Living with the End in Mind | Doug Sauder | Ecclesiastes 12

So, I'll never forget the day it So, I'll never forget the day it happened. I was 37 years old. I was happened. I was 37 years old. I was happened. I was 37 years old. I was playing basketball, the game that I playing basketball, the game that I playing basketball, the game that I love, and I just been through love, and I just been through love, and I just been through reconstructive surgery on my left knee reconstructive surgery on my left knee reconstructive surgery on my left knee because a year earlier, I tore my ACL because a year earlier, I tore my ACL because a year earlier, I tore my ACL and miniscus and all the things. And and miniscus and all the things. And and miniscus and all the things. And went through all the surgery and went through all the surgery and went through all the surgery and recovery and rehab. And it took me a recovery and rehab. And it took me a recovery and rehab. And it took me a couple months, but I was back playing couple months, but I was back playing couple months, but I was back playing with some 20-year-olds. And I was with some 20-year-olds. And I was with some 20-year-olds. And I was dribbling the ball at the top of the dribbling the ball at the top of the dribbling the ball at the top of the key. And I saw the the gap in the key. And I saw the the gap in the key. And I saw the the gap in the defense, a move I'd made a thousand defense, a move I'd made a thousand defense, a move I'd made a thousand times. Crossover, left hand, the big man times. Crossover, left hand, the big man times. Crossover, left hand, the big man approaches, do a spin move, left hand, approaches, do a spin move, left hand, approaches, do a spin move, left hand, layup. In my mind, I saw it. layup. In my mind, I saw it. layup. In my mind, I saw it. And for the first time in my life, And for the first time in my life, And for the first time in my life, my body did not respond. my body did not respond. my body did not respond. And I was like, whoa, And I was like, whoa, And I was like, whoa, what what just happened? Anyone know what what just happened? Anyone know what what just happened? Anyone know that disorienting feeling where your that disorienting feeling where your that disorienting feeling where your body does something over and over and body does something over and over and body does something over and over and then it doesn't work the same way then it doesn't work the same way then it doesn't work the same way anymore? And people told you, THEY SAID, anymore? And people told you, THEY SAID, anymore? And people told you, THEY SAID, ' DOUG, it's going to happen. You're 37, ' DOUG, it's going to happen. You're 37, ' DOUG, it's going to happen. You're 37, you're playing with 20-year-olds. It's you're playing with 20-year-olds. It's you're playing with 20-year-olds. It's going to happen eventually. But in my going to happen eventually. But in my going to happen eventually. But in my mind, that sounded like a myth. It mind, that sounded like a myth. It mind, that sounded like a myth. It sounded like fantasy, like things old sounded like fantasy, like things old sounded like fantasy, like things old people say.

people say. people say. And then it happened to me. And this is And then it happened to me. And this is And then it happened to me. And this is how Solomon closes the book of how Solomon closes the book of how Solomon closes the book of Ecclesiastes. Ecclesiastes. Ecclesiastes. He gives us this reality check that all He gives us this reality check that all He gives us this reality check that all of us are going to die. Something we of us are going to die. Something we of us are going to die. Something we don't like to think about. But he's also don't like to think about. But he's also don't like to think about. But he's also going to tell us, hey, not only you're going to tell us, hey, not only you're going to tell us, hey, not only you're going to die, but you're going to age going to die, but you're going to age going to die, but you're going to age as you approach death. And all the as you approach death. And all the as you approach death. And all the things that we're working aren't going things that we're working aren't going things that we're working aren't going to work in the same way. And and he's to work in the same way. And and he's to work in the same way. And and he's going to speak to young people. He's going to speak to young people. He's going to speak to young people. He's going to say, "Young people, I want you going to say, "Young people, I want you going to say, "Young people, I want you to know this when you're young so that to know this when you're young so that to know this when you're young so that when you're older, you're not caught off when you're older, you're not caught off when you're older, you're not caught off guard. You're not surprised." You see, guard. You're not surprised." You see, guard. You're not surprised." You see, because older people, any older people because older people, any older people because older people, any older people we have in the house, own it. Come on, we have in the house, own it. Come on, we have in the house, own it. Come on, own it. The older you are, the higher own it. The older you are, the higher own it. The older you are, the higher and longer your view of life is. When and longer your view of life is. When and longer your view of life is. When you're a teenager in your 20s, you're you're a teenager in your 20s, you're you're a teenager in your 20s, you're like on the first and second floor. You like on the first and second floor. You like on the first and second floor. You can see things, can see things, can see things, but by the time you get older, you're on but by the time you get older, you're on but by the time you get older, you're on like the 30th or 40th floor. You can see like the 30th or 40th floor. You can see like the 30th or 40th floor. You can see a lot more broadly. And so Solomon is an a lot more broadly. And so Solomon is an a lot more broadly. And so Solomon is an old man. He's learned a lot. He's been old man. He's learned a lot. He's been old man. He's learned a lot. He's been on this search for what is the meaning on this search for what is the meaning on this search for what is the meaning of life? What does it all mean? and he of life? What does it all mean? and he of life? What does it all mean? and he wants to impart this final word of wants to impart this final word of wants to impart this final word of wisdom.

wisdom. wisdom. And that day at 37 years old, it And that day at 37 years old, it And that day at 37 years old, it reminded me of this proverb. reminded me of this proverb. reminded me of this proverb. When the student is ready, the teacher When the student is ready, the teacher When the student is ready, the teacher appears. appears. appears. And so, let's read this. And if you get And so, let's read this. And if you get And so, let's read this. And if you get it, then you'll get it. Ecclesiastes 12 it, then you'll get it. Ecclesiastes 12 it, then you'll get it. Ecclesiastes 12 verse 1. Remember your creator in the verse 1. Remember your creator in the verse 1. Remember your creator in the days of your youth. Before the days of days of your youth. Before the days of days of your youth. Before the days of trouble come and the years approach when trouble come and the years approach when trouble come and the years approach when you will say, "I find no pleasure in you will say, "I find no pleasure in you will say, "I find no pleasure in them." Before the sun and the light and them." Before the sun and the light and them." Before the sun and the light and the moon and the stars grow dark and the the moon and the stars grow dark and the the moon and the stars grow dark and the clouds return after the rain. When the clouds return after the rain. When the clouds return after the rain. When the keepers of the house tremble and the keepers of the house tremble and the keepers of the house tremble and the strong men stoop. When the grinder cease strong men stoop. When the grinder cease strong men stoop. When the grinder cease because they're few and those looking because they're few and those looking because they're few and those looking through the windows grow dim. When the through the windows grow dim. When the through the windows grow dim. When the doors to the street are closed and the doors to the street are closed and the doors to the street are closed and the sound of the grinding fades. When people sound of the grinding fades. When people sound of the grinding fades. When people rise up at the sound of the birds, but rise up at the sound of the birds, but rise up at the sound of the birds, but all their songs grow faint. When people all their songs grow faint. When people all their songs grow faint. When people are afraid of heights and of dangers of are afraid of heights and of dangers of are afraid of heights and of dangers of the streets. When the almond trees the streets. When the almond trees the streets. When the almond trees blossom and the grasshopper drags itself blossom and the grasshopper drags itself blossom and the grasshopper drags itself along and desire no longer is stirred.

along and desire no longer is stirred. along and desire no longer is stirred. Then people go to their eternal home and Then people go to their eternal home and Then people go to their eternal home and mourers go about to the streets. mourers go about to the streets. mourers go about to the streets. Remember him before the silver cord is Remember him before the silver cord is Remember him before the silver cord is severed and the golden bowl is broken. severed and the golden bowl is broken. severed and the golden bowl is broken. Before the pitcher is shattered at the Before the pitcher is shattered at the Before the pitcher is shattered at the spring and the wheel broken at the well spring and the wheel broken at the well spring and the wheel broken at the well and the dust returns to the ground it and the dust returns to the ground it and the dust returns to the ground it came from and the spirit returns to God came from and the spirit returns to God came from and the spirit returns to God who gave it. Meaningless. Meaningless who gave it. Meaningless. Meaningless who gave it. Meaningless. Meaningless says the teacher. Everything says the teacher. Everything says the teacher. Everything is meaningless. is meaningless. is meaningless. Solomon returns to his favorite phrase Solomon returns to his favorite phrase Solomon returns to his favorite phrase in the book of Ecclesiastes. in the book of Ecclesiastes. in the book of Ecclesiastes. Life is so hard to understand. This word Life is so hard to understand. This word Life is so hard to understand. This word he like is a vapor. It's here and then he like is a vapor. It's here and then he like is a vapor. It's here and then it's gone. It goes so fast and to try to it's gone. It goes so fast and to try to it's gone. It goes so fast and to try to grasp it's like chasing the wind to try grasp it's like chasing the wind to try grasp it's like chasing the wind to try to keep everything like you want it to to keep everything like you want it to to keep everything like you want it to be. It seems so elusive. How do I find be. It seems so elusive. How do I find be. It seems so elusive. How do I find meaning and purpose when things don't meaning and purpose when things don't meaning and purpose when things don't happen as I expect them to? And he says, happen as I expect them to? And he says, happen as I expect them to? And he says, "Life is like that. You're going to die.

"Life is like that. You're going to die. "Life is like that. You're going to die. And as you die, you're going to age." And as you die, you're going to age." And as you die, you're going to age." And this is something you need to know And this is something you need to know And this is something you need to know when you're young. Twice he says, "While when you're young. Twice he says, "While when you're young. Twice he says, "While you're young, remember your creator." you're young, remember your creator." you're young, remember your creator." And he describes this process. The And he describes this process. The And he describes this process. The silver cord is severed. Death. The silver cord is severed. Death. The silver cord is severed. Death. The golden bowl is broken. The pitcher is golden bowl is broken. The pitcher is golden bowl is broken. The pitcher is shattered. You return to dust because shattered. You return to dust because shattered. You return to dust because you came from dust and the spirit that you came from dust and the spirit that you came from dust and the spirit that God gave you now returns to him. That's God gave you now returns to him. That's God gave you now returns to him. That's going to happen to all of us. That's going to happen to all of us. That's going to happen to all of us. That's what he's been describing. Death is the what he's been describing. Death is the what he's been describing. Death is the destiny of every person. And the why destiny of every person. And the why destiny of every person. And the why should take this to heart because it should take this to heart because it should take this to heart because it will teach you how to live. But now he will teach you how to live. But now he will teach you how to live. But now he gets a little more detailed. He gets a little more detailed. He gets a little more detailed. He describes the process of aging. Verse describes the process of aging. Verse describes the process of aging. Verse one, remember your creator before the one, remember your creator before the one, remember your creator before the days of trouble come. And he describes days of trouble come. And he describes days of trouble come. And he describes this process of things that are bright this process of things that are bright this process of things that are bright growing dark. Your eyes that were so growing dark. Your eyes that were so growing dark. Your eyes that were so sharp they were able to see things. Now, sharp they were able to see things. Now, sharp they were able to see things. Now, as you get older, it's harder for you to as you get older, it's harder for you to as you get older, it's harder for you to see things. The light goes down. I don't see things. The light goes down. I don't see things. The light goes down. I don't know if if anybody that's older know if if anybody that's older know if if anybody that's older remembers that day where their eyes remembers that day where their eyes remembers that day where their eyes didn't work so good. I remember didn't work so good. I remember didn't work so good. I remember specifically like I think I was 40. My specifically like I think I was 40. My specifically like I think I was 40. My wife and I went on a date and then we wife and I went on a date and then we wife and I went on a date and then we went to Walgreens to pick up a went to Walgreens to pick up a went to Walgreens to pick up a prescription. And while she's picking up prescription. And while she's picking up prescription. And while she's picking up her prescription, I look at this like her prescription, I look at this like her prescription, I look at this like this like little row of like they're this like little row of like they're this like little row of like they're called readers.

called readers. called readers. And so I just, you know, these are for And so I just, you know, these are for And so I just, you know, these are for old people. I put them on and I was old people. I put them on and I was old people. I put them on and I was like, whoa, like, whoa, like, whoa, whoa. I I could see what what happened whoa. I I could see what what happened whoa. I I could see what what happened to my eyes. This slow, gradual process to my eyes. This slow, gradual process to my eyes. This slow, gradual process of doing this, of doing this, of doing this, and then your arm's not long enough and and then your arm's not long enough and and then your arm's not long enough and you got to get glasses. That's going to you got to get glasses. That's going to you got to get glasses. That's going to happen. That's a part of life. While happen. That's a part of life. While happen. That's a part of life. While you're young, no, your eyes aren't going you're young, no, your eyes aren't going you're young, no, your eyes aren't going to always work as as well as you think to always work as as well as you think to always work as as well as you think they are. And then he says, "And the they are. And then he says, "And the they are. And then he says, "And the sounds of sounds of sounds of the men working and the birds singing, the men working and the birds singing, the men working and the birds singing, it grows dimmer. Your ears don't work as it grows dimmer. Your ears don't work as it grows dimmer. Your ears don't work as as good as they used to." Verse three, as good as they used to." Verse three, as good as they used to." Verse three, the keepers of the house, they tremble. the keepers of the house, they tremble. the keepers of the house, they tremble. Now, this is poetry. The keepers of the Now, this is poetry. The keepers of the Now, this is poetry. The keepers of the house, your hands, your hands that are house, your hands, your hands that are house, your hands, your hands that are so steady all of a sudden start to shake so steady all of a sudden start to shake so steady all of a sudden start to shake a little bit. You're like, "Oh, what? a little bit. You're like, "Oh, what? a little bit. You're like, "Oh, what? What's that? What's that about?" And the What's that? What's that about?" And the What's that? What's that about?" And the back that is so strong begins to stoop. back that is so strong begins to stoop. back that is so strong begins to stoop. Like, why am I walking like this? You Like, why am I walking like this? You Like, why am I walking like this? You see pictures of yourself like what what see pictures of yourself like what what see pictures of yourself like what what what's happening to me and it gets what's happening to me and it gets what's happening to me and it gets worse. He says worse. He says worse. He says your grinders cease because they are your grinders cease because they are your grinders cease because they are few. Your grinders are your teeth. Oh few. Your grinders are your teeth. Oh few. Your grinders are your teeth. Oh man, I'm having problems with my eyes.

man, I'm having problems with my eyes. man, I'm having problems with my eyes. I'm having problems with my ears. I'm I'm having problems with my ears. I'm I'm having problems with my ears. I'm having problems with my teeth. And then having problems with my teeth. And then having problems with my teeth. And then he says, "And the sound of birds wake he says, "And the sound of birds wake he says, "And the sound of birds wake you up, but then when you try to hear you up, but then when you try to hear you up, but then when you try to hear them, you can't hear them." Which means them, you can't hear them." Which means them, you can't hear them." Which means it's hard for you to sleep. You're it's hard for you to sleep. You're it's hard for you to sleep. You're easily awakened, but then you can't hear easily awakened, but then you can't hear easily awakened, but then you can't hear very well. Anybody know what I'm talking very well. Anybody know what I'm talking very well. Anybody know what I'm talking about? Like, oh, this is getting about? Like, oh, this is getting about? Like, oh, this is getting depressing. Oh, it gets way worse than depressing. Oh, it gets way worse than depressing. Oh, it gets way worse than that. Check it. Check it out. And then that. Check it. Check it out. And then that. Check it. Check it out. And then he says, "And and even the grasshopper he says, "And and even the grasshopper he says, "And and even the grasshopper drags itself along." Now check this out. drags itself along." Now check this out. drags itself along." Now check this out. A grasshopper can jump 20 times its own A grasshopper can jump 20 times its own A grasshopper can jump 20 times its own height. So if I was a grasshopper and I height. So if I was a grasshopper and I height. So if I was a grasshopper and I jump right now, I could touch the jump right now, I could touch the jump right now, I could touch the ceiling. Would that be impressive? ceiling. Would that be impressive? ceiling. Would that be impressive? Solomon says there comes a point in a Solomon says there comes a point in a Solomon says there comes a point in a grasshopper's life where he grasshopper's life where he grasshopper's life where he just drags just drags just drags his foot his foot his foot around. around. around. And so just this is just a side note. And so just this is just a side note. And so just this is just a side note. That's why you shouldn't be depressed That's why you shouldn't be depressed That's why you shouldn't be depressed that LeBron didn't come to Miami, then that LeBron didn't come to Miami, then that LeBron didn't come to Miami, then he went to Philly. Cuz here's he went to Philly. Cuz here's he went to Philly. Cuz here's LeBron's going to continue to decline LeBron's going to continue to decline LeBron's going to continue to decline and he's going to go from jumping and and he's going to go from jumping and and he's going to go from jumping and dunking to shuffling dunking to shuffling dunking to shuffling because that's what everyone ends up because that's what everyone ends up because that's what everyone ends up doing in the end. Don't be depressed.

doing in the end. Don't be depressed. doing in the end. Don't be depressed. We're going to be all right. Listen, We're going to be all right. Listen, We're going to be all right. Listen, it's it's not just that. It's desire is it's it's not just that. It's desire is it's it's not just that. It's desire is no longer stirred. Remember when you no longer stirred. Remember when you no longer stirred. Remember when you were young, you could go to that were young, you could go to that were young, you could go to that Brazilian steakhouse and you could kill Brazilian steakhouse and you could kill Brazilian steakhouse and you could kill all the food. You go to buffet, you eat all the food. You go to buffet, you eat all the food. You go to buffet, you eat all this food, you're always hungry, and all this food, you're always hungry, and all this food, you're always hungry, and now you're like, I'm just going to have now you're like, I'm just going to have now you're like, I'm just going to have oatmeal. oatmeal. oatmeal. And listen, this is a shocking thing. And listen, this is a shocking thing. And listen, this is a shocking thing. Sexual desire Sexual desire Sexual desire that drove you when you were a teenager that drove you when you were a teenager that drove you when you were a teenager in your 20s and maybe your 30s, and now in your 20s and maybe your 30s, and now in your 20s and maybe your 30s, and now you're like, I think I need a pill for you're like, I think I need a pill for you're like, I think I need a pill for that. that. that. Yeah, that's that's going to happen Yeah, that's that's going to happen Yeah, that's that's going to happen to everybody. Solomon has given us a to everybody. Solomon has given us a to everybody. Solomon has given us a reality check. You see, because this reality check. You see, because this reality check. You see, because this idea, idea, idea, this idea that this idea that this idea that [sighs] [sighs] [sighs] this chiseled physique I have is going this chiseled physique I have is going this chiseled physique I have is going to last forever. Solomon says, "That to last forever. Solomon says, "That to last forever. Solomon says, "That chiseled physique you have, chiseled physique you have, chiseled physique you have, you're going to experience what my dad you're going to experience what my dad you're going to experience what my dad said said said happens to you in your 40s, maybe your happens to you in your 40s, maybe your happens to you in your 40s, maybe your 50s is called furniture disease, where 50s is called furniture disease, where 50s is called furniture disease, where your chest falls into your drawers.

that luxurious hair on your head. that luxurious hair on your head. I still remember the first gray hair I I still remember the first gray hair I I still remember the first gray hair I found. I'm like, "What's that? found. I'm like, "What's that? found. I'm like, "What's that? That perfect skin. He's going to pass along on Sunday." He's going to pass along on Sunday." Solomon is preparing us for these Solomon is preparing us for these Solomon is preparing us for these moments where your body is going to moments where your body is going to moments where your body is going to fade. fade. fade. And so he's saying, "I'm going to gently And so he's saying, "I'm going to gently And so he's saying, "I'm going to gently take you by the hand and I want you to take you by the hand and I want you to take you by the hand and I want you to walk with me because God's given me some walk with me because God's given me some walk with me because God's given me some wisdom about how life works. I have a wisdom about how life works. I have a wisdom about how life works. I have a perspective because I'm on a higher perspective because I'm on a higher perspective because I'm on a higher floor than you when you're young. I want floor than you when you're young. I want floor than you when you're young. I want to show you how it's going to work so to show you how it's going to work so to show you how it's going to work so that you prepared that way because that you prepared that way because that you prepared that way because well, if your body is the best thing you well, if your body is the best thing you well, if your body is the best thing you have, then every day you grow older, then every day you grow older, you're going to be losing. you're going to be losing. you're going to be losing. You're going to fight the process of You're going to fight the process of You're going to fight the process of aging." Now, now I'm not saying don't aging." Now, now I'm not saying don't aging." Now, now I'm not saying don't exercise and don't take care of your exercise and don't take care of your exercise and don't take care of your body. I exercise. I try to eat right. I body. I exercise. I try to eat right. I body. I exercise. I try to eat right. I want to be healthy because God's given want to be healthy because God's given want to be healthy because God's given us a body. He calls it a temple. We're us a body. He calls it a temple. We're us a body. He calls it a temple. We're called to take care of it. But there's a called to take care of it. But there's a called to take care of it. But there's a difference between taking care of your difference between taking care of your difference between taking care of your body body body and fighting aging, of living in denial, and fighting aging, of living in denial, and fighting aging, of living in denial, like an ostrich putting his head in the like an ostrich putting his head in the like an ostrich putting his head in the ground. And we live in a culture that ground. And we live in a culture that ground. And we live in a culture that says your body is the most important says your body is the most important says your body is the most important thing about you. How you look and how thing about you. How you look and how thing about you. How you look and how you look to people and all the things you look to people and all the things you look to people and all the things you do.

you do. you do. And if we listen to the words of the And if we listen to the words of the And if we listen to the words of the culture, culture, culture, well, we'll feel like we're losing every well, we'll feel like we're losing every well, we'll feel like we're losing every single day. single day. single day. I don't know if you know this or not, I don't know if you know this or not, I don't know if you know this or not, but the wellness industry last year was but the wellness industry last year was but the wellness industry last year was a 7 billion a 7 billion a 7 billion industry. industry. industry. 7 billion dollars are spent on health 7 billion dollars are spent on health 7 billion dollars are spent on health and and wellness, on vitamins and and and wellness, on vitamins and and and wellness, on vitamins and supplements and peptides and cosmetic supplements and peptides and cosmetic supplements and peptides and cosmetic creams and plastic surgery. In fact, creams and plastic surgery. In fact, creams and plastic surgery. In fact, Miami is called the plastic surgery Miami is called the plastic surgery Miami is called the plastic surgery capital of the world because per capita, capital of the world because per capita, capital of the world because per capita, there's more plastic surgeons in Miami there's more plastic surgeons in Miami there's more plastic surgeons in Miami than anywhere else in the country. And than anywhere else in the country. And than anywhere else in the country. And so, it's a reminder of the fact that so, it's a reminder of the fact that so, it's a reminder of the fact that people are trying to cut this and nip people are trying to cut this and nip people are trying to cut this and nip that and tuck that, enhance this, reduce that and tuck that, enhance this, reduce that and tuck that, enhance this, reduce that, to do all these things to our body that, to do all these things to our body that, to do all these things to our body to make sure that people don't see that to make sure that people don't see that to make sure that people don't see that we're aging. Solomon says, "Be careful. we're aging. Solomon says, "Be careful. we're aging. Solomon says, "Be careful. No matter what you lift up, it will fall No matter what you lift up, it will fall No matter what you lift up, it will fall down." down." down." Come on, people. Let's just be honest. Just give it enough time and you'll see Just give it enough time and you'll see it's like chasing the wind.

it's like chasing the wind. it's like chasing the wind. >> And and so here's the first big idea >> And and so here's the first big idea >> And and so here's the first big idea about what it means to grow old. about what it means to grow old. about what it means to grow old. Solomon's like whatever you do, don't Solomon's like whatever you do, don't Solomon's like whatever you do, don't chase youth. Don't chase chase youth. Don't chase chase youth. Don't chase staying young. Don't avoid the idea that staying young. Don't avoid the idea that staying young. Don't avoid the idea that you are going to age you are going to age you are going to age because every culture and every because every culture and every because every culture and every generation has tried this. I mean, we generation has tried this. I mean, we generation has tried this. I mean, we laugh at people like Pon Deon, an laugh at people like Pon Deon, an laugh at people like Pon Deon, an explorer WHO'S GOING TO TRAVEL THE WORLD explorer WHO'S GOING TO TRAVEL THE WORLD explorer WHO'S GOING TO TRAVEL THE WORLD looking for the fountain of youth. If I looking for the fountain of youth. If I looking for the fountain of youth. If I could just have one sip of that water, I could just have one sip of that water, I could just have one sip of that water, I won't age. I won't die. This is in the won't age. I won't die. This is in the won't age. I won't die. This is in the human psyche, desire not to grow old, to human psyche, desire not to grow old, to human psyche, desire not to grow old, to be immortal, to not die. In fact, you be immortal, to not die. In fact, you be immortal, to not die. In fact, you think about all of these think about all of these think about all of these entrepreneurs and business leaders. They entrepreneurs and business leaders. They entrepreneurs and business leaders. They they're figuring out how to conquer they're figuring out how to conquer they're figuring out how to conquer technology and now populate space with technology and now populate space with technology and now populate space with satellites, and now maybe we can go to satellites, and now maybe we can go to satellites, and now maybe we can go to Mars and live there. The only thing they Mars and live there. The only thing they Mars and live there. The only thing they haven't conquered yet is aging and haven't conquered yet is aging and haven't conquered yet is aging and death. Here's the problem. You can't death. Here's the problem. You can't death. Here's the problem. You can't conquer aging and death because you're conquer aging and death because you're conquer aging and death because you're not God. The only person who can conquer not God. The only person who can conquer not God. The only person who can conquer death is God himself. And he did that death is God himself. And he did that death is God himself. And he did that when he sent Jesus, his son, to come and when he sent Jesus, his son, to come and when he sent Jesus, his son, to come and die in our place and be raised from the die in our place and be raised from the die in our place and be raised from the dead. And so, there's this human pursuit dead. And so, there's this human pursuit dead. And so, there's this human pursuit of chasing youth, of avoiding age. And of chasing youth, of avoiding age. And of chasing youth, of avoiding age. And Psalm says, "Don't do that when you're Psalm says, "Don't do that when you're Psalm says, "Don't do that when you're young. Remember, this will happen to young. Remember, this will happen to young. Remember, this will happen to you." And this call is both urgent and you." And this call is both urgent and you." And this call is both urgent and calm. Solomon through the book of calm. Solomon through the book of calm. Solomon through the book of Ecclesiastes, enjoy your life. Live the Ecclesiastes, enjoy your life. Live the Ecclesiastes, enjoy your life. Live the best life you can live. Live in wisdom.

best life you can live. Live in wisdom. best life you can live. Live in wisdom. Honor God. But also reflect, calm. Think Honor God. But also reflect, calm. Think Honor God. But also reflect, calm. Think about your life. Think about how you're about your life. Think about how you're about your life. Think about how you're living. Think about what the end of your living. Think about what the end of your living. Think about what the end of your life will be like. And live with the end life will be like. And live with the end life will be like. And live with the end in mind. Because if you fight aging, in mind. Because if you fight aging, in mind. Because if you fight aging, listen, if you fight aging, you will not listen, if you fight aging, you will not listen, if you fight aging, you will not age well. age well. age well. I'm gonna say that again. If you fight I'm gonna say that again. If you fight I'm gonna say that again. If you fight aging, aging, aging, you will not age well. you will not age well. you will not age well. I remember all my great injury stories I remember all my great injury stories I remember all my great injury stories were like, I was playing basketball. I were like, I was playing basketball. I were like, I was playing basketball. I was doing this thing. Now my injuries was doing this thing. Now my injuries was doing this thing. Now my injuries are I got out of bed. Oh are I got out of bed. Oh are I got out of bed. Oh yeah, that that's going to happen in in yeah, that that's going to happen in in yeah, that that's going to happen in in life. And aging can make you the right life. And aging can make you the right life. And aging can make you the right kind of person or it can make you the kind of person or it can make you the kind of person or it can make you the wrong kind of person. wrong kind of person. wrong kind of person. Anybody know that old person who's Anybody know that old person who's Anybody know that old person who's angry, angry, angry, bitter, bitter, bitter, grumpy, grumpy, grumpy, cynical? Get off my lawn. cynical? Get off my lawn. cynical? Get off my lawn. TURN THAT MUSIC DOWN. THIS GENERATION, TURN THAT MUSIC DOWN. THIS GENERATION, TURN THAT MUSIC DOWN. THIS GENERATION, THESE KIDS, THESE KIDS, THESE KIDS, and nobody nobody like that. If they're and nobody nobody like that. If they're and nobody nobody like that. If they're right next to you, don't look at them.

right next to you, don't look at them. right next to you, don't look at them. Just Just Just We all know people like that. We all know people like that. We all know people like that. How did they get that way? That's an How did they get that way? That's an How did they get that way? That's an important question. They weren't always important question. They weren't always important question. They weren't always that way. that way. that way. Solomon says if you if you fight aging, Solomon says if you if you fight aging, Solomon says if you if you fight aging, you're losing control. If your body is you're losing control. If your body is you're losing control. If your body is what it's about, you're constantly what it's about, you're constantly what it's about, you're constantly losing every day. You're going to be losing every day. You're going to be losing every day. You're going to be losing more and more and more. And that losing more and more and more. And that losing more and more and more. And that fight for control you don't want to fight for control you don't want to fight for control you don't want to decline. It's going to come out in all decline. It's going to come out in all decline. It's going to come out in all these different ways. So don't be the these different ways. So don't be the these different ways. So don't be the person who fights Asia and becomes that person who fights Asia and becomes that person who fights Asia and becomes that bitter, angry person. bitter, angry person. bitter, angry person. And And And don't be the person don't be the person don't be the person who just allows disappointment and anger who just allows disappointment and anger who just allows disappointment and anger to make you that kind of person that to make you that kind of person that to make you that kind of person that doesn't look at anyone or anything and doesn't look at anyone or anything and doesn't look at anyone or anything and find a level of joy or trust or love. find a level of joy or trust or love. find a level of joy or trust or love. There is a way to age. Psalm is inviting There is a way to age. Psalm is inviting There is a way to age. Psalm is inviting us to think about it will make us the us to think about it will make us the us to think about it will make us the right kind of person. right kind of person. right kind of person. What does it mean to grow old and to do What does it mean to grow old and to do What does it mean to grow old and to do it well? it well? it well? And so there's a verse in the Bible that And so there's a verse in the Bible that And so there's a verse in the Bible that for me is a vision for me and my wife of for me is a vision for me and my wife of for me is a vision for me and my wife of what we hope to be as we grow old. It's what we hope to be as we grow old. It's what we hope to be as we grow old. It's Psalm 92.

Psalm 92. Psalm 92. Here's what it says. The righteous will Here's what it says. The righteous will Here's what it says. The righteous will flourish like a palm tree. They will flourish like a palm tree. They will flourish like a palm tree. They will grow like a cedar of Lebanon planted in grow like a cedar of Lebanon planted in grow like a cedar of Lebanon planted in the house of the Lord. They will the house of the Lord. They will the house of the Lord. They will flourish in the courts of our God. And flourish in the courts of our God. And flourish in the courts of our God. And they will still bear fruit in old age. they will still bear fruit in old age. they will still bear fruit in old age. They will stay fresh and green They will stay fresh and green They will stay fresh and green proclaiming the Lord is upright. He is proclaiming the Lord is upright. He is proclaiming the Lord is upright. He is my rock and there is no wickedness in my rock and there is no wickedness in my rock and there is no wickedness in him. him. him. Wow. What it be like to grow old and as Wow. What it be like to grow old and as Wow. What it be like to grow old and as you grow old, you don't get stale and you grow old, you don't get stale and you grow old, you don't get stale and isolated and angry and bitter. You don't isolated and angry and bitter. You don't isolated and angry and bitter. You don't become that person who people like, "Oh, become that person who people like, "Oh, become that person who people like, "Oh, that's pathetic. He's doing or she's that's pathetic. He's doing or she's that's pathetic. He's doing or she's doing all these things to pretend like doing all these things to pretend like doing all these things to pretend like they're not growing old like no one else they're not growing old like no one else they're not growing old like no one else can see. We can all see." No, no. You're can see. We can all see." No, no. You're can see. We can all see." No, no. You're a person who embraces. Okay, so I've a person who embraces. Okay, so I've a person who embraces. Okay, so I've lost my hair. I have wrinkles on my lost my hair. I have wrinkles on my lost my hair. I have wrinkles on my skin, but I'm becoming more generous. skin, but I'm becoming more generous. skin, but I'm becoming more generous. of becoming more other centered, more of becoming more other centered, more of becoming more other centered, more more loving, more fruitful. I'm still more loving, more fruitful. I'm still more loving, more fruitful. I'm still fresh and green. I wake up every day. fresh and green. I wake up every day. fresh and green. I wake up every day. Thank you, God. I'm alive today. I have Thank you, God. I'm alive today. I have Thank you, God. I'm alive today. I have joy and expectation for what God might joy and expectation for what God might joy and expectation for what God might do in my life and through my life. And do in my life and through my life. And do in my life and through my life. And there's a light in my eyes. Listen, there's a light in my eyes. Listen, there's a light in my eyes. Listen, that's a a vision that God has for his that's a a vision that God has for his that's a a vision that God has for his people. Do you have a vision for what it people. Do you have a vision for what it people. Do you have a vision for what it would be like for you to grow old?

would be like for you to grow old? would be like for you to grow old? Solomon says, "When you're young, Solomon says, "When you're young, Solomon says, "When you're young, remember remember your creator when remember remember your creator when remember remember your creator when you're young and remember your end so you're young and remember your end so you're young and remember your end so you can live the life that I've given you can live the life that I've given you can live the life that I've given you as a gift." I want to give you a you as a gift." I want to give you a you as a gift." I want to give you a picture of what this looks like. There's picture of what this looks like. There's picture of what this looks like. There's a woman named Barbara and she's been a a woman named Barbara and she's been a a woman named Barbara and she's been a part of our church for years and she was part of our church for years and she was part of our church for years and she was happily married and at 55 her husband happily married and at 55 her husband happily married and at 55 her husband suddenly tragically died. suddenly tragically died. suddenly tragically died. And now she's 55 years old and she could And now she's 55 years old and she could And now she's 55 years old and she could be angry at God or disappointed at God. be angry at God or disappointed at God. be angry at God or disappointed at God. But she prays this prayer. God, I didn't But she prays this prayer. God, I didn't But she prays this prayer. God, I didn't ask for this, but I'm not in control. ask for this, but I'm not in control. ask for this, but I'm not in control. You are. So help me to figure out what You are. So help me to figure out what You are. So help me to figure out what it means to live this adventure with it means to live this adventure with it means to live this adventure with you. God calls her to the mission field. you. God calls her to the mission field. you. God calls her to the mission field. She goes to Mexico and to Nicaragua and She goes to Mexico and to Nicaragua and She goes to Mexico and to Nicaragua and Peru and India and begins to spend Peru and India and begins to spend Peru and India and begins to spend months of time serving the poor and and months of time serving the poor and and months of time serving the poor and and young people in those places. And then young people in those places. And then young people in those places. And then God brings her back here and she's like, God brings her back here and she's like, God brings her back here and she's like, "Well, now I'm back here and I'm all by "Well, now I'm back here and I'm all by "Well, now I'm back here and I'm all by myself." And she could have had the myself." And she could have had the myself." And she could have had the attitude, you know, it feels like this attitude, you know, it feels like this attitude, you know, it feels like this church is all about the young people and church is all about the young people and church is all about the young people and all the young programs and I'm older and all the young programs and I'm older and all the young programs and I'm older and I feel left behind. I'm just a widow. I feel left behind. I'm just a widow. I feel left behind. I'm just a widow. I'm over here. And she decided, I'm not I'm over here. And she decided, I'm not I'm over here. And she decided, I'm not going to do that. I'm not going to be going to do that. I'm not going to be going to do that. I'm not going to be that kind of person. So, she does that kind of person. So, she does that kind of person. So, she does something crazy. She goes and talks to something crazy. She goes and talks to something crazy. She goes and talks to one of our youth leaders and says, "I one of our youth leaders and says, "I one of our youth leaders and says, "I want to start volunteering with want to start volunteering with want to start volunteering with teenagers." And people like, "Oh, teenagers." And people like, "Oh, teenagers." And people like, "Oh, Barbara, Barbara, Barbara, you're in your 70s. Like, I'm not sure you're in your 70s. Like, I'm not sure you're in your 70s. Like, I'm not sure that's going to connect. No, I want to that's going to connect. No, I want to that's going to connect. No, I want to try."

try." try." So, she becomes this sort of grandmother So, she becomes this sort of grandmother So, she becomes this sort of grandmother figure who shows up at youth group figure who shows up at youth group figure who shows up at youth group ministry moments and college ministry ministry moments and college ministry ministry moments and college ministry moments. And she showed up at Y a year moments. And she showed up at Y a year moments. And she showed up at Y a year ago and a whole bunch of kids gravitated ago and a whole bunch of kids gravitated ago and a whole bunch of kids gravitated toward her and she prayed over them. toward her and she prayed over them. toward her and she prayed over them. Some of them rededicated their life to Some of them rededicated their life to Some of them rededicated their life to Jesus. And this year at Youth Encounter, Jesus. And this year at Youth Encounter, Jesus. And this year at Youth Encounter, they all looked for her and they brought they all looked for her and they brought they all looked for her and they brought their friends and here here's just a their friends and here here's just a their friends and here here's just a picture of what that looks like. Here's picture of what that looks like. Here's picture of what that looks like. Here's what it looks like to live fresh and what it looks like to live fresh and what it looks like to live fresh and green with a bunch of teenagers and say, green with a bunch of teenagers and say, green with a bunch of teenagers and say, "Listen, this is this is what ministry "Listen, this is this is what ministry "Listen, this is this is what ministry and life look like." Because there is, and life look like." Because there is, and life look like." Because there is, listen, for all those people who are listen, for all those people who are listen, for all those people who are older, if you're older, raise your hand. older, if you're older, raise your hand. older, if you're older, raise your hand. Just own it. Just own it. It's okay, Just own it. Just own it. It's okay, Just own it. Just own it. It's okay, man. Some of you guys aren't owning it. man. Some of you guys aren't owning it. man. Some of you guys aren't owning it. That gray hair, there's a crown of That gray hair, there's a crown of That gray hair, there's a crown of wisdom like that. That there's there's a wisdom like that. That there's there's a wisdom like that. That there's there's a need and a desire for this generation to need and a desire for this generation to need and a desire for this generation to have those spiritual fathers and mothers have those spiritual fathers and mothers have those spiritual fathers and mothers and grandparents speak into their life. and grandparents speak into their life. and grandparents speak into their life. There's a spiritual hunger there. And we There's a spiritual hunger there. And we There's a spiritual hunger there. And we can be fresh and green. can be fresh and green. can be fresh and green. And so aging, you can age well And so aging, you can age well And so aging, you can age well or age, aging can make you the wrong or age, aging can make you the wrong or age, aging can make you the wrong kind of person. kind of person. kind of person. Now I want to say one more thing because Now I want to say one more thing because Now I want to say one more thing because Solomon was an achiever.

Solomon was an achiever. Solomon was an achiever. Solomon lived under this illusion that Solomon lived under this illusion that Solomon lived under this illusion that if I work hard, I accomplish my goals, I if I work hard, I accomplish my goals, I if I work hard, I accomplish my goals, I I marry the right people, in his case, I marry the right people, in his case, I marry the right people, in his case, have a lot of the right people. He had a have a lot of the right people. He had a have a lot of the right people. He had a thousand concubines and wives. I mean thousand concubines and wives. I mean thousand concubines and wives. I mean crazy. If I get all the degrees, if I crazy. If I get all the degrees, if I crazy. If I get all the degrees, if I learn, I'll be happy. That that is what learn, I'll be happy. That that is what learn, I'll be happy. That that is what he discovers is an illusion. And so he discovers is an illusion. And so he discovers is an illusion. And so Solomon writes from the sense of Solomon writes from the sense of Solomon writes from the sense of disillusionment, disillusionment, disillusionment, that whole journey of how do I find that whole journey of how do I find that whole journey of how do I find meaning? And and here's the thing. We meaning? And and here's the thing. We meaning? And and here's the thing. We see disillusionment as a bad thing, but see disillusionment as a bad thing, but see disillusionment as a bad thing, but disillusionment means to dispel disillusionment means to dispel disillusionment means to dispel an illusion. an illusion. an illusion. And so all of Ecclesiastes is about And so all of Ecclesiastes is about And so all of Ecclesiastes is about dispelling an illusion. That you can dispelling an illusion. That you can dispelling an illusion. That you can find happiness in temporary things. find happiness in temporary things. find happiness in temporary things. That things that you have you'll keep. That things that you have you'll keep. That things that you have you'll keep. That you'll always be in control. That That you'll always be in control. That That you'll always be in control. That if you work hard enough, you'll be able if you work hard enough, you'll be able if you work hard enough, you'll be able to make sure the outcome happens as you to make sure the outcome happens as you to make sure the outcome happens as you wish. And he realized that's all an wish. And he realized that's all an wish. And he realized that's all an illusion. illusion. illusion. and all that frustration led him on this and all that frustration led him on this and all that frustration led him on this journey. And so, one of the ways that we journey. And so, one of the ways that we journey. And so, one of the ways that we will remember our creator well is maybe will remember our creator well is maybe will remember our creator well is maybe to forget some things that we learned to forget some things that we learned to forget some things that we learned along the way, like a two-word phrase, I along the way, like a two-word phrase, I along the way, like a two-word phrase, I can when you're young, I can work out can when you're young, I can work out can when you're young, I can work out and get in shape. I can get that degree.

and get in shape. I can get that degree. and get in shape. I can get that degree. I can start that business. I can achieve I can start that business. I can achieve I can start that business. I can achieve this goal. You set the bar high, I'll this goal. You set the bar high, I'll this goal. You set the bar high, I'll hit it. And a lot of us, we learn this hit it. And a lot of us, we learn this hit it. And a lot of us, we learn this because well, we when we were little because well, we when we were little because well, we when we were little kids, our our parents read us this story kids, our our parents read us this story kids, our our parents read us this story like the little engine that could like the little engine that could like the little engine that could remember the little engine that was like remember the little engine that was like remember the little engine that was like trying to find his way out of like the trying to find his way out of like the trying to find his way out of like the little I can. I think I can. I think I little I can. I think I can. I think I little I can. I think I can. I think I can. I think I can. I think I can. And can. I think I can. I think I can. And can. I think I can. I think I can. And and that mentality, it works for a while and that mentality, it works for a while and that mentality, it works for a while and then it stops and then it stops and then it stops working. I can feels empowering working. I can feels empowering working. I can feels empowering until it it doesn't when all these until it it doesn't when all these until it it doesn't when all these things stop working the way they things stop working the way they things stop working the way they thought. So maybe a more empowering way thought. So maybe a more empowering way thought. So maybe a more empowering way to think about your life as you age is to think about your life as you age is to think about your life as you age is I can't I can't I can't think with me. I can't control think with me. I can't control think with me. I can't control aging. I can't stop growing old. aging. I can't stop growing old. aging. I can't stop growing old. I can't avoid death I can't avoid death I can't avoid death or sickness. or sickness. or sickness. I can't control my spouse or my kids or I can't control my spouse or my kids or I can't control my spouse or my kids or my grandkids or my friends. I can't my grandkids or my friends. I can't my grandkids or my friends. I can't control the people I work with. Some control the people I work with. Some control the people I work with. Some days I can't even control myself.

days I can't even control myself. days I can't even control myself. I'm not sure I can manage my finances or I'm not sure I can manage my finances or I'm not sure I can manage my finances or my anxiety. my anxiety. my anxiety. I'm not sure there's a lot of things I'm not sure there's a lot of things I'm not sure there's a lot of things that I can do. So, I'm just going to say that I can do. So, I'm just going to say that I can do. So, I'm just going to say I I I can't. And what turns out or what sounds can't. And what turns out or what sounds can't. And what turns out or what sounds to be like so defeating is actually to be like so defeating is actually to be like so defeating is actually empowering because then Solomon says empowering because then Solomon says empowering because then Solomon says because you can't now you look to the because you can't now you look to the because you can't now you look to the one who can. He is your creator. Think one who can. He is your creator. Think one who can. He is your creator. Think think with me. What can God do that you think with me. What can God do that you think with me. What can God do that you can't do? can't do? can't do? He can make the sun rise. He can make the sun rise. He can make the sun rise. He can give you breath. He can give you breath. He can give you breath. He can feed sparrows. He can clothe He can feed sparrows. He can clothe He can feed sparrows. He can clothe liies. He can answer prayer. He can move liies. He can answer prayer. He can move liies. He can answer prayer. He can move mountains. He can calm storms. He can mountains. He can calm storms. He can mountains. He can calm storms. He can part seas. part seas. part seas. He can provide wisdom. He can offer He can provide wisdom. He can offer He can provide wisdom. He can offer hope. He can restore sanity. He can hope. He can restore sanity. He can hope. He can restore sanity. He can guide the confused. He can comfort the guide the confused. He can comfort the guide the confused. He can comfort the lonely. He can liberate the oppressed. lonely. He can liberate the oppressed. lonely. He can liberate the oppressed. He can bless the humble. He can bring He can bless the humble. He can bring He can bless the humble. He can bring justice. He can topple rulers. can raise justice. He can topple rulers. can raise justice. He can topple rulers. can raise new leaders up. He can forgive guilt and new leaders up. He can forgive guilt and new leaders up. He can forgive guilt and sin. He can redeem your life. He can sin. He can redeem your life. He can sin. He can redeem your life. He can secure your future. He can because he is secure your future. He can because he is secure your future. He can because he is God and you are not. And that's what we God and you are not. And that's what we God and you are not. And that's what we want to remember as his people.

want to remember as his people. want to remember as his people. [applause] [applause] [applause] Solomon Solomon Solomon says to all the young people, remember says to all the young people, remember says to all the young people, remember your creator while you are young. And your creator while you are young. And your creator while you are young. And then verse n, then verse n, then verse n, not only was the teacher wise, but he not only was the teacher wise, but he not only was the teacher wise, but he also imparted knowledge to the people. also imparted knowledge to the people. also imparted knowledge to the people. He pondered and searched out and set in He pondered and searched out and set in He pondered and searched out and set in order many proverbs. The teacher order many proverbs. The teacher order many proverbs. The teacher searched to find just the right words. searched to find just the right words. searched to find just the right words. And what he wrote was upright and true. And what he wrote was upright and true. And what he wrote was upright and true. And the words of the wise are like And the words of the wise are like And the words of the wise are like goats. They are collected sayings like goats. They are collected sayings like goats. They are collected sayings like firmly embedded nails given by one firmly embedded nails given by one firmly embedded nails given by one shepherd. shepherd. shepherd. Be warned my son of anything in addition Be warned my son of anything in addition Be warned my son of anything in addition to them. Of making many books there is to them. Of making many books there is to them. Of making many books there is no end. And much study we the body. no end. And much study we the body. no end. And much study we the body. Solomon speaking of himself in the third Solomon speaking of himself in the third Solomon speaking of himself in the third person. I was the teacher and I went on person. I was the teacher and I went on person. I was the teacher and I went on this search to gain knowledge and all this search to gain knowledge and all this search to gain knowledge and all that I gained I want to impart to you that I gained I want to impart to you that I gained I want to impart to you the next generation so that you can live the next generation so that you can live the next generation so that you can live a life that is wise. Now he he says a life that is wise. Now he he says a life that is wise. Now he he says earlier in his letter that wisdom does earlier in his letter that wisdom does earlier in his letter that wisdom does not give you control of life. Just not give you control of life. Just not give you control of life. Just because you're wise doesn't mean you're because you're wise doesn't mean you're because you're wise doesn't mean you're in control but it means you can live a in control but it means you can live a in control but it means you can live a sort of abundant life that people who sort of abundant life that people who sort of abundant life that people who live foolishly can't experience. Now how live foolishly can't experience. Now how live foolishly can't experience. Now how many proverbs did Solomon write? It says many proverbs did Solomon write? It says many proverbs did Solomon write? It says here many. But if you look at 2 Kings here many. But if you look at 2 Kings here many. But if you look at 2 Kings chapter 4, you get some specifics. Look chapter 4, you get some specifics. Look chapter 4, you get some specifics. Look what Second Kings says about Solomon's what Second Kings says about Solomon's what Second Kings says about Solomon's wisdom. God gave Solomon wisdom and very wisdom. God gave Solomon wisdom and very wisdom. God gave Solomon wisdom and very great insight and a breath of great insight and a breath of great insight and a breath of understanding as measures as the sand of understanding as measures as the sand of understanding as measures as the sand of the seashore.

the seashore. the seashore. Look at that description. Look at that description. Look at that description. Great insight, a breath of Great insight, a breath of Great insight, a breath of understanding, measurless as the sand of understanding, measurless as the sand of understanding, measurless as the sand of the seashore. And then it says he spoke the seashore. And then it says he spoke the seashore. And then it says he spoke 3,000 proverbs and his songs numbered a 3,000 proverbs and his songs numbered a 3,000 proverbs and his songs numbered a thousand and5. thousand and5. thousand and5. Solomon saying of himself, I spent my Solomon saying of himself, I spent my Solomon saying of himself, I spent my whole life gathering wisdom and figuring whole life gathering wisdom and figuring whole life gathering wisdom and figuring out what the right way is to say this. out what the right way is to say this. out what the right way is to say this. And much of the wisdom literature in the And much of the wisdom literature in the And much of the wisdom literature in the Bible, the book of Proverbs, the book of Bible, the book of Proverbs, the book of Bible, the book of Proverbs, the book of Ecclesiastes, the book of Song of Ecclesiastes, the book of Song of Ecclesiastes, the book of Song of Solomon are all part of this wisdom Solomon are all part of this wisdom Solomon are all part of this wisdom that's being passed on to the next that's being passed on to the next that's being passed on to the next generation. Again, a gift from God, from generation. Again, a gift from God, from generation. Again, a gift from God, from someone who lives at a higher floor, someone who lives at a higher floor, someone who lives at a higher floor, looking down, helping the next looking down, helping the next looking down, helping the next generation know how to live. And he says generation know how to live. And he says generation know how to live. And he says something interesting in verse 11 that something interesting in verse 11 that something interesting in verse 11 that all of these wise words, this all of these wise words, this all of these wise words, this collection, they're like goats, like collection, they're like goats, like collection, they're like goats, like firmly embedded firmly embedded firmly embedded nails. nails. nails. Huh? Now, typically when we think of Huh? Now, typically when we think of Huh? Now, typically when we think of wisdom, we don't think of wisdom as wisdom, we don't think of wisdom as wisdom, we don't think of wisdom as something that hurts. Now, we think of something that hurts. Now, we think of something that hurts. Now, we think of wisdom more like Psalm 19. And so I I wisdom more like Psalm 19. And so I I wisdom more like Psalm 19. And so I I ask you to look at Psalm 19. I'm just ask you to look at Psalm 19. I'm just ask you to look at Psalm 19. I'm just going to read when we think of wisdom in going to read when we think of wisdom in going to read when we think of wisdom in the Bible here. Here here's sort of how the Bible here. Here here's sort of how the Bible here. Here here's sort of how we think about wisdom.

we think about wisdom. we think about wisdom. David writes this about wisdom in verse David writes this about wisdom in verse David writes this about wisdom in verse 7 of Psalm 19. The law of the Lord is 7 of Psalm 19. The law of the Lord is 7 of Psalm 19. The law of the Lord is perfect. Refreshing the soul. Wisdom perfect. Refreshing the soul. Wisdom perfect. Refreshing the soul. Wisdom revives you. It refreshes you. Like, oh, revives you. It refreshes you. Like, oh, revives you. It refreshes you. Like, oh, that was such a good word. It's going to that was such a good word. It's going to that was such a good word. It's going to help me live and make the right choices. help me live and make the right choices. help me live and make the right choices. The statutes of the Lord are The statutes of the Lord are The statutes of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise, the simple trustworthy, making wise, the simple trustworthy, making wise, the simple people who who don't think about all the people who who don't think about all the people who who don't think about all the the implications of their decision. the implications of their decision. the implications of their decision. Wisdom gives them a broader perspective Wisdom gives them a broader perspective Wisdom gives them a broader perspective to make better choices. The precepts of to make better choices. The precepts of to make better choices. The precepts of the Lord are right, giving joy to the the Lord are right, giving joy to the the Lord are right, giving joy to the heart. The wisdom of God brings joy heart. The wisdom of God brings joy heart. The wisdom of God brings joy because when you do the right thing in because when you do the right thing in because when you do the right thing in the right way, there's a blessing and the right way, there's a blessing and the right way, there's a blessing and that's the invitation. The commands of that's the invitation. The commands of that's the invitation. The commands of the Lord are radiant, giving light to the Lord are radiant, giving light to the Lord are radiant, giving light to the eyes. When you experience and live the eyes. When you experience and live the eyes. When you experience and live in the wisdom of God, there's a light in in the wisdom of God, there's a light in in the wisdom of God, there's a light in your eyes that you don't have in any your eyes that you don't have in any your eyes that you don't have in any other way. And then David goes on and other way. And then David goes on and other way. And then David goes on and says, "The wisdom of God is precious says, "The wisdom of God is precious says, "The wisdom of God is precious like gold. It's sweeter than honey. like gold. It's sweeter than honey. like gold. It's sweeter than honey. And if you follow the wisdom of God, And if you follow the wisdom of God, And if you follow the wisdom of God, there is great reward." And so there's a there is great reward." And so there's a there is great reward." And so there's a part of the wisdom of God that's this part of the wisdom of God that's this part of the wisdom of God that's this sweetness. sweetness. sweetness. But Solomon talks about another side of But Solomon talks about another side of But Solomon talks about another side of God's wisdom that God's wisdom, God's wisdom that God's wisdom, God's wisdom that God's wisdom, well, it can make you wse. What is a well, it can make you wse. What is a well, it can make you wse. What is a goat? A goat is this. It's like a cattle goat? A goat is this. It's like a cattle goat? A goat is this. It's like a cattle prod. It's what a shepherd or farmer prod. It's what a shepherd or farmer prod. It's what a shepherd or farmer would do to get the sheep to walk or the would do to get the sheep to walk or the would do to get the sheep to walk or the cattle to walk in a certain direction.

cattle to walk in a certain direction. cattle to walk in a certain direction. So if the cow or the sheep went right, So if the cow or the sheep went right, So if the cow or the sheep went right, the the farmer would prod them. Oh, that the the farmer would prod them. Oh, that the the farmer would prod them. Oh, that sharp. Oh, I better go this way. If they sharp. Oh, I better go this way. If they sharp. Oh, I better go this way. If they go left, I'm going to go this way. If go left, I'm going to go this way. If go left, I'm going to go this way. If they try to back up. they try to back up. they try to back up. And and the shepherd is inflicting pain And and the shepherd is inflicting pain And and the shepherd is inflicting pain on these animals so they go in the right on these animals so they go in the right on these animals so they go in the right direction so they don't walk off a cliff direction so they don't walk off a cliff direction so they don't walk off a cliff or isolate themselves so a predator or isolate themselves so a predator or isolate themselves so a predator could kill them. And and so the farmer, could kill them. And and so the farmer, could kill them. And and so the farmer, the shepherd is is helping to protect the shepherd is is helping to protect the shepherd is is helping to protect the sheep and guide the sheep by hurting the sheep and guide the sheep by hurting the sheep and guide the sheep by hurting them. And Solomon says the wisdom, all them. And Solomon says the wisdom, all them. And Solomon says the wisdom, all of this collected wisdom, it's like a of this collected wisdom, it's like a of this collected wisdom, it's like a goat, like a firmly embedded nail given goat, like a firmly embedded nail given goat, like a firmly embedded nail given by a shepherd. by a shepherd. by a shepherd. And that makes us think about wisdom in And that makes us think about wisdom in And that makes us think about wisdom in a slightly different way. You can write a slightly different way. You can write a slightly different way. You can write it down this way. Wisdom often hurts it down this way. Wisdom often hurts it down this way. Wisdom often hurts before it helps. before it helps. before it helps. Wisdom is an invitation and it's also a Wisdom is an invitation and it's also a Wisdom is an invitation and it's also a warning. It makes you smile warning. It makes you smile warning. It makes you smile and it makes you wse. and it makes you wse. and it makes you wse. Remember the well-known story in the Remember the well-known story in the Remember the well-known story in the Bible of a man named Saul of Tarsus?

Bible of a man named Saul of Tarsus? Bible of a man named Saul of Tarsus? He's on a horse. He's with an army. He's He's on a horse. He's with an army. He's He's on a horse. He's with an army. He's going to Damascus to arrest and kill going to Damascus to arrest and kill going to Damascus to arrest and kill Christians. He is sure in his young 20s Christians. He is sure in his young 20s Christians. He is sure in his young 20s and 30s that he is the right guy for the and 30s that he is the right guy for the and 30s that he is the right guy for the job. I can. I'm zealous. I'm right. job. I can. I'm zealous. I'm right. job. I can. I'm zealous. I'm right. They're wrong. We're going to show them. They're wrong. We're going to show them. They're wrong. We're going to show them. I can do it. And Jesus knocks Saul off I can do it. And Jesus knocks Saul off I can do it. And Jesus knocks Saul off his high horse onto the ground and his high horse onto the ground and his high horse onto the ground and blinds him and asks him this question. blinds him and asks him this question. blinds him and asks him this question. Saul, why are you kicking against the Saul, why are you kicking against the Saul, why are you kicking against the goats? Why are you going this direction? you're Why are you going this direction? you're going to inflict pain on yourself and going to inflict pain on yourself and going to inflict pain on yourself and other people. Stop kicking against the other people. Stop kicking against the other people. Stop kicking against the goats. And now Saul is blind and needs goats. And now Saul is blind and needs goats. And now Saul is blind and needs to be led and he's brought to a house to be led and he's brought to a house to be led and he's brought to a house and he's completely helpless. And that's and he's completely helpless. And that's and he's completely helpless. And that's where Jesus opens his eyes where Jesus opens his eyes where Jesus opens his eyes and gives him a vision for his life. and gives him a vision for his life. and gives him a vision for his life. Jesus has to hurt Saul Jesus has to hurt Saul Jesus has to hurt Saul to help him. And that's something we to help him. And that's something we to help him. And that's something we should be curious about. How how might should be curious about. How how might should be curious about. How how might God be hurting me to help me? How might God be hurting me to help me? How might God be hurting me to help me? How might he be giving me wisdom to help me go in he be giving me wisdom to help me go in he be giving me wisdom to help me go in the right direction? And this is the the right direction? And this is the the right direction? And this is the invitation that God's always given to invitation that God's always given to invitation that God's always given to people. Here's the invitation he gave people. Here's the invitation he gave people. Here's the invitation he gave through Moses to the children of Israel.

through Moses to the children of Israel. through Moses to the children of Israel. This day I call the heavens and the This day I call the heavens and the This day I call the heavens and the earth as witnesses against you. I have earth as witnesses against you. I have earth as witnesses against you. I have set before you life and death, blessing set before you life and death, blessing set before you life and death, blessing and curses. Now choose life so that you and curses. Now choose life so that you and curses. Now choose life so that you and your children may live. and your children may live. and your children may live. God gives you a choice. He always gives God gives you a choice. He always gives God gives you a choice. He always gives you a choice. And his desire is that you you a choice. And his desire is that you you a choice. And his desire is that you choose the right way. and he'll even use choose the right way. and he'll even use choose the right way. and he'll even use pain to sort of prod you in the right pain to sort of prod you in the right pain to sort of prod you in the right way, but he's not going to control your way, but he's not going to control your way, but he's not going to control your decision. He's going to always give you decision. He's going to always give you decision. He's going to always give you a choice. a choice. a choice. And did you notice that God's wisdom And did you notice that God's wisdom And did you notice that God's wisdom always goes against the flow of cultures always goes against the flow of cultures always goes against the flow of cultures cultures wisdom? cultures wisdom? cultures wisdom? The flow of the wisdom of our age says The flow of the wisdom of our age says The flow of the wisdom of our age says avoid aging. Don't think about death. avoid aging. Don't think about death. avoid aging. Don't think about death. The wisdom of God said no, if you think The wisdom of God said no, if you think The wisdom of God said no, if you think about your last day and live with the about your last day and live with the about your last day and live with the end in mind, you'll actually have a full end in mind, you'll actually have a full end in mind, you'll actually have a full life. life. life. The flow of the world's wisdom says it's The flow of the world's wisdom says it's The flow of the world's wisdom says it's all about you. It's your life. It's your all about you. It's your life. It's your all about you. It's your life. It's your body. It's your truth. It's your money. body. It's your truth. It's your money. body. It's your truth. It's your money. Do what's best. Follow your heart. Do what's best. Follow your heart. Do what's best. Follow your heart. The wisdom of God says there's a way The wisdom of God says there's a way The wisdom of God says there's a way that seems right to you, but it'll lead that seems right to you, but it'll lead that seems right to you, but it'll lead to death.

to death. to death. So, So, So, fear God and keep his commandments, and fear God and keep his commandments, and fear God and keep his commandments, and you will find life. you will find life. you will find life. But here's the problem. But here's the problem. But here's the problem. This is the problem we don't talk about This is the problem we don't talk about This is the problem we don't talk about in church a lot. That every time you in church a lot. That every time you in church a lot. That every time you make a selfish decision or foolish make a selfish decision or foolish make a selfish decision or foolish decision or decision that that the world decision or decision that that the world decision or decision that that the world says is good, says is good, says is good, things actually get better in your life things actually get better in your life things actually get better in your life for a period of time. for a period of time. for a period of time. For example, For example, For example, you're in a college class you're in a college class you're in a college class and and and this is an important test and you don't this is an important test and you don't this is an important test and you don't know the answer and the smartest kid is know the answer and the smartest kid is know the answer and the smartest kid is next to you next to you next to you and if you look and get the right answer and if you look and get the right answer and if you look and get the right answer and fill in and no one catches you, you and fill in and no one catches you, you and fill in and no one catches you, you pass the class and you're better off. pass the class and you're better off. pass the class and you're better off. You do something bad and something good You do something bad and something good You do something bad and something good happens right away. You're stressed out happens right away. You're stressed out happens right away. You're stressed out and you're like, "If I just took a drink and you're like, "If I just took a drink and you're like, "If I just took a drink or took some pills, I I would calm my or took some pills, I I would calm my or took some pills, I I would calm my anxiety." And you do and it does. You anxiety." And you do and it does. You anxiety." And you do and it does. You feel sexual tension. And you're like, if feel sexual tension. And you're like, if feel sexual tension. And you're like, if I just act out on this tension with this I just act out on this tension with this I just act out on this tension with this one person or click on this one button, one person or click on this one button, one person or click on this one button, I'll feel good and gratified and you I'll feel good and gratified and you I'll feel good and gratified and you will. And that's the problem with sin.

will. And that's the problem with sin. will. And that's the problem with sin. It tempts. It feels so good for a little It tempts. It feels so good for a little It tempts. It feels so good for a little while, but then follow that along. And while, but then follow that along. And while, but then follow that along. And what happens what happens what happens to the character of a person? to the character of a person? to the character of a person? Your character gets wrecked over the Your character gets wrecked over the Your character gets wrecked over the long term? You become a certain type of long term? You become a certain type of long term? You become a certain type of person that's all about you or person that's all about you or person that's all about you or compromises your values or integrity for compromises your values or integrity for compromises your values or integrity for a moment of pleasure. And then you find a moment of pleasure. And then you find a moment of pleasure. And then you find yourself what you thought was freedom yourself what you thought was freedom yourself what you thought was freedom becomes bondage. What you thought was becomes bondage. What you thought was becomes bondage. What you thought was fulfillment becomes emptiness. And you fulfillment becomes emptiness. And you fulfillment becomes emptiness. And you find I feel empty find I feel empty find I feel empty and lonely and aimless. How did I get and lonely and aimless. How did I get and lonely and aimless. How did I get here? And that's what happens when you here? And that's what happens when you here? And that's what happens when you go with the flow of cultural wisdom. And go with the flow of cultural wisdom. And go with the flow of cultural wisdom. And Solomon's like when you're young Solomon's like when you're young Solomon's like when you're young remember your creator. And these words remember your creator. And these words remember your creator. And these words are goats. They help move you in the are goats. They help move you in the are goats. They help move you in the right direction. if you allow them to right direction. if you allow them to right direction. if you allow them to have their effect in your life. have their effect in your life. have their effect in your life. And so the world will constantly offer And so the world will constantly offer And so the world will constantly offer us these us these us these shortcuts. shortcuts. shortcuts. You undermine that person at work, you You undermine that person at work, you You undermine that person at work, you get the credit, you get the raise, they get the credit, you get the raise, they get the credit, you get the raise, they don't. It worked for a while.

don't. It worked for a while. don't. It worked for a while. If I write something crazy online, If I write something crazy online, If I write something crazy online, people will like it people will like it people will like it for a while. for a while. for a while. But you gain the world and lose your But you gain the world and lose your But you gain the world and lose your soul. soul. soul. So what happens as Christians when we do So what happens as Christians when we do So what happens as Christians when we do this? I mean, we know in Christ we're this? I mean, we know in Christ we're this? I mean, we know in Christ we're forgiven, but what what about when we forgiven, but what what about when we forgiven, but what what about when we make foolish decisions as a Christian? make foolish decisions as a Christian? make foolish decisions as a Christian? Well, God loves us enough not just to Well, God loves us enough not just to Well, God loves us enough not just to go, "Well, go, "Well, go, "Well, you do you. Doesn't matter to me." Now, you do you. Doesn't matter to me." Now, you do you. Doesn't matter to me." Now, he does what a good father does when he he does what a good father does when he he does what a good father does when he father sees a child doing something father sees a child doing something father sees a child doing something foolish. He disciplines that child for foolish. He disciplines that child for foolish. He disciplines that child for their good. The book of Hebrews their good. The book of Hebrews their good. The book of Hebrews describes what God will do to us. Like a describes what God will do to us. Like a describes what God will do to us. Like a shepherd to a sheep with a goat, he shepherd to a sheep with a goat, he shepherd to a sheep with a goat, he disciplines us. Here's what the book of disciplines us. Here's what the book of disciplines us. Here's what the book of Hebrews says. No discipline seems Hebrews says. No discipline seems Hebrews says. No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later pleasant at the time, but painful. Later pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of on, however, it produces a harvest of on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who righteousness and peace for those who righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it. have been trained by it. have been trained by it. And again, this is a powerful verse in And again, this is a powerful verse in And again, this is a powerful verse in in the way that God works in and through in the way that God works in and through in the way that God works in and through his people when they're failing, when his people when they're failing, when his people when they're failing, when they make the wrong decision. God they make the wrong decision. God they make the wrong decision. God doesn't go fine, forget it.

doesn't go fine, forget it. doesn't go fine, forget it. No, he introduces pain No, he introduces pain No, he introduces pain into our life into our life into our life to reshape our character back toward to reshape our character back toward to reshape our character back toward what real life is all about. Just like a what real life is all about. Just like a what real life is all about. Just like a good father. Now notice the word good father. Now notice the word good father. Now notice the word harvest. harvest. harvest. Says when we are disciplined by God, Says when we are disciplined by God, Says when we are disciplined by God, it's not pleasant. Consequences come it's not pleasant. Consequences come it's not pleasant. Consequences come because of our sin. This is not God's because of our sin. This is not God's because of our sin. This is not God's rejection of us. It's his love drawing rejection of us. It's his love drawing rejection of us. It's his love drawing close to us. His discipline is painful, close to us. His discipline is painful, close to us. His discipline is painful, but it causes a harvest. A harvest means but it causes a harvest. A harvest means but it causes a harvest. A harvest means you plant something, but you don't get you plant something, but you don't get you plant something, but you don't get it for a while. Which means it takes it for a while. Which means it takes it for a while. Which means it takes time for God not just to bring time for God not just to bring time for God not just to bring forgiveness, but to reshape the way you forgiveness, but to reshape the way you forgiveness, but to reshape the way you think and the way you live your life. think and the way you live your life. think and the way you live your life. And that harvest over time produces two And that harvest over time produces two And that harvest over time produces two things, righteousness things, righteousness things, righteousness and peace for those who've been trained and peace for those who've been trained and peace for those who've been trained by it. So when you sin as a Christian, by it. So when you sin as a Christian, by it. So when you sin as a Christian, embrace the discipline of God as the embrace the discipline of God as the embrace the discipline of God as the love of God, knowing he's drawing near love of God, knowing he's drawing near love of God, knowing he's drawing near to you to help reshape your heart, your to you to help reshape your heart, your to you to help reshape your heart, your actions, your thoughts to be more like actions, your thoughts to be more like actions, your thoughts to be more like his so ultimately you can experience his so ultimately you can experience his so ultimately you can experience peace and righteousness. This is the peace and righteousness. This is the peace and righteousness. This is the gift of God. Have you ever experienced gift of God. Have you ever experienced gift of God. Have you ever experienced the discipline of God? think of me time the discipline of God? think of me time the discipline of God? think of me time in your life you're like I know I in your life you're like I know I in your life you're like I know I shouldn't do this but I did it and these shouldn't do this but I did it and these shouldn't do this but I did it and these consequences come consequences come consequences come sometimes we can interpret that as God sometimes we can interpret that as God sometimes we can interpret that as God is punishing me is punishing me is punishing me but the Bible says no he's disciplining but the Bible says no he's disciplining but the Bible says no he's disciplining you he's train you and there's a big you he's train you and there's a big you he's train you and there's a big difference between those two things and difference between those two things and difference between those two things and so Solomon reminds us

so Solomon reminds us so Solomon reminds us God's word can make us smile God's word can make us smile God's word can make us smile sweet as honey delight and it can make sweet as honey delight and it can make sweet as honey delight and it can make us wse us wse us wse So, let's talk about how that works in So, let's talk about how that works in So, let's talk about how that works in our life. How many of you know that our life. How many of you know that our life. How many of you know that you're made in the very image and you're made in the very image and you're made in the very image and likeness of God? likeness of God? likeness of God? Smile. You're made in the image and Smile. You're made in the image and Smile. You're made in the image and likeness of God. likeness of God. likeness of God. But the Bible also says you are a sinner But the Bible also says you are a sinner But the Bible also says you are a sinner and your sin separates you from God. and your sin separates you from God. and your sin separates you from God. [snorts] [snorts] [snorts] These things are both true. These things are both true. These things are both true. God gives you free will to make God gives you free will to make God gives you free will to make decisions on your own. [sighs] decisions on your own. [sighs] decisions on your own. [sighs] And he's so generous. Wow. And he's so generous. Wow. And he's so generous. Wow. But I am not in control and never will But I am not in control and never will But I am not in control and never will be. But [snorts] I want to be. be. But [snorts] I want to be. be. But [snorts] I want to be. God has made you for a purpose. You are God has made you for a purpose. You are God has made you for a purpose. You are fearfully and wonderfully made. Your fearfully and wonderfully made. Your fearfully and wonderfully made. Your gifts, your experiences, your calling gifts, your experiences, your calling gifts, your experiences, your calling have created you to do something great have created you to do something great have created you to do something great in the world. But it's not about you. in the world. But it's not about you. in the world. But it's not about you. [snorts] [snorts] [snorts] You start thinking about all these You start thinking about all these You start thinking about all these beautiful promises of God that make you beautiful promises of God that make you beautiful promises of God that make you smile and the ones that make you go, "Oh smile and the ones that make you go, "Oh smile and the ones that make you go, "Oh yeah, that [snorts] great on my own yeah, that [snorts] great on my own yeah, that [snorts] great on my own desire to do my own And these things are desire to do my own And these things are desire to do my own And these things are both true about the wisdom of God.

both true about the wisdom of God. both true about the wisdom of God. And then Solomon closes his book with And then Solomon closes his book with And then Solomon closes his book with these two verses. these two verses. these two verses. So now all has been heard. So now all has been heard. So now all has been heard. Here is the conclusion of the matter Here is the conclusion of the matter Here is the conclusion of the matter after all this writing. Here we go. Fear after all this writing. Here we go. Fear after all this writing. Here we go. Fear God and keep his commandments. For this God and keep his commandments. For this God and keep his commandments. For this is the duty of all mankind. For God will is the duty of all mankind. For God will is the duty of all mankind. For God will bring every deed into judgment, bring every deed into judgment, bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it including every hidden thing, whether it including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil. is good or evil. is good or evil. Solomon just steps back in a very calm Solomon just steps back in a very calm Solomon just steps back in a very calm but urgent way and said,"Ive I've I've but urgent way and said,"Ive I've I've but urgent way and said,"Ive I've I've done all this studying. I've done all done all this studying. I've done all done all this studying. I've done all this research. I've done this my life this research. I've done this my life this research. I've done this my life experience through failure and success experience through failure and success experience through failure and success and and I've concluded this that you and and I've concluded this that you and and I've concluded this that you want to live with the end in mind want to live with the end in mind want to live with the end in mind that there is a fear of God that is that there is a fear of God that is that there is a fear of God that is healthy, that is holy, that will help healthy, that is holy, that will help healthy, that is holy, that will help you in your life." you in your life." you in your life." And maybe we can phrase it this way And maybe we can phrase it this way And maybe we can phrase it this way because the idea of fear of God is because the idea of fear of God is because the idea of fear of God is something hard for us to understand. But something hard for us to understand. But something hard for us to understand. But I want you to think about it this way. I want you to think about it this way. I want you to think about it this way. Live in awe of God. The word fear, the Live in awe of God. The word fear, the Live in awe of God. The word fear, the word reverence, the word awe have very word reverence, the word awe have very word reverence, the word awe have very similar connotations to them. I don't I similar connotations to them. I don't I similar connotations to them. I don't I don't live my life afraid that every don't live my life afraid that every don't live my life afraid that every time I say or do something that God's time I say or do something that God's time I say or do something that God's going to smite me. But I do live in a going to smite me. But I do live in a going to smite me. But I do live in a sense of awe that every word I say, he sense of awe that every word I say, he sense of awe that every word I say, he hears. Every thought I think, he can hears. Every thought I think, he can hears. Every thought I think, he can perceive. And he's gone before me. And perceive. And he's gone before me. And perceive. And he's gone before me. And every breath that I breathe is a gift of every breath that I breathe is a gift of every breath that I breathe is a gift of his. and ultimately all of my actions his. and ultimately all of my actions his. and ultimately all of my actions will be weighed. And that gives me a will be weighed. And that gives me a will be weighed. And that gives me a soberness about how I live. Not a soberness about how I live. Not a soberness about how I live. Not a presumption, but a soberness of the presumption, but a soberness of the presumption, but a soberness of the reality of who God is and who I am. He

reality of who God is and who I am. He reality of who God is and who I am. He is in heaven and I am not. He is wise is in heaven and I am not. He is wise is in heaven and I am not. He is wise and I think I am. But he's the one who's and I think I am. But he's the one who's and I think I am. But he's the one who's in control. And so, how do we live in in control. And so, how do we live in in control. And so, how do we live in awe of God? I was reading something this week and I was reading something this week and Two questions were posed and I think Two questions were posed and I think Two questions were posed and I think they were really good questions about they were really good questions about they were really good questions about living in the awe of God. And so here's living in the awe of God. And so here's living in the awe of God. And so here's the first one. Psalm says, "Fear God, the first one. Psalm says, "Fear God, the first one. Psalm says, "Fear God, live in awe and keep his commandments. live in awe and keep his commandments. live in awe and keep his commandments. This is the whole duty of mankind." So This is the whole duty of mankind." So This is the whole duty of mankind." So here's here's the first question. Do you here's here's the first question. Do you here's here's the first question. Do you live in awe of God? When was the last live in awe of God? When was the last live in awe of God? When was the last time that you read the Bible and you time that you read the Bible and you time that you read the Bible and you were amazed? were amazed? were amazed? When was the last time you approached When was the last time you approached When was the last time you approached the Bible with an expectation? God's the Bible with an expectation? God's the Bible with an expectation? God's going to speak to me. going to speak to me. going to speak to me. Not not how often do you read the Bible, Not not how often do you read the Bible, Not not how often do you read the Bible, but how do you approach the Bible? Not but how do you approach the Bible? Not but how do you approach the Bible? Not as like a history book or book of poetry as like a history book or book of poetry as like a history book or book of poetry or book of prophecy, but like a love or book of prophecy, but like a love or book of prophecy, but like a love letter from God to you that it's a letter from God to you that it's a letter from God to you that it's a living and active word and he has a word living and active word and he has a word living and active word and he has a word for you because that's a posture of for you because that's a posture of for you because that's a posture of childlikeness.

childlikeness. childlikeness. It's a posture of a child looking to a It's a posture of a child looking to a It's a posture of a child looking to a father for good things. father for good things. father for good things. I It's a posture of relationship. I It's a posture of relationship. I It's a posture of relationship. And that's what it means to live in the And that's what it means to live in the And that's what it means to live in the awe of God. If maybe you've not awe of God. If maybe you've not awe of God. If maybe you've not experienced that sense of awe and maybe experienced that sense of awe and maybe experienced that sense of awe and maybe you don't read the Bible much, maybe go you don't read the Bible much, maybe go you don't read the Bible much, maybe go home and before you go to bed tonight, home and before you go to bed tonight, home and before you go to bed tonight, pray, "God, give me a sense of awe. Show pray, "God, give me a sense of awe. Show pray, "God, give me a sense of awe. Show me something. Reveal something to me me something. Reveal something to me me something. Reveal something to me about you and myself as I read." And about you and myself as I read." And about you and myself as I read." And just open the Bible and watch God speak. just open the Bible and watch God speak. just open the Bible and watch God speak. Second thing, when was the last time you Second thing, when was the last time you Second thing, when was the last time you read something in the Bible and you read something in the Bible and you read something in the Bible and you submitted to what it said even though it submitted to what it said even though it submitted to what it said even though it hurt, hurt, hurt, even though it required you to change? even though it required you to change? even though it required you to change? >> [sighs] >> That's a pretty good test of what it >> That's a pretty good test of what it means to live in the awe of God. means to live in the awe of God. means to live in the awe of God. So like a there's this person who really So like a there's this person who really So like a there's this person who really hurt me and hurt me and hurt me and I just I can't forgive them because you I just I can't forgive them because you I just I can't forgive them because you don't understand like it all these don't understand like it all these don't understand like it all these things and then and then you read things and then and then you read things and then and then you read forgive as Christ forgave you. And that forgive as Christ forgave you. And that forgive as Christ forgave you. And that now you have a choice. You let your now you have a choice. You let your now you have a choice. You let your thoughts and feelings about a situation thoughts and feelings about a situation thoughts and feelings about a situation and you weigh them next to what God and you weigh them next to what God and you weigh them next to what God says. And you have a choice. If I live says. And you have a choice. If I live says. And you have a choice. If I live in awe of God, I submit to his way, in awe of God, I submit to his way, in awe of God, I submit to his way, trusting he knows best or I keep living trusting he knows best or I keep living trusting he knows best or I keep living my own life and doing it my own way. And my own life and doing it my own way. And my own life and doing it my own way. And we can do this in a thousand ways. in we can do this in a thousand ways. in we can do this in a thousand ways. in the way we express our sexuality, in the the way we express our sexuality, in the the way we express our sexuality, in the way we deal with our money, in the way way we deal with our money, in the way way we deal with our money, in the way we deal with conflict, in the way we we deal with conflict, in the way we we deal with conflict, in the way we deal with fame or trouble,

deal with fame or trouble, deal with fame or trouble, allowing God's word to be of greater allowing God's word to be of greater allowing God's word to be of greater weight than our own opinion. And this is weight than our own opinion. And this is weight than our own opinion. And this is one way to live in the awe of God. one way to live in the awe of God. one way to live in the awe of God. Solomon's like, Solomon's like, Solomon's like, I can conclude everything I've ever I can conclude everything I've ever I can conclude everything I've ever learned and written, the 3,000 proverbs learned and written, the 3,000 proverbs learned and written, the 3,000 proverbs by this. Just if you fear God and you by this. Just if you fear God and you by this. Just if you fear God and you keep his commandments, this is the whole keep his commandments, this is the whole keep his commandments, this is the whole duty of man. And then he says this, duty of man. And then he says this, duty of man. And then he says this, "Because there is a day coming where "Because there is a day coming where "Because there is a day coming where you're going to stand before God in you're going to stand before God in you're going to stand before God in judgment." Now, I don't know if you ever judgment." Now, I don't know if you ever judgment." Now, I don't know if you ever have experienced a recurring nightmare, have experienced a recurring nightmare, have experienced a recurring nightmare, but preachers have a recurring but preachers have a recurring but preachers have a recurring nightmare. I just had it two nights ago. nightmare. I just had it two nights ago. nightmare. I just had it two nights ago. You know what the preacher's recurring You know what the preacher's recurring You know what the preacher's recurring nightmare is? nightmare is? nightmare is? I'm standing up in front of all these I'm standing up in front of all these I'm standing up in front of all these people. You're all looking at me and I people. You're all looking at me and I people. You're all looking at me and I have no idea what I'm going to say. have no idea what I'm going to say. have no idea what I'm going to say. A preacher's biggest nightmare is I'm A preacher's biggest nightmare is I'm A preacher's biggest nightmare is I'm I'm unprepared for the moment. And I'm unprepared for the moment. And I'm unprepared for the moment. And Solomon is saying, Solomon is saying, Solomon is saying, "One of the worst things that could "One of the worst things that could "One of the worst things that could happen in your life is for you to be happen in your life is for you to be happen in your life is for you to be unprepared for the most important event unprepared for the most important event unprepared for the most important event or moment in your life. And it's not a or moment in your life. And it's not a or moment in your life. And it's not a dream you can wake up from.

dream you can wake up from. dream you can wake up from. You breathe your last breath. You're You breathe your last breath. You're You breathe your last breath. You're standing before God. And now you're standing before God. And now you're standing before God. And now you're going to be judged." And what does he going to be judged." And what does he going to be judged." And what does he say? say? say? Every deed will be brought into Every deed will be brought into Every deed will be brought into judgment, including everything that's judgment, including everything that's judgment, including everything that's hidden, whether it's good or evil. hidden, whether it's good or evil. hidden, whether it's good or evil. Solomon says most people spend most of Solomon says most people spend most of Solomon says most people spend most of their life not thinking about that most their life not thinking about that most their life not thinking about that most important day when their entire life is important day when their entire life is important day when their entire life is evaluated. And he's encouraging us live evaluated. And he's encouraging us live evaluated. And he's encouraging us live with that moment in mind. It won't be a with that moment in mind. It won't be a with that moment in mind. It won't be a dream. You won't be able to wake up from dream. You won't be able to wake up from dream. You won't be able to wake up from up. It's going to be real. Now, what up. It's going to be real. Now, what up. It's going to be real. Now, what does it mean to stand before God? I does it mean to stand before God? I does it mean to stand before God? I mean, just imagine the moment with me. mean, just imagine the moment with me. mean, just imagine the moment with me. You're going to breathe your last breath You're going to breathe your last breath You're going to breathe your last breath and you're going to stand before God and and you're going to stand before God and and you're going to stand before God and your mom's not going to be with you. your mom's not going to be with you. your mom's not going to be with you. Your dad's not going to be with you. Your dad's not going to be with you. Your dad's not going to be with you. Your pastor's not going to be with you. Your pastor's not going to be with you. Your pastor's not going to be with you. Your strong Christian friend's not going Your strong Christian friend's not going Your strong Christian friend's not going to be with you. Like, hey, what's the to be with you. Like, hey, what's the to be with you. Like, hey, what's the answer? answer? answer? You can be like there. And the Bible You can be like there. And the Bible You can be like there. And the Bible describes this moment in very vivid describes this moment in very vivid describes this moment in very vivid detail in the book of Hebrews. Here's detail in the book of Hebrews. Here's detail in the book of Hebrews. Here's what it says. Hebrews 4 verse 13. what it says. Hebrews 4 verse 13. what it says. Hebrews 4 verse 13. Nothing in all of creation is hidden Nothing in all of creation is hidden Nothing in all of creation is hidden from God's sight. Everything is from God's sight. Everything is from God's sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes uncovered and laid bare before the eyes uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give an account.

of him to whom we must give an account. of him to whom we must give an account. And then the author of Hebrews says, And then the author of Hebrews says, And then the author of Hebrews says, "That's why we want to worship God with "That's why we want to worship God with "That's why we want to worship God with reverence and fear and awe because our reverence and fear and awe because our reverence and fear and awe because our God is a consuming God is a consuming God is a consuming fire." fire." fire." We get a description of this in the New We get a description of this in the New We get a description of this in the New Testament where Jesus is guiding John Testament where Jesus is guiding John Testament where Jesus is guiding John along and showing him this moment of along and showing him this moment of along and showing him this moment of final judgment that every human being final judgment that every human being final judgment that every human being will stand before God. Here's how this will stand before God. Here's how this will stand before God. Here's how this the Bible describes it in Revelation 20. the Bible describes it in Revelation 20. the Bible describes it in Revelation 20. Then I saw a great white throne and him Then I saw a great white throne and him Then I saw a great white throne and him who was seated on it. And the earth and who was seated on it. And the earth and who was seated on it. And the earth and the heavens fled from his presence, and the heavens fled from his presence, and the heavens fled from his presence, and there was no place for them. And I saw there was no place for them. And I saw there was no place for them. And I saw the dead, great and small, standing the dead, great and small, standing the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and the books were before the throne, and the books were before the throne, and the books were opened. And another book was opened, opened. And another book was opened, opened. And another book was opened, which is the book of life. And the dead which is the book of life. And the dead which is the book of life. And the dead were judged according to what they had were judged according to what they had were judged according to what they had done as recorded in the books. done as recorded in the books. done as recorded in the books. And then in verse 15, John says, 'Anyone And then in verse 15, John says, 'Anyone And then in verse 15, John says, 'Anyone whose name was not found written in the whose name was not found written in the whose name was not found written in the book of life was thrown into the lake of book of life was thrown into the lake of book of life was thrown into the lake of fire. Again, this is a sober moment. Again, this is a sober moment. Solomon says it, Jesus says it, John Solomon says it, Jesus says it, John Solomon says it, Jesus says it, John witnesses. There's a moment where we're witnesses. There's a moment where we're witnesses. There's a moment where we're all going to stand before God and we're all going to stand before God and we're all going to stand before God and we're going to be our life is going to be going to be our life is going to be going to be our life is going to be evaluated. And that's not something that evaluated. And that's not something that evaluated. And that's not something that you can put off or avoid because it's you can put off or avoid because it's you can put off or avoid because it's not a dream you you can wake up from.

not a dream you you can wake up from. not a dream you you can wake up from. And this is again where we struggle. We And this is again where we struggle. We And this is again where we struggle. We like to think about well Jesus offers us like to think about well Jesus offers us like to think about well Jesus offers us heaven. But Jesus also talks about hell. heaven. But Jesus also talks about hell. heaven. But Jesus also talks about hell. And in fact Jesus makes one of the most And in fact Jesus makes one of the most And in fact Jesus makes one of the most dramatic and memorable statements about dramatic and memorable statements about dramatic and memorable statements about hell. He says to people don't don't fear hell. He says to people don't don't fear hell. He says to people don't don't fear the person who can kill your body. Fear the person who can kill your body. Fear the person who can kill your body. Fear the person who after your body is killed the person who after your body is killed the person who after your body is killed can take your body and throw your body can take your body and throw your body can take your body and throw your body into hell. That's the person you should into hell. That's the person you should into hell. That's the person you should fear. Who is Jesus talking about? He's fear. Who is Jesus talking about? He's fear. Who is Jesus talking about? He's not talking about the devil. not talking about the devil. not talking about the devil. He's talking about his father. And so He's talking about his father. And so He's talking about his father. And so that gives us a soberness like whoa what that gives us a soberness like whoa what that gives us a soberness like whoa what eternity. It does matter. The way I eternity. It does matter. The way I eternity. It does matter. The way I decide it does matter. Now, if you're a decide it does matter. Now, if you're a decide it does matter. Now, if you're a Christian, I want you to know that on Christian, I want you to know that on Christian, I want you to know that on that last day when you stand before God, that last day when you stand before God, that last day when you stand before God, you don't have to have a fearful, you don't have to have a fearful, you don't have to have a fearful, dreadful feeling before God. Because, dreadful feeling before God. Because, dreadful feeling before God. Because, well, I want to tell you about this well, I want to tell you about this well, I want to tell you about this moment for me. I know I'm going to die moment for me. I know I'm going to die moment for me. I know I'm going to die and I'm going to stand before God and I'm going to stand before God and I'm going to stand before God and I know that my life will be and I know that my life will be and I know that my life will be evaluated. And you know what? I'm evaluated. And you know what? I'm evaluated. And you know what? I'm looking forward to that day with looking forward to that day with looking forward to that day with confident expectation because here's confident expectation because here's confident expectation because here's what God's not going to say.

what God's not going to say. what God's not going to say. Doug, you get in because you did more Doug, you get in because you did more Doug, you get in because you did more good than bad. You helped some poor good than bad. You helped some poor good than bad. You helped some poor people, some kids in foster care, or you people, some kids in foster care, or you people, some kids in foster care, or you were the pastor of the church or you're were the pastor of the church or you're were the pastor of the church or you're a good husband or a good father and you a good husband or a good father and you a good husband or a good father and you told more truth than lies and sang more told more truth than lies and sang more told more truth than lies and sang more praise songs than profanity. So, you're praise songs than profanity. So, you're praise songs than profanity. So, you're in. That's not that's not going to in. That's not that's not going to in. That's not that's not going to happen. You know, you know how I'm happen. You know, you know how I'm happen. You know, you know how I'm getting into heaven? getting into heaven? getting into heaven? Because when God looks at me and judges Because when God looks at me and judges Because when God looks at me and judges every deed and every thought, he's going every deed and every thought, he's going every deed and every thought, he's going to see the perfect righteousness of to see the perfect righteousness of to see the perfect righteousness of Jesus. Because Jesus took my place in Jesus. Because Jesus took my place in Jesus. Because Jesus took my place in the great exchange on the cross. When he the great exchange on the cross. When he the great exchange on the cross. When he died for every one of my sins and all died for every one of my sins and all died for every one of my sins and all the guilt and shame of my sins, I'm not the guilt and shame of my sins, I'm not the guilt and shame of my sins, I'm not going to heaven because I'm a good going to heaven because I'm a good going to heaven because I'm a good person. I'm going to heaven because I'm person. I'm going to heaven because I'm person. I'm going to heaven because I'm a forgiven person bought by the precious a forgiven person bought by the precious a forgiven person bought by the precious blood of Jesus. And so, church, I want blood of Jesus. And so, church, I want blood of Jesus. And so, church, I want you to know on that judgment day, the you to know on that judgment day, the you to know on that judgment day, the Bible says we shouldn't live in dread Bible says we shouldn't live in dread Bible says we shouldn't live in dread and fear. that perfect love casts out and fear. that perfect love casts out and fear. that perfect love casts out fear because fear has to do with fear because fear has to do with fear because fear has to do with judgment. But we know we've been bought judgment. But we know we've been bought judgment. But we know we've been bought with a price and we know we've repented with a price and we know we've repented with a price and we know we've repented of our sins and trust in Christ. And of our sins and trust in Christ. And of our sins and trust in Christ. And that's why when we take communion today, that's why when we take communion today, that's why when we take communion today, it's a beautiful celebration.

it's a beautiful celebration. it's a beautiful celebration. But for those of you who haven't made a But for those of you who haven't made a But for those of you who haven't made a decision like this, decision like this, decision like this, this is a serious and sober moment. And this is a serious and sober moment. And this is a serious and sober moment. And so I want to give you one last so I want to give you one last so I want to give you one last invitation. Here's what God says to his invitation. Here's what God says to his invitation. Here's what God says to his people about the condition where they people about the condition where they people about the condition where they are and the invitation are and the invitation are and the invitation to make a different decision. to make a different decision. to make a different decision. Come now, God says, "Let us reason Come now, God says, "Let us reason Come now, God says, "Let us reason together. together. together. Though your sins are like scarlet, they Though your sins are like scarlet, they Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be made white as snow. Though shall be made white as snow. Though shall be made white as snow. Though they're red as crimson, they'll be like they're red as crimson, they'll be like they're red as crimson, they'll be like wool. If you are willing and obedient, wool. If you are willing and obedient, wool. If you are willing and obedient, you will eat from the best of the land. you will eat from the best of the land. you will eat from the best of the land. But if you resist and rebel, you will be But if you resist and rebel, you will be But if you resist and rebel, you will be devoured by the sword. For the mouth of devoured by the sword. For the mouth of devoured by the sword. For the mouth of the Lord the Lord the Lord has spoken." has spoken." has spoken." If you haven't lived well, if you lived If you haven't lived well, if you lived If you haven't lived well, if you lived apart from God, apart from God, apart from God, if maybe even today is coming to go if maybe even today is coming to go if maybe even today is coming to go like, maybe I'll just do my checkbox like, maybe I'll just do my checkbox like, maybe I'll just do my checkbox with God. We're good, right? with God. We're good, right? with God. We're good, right? That's not a relationship. That's you That's not a relationship. That's you That's not a relationship. That's you trying to manipulate God to live your trying to manipulate God to live your trying to manipulate God to live your life and be okay and have him approve life and be okay and have him approve life and be okay and have him approve it. That's a whole different thing. But it. That's a whole different thing. But it. That's a whole different thing. But God's not mocked. God's not fooled. God God's not mocked. God's not fooled. God God's not mocked. God's not fooled. God knows your thought process. He knows knows your thought process. He knows knows your thought process. He knows your motives. And he offers you. So, your motives. And he offers you. So, your motives. And he offers you. So, let's reason together. Think about this let's reason together. Think about this let's reason together. Think about this with me. I have offered you heaven for with me. I have offered you heaven for with me. I have offered you heaven for free. I gave my one and only son. I love free. I gave my one and only son. I love free. I gave my one and only son. I love you so much. I would watch my son suffer you so much. I would watch my son suffer you so much. I would watch my son suffer and die so you could be forgiven. So we and die so you could be forgiven. So we and die so you could be forgiven. So we could be together.

could be together. could be together. But I'm not going to make you. If you But I'm not going to make you. If you But I'm not going to make you. If you choose to go this way and stand in choose to go this way and stand in choose to go this way and stand in judgment with your own deeds, you will judgment with your own deeds, you will judgment with your own deeds, you will be judged be judged be judged and hell will be your destiny. and hell will be your destiny. and hell will be your destiny. But I hope But I hope But I hope that you can reason just for a moment to that you can reason just for a moment to that you can reason just for a moment to know my great love that's pursued you. know my great love that's pursued you. know my great love that's pursued you. That I want to forgive you. And if That I want to forgive you. And if That I want to forgive you. And if you're here today, we're not going to you're here today, we're not going to you're here today, we're not going to have a moment where you come forward, have a moment where you come forward, have a moment where you come forward, but I'm just in the quietness of your but I'm just in the quietness of your but I'm just in the quietness of your seat. I'm just going to invite you. If seat. I'm just going to invite you. If seat. I'm just going to invite you. If you if you know you need forgiveness, if you if you know you need forgiveness, if you if you know you need forgiveness, if you know you need to be right, if you you know you need to be right, if you you know you need to be right, if you want to stand before God without fear on want to stand before God without fear on want to stand before God without fear on that day and have your name be written that day and have your name be written that day and have your name be written in the book of life, you can just simply in the book of life, you can just simply in the book of life, you can just simply pray a prayer. Father, forgive my sin. I want to live for you. I want to live for you. So take my guilt and shame and wash it So take my guilt and shame and wash it So take my guilt and shame and wash it away. Fill me with your spirit. away. Fill me with your spirit. away. Fill me with your spirit. I trust, Jesus, that you came for me. I trust, Jesus, that you came for me. I trust, Jesus, that you came for me. You died in my place. You died in my place. You died in my place. And I receive your forgiveness And I receive your forgiveness And I receive your forgiveness and your adoption into your family.

and your adoption into your family. and your adoption into your family. And I pray this in Jesus name. If you prayed that prayer, I'm going to If you prayed that prayer, I'm going to invite you to join us in communion. I'm invite you to join us in communion. I'm invite you to join us in communion. I'm going to invite you to take out your going to invite you to take out your going to invite you to take out your communion elements right now. Communion communion elements right now. Communion communion elements right now. Communion is a time as Christians where we think is a time as Christians where we think is a time as Christians where we think about the love of God and the wisdom of about the love of God and the wisdom of about the love of God and the wisdom of God. God. God. That God so loved the world that he gave That God so loved the world that he gave That God so loved the world that he gave his one and only son. Whoever believes his one and only son. Whoever believes his one and only son. Whoever believes and puts our faith and trust in him that and puts our faith and trust in him that and puts our faith and trust in him that we don't have to perish, but we can have we don't have to perish, but we can have we don't have to perish, but we can have everlasting life. everlasting life. everlasting life. And so this is not for people who aren't And so this is not for people who aren't And so this is not for people who aren't Christians. This is for people who say, Christians. This is for people who say, Christians. This is for people who say, "By taking this bread and taking this "By taking this bread and taking this "By taking this bread and taking this cup, I acknowledge this is personal for cup, I acknowledge this is personal for cup, I acknowledge this is personal for me." me." me." And so, we're going to give you a moment And so, we're going to give you a moment And so, we're going to give you a moment to examine your heart. And I want you to to examine your heart. And I want you to to examine your heart. And I want you to examine your heart in light of the fact examine your heart in light of the fact examine your heart in light of the fact that you'll stand before God and nothing that you'll stand before God and nothing that you'll stand before God and nothing will be hidden from him. will be hidden from him. will be hidden from him. Bible says in 1 Corinthians 11 that we Bible says in 1 Corinthians 11 that we Bible says in 1 Corinthians 11 that we should judge ourselves as we sit at the should judge ourselves as we sit at the should judge ourselves as we sit at the communion table, evaluate ourselves so communion table, evaluate ourselves so communion table, evaluate ourselves so that we're not judged in the future. In that we're not judged in the future. In that we're not judged in the future. In other words, if there's any secret sin other words, if there's any secret sin other words, if there's any secret sin in your life, you have a chance to in your life, you have a chance to in your life, you have a chance to repent. repent. repent. There's any thought process There's any thought process There's any thought process that's that's that's rebelling against God's authority in rebelling against God's authority in rebelling against God's authority in your life that you can say, "God, your life that you can say, "God, your life that you can say, "God, forgive me.

forgive me. forgive me. Help me to live for you." Maybe today Help me to live for you." Maybe today Help me to live for you." Maybe today you need his comfort because you've been you need his comfort because you've been you need his comfort because you've been living it rightly, but it's been living it rightly, but it's been living it rightly, but it's been difficult. difficult. difficult. I'll just invite him to be your comfort I'll just invite him to be your comfort I'll just invite him to be your comfort and peace. But let's just spend a moment and peace. But let's just spend a moment and peace. But let's just spend a moment in reflection in reflection in reflection and evaluation before our savior. Then and evaluation before our savior. Then and evaluation before our savior. Then we're going to come back and take the we're going to come back and take the we're going to come back and take the bread and the cup and then we're going bread and the cup and then we're going bread and the cup and then we're going to respond in worship and in prayer to to respond in worship and in prayer to to respond in worship and in prayer to God's good gifts. Let's take that moment God's good gifts. Let's take that moment God's good gifts. Let's take that moment to evaluate together.

Thank you for the cross, Thank you for the cross, Lord. Thank you for the price Thank you for the price you paid. you paid. you paid. Bearing [music] all [singing] my sin and Bearing [music] all [singing] my sin and Bearing [music] all [singing] my sin and shame. shame. shame. In love you came In love you came In love you came and gave [singing and music] and gave [singing and music] and gave [singing and music] amazing amazing amazing grace. grace. grace. Thank you for this love, [music] Thank you for this love, [music] Thank you for this love, [music] Lord. Thank you for the nail. Thank you for the nail. Pierced hands Pierced hands Pierced hands washed [music] me in your [singing] washed [music] me in your [singing] washed [music] me in your [singing] cleansing flow. cleansing flow. cleansing flow. Now all I [music] know is your [singing] Now all I [music] know is your [singing] Now all I [music] know is your [singing] forgiveness forgiveness forgiveness and embrace. We [music] crown [singing] you now with We [music] crown [singing] you now with many many many crowns.

crowns. crowns. You reign victorious [music and singing] high [music and singing] and lifted high [music and singing] and lifted up. Jesus, [music and singing] Jesus, [music and singing] son of God, the [music and singing] darling of the [music and singing] darling of heaven, heaven, heaven, crucified. Oh, Oh, worthy [singing] is the lamb. Oh, Paul says that Paul says that the treasures the treasures the treasures of wisdom and knowledge are hidden of wisdom and knowledge are hidden of wisdom and knowledge are hidden in Christ.

in Christ. in Christ. that all the things you'd ever want to that all the things you'd ever want to that all the things you'd ever want to know know know about how to live the life that you've about how to live the life that you've about how to live the life that you've always wanted, the life that God has for always wanted, the life that God has for always wanted, the life that God has for you. you. you. It's hidden in the treasure of Jesus, It's hidden in the treasure of Jesus, It's hidden in the treasure of Jesus, the one who made you, the one who loved the one who made you, the one who loved the one who made you, the one who loved you. If you ever wonder how much God you. If you ever wonder how much God you. If you ever wonder how much God loves you, just loves you, just loves you, just look at these elements. Look at the look at these elements. Look at the look at these elements. Look at the cross of Christ. God loved you so much. cross of Christ. God loved you so much. cross of Christ. God loved you so much. He watched his son suffer and die in He watched his son suffer and die in He watched his son suffer and die in your place, in my place, so that we your place, in my place, so that we your place, in my place, so that we could be together. That he could could be together. That he could could be together. That he could purchase our redemption. He could pay purchase our redemption. He could pay purchase our redemption. He could pay our ransom. our ransom. our ransom. And so we take communion today as And so we take communion today as And so we take communion today as grateful people. On the night that Jesus was arrested, he On the night that Jesus was arrested, he took this bread and he broke it. He took this bread and he broke it. He took this bread and he broke it. He said, "This is my body. It's given for said, "This is my body. It's given for said, "This is my body. It's given for you. Every time you eat it, eat it in you. Every time you eat it, eat it in you. Every time you eat it, eat it in remembrance of me." Let's remember Jesus remembrance of me." Let's remember Jesus remembrance of me." Let's remember Jesus together.

On that same night, he took the cup and On that same night, he took the cup and he said, "This cup is the new covenant he said, "This cup is the new covenant he said, "This cup is the new covenant in my blood. It's given for you. Every in my blood. It's given for you. Every in my blood. It's given for you. Every time you drink it, remember me." Let's time you drink it, remember me." Let's time you drink it, remember me." Let's remember Jesus together. And now we have a chance to respond. And now we have a chance to respond. And so we're going to take a few moments And so we're going to take a few moments And so we're going to take a few moments to respond in in worship and in prayer to respond in in worship and in prayer to respond in in worship and in prayer and reflection. [music] And so welcome and reflection. [music] And so welcome and reflection. [music] And so welcome Jamie as he comes to lead us. Thanks for listening to today's message. Thanks for listening to today's message. You know, here at Calvary, we believe a You know, here at Calvary, we believe a You know, here at Calvary, we believe a relationship with Jesus changes relationship with Jesus changes relationship with Jesus changes everything. And if you've decided to everything. And if you've decided to everything. And if you've decided to follow Jesus, we'd love for you to text follow Jesus, we'd love for you to text follow Jesus, we'd love for you to text the word believe to 31352 [music] the word believe to 31352 [music] the word believe to 31352 [music] so you can find out what it means to so you can find out what it means to so you can find out what it means to follow Christ. And to learn more about follow Christ. And to learn more about follow Christ. And to learn more about Calvary and all of our campuses, you're Calvary and all of our campuses, you're Calvary and all of our campuses, you're free to visit calvaryftl.org.