Come on. Praise him in the sanctuary. sanctuary. sanctuary. Praise him. Praise him for his mighty hand. Praise Praise him for his mighty hand. Praise him for his mighty praise him him for his mighty praise him him for his mighty praise him mighty. mighty. mighty. Praise him for his greatness to us. Oh Praise him for his greatness to us. Oh Praise him for his greatness to us. Oh praise him. praise him. praise him. Oh, he Oh, he Oh, he is worthy.

Praise him. Praise him. Heat. Heat. Heat. the rising of the sun the rising of the sun to the sh of the sore name, Jesus name, Jesus praise you.

Heat Heat up here. I remember a story

I remember a story in the Bible days. He took a man called Moses He took a man called Moses with a rod with a rod with a rod in his hand. in his hand. in his hand. Told Moses, "Take the rod in your hand. Told Moses, "Take the rod in your hand. Told Moses, "Take the rod in your hand. stretches forth and walk on dry land. stretches forth and walk on dry land. stretches forth and walk on dry land. If you can use anything, Lord, you can If you can use anything, Lord, you can If you can use anything, Lord, you can use me. I remember a story.

I remember a story. I remember it well. He took a shepherd boy David with a He took a shepherd boy David with a swing swing swing in his hand. in his hand. in his hand. He took the rock with a swing in his He took the rock with a swing in his He took the rock with a swing in his hand. hand. hand. Even on the rock and the lion fountain. Even on the rock and the lion fountain. Even on the rock and the lion fountain. If you can use anything, Lord, you can If you can use anything, Lord, you can If you can use anything, Lord, you can use me. I want to be your surrender I want to be your surrender every day.

Lord, Lord, take my hand. take my hand. take my hand. Touch my heart. Doesn't matter how big or how small you Doesn't matter how big or how small you can use me.

You can use You can use me. me. me. Heat. and power and power to to to our God our God our God for the Lord our God is mighty.

for the Lord our God is mighty. for the Lord our God is mighty. Yes. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat.

Heat. Heat. Yeah. Yeah. Heat. Yeah.

Yeah. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat

Heat up Yeah.

Yeah. Heat. Open up your mouth and let's praise the

Open up your mouth and let's praise the Lord. Everyone in the building, Lord. Everyone in the building, Lord. Everyone in the building, don't let the choir undo you. We praise don't let the choir undo you. We praise don't let the choir undo you. We praise you. you. you. We praise you. We praise you. We praise you. We praise you. We praise you. We praise you. We praise you. You are awesome in this place. We praise You are awesome in this place. We praise you. you. you. You are wonderful. Come on, open your mouth and shout to Come on, open your mouth and shout to the Lord. the Lord. the Lord. We praise you. We praise you. We praise you. We praise you. We praise you Lord. We praise you Lord. We praise you Lord. We praise you Lord. We praise you Lord. We praise you Lord.

We praise you Lord. Listen to your We praise you Lord. Listen to your people. Praise you Lord. Listen to us. people. Praise you Lord. Listen to us. people. Praise you Lord. Listen to us. Praise you Lord. Praise you Lord. Praise you Lord. It's for you Lord. We give you praise It's for you Lord. We give you praise It's for you Lord. We give you praise Lord. Jesus, Jesus, we crown you we crown you we crown you with praise. Jesus, Jesus, we Follow her hand signals. Let's do it Follow her hand signals. Let's do it together.

We praise you, Lord. Let's give him a We praise you, Lord. Let's give him a little more praise, shall we? Just little more praise, shall we? Just little more praise, shall we? Just praise the Lord. We praise you. We praise you. We praise you. We bless your holy name. We bless your holy name. Let's lift up our hands, everybody. I I just want to praise just want to praise just want to praise you.

Yeah. Yeah. Heat. Yeah. Yeah. Heat. Heat

Heat up here. Heat.

Heat. Heat. Heat Heat up here. And all the people said, And all the people said, "You may be seated." Choir, stay where "You may be seated." Choir, stay where "You may be seated." Choir, stay where you are. I've been away from my wife I've been away from my wife since July since July since July the 7th the 7th the 7th and she's backed.

It's nice to have you back. It's nice to have you back. >> It's nice to be back. It's very nice to >> It's nice to be back. It's very nice to >> It's nice to be back. It's very nice to see my husband again. see my husband again. see my husband again. It's been quite And you know what? He's It's been quite And you know what? He's It's been quite And you know what? He's been eating meals that you would never been eating meals that you would never been eating meals that you would never want to eat want to eat want to eat because he's been making them himself. because he's been making them himself. because he's been making them himself. And I I got to tell you, all through the And I I got to tell you, all through the And I I got to tell you, all through the years, we've been married how many years, we've been married how many years, we've been married how many years? 50 how many? Seven. years? 50 how many? Seven. years? 50 how many? Seven. A long time. And all through the years, A long time. And all through the years, A long time. And all through the years, I've always made all the meals. He's not I've always made all the meals. He's not I've always made all the meals. He's not a cook. He could do so many things, but a cook. He could do so many things, but a cook. He could do so many things, but he doesn't like to cook. he doesn't like to cook. he doesn't like to cook. >> We got you. We got you. >> We got you. We got you. >> We got you. We got you. But seriously, it's so good to be back But seriously, it's so good to be back But seriously, it's so good to be back to be with you. It's so wonderful to be to be with you. It's so wonderful to be to be with you. It's so wonderful to be with you. And um all I can say is the Lord is here And um all I can say is the Lord is here today and we want to stay sensitive to today and we want to stay sensitive to today and we want to stay sensitive to his presence his presence his presence because God is real. He's so real. His because God is real. He's so real. His because God is real. He's so real. His spirit is so real. Everything about spirit is so real. Everything about spirit is so real. Everything about Jesus is so real.

Jesus is so real. Jesus is so real. It's so real. Amen. It's so real. Amen. It's so real. Amen. I've never I don't know through all the I've never I don't know through all the I've never I don't know through all the years of ministry, years of ministry, years of ministry, I've never realized more than I do now I've never realized more than I do now I've never realized more than I do now how precious and real our Lord is. And how precious and real our Lord is. And how precious and real our Lord is. And he can meet every need that we have in he can meet every need that we have in he can meet every need that we have in our lives. Did you know that every our lives. Did you know that every our lives. Did you know that every single need is met in Jesus? And he's single need is met in Jesus? And he's single need is met in Jesus? And he's proven that to me over and over again in proven that to me over and over again in proven that to me over and over again in my life. And it's so good to be here my life. And it's so good to be here my life. And it's so good to be here today worshiping and praising the Lord. today worshiping and praising the Lord. today worshiping and praising the Lord. Amen. Amen. Amen. >> So, >> So, >> So, you know, now no one directs the choir you know, now no one directs the choir you know, now no one directs the choir like it used to be when they were on the like it used to be when they were on the like it used to be when they were on the risers. So, they they just sing on their risers. So, they they just sing on their risers. So, they they just sing on their own except for special songs. And this own except for special songs. And this own except for special songs. And this is a beautiful group, right, Carol? And is a beautiful group, right, Carol? And is a beautiful group, right, Carol? And by the way, there's choir. Wait, there's by the way, there's choir. Wait, there's by the way, there's choir. Wait, there's choir tryyous after this service. If choir tryyous after this service. If choir tryyous after this service. If you're a member or planning to become a you're a member or planning to become a you're a member or planning to become a member, you go to the Smith Street um member, you go to the Smith Street um member, you go to the Smith Street um security desk and they'll let you up and security desk and they'll let you up and security desk and they'll let you up and you'll meet Carol and my daughter Sue you'll meet Carol and my daughter Sue you'll meet Carol and my daughter Sue and they'll uh talk to you. But uh a lot and they'll uh talk to you. But uh a lot and they'll uh talk to you. But uh a lot of people because the way it is now, of people because the way it is now, of people because the way it is now, they see me and uh most pastors are they see me and uh most pastors are they see me and uh most pastors are overrated. It's the truth because the overrated. It's the truth because the overrated. It's the truth because the thing that makes a church special is all thing that makes a church special is all thing that makes a church special is all the people worshiping God. Am I am I the people worshiping God. Am I am I the people worshiping God. Am I am I right?

right? right? Superstar pastors, they come, they go. Superstar pastors, they come, they go. Superstar pastors, they come, they go. They're there. It's not worth talking They're there. It's not worth talking They're there. It's not worth talking about. Um, but people see me now and about. Um, but people see me now and about. Um, but people see me now and think this and that, whatever. But let think this and that, whatever. But let think this and that, whatever. But let me tell you something about she's uh had me tell you something about she's uh had me tell you something about she's uh had romatic fever growing up. So, she was romatic fever growing up. So, she was romatic fever growing up. So, she was very weak, uh, timid, very shy, and, um, very weak, uh, timid, very shy, and, um, very weak, uh, timid, very shy, and, um, and when we went in the ministry and when we went in the ministry and when we went in the ministry together, it it was, hey, it was 15, 18 together, it it was, hey, it was 15, 18 together, it it was, hey, it was 15, 18 people on a Sunday morning, and we're people on a Sunday morning, and we're people on a Sunday morning, and we're off to the races. And she started, how off to the races. And she started, how off to the races. And she started, how many were in your first choir that you many were in your first choir that you many were in your first choir that you had? had? had? >> Nine. >> Nine. >> Nine. >> Nine. Nine. And, um, one lady was >> Nine. Nine. And, um, one lady was >> Nine. Nine. And, um, one lady was tonedeaf. uh couldn't sing a lick, but tonedeaf. uh couldn't sing a lick, but tonedeaf. uh couldn't sing a lick, but at that point if you could walk up on at that point if you could walk up on at that point if you could walk up on the platform, you were in the choir, you the platform, you were in the choir, you the platform, you were in the choir, you know, that's how we looked at it. But know, that's how we looked at it. But know, that's how we looked at it. But she was tonedeaf and she stayed for 30 she was tonedeaf and she stayed for 30 she was tonedeaf and she stayed for 30 years, remember? Yeah. She never got out years, remember? Yeah. She never got out years, remember? Yeah. She never got out and we didn't have the heart to tell her and we didn't have the heart to tell her and we didn't have the heart to tell her she couldn't sing. So, um, no, this is she couldn't sing. So, um, no, this is she couldn't sing. So, um, no, this is true. So my wife for 10, 12 years did true. So my wife for 10, 12 years did true. So my wife for 10, 12 years did every wedding, every funeral, every every wedding, every funeral, every every wedding, every funeral, every service, every everything and couldn't service, every everything and couldn't service, every everything and couldn't take any salary, not a dime because take any salary, not a dime because take any salary, not a dime because there was no money. And she worked a there was no money. And she worked a there was no money. And she worked a second job, I got a second job, and we second job, I got a second job, and we second job, I got a second job, and we were just trusting God. And then my were just trusting God. And then my were just trusting God. And then my father-in-law, her uh her dad got after father-in-law, her uh her dad got after father-in-law, her uh her dad got after me one day and said, "You know, God's me one day and said, "You know, God's me one day and said, "You know, God's not going to bless you. Carol's doing not going to bless you. Carol's doing not going to bless you. Carol's doing all this work and you don't give her, all this work and you don't give her, all this work and you don't give her, you know, any money. You have other

you know, any money. You have other you know, any money. You have other people on staff, but you know, when it's people on staff, but you know, when it's people on staff, but you know, when it's your wife and you're doing this your wife and you're doing this your wife and you're doing this together. So, I put her on salary for together. So, I put her on salary for together. So, I put her on salary for two weeks. That was it. The offerings two weeks. That was it. The offerings two weeks. That was it. The offerings weren't enough. And she came off. Didn't weren't enough. And she came off. Didn't weren't enough. And she came off. Didn't have an office. And back then, how many have an office. And back then, how many have an office. And back then, how many Friday nights it used to be, you'd Friday nights it used to be, you'd Friday nights it used to be, you'd practice Wednesday, used to be Friday practice Wednesday, used to be Friday practice Wednesday, used to be Friday nights. And she would practice. James, nights. And she would practice. James, nights. And she would practice. James, you remember you remember you remember out of 52 weeks, it had to be like 47, out of 52 weeks, it had to be like 47, out of 52 weeks, it had to be like 47, 48 weeks, every Friday night, no office, 48 weeks, every Friday night, no office, 48 weeks, every Friday night, no office, and writing songs, figuring out songs, and writing songs, figuring out songs, and writing songs, figuring out songs, and the choir has been such a blessing. and the choir has been such a blessing. and the choir has been such a blessing. And one day they were God opened a door. And one day they were God opened a door. And one day they were God opened a door. Let's give glory to God, right, Carol, Let's give glory to God, right, Carol, Let's give glory to God, right, Carol, on this. Wait, wait, wait. on this. Wait, wait, wait. on this. Wait, wait, wait. What? So one day God opened the door and What? So one day God opened the door and What? So one day God opened the door and they were going to record an album they were going to record an album they were going to record an album and they were all you know they were and they were all you know they were and they were all you know they were practicing their first album and now practicing their first album and now practicing their first album and now she's done how many? she's done how many? she's done how many? >> 32 >> 32 >> 32 >> 32 I think. Yeah 32 albums. So wait wait >> 32 I think. Yeah 32 albums. So wait wait >> 32 I think. Yeah 32 albums. So wait wait wait. So in the meeting people were wait. So in the meeting people were wait. So in the meeting people were praying. We're the the choir was praying praying. We're the the choir was praying praying. We're the the choir was praying and there was an utterance in tongues and there was an utterance in tongues and there was an utterance in tongues according to 1 Corinthians 12 and 14 and according to 1 Corinthians 12 and 14 and according to 1 Corinthians 12 and 14 and someone gave the interpretation of it someone gave the interpretation of it someone gave the interpretation of it and said now imagine she's shy never got and said now imagine she's shy never got and said now imagine she's shy never got trained. The choir is in on Flappish trained. The choir is in on Flappish trained. The choir is in on Flappish Avenue and someone spoke and said that Avenue and someone spoke and said that Avenue and someone spoke and said that God was saying I'm going to take this God was saying I'm going to take this God was saying I'm going to take this music and put it around the world

music and put it around the world music and put it around the world and people will sing your music. Imagine and people will sing your music. Imagine and people will sing your music. Imagine she's shy. They've never done an album. she's shy. They've never done an album. she's shy. They've never done an album. And and I'll do this and I'll do that. And and I'll do this and I'll do that. And and I'll do this and I'll do that. And the choir just was overwhelmed by, And the choir just was overwhelmed by, And the choir just was overwhelmed by, you know, this word of encouragement you know, this word of encouragement you know, this word of encouragement from the Lord. And every single word, am from the Lord. And every single word, am from the Lord. And every single word, am I correct, Carol? Every single word has I correct, Carol? Every single word has I correct, Carol? Every single word has come true. And now we just heard the come true. And now we just heard the come true. And now we just heard the music is taking off this this music in music is taking off this this music in music is taking off this this music in Brazil. They're singing in Portuguese. Brazil. They're singing in Portuguese. Brazil. They're singing in Portuguese. And it's gone all over. and they've won And it's gone all over. and they've won And it's gone all over. and they've won se seven Grammy awards and all of that se seven Grammy awards and all of that se seven Grammy awards and all of that and it's all God and it's all God and it's all God and God who begins it is going to finish and God who begins it is going to finish and God who begins it is going to finish it. Can we say amen? it. Can we say amen? it. Can we say amen? Okay, Okay, Okay, just Carol tell the people just about just Carol tell the people just about just Carol tell the people just about this choir and then I'll let you go. this choir and then I'll let you go. this choir and then I'll let you go. What do you feel about this choir? What do you feel about this choir? What do you feel about this choir? >> Here. >> Here. >> Here. >> Do I have to say anything? Look at them. >> Do I have to say anything? Look at them. >> Do I have to say anything? Look at them. They're the sweetest people in the They're the sweetest people in the They're the sweetest people in the world.

You know what? They sing to the Lord. You know what? They sing to the Lord. It's not about performance at all. It's It's not about performance at all. It's It's not about performance at all. It's about hiding behind the cross of Calvary about hiding behind the cross of Calvary about hiding behind the cross of Calvary and let Jesus get all the glory. and let Jesus get all the glory. and let Jesus get all the glory. That's effective ministry when you can That's effective ministry when you can That's effective ministry when you can hide and let Jesus get all the glory. hide and let Jesus get all the glory. hide and let Jesus get all the glory. Amen. So, they're they're beautiful Amen. So, they're they're beautiful Amen. So, they're they're beautiful people. They love one another. They love people. They love one another. They love people. They love one another. They love the Lord. There's a bond of unity. the Lord. There's a bond of unity. the Lord. There's a bond of unity. And that's what God can use. And I'm I And that's what God can use. And I'm I And that's what God can use. And I'm I mean after all these years, I mean the mean after all these years, I mean the mean after all these years, I mean the choir has been good all throughout the choir has been good all throughout the choir has been good all throughout the years. It's been such a blessing. But years. It's been such a blessing. But years. It's been such a blessing. But right now, these people God is using for right now, these people God is using for right now, these people God is using for this time in this season. And I'm so this time in this season. And I'm so this time in this season. And I'm so grateful. grateful. grateful. >> And I want you to know also since we're >> And I want you to know also since we're >> And I want you to know also since we're giving praise to God for dinner one giving praise to God for dinner one giving praise to God for dinner one night while she was away, night while she was away, night while she was away, how many know what Ezekiel bread is? how many know what Ezekiel bread is? how many know what Ezekiel bread is? Anybody? Okay. Two slices of sesame Anybody? Okay. Two slices of sesame Anybody? Okay. Two slices of sesame Ezekiel bread. Ezekiel bread. Ezekiel bread. Some slices of turkey, some monster cheese.

some monster cheese. That was my dinner. That was my dinner. That was my dinner. The next night it got worse. The next night it got worse. The next night it got worse. I was going to call 911 even before I I was going to call 911 even before I I was going to call 911 even before I ate it. I thought this is not going to ate it. I thought this is not going to ate it. I thought this is not going to work. I'm so glad she's back and I'm work. I'm so glad she's back and I'm work. I'm so glad she's back and I'm glad that we're all family. Let's thank glad that we're all family. Let's thank glad that we're all family. Let's thank God for the choir. Amen. God for the choir. Amen. God for the choir. Amen. Bye-bye choir. So the offering where we're where we we So the offering where we're where we we had someone prayed this morning. He had someone prayed this morning. He had someone prayed this morning. He prayed a very good prayer. One of the prayed a very good prayer. One of the prayed a very good prayer. One of the deacons, Deacon um Ron and P de Deacon deacons, Deacon um Ron and P de Deacon deacons, Deacon um Ron and P de Deacon Ron prayed, "Lord, put it in our heart Ron prayed, "Lord, put it in our heart Ron prayed, "Lord, put it in our heart to be generous." That really stuck out to be generous." That really stuck out to be generous." That really stuck out to me because to be generous, you need to me because to be generous, you need to me because to be generous, you need God to work on you because naturally God to work on you because naturally God to work on you because naturally we're not generous. Naturally, we're we're not generous. Naturally, we're we're not generous. Naturally, we're selfish to be honest or we get fearful selfish to be honest or we get fearful selfish to be honest or we get fearful and what a rainy day and I need my and what a rainy day and I need my and what a rainy day and I need my money. But listen, God says that he money. But listen, God says that he money. But listen, God says that he loves a cheerful giver. He loves a loves a cheerful giver. He loves a loves a cheerful giver. He loves a cheerful giver. I don't care if you cheerful giver. I don't care if you cheerful giver. I don't care if you don't say amen. He loves a cheerful don't say amen. He loves a cheerful don't say amen. He loves a cheerful giver. Be a giver because God has given giver. Be a giver because God has given giver. Be a giver because God has given his best and we've received so many his best and we've received so many his best and we've received so many blessings. How can we hold on to it and blessings. How can we hold on to it and blessings. How can we hold on to it and not share it? The offering baskets are not share it? The offering baskets are not share it? The offering baskets are as you leave. Most people give online.

as you leave. Most people give online. as you leave. Most people give online. We got so many things going on. So many We got so many things going on. So many We got so many things going on. So many things going on that that need uh money things going on that that need uh money things going on that that need uh money repairs, repairs, repairs, missionary support. Uh and one last word missionary support. Uh and one last word missionary support. Uh and one last word for those online. Our Fresh Wind Fresh for those online. Our Fresh Wind Fresh for those online. Our Fresh Wind Fresh Fire Conference is October 2 through 4. Fire Conference is October 2 through 4. Fire Conference is October 2 through 4. We have Michael Yousef from Atlanta, We have Michael Yousef from Atlanta, We have Michael Yousef from Atlanta, Georgia, born in Egypt. He'll be one of Georgia, born in Egypt. He'll be one of Georgia, born in Egypt. He'll be one of the speakers. Pastor Willie Rice from the speakers. Pastor Willie Rice from the speakers. Pastor Willie Rice from Clearwater, Florida. myself. There's a Clearwater, Florida. myself. There's a Clearwater, Florida. myself. There's a music track already. It looks like we're music track already. It looks like we're music track already. It looks like we're going to have be some say more but it going to have be some say more but it going to have be some say more but it looks like to me about 1,00 to,200 looks like to me about 1,00 to,200 looks like to me about 1,00 to,200 people are going to come from around the people are going to come from around the people are going to come from around the country and around the world to learn country and around the world to learn country and around the world to learn seek God seek God seek God uh sit under Carol B in the choir uh sit under Carol B in the choir uh sit under Carol B in the choir practice and then get up here and and practice and then get up here and and practice and then get up here and and and sing on Sunday. It's going to be a and sing on Sunday. It's going to be a and sing on Sunday. It's going to be a great weekend. Go on the website to find great weekend. Go on the website to find great weekend. Go on the website to find out about it. out about it. out about it. So, I hope you're ready for a delicious So, I hope you're ready for a delicious So, I hope you're ready for a delicious spiritual meal. Not spiritual meal. Not spiritual meal. Not the stuff I was eating uh while my wife the stuff I was eating uh while my wife the stuff I was eating uh while my wife was gone. How many men here, men, just was gone. How many men here, men, just was gone. How many men here, men, just men? How many of you men can cook?

men? How many of you men can cook? men? How many of you men can cook? You're pretty good. Lift your hands You're pretty good. Lift your hands You're pretty good. Lift your hands for real. Lift your hands again. Makes for real. Lift your hands again. Makes for real. Lift your hands again. Makes me feel so defeated in my spirit right me feel so defeated in my spirit right me feel so defeated in my spirit right now. Are you kidding? You all can cook? now. Are you kidding? You all can cook? now. Are you kidding? You all can cook? Yeah. I met a couple the other day and Yeah. I met a couple the other day and Yeah. I met a couple the other day and the wife just openly said he does all the wife just openly said he does all the wife just openly said he does all the cooking. He's got the gift of the cooking. He's got the gift of the cooking. He's got the gift of cooking. That's a good thing, right? cooking. That's a good thing, right? cooking. That's a good thing, right? Uh well, Pastor Luke is going to give us Uh well, Pastor Luke is going to give us Uh well, Pastor Luke is going to give us a meal with a dessert on it. Would you a meal with a dessert on it. Would you a meal with a dessert on it. Would you put your hands together? Come on for put your hands together? Come on for put your hands together? Come on for Pastor Luke Petri. Hello everybody. How are you today? Hello everybody. How are you today? This has been such a beautiful meeting This has been such a beautiful meeting This has been such a beautiful meeting here together so far. God has been here here together so far. God has been here here together so far. God has been here with us. Amen. with us. Amen. with us. Amen. >> Um before I get into the message, I want >> Um before I get into the message, I want >> Um before I get into the message, I want to just reiterate what he just said. to just reiterate what he just said. to just reiterate what he just said. This is the last week that you can sign This is the last week that you can sign This is the last week that you can sign up for Camp Sanctus. So if you have not up for Camp Sanctus. So if you have not up for Camp Sanctus. So if you have not done it yet, if you're between 18 and done it yet, if you're between 18 and done it yet, if you're between 18 and 30, make sure this week go online, sign 30, make sure this week go online, sign 30, make sure this week go online, sign up. If you know anybody that you can up. If you know anybody that you can up. If you know anybody that you can invite that you think should be there, invite that you think should be there, invite that you think should be there, if you are in a uh a young adult at a if you are in a uh a young adult at a if you are in a uh a young adult at a church in the tri-state area, you want church in the tri-state area, you want church in the tri-state area, you want to come join us, everybody's invited.

to come join us, everybody's invited. to come join us, everybody's invited. Um, but really it's one of the best Um, but really it's one of the best Um, but really it's one of the best investments that you can make into your investments that you can make into your investments that you can make into your walk with God, into Christian community walk with God, into Christian community walk with God, into Christian community and friendship. And so, make sure this and friendship. And so, make sure this and friendship. And so, make sure this week, even if somebody here you feel week, even if somebody here you feel week, even if somebody here you feel like God put it on your heart to find a like God put it on your heart to find a like God put it on your heart to find a young adult and pay for them. If okay, young adult and pay for them. If okay, young adult and pay for them. If okay, if you're here and you see anybody who if you're here and you see anybody who if you're here and you see anybody who looks between the ages of 18 and 30, go looks between the ages of 18 and 30, go looks between the ages of 18 and 30, go up to them, ask them if they've signed up to them, ask them if they've signed up to them, ask them if they've signed up yet, and if they say no, offer to pay up yet, and if they say no, offer to pay up yet, and if they say no, offer to pay for them. All right, we're doing it. for them. All right, we're doing it. for them. All right, we're doing it. All right. Well, I am honored to be able All right. Well, I am honored to be able All right. Well, I am honored to be able to share the word with you this morning. to share the word with you this morning. to share the word with you this morning. I believe God has put something on my I believe God has put something on my I believe God has put something on my heart that with humility but confidence heart that with humility but confidence heart that with humility but confidence I would say you need to hear what I'm I would say you need to hear what I'm I would say you need to hear what I'm about to say to you. I need this for about to say to you. I need this for about to say to you. I need this for myself. And so I want to start today by myself. And so I want to start today by myself. And so I want to start today by just saying we're we're going to be just saying we're we're going to be just saying we're we're going to be talking about greatness. talking about greatness. talking about greatness. What makes somebody great?

What makes somebody great? What makes somebody great? Every single one of us has interests and Every single one of us has interests and Every single one of us has interests and different things that we value. And different things that we value. And different things that we value. And based on those interests and values, based on those interests and values, based on those interests and values, there are people that are head and there are people that are head and there are people that are head and shoulders above the rest, left the shoulders above the rest, left the shoulders above the rest, left the greatest impact and legacy, have the greatest impact and legacy, have the greatest impact and legacy, have the strongest gifting, strongest gifting, strongest gifting, their life made a difference in whatever their life made a difference in whatever their life made a difference in whatever the things are that we're interested in. the things are that we're interested in. the things are that we're interested in. I want you to think for a moment. You I want you to think for a moment. You I want you to think for a moment. You have your list of people in your mind of have your list of people in your mind of have your list of people in your mind of the greats. the greats. the greats. You have your favorite abuela. Which You have your favorite abuela. Which You have your favorite abuela. Which Abella made the better mafongo? Just Abella made the better mafongo? Just Abella made the better mafongo? Just think about it right now. Who makes the think about it right now. Who makes the think about it right now. Who makes the best doubles in New York City? Turn to best doubles in New York City? Turn to best doubles in New York City? Turn to somebody next to you and tell them where somebody next to you and tell them where somebody next to you and tell them where they should get doubles. they should get doubles. they should get doubles. We have singers that are our favorite. We have singers that are our favorite. We have singers that are our favorite. We have singers in our mind that is the We have singers in our mind that is the We have singers in our mind that is the greatest singer of all time. There's the greatest singer of all time. There's the greatest singer of all time. There's the greatest athletes. The greatest athletes greatest athletes. The greatest athletes greatest athletes. The greatest athletes we call the goats. The goats of soccer we call the goats. The goats of soccer we call the goats. The goats of soccer is is is >> Messi.

>> Messi. >> Messi. >> Correct. Bernard. >> Correct. Bernard. >> Correct. Bernard. The GOAT of basketball is The GOAT of basketball is The GOAT of basketball is >> correct. Jaylen Brunson. Let's go >> correct. Jaylen Brunson. Let's go >> correct. Jaylen Brunson. Let's go Knicks. Everybody has a list in their mind. We Everybody has a list in their mind. We have people that we esteem because of have people that we esteem because of have people that we esteem because of their contributions to the things that their contributions to the things that their contributions to the things that we value. we value. we value. Everybody is leaving a legacy in life. Everybody is leaving a legacy in life. Everybody is leaving a legacy in life. The world considers people great for The world considers people great for The world considers people great for whether they were somebody who made a whether they were somebody who made a whether they were somebody who made a lot of money, who succeeded in a lot of money, who succeeded in a lot of money, who succeeded in a business, who really built something business, who really built something business, who really built something special with their lives. special with their lives. special with their lives. But you know I had somebody recently who But you know I had somebody recently who But you know I had somebody recently who throughout my life I was able to watch throughout my life I was able to watch throughout my life I was able to watch them and the kind of life that they them and the kind of life that they them and the kind of life that they lived. They recently passed away and out lived. They recently passed away and out lived. They recently passed away and out of their four children while all of them of their four children while all of them of their four children while all of them knew that this person was going to pass knew that this person was going to pass knew that this person was going to pass away not a single one of them called away not a single one of them called away not a single one of them called them.

them. them. What does that say about the kind of What does that say about the kind of What does that say about the kind of life that that person lived? Consumed life that that person lived? Consumed life that that person lived? Consumed with self, with self, with self, consumed with building things. Now, consumed with building things. Now, consumed with building things. Now, isn't it interesting how in life when isn't it interesting how in life when isn't it interesting how in life when you get to the end of life, you begin to you get to the end of life, you begin to you get to the end of life, you begin to see with a lot more clarity what really see with a lot more clarity what really see with a lot more clarity what really makes somebody great. The things in life makes somebody great. The things in life makes somebody great. The things in life that are really worth building. You are building a legacy right now. You are building a legacy right now. And one day, within the next hundred And one day, within the next hundred And one day, within the next hundred years, every single person in this room years, every single person in this room years, every single person in this room is going to be dead. And I want to ask is going to be dead. And I want to ask is going to be dead. And I want to ask the people who know you, who've watched the people who know you, who've watched the people who know you, who've watched you live and have lived alongside you, you live and have lived alongside you, you live and have lived alongside you, would they look at you and say, "Now would they look at you and say, "Now would they look at you and say, "Now that was a great life. That is a life that was a great life. That is a life that was a great life. That is a life that I would call great." You think that that I would call great." You think that that I would call great." You think that would be said about yourself. How about this? How about this? One day within the next hundred years, One day within the next hundred years, One day within the next hundred years, for most of us, much much sooner than for most of us, much much sooner than for most of us, much much sooner than that, a day is coming where you are that, a day is coming where you are that, a day is coming where you are going to stand before the holy creator going to stand before the holy creator going to stand before the holy creator of the universe, God himself.

of the universe, God himself. of the universe, God himself. >> You're going to stand before him and >> You're going to stand before him and >> You're going to stand before him and he's going to look at you and only two he's going to look at you and only two he's going to look at you and only two things in that moment are going to things in that moment are going to things in that moment are going to matter. Number one, not how great of a matter. Number one, not how great of a matter. Number one, not how great of a life you've lived that merits getting life you've lived that merits getting life you've lived that merits getting you into heaven. Nobody lives a life you into heaven. Nobody lives a life you into heaven. Nobody lives a life good enough that's worthy of going into good enough that's worthy of going into good enough that's worthy of going into heaven. The only way you get into heaven heaven. The only way you get into heaven heaven. The only way you get into heaven is if you've put your trust in Jesus and is if you've put your trust in Jesus and is if you've put your trust in Jesus and you've accepted the gift of forgiveness you've accepted the gift of forgiveness you've accepted the gift of forgiveness and righteousness. If you've done that and righteousness. If you've done that and righteousness. If you've done that today, you will be with him forever. today, you will be with him forever. today, you will be with him forever. >> But that's not the only thing that's >> But that's not the only thing that's >> But that's not the only thing that's going to matter on that day. He's also going to matter on that day. He's also going to matter on that day. He's also going to look at you and look at the going to look at you and look at the going to look at you and look at the life that you lived and he's going to life that you lived and he's going to life that you lived and he's going to evaluate it. evaluate it. evaluate it. He's going to look and see, did this He's going to look and see, did this He's going to look and see, did this person live a life that I would call person live a life that I would call person live a life that I would call great? great? great? One day, you're going to stand before a One day, you're going to stand before a One day, you're going to stand before a holy God, and you're going to realize holy God, and you're going to realize holy God, and you're going to realize very quickly all of the things that I very quickly all of the things that I very quickly all of the things that I was living for, maybe most of them was living for, maybe most of them was living for, maybe most of them didn't really matter. I couldn't take didn't really matter. I couldn't take didn't really matter. I couldn't take any of them into this moment. I'm any of them into this moment. I'm any of them into this moment. I'm stepping into eternity, and I see very stepping into eternity, and I see very stepping into eternity, and I see very clearly now what my life was truly clearly now what my life was truly clearly now what my life was truly measured by.

You and I need to know on that day when You and I need to know on that day when we stand before God, what is it that we stand before God, what is it that we stand before God, what is it that he's going to be looking for? What is it he's going to be looking for? What is it he's going to be looking for? What is it that when you stand before him, he's that when you stand before him, he's that when you stand before him, he's going to say, "Well done, my good and going to say, "Well done, my good and going to say, "Well done, my good and faithful servant." faithful servant." faithful servant." A lot of us as Christians think that A lot of us as Christians think that A lot of us as Christians think that ambition and pursuing greatness is wrong ambition and pursuing greatness is wrong ambition and pursuing greatness is wrong and sinful. And I want to say that's not and sinful. And I want to say that's not and sinful. And I want to say that's not what the Bible teaches. On multiple what the Bible teaches. On multiple what the Bible teaches. On multiple occasions throughout the gospel, Jesus occasions throughout the gospel, Jesus occasions throughout the gospel, Jesus says if you want to be great. He doesn't says if you want to be great. He doesn't says if you want to be great. He doesn't discourage it. He actually encourages discourage it. He actually encourages discourage it. He actually encourages and gives clarity to people for what and gives clarity to people for what and gives clarity to people for what they need to be doing to pursue they need to be doing to pursue they need to be doing to pursue greatness. greatness. greatness. But what's important for us to But what's important for us to But what's important for us to understand is the greatness that he understand is the greatness that he understand is the greatness that he points them to is not the same greatness points them to is not the same greatness points them to is not the same greatness that the world around them was pointing that the world around them was pointing that the world around them was pointing to. to. to. He encourages them to pursue greatness, He encourages them to pursue greatness, He encourages them to pursue greatness, to live for that moment where they stand to live for that moment where they stand to live for that moment where they stand before him in his throne, but he before him in his throne, but he before him in his throne, but he completely changed what they understood completely changed what they understood completely changed what they understood they would be standing before him with they would be standing before him with they would be standing before him with in that moment. So to understand this in that moment. So to understand this in that moment. So to understand this today, we're going to open up the book today, we're going to open up the book today, we're going to open up the book of Luke, chapter 22. And as we begin, I of Luke, chapter 22. And as we begin, I of Luke, chapter 22. And as we begin, I want to just give a little bit of want to just give a little bit of want to just give a little bit of context. So Jesus is here at the Jewish context. So Jesus is here at the Jewish context. So Jesus is here at the Jewish Passover Passover Passover supper, the last supper, the night supper, the last supper, the night supper, the last supper, the night before his death.

before his death. before his death. He's with the people that he had given He's with the people that he had given He's with the people that he had given his life to, that he loved the most, his his life to, that he loved the most, his his life to, that he loved the most, his 12 disciples who'd walked with him for 12 disciples who'd walked with him for 12 disciples who'd walked with him for three years, did everything alongside three years, did everything alongside three years, did everything alongside him. And now in this moment, he is less him. And now in this moment, he is less him. And now in this moment, he is less than 18 hours away from being hung on a than 18 hours away from being hung on a than 18 hours away from being hung on a cross. cross. cross. And as they're sitting there, he begins And as they're sitting there, he begins And as they're sitting there, he begins to start telling them, reminding them to start telling them, reminding them to start telling them, reminding them what he had already told them about that what he had already told them about that what he had already told them about that in a moment here, I am going to die. in a moment here, I am going to die. in a moment here, I am going to die. He'd already told them this before. My He'd already told them this before. My He'd already told them this before. My blood is going to be poured out and my blood is going to be poured out and my blood is going to be poured out and my body is going to be broken for you so body is going to be broken for you so body is going to be broken for you so that you can have this thing that I've that you can have this thing that I've that you can have this thing that I've been promising you, this salvation that been promising you, this salvation that been promising you, this salvation that I've come to bring you. I've come to bring you. I've come to bring you. And as this is about to happen here, I And as this is about to happen here, I And as this is about to happen here, I need you guys to know that somebody here need you guys to know that somebody here need you guys to know that somebody here has betrayed me and is the reason why has betrayed me and is the reason why has betrayed me and is the reason why I'm going to be dying tomorrow. I'm going to be dying tomorrow. I'm going to be dying tomorrow. So instantly, the disciples, because So instantly, the disciples, because So instantly, the disciples, because they love Jesus, start looking at each they love Jesus, start looking at each they love Jesus, start looking at each other, accusing each other. It's you. other, accusing each other. It's you. other, accusing each other. It's you. It's you. I remember you did that. And It's you. I remember you did that. And It's you. I remember you did that. And they all start fighting over who was it.

they all start fighting over who was it. they all start fighting over who was it. They try to figure out, can we prevent They try to figure out, can we prevent They try to figure out, can we prevent what's about to happen here? And so we what's about to happen here? And so we what's about to happen here? And so we go to the first verse in chapter 22. go to the first verse in chapter 22. go to the first verse in chapter 22. And so as they're fighting, trying to And so as they're fighting, trying to And so as they're fighting, trying to figure out who's betraying Jesus and can figure out who's betraying Jesus and can figure out who's betraying Jesus and can we solve this and fix this, it says, we solve this and fix this, it says, we solve this and fix this, it says, "Then a dispute also arose among them "Then a dispute also arose among them "Then a dispute also arose among them about who should be considered the about who should be considered the about who should be considered the greatest." And you could stop there. greatest." And you could stop there. greatest." And you could stop there. I want you to think for a moment about I want you to think for a moment about I want you to think for a moment about how sad that is. how sad that is. how sad that is. Jesus is looking at the last 18 hours of Jesus is looking at the last 18 hours of Jesus is looking at the last 18 hours of his life. his life. his life. 12 hours, probably even less, before 12 hours, probably even less, before 12 hours, probably even less, before torture and lashing and mockery and torture and lashing and mockery and torture and lashing and mockery and humiliation and nakedness is about to humiliation and nakedness is about to humiliation and nakedness is about to happen. He's with the people that he happen. He's with the people that he happen. He's with the people that he loves most. And he tells them, "I'm loves most. And he tells them, "I'm loves most. And he tells them, "I'm about to be betrayed and killed." about to be betrayed and killed." about to be betrayed and killed." And they start off saying, "Who did And they start off saying, "Who did And they start off saying, "Who did this? We got to fix this. We've got to this? We got to fix this. We've got to this? We got to fix this. We've got to solve this." But very quickly as they're solve this." But very quickly as they're solve this." But very quickly as they're accusing each other of who they think is accusing each other of who they think is accusing each other of who they think is the worst person there, the focus shifts the worst person there, the focus shifts the worst person there, the focus shifts to who among us is the greatest.

to who among us is the greatest. to who among us is the greatest. Isn't it interesting that tendency that Isn't it interesting that tendency that Isn't it interesting that tendency that all of us have in life? How many things all of us have in life? How many things all of us have in life? How many things do we start for God but eventually make do we start for God but eventually make do we start for God but eventually make about ourselves? about ourselves? about ourselves? God puts it in your heart to begin to God puts it in your heart to begin to God puts it in your heart to begin to serve. He's given you gifts. you're a serve. He's given you gifts. you're a serve. He's given you gifts. you're a member in this church. There's all these member in this church. There's all these member in this church. There's all these needs and God's given you gifts to be needs and God's given you gifts to be needs and God's given you gifts to be able to strengthen the church. God, I able to strengthen the church. God, I able to strengthen the church. God, I want to honor you. I want to love you. I want to honor you. I want to love you. I want to honor you. I want to love you. I want to love the people that you've want to love the people that you've want to love the people that you've called me to love. called me to love. called me to love. But then after a couple months of But then after a couple months of But then after a couple months of serving, you're grumbling. You're serving, you're grumbling. You're serving, you're grumbling. You're frustrated about what you don't like frustrated about what you don't like frustrated about what you don't like about it. You feel overlooked by certain about it. You feel overlooked by certain about it. You feel overlooked by certain people. Now it's about you. people. Now it's about you. people. Now it's about you. You stepped into God's marital covenant. You stepped into God's marital covenant. You stepped into God's marital covenant. a covenant where you made vows saying, a covenant where you made vows saying, a covenant where you made vows saying, "I'm going to love you unconditionally "I'm going to love you unconditionally "I'm going to love you unconditionally with the love of Jesus. Whether you love with the love of Jesus. Whether you love with the love of Jesus. Whether you love me back or not, I'm going to love and me back or not, I'm going to love and me back or not, I'm going to love and serve you and die to myself." How long serve you and die to myself." How long serve you and die to myself." How long did it take before they failed you a did it take before they failed you a did it take before they failed you a couple times and now you don't serve? couple times and now you don't serve? couple times and now you don't serve? You withhold because you say, "You're You withhold because you say, "You're You withhold because you say, "You're not serving me well, so why would I not serving me well, so why would I not serving me well, so why would I serve you?" You made a vow before God in serve you?" You made a vow before God in serve you?" You made a vow before God in a covenant he called you to. It started a covenant he called you to. It started a covenant he called you to. It started off about him and now you've made it off about him and now you've made it off about him and now you've made it about yourself. Isn't it interesting about yourself. Isn't it interesting about yourself. Isn't it interesting that tendency is inside all of our that tendency is inside all of our that tendency is inside all of our hearts?

hearts? hearts? And so they're sitting there and with And so they're sitting there and with And so they're sitting there and with less than 18 hours left before Jesus is less than 18 hours left before Jesus is less than 18 hours left before Jesus is about to hang on a cross, he takes this about to hang on a cross, he takes this about to hang on a cross, he takes this opportunity as his kingdom is soon to opportunity as his kingdom is soon to opportunity as his kingdom is soon to come now in his death and resurrection. come now in his death and resurrection. come now in his death and resurrection. He takes a moment to cut through their He takes a moment to cut through their He takes a moment to cut through their conversation and teach them one of the conversation and teach them one of the conversation and teach them one of the most important lessons they need to most important lessons they need to most important lessons they need to understand. It says kingdom is about to understand. It says kingdom is about to understand. It says kingdom is about to come. Let's turn to the next verse here. come. Let's turn to the next verse here. come. Let's turn to the next verse here. But he said to them, But he said to them, But he said to them, the kings of the Gentiles lorded over the kings of the Gentiles lorded over the kings of the Gentiles lorded over them, and those who have authority over them, and those who have authority over them, and those who have authority over them have themselves called benefactors. them have themselves called benefactors. them have themselves called benefactors. Pause there for a moment. And so Jesus Pause there for a moment. And so Jesus Pause there for a moment. And so Jesus now is saying, "My kingdom is coming and now is saying, "My kingdom is coming and now is saying, "My kingdom is coming and I want to teach you what greatness in my I want to teach you what greatness in my I want to teach you what greatness in my kingdom really looks like. But first, kingdom really looks like. But first, kingdom really looks like. But first, let's look at the world. Look at the let's look at the world. Look at the let's look at the world. Look at the people who have power and influence. The people who have power and influence. The people who have power and influence. The kings, how do they live? They use their kings, how do they live? They use their kings, how do they live? They use their power and what they've built to serve power and what they've built to serve power and what they've built to serve themselves. They lord over people. They themselves. They lord over people. They themselves. They lord over people. They use whatever influence that they have so use whatever influence that they have so use whatever influence that they have so that they can improve their lives at the that they can improve their lives at the that they can improve their lives at the expense of other people." And that last expense of other people." And that last expense of other people." And that last little part he says, "And they enjoy little part he says, "And they enjoy little part he says, "And they enjoy being called benefactors or friends of being called benefactors or friends of being called benefactors or friends of the people." They although they live for the people." They although they live for the people." They although they live for themselves, they like uh thinking that themselves, they like uh thinking that themselves, they like uh thinking that they live for other people even though they live for other people even though they live for other people even though they're consumed with themselves. That's they're consumed with themselves. That's they're consumed with themselves. That's how greatness in the world works. But how greatness in the world works. But how greatness in the world works. But then we go to the next verse.

then we go to the next verse. then we go to the next verse. It is not to be like that among you. On It is not to be like that among you. On It is not to be like that among you. On the contrary, the contrary, the contrary, whoever is greatest among you should whoever is greatest among you should whoever is greatest among you should become like the youngest and whoever become like the youngest and whoever become like the youngest and whoever leads like the one serving. Okay, keep leads like the one serving. Okay, keep leads like the one serving. Okay, keep it there. it there. it there. So, what is Jesus contrasting here? He's So, what is Jesus contrasting here? He's So, what is Jesus contrasting here? He's saying this greatness in the world is saying this greatness in the world is saying this greatness in the world is about what you could build for yourself. about what you could build for yourself. about what you could build for yourself. how you could use people to get to get how you could use people to get to get how you could use people to get to get more for yourself, more comfort, more more for yourself, more comfort, more more for yourself, more comfort, more pleasure, more security. People are only pleasure, more security. People are only pleasure, more security. People are only there for you so that your life can be there for you so that your life can be there for you so that your life can be better. better. better. Greatness in this world is really about Greatness in this world is really about Greatness in this world is really about how many people serve you. But Jesus how many people serve you. But Jesus how many people serve you. But Jesus says this, do you want to know what says this, do you want to know what says this, do you want to know what greatness in my kingdom is? How many greatness in my kingdom is? How many greatness in my kingdom is? How many people you serve? people you serve? people you serve? >> Greatness in my kingdom isn't how much >> Greatness in my kingdom isn't how much >> Greatness in my kingdom isn't how much you've gotten for yourself. It's how you've gotten for yourself. It's how you've gotten for yourself. It's how much you've given. much you've given. much you've given. It's not how high and impressive you It's not how high and impressive you It's not how high and impressive you are. It's not how untouchable and are. It's not how untouchable and are. It's not how untouchable and exclusive and you just are this person exclusive and you just are this person exclusive and you just are this person above everybody else. Nobody is on your above everybody else. Nobody is on your above everybody else. Nobody is on your level. No. Greatness in my kingdom is level. No. Greatness in my kingdom is level. No. Greatness in my kingdom is are you the lowest? Do you associate are you the lowest? Do you associate are you the lowest? Do you associate with the people in society that people with the people in society that people with the people in society that people that are the afterthoughts, the people that are the afterthoughts, the people that are the afterthoughts, the people that are the untouchables that nobody that are the untouchables that nobody that are the untouchables that nobody wants to be around? If you want to be wants to be around? If you want to be wants to be around? If you want to be great in my kingdom, he's talking to great in my kingdom, he's talking to great in my kingdom, he's talking to future generals in his kingdom. And he future generals in his kingdom. And he future generals in his kingdom. And he says this, the greatness that this says this, the greatness that this says this, the greatness that this kingdom is going to be built on, the

kingdom is going to be built on, the kingdom is going to be built on, the greatness that you will stand before me greatness that you will stand before me greatness that you will stand before me one day and be able to show me one day and be able to show me one day and be able to show me are the people that you've served and are the people that you've served and are the people that you've served and what you've given of yourself. what you've given of yourself. what you've given of yourself. He goes to explain why. Why is that the He goes to explain why. Why is that the He goes to explain why. Why is that the case? Why in God's kingdom is giving case? Why in God's kingdom is giving case? Why in God's kingdom is giving greater than getting? Let me go to the greater than getting? Let me go to the greater than getting? Let me go to the next verse. next verse. next verse. for who's greater, the one at the table for who's greater, the one at the table for who's greater, the one at the table or the one serving? They're sitting down or the one serving? They're sitting down or the one serving? They're sitting down having a meal. He's pretty much saying, having a meal. He's pretty much saying, having a meal. He's pretty much saying, who has the highest rank and is the most who has the highest rank and is the most who has the highest rank and is the most important? The person who's sitting important? The person who's sitting important? The person who's sitting essentially at the head of the table essentially at the head of the table essentially at the head of the table that everybody's serving or the person that everybody's serving or the person that everybody's serving or the person pouring the water and serving the food. pouring the water and serving the food. pouring the water and serving the food. He says, "Of course, it's the person He says, "Of course, it's the person He says, "Of course, it's the person sitting at the head of the table in this sitting at the head of the table in this sitting at the head of the table in this world. But I want you to see something. world. But I want you to see something. world. But I want you to see something. I am among you as the one who serves. We see that this was most likely said We see that this was most likely said shortly after shortly after shortly after 18 hours before Jesus is about to hang 18 hours before Jesus is about to hang 18 hours before Jesus is about to hang on a cross. You know what he did? As on a cross. You know what he did? As on a cross. You know what he did? As they come in and sit at this table and they come in and sit at this table and they come in and sit at this table and their feet are dirty and there's their feet are dirty and there's their feet are dirty and there's servants all around ready to serve them, servants all around ready to serve them, servants all around ready to serve them, Jesus says, "No, hold on." He gets a Jesus says, "No, hold on." He gets a Jesus says, "No, hold on." He gets a towel and puts it around his waist. Gets towel and puts it around his waist. Gets towel and puts it around his waist. Gets on his hands and knees. God getting on on his hands and knees. God getting on on his hands and knees. God getting on his hands and knees gets a bowl of water his hands and knees gets a bowl of water his hands and knees gets a bowl of water and washes all of the feet of his and washes all of the feet of his and washes all of the feet of his disciples, including Judas, the one that disciples, including Judas, the one that disciples, including Judas, the one that was about to betray him. Jesus says, "Do

was about to betray him. Jesus says, "Do was about to betray him. Jesus says, "Do you want to know real greatness? you want to know real greatness? you want to know real greatness? In a kingdom, nobody is greater than a In a kingdom, nobody is greater than a In a kingdom, nobody is greater than a king. And this is your king. king. And this is your king. king. And this is your king. I am the one. I am the king of kings, I am the one. I am the king of kings, I am the one. I am the king of kings, but I have come and made myself the but I have come and made myself the but I have come and made myself the servant of servants. God on his hands and knees washing filth God on his hands and knees washing filth off of people's feet. off of people's feet. off of people's feet. He looks he he points people to see He looks he he points people to see He looks he he points people to see this. If you want to be great, you have this. If you want to be great, you have this. If you want to be great, you have to be like me. And I am a servant. to be like me. And I am a servant. to be like me. And I am a servant. The greatest in my kingdom is the The greatest in my kingdom is the The greatest in my kingdom is the greatest of servants. greatest of servants. greatest of servants. I want to put up a verse in Philippians I want to put up a verse in Philippians I want to put up a verse in Philippians chapter 2. We're going to learn a little chapter 2. We're going to learn a little chapter 2. We're going to learn a little bit more about who is this king and who bit more about who is this king and who bit more about who is this king and who are we called to emulate. Let's put up are we called to emulate. Let's put up are we called to emulate. Let's put up I'm sorry, Philippians 2. It says this. I'm sorry, Philippians 2. It says this. I'm sorry, Philippians 2. It says this. In your relationships with one another, In your relationships with one another, In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus, who being in very nature God, did not who being in very nature God, did not who being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to consider equality with God something to consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage.

be used to his own advantage. be used to his own advantage. Rather, he made himself nothing by Rather, he made himself nothing by Rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, taking the very nature of a servant, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness, being made in human likeness, being made in human likeness, and being found in appearance as a man, and being found in appearance as a man, and being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient he humbled himself by becoming obedient he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death, even death on a cross. to death, even death on a cross. to death, even death on a cross. Therefore, God exalted him to the Therefore, God exalted him to the Therefore, God exalted him to the highest place, and gave him the name highest place, and gave him the name highest place, and gave him the name that is above every name. that is above every name. that is above every name. So, I want you to think about this for a So, I want you to think about this for a So, I want you to think about this for a moment. Who is this king that we serve? moment. Who is this king that we serve? moment. Who is this king that we serve? that we are called to emulate and become that we are called to emulate and become that we are called to emulate and become like like like this. Jesus that we're talking about is this. Jesus that we're talking about is this. Jesus that we're talking about is the eternal God the eternal God the eternal God through whom the entire universe was through whom the entire universe was through whom the entire universe was created. All of the angels worshiping created. All of the angels worshiping created. All of the angels worshiping him and he's sitting on his throne in him and he's sitting on his throne in him and he's sitting on his throne in glory. glory. glory. And what does that God do? And what does that God do? And what does that God do? He doesn't come into earth so that He doesn't come into earth so that He doesn't come into earth so that everybody could come and just serve him everybody could come and just serve him everybody could come and just serve him and carry him in a cart that his feet and carry him in a cart that his feet and carry him in a cart that his feet never have to touch the floor and never have to touch the floor and never have to touch the floor and everybody feed him grapes everywhere he everybody feed him grapes everywhere he everybody feed him grapes everywhere he walks. He didn't come to the world that walks. He didn't come to the world that walks. He didn't come to the world that he created so that everybody in this he created so that everybody in this he created so that everybody in this world could serve him. This eternally world could serve him. This eternally world could serve him. This eternally glorious God is born into a manger.

glorious God is born into a manger. glorious God is born into a manger. Grows up in a lowincome family. Grows up in a lowincome family. Grows up in a lowincome family. devotes his life to healing the sick, devotes his life to healing the sick, devotes his life to healing the sick, encouraging the discouraged, feeding the encouraging the discouraged, feeding the encouraging the discouraged, feeding the poor, giving himself, knowing that he poor, giving himself, knowing that he poor, giving himself, knowing that he would be betrayed by those who love that would be betrayed by those who love that would be betrayed by those who love that were supposed to love him that he loved were supposed to love him that he loved were supposed to love him that he loved most. Looking at being crucified on a most. Looking at being crucified on a most. Looking at being crucified on a cross, tortured, cross, tortured, cross, tortured, he came emptied himself of his he came emptied himself of his he came emptied himself of his privileges and came as a servant. privileges and came as a servant. privileges and came as a servant. Although he had everything and was Although he had everything and was Although he had everything and was entitled to everything, he emptied entitled to everything, he emptied entitled to everything, he emptied himself of all he had so that he could himself of all he had so that he could himself of all he had so that he could get up give us who have nothing all that get up give us who have nothing all that get up give us who have nothing all that he has. Jesus came as a servant. Jesus came as a servant. And so I want to ask you this today. And so I want to ask you this today. And so I want to ask you this today. Do you think that he's impressed with Do you think that he's impressed with Do you think that he's impressed with your accolades? your accolades? your accolades? You think he's impressed with how much You think he's impressed with how much You think he's impressed with how much money you have in your bank account?

money you have in your bank account? money you have in your bank account? Do you think that Do you think that Do you think that you have a couple gifts and you've got a you have a couple gifts and you've got a you have a couple gifts and you've got a good voice that that's really what good voice that that's really what good voice that that's really what impresses him? No. He's not impressed impresses him? No. He's not impressed impresses him? No. He's not impressed with the little sand castles that you with the little sand castles that you with the little sand castles that you and I build in this life. He's not and I build in this life. He's not and I build in this life. He's not impressed with the gifts that he himself impressed with the gifts that he himself impressed with the gifts that he himself has given you. has given you. has given you. What impresses God What impresses God What impresses God we see modeled in who he was when he was we see modeled in who he was when he was we see modeled in who he was when he was among us among us among us in the King of Kings who became the in the King of Kings who became the in the King of Kings who became the servant of servants. servant of servants. servant of servants. That is the life that God calls great. That is the life that God calls great. That is the life that God calls great. Somebody who isn't here looking what Somebody who isn't here looking what Somebody who isn't here looking what they can get, but somebody who's looking they can get, but somebody who's looking they can get, but somebody who's looking to pour out from what they've received to pour out from what they've received to pour out from what they've received from him. That's what God calls from him. That's what God calls from him. That's what God calls greatness. And I want to ask you this greatness. And I want to ask you this greatness. And I want to ask you this today. Is that Is that how you view greatness in people around how you view greatness in people around how you view greatness in people around you? you? you? You know, when I really got saved and You know, when I really got saved and You know, when I really got saved and met Jesus and he transformed me, he met Jesus and he transformed me, he met Jesus and he transformed me, he didn't just take away my love for a lot didn't just take away my love for a lot didn't just take away my love for a lot of the sin that controlled me. He also of the sin that controlled me. He also of the sin that controlled me. He also changed what I admire.

changed what I admire. changed what I admire. You know, before I met Jesus, I was so You know, before I met Jesus, I was so You know, before I met Jesus, I was so impressed with what the gifting that impressed with what the gifting that impressed with what the gifting that people had and what they could build in people had and what they could build in people had and what they could build in this world and in this life. What they this world and in this life. What they this world and in this life. What they had built for themselves. If I saw had built for themselves. If I saw had built for themselves. If I saw somebody who was charismatic, had a lot somebody who was charismatic, had a lot somebody who was charismatic, had a lot of money, had a lot of power in this of money, had a lot of power in this of money, had a lot of power in this world, I would say, "Wow, now that's world, I would say, "Wow, now that's world, I would say, "Wow, now that's really somebody." But if I would see really somebody." But if I would see really somebody." But if I would see somebody who didn't have really any of somebody who didn't have really any of somebody who didn't have really any of that, I'm ashamed to admit it. But I that, I'm ashamed to admit it. But I that, I'm ashamed to admit it. But I would look and say, "It's a mediocre would look and say, "It's a mediocre would look and say, "It's a mediocre life. life. life. That's a life that has just come and That's a life that has just come and That's a life that has just come and gone. Hasn't really made much of an gone. Hasn't really made much of an gone. Hasn't really made much of an impact. You know what happens when you really You know what happens when you really meet Jesus? When you really see who he meet Jesus? When you really see who he meet Jesus? When you really see who he is, is, is, what you admire, what you see value in, what you admire, what you see value in, what you admire, what you see value in, how you view greatness completely how you view greatness completely how you view greatness completely transforms. People that I used to look transforms. People that I used to look transforms. People that I used to look at and say, "Look at that mediocre at and say, "Look at that mediocre at and say, "Look at that mediocre life." became giants spiritually to me. life." became giants spiritually to me. life." became giants spiritually to me. And people that before I would look at And people that before I would look at And people that before I would look at and say, "Wow, that's really somebody."

and say, "Wow, that's really somebody." and say, "Wow, that's really somebody." You get close and you realize based on You get close and you realize based on You get close and you realize based on the real standard we're all measured by. the real standard we're all measured by. the real standard we're all measured by. You have a lot, but you're not really You have a lot, but you're not really You have a lot, but you're not really much. much. much. It's funny. I remember growing up my It's funny. I remember growing up my It's funny. I remember growing up my grandma with my grandpa saying all of grandma with my grandpa saying all of grandma with my grandpa saying all of that about her and the seven Grammys, that about her and the seven Grammys, that about her and the seven Grammys, you know, I think that was probably you know, I think that was probably you know, I think that was probably growing up the main way I would measure growing up the main way I would measure growing up the main way I would measure her. I'd be like, "My grandma has seven her. I'd be like, "My grandma has seven her. I'd be like, "My grandma has seven Grammys. I have a Grammy granny. She's somebody. I'm somebody." But you She's somebody. I'm somebody." But you know, after coming to really meet Jesus, know, after coming to really meet Jesus, know, after coming to really meet Jesus, you hear how she shared about how at you hear how she shared about how at you hear how she shared about how at this point in her life how real Jesus is this point in her life how real Jesus is this point in her life how real Jesus is to her. When you really come to know to her. When you really come to know to her. When you really come to know Jesus, all of that other stuff, Jesus, all of that other stuff, Jesus, all of that other stuff, accolades, the things that you build in accolades, the things that you build in accolades, the things that you build in this life, you realize that's nothing. this life, you realize that's nothing. this life, you realize that's nothing. Like, praise God for that. Praise God Like, praise God for that. Praise God Like, praise God for that. Praise God that he's used this church to reach the that he's used this church to reach the that he's used this church to reach the world in different ways. But when I look world in different ways. But when I look world in different ways. But when I look at her life, you know what actually at her life, you know what actually at her life, you know what actually speaks to me and ministers me the most? speaks to me and ministers me the most? speaks to me and ministers me the most? Here's a woman who's turning 80 who's Here's a woman who's turning 80 who's Here's a woman who's turning 80 who's poured her life out for Jesus. Here poured her life out for Jesus. Here poured her life out for Jesus. Here are people that are towards the end of are people that are towards the end of are people that are towards the end of their life not looking what can I get their life not looking what can I get their life not looking what can I get from you guys but God I want to serve from you guys but God I want to serve from you guys but God I want to serve you and I want to serve your people. I you and I want to serve your people. I you and I want to serve your people. I want to pour out what you've given me.

want to pour out what you've given me. want to pour out what you've given me. Use my life. Make me nothing so that you Use my life. Make me nothing so that you Use my life. Make me nothing so that you can become everything through my life to can become everything through my life to can become everything through my life to the people around me. Is that how you measure greatness in Is that how you measure greatness in your life today? your life today? your life today? If I was to walk with you for the last If I was to walk with you for the last If I was to walk with you for the last month of your life, would I come away month of your life, would I come away month of your life, would I come away saying, "Wow, that is the greatness that saying, "Wow, that is the greatness that saying, "Wow, that is the greatness that that person is pursuing." that person is pursuing." that person is pursuing." Or are you living to build other things, Or are you living to build other things, Or are you living to build other things, to build your name, to build your to build your name, to build your to build your name, to build your comfort? comfort? comfort? The people around you, you're not there The people around you, you're not there The people around you, you're not there to serve them. How do they fit into what to serve them. How do they fit into what to serve them. How do they fit into what you're trying to create for yourself? you're trying to create for yourself? you're trying to create for yourself? How are they going to help you build the How are they going to help you build the How are they going to help you build the little sand castle that's about to get little sand castle that's about to get little sand castle that's about to get blown up, maybe even tomorrow? blown up, maybe even tomorrow? blown up, maybe even tomorrow? Are you living Are you living Are you living towards that moment where you stand towards that moment where you stand towards that moment where you stand before him? before him? before him? Living so that the one who made you Living so that the one who made you Living so that the one who made you could look at you and say, "You're not could look at you and say, "You're not could look at you and say, "You're not perfect, and yes, I've saved you, but perfect, and yes, I've saved you, but perfect, and yes, I've saved you, but well done, my good and faithful well done, my good and faithful well done, my good and faithful servant." Is that what you're living for servant." Is that what you're living for servant." Is that what you're living for today?

today? today? >> I think in me saying that, a lot of us >> I think in me saying that, a lot of us >> I think in me saying that, a lot of us here might be very convicted. here might be very convicted. here might be very convicted. You might have a lot of You might have a lot of You might have a lot of religious things that you're doing in religious things that you're doing in religious things that you're doing in your life, your life, your life, but if you're to be honest with but if you're to be honest with but if you're to be honest with yourself, you would say, "That's not yourself, you would say, "That's not yourself, you would say, "That's not what I'm living for. what I'm living for. what I'm living for. I'm more concerned about how people I'm more concerned about how people I'm more concerned about how people treat me than how I can serve them. treat me than how I can serve them. treat me than how I can serve them. I view people as either a threat to my I view people as either a threat to my I view people as either a threat to my flourishing or people that will make my flourishing or people that will make my flourishing or people that will make my life better. But my life is about life better. But my life is about life better. But my life is about myself. All of us need to hear this today All of us need to hear this today because if you are going to be honest, because if you are going to be honest, because if you are going to be honest, what I'm talking about, which is the what I'm talking about, which is the what I'm talking about, which is the calling upon each of our lives here, it calling upon each of our lives here, it calling upon each of our lives here, it is incredibly hard to live out. is incredibly hard to live out. is incredibly hard to live out. What comes natural to us looks a lot What comes natural to us looks a lot What comes natural to us looks a lot more like the disciples. In moments of more like the disciples. In moments of more like the disciples. In moments of conviction, we can say, "God, I want to conviction, we can say, "God, I want to conviction, we can say, "God, I want to live for you and serve people." But how live for you and serve people." But how live for you and serve people." But how long is it until you just make it about long is it until you just make it about long is it until you just make it about yourself again? serving, humbling yourself. It's hard.

serving, humbling yourself. It's hard. It means sacrifice. It means sacrifice. It means sacrifice. It means giving more than you are being It means giving more than you are being It means giving more than you are being given. given. given. It means discomfort. It means having to It means discomfort. It means having to It means discomfort. It means having to go out of your way. go out of your way. go out of your way. It means your reputation maybe going It means your reputation maybe going It means your reputation maybe going lower. It means settling with people. lower. It means settling with people. lower. It means settling with people. not choosing whatever will make you look not choosing whatever will make you look not choosing whatever will make you look best, but whatever would bring God the best, but whatever would bring God the best, but whatever would bring God the most glory and see the most people most glory and see the most people most glory and see the most people impacted. impacted. impacted. Serving and living this way is death to Serving and living this way is death to Serving and living this way is death to self. self. self. But what I want to just encourage you But what I want to just encourage you But what I want to just encourage you with tonight today is this. with tonight today is this. with tonight today is this. It's not just hard for you to live this It's not just hard for you to live this It's not just hard for you to live this way on your own. It is impossible. way on your own. It is impossible. way on your own. It is impossible. this king that you and I have come into this king that you and I have come into this king that you and I have come into his kingdom, if you've put your faith in his kingdom, if you've put your faith in his kingdom, if you've put your faith in Christ, he's not watching your life with Christ, he's not watching your life with Christ, he's not watching your life with a clipboard, seeing, are they going to a clipboard, seeing, are they going to a clipboard, seeing, are they going to do a good enough job serving? Are they do a good enough job serving? Are they do a good enough job serving? Are they selfless enough? Are they doing a good selfless enough? Are they doing a good selfless enough? Are they doing a good enough job living like me? No.

enough job living like me? No. enough job living like me? No. The king that you and I serve says, "I'm The king that you and I serve says, "I'm The king that you and I serve says, "I'm calling you to become like me, but calling you to become like me, but calling you to become like me, but you're going to become like me when you you're going to become like me when you you're going to become like me when you allow me to make you like me. allow me to make you like me. allow me to make you like me. I'm not asking you to become in your own I'm not asking you to become in your own I'm not asking you to become in your own strength the best version of a servant strength the best version of a servant strength the best version of a servant that you can be to conjure up the that you can be to conjure up the that you can be to conjure up the deepest love that you can find within deepest love that you can find within deepest love that you can find within yourself. I am going to fill you with yourself. I am going to fill you with yourself. I am going to fill you with myself. I'm going to make you like me. myself. I'm going to make you like me. myself. I'm going to make you like me. You're not going to be able to get any You're not going to be able to get any You're not going to be able to get any credit or any glory. You're not going to credit or any glory. You're not going to credit or any glory. You're not going to be able to say, "Wow, look how good of a be able to say, "Wow, look how good of a be able to say, "Wow, look how good of a servant I am. Look how selfless I am." servant I am. Look how selfless I am." servant I am. Look how selfless I am." You're going to become this, but it's You're going to become this, but it's You're going to become this, but it's going to be my grace, my presence, and going to be my grace, my presence, and going to be my grace, my presence, and my power from beginning to end. What my power from beginning to end. What my power from beginning to end. What I've called you to be, I'm going to make I've called you to be, I'm going to make I've called you to be, I'm going to make you. Let's put up one of these last you. Let's put up one of these last you. Let's put up one of these last verses here before we close. 2 verses here before we close. 2 verses here before we close. 2 Corinthians 3:18. It says this, "So all Corinthians 3:18. It says this, "So all Corinthians 3:18. It says this, "So all of us who have had that veil removed can of us who have had that veil removed can of us who have had that veil removed can see and reflect the glory of the Lord. see and reflect the glory of the Lord. see and reflect the glory of the Lord. And the Lord who is the spirit makes us And the Lord who is the spirit makes us And the Lord who is the spirit makes us more and more like him as we are changed more and more like him as we are changed more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image.

into his glorious image. into his glorious image. Greatness Greatness Greatness is being like Jesus which means being is being like Jesus which means being is being like Jesus which means being the servant of all. the servant of all. the servant of all. But becoming like Jesus is not something But becoming like Jesus is not something But becoming like Jesus is not something you make yourself. I love this verse. It you make yourself. I love this verse. It you make yourself. I love this verse. It says as we see him we reflect his glory. says as we see him we reflect his glory. says as we see him we reflect his glory. As we see him, the spirit of the Lord As we see him, the spirit of the Lord As we see him, the spirit of the Lord makes us more and more like him as we makes us more and more like him as we makes us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image. are changed into his glorious image. are changed into his glorious image. I want you to look at your life right I want you to look at your life right I want you to look at your life right now. now. now. Would God call the way you are in your Would God call the way you are in your Would God call the way you are in your family great? Would God call the way you family great? Would God call the way you family great? Would God call the way you are at your workplace, with your are at your workplace, with your are at your workplace, with your co-workers, with your boss great? Would co-workers, with your boss great? Would co-workers, with your boss great? Would God call the way you are in your God call the way you are in your God call the way you are in your building, in your neighborhood? Great. building, in your neighborhood? Great. building, in your neighborhood? Great. I pray that that convicts you because I pray that that convicts you because I pray that that convicts you because all of us know we fall short in so many all of us know we fall short in so many all of us know we fall short in so many ways. But the awareness of how you fall ways. But the awareness of how you fall ways. But the awareness of how you fall short is not intended so that you in short is not intended so that you in short is not intended so that you in shame could run away and go try to shame could run away and go try to shame could run away and go try to figure it out. That conviction is an figure it out. That conviction is an figure it out. That conviction is an invitation to the God who says, "I will invitation to the God who says, "I will invitation to the God who says, "I will make you like me when you come to me make you like me when you come to me make you like me when you come to me with your heart."

with your heart." with your heart." You aren't really a servant, but I am. You aren't really a servant, but I am. You aren't really a servant, but I am. And I'm going to fill you with my And I'm going to fill you with my And I'm going to fill you with my spirit. You're selfish. You're like the spirit. You're selfish. You're like the spirit. You're selfish. You're like the disciples. You can begin something with disciples. You can begin something with disciples. You can begin something with good intentions. It's a matter of time good intentions. It's a matter of time good intentions. It's a matter of time before you make it about yourself. But before you make it about yourself. But before you make it about yourself. But I'm going to give you my heart when you I'm going to give you my heart when you I'm going to give you my heart when you bring me yours. bring me yours. bring me yours. There is a calling on your life today. There is a calling on your life today. There is a calling on your life today. And it's leading to a moment where you And it's leading to a moment where you And it's leading to a moment where you stand before the holy creator of the stand before the holy creator of the stand before the holy creator of the universe. You are going to give an universe. You are going to give an universe. You are going to give an account for the life that you lived. account for the life that you lived. account for the life that you lived. >> And it's not going to be what you built. >> And it's not going to be what you built. >> And it's not going to be what you built. It's not going to be how happy you were. It's not going to be how happy you were. It's not going to be how happy you were. It's going to be what did you give? What It's going to be what did you give? What It's going to be what did you give? What did you pour out? Who did you serve? did you pour out? Who did you serve? did you pour out? Who did you serve? But God is trying to help you see this But God is trying to help you see this But God is trying to help you see this today. So that you could run to him and today. So that you could run to him and today. So that you could run to him and just say, "Jesus, doesn't matter who just say, "Jesus, doesn't matter who just say, "Jesus, doesn't matter who I've been until this moment. If I look I've been until this moment. If I look I've been until this moment. If I look back at my life, I see selfishness upon back at my life, I see selfishness upon back at my life, I see selfishness upon selfishness. So many things that I selfishness. So many things that I selfishness. So many things that I started for you, I ended up making about started for you, I ended up making about started for you, I ended up making about myself. But Jesus, today you are the one myself. But Jesus, today you are the one myself. But Jesus, today you are the one who's going to help me. You're going to who's going to help me. You're going to who's going to help me. You're going to bring me to that place where I stand bring me to that place where I stand bring me to that place where I stand before you one day. I'm going to hear, before you one day. I'm going to hear, before you one day. I'm going to hear, "Well done, my good and faithful "Well done, my good and faithful "Well done, my good and faithful servant, because of your grace that's servant, because of your grace that's servant, because of your grace that's going to carry me there as I bring my going to carry me there as I bring my going to carry me there as I bring my heart to you." Now, heart to you." Now, heart to you." Now, Paul says this, "We who serve God, we Paul says this, "We who serve God, we Paul says this, "We who serve God, we have no confidence within ourselves, in have no confidence within ourselves, in have no confidence within ourselves, in our flesh. We serve God by the power of our flesh. We serve God by the power of our flesh. We serve God by the power of the spirit.

the spirit. the spirit. The Holy Spirit is waiting for you today The Holy Spirit is waiting for you today The Holy Spirit is waiting for you today to see your need to say, "God, I'm to see your need to say, "God, I'm to see your need to say, "God, I'm falling so short of that standard. I falling so short of that standard. I falling so short of that standard. I live for me in so many ways. And even if live for me in so many ways. And even if live for me in so many ways. And even if the world might look and think I'm the world might look and think I'm the world might look and think I'm great, even if I'm succeeding by a lot great, even if I'm succeeding by a lot great, even if I'm succeeding by a lot of the world's standards, I realize of the world's standards, I realize of the world's standards, I realize today that I'm not going to be able to today that I'm not going to be able to today that I'm not going to be able to have any of that to show when I stand have any of that to show when I stand have any of that to show when I stand before you. I want to store up treasures before you. I want to store up treasures before you. I want to store up treasures in heaven. in heaven. in heaven. I want to live for you and live for I want to live for you and live for I want to live for you and live for eternity and live for souls. I want to eternity and live for souls. I want to eternity and live for souls. I want to be a servant. I want to love selflessly. be a servant. I want to love selflessly. be a servant. I want to love selflessly. I want to continue to give although I want to continue to give although I want to continue to give although people don't give back to me because people don't give back to me because people don't give back to me because you're giving me everything that I need. you're giving me everything that I need. you're giving me everything that I need. That I believe that That I believe that That I believe that Jesus is inviting us to himself today. Jesus is inviting us to himself today. Jesus is inviting us to himself today. He wants to make us like him and he He wants to make us like him and he He wants to make us like him and he wants to make you great in his kingdom. wants to make you great in his kingdom. wants to make you great in his kingdom. Doesn't matter how weak you feel. Doesn't matter how weak you feel. Doesn't matter how weak you feel. Doesn't matter your family patterns. Doesn't matter your family patterns. Doesn't matter your family patterns. Doesn't matter your history until this Doesn't matter your history until this Doesn't matter your history until this moment.

moment. moment. He's inviting you to himself and saying, He's inviting you to himself and saying, He's inviting you to himself and saying, "I'm going to make you like me and I'm "I'm going to make you like me and I'm "I'm going to make you like me and I'm going to fill you with myself as you going to fill you with myself as you going to fill you with myself as you come to me with your need, with your come to me with your need, with your come to me with your need, with your selfishness, and let me change you." I selfishness, and let me change you." I selfishness, and let me change you." I believe this is a word for all of us believe this is a word for all of us believe this is a word for all of us today. I think we need to be refocused today. I think we need to be refocused today. I think we need to be refocused here in what matters in our life. So here in what matters in our life. So here in what matters in our life. So many petty things that we're getting many petty things that we're getting many petty things that we're getting frustrated about. How about we just frustrated about. How about we just frustrated about. How about we just serve? How about we just love? How about serve? How about we just love? How about serve? How about we just love? How about we not be takers, but be givers? How we not be takers, but be givers? How we not be takers, but be givers? How about we give to those who have nothing about we give to those who have nothing about we give to those who have nothing they can give back to us? How about we they can give back to us? How about we they can give back to us? How about we become a church that affiliates and become a church that affiliates and become a church that affiliates and serves and gives to the least? The serves and gives to the least? The serves and gives to the least? The people that are the hardest to love, people that are the hardest to love, people that are the hardest to love, God's going to give us a love for them. God's going to give us a love for them. God's going to give us a love for them. God wants to make our church greater God wants to make our church greater God wants to make our church greater today as we allow him to make us more today as we allow him to make us more today as we allow him to make us more like him. like him. like him. So, the singers would just come out. I So, the singers would just come out. I So, the singers would just come out. I want to just close. I think all of us want to just close. I think all of us want to just close. I think all of us could probably respond to this today.

could probably respond to this today. could probably respond to this today. And so, we're not going to do a alter And so, we're not going to do a alter And so, we're not going to do a alter call, but can we all just stand up call, but can we all just stand up call, but can we all just stand up together? I want to sing you're worthy of it all. I want to sing you're worthy of it all. And as we're singing, you're worthy of And as we're singing, you're worthy of And as we're singing, you're worthy of it all. Let's make this a prayer to God it all. Let's make this a prayer to God it all. Let's make this a prayer to God today, saying, Lord, you are worthy for today, saying, Lord, you are worthy for today, saying, Lord, you are worthy for my life being poured out. You came as a my life being poured out. You came as a my life being poured out. You came as a servant. You came not to take, but to servant. You came not to take, but to servant. You came not to take, but to give. So God, you are worthy of me not give. So God, you are worthy of me not give. So God, you are worthy of me not holding on to my life, but losing it for holding on to my life, but losing it for holding on to my life, but losing it for you. you. you. Come on, can we just lift up our hands Come on, can we just lift up our hands Come on, can we just lift up our hands as we begin to sing this here now? Just as we begin to sing this here now? Just as we begin to sing this here now? Just lift your hands to God and say, "Jesus, lift your hands to God and say, "Jesus, lift your hands to God and say, "Jesus, here I am. Take my heart. Holy Spirit, here I am. Take my heart. Holy Spirit, here I am. Take my heart. Holy Spirit, fill me with the mind of Christ, the fill me with the mind of Christ, the fill me with the mind of Christ, the attitude of Christ. attitude of Christ. attitude of Christ. Make me a servant. Make me somebody who Make me a servant. Make me somebody who Make me a servant. Make me somebody who loves and who gives, who dies to myself, loves and who gives, who dies to myself, loves and who gives, who dies to myself, so I could be great in your eyes and in so I could be great in your eyes and in so I could be great in your eyes and in your kingdom. Come on, let's sing. your kingdom. Come on, let's sing. your kingdom. Come on, let's sing. You're worthy of it all.

Yeah. Yeah. Heat. So, Father, we come before you with our So, Father, we come before you with our hearts, with the way we see our lives.

hearts, with the way we see our lives. hearts, with the way we see our lives. Jesus, we don't want to cling to this Jesus, we don't want to cling to this Jesus, we don't want to cling to this world, what we could build for world, what we could build for world, what we could build for ourselves, what we could get for ourselves, what we could get for ourselves, what we could get for ourselves. We want to get you, Lord. We ourselves. We want to get you, Lord. We ourselves. We want to get you, Lord. We want to live for your glory. We want to want to live for your glory. We want to want to live for your glory. We want to stand before you one day and hear, "Well stand before you one day and hear, "Well stand before you one day and hear, "Well done, my good and faithful servant." done, my good and faithful servant." done, my good and faithful servant." Jesus, give us your heart today. for the Jesus, give us your heart today. for the Jesus, give us your heart today. for the hardest people in our lives to serve in hardest people in our lives to serve in hardest people in our lives to serve in our stubbornness. How we live for our stubbornness. How we live for our stubbornness. How we live for ourselves, for our pleasure. God, give ourselves, for our pleasure. God, give ourselves, for our pleasure. God, give us a heart where we are so satisfied in us a heart where we are so satisfied in us a heart where we are so satisfied in you that we can just pour out everywhere you that we can just pour out everywhere you that we can just pour out everywhere we go. Lord, help us to be givers and we go. Lord, help us to be givers and we go. Lord, help us to be givers and not takers. not takers. not takers. Help us to not seek to be somebody and Help us to not seek to be somebody and Help us to not seek to be somebody and affiliate with people who make us look affiliate with people who make us look affiliate with people who make us look better. Help us to love the lowest and better. Help us to love the lowest and better. Help us to love the lowest and the least of these. Give us the heart of the least of these. Give us the heart of the least of these. Give us the heart of Jesus. I pray Lord for my brothers and sisters I pray Lord for my brothers and sisters as we bring our hearts to you God. As we as we bring our hearts to you God. As we as we bring our hearts to you God. As we go into this week, help us to live this go into this week, help us to live this go into this week, help us to live this week pursuing the greatness that can week pursuing the greatness that can week pursuing the greatness that can only come from you. Help us to delight only come from you. Help us to delight only come from you. Help us to delight in opportunities to die to oursel and in opportunities to die to oursel and in opportunities to die to oursel and serve people.

Show us what this means for our lives, Show us what this means for our lives, for every area where we're not living in for every area where we're not living in for every area where we're not living in this. Lord, open our eyes to see what this. Lord, open our eyes to see what this. Lord, open our eyes to see what that means for us. And God, now by your that means for us. And God, now by your that means for us. And God, now by your power and by your strength, let us walk power and by your strength, let us walk power and by your strength, let us walk as humble servants of the King. We love as humble servants of the King. We love as humble servants of the King. We love you, Jesus. And we just pray your you, Jesus. And we just pray your you, Jesus. And we just pray your blessing over everybody here, God. Keep blessing over everybody here, God. Keep blessing over everybody here, God. Keep us until Tuesday. Let this be a week us until Tuesday. Let this be a week us until Tuesday. Let this be a week walking in your purposes, in the spirit, walking in your purposes, in the spirit, walking in your purposes, in the spirit, walking in victory. Jesus, refresh my walking in victory. Jesus, refresh my walking in victory. Jesus, refresh my brothers and sisters as we leave here. brothers and sisters as we leave here. brothers and sisters as we leave here. God help us to love one another, serve God help us to love one another, serve God help us to love one another, serve one another as we end this meeting in one another as we end this meeting in one another as we end this meeting in Jesus name we pray. Amen. Jesus name we pray. Amen. Jesus name we pray. Amen. Amen. everyone who the the word of God everyone who the the word of God preached touched your heart, put your preached touched your heart, put your preached touched your heart, put your hands together and clap. hands together and clap. hands together and clap. I'm clapping for me. I'm clapping for me. I'm clapping for me. So, you heard about the offering and So, you heard about the offering and So, you heard about the offering and about the welcome center and about about the welcome center and about about the welcome center and about tryyouts for the choir and about uh um tryyouts for the choir and about uh um tryyouts for the choir and about uh um class for new converts. A lot of stuff class for new converts. A lot of stuff class for new converts. A lot of stuff happening. We're going to sing for a happening. We're going to sing for a happening. We're going to sing for a little while. I just feel like praising little while. I just feel like praising little while. I just feel like praising the Lord. You want to leave? Adios.

the Lord. You want to leave? Adios. the Lord. You want to leave? Adios. By the way, if you speak Spanish, stay By the way, if you speak Spanish, stay By the way, if you speak Spanish, stay around for the 300 p.m. Spanish service around for the 300 p.m. Spanish service around for the 300 p.m. Spanish service and invite someone to come with you. God and invite someone to come with you. God and invite someone to come with you. God bless you. Greet one another or sing bless you. Greet one another or sing bless you. Greet one another or sing with us. Heat. Heat. Heat.

Heat. Heat. heat, heat, heat. God bless you. Give someone a hug and a God bless you. Give someone a hug and a handshake.