Going Up, Coming Down

Welcome. My name is Bruce Wesley [music] Welcome. My name is Bruce Wesley [music] and I'm the lead pastor of Clear Creek and I'm the lead pastor of Clear Creek and I'm the lead pastor of Clear Creek Community Church. You should know that Community Church. You should know that Community Church. You should know that Clear Creek is made up of multiple Clear Creek is made up of multiple Clear Creek is made up of multiple campuses located throughout the Bay Area campuses located throughout the Bay Area campuses located throughout the Bay Area of Houston. And while we're so glad that of Houston. And while we're so glad that of Houston. And while we're so glad that you've joined us here to watch [music] you've joined us here to watch [music] you've joined us here to watch [music] this sermon today, I want to invite you this sermon today, I want to invite you this sermon today, I want to invite you to make plans to check us out in person to make plans to check us out in person to make plans to check us out in person at the campus nearest you to see what at the campus nearest you to see what at the campus nearest you to see what [music] worshiping and living in [music] worshiping and living in [music] worshiping and living in community as a people of hope is really community as a people of hope is really community as a people of hope is really all about. And you can visit us at all about. And you can visit us at all about. And you can visit us at clearcreteak.org or to find information clearcreteak.org or to find information clearcreteak.org or to find information about our locations, service times, about our locations, service times, about our locations, service times, [music] and much more. We hope to see [music] and much more. We hope to see [music] and much more. We hope to see you soon. you soon. you soon. All right, so what are the names Colin All right, so what are the names Colin All right, so what are the names Colin Hanks, Zoe Kravitz, Brooklyn Beckham, Hanks, Zoe Kravitz, Brooklyn Beckham, Hanks, Zoe Kravitz, Brooklyn Beckham, and Bronny James have in common? They're and Bronny James have in common? They're and Bronny James have in common? They're all the children of some very famous all the children of some very famous all the children of some very famous people. Maybe you don't recognize them people. Maybe you don't recognize them people. Maybe you don't recognize them at all, but you would certainly at all, but you would certainly at all, but you would certainly recognize their parents. So in our day recognize their parents. So in our day recognize their parents. So in our day there is a there's a term that has there is a there's a term that has there is a there's a term that has emerged in the last couple years or so emerged in the last couple years or so emerged in the last couple years or so for a child of someone who's really for a child of someone who's really for a child of someone who's really famous like an actor or a athlete famous like an actor or a athlete famous like an actor or a athlete someone like that and it is a nepo baby.

someone like that and it is a nepo baby. someone like that and it is a nepo baby. You ever heard of nepo baby short for You ever heard of nepo baby short for You ever heard of nepo baby short for nepotism baby. Again this is for someone nepotism baby. Again this is for someone nepotism baby. Again this is for someone who is a child of a successful actor who is a child of a successful actor who is a child of a successful actor athlete whoever they might be. And if athlete whoever they might be. And if athlete whoever they might be. And if you've heard this term before, you know you've heard this term before, you know you've heard this term before, you know that it's not a compliment. Like it's that it's not a compliment. Like it's that it's not a compliment. Like it's usually used in such a way to imply that usually used in such a way to imply that usually used in such a way to imply that this person really doesn't deserve what this person really doesn't deserve what this person really doesn't deserve what they have given to them. It's kind of they have given to them. It's kind of they have given to them. It's kind of like no matter what you do in your life, like no matter what you do in your life, like no matter what you do in your life, we need you to know that that we know we need you to know that that we know we need you to know that that we know that you don't deserve this. That that you don't deserve this. That that you don't deserve this. That whatever opportunity, whatever privilege whatever opportunity, whatever privilege whatever opportunity, whatever privilege that you might have, whatever talent that you might have, whatever talent that you might have, whatever talent that you have, it was just kind of that you have, it was just kind of that you have, it was just kind of handed to you. You've already been given handed to you. You've already been given handed to you. You've already been given such a leg up. It's all because of your such a leg up. It's all because of your such a leg up. It's all because of your parents' name. Now, you might not feel parents' name. Now, you might not feel parents' name. Now, you might not feel sorry for someone who is a Nepo baby, sorry for someone who is a Nepo baby, sorry for someone who is a Nepo baby, but just put yourself in their shoes and but just put yourself in their shoes and but just put yourself in their shoes and imagine what it would be like growing up imagine what it would be like growing up imagine what it would be like growing up underneath that kind of pressure that no underneath that kind of pressure that no underneath that kind of pressure that no matter what you do, someone is going to matter what you do, someone is going to matter what you do, someone is going to just question whether or not you really just question whether or not you really just question whether or not you really deserve it. whatever talent that you deserve it. whatever talent that you deserve it. whatever talent that you might have, you're just kind of doubted might have, you're just kind of doubted might have, you're just kind of doubted that it's always just wondering is this that it's always just wondering is this that it's always just wondering is this opportunity just because of who you who opportunity just because of who you who opportunity just because of who you who you call your parents and has nothing to you call your parents and has nothing to you call your parents and has nothing to do with who you are.

do with who you are. do with who you are. I can imagine that someone who grows up I can imagine that someone who grows up I can imagine that someone who grows up in a family like that, they they in a family like that, they they in a family like that, they they probably feel like they're always living probably feel like they're always living probably feel like they're always living underneath the shadow of their parents, underneath the shadow of their parents, underneath the shadow of their parents, always trying to somehow make a name for always trying to somehow make a name for always trying to somehow make a name for themselves and not just rely on the name themselves and not just rely on the name themselves and not just rely on the name of their parents. Like take a young lady of their parents. Like take a young lady of their parents. Like take a young lady named Kia. Um, Laneir, she is the named Kia. Um, Laneir, she is the named Kia. Um, Laneir, she is the daughter of a man named Bob Laneir. He daughter of a man named Bob Laneir. He daughter of a man named Bob Laneir. He was an eight-time NBA Allstar, Hall of was an eight-time NBA Allstar, Hall of was an eight-time NBA Allstar, Hall of Famer, like a famous uh basketball Famer, like a famous uh basketball Famer, like a famous uh basketball player back in the days. And she grew up player back in the days. And she grew up player back in the days. And she grew up as a basketball player herself, really as a basketball player herself, really as a basketball player herself, really good, but at one point decided to give good, but at one point decided to give good, but at one point decided to give up basketball and pursue volleyball. up basketball and pursue volleyball. up basketball and pursue volleyball. Eventually went on to play uh at USC, Eventually went on to play uh at USC, Eventually went on to play uh at USC, was a great volleyball player, and she was a great volleyball player, and she was a great volleyball player, and she was asked why she chose to give up was asked why she chose to give up was asked why she chose to give up basketball and pursue volleyball. Here's basketball and pursue volleyball. Here's basketball and pursue volleyball. Here's what she said. She said, ' With what she said. She said, ' With what she said. She said, ' With basketball, it was so much worse. I basketball, it was so much worse. I basketball, it was so much worse. I always found myself trying to please always found myself trying to please always found myself trying to please someone or live up to these expectations someone or live up to these expectations someone or live up to these expectations that I didn't really set for myself. So, that I didn't really set for myself. So, that I didn't really set for myself. So, I want to step out of his spotlight and I want to step out of his spotlight and I want to step out of his spotlight and make a name for myself. Now, most of us make a name for myself. Now, most of us make a name for myself. Now, most of us aren't the children of some famous aren't the children of some famous aren't the children of some famous athlete, actor, or rock star, but you athlete, actor, or rock star, but you athlete, actor, or rock star, but you can relate to the pressure or to the can relate to the pressure or to the can relate to the pressure or to the desire to make a name for yourself.

desire to make a name for yourself. desire to make a name for yourself. Maybe that pressure did come from some Maybe that pressure did come from some Maybe that pressure did come from some parents that they weren't famous parents that they weren't famous parents that they weren't famous celebrities, but yet they were celebrities, but yet they were celebrities, but yet they were successful in other ways. Maybe they successful in other ways. Maybe they successful in other ways. Maybe they built a business or they were respected built a business or they were respected built a business or they were respected by their neighbors and their peers. by their neighbors and their peers. by their neighbors and their peers. Maybe they had degrees from some really Maybe they had degrees from some really Maybe they had degrees from some really prestigious universities or made a lot prestigious universities or made a lot prestigious universities or made a lot of money. But whatever it was, you kind of money. But whatever it was, you kind of money. But whatever it was, you kind of grew up under their shadow, always of grew up under their shadow, always of grew up under their shadow, always wanting to to prove yourself, to set out wanting to to prove yourself, to set out wanting to to prove yourself, to set out on your own to and to make a name for on your own to and to make a name for on your own to and to make a name for yourself in a sense. Or maybe you grew yourself in a sense. Or maybe you grew yourself in a sense. Or maybe you grew up the opposite. Like you grew up in a up the opposite. Like you grew up in a up the opposite. Like you grew up in a home where you didn't have a whole lot. home where you didn't have a whole lot. home where you didn't have a whole lot. Maybe your parents weren't successful by Maybe your parents weren't successful by Maybe your parents weren't successful by worldly standards. And so you always worldly standards. And so you always worldly standards. And so you always said, you know, I I want what my parents said, you know, I I want what my parents said, you know, I I want what my parents weren't able to provide. Like I want to weren't able to provide. Like I want to weren't able to provide. Like I want to give my kids what I didn't have growing give my kids what I didn't have growing give my kids what I didn't have growing up. And so I want to go and make up. And so I want to go and make up. And so I want to go and make something of myself. Maybe some something of myself. Maybe some something of myself. Maybe some different paths, but really it's the different paths, but really it's the different paths, but really it's the same desire. So no matter what your same desire. So no matter what your same desire. So no matter what your family of origin might have been, often family of origin might have been, often family of origin might have been, often we want to accomplish something with our we want to accomplish something with our we want to accomplish something with our life. Whether that's a successful career life. Whether that's a successful career life. Whether that's a successful career or to have the perfect family or achieve or to have the perfect family or achieve or to have the perfect family or achieve some financial milestones like we want some financial milestones like we want some financial milestones like we want significance and purpose and respect and significance and purpose and respect and significance and purpose and respect and some kind of status. We want to know some kind of status. We want to know some kind of status. We want to know that when our life is over, when we're that when our life is over, when we're that when our life is over, when we're dead and gone, that that we actually dead and gone, that that we actually dead and gone, that that we actually amounted to something, that our life amounted to something, that our life amounted to something, that our life meant something to somebody. And while meant something to somebody. And while meant something to somebody. And while it's not wrong to have ambition, to it's not wrong to have ambition, to it's not wrong to have ambition, to strive for success, or to leave a mark strive for success, or to leave a mark strive for success, or to leave a mark in the world, there is a danger to all in the world, there is a danger to all in the world, there is a danger to all that that we sense. There is a danger to that that we sense. There is a danger to that that we sense. There is a danger to to striving to make a name for yourself.

to striving to make a name for yourself. to striving to make a name for yourself. Not only does it feel crushing, but it Not only does it feel crushing, but it Not only does it feel crushing, but it can also be devastating to your faith can also be devastating to your faith can also be devastating to your faith and your relationship with God. In fact, and your relationship with God. In fact, and your relationship with God. In fact, what we'll find out today that that this what we'll find out today that that this what we'll find out today that that this desire to make a name for yourself goes desire to make a name for yourself goes desire to make a name for yourself goes all the way back to the very beginning. all the way back to the very beginning. all the way back to the very beginning. So, today we are continuing our series So, today we are continuing our series So, today we are continuing our series in Genesis 1-12 called Beginnings. And in Genesis 1-12 called Beginnings. And in Genesis 1-12 called Beginnings. And we're going to look at a passage where we're going to look at a passage where we're going to look at a passage where we see humanity engaged in the very same we see humanity engaged in the very same we see humanity engaged in the very same pursuit. They want to make a name for pursuit. They want to make a name for pursuit. They want to make a name for themselves. So, if you have your Bible, themselves. So, if you have your Bible, themselves. So, if you have your Bible, we're going to be in Genesis chapters 10 we're going to be in Genesis chapters 10 we're going to be in Genesis chapters 10 and 11 today. So, go ahead and open them and 11 today. So, go ahead and open them and 11 today. So, go ahead and open them there. And as a quick review for Genesis there. And as a quick review for Genesis there. And as a quick review for Genesis 10 and 11 to know where we are in the 10 and 11 to know where we are in the 10 and 11 to know where we are in the story, God began by creating Adam and story, God began by creating Adam and story, God began by creating Adam and Eve. And after he creates them back in Eve. And after he creates them back in Eve. And after he creates them back in chapter 1 of Genesis, he then gives them chapter 1 of Genesis, he then gives them chapter 1 of Genesis, he then gives them a a purpose, a commission to to do out a a purpose, a commission to to do out a a purpose, a commission to to do out in the world. He says to be fruitful and in the world. He says to be fruitful and in the world. He says to be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth. meaning to multiply and fill the earth. meaning to multiply and fill the earth. meaning to go out, go be into the world to go out, go be into the world to go out, go be into the world to multiply, to fill it with people, multiply, to fill it with people, multiply, to fill it with people, reflect God's image, expand God's reflect God's image, expand God's reflect God's image, expand God's kingdom reign to the ends of the earth.

kingdom reign to the ends of the earth. kingdom reign to the ends of the earth. But if you know the story, they But if you know the story, they But if you know the story, they disobeyed God. They fell. And with each disobeyed God. They fell. And with each disobeyed God. They fell. And with each passing generation, instead of filling passing generation, instead of filling passing generation, instead of filling the earth with God's goodness and his the earth with God's goodness and his the earth with God's goodness and his glory, it says that the the earth was glory, it says that the the earth was glory, it says that the the earth was filled with violence and corruption and filled with violence and corruption and filled with violence and corruption and chaos. And eventually God responds by chaos. And eventually God responds by chaos. And eventually God responds by sending a flood, which we talked about sending a flood, which we talked about sending a flood, which we talked about last week with Noah. And if you were last week with Noah. And if you were last week with Noah. And if you were here last week, you saw that when Noah here last week, you saw that when Noah here last week, you saw that when Noah and his family exit the ark after the and his family exit the ark after the and his family exit the ark after the flood is dried up, God then gives them flood is dried up, God then gives them flood is dried up, God then gives them the same commission he gave to Adam and the same commission he gave to Adam and the same commission he gave to Adam and Eve. He says it in verse 91, to be Eve. He says it in verse 91, to be Eve. He says it in verse 91, to be fruitful and multiply and fill the fruitful and multiply and fill the fruitful and multiply and fill the earth. And so it's like this reset, like earth. And so it's like this reset, like earth. And so it's like this reset, like God is starting over with Noah and his God is starting over with Noah and his God is starting over with Noah and his family. And so now that we get to family. And so now that we get to family. And so now that we get to chapter 10, we read about Noah and his chapter 10, we read about Noah and his chapter 10, we read about Noah and his genealogy. So if you have it in front of genealogy. So if you have it in front of genealogy. So if you have it in front of you, just go ahead and look at it. It you, just go ahead and look at it. It you, just go ahead and look at it. It begins with this first verse saying that begins with this first verse saying that begins with this first verse saying that these are the generations of the sons of these are the generations of the sons of these are the generations of the sons of Noah, Shim, Ham, and Japheth. Sons were Noah, Shim, Ham, and Japheth. Sons were Noah, Shim, Ham, and Japheth. Sons were born to them after the flood. And if you born to them after the flood. And if you born to them after the flood. And if you see it in front of you, you see these see it in front of you, you see these see it in front of you, you see these long sections where they're headed by long sections where they're headed by long sections where they're headed by verse two, the sons of Japheth, and has verse two, the sons of Japheth, and has verse two, the sons of Japheth, and has all of his lineage. Verse six, the sons all of his lineage. Verse six, the sons all of his lineage. Verse six, the sons of Ham, all of his lineage. verse 22, of Ham, all of his lineage. verse 22, of Ham, all of his lineage. verse 22, the sons of Shem, all of his lineage.

the sons of Shem, all of his lineage. the sons of Shem, all of his lineage. And after each of those, at the very And after each of those, at the very And after each of those, at the very end, it'll then kind of conclude with end, it'll then kind of conclude with end, it'll then kind of conclude with this statement about how these are the this statement about how these are the this statement about how these are the different clans and languages and lands different clans and languages and lands different clans and languages and lands and nations that come from each of and nations that come from each of and nations that come from each of these. And then chapter 10 ends with these. And then chapter 10 ends with these. And then chapter 10 ends with this summary statement. These are the this summary statement. These are the this summary statement. These are the clans of the sons of Noah according to clans of the sons of Noah according to clans of the sons of Noah according to their genealogies in their nations. And their genealogies in their nations. And their genealogies in their nations. And from these the nations spread abroad on from these the nations spread abroad on from these the nations spread abroad on the earth after the flood. Now, just the earth after the flood. Now, just the earth after the flood. Now, just looking at this, you see, all right, it looking at this, you see, all right, it looking at this, you see, all right, it looks like they've done what God told looks like they've done what God told looks like they've done what God told them to do. They are fruitful. They've them to do. They are fruitful. They've them to do. They are fruitful. They've multiplied. They've filled the earth, multiplied. They've filled the earth, multiplied. They've filled the earth, right? They've spread across the face of right? They've spread across the face of right? They've spread across the face of the planet. the planet. the planet. But when we get to chapter 11, it's But when we get to chapter 11, it's But when we get to chapter 11, it's almost as if this is going back in time. almost as if this is going back in time. almost as if this is going back in time. like we're going to read a story that like we're going to read a story that like we're going to read a story that happens before these genealogies get to happens before these genealogies get to happens before these genealogies get to the point where people have spread the point where people have spread the point where people have spread across the earth. And so chapter 11 is across the earth. And so chapter 11 is across the earth. And so chapter 11 is where we're going to focus today, the where we're going to focus today, the where we're going to focus today, the very beginning of it. We're going to get very beginning of it. We're going to get very beginning of it. We're going to get to a story called the Tower of Babel. So to a story called the Tower of Babel. So to a story called the Tower of Babel. So Genesis 11 begins with this.

Genesis 11 begins with this. Genesis 11 begins with this. Now the whole earth had one language, Now the whole earth had one language, Now the whole earth had one language, same words, right? Right? So they're all same words, right? Right? So they're all same words, right? Right? So they're all saying bets and cooked and calling saying bets and cooked and calling saying bets and cooked and calling people like me uncunk. All that stuff people like me uncunk. All that stuff people like me uncunk. All that stuff like all the same stuff. And as people like all the same stuff. And as people like all the same stuff. And as people migrated from the east, they found a migrated from the east, they found a migrated from the east, they found a plane in a land of Shinar and settled plane in a land of Shinar and settled plane in a land of Shinar and settled there. And they said to one another, there. And they said to one another, there. And they said to one another, "Come, let us make bricks and burn them "Come, let us make bricks and burn them "Come, let us make bricks and burn them thoroughly." And they had brick for thoroughly." And they had brick for thoroughly." And they had brick for stone and bammen for mortar. And they stone and bammen for mortar. And they stone and bammen for mortar. And they said, "Come, let us build ourselves a said, "Come, let us build ourselves a said, "Come, let us build ourselves a city and a tower with its top in the city and a tower with its top in the city and a tower with its top in the heavens. and let us make a name for heavens. and let us make a name for heavens. and let us make a name for ourselves lest we be dispersed over the ourselves lest we be dispersed over the ourselves lest we be dispersed over the face of the whole earth. So chapter 11 face of the whole earth. So chapter 11 face of the whole earth. So chapter 11 is now taking us back to a time when is now taking us back to a time when is now taking us back to a time when it's just one language. There's one it's just one language. There's one it's just one language. There's one people. Now you should know that this is people. Now you should know that this is people. Now you should know that this is not a bad thing necessarily for there to not a bad thing necessarily for there to not a bad thing necessarily for there to be a unified people all together be a unified people all together be a unified people all together except they've decided to do they except they've decided to do they except they've decided to do they decided not to do the thing that God decided not to do the thing that God decided not to do the thing that God told them to do. they haven't been told them to do. they haven't been told them to do. they haven't been fruitful and they're not multiplying.

fruitful and they're not multiplying. fruitful and they're not multiplying. They're not filling the earth. They all They're not filling the earth. They all They're not filling the earth. They all just kind of want to stay in one spot. just kind of want to stay in one spot. just kind of want to stay in one spot. It's like they're saying, "Hey, listen. It's like they're saying, "Hey, listen. It's like they're saying, "Hey, listen. We know what God said, but we don't We know what God said, but we don't We know what God said, but we don't really want to do that. Like, we're really want to do that. Like, we're really want to do that. Like, we're going to kind of do our own thing here. going to kind of do our own thing here. going to kind of do our own thing here. And so, we're going to take some bricks. And so, we're going to take some bricks. And so, we're going to take some bricks. We're going to innovate. We're going to We're going to innovate. We're going to We're going to innovate. We're going to build a a city and sort of develop build a a city and sort of develop build a a city and sort of develop civilization and economies. And instead civilization and economies. And instead civilization and economies. And instead of trying to build God's kingdom and of trying to build God's kingdom and of trying to build God's kingdom and expand it to the ends of the earth, we expand it to the ends of the earth, we expand it to the ends of the earth, we are going to make a name for ourselves. are going to make a name for ourselves. are going to make a name for ourselves. And this is epitomized by the building And this is epitomized by the building And this is epitomized by the building of a tower. The tower that's going to of a tower. The tower that's going to of a tower. The tower that's going to reach up to the to the heavens. Now, a reach up to the to the heavens. Now, a reach up to the to the heavens. Now, a little archaeological history tells us little archaeological history tells us little archaeological history tells us that this tower likely had some that this tower likely had some that this tower likely had some religious purposes to it. And so don't religious purposes to it. And so don't religious purposes to it. And so don't think like skyscraper or a lot of times think like skyscraper or a lot of times think like skyscraper or a lot of times in like a kid's children's Bible you see in like a kid's children's Bible you see in like a kid's children's Bible you see something that looks a little bit like a something that looks a little bit like a something that looks a little bit like a tower of pizza. Like the language that's tower of pizza. Like the language that's tower of pizza. Like the language that's used here tells us that it probably used here tells us that it probably used here tells us that it probably looked something like a building that looked something like a building that looked something like a building that they would have in those days called a they would have in those days called a they would have in those days called a ziggurat. Looks something like this.

ziggurat. Looks something like this. ziggurat. Looks something like this. This is a rendering of it. So ziggurat This is a rendering of it. So ziggurat This is a rendering of it. So ziggurat in the ancient world they were common in in the ancient world they were common in in the ancient world they were common in different civilizations around. And the different civilizations around. And the different civilizations around. And the idea was they would build this building idea was they would build this building idea was they would build this building with stairs that would go all the way with stairs that would go all the way with stairs that would go all the way up. And the stairs served as a guide p a up. And the stairs served as a guide p a up. And the stairs served as a guide p a guiding path for the gods to come down guiding path for the gods to come down guiding path for the gods to come down and to meet with the people that the and to meet with the people that the and to meet with the people that the gods could sort of come down these steps gods could sort of come down these steps gods could sort of come down these steps and maybe go into the temple that would and maybe go into the temple that would and maybe go into the temple that would have been next door or on the the have been next door or on the the have been next door or on the the grounds there and receive worship from grounds there and receive worship from grounds there and receive worship from the people. And so it was a way of the the people. And so it was a way of the the people. And so it was a way of the people kind of drawing the gods toward people kind of drawing the gods toward people kind of drawing the gods toward them and and getting all of their them and and getting all of their them and and getting all of their blessing, which might be what's going on blessing, which might be what's going on blessing, which might be what's going on with the Tower of Babel. In a sense, with the Tower of Babel. In a sense, with the Tower of Babel. In a sense, they're trying to manipulate God to do they're trying to manipulate God to do they're trying to manipulate God to do their bidding like he's some kind of their bidding like he's some kind of their bidding like he's some kind of cosmic genie. In other words, they're cosmic genie. In other words, they're cosmic genie. In other words, they're putting themselves in the place of God. putting themselves in the place of God. putting themselves in the place of God. They're not honoring and and glorifying They're not honoring and and glorifying They're not honoring and and glorifying his name, but they're trying to make a his name, but they're trying to make a his name, but they're trying to make a name for themselves. And if you've been name for themselves. And if you've been name for themselves. And if you've been kind of reading along in Genesis so far, kind of reading along in Genesis so far, kind of reading along in Genesis so far, this kind of sounds like it's happened this kind of sounds like it's happened this kind of sounds like it's happened before. In fact, all the way back in the before. In fact, all the way back in the before. In fact, all the way back in the Garden of Eden with Adam and Eve eating Garden of Eden with Adam and Eve eating Garden of Eden with Adam and Eve eating the fruit, this is kind of the same the fruit, this is kind of the same the fruit, this is kind of the same idea, putting themselves in the place of idea, putting themselves in the place of idea, putting themselves in the place of God. And so, we're seeing history repeat God. And so, we're seeing history repeat God. And so, we're seeing history repeat itself. So this is what we have to see itself. So this is what we have to see itself. So this is what we have to see in this story is that people coming in this story is that people coming in this story is that people coming together in unity working together to together in unity working together to together in unity working together to innovate to build a city to develop a innovate to build a city to develop a innovate to build a city to develop a civilization an economy even to build a civilization an economy even to build a civilization an economy even to build a tower where they can have a relationship tower where they can have a relationship tower where they can have a relationship with God. That's all good stuff. God with God. That's all good stuff. God with God. That's all good stuff. God actually wants humanity to engage in

actually wants humanity to engage in actually wants humanity to engage in that sort of thing. I mean, in some ways that sort of thing. I mean, in some ways that sort of thing. I mean, in some ways they are being fruitful and they are they are being fruitful and they are they are being fruitful and they are kind of multiplying as families grow and kind of multiplying as families grow and kind of multiplying as families grow and clans develop, but they're not filling clans develop, but they're not filling clans develop, but they're not filling the earth. Like essentially, they're the earth. Like essentially, they're the earth. Like essentially, they're pursuing what could be good things, but pursuing what could be good things, but pursuing what could be good things, but in a very self-centered and self- in a very self-centered and self- in a very self-centered and self- glorifying kind of way. Like that's the glorifying kind of way. Like that's the glorifying kind of way. Like that's the intention of their hearts. It's all intention of their hearts. It's all intention of their hearts. It's all about them. And that's what makes the about them. And that's what makes the about them. And that's what makes the story of the Tower of Babel so so story of the Tower of Babel so so story of the Tower of Babel so so timeless because we can relate to that. timeless because we can relate to that. timeless because we can relate to that. Like the bricks may have changed, but Like the bricks may have changed, but Like the bricks may have changed, but the buildings really haven't. I mean, the buildings really haven't. I mean, the buildings really haven't. I mean, we're still building our own towers to we're still building our own towers to we're still building our own towers to the heavens. And one way or another, the heavens. And one way or another, the heavens. And one way or another, everyone is building something to make a everyone is building something to make a everyone is building something to make a name for themselves, to earn some name for themselves, to earn some name for themselves, to earn some significance, some respect, to determine significance, some respect, to determine significance, some respect, to determine what their purpose is, to get some what their purpose is, to get some what their purpose is, to get some status, identity out into the world. For status, identity out into the world. For status, identity out into the world. For some, it's building a a career to make a some, it's building a a career to make a some, it's building a a career to make a name, right? You you want to have a name, right? You you want to have a name, right? You you want to have a great job and you want to climb up the great job and you want to climb up the great job and you want to climb up the ladder so people respect you and they ladder so people respect you and they ladder so people respect you and they know you as someone to be feared or know you as someone to be feared or know you as someone to be feared or someone to be looked to and get all someone to be looked to and get all someone to be looked to and get all their wisdom. Or maybe it's about their wisdom. Or maybe it's about their wisdom. Or maybe it's about wealth. You want to have enough to do wealth. You want to have enough to do wealth. You want to have enough to do all the things that you want to to all the things that you want to to all the things that you want to to consume and vacations to go on. Or you consume and vacations to go on. Or you consume and vacations to go on. Or you want to have a big fat nest egg one day want to have a big fat nest egg one day want to have a big fat nest egg one day that you can then just kind of live a that you can then just kind of live a that you can then just kind of live a life of of comfort. For some, it's it's life of of comfort. For some, it's it's life of of comfort. For some, it's it's building the tower of the perfect building the tower of the perfect building the tower of the perfect family, a happy marriage, kids who are family, a happy marriage, kids who are family, a happy marriage, kids who are successful and high achieving. They're successful and high achieving. They're successful and high achieving. They're on the honor roll and on the all-star

on the honor roll and on the all-star on the honor roll and on the all-star team. Like, we are the perfect p picture team. Like, we are the perfect p picture team. Like, we are the perfect p picture of a family. For some, it is a a social of a family. For some, it is a a social of a family. For some, it is a a social media following thing where they want to media following thing where they want to media following thing where they want to become influencers and they want people become influencers and they want people become influencers and they want people to follow them and know what's going on to follow them and know what's going on to follow them and know what's going on in their life. For some, it's building a in their life. For some, it's building a in their life. For some, it's building a reputation for education. For some, it's reputation for education. For some, it's reputation for education. For some, it's building a ministry. Whatever it is, building a ministry. Whatever it is, building a ministry. Whatever it is, there are things that that we as people, there are things that that we as people, there are things that that we as people, we want to build. And so, what is that we want to build. And so, what is that we want to build. And so, what is that for you? What are you building in your for you? What are you building in your for you? What are you building in your life? life? life? Going back to the story of of Babel, Going back to the story of of Babel, Going back to the story of of Babel, God takes what seems like some good God takes what seems like some good God takes what seems like some good pursuits, building a city, building a pursuits, building a city, building a pursuits, building a city, building a tower, but he sees what's going on in tower, but he sees what's going on in tower, but he sees what's going on in their hearts. He can see that that deep their hearts. He can see that that deep their hearts. He can see that that deep down that there are some self-centered down that there are some self-centered down that there are some self-centered and self- glorifying intentions. and self- glorifying intentions. and self- glorifying intentions. And he knows how crushing and And he knows how crushing and And he knows how crushing and destructive destructive destructive that can be, what it actually can lead that can be, what it actually can lead that can be, what it actually can lead to. That history is just going to repeat to. That history is just going to repeat to. That history is just going to repeat itself. itself. itself. And so here's what he does. Look at And so here's what he does. Look at And so here's what he does. Look at verse 5. Says, "The Lord came down to verse 5. Says, "The Lord came down to verse 5. Says, "The Lord came down to see the city in a tower which the see the city in a tower which the see the city in a tower which the children of man had built. And the Lord children of man had built. And the Lord children of man had built. And the Lord said, "Behold, they are one people, and said, "Behold, they are one people, and said, "Behold, they are one people, and they have all one language, and this is they have all one language, and this is they have all one language, and this is only the beginning of what they will do, only the beginning of what they will do, only the beginning of what they will do, and nothing that they propose to do now and nothing that they propose to do now and nothing that they propose to do now will be impossible for them. Come, let will be impossible for them. Come, let will be impossible for them. Come, let us go down, and there confuse their us go down, and there confuse their us go down, and there confuse their language so that they may not understand language so that they may not understand language so that they may not understand one another's speech." And so the Lord one another's speech." And so the Lord one another's speech." And so the Lord dispersed them from there over the face

dispersed them from there over the face dispersed them from there over the face of the earth. And they left off building of the earth. And they left off building of the earth. And they left off building the city. Therefore, its name was called the city. Therefore, its name was called the city. Therefore, its name was called Babel because there the Lord confused Babel because there the Lord confused Babel because there the Lord confused the language of all the earth, and from the language of all the earth, and from the language of all the earth, and from there the Lord dispersed them over the there the Lord dispersed them over the there the Lord dispersed them over the face of all the earth. Now, when you face of all the earth. Now, when you face of all the earth. Now, when you first read this, it it might even kind first read this, it it might even kind first read this, it it might even kind of seem to you like God is sort of cruy of seem to you like God is sort of cruy of seem to you like God is sort of cruy messing with people like he's like some messing with people like he's like some messing with people like he's like some kid who's just looking at like an ant kid who's just looking at like an ant kid who's just looking at like an ant pile and watching them kind of build it pile and watching them kind of build it pile and watching them kind of build it all and see them all like kind of create all and see them all like kind of create all and see them all like kind of create this trail to get there and just like this trail to get there and just like this trail to get there and just like kicking it all over and just like kicking it all over and just like kicking it all over and just like laughing with an evil laugh like look laughing with an evil laugh like look laughing with an evil laugh like look what I've done. and I've kind of messed what I've done. and I've kind of messed what I've done. and I've kind of messed all these people's plans up. But I can all these people's plans up. But I can all these people's plans up. But I can tell you that's not what's going on tell you that's not what's going on tell you that's not what's going on here. See, remember God knows their here. See, remember God knows their here. See, remember God knows their intentions. He knows what's going on in intentions. He knows what's going on in intentions. He knows what's going on in their hearts. And he knows where this their hearts. And he knows where this their hearts. And he knows where this kind of self-centered and self- kind of self-centered and self- kind of self-centered and self- glorifying pursuits can eventually lead. glorifying pursuits can eventually lead. glorifying pursuits can eventually lead. It's going to just be a replay of the It's going to just be a replay of the It's going to just be a replay of the earth being filled with violence and earth being filled with violence and earth being filled with violence and corruption and chaos, all the things corruption and chaos, all the things corruption and chaos, all the things that brought on the flood. And so God in that brought on the flood. And so God in that brought on the flood. And so God in his grace frustrates their plans.

his grace frustrates their plans. his grace frustrates their plans. He's not going to let them build a tower He's not going to let them build a tower He's not going to let them build a tower and have them treat him like he's some and have them treat him like he's some and have them treat him like he's some kind of cosmic genie. He's not going to kind of cosmic genie. He's not going to kind of cosmic genie. He's not going to let them build a a city where they're let them build a a city where they're let them build a a city where they're going to have a a name for themselves going to have a a name for themselves going to have a a name for themselves and suffer the the destructive and suffer the the destructive and suffer the the destructive consequences of pride and arrogance consequences of pride and arrogance consequences of pride and arrogance having its way. Instead, he redirects having its way. Instead, he redirects having its way. Instead, he redirects them. He he redirects them and to do the them. He he redirects them and to do the them. He he redirects them and to do the very thing that he's called them to do very thing that he's called them to do very thing that he's called them to do from the very beginning to be fruitful from the very beginning to be fruitful from the very beginning to be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth with his and multiply and fill the earth with his and multiply and fill the earth with his kingdom. Now, I don't know exactly what kingdom. Now, I don't know exactly what kingdom. Now, I don't know exactly what they were thinking as this was happening they were thinking as this was happening they were thinking as this was happening because it's not really in the text because it's not really in the text because it's not really in the text there, but I can imagine that the people there, but I can imagine that the people there, but I can imagine that the people of Babel were a little frustrated by of Babel were a little frustrated by of Babel were a little frustrated by this. I mean, they can't even this. I mean, they can't even this. I mean, they can't even communicate with one another. They're communicate with one another. They're communicate with one another. They're trying to order a burger and I mean, trying to order a burger and I mean, trying to order a burger and I mean, it's just like this ain't working. And it's just like this ain't working. And it's just like this ain't working. And so they're frustrated and they're so they're frustrated and they're so they're frustrated and they're confused by God confusing their language confused by God confusing their language confused by God confusing their language and giving them different languages. and giving them different languages. and giving them different languages. I'd imagine that there's a part of them I'd imagine that there's a part of them I'd imagine that there's a part of them that were that was a little disenchanted that were that was a little disenchanted that were that was a little disenchanted with God doing this. Maybe feeling like with God doing this. Maybe feeling like with God doing this. Maybe feeling like this is God's judgment upon them. And this is God's judgment upon them. And this is God's judgment upon them. And maybe it is. Maybe there's this maybe it is. Maybe there's this maybe it is. Maybe there's this discipline that's going on. But I can discipline that's going on. But I can discipline that's going on. But I can tell you this, it's his grace. It's a tell you this, it's his grace. It's a tell you this, it's his grace. It's a gracious kind of discipline for them.

gracious kind of discipline for them. gracious kind of discipline for them. ultimately he's aiming for their good ultimately he's aiming for their good ultimately he's aiming for their good and his glory in the world. And some of and his glory in the world. And some of and his glory in the world. And some of you know what this is like. Like maybe you know what this is like. Like maybe you know what this is like. Like maybe you've had an experience where it feel you've had an experience where it feel you've had an experience where it feel like felt like God frustrated your like felt like God frustrated your like felt like God frustrated your plans. Like you had some good plans for plans. Like you had some good plans for plans. Like you had some good plans for a career move or a relationship uh an a career move or a relationship uh an a career move or a relationship uh an opportunity, a project at work or a opportunity, a project at work or a opportunity, a project at work or a housing situation, an educational housing situation, an educational housing situation, an educational attainment that you were trying to to go attainment that you were trying to to go attainment that you were trying to to go after. everything was headed in the after. everything was headed in the after. everything was headed in the right direction and you were excited and right direction and you were excited and right direction and you were excited and hopeful only for that to be slammed in hopeful only for that to be slammed in hopeful only for that to be slammed in your face. your face. your face. And maybe as far as you know that your And maybe as far as you know that your And maybe as far as you know that your motivations were pure. You weren't motivations were pure. You weren't motivations were pure. You weren't trying to build your own kingdom and trying to build your own kingdom and trying to build your own kingdom and make your own name great as far as you make your own name great as far as you make your own name great as far as you could tell and it just didn't work out could tell and it just didn't work out could tell and it just didn't work out and didn't really make sense to you. And and didn't really make sense to you. And and didn't really make sense to you. And so you felt frustrated or confused. so you felt frustrated or confused. so you felt frustrated or confused. Maybe you felt disenchanted with God Maybe you felt disenchanted with God Maybe you felt disenchanted with God wondering if if this is judgment upon wondering if if this is judgment upon wondering if if this is judgment upon you for some reason. you for some reason. you for some reason. But it could be that you look back now But it could be that you look back now But it could be that you look back now and you see God's hand in it after all.

and you see God's hand in it after all. and you see God's hand in it after all. That at the time it was frustrating and That at the time it was frustrating and That at the time it was frustrating and hard to understand. But now you look hard to understand. But now you look hard to understand. But now you look back and you see how God has been back and you see how God has been back and you see how God has been working. That there's a series of things working. That there's a series of things working. That there's a series of things that God has done in your life that you that God has done in your life that you that God has done in your life that you can all trace back to its roots of of can all trace back to its roots of of can all trace back to its roots of of that door slamming in your face. that door slamming in your face. that door slamming in your face. And so it turns out it is God's grace And so it turns out it is God's grace And so it turns out it is God's grace that he was working for your good and that he was working for your good and that he was working for your good and for his glory in the world. for his glory in the world. for his glory in the world. See, I think that might be a little bit See, I think that might be a little bit See, I think that might be a little bit like what's going on in the Tower of like what's going on in the Tower of like what's going on in the Tower of Babel story that God is confusing their Babel story that God is confusing their Babel story that God is confusing their language and he's frustrating their language and he's frustrating their language and he's frustrating their plans so that they would disperse. they plans so that they would disperse. they plans so that they would disperse. they they would then start doing the things they would then start doing the things they would then start doing the things that that God called them to do that that that God called them to do that that that God called them to do that they were disobeying him and so that they were disobeying him and so that they were disobeying him and so that they might be part of his work of they might be part of his work of they might be part of his work of expanding his kingdom in the world. expanding his kingdom in the world. expanding his kingdom in the world. Now, if you've been tracking with us in Now, if you've been tracking with us in Now, if you've been tracking with us in this in our series in the book of this in our series in the book of this in our series in the book of Genesis, you've seen how every time we Genesis, you've seen how every time we Genesis, you've seen how every time we talk about one of these stories, we sort talk about one of these stories, we sort talk about one of these stories, we sort of take a a zoom out approach and we we of take a a zoom out approach and we we of take a a zoom out approach and we we see how everything in Genesis and really see how everything in Genesis and really see how everything in Genesis and really everything in the Bible ultimately everything in the Bible ultimately everything in the Bible ultimately points us to Jesus. And this story is no points us to Jesus. And this story is no points us to Jesus. And this story is no different. The Tower of Babel has a different. The Tower of Babel has a different. The Tower of Babel has a strong connection to what Jesus wants to strong connection to what Jesus wants to strong connection to what Jesus wants to do in our lives today. And to see that, do in our lives today. And to see that, do in our lives today. And to see that, I want you to turn to the book of Acts.

I want you to turn to the book of Acts. I want you to turn to the book of Acts. Acts is in the New Testament. And Acts is in the New Testament. And Acts is in the New Testament. And there's some really strong connections there's some really strong connections there's some really strong connections with the Tower of Babel and what God with the Tower of Babel and what God with the Tower of Babel and what God does through the early church here that does through the early church here that does through the early church here that will help us to know how we are to apply will help us to know how we are to apply will help us to know how we are to apply this story in Genesis 11. So, the book this story in Genesis 11. So, the book this story in Genesis 11. So, the book of Acts begins in the the city of of Acts begins in the the city of of Acts begins in the the city of Jerusalem. It's right after Jesus has Jerusalem. It's right after Jesus has Jerusalem. It's right after Jesus has died. uh his disciples are starting to died. uh his disciples are starting to died. uh his disciples are starting to hear some reports that that Jesus is hear some reports that that Jesus is hear some reports that that Jesus is making some resurrection appearances. making some resurrection appearances. making some resurrection appearances. They haven't seen him yet. So, they're They haven't seen him yet. So, they're They haven't seen him yet. So, they're not really sure if this is true. They're not really sure if this is true. They're not really sure if this is true. They're a little bit confused. They're scared, a little bit confused. They're scared, a little bit confused. They're scared, frankly, running around the city of frankly, running around the city of frankly, running around the city of Jerusalem. They're trying to determine Jerusalem. They're trying to determine Jerusalem. They're trying to determine what they're supposed to do now. I mean, what they're supposed to do now. I mean, what they're supposed to do now. I mean, their whole purpose has been shifted their whole purpose has been shifted their whole purpose has been shifted because they were following this guy and because they were following this guy and because they were following this guy and now he's dead until Jesus now appears to now he's dead until Jesus now appears to now he's dead until Jesus now appears to them. Jesus appears face to face with them. Jesus appears face to face with them. Jesus appears face to face with them in his resurrected body at the them in his resurrected body at the them in his resurrected body at the beginning of Acts. And here's what he beginning of Acts. And here's what he beginning of Acts. And here's what he says to them as he has a conversation in says to them as he has a conversation in says to them as he has a conversation in verse 8. But you will receive power when verse 8. But you will receive power when verse 8. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you and the Holy Spirit has come upon you and the Holy Spirit has come upon you and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria and to the and in all Judea and Samaria and to the and in all Judea and Samaria and to the end of the earth. So this is a really end of the earth. So this is a really end of the earth. So this is a really significant moment in the life of of the significant moment in the life of of the significant moment in the life of of the church, the history of the church, church, the history of the church, church, the history of the church, because this is the the last because this is the the last because this is the the last conversation, the last statement that conversation, the last statement that conversation, the last statement that Jesus has with his disciples before he Jesus has with his disciples before he Jesus has with his disciples before he ascends to the right hand of the father ascends to the right hand of the father ascends to the right hand of the father in heaven. And in this statement, he's in heaven. And in this statement, he's in heaven. And in this statement, he's commissioning them and really commissioning them and really commissioning them and really commissioning all followers of Jesus commissioning all followers of Jesus commissioning all followers of Jesus after them for a new purpose. a purpose.

after them for a new purpose. a purpose. after them for a new purpose. a purpose. You see, it's pretty reminiscent of what You see, it's pretty reminiscent of what You see, it's pretty reminiscent of what God told Adam and Eve to do and what he God told Adam and Eve to do and what he God told Adam and Eve to do and what he told Noah and his family to do to be told Noah and his family to do to be told Noah and his family to do to be fruitful and multiply and fill the fruitful and multiply and fill the fruitful and multiply and fill the earth. And so, just looking backwards at earth. And so, just looking backwards at earth. And so, just looking backwards at this commission that Jesus gives, he this commission that Jesus gives, he this commission that Jesus gives, he tells them where to go. Tells them that tells them where to go. Tells them that tells them where to go. Tells them that they're going to go to Jerusalem and they're going to go to Jerusalem and they're going to go to Jerusalem and Judea and Samaria and to the end of the Judea and Samaria and to the end of the Judea and Samaria and to the end of the earth. And you have to know a little bit earth. And you have to know a little bit earth. And you have to know a little bit about the geography of where they are in about the geography of where they are in about the geography of where they are in this day to see what Jesus is doing this day to see what Jesus is doing this day to see what Jesus is doing here. that the names of these places are here. that the names of these places are here. that the names of these places are actually bigger and bigger concentric actually bigger and bigger concentric actually bigger and bigger concentric circles. So, Jerusalem is the city that circles. So, Jerusalem is the city that circles. So, Jerusalem is the city that they're currently in. Judea is the they're currently in. Judea is the they're currently in. Judea is the region that they're in and then Samaria region that they're in and then Samaria region that they're in and then Samaria is kind of the neighboring region. And is kind of the neighboring region. And is kind of the neighboring region. And then you have the ends of the earth. And then you have the ends of the earth. And then you have the ends of the earth. And so Jesus is communicating this this so Jesus is communicating this this so Jesus is communicating this this outward trajectory from from where they outward trajectory from from where they outward trajectory from from where they are now to going to the end of the are now to going to the end of the are now to going to the end of the earth. He's calling his people to go out earth. He's calling his people to go out earth. He's calling his people to go out into the world. Well, to do what? Well, into the world. Well, to do what? Well, into the world. Well, to do what? Well, to be witnesses. to be witnesses. to be witnesses. Now, a witness is someone who has seen Now, a witness is someone who has seen Now, a witness is someone who has seen or heard or experienced something for or heard or experienced something for or heard or experienced something for themselves.

themselves. themselves. Like when you become a follower of Like when you become a follower of Like when you become a follower of Jesus, when you realize that that your Jesus, when you realize that that your Jesus, when you realize that that your sin has separated you from God, made you sin has separated you from God, made you sin has separated you from God, made you an enemy of God and that there is no way an enemy of God and that there is no way an enemy of God and that there is no way to be reconciled except to trust in to be reconciled except to trust in to be reconciled except to trust in Jesus who his death, life, death, and Jesus who his death, life, death, and Jesus who his death, life, death, and resurrection makes a way for you to be resurrection makes a way for you to be resurrection makes a way for you to be reconciled to God through faith. When reconciled to God through faith. When reconciled to God through faith. When that becomes true of you, you you get to that becomes true of you, you you get to that becomes true of you, you you get to experience something pretty incredible. experience something pretty incredible. experience something pretty incredible. The joy of salvation, the blessing of The joy of salvation, the blessing of The joy of salvation, the blessing of having this reconciled relationship with having this reconciled relationship with having this reconciled relationship with God. The kingdom of God coming into your God. The kingdom of God coming into your God. The kingdom of God coming into your life now shaping you from the inside life now shaping you from the inside life now shaping you from the inside out. I mean, this is all the good news out. I mean, this is all the good news out. I mean, this is all the good news of the gospel of what Jesus has done. of the gospel of what Jesus has done. of the gospel of what Jesus has done. And when that happens, when you become a And when that happens, when you become a And when that happens, when you become a follower of Jesus, you also become a follower of Jesus, you also become a follower of Jesus, you also become a witness of Jesus just like he says. witness of Jesus just like he says. witness of Jesus just like he says. You get to take all that you have seen You get to take all that you have seen You get to take all that you have seen and heard and experienced in the gospel and heard and experienced in the gospel and heard and experienced in the gospel and you get to share it far and wide. and you get to share it far and wide. and you get to share it far and wide. Which means that you get to be a part of Which means that you get to be a part of Which means that you get to be a part of God's work of expanding his kingdom out God's work of expanding his kingdom out God's work of expanding his kingdom out from you into the lives of other people from you into the lives of other people from you into the lives of other people wherever the Lord may take you. That you wherever the Lord may take you. That you wherever the Lord may take you. That you get to to help people see how God has get to to help people see how God has get to to help people see how God has created them to be and make them a new created them to be and make them a new created them to be and make them a new person. that you get to walk alongside person. that you get to walk alongside person. that you get to walk alongside sinners as they discover that there is sinners as they discover that there is sinners as they discover that there is grace and love and forgiveness offered grace and love and forgiveness offered grace and love and forgiveness offered to them in Christ. You get to go out and to them in Christ. You get to go out and to them in Christ. You get to go out and tell the world that as broken and messed tell the world that as broken and messed tell the world that as broken and messed up as it the world might seem, Jesus has up as it the world might seem, Jesus has up as it the world might seem, Jesus has come and is coming to make all things come and is coming to make all things come and is coming to make all things new. You get to go tell people that the

new. You get to go tell people that the new. You get to go tell people that the the desire for reconciliation between the desire for reconciliation between the desire for reconciliation between people and between you and God is people and between you and God is people and between you and God is possible. That Jesus has made a way. possible. That Jesus has made a way. possible. That Jesus has made a way. See, this is a grand purpose that God See, this is a grand purpose that God See, this is a grand purpose that God has called you to be a part of, to be has called you to be a part of, to be has called you to be a part of, to be his witness in the world and to go out his witness in the world and to go out his witness in the world and to go out to exalt the name of Jesus, expand his to exalt the name of Jesus, expand his to exalt the name of Jesus, expand his kingdom to the end of the earth. And it kingdom to the end of the earth. And it kingdom to the end of the earth. And it is a great purpose. But it gets even is a great purpose. But it gets even is a great purpose. But it gets even better because you might think, all better because you might think, all better because you might think, all right, well, we just got to get all right, well, we just got to get all right, well, we just got to get all fired up and go out there in our own fired up and go out there in our own fired up and go out there in our own power. Well, Jesus tells us that it's power. Well, Jesus tells us that it's power. Well, Jesus tells us that it's not dependent on us and us having enough not dependent on us and us having enough not dependent on us and us having enough strength and power to make it happen. strength and power to make it happen. strength and power to make it happen. going back to the very beginning of his going back to the very beginning of his going back to the very beginning of his great commission here in Acts 18. He great commission here in Acts 18. He great commission here in Acts 18. He says, "You will receive power when the says, "You will receive power when the says, "You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. This is this Holy Spirit comes upon you. This is this Holy Spirit comes upon you. This is this is a spirit empowered purpose that he is a spirit empowered purpose that he is a spirit empowered purpose that he has called you to be a part of." Now, has called you to be a part of." Now, has called you to be a part of." Now, for the disciples who were hearing Jesus for the disciples who were hearing Jesus for the disciples who were hearing Jesus say this, this was a new concept for say this, this was a new concept for say this, this was a new concept for them. Like, they weren't familiar with them. Like, they weren't familiar with them. Like, they weren't familiar with the work of the Holy Spirit. It isn't the work of the Holy Spirit. It isn't the work of the Holy Spirit. It isn't until Acts chapter 2 that the Holy until Acts chapter 2 that the Holy until Acts chapter 2 that the Holy Spirit comes upon them. In fact, Acts Spirit comes upon them. In fact, Acts Spirit comes upon them. In fact, Acts chapter 2 is really interesting when you chapter 2 is really interesting when you chapter 2 is really interesting when you read it in light of Babel uh Babel read it in light of Babel uh Babel read it in light of Babel uh Babel because there's there's this idea that because there's there's this idea that because there's there's this idea that that Acts 2 is really just Babel in that Acts 2 is really just Babel in that Acts 2 is really just Babel in reverse.

reverse. reverse. So, the chapter starts, chapter 2 begins So, the chapter starts, chapter 2 begins So, the chapter starts, chapter 2 begins with the the disciples all gathered, it with the the disciples all gathered, it with the the disciples all gathered, it says in one place and they're there for says in one place and they're there for says in one place and they're there for the Jewish celebration of Pentecost. And the Jewish celebration of Pentecost. And the Jewish celebration of Pentecost. And it's not just them, but it's actually it's not just them, but it's actually it's not just them, but it's actually people from all the nations. They've all people from all the nations. They've all people from all the nations. They've all kind of road trip there. They're all kind of road trip there. They're all kind of road trip there. They're all there for Pentecost. And then all of a there for Pentecost. And then all of a there for Pentecost. And then all of a sudden the Holy Spirit comes upon the sudden the Holy Spirit comes upon the sudden the Holy Spirit comes upon the Christians there and they start speaking Christians there and they start speaking Christians there and they start speaking in tongues. It says like they're in tongues. It says like they're in tongues. It says like they're speaking in different languages, but all speaking in different languages, but all speaking in different languages, but all the people from from the distant nations the people from from the distant nations the people from from the distant nations who have road trip there, they're who have road trip there, they're who have road trip there, they're hearing the good news of Jesus being hearing the good news of Jesus being hearing the good news of Jesus being spoken to them in their own language. So spoken to them in their own language. So spoken to them in their own language. So think about that like this is the think about that like this is the think about that like this is the opposite of what happened in Babel. that opposite of what happened in Babel. that opposite of what happened in Babel. that instead of having different languages instead of having different languages instead of having different languages causing separation and division, now causing separation and division, now causing separation and division, now God's moving in such a way that these God's moving in such a way that these God's moving in such a way that these different languages are all saying the different languages are all saying the different languages are all saying the same message. They're all preaching same message. They're all preaching same message. They're all preaching about the good news of Jesus. And about the good news of Jesus. And about the good news of Jesus. And instead of this being a moment of of instead of this being a moment of of instead of this being a moment of of redirection because of disobedience and redirection because of disobedience and redirection because of disobedience and people trying to make their name great, people trying to make their name great, people trying to make their name great, this is actually the launching of a this is actually the launching of a this is actually the launching of a spirit empowered movement where spirit empowered movement where spirit empowered movement where followers of Jesus are sent out to make followers of Jesus are sent out to make followers of Jesus are sent out to make the name of Jesus known to the ends of the name of Jesus known to the ends of the name of Jesus known to the ends of the earth. And that's the very same the earth. And that's the very same the earth. And that's the very same purpose that God has called you to be a purpose that God has called you to be a purpose that God has called you to be a part of today.

part of today. part of today. You see the story of Babel, it really You see the story of Babel, it really You see the story of Babel, it really comes down to one question for us. comes down to one question for us. comes down to one question for us. [snorts] [snorts] [snorts] Is whose name is your life making great? Is whose name is your life making great? Is whose name is your life making great? Whose name is your life making great? Whose name is your life making great? Whose name is your life making great? That's the question that we ask That's the question that we ask That's the question that we ask ourselves when we read the story of the ourselves when we read the story of the ourselves when we read the story of the Tower of Babel. The people who are Tower of Babel. The people who are Tower of Babel. The people who are building a tower and building a city to building a tower and building a city to building a tower and building a city to make their name great. Well, whose name make their name great. Well, whose name make their name great. Well, whose name is your life making great? Because is your life making great? Because is your life making great? Because here's the I can tell you, you probably here's the I can tell you, you probably here's the I can tell you, you probably don't wake up every day thinking, you don't wake up every day thinking, you don't wake up every day thinking, you know what, I'm going to rebel against know what, I'm going to rebel against know what, I'm going to rebel against God, like, this is going to be just God, like, this is going to be just God, like, this is going to be just another day where I'm going to disobey another day where I'm going to disobey another day where I'm going to disobey what God has called me to do. But you what God has called me to do. But you what God has called me to do. But you probably do wake up thinking, well, how probably do wake up thinking, well, how probably do wake up thinking, well, how can I get ahead? can I get ahead? can I get ahead? How can I get noticed in my job? How can How can I get noticed in my job? How can How can I get noticed in my job? How can I achieve some kind of significance in I achieve some kind of significance in I achieve some kind of significance in my relationships? How can I make my relationships? How can I make my relationships? How can I make something of myself? something of myself? something of myself? And in the pursuit of of good things And in the pursuit of of good things And in the pursuit of of good things like a career or a family or wealth or like a career or a family or wealth or like a career or a family or wealth or even a ministry, somewhere along the even a ministry, somewhere along the even a ministry, somewhere along the way, our good ambitions and drive can way, our good ambitions and drive can way, our good ambitions and drive can get twisted. They can shift from being get twisted. They can shift from being get twisted. They can shift from being about God and his glory to being about about God and his glory to being about about God and his glory to being about us and our glory. The scary thing about us and our glory. The scary thing about us and our glory. The scary thing about Babylon isn't that they built a tower or Babylon isn't that they built a tower or Babylon isn't that they built a tower or a city. It's why they engaged in the a city. It's why they engaged in the a city. It's why they engaged in the building of those pl of those things.

building of those pl of those things. building of those pl of those things. They said, "Let us make a name for They said, "Let us make a name for They said, "Let us make a name for ourselves. Let us make a name for ourselves. Let us make a name for ourselves. Let us make a name for ourselves. I mean, that's just that's ourselves. I mean, that's just that's ourselves. I mean, that's just that's not just the motto of our current not just the motto of our current not just the motto of our current culture. Apparently, it's the motto of culture. Apparently, it's the motto of culture. Apparently, it's the motto of the human heart. Goes all the way back the human heart. Goes all the way back the human heart. Goes all the way back to the very beginning. Let's make a name to the very beginning. Let's make a name to the very beginning. Let's make a name for ourselves. for ourselves. for ourselves. Our self-centered and self- glorifying Our self-centered and self- glorifying Our self-centered and self- glorifying intentions can hide underneath almost intentions can hide underneath almost intentions can hide underneath almost anything that we do. Because pride anything that we do. Because pride anything that we do. Because pride doesn't always just loudly proclaim, doesn't always just loudly proclaim, doesn't always just loudly proclaim, "Look how great I am." Sometimes pride "Look how great I am." Sometimes pride "Look how great I am." Sometimes pride just quietly whispers in our hearts. I just quietly whispers in our hearts. I just quietly whispers in our hearts. I want my life to be about me and what I want my life to be about me and what I want my life to be about me and what I want and my glory and my wealth and my want and my glory and my wealth and my want and my glory and my wealth and my fame and my acceptance, my status, my fame and my acceptance, my status, my fame and my acceptance, my status, my reputation. reputation. reputation. You see, Jesus flips all that completely You see, Jesus flips all that completely You see, Jesus flips all that completely upside down. A little bit later on, the upside down. A little bit later on, the upside down. A little bit later on, the Apostle Paul says this about Jesus, and Apostle Paul says this about Jesus, and Apostle Paul says this about Jesus, and it comes with a call for us. Philippians it comes with a call for us. Philippians it comes with a call for us. Philippians 2 says, "Have this mind among 2 says, "Have this mind among 2 says, "Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ yourselves, which is yours in Christ yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who though he was in the form of Jesus, who though he was in the form of Jesus, who though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a God, did not count equality with God a God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself thing to be grasped, but emptied himself thing to be grasped, but emptied himself by taking the form of a servant, being by taking the form of a servant, being by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being born in the likeness of men. And being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself found in human form, he humbled himself found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of by becoming obedient to the point of by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Therefore, death, even death on a cross. Therefore, death, even death on a cross. Therefore, God has highly exalted him and bestowed God has highly exalted him and bestowed God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every on him the name that is above every on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus, name, so that at the name of Jesus, name, so that at the name of Jesus, every knee should bow in heaven and on every knee should bow in heaven and on every knee should bow in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every

earth and under the earth, and every earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God the Father. to the glory of God the Father. to the glory of God the Father. You see the contrast between Jesus and You see the contrast between Jesus and You see the contrast between Jesus and the people of Babel. The people of the people of Babel. The people of the people of Babel. The people of Babel, they exalted themselves. They Babel, they exalted themselves. They Babel, they exalted themselves. They grasp for greatness. They climbed grasp for greatness. They climbed grasp for greatness. They climbed upward. They wanted to make their own upward. They wanted to make their own upward. They wanted to make their own name great. name great. name great. But Jesus emptied himself, took the form But Jesus emptied himself, took the form But Jesus emptied himself, took the form of a servant. He humbled himself, was of a servant. He humbled himself, was of a servant. He humbled himself, was obedient to the father. Therefore, God obedient to the father. Therefore, God obedient to the father. Therefore, God the father exalted him and gave him a the father exalted him and gave him a the father exalted him and gave him a name that is above every name that name that is above every name that name that is above every name that deserves to be praised for all eternity. deserves to be praised for all eternity. deserves to be praised for all eternity. See, this is what Jesus has done and is See, this is what Jesus has done and is See, this is what Jesus has done and is doing in you today. That's why Paul doing in you today. That's why Paul doing in you today. That's why Paul includes that call for us to have this includes that call for us to have this includes that call for us to have this mind among yourselves which is yours in mind among yourselves which is yours in mind among yourselves which is yours in Christ Jesus. Christ Jesus. Christ Jesus. God is calling you to a whole new God is calling you to a whole new God is calling you to a whole new purpose for your life. Like I don't know purpose for your life. Like I don't know purpose for your life. Like I don't know what you thought your purpose was when what you thought your purpose was when what you thought your purpose was when you came in here today, but you should you came in here today, but you should you came in here today, but you should know that God is calling you to a whole know that God is calling you to a whole know that God is calling you to a whole new purpose that's not about exalting new purpose that's not about exalting new purpose that's not about exalting your name and expanding your kingdom.

your name and expanding your kingdom. your name and expanding your kingdom. It's about exalting his name and It's about exalting his name and It's about exalting his name and expanding his kingdom. expanding his kingdom. expanding his kingdom. That's what it means to be a witness in That's what it means to be a witness in That's what it means to be a witness in the world. For you to expand or exalt the world. For you to expand or exalt the world. For you to expand or exalt his name and expand his kingdom. And his name and expand his kingdom. And his name and expand his kingdom. And when you think about that and what it when you think about that and what it when you think about that and what it means for your life, I can tell you means for your life, I can tell you means for your life, I can tell you this, it is such a freeing thing. Like this, it is such a freeing thing. Like this, it is such a freeing thing. Like it allows you to live free of the it allows you to live free of the it allows you to live free of the crushing pressure to always measure up, crushing pressure to always measure up, crushing pressure to always measure up, to always build a bigger tower. to always build a bigger tower. to always build a bigger tower. When your life becomes about making When your life becomes about making When your life becomes about making Jesus known instead of making yourself Jesus known instead of making yourself Jesus known instead of making yourself known, you don't don't have to prove known, you don't don't have to prove known, you don't don't have to prove yourself. You don't have to win other yourself. You don't have to win other yourself. You don't have to win other people's approval. You don't have to people's approval. You don't have to people's approval. You don't have to chase after significance because in chase after significance because in chase after significance because in Christ, your identity has already been Christ, your identity has already been Christ, your identity has already been established. established. established. You already have significance. You are You already have significance. You are You already have significance. You are already the the privileged child of the already the the privileged child of the already the the privileged child of the king whose name is above every other king whose name is above every other king whose name is above every other name. And so now with freedom and joy, name. And so now with freedom and joy, name. And so now with freedom and joy, this new purpose means that every this new purpose means that every this new purpose means that every conversation and every relationship, conversation and every relationship, conversation and every relationship, every interaction, every big opportunity every interaction, every big opportunity every interaction, every big opportunity and every normal day is another chance and every normal day is another chance and every normal day is another chance for you to ask the question, whose name for you to ask the question, whose name for you to ask the question, whose name is my life making great? Am I living to is my life making great? Am I living to is my life making great? Am I living to exalt myself and expand my kingdom, or exalt myself and expand my kingdom, or exalt myself and expand my kingdom, or am I living to exalt his name and his am I living to exalt his name and his am I living to exalt his name and his kingdom?

kingdom? kingdom? A friend of mine named Tom recently went A friend of mine named Tom recently went A friend of mine named Tom recently went on a weekend getaway with his wife. on a weekend getaway with his wife. on a weekend getaway with his wife. They're empty nesters now, so they can They're empty nesters now, so they can They're empty nesters now, so they can do that sort of thing. And they they go do that sort of thing. And they they go do that sort of thing. And they they go out to the Hill Country and while out to the Hill Country and while out to the Hill Country and while they're there, they they swim in this uh they're there, they they swim in this uh they're there, they they swim in this uh springfed swimming hole. There's a bunch springfed swimming hole. There's a bunch springfed swimming hole. There's a bunch of people there. It's a hot day, but the of people there. It's a hot day, but the of people there. It's a hot day, but the water is cool and beautiful day out in water is cool and beautiful day out in water is cool and beautiful day out in central Texas. People are splashing central Texas. People are splashing central Texas. People are splashing around and kids are swinging on the rope around and kids are swinging on the rope around and kids are swinging on the rope swing and and Tom and his wife, I mean, swing and and Tom and his wife, I mean, swing and and Tom and his wife, I mean, they're just out there relaxing, but he they're just out there relaxing, but he they're just out there relaxing, but he kind of notices just the people around kind of notices just the people around kind of notices just the people around that like it's all a great day, but that like it's all a great day, but that like it's all a great day, but like, you know, not everyone is having like, you know, not everyone is having like, you know, not everyone is having the easiest day. He notices this mom is the easiest day. He notices this mom is the easiest day. He notices this mom is there with her two sons and um she's there with her two sons and um she's there with her two sons and um she's kind of just getting them out for the kind of just getting them out for the kind of just getting them out for the day, I guess. You know, dad's off day, I guess. You know, dad's off day, I guess. You know, dad's off someplace else and he knows what that's someplace else and he knows what that's someplace else and he knows what that's like to have young kids at a place like like to have young kids at a place like like to have young kids at a place like that. And so, he just kind of notices that. And so, he just kind of notices that. And so, he just kind of notices that there's some chances for him to that there's some chances for him to that there's some chances for him to kind of step in and help out. like the kind of step in and help out. like the kind of step in and help out. like the kids aren't great at swimming and just kids aren't great at swimming and just kids aren't great at swimming and just kind of helping this lady out here and kind of helping this lady out here and kind of helping this lady out here and there. He also notices that as uh some there. He also notices that as uh some there. He also notices that as uh some of the kids and adults are swinging on of the kids and adults are swinging on of the kids and adults are swinging on the rope swing, he's like, "I'm not the rope swing, he's like, "I'm not the rope swing, he's like, "I'm not going to go do that." But at times that going to go do that." But at times that going to go do that." But at times that rope is is far away from the shore and rope is is far away from the shore and rope is is far away from the shore and they can't get it. And so he's kind of they can't get it. And so he's kind of they can't get it. And so he's kind of treading water out there and just treading water out there and just treading water out there and just throwing it back to them as he's throwing it back to them as he's throwing it back to them as he's swimming around and hanging out wi with swimming around and hanging out wi with swimming around and hanging out wi with his wife out there just overall just his wife out there just overall just his wife out there just overall just trying to have a good day and and help trying to have a good day and and help trying to have a good day and and help some people out. And so as they're some people out. And so as they're some people out. And so as they're wrapping up, they're going out to the wrapping up, they're going out to the wrapping up, they're going out to the parking lot and they see the uh the mom parking lot and they see the uh the mom parking lot and they see the uh the mom and and the two kids. They're loading up and and the two kids. They're loading up and and the two kids. They're loading up all their gear and struggling with it all their gear and struggling with it all their gear and struggling with it all. And so they just offer to help out.

all. And so they just offer to help out. all. And so they just offer to help out. And when they're done, this mom asks And when they're done, this mom asks And when they're done, this mom asks him, "Are you a Christian?" him, "Are you a Christian?" him, "Are you a Christian?" And he says, "Well, yes, ma'am. I've And he says, "Well, yes, ma'am. I've And he says, "Well, yes, ma'am. I've been a follower of Jesus for for a long been a follower of Jesus for for a long been a follower of Jesus for for a long time now." And she says, "I I thought time now." And she says, "I I thought time now." And she says, "I I thought so. You know, I told my kids that that so. You know, I told my kids that that so. You know, I told my kids that that guy out there that seems to be just kind guy out there that seems to be just kind guy out there that seems to be just kind of helping out a lot and being friendly of helping out a lot and being friendly of helping out a lot and being friendly and serving people and there's something and serving people and there's something and serving people and there's something different about him. And she says, "You different about him. And she says, "You different about him. And she says, "You see, that's what the light looks like. see, that's what the light looks like. see, that's what the light looks like. That's what the light looks like." That's what the light looks like." That's what the light looks like." You see, I know, Tom, that he wasn't You see, I know, Tom, that he wasn't You see, I know, Tom, that he wasn't going there to to try to to serve people going there to to try to to serve people going there to to try to to serve people with some kind of agenda. Like, it with some kind of agenda. Like, it with some kind of agenda. Like, it wasn't a service project for them. He he wasn't a service project for them. He he wasn't a service project for them. He he wasn't trying to go make a name for wasn't trying to go make a name for wasn't trying to go make a name for himself. He was just there to enjoy the himself. He was just there to enjoy the himself. He was just there to enjoy the swimming hole on a on a hot day. But swimming hole on a on a hot day. But swimming hole on a on a hot day. But while there, he just did what comes while there, he just did what comes while there, he just did what comes naturally. I mean, he was a witness. He naturally. I mean, he was a witness. He naturally. I mean, he was a witness. He simply lived in a way that that pointed simply lived in a way that that pointed simply lived in a way that that pointed people to Jesus and what he can do in people to Jesus and what he can do in people to Jesus and what he can do in their life because Jesus has radically their life because Jesus has radically their life because Jesus has radically transformed Tom's life. And so now, transformed Tom's life. And so now, transformed Tom's life. And so now, unbeknownst to him, without even really unbeknownst to him, without even really unbeknownst to him, without even really trying, he exalted the name of Jesus.

trying, he exalted the name of Jesus. trying, he exalted the name of Jesus. And for that day, And for that day, And for that day, that swimming hole got a glimpse of the that swimming hole got a glimpse of the that swimming hole got a glimpse of the kingdom of God expanding into their kingdom of God expanding into their kingdom of God expanding into their world. world. world. So listen, in a world or maybe in a So listen, in a world or maybe in a So listen, in a world or maybe in a family of origin or maybe in your own family of origin or maybe in your own family of origin or maybe in your own heart as you struggle through some of heart as you struggle through some of heart as you struggle through some of these things, in a world that is trying these things, in a world that is trying these things, in a world that is trying to live up to a certain name, to live up to a certain name, to live up to a certain name, struggling under the the pressure, the struggling under the the pressure, the struggling under the the pressure, the the shadow, and trying to make a name the shadow, and trying to make a name the shadow, and trying to make a name for yourself, you should know that God for yourself, you should know that God for yourself, you should know that God offers you a a much better way. You offers you a a much better way. You offers you a a much better way. You don't have to run after significance or don't have to run after significance or don't have to run after significance or purpose or respect in your own power, purpose or respect in your own power, purpose or respect in your own power, but God offers you a beautiful life of but God offers you a beautiful life of but God offers you a beautiful life of significance, of identity where where significance, of identity where where significance, of identity where where God can restore the the brokenness of God can restore the the brokenness of God can restore the the brokenness of your own heart, and you don't have to your own heart, and you don't have to your own heart, and you don't have to try to measure up for anyone because of try to measure up for anyone because of try to measure up for anyone because of what Jesus has already done in your what Jesus has already done in your what Jesus has already done in your life. life. life. Listen, when your life is over, if you Listen, when your life is over, if you Listen, when your life is over, if you want to know that that you mattered, want to know that that you mattered, want to know that that you mattered, well, there's no better way to do that well, there's no better way to do that well, there's no better way to do that than to join God's mission in the world.

than to join God's mission in the world. than to join God's mission in the world. When you realize that When you realize that When you realize that and there is freedom and there is and there is freedom and there is and there is freedom and there is excitement and there is joy because you excitement and there is joy because you excitement and there is joy because you get to be a part of Jesus work in the get to be a part of Jesus work in the get to be a part of Jesus work in the world, his redeeming work to exalt his world, his redeeming work to exalt his world, his redeeming work to exalt his name and expand his kingdom. Would you name and expand his kingdom. Would you name and expand his kingdom. Would you bow with me? Maybe some of you today, you walk in Maybe some of you today, you walk in here with a heavy burden of trying to here with a heavy burden of trying to here with a heavy burden of trying to measure up. Measure up to your own measure up. Measure up to your own measure up. Measure up to your own standards or the standards of someone standards or the standards of someone standards or the standards of someone else. And maybe you felt how crushing else. And maybe you felt how crushing else. And maybe you felt how crushing that is. And so the invitation that you that is. And so the invitation that you that is. And so the invitation that you hear today in Jesus is just to come to hear today in Jesus is just to come to hear today in Jesus is just to come to me and know that you are significant me and know that you are significant me and know that you are significant because Jesus declares that over you. because Jesus declares that over you. because Jesus declares that over you. That you have an identity because Jesus That you have an identity because Jesus That you have an identity because Jesus declares that over you. that you can declares that over you. that you can declares that over you. that you can become a a child of the king whose name become a a child of the king whose name become a a child of the king whose name is above all other names. You don't have is above all other names. You don't have is above all other names. You don't have to make a name for yourself anymore. to make a name for yourself anymore. to make a name for yourself anymore. See, if you want to receive that See, if you want to receive that See, if you want to receive that invitation that he offers you to you invitation that he offers you to you invitation that he offers you to you today, well, there is no better day and today, well, there is no better day and today, well, there is no better day and there is better no better moment than there is better no better moment than there is better no better moment than right now than you to come to him and in right now than you to come to him and in right now than you to come to him and in your own words of of prayer to be able your own words of of prayer to be able your own words of of prayer to be able to say something like, "God, I realize to say something like, "God, I realize to say something like, "God, I realize that I have been chasing after something that I have been chasing after something that I have been chasing after something that you have offered to me freely that you have offered to me freely that you have offered to me freely that I have sinned against you and which that I have sinned against you and which that I have sinned against you and which has separated me from you and yet you has separated me from you and yet you has separated me from you and yet you have offered forgiveness and have offered forgiveness and have offered forgiveness and reconciliation.

reconciliation. reconciliation. that I've sought significance and that I've sought significance and that I've sought significance and identity outside of you and yet you have identity outside of you and yet you have identity outside of you and yet you have given it to me freely in Christ. And so given it to me freely in Christ. And so given it to me freely in Christ. And so now I turn to you and I trust in Jesus. now I turn to you and I trust in Jesus. now I turn to you and I trust in Jesus. His perfect life, his sacrificial death His perfect life, his sacrificial death His perfect life, his sacrificial death for me, his powerful resurrection, his for me, his powerful resurrection, his for me, his powerful resurrection, his reigning ascension to your right hand. reigning ascension to your right hand. reigning ascension to your right hand. That all of that is for me and I receive That all of that is for me and I receive That all of that is for me and I receive it as a gift of your grace. And so I it as a gift of your grace. And so I it as a gift of your grace. And so I trust in you. I lay my life down to you trust in you. I lay my life down to you trust in you. I lay my life down to you and I surrender to you. and I surrender to you. and I surrender to you. I'm yours. See, if you already are a follower of See, if you already are a follower of Jesus as you walk in here today, maybe Jesus as you walk in here today, maybe Jesus as you walk in here today, maybe you need to be reminded of the grand you need to be reminded of the grand you need to be reminded of the grand purpose that he has called you to be a purpose that he has called you to be a purpose that he has called you to be a part of. That you exist to make his name great. That you exist to make his name great. And while that might feel like, oh man, And while that might feel like, oh man, And while that might feel like, oh man, but I wanted to have a great name but I wanted to have a great name but I wanted to have a great name myself, there is no better place to be myself, there is no better place to be myself, there is no better place to be than the making the name of Jesus great. than the making the name of Jesus great. than the making the name of Jesus great. That is joyful and fulfilling beyond That is joyful and fulfilling beyond That is joyful and fulfilling beyond measure.

measure. measure. And so today is an opportunity for us to And so today is an opportunity for us to And so today is an opportunity for us to sort of repent and confess that before sort of repent and confess that before sort of repent and confess that before the Lord and ask him to restore our the Lord and ask him to restore our the Lord and ask him to restore our life, which we'll do in just a moment life, which we'll do in just a moment life, which we'll do in just a moment here. And so let me pray for us as we here. And so let me pray for us as we here. And so let me pray for us as we prepare for a moment of of confession. prepare for a moment of of confession. prepare for a moment of of confession. Father, we thank you for your goodness Father, we thank you for your goodness Father, we thank you for your goodness to us, your grace that even when we to us, your grace that even when we to us, your grace that even when we disobey or we try to make much of disobey or we try to make much of disobey or we try to make much of ourselves, ourselves, ourselves, we try to do something different than we try to do something different than we try to do something different than what you called us to do, that you in what you called us to do, that you in what you called us to do, that you in your grace discipline, redirect your grace discipline, redirect your grace discipline, redirect so that we join you on your mission. so that we join you on your mission. so that we join you on your mission. And so we thank you for that, that you And so we thank you for that, that you And so we thank you for that, that you love us as a father. love us as a father. love us as a father. We confess that there are times when we We confess that there are times when we We confess that there are times when we try to do our own things and make much try to do our own things and make much try to do our own things and make much of ourselves of ourselves of ourselves and we go after the world and pursue and we go after the world and pursue and we go after the world and pursue some of the things that the world offers some of the things that the world offers some of the things that the world offers to us with a heart of self-centerness to us with a heart of self-centerness to us with a heart of self-centerness and self- glorifying. And so we turn to and self- glorifying. And so we turn to and self- glorifying. And so we turn to you today and we ask that you would you today and we ask that you would you today and we ask that you would restore us of that that we might live to restore us of that that we might live to restore us of that that we might live to exalt your name and expand your kingdom.

exalt your name and expand your kingdom. exalt your name and expand your kingdom. God, we thank you that we know the name God, we thank you that we know the name God, we thank you that we know the name that is above every name. that at the that is above every name. that at the that is above every name. that at the name of Jesus, name of Jesus, name of Jesus, every person, every tongue, every nation every person, every tongue, every nation every person, every tongue, every nation will bow, including us. And so call us will bow, including us. And so call us will bow, including us. And so call us to be a part of your work of redeeming to be a part of your work of redeeming to be a part of your work of redeeming the world around us that we might join the world around us that we might join the world around us that we might join the multitudes of people around your the multitudes of people around your the multitudes of people around your throne one day praising the name of throne one day praising the name of throne one day praising the name of Jesus. Amen.