Discipleship Pathway

Have you ever received a piece of Have you ever received a piece of advice, good, wise advice that was so advice, good, wise advice that was so advice, good, wise advice that was so common? It was so mundane that you common? It was so mundane that you common? It was so mundane that you failed to heed the advice. It was good failed to heed the advice. It was good failed to heed the advice. It was good advice if you're like, "Yeah, yeah, I advice if you're like, "Yeah, yeah, I advice if you're like, "Yeah, yeah, I know that." But yet, you still didn't know that." But yet, you still didn't know that." But yet, you still didn't take it to heart. Like, you know, take it to heart. Like, you know, take it to heart. Like, you know, there's some good advice, especially if there's some good advice, especially if there's some good advice, especially if you live in Oklahoma. When the light you live in Oklahoma. When the light you live in Oklahoma. When the light turns green, before you accelerate, look turns green, before you accelerate, look turns green, before you accelerate, look both ways. Because somewhere in the both ways. Because somewhere in the both ways. Because somewhere in the annals of education of the state of annals of education of the state of annals of education of the state of Oklahoma, no one taught the color red to Oklahoma, no one taught the color red to Oklahoma, no one taught the color red to anyone. anyone. anyone. Good advice, look both ways before you Good advice, look both ways before you Good advice, look both ways before you accelerate through an intersection. Or accelerate through an intersection. Or accelerate through an intersection. Or uh simpler advice like don't eat too uh simpler advice like don't eat too uh simpler advice like don't eat too much, don't drink too much, don't spend much, don't drink too much, don't spend much, don't drink too much, don't spend more than you make. Good advice, good more than you make. Good advice, good more than you make. Good advice, good advice. Do people heed the advice? Now, advice. Do people heed the advice? Now, advice. Do people heed the advice? Now, I remember hearing many years, many I remember hearing many years, many I remember hearing many years, many years in my youthful years, my my years in my youthful years, my my years in my youthful years, my my friends and family members saying, friends and family members saying, friends and family members saying, "Don't chew ice. It's bad for your "Don't chew ice. It's bad for your "Don't chew ice. It's bad for your teeth." I've got three or four crowns in teeth." I've got three or four crowns in teeth." I've got three or four crowns in my mouth to prove that was good advice. my mouth to prove that was good advice. my mouth to prove that was good advice. Money I should have spent differently Money I should have spent differently Money I should have spent differently than chewing ice. Well, it is the same than chewing ice. Well, it is the same than chewing ice. Well, it is the same with our spiritual life. We could get with our spiritual life. We could get with our spiritual life. We could get some spiritual advice and it's so simple some spiritual advice and it's so simple some spiritual advice and it's so simple and it's so mundane that we sort of and it's so mundane that we sort of and it's so mundane that we sort of shrug the shoulders at it. We're shrug the shoulders at it. We're shrug the shoulders at it. We're embarking upon a brand new series embarking upon a brand new series embarking upon a brand new series starting this week. It'll go for four starting this week. It'll go for four starting this week. It'll go for four weeks total. We got three more after weeks total. We got three more after weeks total. We got three more after this week. And it's this idea of a this week. And it's this idea of a this week. And it's this idea of a disciplehip pathway. But forget about disciplehip pathway. But forget about disciplehip pathway. But forget about that title. The real question behind the that title. The real question behind the that title. The real question behind the thing itself is is a simpler question.

thing itself is is a simpler question. thing itself is is a simpler question. This is the question. How do how do I This is the question. How do how do I This is the question. How do how do I develop a a and maintain a healthy develop a a and maintain a healthy develop a a and maintain a healthy relationship with God? Don't we all want relationship with God? Don't we all want relationship with God? Don't we all want that? You're here and unless someone that? You're here and unless someone that? You're here and unless someone dragged you here and made you come and dragged you here and made you come and dragged you here and made you come and you came on your own accord, the odds you came on your own accord, the odds you came on your own accord, the odds are you want to take at least another are you want to take at least another are you want to take at least another spiritual step in your life, you want to spiritual step in your life, you want to spiritual step in your life, you want to grow deeper. You would say things like, grow deeper. You would say things like, grow deeper. You would say things like, "I would like to mature more. I'd like "I would like to mature more. I'd like "I would like to mature more. I'd like to have a vibrant faith," or, "I'd like to have a vibrant faith," or, "I'd like to have a vibrant faith," or, "I'd like to have an exciting faith." Whatever way to have an exciting faith." Whatever way to have an exciting faith." Whatever way you describe it, most of us find you describe it, most of us find you describe it, most of us find ourselves in a place where you go, "What ourselves in a place where you go, "What ourselves in a place where you go, "What do I need to do to grow closer to God?" do I need to do to grow closer to God?" do I need to do to grow closer to God?" And just like the simple mundane advice And just like the simple mundane advice And just like the simple mundane advice that we get, it's there for our that we get, it's there for our that we get, it's there for our exploration. But oh so often, we just exploration. But oh so often, we just exploration. But oh so often, we just sort of shrug our shoulders and go, "It sort of shrug our shoulders and go, "It sort of shrug our shoulders and go, "It couldn't be that simple, could it?" couldn't be that simple, could it?" couldn't be that simple, could it?" In fact, Jesus In fact, Jesus In fact, Jesus answers this question answers this question answers this question in his parting words to his followers.

in his parting words to his followers. in his parting words to his followers. It's at the tail end of the Gospel of It's at the tail end of the Gospel of It's at the tail end of the Gospel of Matthew and Jesus tells us in just a few Matthew and Jesus tells us in just a few Matthew and Jesus tells us in just a few sentences how to have a ongoing vibrant sentences how to have a ongoing vibrant sentences how to have a ongoing vibrant relationship with God. So, here we go. relationship with God. So, here we go. relationship with God. So, here we go. Let's turn our attention to the Let's turn our attention to the Let's turn our attention to the scriptures. This is in Matthew 28. It scriptures. This is in Matthew 28. It scriptures. This is in Matthew 28. It says this. Jesus came to them and said, says this. Jesus came to them and said, says this. Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth "All authority in heaven and on earth "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore, and go has been given to me. Therefore, and go has been given to me. Therefore, and go and make, what's this word right here? and make, what's this word right here? and make, what's this word right here? Go and make what?" Go and make what?" Go and make what?" >> Disciples. >> Disciples. >> Disciples. Now, that's one of those weird words Now, that's one of those weird words Now, that's one of those weird words church people repeat over and over and church people repeat over and over and church people repeat over and over and most of the time we don't define. most of the time we don't define. most of the time we don't define. Growing up in church, I kind of thought Growing up in church, I kind of thought Growing up in church, I kind of thought a disciple was like either one of the a disciple was like either one of the a disciple was like either one of the inner 12, the pastor, maybe the deacons inner 12, the pastor, maybe the deacons inner 12, the pastor, maybe the deacons in my church. There was some church in my church. There was some church in my church. There was some church leaders, missionaries, they were leaders, missionaries, they were leaders, missionaries, they were disciples. I was just a run-of-the-mill disciples. I was just a run-of-the-mill disciples. I was just a run-of-the-mill Baptist. I wasn't a disciple. Those are Baptist. I wasn't a disciple. Those are Baptist. I wasn't a disciple. Those are like the army rangers. Those are the like the army rangers. Those are the like the army rangers. Those are the special forces. Those are the people special forces. Those are the people special forces. Those are the people that take things very seriously.

that take things very seriously. that take things very seriously. But actually this word disciple But actually this word disciple But actually this word disciple carries with it an entirely carries with it an entirely carries with it an entirely common explanation. Now I like uh in common explanation. Now I like uh in common explanation. Now I like uh in fact it's a hobby of mine. It's called fact it's a hobby of mine. It's called fact it's a hobby of mine. It's called etmology. And if you don't know what etmology. And if you don't know what etmology. And if you don't know what that means that means like the history that means that means like the history that means that means like the history of how words are formed. It's a hobby of of how words are formed. It's a hobby of of how words are formed. It's a hobby of mine. And I know what you're thinking mine. And I know what you're thinking mine. And I know what you're thinking right now like Bill start that club. I right now like Bill start that club. I right now like Bill start that club. I want to join it. No I actually I know want to join it. No I actually I know want to join it. No I actually I know what you're thinking is like you really what you're thinking is like you really what you're thinking is like you really need better hobbies. Have you tried need better hobbies. Have you tried need better hobbies. Have you tried sports? I like sports, but etmology is a sports? I like sports, but etmology is a sports? I like sports, but etmology is a hobby of mine. But here's what's hobby of mine. But here's what's hobby of mine. But here's what's interesting. The word disciple is from a interesting. The word disciple is from a interesting. The word disciple is from a Latin word. It's what's called a Latin word. It's what's called a Latin word. It's what's called a transliteration. They reached back into transliteration. They reached back into transliteration. They reached back into another language and said that looks another language and said that looks another language and said that looks good to us. And they they brought it in. good to us. And they they brought it in. good to us. And they they brought it in. And it's from this Latin word disciples. And it's from this Latin word disciples. And it's from this Latin word disciples. Interestingly enough, discipolis is also Interestingly enough, discipolis is also Interestingly enough, discipolis is also not only the the where we get our word not only the the where we get our word not only the the where we get our word disciple from, where we get our word disciple from, where we get our word disciple from, where we get our word discern, if you use that one, is from discern, if you use that one, is from discern, if you use that one, is from this word. It's a Latin word. And so um this word. It's a Latin word. And so um this word. It's a Latin word. And so um why that matters to us is because when why that matters to us is because when why that matters to us is because when the English translators were translating the English translators were translating the English translators were translating the Bible, they were like, "Let's use the Bible, they were like, "Let's use the Bible, they were like, "Let's use that Latin word instead of using an that Latin word instead of using an that Latin word instead of using an English word because surely if we use English word because surely if we use English word because surely if we use the word that we uh that we read as the word that we uh that we read as the word that we uh that we read as disciple in the New Testament, it will disciple in the New Testament, it will disciple in the New Testament, it will seem too mundane because you know what?

seem too mundane because you know what? seem too mundane because you know what? Every time you see the word disciple, Every time you see the word disciple, Every time you see the word disciple, almost every time it's this Greek word almost every time it's this Greek word almost every time it's this Greek word meth. All that word means all it means meth. All that word means all it means meth. All that word means all it means is a learner, a student, a pupil. That's is a learner, a student, a pupil. That's is a learner, a student, a pupil. That's it. It's all it means. it. It's all it means. it. It's all it means. That means if you're here, you're a That means if you're here, you're a That means if you're here, you're a disciple. You're like, "No, no, no. I'm disciple. You're like, "No, no, no. I'm disciple. You're like, "No, no, no. I'm not I'm not one of you yet. I'm just not I'm not one of you yet. I'm just not I'm not one of you yet. I'm just kind of kicking tires and that's I just kind of kicking tires and that's I just kind of kicking tires and that's I just kind of came in." No, no, you're you're kind of came in." No, no, you're you're kind of came in." No, no, you're you're a disciple because you might be in the a disciple because you might be in the a disciple because you might be in the There's a preschool for students. There's a preschool for students. There's a preschool for students. There's a kindergarten for students. But There's a kindergarten for students. But There's a kindergarten for students. But even within the grade school of even within the grade school of even within the grade school of education of being a disciple, a learner education of being a disciple, a learner education of being a disciple, a learner or student or a pupil of Jesus, there or student or a pupil of Jesus, there or student or a pupil of Jesus, there are people who are at the very entry are people who are at the very entry are people who are at the very entry stages. But then there are people who stages. But then there are people who stages. But then there are people who are like in on the skin of their teeth. are like in on the skin of their teeth. are like in on the skin of their teeth. There is like the validictorian people There is like the validictorian people There is like the validictorian people in the faith. And you know who they are. in the faith. And you know who they are. in the faith. And you know who they are. They're always like when they talk, they They're always like when they talk, they They're always like when they talk, they talk in Bible verses and theological talk in Bible verses and theological talk in Bible verses and theological platitude. like, wow, that they should platitude. like, wow, that they should platitude. like, wow, that they should really do other things with their time really do other things with their time really do other things with their time besides that. And there's then there's besides that. And there's then there's besides that. And there's then there's the other people that are just sort of the other people that are just sort of the other people that are just sort of like the average every day. Well, guess like the average every day. Well, guess like the average every day. Well, guess what? The word disciple applies to all.

what? The word disciple applies to all. what? The word disciple applies to all. You can be either an overachiever, an You can be either an overachiever, an You can be either an overachiever, an underachiever. You can be a peak underachiever. You can be a peak underachiever. You can be a peak performer. You can be at the very performer. You can be at the very performer. You can be at the very beginning of it. You can be holding on beginning of it. You can be holding on beginning of it. You can be holding on for dear life. That's what it means to for dear life. That's what it means to for dear life. That's what it means to be a disciple. Okay, let's get back to be a disciple. Okay, let's get back to be a disciple. Okay, let's get back to the question, though. The question is, the question, though. The question is, the question, though. The question is, how do we have a vibrant life? And how do we have a vibrant life? And how do we have a vibrant life? And there's a few steps that we're going to there's a few steps that we're going to there's a few steps that we're going to see in these few sentences of Jesus. If see in these few sentences of Jesus. If see in these few sentences of Jesus. If we want to have a an ongoing growing we want to have a an ongoing growing we want to have a an ongoing growing relationship with Jesus, step one is get relationship with Jesus, step one is get relationship with Jesus, step one is get to know who? Jesus. Get to know Jesus. to know who? Jesus. Get to know Jesus. to know who? Jesus. Get to know Jesus. The thing is named after him afterwards The thing is named after him afterwards The thing is named after him afterwards or after all. In fact, you might be or after all. In fact, you might be or after all. In fact, you might be wondering, well, why did why did they go wondering, well, why did why did they go wondering, well, why did why did they go from being called disciples to to later from being called disciples to to later from being called disciples to to later Christians? That's actually in the Christians? That's actually in the Christians? That's actually in the Bible. It's in the book of Acts, which Bible. It's in the book of Acts, which Bible. It's in the book of Acts, which is the history book. And in the book of is the history book. And in the book of is the history book. And in the book of Acts, it even says that it wasn't the Acts, it even says that it wasn't the Acts, it even says that it wasn't the Christians who said, "I shall be known Christians who said, "I shall be known Christians who said, "I shall be known as a Christian now." It was all the as a Christian now." It was all the as a Christian now." It was all the Romans are like, "Those people, they Romans are like, "Those people, they Romans are like, "Those people, they make way too much out of their Christ." make way too much out of their Christ." make way too much out of their Christ." Let's just call them Christians. It was Let's just call them Christians. It was Let's just call them Christians. It was actually an insult to begin with and actually an insult to begin with and actually an insult to begin with and then it stuck. So, people are like, then it stuck. So, people are like, then it stuck. So, people are like, "That's fine, too, but how do we become "That's fine, too, but how do we become "That's fine, too, but how do we become growing and vibrant in our faith? We got growing and vibrant in our faith? We got growing and vibrant in our faith? We got to get to know Jesus." And Matthew to get to know Jesus." And Matthew to get to know Jesus." And Matthew starts out Jesus comes to them. Now you starts out Jesus comes to them. Now you starts out Jesus comes to them. Now you got to remember the context. If you know got to remember the context. If you know got to remember the context. If you know anything about the story, this is the anything about the story, this is the anything about the story, this is the tail end of the Gospel of Matthew. And tail end of the Gospel of Matthew. And tail end of the Gospel of Matthew. And probably you know that just prior to probably you know that just prior to probably you know that just prior to this that Jesus closest disciples all this that Jesus closest disciples all this that Jesus closest disciples all abandoned him when he was arrested. They

abandoned him when he was arrested. They abandoned him when he was arrested. They were nowhere to be found. When he was were nowhere to be found. When he was were nowhere to be found. When he was crucified, only John was there. crucified, only John was there. crucified, only John was there. Everybody else was in hiding. And then Everybody else was in hiding. And then Everybody else was in hiding. And then after he was resurrected, it was the after he was resurrected, it was the after he was resurrected, it was the women that saw that first and they had women that saw that first and they had women that saw that first and they had to go back and report. And the men were to go back and report. And the men were to go back and report. And the men were like, "I doubt that." like, "I doubt that." like, "I doubt that." And so here's a a group of Jesus first And so here's a a group of Jesus first And so here's a a group of Jesus first disciples and he comes to them and they disciples and he comes to them and they disciples and he comes to them and they got to be wondering, "Is he done with got to be wondering, "Is he done with got to be wondering, "Is he done with us?" When he shows up, there had to be us?" When he shows up, there had to be us?" When he shows up, there had to be at least a few of them going, "Is it at least a few of them going, "Is it at least a few of them going, "Is it time? Is this going to be one of those time? Is this going to be one of those time? Is this going to be one of those moments where he's like, moments where he's like, moments where he's like, "Disappointments, all of you. You got to "Disappointments, all of you. You got to "Disappointments, all of you. You got to go. I'm going to find some new people." go. I'm going to find some new people." go. I'm going to find some new people." Jesus never approaches us that way. and Jesus never approaches us that way. and Jesus never approaches us that way. and he doesn't them either. So Jesus comes he doesn't them either. So Jesus comes he doesn't them either. So Jesus comes to them and he says and he says go and to them and he says and he says go and to them and he says and he says go and make disciples. Go and make students. make disciples. Go and make students. make disciples. Go and make students. But to to make a student, you have to But to to make a student, you have to But to to make a student, you have to what? Be a student. To to encourage what? Be a student. To to encourage what? Be a student. To to encourage someone else to follow Jesus, you have someone else to follow Jesus, you have someone else to follow Jesus, you have to be a follower of Jesus. But we have to be a follower of Jesus. But we have to be a follower of Jesus. But we have to be clear about something here. We're to be clear about something here. We're to be clear about something here. We're making disciples not of ourselves, making disciples not of ourselves, making disciples not of ourselves, but of Jesus.

but of Jesus. but of Jesus. We're talking to other people about and We're talking to other people about and We're talking to other people about and in order to do that we have to know in order to do that we have to know in order to do that we have to know Jesus. So implied in this commission to Jesus. So implied in this commission to Jesus. So implied in this commission to his followers is get to know me know me his followers is get to know me know me his followers is get to know me know me know me and go and make disciples of know me and go and make disciples of know me and go and make disciples of yourself. No, you know in in political yourself. No, you know in in political yourself. No, you know in in political cycles there's always people trying to cycles there's always people trying to cycles there's always people trying to make disciples of their favorite make disciples of their favorite make disciples of their favorite candidates and you know who you are if candidates and you know who you are if candidates and you know who you are if you do this and you know who they are if you do this and you know who they are if you do this and you know who they are if you don't. Right? and they they will you don't. Right? and they they will you don't. Right? and they they will tout the qualities of why this is the tout the qualities of why this is the tout the qualities of why this is the best person and this is the worst best person and this is the worst best person and this is the worst person. And this is natural for us as person. And this is natural for us as person. And this is natural for us as people to do this. Or maybe during um people to do this. Or maybe during um people to do this. Or maybe during um football season there'll be the typical football season there'll be the typical football season there'll be the typical rivalries of why your team is better rivalries of why your team is better rivalries of why your team is better than the other team. And what are we than the other team. And what are we than the other team. And what are we doing? We're trying to make students out doing? We're trying to make students out doing? We're trying to make students out of our favorite things, our favorite of our favorite things, our favorite of our favorite things, our favorite people. And this is what Jesus isn't people. And this is what Jesus isn't people. And this is what Jesus isn't saying do that. He's saying make saying do that. He's saying make saying do that. He's saying make followers of me. Talk about me. Get to followers of me. Talk about me. Get to followers of me. Talk about me. Get to know me. And how come? Because all know me. And how come? Because all know me. And how come? Because all authority has been given to me. Now, you authority has been given to me. Now, you authority has been given to me. Now, you got to remember something. We're reading got to remember something. We're reading got to remember something. We're reading this thousands of years later. We know this thousands of years later. We know this thousands of years later. We know 2,000 years of ups and downs of the 2,000 years of ups and downs of the 2,000 years of ups and downs of the Christian faith. So, we know when Jesus Christian faith. So, we know when Jesus Christian faith. So, we know when Jesus says, "Oh, authority." We're like, says, "Oh, authority." We're like, says, "Oh, authority." We're like, "Yeah, we know. Yeah, there's definitely "Yeah, we know. Yeah, there's definitely "Yeah, we know. Yeah, there's definitely you have authority." But think about you have authority." But think about you have authority." But think about them. Go back in time. put yourself in them. Go back in time. put yourself in them. Go back in time. put yourself in their sandals on that mountaintop and their sandals on that mountaintop and their sandals on that mountaintop and ask yourself when he said, "All ask yourself when he said, "All ask yourself when he said, "All authority has been given to me on heaven authority has been given to me on heaven authority has been given to me on heaven and on earth." By the way, I'm leaving.

and on earth." By the way, I'm leaving. and on earth." By the way, I'm leaving. Uh, how many of you were like, Uh, how many of you were like, Uh, how many of you were like, "Authority? Really?" "Authority? Really?" "Authority? Really?" When Matthew writes this, it's being When Matthew writes this, it's being When Matthew writes this, it's being read and distributed in the Roman read and distributed in the Roman read and distributed in the Roman Empire. And as they're talking about the Empire. And as they're talking about the Empire. And as they're talking about the authority of Jesus, there had to be at authority of Jesus, there had to be at authority of Jesus, there had to be at least a few naysayers in the mix that least a few naysayers in the mix that least a few naysayers in the mix that were saying, "Are you serious? What were saying, "Are you serious? What were saying, "Are you serious? What authority does Jesus have?" authority does Jesus have?" authority does Jesus have?" Oh, have you heard of the Roman emperor? Oh, have you heard of the Roman emperor? Oh, have you heard of the Roman emperor? He has authority. He has authority. He has authority. Timothy Keller, who is a pastor in New Timothy Keller, who is a pastor in New Timothy Keller, who is a pastor in New York City in Manhattan before he passed York City in Manhattan before he passed York City in Manhattan before he passed away, he shares a story in one of his away, he shares a story in one of his away, he shares a story in one of his sermons. He says there was a a minister sermons. He says there was a a minister sermons. He says there was a a minister who was visiting Italy and he was who was visiting Italy and he was who was visiting Italy and he was touring an old cemetery and he took note touring an old cemetery and he took note touring an old cemetery and he took note of a grave that had kind of gotten of a grave that had kind of gotten of a grave that had kind of gotten obliterated by a big tree. And there was obliterated by a big tree. And there was obliterated by a big tree. And there was this big stone slab and it was just kind this big stone slab and it was just kind this big stone slab and it was just kind of dismembered. And on the slab there of dismembered. And on the slab there of dismembered. And on the slab there was some inscription. And so the man was some inscription. And so the man was some inscription. And so the man turned to his tour guide and said, "What turned to his tour guide and said, "What turned to his tour guide and said, "What what's written on this?" He said, "Oh, what's written on this?" He said, "Oh, what's written on this?" He said, "Oh, the story of this is quite interesting. the story of this is quite interesting. the story of this is quite interesting. Centuries ago there was a man who just Centuries ago there was a man who just Centuries ago there was a man who just hated Christianity. He didn't he wasn't hated Christianity. He didn't he wasn't hated Christianity. He didn't he wasn't a non-believer. He was like an a non-believer. He was like an a non-believer. He was like an anti-believer." And he wanted everybody anti-believer." And he wanted everybody anti-believer." And he wanted everybody to know. And as he was dying, he gave to know. And as he was dying, he gave to know. And as he was dying, he gave strict instructions. He wanted people strict instructions. He wanted people strict instructions. He wanted people who passed by his grave to know his lack who passed by his grave to know his lack who passed by his grave to know his lack of faith. And so he had inscribed on of faith. And so he had inscribed on of faith. And so he had inscribed on this big stone slab. He wanted to be this big stone slab. He wanted to be this big stone slab. He wanted to be sealed in it forever and he wanted his sealed in it forever and he wanted his sealed in it forever and he wanted his remains forever to remain in there. And remains forever to remain in there. And remains forever to remain in there. And so on the slab was written, I don't so on the slab was written, I don't so on the slab was written, I don't believe in the resurrection. Leave me believe in the resurrection. Leave me believe in the resurrection. Leave me alone. If in other places, if the alone. If in other places, if the alone. If in other places, if the resurrection happens, leave me here.

resurrection happens, leave me here. resurrection happens, leave me here. That's a lot of hate for faith right That's a lot of hate for faith right That's a lot of hate for faith right there. But when he was being buried, there. But when he was being buried, there. But when he was being buried, unbeknownst to the people that were unbeknownst to the people that were unbeknownst to the people that were filling in the earth, a little acorn filling in the earth, a little acorn filling in the earth, a little acorn fell in fell in fell in and a little sprout sprouted up. And as and a little sprout sprouted up. And as and a little sprout sprouted up. And as the the the years turned to decades into centuries, years turned to decades into centuries, years turned to decades into centuries, it was a big giant oak tree and it had it was a big giant oak tree and it had it was a big giant oak tree and it had just pushed and broken apart the grave just pushed and broken apart the grave just pushed and broken apart the grave and the the root system had crushed it and the the root system had crushed it and the the root system had crushed it all. And so now the slab was just a all. And so now the slab was just a all. And so now the slab was just a bunch of pieces. bunch of pieces. bunch of pieces. And the question that Keller poses is And the question that Keller poses is And the question that Keller poses is when uh if you were to bet, would you when uh if you were to bet, would you when uh if you were to bet, would you bet on a big stone slab or a tiny little bet on a big stone slab or a tiny little bet on a big stone slab or a tiny little acorn? acorn? acorn? And no, normally we'd say, well, the And no, normally we'd say, well, the And no, normally we'd say, well, the stone slab, don't bet against the acorn. stone slab, don't bet against the acorn. stone slab, don't bet against the acorn. When Jesus says, all authority has been When Jesus says, all authority has been When Jesus says, all authority has been given to me. In those first few years, given to me. In those first few years, given to me. In those first few years, decades, even centuries, there there was decades, even centuries, there there was decades, even centuries, there there was plenty of people going, I doubt that. plenty of people going, I doubt that. plenty of people going, I doubt that. But within 300 years, an emperor came to But within 300 years, an emperor came to But within 300 years, an emperor came to the throne and said, "Well, I'm a the throne and said, "Well, I'm a the throne and said, "Well, I'm a Christian." And things began to change.

Christian." And things began to change. Christian." And things began to change. Jesus says, "All authority, get to know Jesus says, "All authority, get to know Jesus says, "All authority, get to know Jesus. Jesus. Jesus. And the next step though is not just get And the next step though is not just get And the next step though is not just get to know there comes a point and that you to know there comes a point and that you to know there comes a point and that you have to commit to Jesus. This is this have to commit to Jesus. This is this have to commit to Jesus. This is this idea of baptizing. He says go into all idea of baptizing. He says go into all idea of baptizing. He says go into all nations baptizing them in the name of nations baptizing them in the name of nations baptizing them in the name of the father, the son, and the holy the father, the son, and the holy the father, the son, and the holy spirit. And baptism, there's many spirit. And baptism, there's many spirit. And baptism, there's many different churches that have many different churches that have many different churches that have many different ideas about what baptism different ideas about what baptism different ideas about what baptism symbolizes and means. But as we study symbolizes and means. But as we study symbolizes and means. But as we study the scripture, what we understand it to the scripture, what we understand it to the scripture, what we understand it to mean is that baptism is this outward mean is that baptism is this outward mean is that baptism is this outward expression of an inward commitment. It expression of an inward commitment. It expression of an inward commitment. It itself is not the commitment. It's just itself is not the commitment. It's just itself is not the commitment. It's just broadcasting the commitment to broadcasting the commitment to broadcasting the commitment to everybody. And we have people right on everybody. And we have people right on everybody. And we have people right on the front here that in a moment we're the front here that in a moment we're the front here that in a moment we're going to be witnesses to them showing going to be witnesses to them showing going to be witnesses to them showing all of us their commitment. And this is all of us their commitment. And this is all of us their commitment. And this is how I liken it. I think of it I think of how I liken it. I think of it I think of how I liken it. I think of it I think of it like a wedding ring. 30 years ago, I it like a wedding ring. 30 years ago, I it like a wedding ring. 30 years ago, I stood on a platform in suburban stood on a platform in suburban stood on a platform in suburban Milwaukee and I pledged my covenant vows Milwaukee and I pledged my covenant vows Milwaukee and I pledged my covenant vows to Karen and we became one in marriage.

to Karen and we became one in marriage. to Karen and we became one in marriage. And I not only exchanged vows, but we And I not only exchanged vows, but we And I not only exchanged vows, but we exchanged rings. She got a ring, I got a exchanged rings. She got a ring, I got a exchanged rings. She got a ring, I got a ring. Now, is the is the ring the ring. Now, is the is the ring the ring. Now, is the is the ring the commitment? commitment? commitment? Thank God no. Cuz within two years, I Thank God no. Cuz within two years, I Thank God no. Cuz within two years, I lost the original ring in an unfortunate lost the original ring in an unfortunate lost the original ring in an unfortunate volleyball incident. Team won. It was volleyball incident. Team won. It was volleyball incident. Team won. It was worth it. But worth it. But worth it. But replacement ring but not replacement replacement ring but not replacement replacement ring but not replacement commitment. The commitment carried on. commitment. The commitment carried on. commitment. The commitment carried on. So do it's an outward way that we say So do it's an outward way that we say So do it's an outward way that we say that we're committed. And so Jesus says that we're committed. And so Jesus says that we're committed. And so Jesus says call people not just to know who I am call people not just to know who I am call people not just to know who I am but to follow me to commit and baptism but to follow me to commit and baptism but to follow me to commit and baptism was the was the commitment. Now all a was the was the commitment. Now all a was the was the commitment. Now all a lot of cultures celebrated baptism but lot of cultures celebrated baptism but lot of cultures celebrated baptism but when he called for baptism he's like when he called for baptism he's like when he called for baptism he's like baptize them in the name of the father baptize them in the name of the father baptize them in the name of the father in my name and in the spirit's name in my name and in the spirit's name in my name and in the spirit's name which would have been jarring for some which would have been jarring for some which would have been jarring for some people there was baptism happening but people there was baptism happening but people there was baptism happening but when he said baptize in the name of God when he said baptize in the name of God when he said baptize in the name of God the father and in me too and in the the father and in me too and in the the father and in me too and in the spirit there is a commitment not just to spirit there is a commitment not just to spirit there is a commitment not just to some ethereal idea about god but to some ethereal idea about god but to some ethereal idea about god but to Jesus Christ and and you're not just to Jesus Christ and and you're not just to Jesus Christ and and you're not just to do this to your friends But he says you do this to your friends But he says you do this to your friends But he says you go into all nations. Interestingly go into all nations. Interestingly go into all nations. Interestingly enough, the word nations there. The old enough, the word nations there. The old enough, the word nations there. The old Greek word there is uh ethnos meaning Greek word there is uh ethnos meaning Greek word there is uh ethnos meaning it's it's where we get our English word it's it's where we get our English word it's it's where we get our English word ethnic from. And why this matters is uh ethnic from. And why this matters is uh ethnic from. And why this matters is uh the many many Jewish people because the the many many Jewish people because the the many many Jewish people because the movement started amongst the Jewish movement started amongst the Jewish movement started amongst the Jewish people. It was internal within the people. It was internal within the people. It was internal within the movement. And Jesus goes movement. And Jesus goes movement. And Jesus goes congratulations. Go out and get them. Go

congratulations. Go out and get them. Go congratulations. Go out and get them. Go to there's there's not a people group to there's there's not a people group to there's there's not a people group just for a minute. Don't turn to the just for a minute. Don't turn to the just for a minute. Don't turn to the person and tell them who comes to mind, person and tell them who comes to mind, person and tell them who comes to mind, but what's the group that you find most but what's the group that you find most but what's the group that you find most irritating? We all have biases. There's some people We all have biases. There's some people we like more than other people. And we like more than other people. And we like more than other people. And Jesus, the person, even the people that Jesus, the person, even the people that Jesus, the person, even the people that you have biases against that you like you have biases against that you like you have biases against that you like the least, go to them. Tell them about the least, go to them. Tell them about the least, go to them. Tell them about me. Invite them to become followers of me. Invite them to become followers of me. Invite them to become followers of Christ. This is what why this matters. Christ. This is what why this matters. Christ. This is what why this matters. Nobody's off limits. The message of Nobody's off limits. The message of Nobody's off limits. The message of Christ isn't for a handful of really Christ isn't for a handful of really Christ isn't for a handful of really nice, good people. It is for everybody. nice, good people. It is for everybody. nice, good people. It is for everybody. This is one of the wonderful parts of This is one of the wonderful parts of This is one of the wonderful parts of being part of crossings is while we're being part of crossings is while we're being part of crossings is while we're in here through our cameras and through in here through our cameras and through in here through our cameras and through technology, we are also in uh uh state technology, we are also in uh uh state technology, we are also in uh uh state prisons all over Oklahoma. At any given prisons all over Oklahoma. At any given prisons all over Oklahoma. At any given weekend, there is a thousand or more men weekend, there is a thousand or more men weekend, there is a thousand or more men and women participating in our church and women participating in our church and women participating in our church services through a camera.

services through a camera. services through a camera. And it's a reminder to them, to us, And it's a reminder to them, to us, And it's a reminder to them, to us, God's never done with you in your story. God's never done with you in your story. God's never done with you in your story. It's commitment. It can be manifest in It's commitment. It can be manifest in It's commitment. It can be manifest in the lives of all people. So Jesus gives the lives of all people. So Jesus gives the lives of all people. So Jesus gives us really simple instructions. Get to us really simple instructions. Get to us really simple instructions. Get to know him. Commit to him. And then number know him. Commit to him. And then number know him. Commit to him. And then number three, walk with Jesus. Walk with Jesus. three, walk with Jesus. Walk with Jesus. three, walk with Jesus. Walk with Jesus. He he says, um, teaching them to obey He he says, um, teaching them to obey He he says, um, teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. This um everything I have commanded you. This um everything I have commanded you. This um teaching is through the years Jesus teaching is through the years Jesus teaching is through the years Jesus traveled with his disciples and he told traveled with his disciples and he told traveled with his disciples and he told them stuff. Do this, have this attitude. them stuff. Do this, have this attitude. them stuff. Do this, have this attitude. This is how you ought to do this. Hey, This is how you ought to do this. Hey, This is how you ought to do this. Hey, don't do this. Everyone's doing this. don't do this. Everyone's doing this. don't do this. Everyone's doing this. You don't do that. Teaching them what You don't do that. Teaching them what You don't do that. Teaching them what Jesus taught them to what? Learn it. Jesus taught them to what? Learn it. Jesus taught them to what? Learn it. Write it on a napkin. No. To obey it. Write it on a napkin. No. To obey it. Write it on a napkin. No. To obey it. Everything he's commanded. Later the Everything he's commanded. Later the Everything he's commanded. Later the apostle John will say those who say that apostle John will say those who say that apostle John will say those who say that they follow Jesus should walk as Jesus they follow Jesus should walk as Jesus they follow Jesus should walk as Jesus walked.

walked. walked. And how do we do this? Well, that that And how do we do this? Well, that that And how do we do this? Well, that that comes back to we have to know what Jesus comes back to we have to know what Jesus comes back to we have to know what Jesus taught. Now, in the early days, it would taught. Now, in the early days, it would taught. Now, in the early days, it would just be men and women who said, "You just be men and women who said, "You just be men and women who said, "You know what? I heard Jesus say this. I was know what? I heard Jesus say this. I was know what? I heard Jesus say this. I was there when he preached this. I heard him there when he preached this. I heard him there when he preached this. I heard him say this. This is what he said. He did say this. This is what he said. He did say this. This is what he said. He did this." And they'd repeat the stories. this." And they'd repeat the stories. this." And they'd repeat the stories. Over time, there was a realization. We Over time, there was a realization. We Over time, there was a realization. We better write this down. We can't be better write this down. We can't be better write this down. We can't be everywhere. It needs to be recorded everywhere. It needs to be recorded everywhere. It needs to be recorded accurately. So men who walked very accurately. So men who walked very accurately. So men who walked very closely with Jesus, Matthew and John, closely with Jesus, Matthew and John, closely with Jesus, Matthew and John, original 12 disciples, they wrote down original 12 disciples, they wrote down original 12 disciples, they wrote down and it became known as the memoirs of and it became known as the memoirs of and it became known as the memoirs of the apostles. It was their memories of the apostles. It was their memories of the apostles. It was their memories of what Jesus said and did. And that's why what Jesus said and did. And that's why what Jesus said and did. And that's why it was recorded. Mark, according to much it was recorded. Mark, according to much it was recorded. Mark, according to much church tradition, Mark just trailed church tradition, Mark just trailed church tradition, Mark just trailed around with Peter. And when Peter around with Peter. And when Peter around with Peter. And when Peter preached, he was like, "That sounds preached, he was like, "That sounds preached, he was like, "That sounds good. I'll write that down and that good. I'll write that down and that good. I'll write that down and that down." And that became Mark's gospel, down." And that became Mark's gospel, down." And that became Mark's gospel, what became thought of as Peter's what became thought of as Peter's what became thought of as Peter's recollections. And then Luke, who was recollections. And then Luke, who was recollections. And then Luke, who was not part of that inner group, Luke was not part of that inner group, Luke was not part of that inner group, Luke was just a really good writer and a good just a really good writer and a good just a really good writer and a good researcher. He says it right at the very researcher. He says it right at the very researcher. He says it right at the very beginning of the gospel. He says, "I sat beginning of the gospel. He says, "I sat beginning of the gospel. He says, "I sat down with people who were witnesses of down with people who were witnesses of down with people who were witnesses of all this and I wrote it down. I did my all this and I wrote it down. I did my all this and I wrote it down. I did my best research." First person narratives, best research." First person narratives, best research." First person narratives, which is probably why we have what what which is probably why we have what what which is probably why we have what what only Mary would know. Odds are he sat only Mary would know. Odds are he sat only Mary would know. Odds are he sat down with Mary and said, "Tell me about down with Mary and said, "Tell me about down with Mary and said, "Tell me about the time when you were told you were the time when you were told you were the time when you were told you were going to give birth to Jesus." Oh, and going to give birth to Jesus." Oh, and going to give birth to Jesus." Oh, and he wrote it down. Matthew, Mark, Luke, he wrote it down. Matthew, Mark, Luke, he wrote it down. Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, the we learn what Jesus said

and John, the we learn what Jesus said and John, the we learn what Jesus said and did. You might go, "Now, I know that and did. You might go, "Now, I know that and did. You might go, "Now, I know that there are other gospels out there, or at there are other gospels out there, or at there are other gospels out there, or at least things that are called Gospels." least things that are called Gospels." least things that are called Gospels." And yeah, you it's true. you if you have And yeah, you it's true. you if you have And yeah, you it's true. you if you have any sort of news source and it always any sort of news source and it always any sort of news source and it always seems to happen at the holidays like seems to happen at the holidays like seems to happen at the holidays like congratulations Christians this is very congratulations Christians this is very congratulations Christians this is very holy we'll put a sharp stick in your eye holy we'll put a sharp stick in your eye holy we'll put a sharp stick in your eye about this one and you'll you'll see about this one and you'll you'll see about this one and you'll you'll see these little stories about the gospel of these little stories about the gospel of these little stories about the gospel of Thomas or the gospel of Judas or the Thomas or the gospel of Judas or the Thomas or the gospel of Judas or the gospel of Peter and so forth and there's gospel of Peter and so forth and there's gospel of Peter and so forth and there's two responses to this and you should two responses to this and you should two responses to this and you should know them response number one is nowhere know them response number one is nowhere know them response number one is nowhere in the history of the church did any of in the history of the church did any of in the history of the church did any of the churches accept them they were any the churches accept them they were any the churches accept them they were any time when someone showed up and like I time when someone showed up and like I time when someone showed up and like I got a new gospel. They're like, "Well, got a new gospel. They're like, "Well, got a new gospel. They're like, "Well, you can burn that. You know, we we don't you can burn that. You know, we we don't you can burn that. You know, we we don't want any that is not." So, nowhere in want any that is not." So, nowhere in want any that is not." So, nowhere in the history of the church did they the history of the church did they the history of the church did they believe it. But there's another reason I believe it. But there's another reason I believe it. But there's another reason I would suggest just ignore it. would suggest just ignore it. would suggest just ignore it. How are you doing right now at obeying How are you doing right now at obeying How are you doing right now at obeying what Jesus taught in Matthew, Mark, what Jesus taught in Matthew, Mark, what Jesus taught in Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John? Do you really need a Luke, and John? Do you really need a Luke, and John? Do you really need a fifth gospel to blow off, or should you fifth gospel to blow off, or should you fifth gospel to blow off, or should you just stick with the four we know?

just stick with the four we know? just stick with the four we know? Now, I I share this from personal Now, I I share this from personal Now, I I share this from personal experience. I'm not mocking anybody, but experience. I'm not mocking anybody, but experience. I'm not mocking anybody, but I was a Bible college student in I was a Bible college student in I was a Bible college student in downtown Chicago. I attended a school downtown Chicago. I attended a school downtown Chicago. I attended a school called the the Moody Bible Institute. called the the Moody Bible Institute. called the the Moody Bible Institute. And in my very first year, I sat down, And in my very first year, I sat down, And in my very first year, I sat down, Bible open, looking through the Gospel Bible open, looking through the Gospel Bible open, looking through the Gospel of Matthew. And I came upon chapters 5, of Matthew. And I came upon chapters 5, of Matthew. And I came upon chapters 5, 6, and 7. And if you know how Matthew 6, and 7. And if you know how Matthew 6, and 7. And if you know how Matthew lays out the story of Jesus, that is lays out the story of Jesus, that is lays out the story of Jesus, that is what's called the Sermon on the Mount. what's called the Sermon on the Mount. what's called the Sermon on the Mount. And if you have a red letter edition of And if you have a red letter edition of And if you have a red letter edition of the Bible, it's all red. And so I took a the Bible, it's all red. And so I took a the Bible, it's all red. And so I took a a legal tablet of paper and I took my a legal tablet of paper and I took my a legal tablet of paper and I took my red letter edition of the Gospel of red letter edition of the Gospel of red letter edition of the Gospel of Matthew and I began writing out, bullet Matthew and I began writing out, bullet Matthew and I began writing out, bullet pointing out all the things Jesus said, pointing out all the things Jesus said, pointing out all the things Jesus said, "Do this. Don't do this. This is the "Do this. Don't do this. This is the "Do this. Don't do this. This is the attitude you're supposed to have here. attitude you're supposed to have here. attitude you're supposed to have here. Here's where you're supposed to go. This Here's where you're supposed to go. This Here's where you're supposed to go. This is the priority." And anything he said, is the priority." And anything he said, is the priority." And anything he said, I wrote down and I filled that tablet I wrote down and I filled that tablet I wrote down and I filled that tablet and I was like, "Oh, no. I'm not doing and I was like, "Oh, no. I'm not doing and I was like, "Oh, no. I'm not doing any of this." any of this." any of this." Now, don't get me wrong, and many of you Now, don't get me wrong, and many of you Now, don't get me wrong, and many of you already know this. I I grew up Shiite already know this. I I grew up Shiite already know this. I I grew up Shiite Baptist. I was a good Baptist boy. If Baptist. I was a good Baptist boy. If Baptist. I was a good Baptist boy. If you know Baptist culture, I had a lot of you know Baptist culture, I had a lot of you know Baptist culture, I had a lot of awards from Awana for scripture memory.

awards from Awana for scripture memory. awards from Awana for scripture memory. But what I haven't shared with many But what I haven't shared with many But what I haven't shared with many people is that during elementary school people is that during elementary school people is that during elementary school for four years, I was in a Missouri for four years, I was in a Missouri for four years, I was in a Missouri cinned Lutheran elementary school. And cinned Lutheran elementary school. And cinned Lutheran elementary school. And if you know if you know if you know if you know Missouri sinned, they took if you know Missouri sinned, they took if you know Missouri sinned, they took all the fun out of sin. all the fun out of sin. all the fun out of sin. And so I share both of those, not And so I share both of those, not And so I share both of those, not bragging rights. I share both of those bragging rights. I share both of those bragging rights. I share both of those to let you know I wasn't like hitting to let you know I wasn't like hitting to let you know I wasn't like hitting nightclubs in Chicago. nightclubs in Chicago. nightclubs in Chicago. I was living like a good church I was living like a good church I was living like a good church attendant churchian. I was doing all the attendant churchian. I was doing all the attendant churchian. I was doing all the rules, all the things. And here I come rules, all the things. And here I come rules, all the things. And here I come upon the teaching of Jesus. I'm like, upon the teaching of Jesus. I'm like, upon the teaching of Jesus. I'm like, there's a lot more in here that I'm not there's a lot more in here that I'm not there's a lot more in here that I'm not paying attention to. paying attention to. paying attention to. And if you make a study of what Jesus And if you make a study of what Jesus And if you make a study of what Jesus said, what he commanded, you two will said, what he commanded, you two will said, what he commanded, you two will discover, oh, I got a lot of work. Now, discover, oh, I got a lot of work. Now, discover, oh, I got a lot of work. Now, that's not to defeat you. That's to that's not to defeat you. That's to that's not to defeat you. That's to exhort you, to encourage you. New exhort you, to encourage you. New exhort you, to encourage you. New Testament scholar DA Carson, this is Testament scholar DA Carson, this is Testament scholar DA Carson, this is what he says about all this. He says, what he says about all this. He says, what he says about all this. He says, "What the disciples teach is not mere "What the disciples teach is not mere "What the disciples teach is not mere dogma." In other words, it's not just dogma." In other words, it's not just dogma." In other words, it's not just doctrine and platitudes and things like doctrine and platitudes and things like doctrine and platitudes and things like that. No, no, it's not about theory.

that. No, no, it's not about theory. that. No, no, it's not about theory. It's practical stuff to be obeyed. It's practical stuff to be obeyed. It's practical stuff to be obeyed. That's what that's what the disciples That's what that's what the disciples That's what that's what the disciples were to teach. were to teach. were to teach. Uh Dietrich Bonhoffer, who was a a a Uh Dietrich Bonhoffer, who was a a a Uh Dietrich Bonhoffer, who was a a a German pastor, almost almost German pastor, almost almost German pastor, almost almost single-handedly as a Christian, stood single-handedly as a Christian, stood single-handedly as a Christian, stood against the growing Nazi regime in the against the growing Nazi regime in the against the growing Nazi regime in the late 1930s. Eventually, he was arrested late 1930s. Eventually, he was arrested late 1930s. Eventually, he was arrested by Adolf Hitler and on direct order of by Adolf Hitler and on direct order of by Adolf Hitler and on direct order of Adolf Hitler was put to death. But in Adolf Hitler was put to death. But in Adolf Hitler was put to death. But in the late30s he wrote a book that in the late30s he wrote a book that in the late30s he wrote a book that in English we know is is the cost of English we know is is the cost of English we know is is the cost of disciplehip. disciplehip. disciplehip. But actually in the old German it was But actually in the old German it was But actually in the old German it was knockful knockful knockful which just means succession. It just which just means succession. It just which just means succession. It just means follow. So it meant following. And means follow. So it meant following. And means follow. So it meant following. And this is what he wrote. Only the this is this is what he wrote. Only the this is this is what he wrote. Only the this is stinging words. I find these personally stinging words. I find these personally stinging words. I find these personally reproving of me. reproving of me. reproving of me. Only the obedient believe and only the Only the obedient believe and only the Only the obedient believe and only the believer obeys. believer obeys. believer obeys. He's intertwining a deep deep Christian He's intertwining a deep deep Christian He's intertwining a deep deep Christian thought which which is as you grow in thought which which is as you grow in thought which which is as you grow in your faith, it will become evident in your faith, it will become evident in your faith, it will become evident in your life. You want a meaningful your life. You want a meaningful your life. You want a meaningful spiritual life, you have to get to know spiritual life, you have to get to know spiritual life, you have to get to know what Jesus taught and then put it into what Jesus taught and then put it into what Jesus taught and then put it into practice in your life.

practice in your life. practice in your life. Now, this is good stuff because the Now, this is good stuff because the Now, this is good stuff because the church immediately implements it. We see church immediately implements it. We see church immediately implements it. We see it in the second chapter of Acts. So, as it in the second chapter of Acts. So, as it in the second chapter of Acts. So, as the church begins to form, the church begins to form, the church begins to form, Peter in Jerusalem preaches a big sermon Peter in Jerusalem preaches a big sermon Peter in Jerusalem preaches a big sermon and and as he preaches the the sermon, and and as he preaches the the sermon, and and as he preaches the the sermon, the people like, "What do we do now? the people like, "What do we do now? the people like, "What do we do now? We've gotten to know Jesus." Well, this We've gotten to know Jesus." Well, this We've gotten to know Jesus." Well, this is what we read in in um Acts two. Uh is what we read in in um Acts two. Uh is what we read in in um Acts two. Uh there was a whole bunch of people who there was a whole bunch of people who there was a whole bunch of people who accepted Peter's message, meaning Peter accepted Peter's message, meaning Peter accepted Peter's message, meaning Peter talked about Jesus as they got to know talked about Jesus as they got to know talked about Jesus as they got to know him. They accepted it and then they him. They accepted it and then they him. They accepted it and then they said, "I need we need to make a said, "I need we need to make a said, "I need we need to make a commitment." They got baptized. About commitment." They got baptized. About commitment." They got baptized. About 3,000 were baptized. Added to that 3,000 were baptized. Added to that 3,000 were baptized. Added to that number that day. There wasn't a whole number that day. There wasn't a whole number that day. There wasn't a whole lot of preparation. In fact, some of you lot of preparation. In fact, some of you lot of preparation. In fact, some of you in the room aren't in the front here. in the room aren't in the front here. in the room aren't in the front here. You're not planning to get baptized, but You're not planning to get baptized, but You're not planning to get baptized, but you're like, "You know what? I have made you're like, "You know what? I have made you're like, "You know what? I have made a commitment to Christ. I've just never a commitment to Christ. I've just never a commitment to Christ. I've just never been baptized for whatever reason." Hey, been baptized for whatever reason." Hey, been baptized for whatever reason." Hey, let today be your day, just like it was let today be your day, just like it was let today be your day, just like it was for them. we have you literally covered.

for them. we have you literally covered. for them. we have you literally covered. If you didn't bring clothes or a towel, If you didn't bring clothes or a towel, If you didn't bring clothes or a towel, we have all that you will need. We will we have all that you will need. We will we have all that you will need. We will have you covered. But it said that they have you covered. But it said that they have you covered. But it said that they not only got to know Jesus, committed to not only got to know Jesus, committed to not only got to know Jesus, committed to Jesus, then they devoted. They devoted Jesus, then they devoted. They devoted Jesus, then they devoted. They devoted themselves to Jesus. They were devoted themselves to Jesus. They were devoted themselves to Jesus. They were devoted to him. Meaning they they were growing to him. Meaning they they were growing to him. Meaning they they were growing as followers of him. They were walking as followers of him. They were walking as followers of him. They were walking with Jesus. And a remarkable thing with Jesus. And a remarkable thing with Jesus. And a remarkable thing happened when when when God begins to happened when when when God begins to happened when when when God begins to move in a life and we probably have seen move in a life and we probably have seen move in a life and we probably have seen this if not in your life you've seen it this if not in your life you've seen it this if not in your life you've seen it in somebody's life people are in awe and in somebody's life people are in awe and in somebody's life people are in awe and and that's what happens the next uh next and that's what happens the next uh next and that's what happens the next uh next sentence everyone was filled with awe sentence everyone was filled with awe sentence everyone was filled with awe and many uh at the many wonders and and many uh at the many wonders and and many uh at the many wonders and signs performed they they were in awe of signs performed they they were in awe of signs performed they they were in awe of the miracles they were in awe of the the miracles they were in awe of the the miracles they were in awe of the miracle that God was moving in them and miracle that God was moving in them and miracle that God was moving in them and then the believers start holding things then the believers start holding things then the believers start holding things together because why? Because as they together because why? Because as they together because why? Because as they entered into this new community of entered into this new community of entered into this new community of people of faith, their own community was people of faith, their own community was people of faith, their own community was like, you know what, you become one of like, you know what, you become one of like, you know what, you become one of those weirdos, those weirdos, those weirdos, you are uninvited from the party. But to you are uninvited from the party. But to you are uninvited from the party. But to be invi to be uninvited from the party be invi to be uninvited from the party be invi to be uninvited from the party of your family meant ostracization from of your family meant ostracization from of your family meant ostracization from your probably your trade, which meant your probably your trade, which meant your probably your trade, which meant that for many of these people as they that for many of these people as they that for many of these people as they became Christians, now they're in became Christians, now they're in became Christians, now they're in financial straits. And so it says they financial straits. And so it says they financial straits. And so it says they they they held things in common. People they they held things in common. People they they held things in common. People sold property. In this emerging sold property. In this emerging sold property. In this emerging emergency moment, the need is met. And

emergency moment, the need is met. And emergency moment, the need is met. And then what happens? Every day they continue to meet together Every day they continue to meet together in the temple courts. Now we get this in the temple courts. Now we get this in the temple courts. Now we get this picture of this big corporate worship picture of this big corporate worship picture of this big corporate worship space. They didn't go in the temple. space. They didn't go in the temple. space. They didn't go in the temple. That was forbidden. That was only for a That was forbidden. That was only for a That was forbidden. That was only for a very select few. very select few. very select few. And then there were sections around the And then there were sections around the And then there were sections around the temple. They didn't go there. There was temple. They didn't go there. There was temple. They didn't go there. There was an arena known as the court of the an arena known as the court of the an arena known as the court of the Gentiles which would hold a number of Gentiles which would hold a number of Gentiles which would hold a number of football fields. And so it could be football fields. And so it could be football fields. And so it could be hundreds, it could be thousands. And hundreds, it could be thousands. And hundreds, it could be thousands. And they would gather in the temple. And they would gather in the temple. And they would gather in the temple. And what would they do? They would be what would they do? They would be what would they do? They would be singing songs. Someone would read the singing songs. Someone would read the singing songs. Someone would read the scriptures. And then someone would stand scriptures. And then someone would stand scriptures. And then someone would stand up. It was church like we do church. up. It was church like we do church. up. It was church like we do church. Actually, from the writings, as we Actually, from the writings, as we Actually, from the writings, as we understand it, we haven't strayed too understand it, we haven't strayed too understand it, we haven't strayed too much from the pattern that they had. much from the pattern that they had. much from the pattern that they had. They met in the temple courts. But they They met in the temple courts. But they They met in the temple courts. But they didn't just do that. At some point, didn't just do that. At some point, didn't just do that. At some point, someone said, "Hey, you want to go to someone said, "Hey, you want to go to someone said, "Hey, you want to go to lunch?" lunch?" lunch?" And the a smaller circle went to a home. And the a smaller circle went to a home. And the a smaller circle went to a home. The homes weren't massive, so the large The homes weren't massive, so the large The homes weren't massive, so the large group couldn't all go to one home. They group couldn't all go to one home. They group couldn't all go to one home. They just divvied up. And we see the just divvied up. And we see the just divvied up. And we see the beginning of a little community begin to beginning of a little community begin to beginning of a little community begin to emerge.

emerge. emerge. Because one thing's for sure, when you Because one thing's for sure, when you Because one thing's for sure, when you share faith, you end up brothers and share faith, you end up brothers and share faith, you end up brothers and sisters and cousins and uncles and sisters and cousins and uncles and sisters and cousins and uncles and aunts. You end up in a new family. aunts. You end up in a new family. aunts. You end up in a new family. and and and this is a a beautiful part and and and this is a a beautiful part and and and this is a a beautiful part of it. But with that, the Lord added to of it. But with that, the Lord added to of it. But with that, the Lord added to their number. It wasn't just the the their number. It wasn't just the the their number. It wasn't just the the community of people uh uh was was just community of people uh uh was was just community of people uh uh was was just enjoying fellowship with one another. enjoying fellowship with one another. enjoying fellowship with one another. Evidently, there were people on the Evidently, there were people on the Evidently, there were people on the periphery of it going, "What are you periphery of it going, "What are you periphery of it going, "What are you guys doing in there? What's he talking guys doing in there? What's he talking guys doing in there? What's he talking about up there?" You know, what still about up there?" You know, what still about up there?" You know, what still happens? Uh, every year we we have some happens? Uh, every year we we have some happens? Uh, every year we we have some stories of people go, you know, I was stories of people go, you know, I was stories of people go, you know, I was just driving down driving by Portland just driving down driving by Portland just driving down driving by Portland Avenue and I saw cars. I just pulled in. Avenue and I saw cars. I just pulled in. Avenue and I saw cars. I just pulled in. I thought, well, something's going on. I thought, well, something's going on. I thought, well, something's going on. And they come in and God begins to stir And they come in and God begins to stir And they come in and God begins to stir in them. And I wouldn't believe those in them. And I wouldn't believe those in them. And I wouldn't believe those stories if I didn't know the people. stories if I didn't know the people. stories if I didn't know the people. It's It's It's something happens. God begins to move in something happens. God begins to move in something happens. God begins to move in a life. And this is what Daryl Bach a life. And this is what Daryl Bach a life. And this is what Daryl Bach says. He's a a New Testament scholar says. He's a a New Testament scholar says. He's a a New Testament scholar down at Dallas Theological Seminary. He down at Dallas Theological Seminary. He down at Dallas Theological Seminary. He says a vibrant community extends itself says a vibrant community extends itself says a vibrant community extends itself in two directions toward God and toward in two directions toward God and toward in two directions toward God and toward neighbor.

neighbor. neighbor. A vibrant community if if God is vibrant A vibrant community if if God is vibrant A vibrant community if if God is vibrant in your life, you will love him more and in your life, you will love him more and in your life, you will love him more and you will love your neighbor more. That you will love your neighbor more. That you will love your neighbor more. That will be the outcome. Some people go, I will be the outcome. Some people go, I will be the outcome. Some people go, I just it's just me and God. I have a just it's just me and God. I have a just it's just me and God. I have a wonderful relationship with with God. wonderful relationship with with God. wonderful relationship with with God. What about people don't like them one What about people don't like them one What about people don't like them one bit? bit? bit? Well, I got bad news. Well, I got bad news. Well, I got bad news. Some people are like, "I never talk to Some people are like, "I never talk to Some people are like, "I never talk to God, but I go to church all the time." God, but I go to church all the time." God, but I go to church all the time." That's not the idea either. A vibrant That's not the idea either. A vibrant That's not the idea either. A vibrant community is is moving in two different community is is moving in two different community is is moving in two different directions. directions. directions. And this is where uh as we embark upon And this is where uh as we embark upon And this is where uh as we embark upon this spiritual pathway series, we're this spiritual pathway series, we're this spiritual pathway series, we're challenging us as a church and us as challenging us as a church and us as challenging us as a church and us as individuals individuals individuals to actually to actually to actually grow at a deeper grow at a deeper grow at a deeper level. and at a quicker pace with one level. and at a quicker pace with one level. and at a quicker pace with one another. And that's going to require another. And that's going to require another. And that's going to require some commitments. And over the coming some commitments. And over the coming some commitments. And over the coming weeks, we'll talk about these. We even weeks, we'll talk about these. We even weeks, we'll talk about these. We even have a nice little uh visual of it. You have a nice little uh visual of it. You have a nice little uh visual of it. You you you you can figure it out just by you you you can figure it out just by you you you can figure it out just by the picture. Th this one is weekly the picture. Th this one is weekly the picture. Th this one is weekly worship to gather together in weekly worship to gather together in weekly worship to gather together in weekly worship. You're the blue dot and all the worship. You're the blue dot and all the worship. You're the blue dot and all the other dot. Now, you it's it's good to do other dot. Now, you it's it's good to do other dot. Now, you it's it's good to do this, but you also need what we call a this, but you also need what we call a this, but you also need what we call a group. some sort of maybe it's a Sunday group. some sort of maybe it's a Sunday group. some sort of maybe it's a Sunday school class, maybe it's a a Bible study school class, maybe it's a a Bible study school class, maybe it's a a Bible study group, but you need a group of people group, but you need a group of people group, but you need a group of people around you. You've identified them, around you. You've identified them, around you. You've identified them, they've identified you, they're your they've identified you, they're your they've identified you, they're your people, you're their person.

people, you're their person. people, you're their person. And under all of this, which we haven't And under all of this, which we haven't And under all of this, which we haven't really talked about in the text, but it really talked about in the text, but it really talked about in the text, but it just makes some assumption that there's just makes some assumption that there's just makes some assumption that there's a place in your daily routine where you a place in your daily routine where you a place in your daily routine where you spend time in a in a vertical way spend time in a in a vertical way spend time in a in a vertical way expressing gratitude to God, connecting expressing gratitude to God, connecting expressing gratitude to God, connecting with him. with him. with him. Now, I find what's neat in this graphic Now, I find what's neat in this graphic Now, I find what's neat in this graphic that that uh our our artistic people that that uh our our artistic people that that uh our our artistic people came up with. I love that the cross is came up with. I love that the cross is came up with. I love that the cross is at the center. You see that? You see, uh at the center. You see that? You see, uh at the center. You see that? You see, uh some people would say, "Oh, no, no. I some people would say, "Oh, no, no. I some people would say, "Oh, no, no. I got a big group of people." In a few got a big group of people." In a few got a big group of people." In a few weeks, some of you might travel up to weeks, some of you might travel up to weeks, some of you might travel up to Ann Arbor and you might watch U lose to Ann Arbor and you might watch U lose to Ann Arbor and you might watch U lose to Michigan. And uh I mean, a guy can hope. Michigan. And uh I mean, a guy can hope. Michigan. And uh I mean, a guy can hope. I mean, a Michigan guy can hope. An I mean, a Michigan guy can hope. An I mean, a Michigan guy can hope. An Oklahoma person should hope the other Oklahoma person should hope the other Oklahoma person should hope the other way. But you could go up and be like, way. But you could go up and be like, way. But you could go up and be like, I'm with a lot of people and we're I'm with a lot of people and we're I'm with a lot of people and we're screaming, chanting. We're having a good screaming, chanting. We're having a good screaming, chanting. We're having a good old time. But you know what? Cross ain't old time. But you know what? Cross ain't old time. But you know what? Cross ain't at the middle of that. It's still at the middle of that. It's still at the middle of that. It's still important. Go cheer. Have fun. Watch it. important. Go cheer. Have fun. Watch it. important. Go cheer. Have fun. Watch it. But this is special because Christ is at But this is special because Christ is at But this is special because Christ is at the middle. You might go, you know, I the middle. You might go, you know, I the middle. You might go, you know, I have a club. I'm part of a club. We do a have a club. I'm part of a club. We do a have a club. I'm part of a club. We do a hobby or we we bike or run or do hobby or we we bike or run or do hobby or we we bike or run or do whatever and and we enjoy time together.

whatever and and we enjoy time together. whatever and and we enjoy time together. Yes. Wonderful. Is is Christ at the Yes. Wonderful. Is is Christ at the Yes. Wonderful. Is is Christ at the center of it? No. Well, enjoy the club. center of it? No. Well, enjoy the club. center of it? No. Well, enjoy the club. be part of it. But you need a group of be part of it. But you need a group of be part of it. But you need a group of people around you. Oh, I I spent time people around you. Oh, I I spent time people around you. Oh, I I spent time reflecting on the deeper truths of life. reflecting on the deeper truths of life. reflecting on the deeper truths of life. Wonderful. Are they found in the Bible Wonderful. Are they found in the Bible Wonderful. Are they found in the Bible or are they just found in a magazine? or are they just found in a magazine? or are they just found in a magazine? Well, Christ is at the center. And so Well, Christ is at the center. And so Well, Christ is at the center. And so today, uh, we celebrate one of the today, uh, we celebrate one of the today, uh, we celebrate one of the turning points, which is is commitment. turning points, which is is commitment. turning points, which is is commitment. And so, at this point, I'm going to And so, at this point, I'm going to And so, at this point, I'm going to invite all the people who have chosen to invite all the people who have chosen to invite all the people who have chosen to be baptized to head out that door. And be baptized to head out that door. And be baptized to head out that door. And as they head that way, if you have as they head that way, if you have as they head that way, if you have thought, man, it's time for me to make a thought, man, it's time for me to make a thought, man, it's time for me to make a public commitment. You can either go now public commitment. You can either go now public commitment. You can either go now or when the music starts, you can you or when the music starts, you can you or when the music starts, you can you can wait till you're one song in. I can wait till you're one song in. I can wait till you're one song in. I promise we'll baptize you. And as I've promise we'll baptize you. And as I've promise we'll baptize you. And as I've already said, in case you missed it, already said, in case you missed it, already said, in case you missed it, even if you didn't bring clothes with even if you didn't bring clothes with even if you didn't bring clothes with you, we literally have you covered. So you, we literally have you covered. So you, we literally have you covered. So you'll be okay if you get up there.

you'll be okay if you get up there. you'll be okay if you get up there. I I want to as as we uh as the music I I want to as as we uh as the music I I want to as as we uh as the music team comes out and as we as we conclude, team comes out and as we as we conclude, team comes out and as we as we conclude, I want us to think about reflectively a I want us to think about reflectively a I want us to think about reflectively a few questions. few questions. few questions. As you think about As you think about As you think about your faith, would you say it's vibrant your faith, would you say it's vibrant your faith, would you say it's vibrant or it could be better or it doesn't even or it could be better or it doesn't even or it could be better or it doesn't even exist yet? What what what would what exist yet? What what what would what exist yet? What what what would what steps are you willing to take steps are you willing to take steps are you willing to take as you consider as you consider [music] as you consider as you consider [music] as you consider as you consider [music] things like the importance of weekly things like the importance of weekly things like the importance of weekly worship? Is there a place in your life worship? Is there a place in your life worship? Is there a place in your life or is it hey I'm I'm here once a month or is it hey I'm I'm here once a month or is it hey I'm I'm here once a month or this is my quarterly visit there's no or this is my quarterly visit there's no or this is my quarterly visit there's no judgment but what would it take for that judgment but what would it take for that judgment but what would it take for that to [music] become weekly worship to [music] become weekly worship to [music] become weekly worship do you have a group of people do you have a group of people do you have a group of people do you have people do you have people do you have people and what's your personal relationship and what's your personal relationship and what's your personal relationship with God like [music] with God like [music] with God like [music] now I know as a pastor sometimes moments now I know as a pastor sometimes moments now I know as a pastor sometimes moments like this can feel a little defeating like this can feel a little defeating like this can feel a little defeating within the church [music] that you might within the church [music] that you might within the church [music] that you might you might look at your own life and go, you might look at your own life and go, you might look at your own life and go, I've got a ways to go. I am I've got a ways to go. I am I've got a ways to go. I am That's [music] okay. At one of my That's [music] okay. At one of my That's [music] okay. At one of my favorite morning, I wouldn't call it a favorite morning, I wouldn't call it a favorite morning, I wouldn't call it a routine observations routine observations routine observations on the way into the office, I often time on the way into the office, I often time on the way into the office, I often time come in fairly early and as I'm driving come in fairly early and as I'm driving come in fairly early and as I'm driving down 150th, I see a lot of the same down 150th, I see a lot of the same down 150th, I see a lot of the same athletes out there and they're getting athletes out there and they're getting athletes out there and they're getting it done. And I know they're runners it done. And I know they're runners it done. And I know they're runners because they got the runner shoes on, because they got the runner shoes on, because they got the runner shoes on, they got the runner's clothing on, and they got the runner's clothing on, and they got the runner's clothing on, and they also have the runner's gate. And I they also have the runner's gate. And I they also have the runner's gate. And I always think, good for you.

always think, good for you. always think, good for you. And then there's all about every two And then there's all about every two And then there's all about every two weeks, I see someone that maybe hasn't weeks, I see someone that maybe hasn't weeks, I see someone that maybe hasn't run in a while. And I know they haven't run in a while. And I know they haven't run in a while. And I know they haven't run in a while because they're running run in a while because they're running run in a while because they're running in cargo shorts and old Crocs, in cargo shorts and old Crocs, in cargo shorts and old Crocs, maybe boat shoes, right? They're they're maybe boat shoes, right? They're they're maybe boat shoes, right? They're they're out there slapping that pavement looking out there slapping that pavement looking out there slapping that pavement looking like they're about to die. And you know, like they're about to die. And you know, like they're about to die. And you know, when I see that, I smile a little bit, when I see that, I smile a little bit, when I see that, I smile a little bit, but not in a mocking way. I just think, but not in a mocking way. I just think, but not in a mocking way. I just think, "Good for you. Good for you." I I "Good for you. Good for you." I I "Good for you. Good for you." I I oftenimes will say a little prayer like, oftenimes will say a little prayer like, oftenimes will say a little prayer like, "Lord, give them strength. "Lord, give them strength. "Lord, give them strength. Let them keep going." You know, because Let them keep going." You know, because Let them keep going." You know, because everybody who's the runner that at some everybody who's the runner that at some everybody who's the runner that at some point they started out in cargo shorts, point they started out in cargo shorts, point they started out in cargo shorts, right? And so it is in our spiritual right? And so it is in our spiritual right? And so it is in our spiritual lives. So you may you may find yourself lives. So you may you may find yourself lives. So you may you may find yourself like h I am wearing Crocs right now. like h I am wearing Crocs right now. like h I am wearing Crocs right now. That's okay. God has a next step for That's okay. God has a next step for That's okay. God has a next step for you. [music] you. [music] you. [music] And you might even go, hey, I'm a And you might even go, hey, I'm a And you might even go, hey, I'm a marathoner. marathoner. marathoner. There's a step for you. As we offer our There's a step for you. As we offer our There's a step for you. As we offer our lives up to [music] God, he he will take lives up to [music] God, he he will take lives up to [music] God, he he will take us and lead us to the next [music] for us and lead us to the next [music] for us and lead us to the next [music] for us. And this is the exciting part of us. And this is the exciting part of us. And this is the exciting part of life in Christ. Vibrancy [music] awaits life in Christ. Vibrancy [music] awaits life in Christ. Vibrancy [music] awaits us. Would you pray with me?

us. Would you pray with me? us. Would you pray with me? Father, what a what an amazing thing Father, what a what an amazing thing Father, what a what an amazing thing that you're never quite done with us. that you're never quite done with us. that you're never quite done with us. Some point you call us home, but even Some point you call us home, but even Some point you call us home, but even then it seems like there's ongoing. We then it seems like there's ongoing. We then it seems like there's ongoing. We can learn of you. We can grow in can learn of you. We can grow in can learn of you. We can grow in Christlikkeness. Christlikkeness. Christlikkeness. Whether we're young or whether we're Whether we're young or whether we're Whether we're young or whether we're just young at heart, you have something just young at heart, you have something just young at heart, you have something for us, Lord. What a privilege. What an for us, Lord. What a privilege. What an for us, Lord. What a privilege. What an amazing privilege [music] it is. amazing privilege [music] it is. amazing privilege [music] it is. Lord, would you take us each on this Lord, would you take us each on this Lord, would you take us each on this next leg of our journey that we'd next leg of our journey that we'd next leg of our journey that we'd experience you in a new and profound experience you in a new and profound experience you in a new and profound way? We pray it in Jesus name. And way? We pray it in Jesus name. And way? We pray it in Jesus name. And everyone said, "Amen.