Worship Service from the Sanctuary at 9:30am on August 30

Freedom is like. This is [music] what Freedom is like. This is [music] what heaven sounds like. We praise you. We heaven sounds like. We praise you. We heaven sounds like. We praise you. We praise you. This is what living. praise you. This is what living. praise you. This is what living. [music and singing] [music and singing] [music and singing] This is what freedom feels like. This is This is what freedom feels like. This is This is what freedom feels like. This is what heaven sounds like. We praise you. what heaven sounds like. We praise you. what heaven sounds like. We praise you. [music] We praise you. [music] We praise you. [music] We praise you. You break down every [music] You break down every [music] You break down every [music] wall. We'll watch the giants fall. Fear wall. We'll watch the giants fall. Fear wall. We'll watch the giants fall. Fear cannot survive when [music] we praise cannot survive when [music] we praise cannot survive when [music] we praise you. The God of breakthroughs on [music] you. The God of breakthroughs on [music] you. The God of breakthroughs on [music] our side forever. Lift him high with all our side forever. Lift him high with all our side forever. Lift him high with all [music] creation. Cry God we praise you. [music] creation. Cry God we praise you. [music] creation. Cry God we praise you. Oh [music] we praise. We praise you. we praise. We praise you. Oh we praise you. Oh we praise you. Oh we praise you. [music] [music] [music] We praise you. We praise you. We praise you. >> We praise [singing] you.

>> We praise you. >> We praise you. [music] Not a word was heard Not a word was heard at the tomb that day. Just shuffling at the tomb that day. Just shuffling at the tomb that day. Just shuffling soldiers feet as they guarded the grave. soldiers feet as they guarded the grave. soldiers feet as they guarded the grave. One day, two days, One day, two days, One day, two days, three days had passed. three days had passed. three days had passed. Could it be that Jesus Could it be that Jesus Could it be that Jesus had breathed had breathed had breathed his last?

his last? his last? Could it be that the father Could it be that the father Could it be that the father had forsen [music] had forsen [music] had forsen [music] him, him, him, turned his back on his son, turned his back on his son, turned his back on his son, despising despising despising our sin? our sin? our sin? All hell seemed to whisper, All hell seemed to whisper, All hell seemed to whisper, "Just forget him. He's dead." "Just forget him. He's dead." "Just forget him. He's dead." And the father looked down And the father looked down And the father looked down to his son and said, "Arise, [singing and music] "Arise, [singing and music] my love, my love, my love, arise, arise, arise, my love. my love. my love. The grave no longer [singing and music] The grave no longer [singing and music] The grave no longer [singing and music] has a hold has a hold has a hold on you. No more [singing and music] on you. No more [singing and music] on you. No more [singing and music] singing. No more suffering. my love.

my love. [music] The earth trembled The earth trembled and the tomb began to shake. and the tomb began to shake. and the tomb began to shake. And like lightning from [singing] And like lightning from [singing] And like lightning from [singing] heaven, the storm was rolled away. heaven, the storm was rolled away. heaven, the storm was rolled away. [music] [music] [music] >> And as >> And as >> And as the guards, they stood there in fright. the guards, they stood there in fright. the guards, they stood there in fright. As the power of love As the power of love As the power of love displayed it suddenly a melody [music] suddenly a melody [music] filled [singing] the air riding wings of filled [singing] the air riding wings of filled [singing] the air riding wings of wind. wind. wind. It was everywhere. [music] The words all creation [music] The words all creation [music] have been longing have been longing have been longing to hear [singing] to hear [singing] to hear [singing] as the sweet sound of victory. So, as the sweet sound of victory. So, as the sweet sound of victory. So, so clearrise clearrise [music] [music] [music] my love.

my love. my love. Arise [singing] Arise [singing] Arise [singing] my love. my love. my love. The brave no [music and singing] longer The brave no [music and singing] longer The brave no [music and singing] longer has a hold has a hold has a hold on you. No more [music] on you. No more [music] on you. No more [music] testing. No more suffering. [singing] Arise. [singing] Arise. [music] [music] [music] Arise. Sin, where are your shackles? Sin, where are your shackles? Death, where is your sting? Death, where is your sting? Death, where is your sting? Hell has been defeated. The great Hell has been defeated. The great Hell has been defeated. The great my home [music] my home [music] my home [music] the king. The king.

The king. [music] Arise Arise my love. my love. my love. Arise Arise Arise my love. my love. my love. The grave [music and singing] no longer The grave [music and singing] no longer The grave [music and singing] no longer has a hold has a hold has a hold on you. on you. on you. No more. No more. No more. has seen no more suffering. [music] has seen no more suffering. [music] has seen no more suffering. [music] [singing] >> I'm calling [singing] ing on the God of >> I'm calling [singing] ing on the God of Jacob whose love [singing] endures through whose love [singing] endures through generations.

I know that you [singing] will keep your I know that you [singing] will keep your co I'm calling [singing and music] I'm calling [singing and music] on the God [music] [music] Heat. Heat. Good morning everyone. Would you Heat. Good morning everyone. Would you stand up? [music] Let's worship the Lord stand up? [music] Let's worship the Lord stand up? [music] Let's worship the Lord together this morning as we begin this together this morning as we begin this together this morning as we begin this worship time.

worship time. worship time. [music] [music] [music] Sing this with us. Sing this with us. Sing this with us. Remember those [singing] walls that we Remember those [singing] walls that we Remember those [singing] walls that we called sin and shame. called sin and shame. called sin and shame. [music] They were like prisons that we [music] They were like prisons that we [music] They were like prisons that we [singing] couldn't escape. But he [singing] couldn't escape. But he [singing] couldn't escape. But he [music] came and he died and he rose. [music] came and he died and he rose. [music] came and he died and he rose. Those walls are rubble. Now remember [music] those giants we called remember [music] those giants we called death [singing] and grave. death [singing] and grave. death [singing] and grave. [music] [music] [music] They were like mountains [singing] They were like mountains [singing] They were like mountains [singing] that stood in our way. But he came that stood in our way. But he came that stood in our way. But he came [singing] and he died and he [music] [singing] and he died and he [music] [singing] and he died and he [music] rose. rose. rose. Those giants [singing] are dead now. This is our God. [music] This is our God. [music] This is our God. This is who he is. This is our God. This is who he is. This is our God. This is who he is. [singing] [singing] [singing] He loves us. [music] This is our God. He loves us. [music] This is our God. He loves us. [music] This is our God. This is what he does. [singing] He saves This is what he does. [singing] He saves This is what he does. [singing] He saves us. He bore the cross. [music] us. He bore the cross. [music] us. He bore the cross. [music] Beat the grave. Let heaven and earth Beat the grave. Let heaven and earth Beat the grave. Let heaven and earth proclaim. This is our proclaim. This is our proclaim. This is our [music and singing] God, King Jesus.

That's [music] good news. Remember the That's [music] good news. Remember the fear. Remember that [music] fear that fear. Remember that [music] fear that fear. Remember that [music] fear that [singing] took our breath away. [singing] took our breath away. [singing] took our breath away. Faith so [music and singing] weak that Faith so [music and singing] weak that Faith so [music and singing] weak that we could barely pray. Heard every word. we could barely pray. Heard every word. we could barely pray. Heard every word. But he heard every word, [music] But he heard every word, [music] But he heard every word, [music] every whisper. [singing] >> [music] >> [music] >> Now those altars in the wilderness >> Now those altars in the wilderness >> Now those altars in the wilderness [singing] tell the story of his faithfulness. tell the story of his faithfulness. [music and singing] [music and singing] [music and singing] Never once did he fail and he never Never once did he fail and he never Never once did he fail and he never [music] [music] [music] will. [singing] This is our God. [music] This is who he This is our God. [music] This is who he is. He loves [singing] us. This is our is. He loves [singing] us. This is our is. He loves [singing] us. This is our [music] God. This is what he does. He [music] God. This is what he does. He [music] God. This is what he does. He saves [singing] us before the cross made saves [singing] us before the cross made saves [singing] us before the cross made the grave [music] the grave [music] the grave [music] that every that every that every is our God, King [music] Jesus. is our God, King [music] Jesus. is our God, King [music] Jesus. [singing] Who pulled me out of that Who pulled me out of that [music and singing] pit? He did. He did.

[music and singing] pit? He did. He did. [music and singing] pit? He did. He did. Who paid for all of [singing] our sin? Who paid for all of [singing] our sin? Who paid for all of [singing] our sin? [music] [music] [music] Nobody but Jesus Nobody but Jesus Nobody but Jesus who pulled [music and singing] me out of who pulled [music and singing] me out of who pulled [music and singing] me out of that pit. He did. He did. Who paid that pit. He did. He did. Who paid that pit. He did. He did. Who paid [music and singing] for all of my sin? [music and singing] for all of my sin? [music and singing] for all of my sin? Nobody but Jesus Nobody but Jesus Nobody but Jesus who rescued me from that grave. Yahe. who rescued me from that grave. Yahe. who rescued me from that grave. Yahe. [music] [music] [music] Yahe Yahe Yahe who gets the glory [singing] and praise. who gets the glory [singing] and praise. who gets the glory [singing] and praise. Nobody [music] but Jesus Nobody [music] but Jesus Nobody [music] but Jesus who Heat. Heat. This is our heat. [music] This is our heat. [music] [singing] [music and singing] [music and singing] Heat. Heat. [music] [music] [singing] [music] [music] Heat. Heat.

Heat. Heat. Heat. [music and singing] >> We're here to celebrate King Jesus >> We're here to celebrate King Jesus today. Welcome [music] to Crossings. today. Welcome [music] to Crossings. today. Welcome [music] to Crossings. It's going to be a little different kind It's going to be a little different kind It's going to be a little different kind of morning. We're celebrating baptisms. of morning. We're celebrating baptisms. of morning. We're celebrating baptisms. It's one of my favorite Sundays of all It's one of my favorite Sundays of all It's one of my favorite Sundays of all the year. And uh so just be ready for the year. And uh so just be ready for the year. And uh so just be ready for that. our our choir orchestra will be that. our our choir orchestra will be that. our our choir orchestra will be back next week, but we need a lot of back next week, but we need a lot of back next week, but we need a lot of space in the back to take care of those space in the back to take care of those space in the back to take care of those that are being baptized. So, [music] that are being baptized. So, [music] that are being baptized. So, [music] that's kind of what that's about today. that's kind of what that's about today. that's kind of what that's about today. Turn and say hello to somebody. Welcome Turn and say hello to somebody. Welcome Turn and say hello to somebody. Welcome them to Crossings this morning.

Just remain standing. if you would. We Just remain standing. if you would. We introduced [music] a new song to you introduced [music] a new song to you introduced [music] a new song to you last week that uh Bill and Gloria last week that uh Bill and Gloria last week that uh Bill and Gloria Gaither wrote inspired by our mission Gaither wrote inspired by our mission Gaither wrote inspired by our mission statement and we thought that [music] statement and we thought that [music] statement and we thought that [music] needs to be more than just a song we needs to be more than just a song we needs to be more than just a song we sing once or twice a year. This needs to sing once or twice a year. This needs to sing once or twice a year. This needs to be something that [music] captures our be something that [music] captures our be something that [music] captures our hearts and minds. So, we thought we're hearts and minds. So, we thought we're hearts and minds. So, we thought we're going to take it each week verse by going to take it each week verse by going to take it each week verse by verse. We thought we'd teach you the verse. We thought we'd teach you the verse. We thought we'd teach you the first verse [music] this morning. We first verse [music] this morning. We first verse [music] this morning. We could all sing it like this. It goes could all sing it like this. It goes could all sing it like this. It goes like this. Sing it out. Lord, may like this. Sing it out. Lord, may like this. Sing it out. Lord, may [singing and music] we live by faith and [singing and music] we live by faith and [singing and music] we live by faith and be a voice [singing and music] be a voice [singing and music] be a voice [singing and music] of hope. May we be known [singing] of hope. May we be known [singing] of hope. May we be known [singing] by how we [music] love. by how we [music] love. by how we [music] love. Where there is [singing] Where there is [singing] Where there is [singing] conflict, conflict, conflict, where there is disord, where there is disord, where there is disord, where there [singing] where there [singing] where there [singing] is hopelessness [music] and [singing] fear. [music] and [singing] fear. [music] May we believe that [singing] you May we believe that [singing] you May we believe that [singing] you are here [music] and only [singing] you can win [music] and only [singing] you can win [music] peace.

peace. peace. Oh, that's good. Let's try it again. Oh, that's good. Let's try it again. Oh, that's good. Let's try it again. Sing the verse one more time. Lord, may Sing the verse one more time. Lord, may Sing the verse one more time. Lord, may we live by faith. [music] we live by faith. [music] we live by faith. [music] Lord, may we live by [singing] faith and Lord, may we live by [singing] faith and Lord, may we live by [singing] faith and be [music] a voice of hope. be [music] a voice of hope. be [music] a voice of hope. May we [singing] know May we [singing] know May we [singing] know [music] [music] [music] by how we love. by how we love. by how we love. Where there is conflict, [music] Where there is conflict, [music] Where there is conflict, [music] where [singing] there is disord, [music] where [singing] there is disord, [music] where [singing] there is disord, [music] where there is hopelessness where there is hopelessness where there is hopelessness [music] [music] [music] and fear. [singing] May we believe that you are May we believe that you are [singing and music] here. [singing and music] here. [singing and music] here. Only you can. Only you can. Only you can. [music] Chorus goes like this. This is [music] Chorus goes like this. This is [music] Chorus goes like this. This is just affirming what we've [singing] just affirming what we've [singing] just affirming what we've [singing] sung. Hallelujah. sung. Hallelujah. sung. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. [music] Hallelujah. [music] Hallelujah. [music] Hallelu. Hallelujah. Hallelu. Hallelujah. Hallelu. Hallelujah. Hallelu. [music] Hallelu. [singing] Hallelu. [music] Hallelu. [singing] Hallelu. [music] Hallelu. [singing] Halleluah. Halleluah. Halleluah. Hallelu. Hallelu. Hallelu. [music] Hallelu. Hallelu. Hallelu. [music] Hallelu. Hallelu. Hallelu. [music] Hallelu.

Hallelu. Hallelu. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Hallelu. [music] Hallelu. [music] Hallelu. [music] [singing] Hallelu. Hallelujah. [singing] Hallelu. Hallelujah. [singing] Hallelu. Hallelujah. Hallelu. Hallelu. [music] Hallelu. Hallelu. [music] Hallelu. Hallelu. [music] [singing] Hallelujah. [singing] Hallelujah. [singing] Hallelujah. Hallelu. Hallelu. Hallelujah. [singing] Hallelu. Hallelu. Hallelujah. [singing] Hallelu. Hallelu. Hallelujah. [singing] Hallelujah. [music] Hallelujah. [music] Hallelujah. [music] You are the lover You are the lover You are the lover of our souls. [singing] of our souls. [singing] of our souls. [singing] You are the way, [music] the truth. You are the way, [music] the truth. You are the way, [music] the truth. Let's go one more time. Hallelujah. Sing Let's go one more time. Hallelujah. Sing Let's go one more time. Hallelujah. Sing it for us now. Hallelu. [music] it for us now. Hallelu. [music] it for us now. Hallelu. [music] [singing] Hallelu. Hallelujah. [singing] Hallelu. Hallelujah. [singing] Hallelu. Hallelujah. Hallelu. Hallelu. [music] Hallelu. Hallelu. [music] Hallelu. Hallelu. [music] Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Hallelu. [singing] Hallelu. Hallelujah. Hallelu. [singing] Hallelu. Hallelujah. Hallelu. [singing] Hallelu. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. [music] Hallelujah. [music] Hallelujah. [music] Hallelujah. [singing] Hallelu. Hallelujah. [singing] Hallelu. Hallelujah. [singing] Hallelu. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Hallelu. Hallelu. Hallelujah. Hallelu. Hallelu. Hallelujah. Hallelu. Hallelu. Hallelujah. [music and singing] [music and singing] [music and singing] Hallelu. Hallelu. Hallelujah. [music] Hallelu. Hallelu. Hallelujah. [music] Hallelu. Hallelu. Hallelujah. [music] Hallelujah. [singing] Hallelujah. [singing] Hallelujah. [singing] You are the love You are the love You are the love of [singing] of [singing] of [singing] our soul.

our soul. our soul. [music] [music] [music] You are the [singing] way of truth. That's who we are. That's crossing. Say That's who we are. That's crossing. Say amen. [music] [music] >> You know something pretty special and >> You know something pretty special and >> You know something pretty special and and if you were here last week, I told a and if you were here last week, I told a and if you were here last week, I told a little bit of this, but what's pretty little bit of this, but what's pretty little bit of this, but what's pretty special is Bill and Gloria watch us special is Bill and Gloria watch us special is Bill and Gloria watch us every Sunday. Hi, Bill and Gloria. Thank every Sunday. Hi, Bill and Gloria. Thank every Sunday. Hi, Bill and Gloria. Thank you. [music] And uh they got this idea. you. [music] And uh they got this idea. you. [music] And uh they got this idea. Ma W. Smith had written this orchestral Ma W. Smith had written this orchestral Ma W. Smith had written this orchestral piece and and Bill and Gloria said, piece and and Bill and Gloria said, piece and and Bill and Gloria said, "Hold that [music] for us." And they "Hold that [music] for us." And they "Hold that [music] for us." And they did. And then finally the words came to did. And then finally the words came to did. And then finally the words came to Gloria and then they wrote this Gloria and then they wrote this Gloria and then they wrote this together. [music] together. [music] together. [music] And I I guess there's going to be like And I I guess there's going to be like And I I guess there's going to be like thousands and thousands or a couple thousands and thousands or a couple thousands and thousands or a couple million people are going to hear this million people are going to hear this million people are going to hear this [music] about faith, hope, and love. [music] about faith, hope, and love. [music] about faith, hope, and love. That's the driver. And if we can share That's the driver. And if we can share That's the driver. And if we can share that with other churches, [music] that with other churches, [music] that with other churches, [music] faith, live by faith, be a voice of faith, live by faith, be a voice of faith, live by faith, be a voice of hope, be known by love. We think that's hope, be known by love. We think that's hope, be known by love. We think that's a winning statement. [music] We think a winning statement. [music] We think a winning statement. [music] We think it's biblical and uh we see what God's it's biblical and uh we see what God's it's biblical and uh we see what God's doing. Go and have a seat. Glad you're doing. Go and have a seat. Glad you're doing. Go and have a seat. Glad you're here this morning. [music] Very thankful here this morning. [music] Very thankful here this morning. [music] Very thankful you're with us today. Couple things I you're with us today. Couple things I you're with us today. Couple things I want you to be aware of. Uh we h one of want you to be aware of. Uh we h one of want you to be aware of. Uh we h one of the things I've started in this church the things I've started in this church the things I've started in this church in this room is a ministry now called in this room is a ministry now called in this room is a ministry now called water 4 and our family's been involved water 4 and our family's been involved water 4 and our family's been involved and I've been involved. I'm on their and I've been involved. I'm on their and I've been involved. I'm on their board and it's one of my greatest board and it's one of my greatest board and it's one of my greatest privileges. [music] privileges. [music] privileges. [music] But we're doing the walk for water 4.

But we're doing the walk for water 4. But we're doing the walk for water 4. There's info that you have available on There's info that you have available on There's info that you have available on your weekly about the date and all those your weekly about the date and all those your weekly about the date and all those things. But it's the walk for water 4. things. But it's the walk for water 4. things. But it's the walk for water 4. Now let me tell you what water 4 has Now let me tell you what water 4 has Now let me tell you what water 4 has done this year. 429,000 done this year. 429,000 done this year. 429,000 people got fresh water right to their people got fresh water right to their people got fresh water right to their little house. And that's water for little house. And that's water for little house. And that's water for 10,744 people came to Christ and were baptized. people came to Christ and were baptized. 10,000. And today [applause and music] 10,000. And today [applause and music] 10,000. And today [applause and music] so far here at Crossings, we have 111 so far here at Crossings, we have 111 so far here at Crossings, we have 111 people already signed up to be baptized. people already signed up to be baptized. people already signed up to be baptized. And if you change, if you want to be And if you change, if you want to be And if you change, if you want to be baptized, you haven't let us know, well, baptized, you haven't let us know, well, baptized, you haven't let us know, well, you'll get a chance to let us know and you'll get a chance to let us know and you'll get a chance to let us know and be baptized [music] today if you would be baptized [music] today if you would be baptized [music] today if you would like to. It' be our greatest privilege. like to. It' be our greatest privilege. like to. It' be our greatest privilege. So, you'll hear more about that uh So, you'll hear more about that uh So, you'll hear more about that uh during the message. So, and then uh during the message. So, and then uh during the message. So, and then uh Monday nights soon, we'll start our care Monday nights soon, we'll start our care Monday nights soon, we'll start our care series and women's Bible studies. series and women's Bible studies. series and women's Bible studies. [music] The care series is a wonderful [music] The care series is a wonderful [music] The care series is a wonderful thing on Monday night. support and thing on Monday night. support and thing on Monday night. support and recovery ministries of of all kind. The recovery ministries of of all kind. The recovery ministries of of all kind. The the halls up there are just full of the halls up there are just full of the halls up there are just full of people that uh are just, you know, like people that uh are just, you know, like people that uh are just, you know, like all of us. They're wrestling with all of us. They're wrestling with all of us. They're wrestling with something and they found a place they something and they found a place they something and they found a place they can get whole and healed and some great can get whole and healed and some great can get whole and healed and some great things happen in those groups. And things happen in those groups. And things happen in those groups. And that's on Monday nights. And then uh that's on Monday nights. And then uh that's on Monday nights. And then uh [music] uh today just be praying for [music] uh today just be praying for [music] uh today just be praying for those who are be getting baptized and those who are be getting baptized and those who are be getting baptized and those who might decide today is just those who might decide today is just those who might decide today is just [music] a really good day to go ahead [music] a really good day to go ahead [music] a really good day to go ahead and go public in your faith. It's not and go public in your faith. It's not and go public in your faith. It's not about joining a church. nothing to do about joining a church. nothing to do about joining a church. nothing to do with that. [music] It's about publicly with that. [music] It's about publicly with that. [music] It's about publicly going in front of your church family going in front of your church family going in front of your church family saying, "I'm a follower of Jesus." And saying, "I'm a follower of Jesus." And saying, "I'm a follower of Jesus." And if you want to do that, we'd love to if you want to do that, we'd love to if you want to do that, we'd love to have that happen. Okay, let's pray.

have that happen. Okay, let's pray. have that happen. Okay, let's pray. [music] Father, we thank you for the [music] Father, we thank you for the [music] Father, we thank you for the privilege we have to be in this place. privilege we have to be in this place. privilege we have to be in this place. We thank you, Father, for your love for We thank you, Father, for your love for We thank you, Father, for your love for us. us. us. We often forget [music] just how deep, We often forget [music] just how deep, We often forget [music] just how deep, how wide, how wide, how wide, how long that love is for us. You never how long that love is for us. You never how long that love is for us. You never give up on us. give up on us. give up on us. >> You quickly forgive. You get us cuz you >> You quickly forgive. You get us cuz you >> You quickly forgive. You get us cuz you made us. [music] And today we celebrate made us. [music] And today we celebrate made us. [music] And today we celebrate today your love that [snorts] somebody today your love that [snorts] somebody today your love that [snorts] somebody told us about Jesus somewhere in our told us about Jesus somewhere in our told us about Jesus somewhere in our life. And father, thank you for the life. And father, thank you for the life. And father, thank you for the incredible freedom and vitality that incredible freedom and vitality that incredible freedom and vitality that comes to their [music] lives through comes to their [music] lives through comes to their [music] lives through Jesus Christ. We're here to worship you Jesus Christ. We're here to worship you Jesus Christ. We're here to worship you in Jesus name. Amen. >> Our ushers are coming forward to receive >> Our ushers are coming forward to receive our offering [music] this morning as we our offering [music] this morning as we our offering [music] this morning as we continue in our worship. continue in our worship. continue in our worship. >> Have you ever wondered what it means to >> Have you ever wondered what it means to >> Have you ever wondered what it means to be a disciple? You may have heard about be a disciple? You may have heard about be a disciple? You may have heard about the original 12 disciples that journeyed the original 12 disciples that journeyed the original 12 disciples that journeyed with Jesus. He called them. He walked with Jesus. He called them. He walked with Jesus. He called them. He walked with them. He commissioned them to go with them. He commissioned them to go with them. He commissioned them to go and make more disciples. But is Jesus and make more disciples. But is Jesus and make more disciples. But is Jesus still calling and walking with and still calling and walking with and still calling and walking with and commissioning disciples today?

commissioning disciples today? commissioning disciples today? To be a Christian is to be a disciple. To be a Christian is to be a disciple. To be a Christian is to be a disciple. As disciples, our goal is to live like As disciples, our goal is to live like As disciples, our goal is to live like Jesus did, seeking intentional community Jesus did, seeking intentional community Jesus did, seeking intentional community with others and actively pursuing the with others and actively pursuing the with others and actively pursuing the presence of God. At Crossings, we call presence of God. At Crossings, we call presence of God. At Crossings, we call this intentional journey of knowing this intentional journey of knowing this intentional journey of knowing Jesus deeply and becoming [music] more Jesus deeply and becoming [music] more Jesus deeply and becoming [music] more like him the disciplehip pathway. like him the disciplehip pathway. like him the disciplehip pathway. The pathway is supported by three The pathway is supported by three The pathway is supported by three pillars that Jesus modeled throughout pillars that Jesus modeled throughout pillars that Jesus modeled throughout his life. We prioritize weekly worship, his life. We prioritize weekly worship, his life. We prioritize weekly worship, which is why we gather on Sundays to which is why we gather on Sundays to which is why we gather on Sundays to sing praises, read scripture, celebrate sing praises, read scripture, celebrate sing praises, read scripture, celebrate communion and baptism. We actively communion and baptism. We actively communion and baptism. We actively participate in a group by joining participate in a group by joining participate in a group by joining smaller communities so that we are smaller communities so that we are smaller communities so that we are reminded we are not alone on this reminded we are not alone on this reminded we are not alone on this journey. And we engage in a personal journey. And we engage in a personal journey. And we engage in a personal relationship with God through fasting, relationship with God through fasting, relationship with God through fasting, individual prayer, studying scripture, individual prayer, studying scripture, individual prayer, studying scripture, and other spiritual practices that draw and other spiritual practices that draw and other spiritual practices that draw us near to him. So whether you are us near to him. So whether you are us near to him. So whether you are curious about becoming a disciple or curious about becoming a disciple or curious about becoming a disciple or you've been following Jesus for a long you've been following Jesus for a long you've been following Jesus for a long time, we are praying [music] that God time, we are praying [music] that God time, we are praying [music] that God will meet you where you are today and will meet you where you are today and will meet you where you are today and guide you through your next steps in guide you through your next steps in guide you through your next steps in pursuing him. Welcome to the disciplehip pursuing him. Welcome to the disciplehip pursuing him. Welcome to the disciplehip pathway.

Well, have you ever gotten a good piece Well, have you ever gotten a good piece of advice that was just so basic? It was of advice that was just so basic? It was of advice that was just so basic? It was just so standard that you just sort of just so standard that you just sort of just so standard that you just sort of blew it off. You knew it was good blew it off. You knew it was good blew it off. You knew it was good advice, but you didn't necessarily heed advice, but you didn't necessarily heed advice, but you didn't necessarily heed it. Like, uh, when the light turns it. Like, uh, when the light turns it. Like, uh, when the light turns green, look both ways. Especially in the green, look both ways. Especially in the green, look both ways. Especially in the state of Oklahoma, cuz some of you don't state of Oklahoma, cuz some of you don't state of Oklahoma, cuz some of you don't know what the color red means. All know what the color red means. All know what the color red means. All right, that's good advice, but you still right, that's good advice, but you still right, that's good advice, but you still blow through that light as soon as it blow through that light as soon as it blow through that light as soon as it turns green, and then you end up paying turns green, and then you end up paying turns green, and then you end up paying some sort of deductible as a result. Or, some sort of deductible as a result. Or, some sort of deductible as a result. Or, uh, other good advice, don't eat too uh, other good advice, don't eat too uh, other good advice, 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 too much. Or or advice I received too much. Or or advice I received too much. Or or advice I received through much of my youth, don't chew through much of my youth, don't chew through much of my youth, don't chew ice. I've got three or four crowns in my ice. I've got three or four crowns in my ice. I've got three or four crowns in my mouth to prove I should have heeded the mouth to prove I should have heeded the mouth to prove I should have heeded the advice. But sometimes uh the most basic advice. But sometimes uh the most basic advice. But sometimes uh the most basic words of wisdom are ignored because they words of wisdom are ignored because they words of wisdom are ignored because they just feel so common. We're just so used just feel so common. We're just so used just feel so common. We're just so used to hearing them that we just sort of to hearing them that we just sort of to hearing them that we just sort of shrug them off. And and so it is in our shrug them off. And and so it is in our shrug them off. And and so it is in our life with God is that that sometimes we life with God is that that sometimes we life with God is that that sometimes we can get really good advice in our can get really good advice in our can get really good advice in our spiritual life and just sort of shrug it spiritual life and just sort of shrug it spiritual life and just sort of shrug it off. We're we're embarking upon a new off. We're we're embarking upon a new off. We're we're embarking upon a new series called the spiritual pathway. But series called the spiritual pathway. But series called the spiritual pathway. But really what's behind it is we're really what's behind it is we're really what's behind it is we're answering this question here is the the answering this question here is the the answering this question here is the the important question. How how do I develop important question. How how do I develop important question. How how do I develop and maintain a healthy relationship with and maintain a healthy relationship with and maintain a healthy relationship with God? Uh some might say how do I have a God? Uh some might say how do I have a God? Uh some might say how do I have a vibrant relationship with God? Others vibrant relationship with God? Others vibrant relationship with God? Others like vibrant? I just want one. I I don't like vibrant? I just want one. I I don't like vibrant? I just want one. I I don't even know what it means to have one. Or even know what it means to have one. Or even know what it means to have one. Or or I I'm around the church but I I don't or I I'm around the church but I I don't or I I'm around the church but I I don't feel God's presence in my life. We might

feel God's presence in my life. We might feel God's presence in my life. We might articulate this different ways, but articulate this different ways, but articulate this different ways, but behind the big question of some kind of behind the big question of some kind of behind the big question of some kind of disciplehip pathway really it's this disciplehip pathway really it's this disciplehip pathway really it's this question. How do I how do I take my next question. How do I how do I take my next question. How do I how do I take my next spiritual step so God is more present in spiritual step so God is more present in spiritual step so God is more present in my life? And you may not realize this, my life? And you may not realize this, my life? And you may not realize this, but in some of the the parting words of but in some of the the parting words of but in some of the the parting words of Jesus, he had a a handful of things to Jesus, he had a a handful of things to Jesus, he had a a handful of things to say to his disciples before he ascended say to his disciples before he ascended say to his disciples before he ascended to the father. But among the things that to the father. But among the things that to the father. But among the things that he said was some of this kind of sage he said was some of this kind of sage he said was some of this kind of sage advice that if you're around the church advice that if you're around the church advice that if you're around the church for any length of time, you may have for any length of time, you may have for any length of time, you may have heard it and heard it and heard it and heard it and heard it and heard it and heard it and heard it and heard it and thought, "Well, that sounds good, but it thought, "Well, that sounds good, but it thought, "Well, that sounds good, but it doesn't penetrate because it just seems doesn't penetrate because it just seems doesn't penetrate because it just seems so basic." And so it is uh with this set so basic." And so it is uh with this set so basic." And so it is uh with this set of sentences. We read it. It's at the of sentences. We read it. It's at the of sentences. We read it. It's at 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 Matthew records Jesus teaching here. He Matthew records Jesus teaching here. He Matthew records Jesus teaching here. He says, "Then Jesus came to them." And you says, "Then Jesus came to them." And you says, "Then Jesus came to them." And you got to you got to set the tone of this.

got to you got to set the tone of this. got to you got to set the tone of this. This is at the tail end of the Gospel of This is at the tail end of the Gospel of This is at the tail end of the Gospel of Matthew. And his disciples have to be Matthew. And his disciples have to be Matthew. And his disciples have to be quivering because they they've been told quivering because they they've been told quivering because they they've been told he is ascending to the father. But he is ascending to the father. But he is ascending to the father. But before he told them that, they abandoned before he told them that, they abandoned before he told them that, they abandoned him. There was some some moments when he him. There was some some moments when he him. There was some some moments when he was arrested and they were nowhere to be was arrested and they were nowhere to be was arrested and they were nowhere to be found. And and so when Jesus comes to found. And and so when Jesus comes to found. And and so when Jesus comes to them, this is remarkable thing for them. them, this is remarkable thing for them. them, this is remarkable thing for them. But Jesus comes to them and he says, But Jesus comes to them and he says, But Jesus comes to them and he says, "All authority on earth has been given "All authority on earth has been given "All authority on earth has been given to me. Therefore, go and make to me. Therefore, go and make to me. Therefore, go and make disciples." disciples." disciples." Now, this is a tripping hazard of a word Now, this is a tripping hazard of a word Now, this is a tripping hazard of a word because it's one of the words that gets because it's one of the words that gets because it's one of the words that gets used and thrown around in church circles used and thrown around in church circles used and thrown around in church circles quite a bit. It sometimes is outside of quite a bit. It sometimes is outside of quite a bit. It sometimes is outside of church circles. will say they're a church circles. will say they're a church circles. will say they're a disciple of this person or a disciple of disciple of this person or a disciple of disciple of this person or a disciple of this person. But inside the church, it's this person. But inside the church, it's this person. But inside the church, it's one of those words church people use and one of those words church people use and one of those words church people use and never bother to define the word. And so never bother to define the word. And so never bother to define the word. And so I think it's important for us to take a I think it's important for us to take a I think it's important for us to take a moment and come to terms with what the moment and come to terms with what the moment and come to terms with what the word disciple means because so often word disciple means because so often word disciple means because so often when we hear the word what we hear is when we hear the word what we hear is when we hear the word what we hear is Navy Seal uh to be an army ranger, Navy Seal uh to be an army ranger, Navy Seal uh to be an army ranger, special forces. Jesus had disciples. I'm special forces. Jesus had disciples. I'm special forces. Jesus had disciples. I'm just a run-of-the-mill churchian, a just a run-of-the-mill churchian, a just a run-of-the-mill churchian, a run-of-the-mill Christian. Well, what run-of-the-mill Christian. Well, what run-of-the-mill Christian. Well, what does disciple mean? Disciple. And this does disciple mean? Disciple. And this does disciple mean? Disciple. And this is something you may know about me is something you may know about me is something you may know about me already, may not know. Uh, one of my already, may not know. Uh, one of my already, may not know. Uh, one of my hobbies is what's called etmology. It's hobbies is what's called etmology. It's hobbies is what's called etmology. It's the history of how words come together.

the history of how words come together. the history of how words come together. And I know what you're all thinking And I know what you're all thinking And I know what you're all thinking right now. Are you forming an etmology right now. Are you forming an etmology right now. Are you forming an etmology club? I want to be in it. No, actually, club? I want to be in it. No, actually, club? I want to be in it. No, actually, I know what you're thinking. It's like, I know what you're thinking. It's like, I know what you're thinking. It's like, Bill, that's your hobby. Have you Bill, that's your hobby. Have you Bill, that's your hobby. Have you thought about sports? Uh that's normal. thought about sports? Uh that's normal. thought about sports? Uh that's normal. Uh I like sports too, but I like Uh I like sports too, but I like Uh I like sports too, but I like etmology. So disciple is from a Latin etmology. So disciple is from a Latin etmology. So disciple is from a Latin word discipus. Interestingly enough, word discipus. Interestingly enough, word discipus. Interestingly enough, discipolis uh it gave birth to disciple, discipolis uh it gave birth to disciple, discipolis uh it gave birth to disciple, but also in the English language the but also in the English language the but also in the English language the word discern. If you use that word, so word discern. If you use that word, so word discern. If you use that word, so they're rooted in Latin. But whenever they're rooted in Latin. But whenever they're rooted in Latin. But whenever you read the word disciple, which is a a you read the word disciple, which is a a you read the word disciple, which is a a word we borrowed from Latin speakers, word we borrowed from Latin speakers, word we borrowed from Latin speakers, really in the New Testament, almost really in the New Testament, almost really in the New Testament, almost always we're seeing this word meth. And all it means is a learner, a And all it means is a learner, a student, a pupil. student, a pupil. student, a pupil. How many of you aced school? How many of you aced school? How many of you aced school? How many validictorians are in the room? How many validictorians are in the room? How many validictorians are in the room? uh being a pupil or a student. You could uh being a pupil or a student. You could uh being a pupil or a student. You could be a good one and you could be a be a good one and you could be a be a good one and you could be a struggling one. You could be one getting struggling one. You could be one getting struggling one. You could be one getting a lot of tutoring and you could be the a lot of tutoring and you could be the a lot of tutoring and you could be the person tutoring the struggling student.

person tutoring the struggling student. person tutoring the struggling student. You see the reason this is really You see the reason this is really You see the reason this is really important to get in our mind is when important to get in our mind is when important to get in our mind is when Jesus said go and make disciples, he Jesus said go and make disciples, he Jesus said go and make disciples, he doesn't say go and make warriors for the doesn't say go and make warriors for the doesn't say go and make warriors for the Lord. He just says, "Go and make people Lord. He just says, "Go and make people Lord. He just says, "Go and make people who learn what it means to be a student who learn what it means to be a student who learn what it means to be a student of me." of me." of me." And there there's a kindergarten for all And there there's a kindergarten for all And there there's a kindergarten for all of us. There's a preschool for all of of us. There's a preschool for all of of us. There's a preschool for all of us. There might be graduate studies down us. There might be graduate studies down us. There might be graduate studies down the road, but today it starts where it the road, but today it starts where it the road, but today it starts where it starts. And I think that's just starts. And I think that's just starts. And I think that's just important to get out clear. So as we important to get out clear. So as we important to get out clear. So as we understand as we talk about even words understand as we talk about even words understand as we talk about even words like disciplehip pathway it would be like disciplehip pathway it would be like disciplehip pathway it would be easy to tune that one out and go that is easy to tune that one out and go that is easy to tune that one out and go that is for the a very special special people I for the a very special special people I for the a very special special people I I'm not one of those people. No if you I'm not one of those people. No if you I'm not one of those people. No if you are here today you're one of those are here today you're one of those are here today you're one of those people. That's all it means. Okay. So people. That's all it means. Okay. So people. That's all it means. Okay. So back to the big question. So how do I back to the big question. So how do I back to the big question. So how do I how do I grow in my faith? How do I how do I grow in my faith? How do I how do I grow in my faith? How do I develop a more vibrant faith? Well, develop a more vibrant faith? Well, develop a more vibrant faith? Well, there's some steps and we're going to there's some steps and we're going to there's some steps and we're going to see these steps in just these few see these steps in just these few see these steps in just these few sentences of Jesus. And the first step sentences of Jesus. And the first step sentences of Jesus. And the first step is this. Get to know Jesus. You to be a is this. Get to know Jesus. You to be a is this. Get to know Jesus. You to be a disciple is to be a disciple not of disciple is to be a disciple not of disciple is to be a disciple not of another human being, but to be a another human being, but to be a another human being, but to be a disciple of Jesus. And so Jesus, he disciple of Jesus. And so Jesus, he disciple of Jesus. And so Jesus, he comes to them. He says, "All authority comes to them. He says, "All authority comes to them. He says, "All authority on earth and heaven has been given to on earth and heaven has been given to on earth and heaven has been given to me. Go and make disciples." But it is me. Go and make disciples." But it is me. Go and make disciples." But it is about Jesus. In order to make a

about Jesus. In order to make a about Jesus. In order to make a disciple, you have to be a disciple. disciple, you have to be a disciple. disciple, you have to be a disciple. Jesus is not inviting us to make Jesus is not inviting us to make Jesus is not inviting us to make disciples of us. We aren't to go and disciples of us. We aren't to go and disciples of us. We aren't to go and say, "I have a way of looking at the say, "I have a way of looking at the say, "I have a way of looking at the world that's so unique and amazing, you world that's so unique and amazing, you world that's so unique and amazing, you should be like me." No. As a follower of should be like me." No. As a follower of should be like me." No. As a follower of Christ, oh, I mean, to be clear, you Christ, oh, I mean, to be clear, you Christ, oh, I mean, to be clear, you might have a unique way of looking at might have a unique way of looking at might have a unique way of looking at the world. You might be weird. Okay? And the world. You might be weird. Okay? And the world. You might be weird. Okay? And but this isn't about making disciples of but this isn't about making disciples of but this isn't about making disciples of us. You might be brilliant. It's not us. You might be brilliant. It's not us. You might be brilliant. It's not making disciples of us. You might be making disciples of us. You might be making disciples of us. You might be incredibly knowledgeable. It's not incredibly knowledgeable. It's not incredibly knowledgeable. It's not making disciples of us. Jesus says go making disciples of us. Jesus says go making disciples of us. Jesus says go and make disciples of who? Him. We have and make disciples of who? Him. We have and make disciples of who? Him. We have to we have to get to know Jesus. And to we have to get to know Jesus. And to we have to get to know Jesus. And then Jesus invites us to tell other then Jesus invites us to tell other then Jesus invites us to tell other people about him. And so to to make people about him. And so to to make people about him. And so to to make disciples, we got to be a disciple. disciples, we got to be a disciple. disciples, we got to be a disciple. There's one other word in here that is There's one other word in here that is There's one other word in here that is is easily um easily missed. And this is is easily um easily missed. And this is is easily um easily missed. And this is the word authority. He says um you know the word authority. He says um you know the word authority. He says um you know all authority is given to me. And uh you all authority is given to me. And uh you all authority is given to me. And uh you got to remember that we read this as got to remember that we read this as got to remember that we read this as people who know that there's a a grand people who know that there's a a grand people who know that there's a a grand legacy of the Christian movement for legacy of the Christian movement for legacy of the Christian movement for 2,000 years. But when Matthew who wrote 2,000 years. But when Matthew who wrote 2,000 years. But when Matthew who wrote these words and recorded them and then these words and recorded them and then these words and recorded them and then they were published and other people they were published and other people they were published and other people read them when Jesus is like all read them when Jesus is like all read them when Jesus is like all authority they were reading it in the authority they were reading it in the authority they were reading it in the middle of the Roman Empire and most middle of the Roman Empire and most middle of the Roman Empire and most normal people like uh your Jesus has normal people like uh your Jesus has normal people like uh your Jesus has authority. Have you heard of Rome?

authority. Have you heard of Rome? authority. Have you heard of Rome? Have you heard of the emperor? Have you heard of the emperor? Have you heard of the emperor? He's the one with authority. You're from He's the one with authority. You're from He's the one with authority. You're from the backwater of the backwater of the the backwater of the backwater of the the backwater of the backwater of the country sticks of the Roman Empire and country sticks of the Roman Empire and country sticks of the Roman Empire and you're claiming authority. you're claiming authority. you're claiming authority. Well, yeah, he is actually because Well, yeah, he is actually because Well, yeah, he is actually because because uh massive things have small because uh massive things have small because uh massive things have small starts. Pastor Timothy Keller, who's starts. Pastor Timothy Keller, who's starts. Pastor Timothy Keller, who's who's passed away, he was pastor in who's passed away, he was pastor in who's passed away, he was pastor in Manhattan, he shares a story in one of Manhattan, he shares a story in one of Manhattan, he shares a story in one of his sermons. He says, uh, pastor, his sermons. He says, uh, pastor, his sermons. He says, uh, pastor, another minister many years ago was another minister many years ago was another minister many years ago was visiting uh uh uh ancient old sites in visiting uh uh uh ancient old sites in visiting uh uh uh ancient old sites in Italy and he came upon a cemetery and Italy and he came upon a cemetery and Italy and he came upon a cemetery and there there was just a ruin of a of a there there was just a ruin of a of a there there was just a ruin of a of a grave, a sarcophagus that had kind of grave, a sarcophagus that had kind of grave, a sarcophagus that had kind of gotten broken apart and it had a big gotten broken apart and it had a big gotten broken apart and it had a big thick slab and as the as the minister thick slab and as the as the minister thick slab and as the as the minister tourist was looking at the slab, he tourist was looking at the slab, he tourist was looking at the slab, he noticed engraving on it. He asked the noticed engraving on it. He asked the noticed engraving on it. He asked the tour guide and the tour guide said, "Oh tour guide and the tour guide said, "Oh tour guide and the tour guide said, "Oh yes, yes. many centuries ago. This yes, yes. many centuries ago. This yes, yes. many centuries ago. This belonged to a man who not only was an belonged to a man who not only was an belonged to a man who not only was an unbeliever, but he was very antagonistic unbeliever, but he was very antagonistic unbeliever, but he was very antagonistic to faith. He he was uh he was trying to to faith. He he was uh he was trying to to faith. He he was uh he was trying to get people to leave the faith. He really get people to leave the faith. He really get people to leave the faith. He really hated Christianity. And uh one of the hated Christianity. And uh one of the hated Christianity. And uh one of the doctrines he thought was absurd was the doctrines he thought was absurd was the doctrines he thought was absurd was the resurrection of the body. And so on the resurrection of the body. And so on the resurrection of the body. And so on the on the slab, he he gave clear on the slab, he he gave clear on the slab, he he gave clear instructions upon his death that he was instructions upon his death that he was instructions upon his death that he was to be put in the sarcophagus. And the to be put in the sarcophagus. And the to be put in the sarcophagus. And the slab was supposed to be very thick and slab was supposed to be very thick and slab was supposed to be very thick and it was supposed to be sealed and carved.

it was supposed to be sealed and carved. it was supposed to be sealed and carved. and on the slab around the slab it said and on the slab around the slab it said and on the slab around the slab it said if there's a resurrection leave me alone if there's a resurrection leave me alone if there's a resurrection leave me alone I don't believe in it so that when I don't believe in it so that when I don't believe in it so that when people came through the cemetery they people came through the cemetery they people came through the cemetery they would be like that dead guy really hated would be like that dead guy really hated would be like that dead guy really hated Christianity Christianity Christianity but but the slab was broken into pieces but but the slab was broken into pieces but but the slab was broken into pieces because at some point an acorn had because at some point an acorn had because at some point an acorn had fallen alongside the grave and when the fallen alongside the grave and when the fallen alongside the grave and when the massive oak tree took shape from its massive oak tree took shape from its massive oak tree took shape from its little sprout it broke apart the slab little sprout it broke apart the slab little sprout it broke apart the slab and the grave. And so as a testament of and the grave. And so as a testament of and the grave. And so as a testament of this guy who wanted nothing to do with this guy who wanted nothing to do with this guy who wanted nothing to do with the resurrection was the life of a tree the resurrection was the life of a tree the resurrection was the life of a tree breaking it apart. And Keller poses the breaking it apart. And Keller poses the breaking it apart. And Keller poses the question, if you were betting, would you question, if you were betting, would you question, if you were betting, would you bet on the acorn or the big stone slab? bet on the acorn or the big stone slab? bet on the acorn or the big stone slab? And most of the time we'd say, "Well, And most of the time we'd say, "Well, And most of the time we'd say, "Well, the slab." the slab." the slab." Oh, no. Don't bet against the acorn. Oh, no. Don't bet against the acorn. Oh, no. Don't bet against the acorn. Jesus says, "All authority on heaven in Jesus says, "All authority on heaven in Jesus says, "All authority on heaven in heaven and on earth has been given to heaven and on earth has been given to heaven and on earth has been given to me." And within three centuries, an me." And within three centuries, an me." And within three centuries, an emperor would rise through the ranks who emperor would rise through the ranks who emperor would rise through the ranks who would declare his allegiance to Christ would declare his allegiance to Christ would declare his allegiance to Christ and the Roman Empire would be swamped and the Roman Empire would be swamped and the Roman Empire would be swamped and overtaken by the Christian message.

and overtaken by the Christian message. and overtaken by the Christian message. And so when Jesus says all authority, And so when Jesus says all authority, And so when Jesus says all authority, okay, well, I'm getting ahead of myself, okay, well, I'm getting ahead of myself, okay, well, I'm getting ahead of myself, but but but but but but get to know Jesus. So what's the next get to know Jesus. So what's the next get to know Jesus. So what's the next thing we should do? Step two, commit to thing we should do? Step two, commit to thing we should do? Step two, commit to Jesus. There is a point where we go from Jesus. There is a point where we go from Jesus. There is a point where we go from the the knowledge of who he is. And many the the knowledge of who he is. And many the the knowledge of who he is. And many people, this is this is the gap in their people, this is this is the gap in their people, this is this is the gap in their spiritual growth. They go, I know a lot spiritual growth. They go, I know a lot spiritual growth. They go, I know a lot about Jesus. I read a lot about Jesus. I about Jesus. I read a lot about Jesus. I about Jesus. I read a lot about Jesus. I go to Bible studies. I go to church. But go to Bible studies. I go to church. But go to Bible studies. I go to church. But there's never a point where they commit there's never a point where they commit there's never a point where they commit to Jesus. And this is what Jesus says is to Jesus. And this is what Jesus says is to Jesus. And this is what Jesus says is as you uh go and make disciples of all as you uh go and make disciples of all as you uh go and make disciples of all nations, what are you to do? You're to nations, what are you to do? You're to nations, what are you to do? You're to baptize them in the name of the father, baptize them in the name of the father, baptize them in the name of the father, the son, and the holy spirit. And this the son, and the holy spirit. And this the son, and the holy spirit. And this baptism as our church understand it and baptism as our church understand it and baptism as our church understand it and and there are many many theological and there are many many theological and there are many many theological understandings of baptism in different understandings of baptism in different understandings of baptism in different denominations and churches but the way denominations and churches but the way denominations and churches but the way we understand it is we would say baptism we understand it is we would say baptism we understand it is we would say baptism is sort of an outward expression of an is sort of an outward expression of an is sort of an outward expression of an inward commitment. So, it was like this. inward commitment. So, it was like this. inward commitment. So, it was like this. 30 years ago, I stood on a stage in a 30 years ago, I stood on a stage in a 30 years ago, I stood on a stage in a chapel in suburban Milwaukee and pledged chapel in suburban Milwaukee and pledged chapel in suburban Milwaukee and pledged myself to my wife Karen. And we myself to my wife Karen. And we myself to my wife Karen. And we exchanged vows and then we exchanged exchanged vows and then we exchanged exchanged vows and then we exchanged rings.

rings. rings. And the ring becomes the symbol of that And the ring becomes the symbol of that And the ring becomes the symbol of that commitment. I wear the ring as a commitment. I wear the ring as a commitment. I wear the ring as a recognition recognition recognition that I am married. Now the ring is not that I am married. Now the ring is not that I am married. Now the ring is not the commitment which is good because the the commitment which is good because the the commitment which is good because the original ring was lost in a very original ring was lost in a very original ring was lost in a very unfortunate volleyball incident. unfortunate volleyball incident. unfortunate volleyball incident. My team won ring lost replacement ring My team won ring lost replacement ring My team won ring lost replacement ring but commitment's the same. but commitment's the same. but commitment's the same. And at some point you make a commitment And at some point you make a commitment And at some point you make a commitment to Christ. You you may not have all the to Christ. You you may not have all the to Christ. You you may not have all the answers that answers that answers that have questions rolling around in your have questions rolling around in your have questions rolling around in your mind but you make a commitment. and you mind but you make a commitment. and you mind but you make a commitment. and you say, "Now's the time." And so it is. So say, "Now's the time." And so it is. So say, "Now's the time." And so it is. So it is. You make a commitment. And and it is. You make a commitment. And and it is. You make a commitment. And and one scholar Craig Keenir, he brings one scholar Craig Keenir, he brings one scholar Craig Keenir, he brings something out of this. He's a an Asbury something out of this. He's a an Asbury something out of this. He's a an Asbury seminary professor. He says that when seminary professor. He says that when seminary professor. He says that when Jesus said, "Baptizing them in the name Jesus said, "Baptizing them in the name Jesus said, "Baptizing them in the name of the Father, me, and the Holy Spirit, of the Father, me, and the Holy Spirit, of the Father, me, and the Holy Spirit, that did not trouble his disciples that did not trouble his disciples that did not trouble his disciples because he understood that he was God."

because he understood that he was God." because he understood that he was God." that this is a this is the beginning of that this is a this is the beginning of that this is a this is the beginning of what later generations would call the what later generations would call the what later generations would call the the trinitarian formula. Often when we the trinitarian formula. Often when we the trinitarian formula. Often when we baptize, we baptize in the name of the baptize, we baptize in the name of the baptize, we baptize in the name of the father and the son and the holy spirit. father and the son and the holy spirit. father and the son and the holy spirit. If you were baptized in a different way, If you were baptized in a different way, If you were baptized in a different way, don't worry. If someone says, "I don't worry. If someone says, "I don't worry. If someone says, "I baptized you in the name of God." It's baptized you in the name of God." It's baptized you in the name of God." It's okay. God understands. okay. God understands. okay. God understands. But here we are and Jesus is placing But here we are and Jesus is placing But here we are and Jesus is placing himself again in very fine authority. himself again in very fine authority. himself again in very fine authority. you make a a commitment to Jesus. And you make a a commitment to Jesus. And you make a a commitment to Jesus. And incidentally, baptizing them, we baptize incidentally, baptizing them, we baptize incidentally, baptizing them, we baptize all nations. That word nations there, all nations. That word nations there, all nations. That word nations there, the old language is ethnos. It's where the old language is ethnos. It's where the old language is ethnos. It's where we get our English word ethnic from, we get our English word ethnic from, we get our English word ethnic from, meaning different groups of people. Why meaning different groups of people. Why meaning different groups of people. Why that matters is because that early group that matters is because that early group that matters is because that early group of followers were very committed Jewish of followers were very committed Jewish of followers were very committed Jewish men and Jewish women. And Jesus was men and Jewish women. And Jesus was men and Jewish women. And Jesus was saying, "Now go infiltrate other saying, "Now go infiltrate other saying, "Now go infiltrate other cultures." cultures." cultures." And why that matters to us is because as And why that matters to us is because as And why that matters to us is because as a church, we don't think anyone is off a church, we don't think anyone is off a church, we don't think anyone is off limits to God. We don't think anyone has limits to God. We don't think anyone has limits to God. We don't think anyone has ever reached a place in their life where ever reached a place in their life where ever reached a place in their life where God can't be the answer to the situation God can't be the answer to the situation God can't be the answer to the situation they find themselves in.

they find themselves in. they find themselves in. Someone probably needs to hear that Someone probably needs to hear that Someone probably needs to hear that today. for for some they go I have today. for for some they go I have today. for for some they go I have crossed this boundary this boundary this crossed this boundary this boundary this crossed this boundary this boundary this boundary and God has nothing in store boundary and God has nothing in store boundary and God has nothing in store for me now and that's not true for me now and that's not true for me now and that's not true any given weekend we have about a any given weekend we have about a any given weekend we have about a thousand men and women in one of the thousand men and women in one of the thousand men and women in one of the state correctional facilities one of the state correctional facilities one of the state correctional facilities one of the prisons who watch one of our services prisons who watch one of our services prisons who watch one of our services and and why God doesn't matter what and and why God doesn't matter what and and why God doesn't matter what you've done in life God is not done you've done in life God is not done you've done in life God is not done with. As long as you draw breath, God's with. As long as you draw breath, God's with. As long as you draw breath, God's not done with you yet. not done with you yet. not done with you yet. >> That's the hopefilled message. That is >> That's the hopefilled message. That is >> That's the hopefilled message. That is what is called the gospel. That is what what is called the gospel. That is what what is called the gospel. That is what is known as the good news. is known as the good news. is known as the good news. Okay? You you make a commitment. Well, Okay? You you make a commitment. Well, Okay? You you make a commitment. Well, well, what's next? If you want to have a well, what's next? If you want to have a well, what's next? If you want to have a vibrant relationship with God, you might vibrant relationship with God, you might vibrant relationship with God, you might go, "Okay, I've done that. I've done go, "Okay, I've done that. I've done go, "Okay, I've done that. I've done that, but still my relationship's not that, but still my relationship's not that, but still my relationship's not where it should be." Okay, walk with where it should be." Okay, walk with where it should be." Okay, walk with Jesus. Walk with Jesus. Jesus says to Jesus. Walk with Jesus. Jesus says to Jesus. Walk with Jesus. Jesus says to his disciples, you do that and along his disciples, you do that and along his disciples, you do that and along with it, don't neglect this part.

with it, don't neglect this part. with it, don't neglect this part. Teaching them to obey. Teaching them to Teaching them to obey. Teaching them to Teaching them to obey. Teaching them to obey everything I've commanded you and obey everything I've commanded you and obey everything I've commanded you and and surely I'm with you always to the and surely I'm with you always to the and surely I'm with you always to the very end of the age. Later, the Apostle very end of the age. Later, the Apostle very end of the age. Later, the Apostle John in one of his letters would say, John in one of his letters would say, John in one of his letters would say, "Whoever claims to abide in Jesus should "Whoever claims to abide in Jesus should "Whoever claims to abide in Jesus should walk must walk as Jesus walked." You got walk must walk as Jesus walked." You got walk must walk as Jesus walked." You got to live your life in honor of God. If to live your life in honor of God. If to live your life in honor of God. If you say you follow Jesus, then you you say you follow Jesus, then you you say you follow Jesus, then you should live your life in the pattern of should live your life in the pattern of should live your life in the pattern of Jesus, which means you again have to get Jesus, which means you again have to get Jesus, which means you again have to get to know Jesus. Now, this is this is good to know Jesus. Now, this is this is good to know Jesus. Now, this is this is good stuff because so often stuff because so often stuff because so often we get to know what we think Jesus we get to know what we think Jesus we get to know what we think Jesus expects. expects. expects. And and this is this is why we we need And and this is this is why we we need And and this is this is why we we need to have the scriptures in our life. The to have the scriptures in our life. The to have the scriptures in our life. The the early apostles, they were witnesses. the early apostles, they were witnesses. the early apostles, they were witnesses. So they could say, "Well, I was with So they could say, "Well, I was with So they could say, "Well, I was with Jesus. He said this. I was with Jesus. Jesus. He said this. I was with Jesus. Jesus. He said this. I was with Jesus. He said this." Later they realized we He said this." Later they realized we He said this." Later they realized we can't be everywhere. So men like Matthew can't be everywhere. So men like Matthew can't be everywhere. So men like Matthew and John who had walked with Jesus, they and John who had walked with Jesus, they and John who had walked with Jesus, they wrote down the testimony, the story. It wrote down the testimony, the story. It wrote down the testimony, the story. It was sometimes called the memoirs of the was sometimes called the memoirs of the was sometimes called the memoirs of the apostles. Meaning I remember when Jesus apostles. Meaning I remember when Jesus apostles. Meaning I remember when Jesus said this, Mark, according to church uh said this, Mark, according to church uh said this, Mark, according to church uh writings, Mark just wrote down writings, Mark just wrote down writings, Mark just wrote down everything Peter preached. At some point everything Peter preached. At some point everything Peter preached. At some point he was just like, "That was a good one.

he was just like, "That was a good one. he was just like, "That was a good one. That was a good one." Wrote it down. And That was a good one." Wrote it down. And That was a good one." Wrote it down. And Mark gets credit for what Peter told Mark gets credit for what Peter told Mark gets credit for what Peter told Mark. Luke tells us right up front. I Mark. Luke tells us right up front. I Mark. Luke tells us right up front. I didn't see it, but I went and talked to didn't see it, but I went and talked to didn't see it, but I went and talked to the eyewitnesses who did, which is the eyewitnesses who did, which is the eyewitnesses who did, which is probably why we have the account of Mary probably why we have the account of Mary probably why we have the account of Mary the way we have it. He undoubtedly went the way we have it. He undoubtedly went the way we have it. He undoubtedly went at some point and said, "Tell me about at some point and said, "Tell me about at some point and said, "Tell me about when you heard that you are going to when you heard that you are going to when you heard that you are going to have the Christ child." And Luke wrote have the Christ child." And Luke wrote have the Christ child." And Luke wrote down it was the first person narratives. down it was the first person narratives. down it was the first person narratives. You might go, "Well, there's other uh You might go, "Well, there's other uh You might go, "Well, there's other uh gospels, aren't there?" I mean, didn't gospels, aren't there?" I mean, didn't gospels, aren't there?" I mean, didn't the church suppress some? And every, it the church suppress some? And every, it the church suppress some? And every, it seems like every holiday season at seems like every holiday season at seems like every holiday season at Easter time, they're like, "It's fake. Easter time, they're like, "It's fake. Easter time, they're like, "It's fake. Here's why." It feels that way. I mean, Here's why." It feels that way. I mean, Here's why." It feels that way. I mean, I'm not saying that the news is always I'm not saying that the news is always I'm not saying that the news is always tilted that way, but it feels that way tilted that way, but it feels that way tilted that way, but it feels that way at times. And they'll say, "Well, there at times. And they'll say, "Well, there at times. And they'll say, "Well, there was gospel of Thomas and there was a was gospel of Thomas and there was a was gospel of Thomas and there was a gospel of Judas and there was a gospel gospel of Judas and there was a gospel gospel of Judas and there was a gospel of Peter. What about those Gospels?" I of Peter. What about those Gospels?" I of Peter. What about those Gospels?" I have two responses that the first one is have two responses that the first one is have two responses that the first one is the historical response, which is true. the historical response, which is true. the historical response, which is true. Nowhere in the history of the church did Nowhere in the history of the church did Nowhere in the history of the church did any of the church leaders go, "Oh, those any of the church leaders go, "Oh, those any of the church leaders go, "Oh, those are gospels." They were all like, are gospels." They were all like, are gospels." They were all like, "Where'd these come from? They're "Where'd these come from? They're "Where'd these come from? They're trash."

trash." trash." That's uh I mean, they didn't write That's uh I mean, they didn't write That's uh I mean, they didn't write they're trash in the original Greek, but they're trash in the original Greek, but they're trash in the original Greek, but they said it probably in Latin later, is they said it probably in Latin later, is they said it probably in Latin later, is garbage. Uh that's Latin for trash. I garbage. Uh that's Latin for trash. I garbage. Uh that's Latin for trash. I just made that up. just made that up. just made that up. But uh but that'd be one response. My But uh but that'd be one response. My But uh but that'd be one response. My other response is like, "Hey, of other response is like, "Hey, of other response is like, "Hey, of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, h how are Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, h how are Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, h how are you doing at obeying what Jesus told us you doing at obeying what Jesus told us you doing at obeying what Jesus told us to do there?" to do there?" to do there?" I was in college, the Moody Bible I was in college, the Moody Bible I was in college, the Moody Bible Institute, downtown Chicago. I'm a Institute, downtown Chicago. I'm a Institute, downtown Chicago. I'm a student, first year, and uh this is what student, first year, and uh this is what student, first year, and uh this is what nerdy Bible college students do. I took nerdy Bible college students do. I took nerdy Bible college students do. I took the Gospel of Matthew, just three the Gospel of Matthew, just three the Gospel of Matthew, just three chapters, Matthew 5, six, and seven. chapters, Matthew 5, six, and seven. chapters, Matthew 5, six, and seven. It's called the Sermon on the Mount. It's called the Sermon on the Mount. It's called the Sermon on the Mount. Took a legal pad of paper. Just did this Took a legal pad of paper. Just did this Took a legal pad of paper. Just did this on my own for fun. And I wrote down on my own for fun. And I wrote down on my own for fun. And I wrote down everything Jesus said to do and everything Jesus said to do and everything Jesus said to do and everything Jesus said don't do. All the everything Jesus said don't do. All the everything Jesus said don't do. All the attitudes we were to take, all the attitudes we were to take, all the attitudes we were to take, all the things and the ways we were supposed to things and the ways we were supposed to things and the ways we were supposed to treat other people. And I wrote it down. treat other people. And I wrote it down. treat other people. And I wrote it down. And I was by the end of the night I was And I was by the end of the night I was And I was by the end of the night I was exhausted because I was like I'm not exhausted because I was like I'm not exhausted because I was like I'm not doing any of this. doing any of this. doing any of this. I you many of you know I grew up Shiite I you many of you know I grew up Shiite I you many of you know I grew up Shiite Baptist. I mean I was a church boy. I Baptist. I mean I was a church boy. I Baptist. I mean I was a church boy. I accepted Christ at age four. And other accepted Christ at age four. And other accepted Christ at age four. And other than some rebellious uh weekends here or than some rebellious uh weekends here or than some rebellious uh weekends here or there, I was pretty good boy. And and uh there, I was pretty good boy. And and uh there, I was pretty good boy. And and uh what you may not know is I also spent what you may not know is I also spent what you may not know is I also spent four years with the Missouri Senate four years with the Missouri Senate four years with the Missouri Senate Lutheran in a parochial school of their Lutheran in a parochial school of their Lutheran in a parochial school of their design. And so I was memorizing Luther's design. And so I was memorizing Luther's design. And so I was memorizing Luther's small catechism. I was going to a wana small catechism. I was going to a wana small catechism. I was going to a wana club. I was a good church boy. And that club. I was a good church boy. And that club. I was a good church boy. And that oh no, don't clap.

That was I mean it was great. Okay. But That was I mean it was great. Okay. But then I read what Jesus said to do and then I read what Jesus said to do and then I read what Jesus said to do and I'm like I'm not doing that though. I'm I'm like I'm not doing that though. I'm I'm like I'm not doing that though. I'm a good churchian a good churchian a good churchian but I'm not doing that. There there is a way of being in and There there is a way of being in and around church your whole life and not around church your whole life and not around church your whole life and not being in and around Christ your whole being in and around Christ your whole being in and around Christ your whole life. life. life. >> Now, I'm not suggesting for even a >> Now, I'm not suggesting for even a >> Now, I'm not suggesting for even a minute. Therefore, stop being part of a minute. Therefore, stop being part of a minute. Therefore, stop being part of a church and just go off on your own. That church and just go off on your own. That church and just go off on your own. That that's no answer. Anyone who tries that that's no answer. Anyone who tries that that's no answer. Anyone who tries that ends up off the rails. ends up off the rails. ends up off the rails. But but let's be very careful that we But but let's be very careful that we But but let's be very careful that we think less we think check this, check think less we think check this, check think less we think check this, check this, check this, and everything's good. this, check this, and everything's good. this, check this, and everything's good. Well, the the the early church takes Well, the the the early church takes Well, the the the early church takes this on. They take on what Jesus says to this on. They take on what Jesus says to this on. They take on what Jesus says to do. And we see this at the very do. And we see this at the very do. And we see this at the very beginning in the second chapter of Acts. beginning in the second chapter of Acts. beginning in the second chapter of Acts. This is we see this play out in this uh This is we see this play out in this uh This is we see this play out in this uh second chapter of Acts. There it is. second chapter of Acts. There it is. second chapter of Acts. There it is. Peter preaches an incredible sermon.

Peter preaches an incredible sermon. Peter preaches an incredible sermon. It's just a matter of a handful of days It's just a matter of a handful of days It's just a matter of a handful of days after what Jesus said to them. Peter get after what Jesus said to them. Peter get after what Jesus said to them. Peter get helps them get to know Jesus and they're helps them get to know Jesus and they're helps them get to know Jesus and they're like, "We're in. We want to make a like, "We're in. We want to make a like, "We're in. We want to make a commitment." So, they accepted, they commitment." So, they accepted, they commitment." So, they accepted, they were baptized, and then they devoted were baptized, and then they devoted were baptized, and then they devoted themselves to the apostles teaching. And themselves to the apostles teaching. And themselves to the apostles teaching. And right away, we see this pattern right away, we see this pattern right away, we see this pattern flourishing in the early church. As they flourishing in the early church. As they flourishing in the early church. As they hear about Jesus, they go, "I want to hear about Jesus, they go, "I want to hear about Jesus, they go, "I want to know more. I know enough. I want to know more. I know enough. I want to know more. I know enough. I want to commit my life to him." They're commit my life to him." They're commit my life to him." They're baptized. And then, I want to know what baptized. And then, I want to know what baptized. And then, I want to know what it means to walk with Jesus. So they it means to walk with Jesus. So they it means to walk with Jesus. So they devoted themselves to the apostles devoted themselves to the apostles devoted themselves to the apostles teaching. That's what the apostles teaching. That's what the apostles teaching. That's what the apostles taught them and how they were to live taught them and how they were to live taught them and how they were to live their lives. And it was incredible what their lives. And it was incredible what their lives. And it was incredible what was happening in it. But along with it was happening in it. But along with it was happening in it. But along with it uh they as they accepted Christ they uh they as they accepted Christ they uh they as they accepted Christ they they they were uh there was there was a they they were uh there was there was a they they were uh there was there was a a movement that was happening in the a movement that was happening in the a movement that was happening in the community. People were actually in awe community. People were actually in awe community. People were actually in awe of what was happening which is what the of what was happening which is what the of what was happening which is what the next uh sentence says. It says everyone next uh sentence says. It says everyone next uh sentence says. It says everyone was filled with awe. was filled with awe. was filled with awe. They they were filled with awe and They they were filled with awe and They they were filled with awe and wonders and signs were being performed, wonders and signs were being performed, wonders and signs were being performed, but they weren't in awe at the wonders but they weren't in awe at the wonders but they weren't in awe at the wonders and signs. They were in awe of God's and signs. They were in awe of God's and signs. They were in awe of God's movement. And all the believers were movement. And all the believers were movement. And all the believers were together and everything they held in together and everything they held in together and everything they held in common. There was this brief moment common. There was this brief moment common. There was this brief moment in the history of the church. And why in the history of the church. And why in the history of the church. And why did this happen? Because as people were did this happen? Because as people were did this happen? Because as people were all in with Jesus, their families are all in with Jesus, their families are all in with Jesus, their families are like, "That's too much for us. You got like, "That's too much for us. You got like, "That's too much for us. You got to to to We need a period of separation.

We need a period of separation. We need a period of separation. If you're in with that crazy mly crew, If you're in with that crazy mly crew, If you're in with that crazy mly crew, we're we're we're we're not in with you. And the problem we're not in with you. And the problem we're not in with you. And the problem with that is, of course, many families with that is, of course, many families with that is, of course, many families had family businesses. So if the family had family businesses. So if the family had family businesses. So if the family pushed you out because of your newfound pushed you out because of your newfound pushed you out because of your newfound faith, you were you were destitute. And faith, you were you were destitute. And faith, you were you were destitute. And so there was this beautiful expression so there was this beautiful expression so there was this beautiful expression in the early church where they came in the early church where they came in the early church where they came together. together. together. They needed each other. We we we see They needed each other. We we we see They needed each other. We we we see this fledgling little community taking this fledgling little community taking this fledgling little community taking shape shape shape and and as this happened then they they and and as this happened then they they and and as this happened then they they continued in their their faith. It says continued in their their faith. It says continued in their their faith. It says uh next next verse uh next next verse uh next next verse every day they continued to meet every day they continued to meet every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. together in the temple courts. together in the temple courts. Now the the temple was off limits to Now the the temple was off limits to Now the the temple was off limits to average people but the temple courts average people but the temple courts average people but the temple courts were massive. multiple football fields were massive. multiple football fields were massive. multiple football fields in size and and so hundreds if not in size and and so hundreds if not in size and and so hundreds if not thousands could just gather in a little thousands could just gather in a little thousands could just gather in a little corner of it and that's what they did.

corner of it and that's what they did. corner of it and that's what they did. They were doing this every day. Later They were doing this every day. Later They were doing this every day. Later patterns would develop because this was patterns would develop because this was patterns would develop because this was the new movement. Eventually the pattern the new movement. Eventually the pattern the new movement. Eventually the pattern would develop where they were they were would develop where they were they were would develop where they were they were gathering together in a bigger group gathering together in a bigger group gathering together in a bigger group once a week. But but here they were in once a week. But but here they were in once a week. But but here they were in the temple courts this big area and they the temple courts this big area and they the temple courts this big area and they were we know this from writings of the were we know this from writings of the were we know this from writings of the time. They were reading scripture and time. They were reading scripture and time. They were reading scripture and then someone would explain it. The then someone would explain it. The then someone would explain it. The apostles would say and then Jesus said apostles would say and then Jesus said apostles would say and then Jesus said this and Jesus told us to live this way this and Jesus told us to live this way this and Jesus told us to live this way and there would be singing and there and there would be singing and there and there would be singing and there would be prayers and people would would be prayers and people would would be prayers and people would apparently come up and like what are you apparently come up and like what are you apparently come up and like what are you guys doing? That song sounds cool. It guys doing? That song sounds cool. It guys doing? That song sounds cool. It happens still. People come into church happens still. People come into church happens still. People come into church and they're like we hear these stories and they're like we hear these stories and they're like we hear these stories every now and then. people like we saw every now and then. people like we saw every now and then. people like we saw cars so we pulled in and thought cars so we pulled in and thought cars so we pulled in and thought something must be happening so we came something must be happening so we came something must be happening so we came in and I know that sounds unbelievable in and I know that sounds unbelievable in and I know that sounds unbelievable but it happened and it was happening but it happened and it was happening but it happened and it was happening then they come to the temple courts and then they come to the temple courts and then they come to the temple courts and then then they broke into smaller groups then then they broke into smaller groups then then they broke into smaller groups these they the homes of the time were these they the homes of the time were these they the homes of the time were not large at all and so when they they not large at all and so when they they not large at all and so when they they met in the homes they they were they met in the homes they they were they met in the homes they they were they were getting to know they were they were were getting to know they were they were were getting to know they were they were breaking bread together we know but they breaking bread together we know but they breaking bread together we know but they were they were sharing ing life. What were they were sharing ing life. What were they were sharing ing life. What did you get out of what Peter said? What did you get out of what Peter said? What did you get out of what Peter said? What did you get out of Peter? What Peter did you get out of Peter? What Peter did you get out of Peter? What Peter said? How did how are you going to apply said? How did how are you going to apply said? How did how are you going to apply that to your life? We can imagine the that to your life? We can imagine the that to your life? We can imagine the conversations because we have the conversations because we have the conversations because we have the conversations. People are people. How is conversations. People are people. How is conversations. People are people. How is this going to happen in my life? You this going to happen in my life? You this going to happen in my life? You know, if I do this, this is the know, if I do this, this is the know, if I do this, this is the implications. We'll pray for you. If

implications. We'll pray for you. If implications. We'll pray for you. If something happens, let me know. And so, something happens, let me know. And so, something happens, let me know. And so, they were in the big setting together. they were in the big setting together. they were in the big setting together. They were in the small setting together. They were in the small setting together. They were in the small setting together. And as this happened, more people were And as this happened, more people were And as this happened, more people were joining. It says the number added. It joining. It says the number added. It joining. It says the number added. It wasn't an exclusive community that no wasn't an exclusive community that no wasn't an exclusive community that no one could be a participant of unless one could be a participant of unless one could be a participant of unless they knew the secret oath. It was like, they knew the secret oath. It was like, they knew the secret oath. It was like, "Yeah, there's a seat at the table for "Yeah, there's a seat at the table for "Yeah, there's a seat at the table for you. Come on in. There's a seat at the you. Come on in. There's a seat at the you. Come on in. There's a seat at the table for you." Daryl Bach, who's a a table for you." Daryl Bach, who's a a table for you." Daryl Bach, who's a a New Testament scholar from Dallas New Testament scholar from Dallas New Testament scholar from Dallas Seminary, he says this, "A vibrant Seminary, he says this, "A vibrant Seminary, he says this, "A vibrant community ascends itself in two community ascends itself in two community ascends itself in two directions. One towards God and one directions. One towards God and one directions. One towards God and one towards the neighbor. towards the neighbor. towards the neighbor. If it's a real Christian community, it's If it's a real Christian community, it's If it's a real Christian community, it's not enough to just be uh in uh helpful not enough to just be uh in uh helpful not enough to just be uh in uh helpful to the neighbor and it's not enough just to the neighbor and it's not enough just to the neighbor and it's not enough just to just to sing praise songs to God, but to just to sing praise songs to God, but to just to sing praise songs to God, but it inevitably will have a dual it inevitably will have a dual it inevitably will have a dual direction. It will point in two direction. It will point in two direction. It will point in two different areas. And so this is why as different areas. And so this is why as different areas. And so this is why as you saw the video just a few moments you saw the video just a few moments you saw the video just a few moments ago, you you'll see these images.

ago, you you'll see these images. ago, you you'll see these images. This pathway isn't something we came up This pathway isn't something we came up This pathway isn't something we came up with. It's just the the common sense, with. It's just the the common sense, with. It's just the the common sense, simple advice that Christ left us with simple advice that Christ left us with simple advice that Christ left us with that the early church was built on. That that the early church was built on. That that the early church was built on. That there's a there's an important part of there's a there's an important part of there's a there's an important part of gathering together with others. gathering together with others. gathering together with others. Sometimes this is humbling. Sometimes Sometimes this is humbling. Sometimes Sometimes this is humbling. Sometimes we're in one of these gatherings and we we're in one of these gatherings and we we're in one of these gatherings and we realize this is for other people. I'm realize this is for other people. I'm realize this is for other people. I'm not this isn't for this isn't for me. not this isn't for this isn't for me. not this isn't for this isn't for me. I'm not getting anything out of this. I'm not getting anything out of this. I'm not getting anything out of this. You ever had that church experience? You ever had that church experience? You ever had that church experience? Don't nod. And if it's today, definitely Don't nod. And if it's today, definitely Don't nod. And if it's today, definitely don't nod. Okay, don't nod. Okay, don't nod. Okay, this happens this happens this happens that any given Sunday. I wish they that any given Sunday. I wish they that any given Sunday. I wish they wouldn't have sang that song. I wish wouldn't have sang that song. I wish wouldn't have sang that song. I wish they would have sang it like this. I they would have sang it like this. I they would have sang it like this. I wish they would have sang that song wish they would have sang that song wish they would have sang that song faster. I wish they would have sang that faster. I wish they would have sang that faster. I wish they would have sang that song slower. song slower. song slower. And what do we do? We learn to humble And what do we do? We learn to humble And what do we do? We learn to humble ourselves because the way they did it is ourselves because the way they did it is ourselves because the way they did it is someone else's favorite way. or the someone else's favorite way. or the someone else's favorite way. or the message that maybe didn't impact us, the message that maybe didn't impact us, the message that maybe didn't impact us, the person next to us goes, "Wow, I needed person next to us goes, "Wow, I needed person next to us goes, "Wow, I needed to hear that." And and then you you to hear that." And and then you you to hear that." And and then you you definitely need a smaller group of definitely need a smaller group of definitely need a smaller group of people. God made us to know and be people. God made us to know and be people. God made us to know and be known. When he saw the first human he known. When he saw the first human he known. When he saw the first human he made, he said it wasn't good that that made, he said it wasn't good that that made, he said it wasn't good that that guy is alone. We need a community of guy is alone. We need a community of guy is alone. We need a community of people around us. Someone needs to know people around us. Someone needs to know people around us. Someone needs to know the deep hurts in your heart. Someone the deep hurts in your heart. Someone the deep hurts in your heart. Someone needs to be that person you can turn to, needs to be that person you can turn to, needs to be that person you can turn to, but you need to be that person for but you need to be that person for but you need to be that person for somebody else, too. And then you need a somebody else, too. And then you need a somebody else, too. And then you need a time. Underline all of this. We didn't

time. Underline all of this. We didn't time. Underline all of this. We didn't even go into it in the text. Underline even go into it in the text. Underline even go into it in the text. Underline all this is an assumption that when all this is an assumption that when all this is an assumption that when you're all by yourself, you're talking you're all by yourself, you're talking you're all by yourself, you're talking to God at some point interacting with to God at some point interacting with to God at some point interacting with him. It's pretty common sense, but every him. It's pretty common sense, but every him. It's pretty common sense, but every now and then we need to be reminded. But now and then we need to be reminded. But now and then we need to be reminded. But there's one thing that's easily missed. there's one thing that's easily missed. there's one thing that's easily missed. And the graphic, I love our graphic for And the graphic, I love our graphic for And the graphic, I love our graphic for this one reason. See what's at the this one reason. See what's at the this one reason. See what's at the center of it? in each different pathway. center of it? in each different pathway. center of it? in each different pathway. It's the cross. You might be in a It's the cross. You might be in a It's the cross. You might be in a community of people who uh love a community of people who uh love a community of people who uh love a particular sport, but the cross is not particular sport, but the cross is not particular sport, but the cross is not at the middle. If the cross is not at at the middle. If the cross is not at at the middle. If the cross is not at the middle, by all means, enjoy the the middle, by all means, enjoy the the middle, by all means, enjoy the group. But that's not one of these. You group. But that's not one of these. You group. But that's not one of these. You got to be part of a community where the got to be part of a community where the got to be part of a community where the cross is at the middle. You might have a cross is at the middle. You might have a cross is at the middle. You might have a large gathering. Football season's large gathering. Football season's large gathering. Football season's coming and I know we're all cheering for coming and I know we're all cheering for coming and I know we're all cheering for University of Michigan, but you could go to the game in the big you could go to the game in the big house. You could win, but it ain't one house. You could win, but it ain't one house. You could win, but it ain't one of these of these of these >> cuz the cross is not at the middle of >> cuz the cross is not at the middle of >> cuz the cross is not at the middle of it.

it. it. Well, today we have a a wonderful day to Well, today we have a a wonderful day to Well, today we have a a wonderful day to to celebrate our folks that are getting to celebrate our folks that are getting to celebrate our folks that are getting baptized. And at this moment, I'm going baptized. And at this moment, I'm going baptized. And at this moment, I'm going to dismiss our folks that are ready to to dismiss our folks that are ready to to dismiss our folks that are ready to get baptized. They're going to go out get baptized. They're going to go out get baptized. They're going to go out that door. And and if today if it's that door. And and if today if it's that door. And and if today if it's today you you just go right ahead. Don't today you you just go right ahead. Don't today you you just go right ahead. Don't wait for me. I I'm not going to keep wait for me. I I'm not going to keep wait for me. I I'm not going to keep telling you. Go. But you might you might think to But you might you might think to yourself, I I I've I'm committed to yourself, I I I've I'm committed to yourself, I I I've I'm committed to Christ, but I haven't I haven't been Christ, but I haven't I haven't been Christ, but I haven't I haven't been baptized yet. We literally have you baptized yet. We literally have you baptized yet. We literally have you covered. If you as you're watching this covered. If you as you're watching this covered. If you as you're watching this group, just go with them or any point in group, just go with them or any point in group, just go with them or any point in the service, go with them. If if God's the service, go with them. If if God's the service, go with them. If if God's tugging at your heart and you have never tugging at your heart and you have never tugging at your heart and you have never taken that step of baptism, taken that step of baptism, taken that step of baptism, then by all means, take it today. then by all means, take it today. then by all means, take it today. We you don't you didn't bring clothes We you don't you didn't bring clothes We you don't you didn't bring clothes and a towel. We have you covered. you and a towel. We have you covered. you and a towel. We have you covered. you can go can go can go as as um as we move to a time of of as as um as we move to a time of of as as um as we move to a time of of reflection, as we think about what it reflection, as we think about what it reflection, as we think about what it means to journey with Christ in this means to journey with Christ in this means to journey with Christ in this spiritual pathway, as we think about the spiritual pathway, as we think about the spiritual pathway, as we think about the implications in our life, sometimes we implications in our life, sometimes we implications in our life, sometimes we talk about things, and I'm I'm very talk about things, and I'm I'm very talk about things, and I'm I'm very aware of this. Sometimes we talk about aware of this. Sometimes we talk about aware of this. Sometimes we talk about things in a way that maybe feels things in a way that maybe feels things in a way that maybe feels defeist. You might go, "Well, uh, as I defeist. You might go, "Well, uh, as I defeist. You might go, "Well, uh, as I evaluate myself, evaluate myself, evaluate myself, in fact, we got some reflection in fact, we got some reflection in fact, we got some reflection questions. As I as I think about my questions. As I as I think about my questions. As I as I think about my spiritual life, I'm I'm not where I want

spiritual life, I'm I'm not where I want spiritual life, I'm I'm not where I want to be. I don't even know how to get to to be. I don't even know how to get to to be. I don't even know how to get to where." Or as I as I think about weekly where." Or as I as I think about weekly where." Or as I as I think about weekly worship and oh, whenever I come to worship and oh, whenever I come to worship and oh, whenever I come to church, I kind of feel guilty that I'm church, I kind of feel guilty that I'm church, I kind of feel guilty that I'm not at church more. Forget about guilt. not at church more. Forget about guilt. not at church more. Forget about guilt. I I I don't have a pe I don't have I I I don't have a pe I don't have I I I don't have a pe I don't have people. I don't know if I want people people. I don't know if I want people people. I don't know if I want people or my time with God is not where it or my time with God is not where it or my time with God is not where it should be. As you honestly self-reflect, should be. As you honestly self-reflect, should be. As you honestly self-reflect, uh, an image comes to my mind. I I uh, an image comes to my mind. I I uh, an image comes to my mind. I I oftent times get to the office pretty oftent times get to the office pretty oftent times get to the office pretty early in the morning and during the early in the morning and during the early in the morning and during the summer months, that's the only time when summer months, that's the only time when summer months, that's the only time when real runners run. And as I'm driving real runners run. And as I'm driving real runners run. And as I'm driving along 150th, I see some of the same along 150th, I see some of the same along 150th, I see some of the same people early in the morning. And I know people early in the morning. And I know people early in the morning. And I know they're runners, not because I see them they're runners, not because I see them they're runners, not because I see them all the time, but they got the shoes and all the time, but they got the shoes and all the time, but they got the shoes and they have the outfit and they're running they have the outfit and they're running they have the outfit and they're running with the cadence of the run, right? And with the cadence of the run, right? And with the cadence of the run, right? And you know the runners, but I often maybe you know the runners, but I often maybe you know the runners, but I often maybe every couple weeks will see someone who every couple weeks will see someone who every couple weeks will see someone who I know it's their first time running in I know it's their first time running in I know it's their first time running in a long time. And I can tell mainly a long time. And I can tell mainly a long time. And I can tell mainly because they're running in cargo shorts because they're running in cargo shorts because they're running in cargo shorts and old Crocs and old Crocs and old Crocs or maybe deck shoes and they're out or maybe deck shoes and they're out or maybe deck shoes and they're out there slapping that pavement and they there slapping that pavement and they there slapping that pavement and they look like they're about to die.

look like they're about to die. look like they're about to die. And when I see that, I smile. Not And when I see that, I smile. Not And when I see that, I smile. Not because I think they look funny. I think because I think they look funny. I think because I think they look funny. I think to myself, good for them. Whatever it to myself, good for them. Whatever it to myself, good for them. Whatever it was in their life, they were like, was in their life, they were like, was in their life, they were like, "Today, I'm going to do this today. I "Today, I'm going to do this today. I "Today, I'm going to do this today. I don't have shoes. I'm gonna start today. don't have shoes. I'm gonna start today. don't have shoes. I'm gonna start today. Look, you could be the croc jogger Look, you could be the croc jogger Look, you could be the croc jogger >> or you could be the marathoner. >> or you could be the marathoner. >> or you could be the marathoner. >> Don't let >> Don't let >> Don't let Don't let the season or the stage you're Don't let the season or the stage you're Don't let the season or the stage you're in dissuade you from taking your next in dissuade you from taking your next in dissuade you from taking your next spiritual [music] step. spiritual [music] step. spiritual [music] step. >> God has something in store for you. >> God has something in store for you. >> God has something in store for you. >> That's a promise we see in the Bible >> That's a promise we see in the Bible >> That's a promise we see in the Bible over and over. God takes unlikely people over and over. God takes unlikely people over and over. God takes unlikely people and turns them into diamonds. turns them and turns them into diamonds. turns them and turns them into diamonds. turns them into gemstones. And that's what he into gemstones. And that's what he into gemstones. And that's what he promises us. So, as we embark upon this promises us. So, as we embark upon this promises us. So, as we embark upon this journey together over the next few journey together over the next few journey together over the next few weeks, we're going to unpack and drill a weeks, we're going to unpack and drill a weeks, we're going to unpack and drill a little more and why this matters and little more and why this matters and little more and why this matters and what God has to say about it and what what God has to say about it and what what God has to say about it and what what the beautiful outcomes are in our what the beautiful outcomes are in our what the beautiful outcomes are in our life. Would you pray with me as we we life. Would you pray with me as we we life. Would you pray with me as we we begin a time of worship again and a time begin a time of worship again and a time begin a time of worship again and a time of witnessing those who are about to be of witnessing those who are about to be of witnessing those who are about to be baptized.

baptized. baptized. Heavenly Father, what a delightful Heavenly Father, what a delightful Heavenly Father, what a delightful privilege it is to come into this space privilege it is to come into this space privilege it is to come into this space and be reminded to be really challenged and be reminded to be really challenged and be reminded to be really challenged to think more deeply. to think more deeply. to think more deeply. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Lord, would you would you walk steady >> Lord, would you would you walk steady >> Lord, would you would you walk steady with us? Would you help us be honest in with us? Would you help us be honest in with us? Would you help us be honest in our evaluation of ourselves, but also our evaluation of ourselves, but also our evaluation of ourselves, but also would you take us by the hand and lead would you take us by the hand and lead would you take us by the hand and lead us on the next spiritual step you have us on the next spiritual step you have us on the next spiritual step you have for us? for us? for us? We know it will be grand. We trust you We know it will be grand. We trust you We know it will be grand. We trust you with it. We pray this in Jesus name. with it. We pray this in Jesus name. with it. We pray this in Jesus name. Amen. Well, as we celebrate these this Well, as we celebrate these this morning, just remain seated. We're going morning, just remain seated. We're going morning, just remain seated. We're going to sing and let's celebrate these as to sing and let's celebrate these as to sing and let's celebrate these as they [music] walk through the waters of they [music] walk through the waters of they [music] walk through the waters of baptism this morning and celebrate their baptism this morning and celebrate their baptism this morning and celebrate their testimony. >> Sing on the hill of Calvary.

>> Sing on the hill of Calvary. [singing and music] [singing and music] [singing and music] My Savior died for me. My [singing] My Savior died for me. My [singing] My Savior died for me. My [singing] Jesus set me free. Jesus set me free. Jesus set me free. [music] Look at the wounds that give me [music] Look at the wounds that give me [music] Look at the wounds that give me life. Grace flowing from [music] his life. Grace flowing from [music] his life. Grace flowing from [music] his side. [singing] side. [singing] side. [singing] No greater sacriice. What he's done. What he's done. [singing] [singing] [singing] What he's done. All the glory [singing] and the honor to All the glory [singing] and the honor to the [music] sun. the [music] sun. the [music] sun. My [singing] sins are forgi. My [singing] sins are forgi. My [singing] sins are forgi. My [music] future is heaven. [singing] My [music] future is heaven. [singing] My [music] future is heaven. [singing] I praise God I praise God I praise God for what [singing and music] he's done. Sing [singing] Sing [singing] for the freedom for the freedom for the freedom >> he has won.

>> he has won. >> he has won. [music] [music] [music] >> Even death is [singing] dead and done. >> Even death is [singing] dead and done. >> Even death is [singing] dead and done. [music] [singing] [singing] [music] [music] [music] >> Speak the name above our name. >> Speak the name above our name. >> Speak the name above our name. He's risen from [music and singing] the He's risen from [music and singing] the He's risen from [music and singing] the grave. Yeah. grave. Yeah. grave. Yeah. what he's done. [singing] what he's done. [singing] what he's done. [singing] [music] What he's done. All the glory [music] and the honor All the glory [music] and the honor [singing] [singing] [singing] to God. Yeah. [music] to God. Yeah. [music] to God. Yeah. [music] >> My sins are forgiven. >> My sins are forgiven. >> My sins are forgiven. [music and singing] And my future is [music and singing] And my future is [music and singing] And my future is heaven. heaven. heaven. I praise God for [music] what he's done. I praise God for [music] what he's done. I praise God for [music] what he's done. [singing] [singing] [singing] Oh, Oh, Oh, [music] [music] [music] now on a throne of majesty, now on a throne of majesty, now on a throne of majesty, the father's will complete. He reigns in the father's will complete. He reigns in the father's will complete. He reigns in victory.

victory. victory. Oh, Oh, Oh, [singing] [singing] [singing] [music] [music] [music] sing hallelujah. sing hallelujah. sing hallelujah. He's worthy. He's worthy. He's worthy. Yes, he is. [music] Yes, he is. [music] Yes, he is. [music] All the worship we can [music] [music] [singing] [singing] [singing] all my savior [music] Jesus Jesus [music] [music] [music] my sins are for my sins are for my sins are for [music and singing] my future. [music and singing] my future. [music and singing] my future. I praise God [music] for what he done. What he's done. [singing and music] What he's done. [singing and music] What my savior's done. Yeah. [music] What my savior's done. Yeah. [music] What my savior's done. Yeah. [music] All the glory is Jesus. [singing] All the glory is Jesus. [singing] All the glory is Jesus. [singing] [music] [music] [music] All my sins are forgiven. All my sins are forgiven. All my sins are forgiven. [singing] And my future is heaven.

[singing] And my future is heaven. [singing] And my future is heaven. I'm going to praise him because [music] I'm going to praise him because [music] I'm going to praise him because [music] he's worthy. No one's worthy but you he's worthy. No one's worthy but you he's worthy. No one's worthy but you what he's done. what he's done. what he's done. [music] I praise God I praise God [music] for what he's done. [music] [music] Hallelujah. [music] [music] >> Let us worship my [singing] Come let [music] us bow at his feet. He Come let [music] us bow at his feet. He [singing] has done great things.

[singing] has done great things. [singing] has done great things. [music] [music] [music] See what [singing] our Savior has done. See what [singing] our Savior has done. See what [singing] our Savior has done. [music] See how his love overcomes. [music] See how his love overcomes. [music] See how his love overcomes. He has [singing] done great things. Oh Oh heaven, [music] you conquer the grave. heaven, [music] you conquer the grave. heaven, [music] you conquer the grave. You free every captive [singing] and You free every captive [singing] and You free every captive [singing] and break every chain. Oh God, you have done break every chain. Oh God, you have done break every chain. Oh God, you have done [music and singing] great things. We ask [music and singing] great things. We ask [music and singing] great things. We ask you to your freedom. Awake and arrive. you to your freedom. Awake and arrive. you to your freedom. Awake and arrive. Oh Jesus [music] Oh Jesus [music] Oh Jesus [music] our savior. Your name lifted high. Oh our savior. Your name lifted high. Oh our savior. Your name lifted high. Oh God, [music] God, [music] God, [music] you have done great things. Every [music and singing] storm Every [music and singing] storm you'll be faithful forever more.

you'll be faithful forever more. you'll be faithful forever more. You have done great things and I know you will do it [music] again and I know you will do it [music] again for your promise. Yes. And amen. for your promise. Yes. And amen. for your promise. Yes. And amen. You [music and singing] will do great You [music and singing] will do great You [music and singing] will do great things. God, you [music and singing] do great God, you [music and singing] do great things. [music] [music] You conquer. You conquer. You conquer. You bring every [music] [music] [music] [singing] Jesus. I see your name. [singing] Jesus. I see your name. [singing] Jesus. I see your name. Oh [music] God, you have the great. Oh [music] God, you have the great. Oh [music] God, you have the great. Come on, let's stand and sing together. Come on, let's stand and sing together. Come on, let's stand and sing together. Hallelujah. [music] God. Hallelujah. [music] God. Hallelujah. [music] God. Halleluah [singing] Halleluah [singing] Halleluah [singing] God above it [music] all. Hallelu God above it [music] all. Hallelu God above it [music] all. Hallelu God shake all halleluah [singing] have done [music] great things.

have done [music] great things. Oh halleluah [music] [music] You've done great things. You've done great things. You've done great things. Oh king of heaven. [music] You conquer Oh king of heaven. [music] You conquer Oh king of heaven. [music] You conquer the grave. You free every captive and the grave. You free every captive and the grave. You free every captive and break every [singing] chain. Oh God, break every [singing] chain. Oh God, break every [singing] chain. Oh God, [music] you have done great things. Yes. [music] you have done great things. Yes. [music] you have done great things. Yes. [music and singing] Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. [music and singing] Come on. Can we thank the Lord this Come on. Can we thank the Lord this morning?

morning? morning? [music] I I think we have a few more, but we're I I think we have a few more, but we're just going to continue to worship this just going to continue to worship this just going to continue to worship this morning. And what I want to morning. And what I want to morning. And what I want to [music and singing] say to you is if you [music and singing] say to you is if you [music and singing] say to you is if you want to be baptized this morning, it's want to be baptized this morning, it's want to be baptized this morning, it's not too late. You can go right now not too late. You can go right now not too late. You can go right now through that door right over there. through that door right over there. through that door right over there. We've got people who [music] will meet We've got people who [music] will meet We've got people who [music] will meet you and prepare you and we'll celebrate, you and prepare you and we'll celebrate, you and prepare you and we'll celebrate, gladly celebrate with you. So, as we gladly celebrate with you. So, as we gladly celebrate with you. So, as we just continue to sing together this just continue to sing together this just continue to sing together this morning, you feel free to make [music] morning, you feel free to make [music] morning, you feel free to make [music] your way to that door. [music] [music] The song tells the whole story of what The song tells the whole story of what The song tells the whole story of what we're seeing happen today. we're seeing happen today. we're seeing happen today. I cast my mind I cast my mind I cast my mind to [music] Calary [singing] where Jesus fled [singing] where Jesus fled [singing] [music] and died for me. [music] and died for me. [music] and died for me. I see [singing] his wounds, [music] I see [singing] his wounds, [music] I see [singing] his wounds, [music] his hands, his feet. his hands, his feet. his hands, his feet. My savior My savior My savior that cursed the [music] tree.

His body bound [music] His body bound [music] and drenched [singing] in tears. and drenched [singing] in tears. and drenched [singing] in tears. They [music] laid him down They [music] laid him down They [music] laid him down in Joseph's tomb. in Joseph's tomb. in Joseph's tomb. >> [music and singing] >> [music and singing] >> [music and singing] >> The entrance to >> The entrance to >> The entrance to my heavy soul, my heavy soul, my heavy soul, Messiah [music] still Messiah [music] still Messiah [music] still and all [singing] and all [singing] and all [singing] alone. >> Let's praise the name of the [music] >> Let's praise the name of the [music] Lord our God. Lord our God. Lord our God. >> Oh, [singing] >> Oh, [singing] >> Oh, [singing] praise the name of the Lord our God. praise the name of the Lord our God. praise the name of the Lord our God. Oh, praise his [singing and music] name. Oh, praise his [singing and music] name. Oh, praise his [singing and music] name. Forever Forever [music] foreverless. [music] foreverless. We will sing your praise. Oh [music] We will sing your praise. Oh [music] We will sing your praise. Oh [music] Lord, oh Lord [singing] Lord, oh Lord [singing] Lord, oh Lord [singing] our God. And on [singing] the third And on [singing] the third at [music] break of dawn, at [music] break of dawn, at [music] break of dawn, the [singing] son of hell the [singing] son of hell the [singing] son of hell rose again.

rose again. rose again. Oh [music] trample [singing] man. Oh [music] trample [singing] man. Oh [music] trample [singing] man. Where is your sing? Where is your sing? Where is your sing? The angels [singing] The angels [singing] The angels [singing] ro [music] for Christ the king. ro [music] for Christ the king. ro [music] for Christ the king. [music] [music] [music] Oh, praise his name. Oh, praise his name. Oh, praise his name. Oh, praise the [singing] name of the Oh, praise the [singing] name of the Oh, praise the [singing] name of the Lord [music] our God. Oh, praise Lord [music] our God. Oh, praise Lord [music] our God. Oh, praise [singing] his name [singing] his name [singing] his name forever forever forever more. [music] more. [music] more. [music] Foreless Foreless Foreless things. We will sing [music and singing] things. We will sing [music and singing] things. We will sing [music and singing] your praise. Oh Lord, oh Lord our God. Here's the rest of [music] the story. Here's the rest of [music] the story. >> He shall return >> He shall return >> He shall return in [singing] robes of white. in [singing] robes of white. in [singing] robes of white. The [music] blazing sun The [music] blazing sun The [music] blazing sun shall pierce the night. [singing] And shall pierce the night. [singing] And shall pierce the night. [singing] And [music] I will rise [music] I will rise [music] I will rise among the saints. [music] My days among the saints. [music] My days among the saints. [music] My days [singing] transfixed [singing] transfixed [singing] transfixed on Jesus face.

Come on church. [music] Oh, praise the Come on church. [music] Oh, praise the name. Oh, [singing] praise the name of name. Oh, [singing] praise the name of name. Oh, [singing] praise the name of the Lord [singing] our God. Oh, praise the Lord [singing] our God. Oh, praise the Lord [singing] our God. Oh, praise [music] [music] [music] his name his name his name forever [singing] forever [singing] forever [singing] [music] more. [music] more. [music] more. Foreverless Foreverless Foreverless days he will sing [music] your [singing] days he will sing [music] your [singing] days he will sing [music] your [singing] praise. Oh Lord, oh Lord our God. praise. Oh Lord, oh Lord our God. praise. Oh Lord, oh Lord our God. Oh, [music and singing] praise the name Oh, [music and singing] praise the name Oh, [music and singing] praise the name of the Lord our God. Oh, praise his of the Lord our God. Oh, praise his of the Lord our God. Oh, praise his [music and singing] name forever. Fore [music and singing] this face. We Fore [music and singing] this face. We will sing your praise. [music] will sing your praise. [music] will sing your praise. [music] Oh Lord, oh Lord our God. [singing] Oh Lord, oh Lord our God. [singing] Oh Lord. [music] Oh Lord. Oh Lord. [music] Oh Lord. [singing] Can we [music] praise him this morning?

Can we [music] praise him this morning? He's been so good. So good. I want to He's been so good. So good. I want to He's been so good. So good. I want to say to you, if you want to be baptized, say to you, if you want to be baptized, say to you, if you want to be baptized, you still haven't, the door is right you still haven't, the door is right you still haven't, the door is right there. People there would love to speak there. People there would love to speak there. People there would love to speak with you. Maybe the crowd's too big for with you. Maybe the crowd's too big for with you. Maybe the crowd's too big for you. We It's okay. There's nothing in you. We It's okay. There's nothing in you. We It's okay. There's nothing in scripture says how big the crowd has to scripture says how big the crowd has to scripture says how big the crowd has to be. And we would love to help you take be. And we would love to help you take be. And we would love to help you take that next step of obedience in your walk that next step of obedience in your walk that next step of obedience in your walk with Christ this morning. So, as we get with Christ this morning. So, as we get with Christ this morning. So, as we get ready to dismiss, you could go to that ready to dismiss, you could go to that ready to dismiss, you could go to that door. Somebody will meet you there. door. Somebody will meet you there. door. Somebody will meet you there. Could we just do this Jay just [music] Could we just do this Jay just [music] Could we just do this Jay just [music] with our voices? Could we make this our with our voices? Could we make this our with our voices? Could we make this our benediction as we leave this morning and benediction as we leave this morning and benediction as we leave this morning and just sing that chorus together? Oh, just sing that chorus together? Oh, just sing that chorus together? Oh, praise the name for what he has done. praise the name for what he has done. praise the name for what he has done. Let's sing it together. Oh, [singing] Let's sing it together. Oh, [singing] Let's sing it together. Oh, [singing] praise [music] the name of the Lord our praise [music] the name of the Lord our praise [music] the name of the Lord our God. God. God. Oh, praise [singing] Oh, praise [singing] Oh, praise [singing] his name. his name. his name. Forever [singing and music] Forever [singing and music] Forever [singing and music] more. more. more. For endless For endless For endless days, we will sing [singing] your days, we will sing [singing] your days, we will sing [singing] your praise. [music] Oh Lord, praise. [music] Oh Lord, praise. [music] Oh Lord, oh Lord [singing] oh Lord [singing] oh Lord [singing] our our our God.

God. God. >> And all [music] the people said, >> And all [music] the people said, >> And all [music] the people said, >> "Amen." >> "Amen." >> "Amen." >> Amen. Amen. Thank you so much. You're >> Amen. Amen. Thank you so much. You're >> Amen. Amen. Thank you so much. You're dismissed. Heat. Heat. >> Blessed are those who [music] run to >> Blessed are those who [music] run to him, who [singing] place their hope and him, who [singing] place their hope and him, who [singing] place their hope and confidence in [music] Jesus. confidence in [music] Jesus. confidence in [music] Jesus. He won't forsake them. He won't forsake them. He won't forsake them. And blessed are those who [music] seek And blessed are those who [music] seek And blessed are those who [music] seek his face, who bend their knee and fix his face, who bend their knee and fix his face, who bend their knee and fix their gaze on [music] Jesus.

their gaze on [music] Jesus. their gaze on [music] Jesus. They won't be shen. [singing] They won't be shen. [singing] They won't be shen. [singing] Come [music] on and praise Come [music] on and praise Come [music] on and praise the the the Lord with me. Lord with me. Lord with me. Sing if [music] you love [singing] Sing if [music] you love [singing] Sing if [music] you love [singing] his name. his name. his name. Come on and [music] lift Come on and [music] lift Come on and [music] lift your [singing] your [singing] your [singing] voice with me. He's [music] worthy of voice with me. He's [music] worthy of voice with me. He's [music] worthy of all our praise. [singing] Blessed are those [music and singing] Blessed are those [music and singing] who walk with him, whose hearts are set who walk with him, whose hearts are set who walk with him, whose hearts are set [singing] [singing] [singing] with Jesus. with Jesus. with Jesus. They'll [music] see his glory. Blessed are those [music and singing] Blessed are those [music and singing] who died to live. His joy is to give who died to live. His joy is to give who died to live. His joy is to give [music] it all for Jesus [music] it all for Jesus [music] it all for Jesus and for him only. [music] and for him only. [music] and for him only. [music] Oh Jesus, Oh Jesus, Oh Jesus, all for your glory. [music and singing] all for your glory. [music and singing] all for your glory. [music and singing] Come on and praise Come on and praise Come on and praise the [music and singing] Lord with me.

the [music and singing] Lord with me. the [music and singing] Lord with me. Sing if you love his name Sing if you love his name Sing if you love his name [music] [music] [music] [singing] with me. He's worthy of [singing] with me. He's worthy of [singing] with me. He's worthy of our praise. [music] our praise. [music] our praise. [music] [singing] [singing] [singing] Come on and praise Come on and praise Come on and praise God God God with me. Oh, [music] sing if you love with me. Oh, [music] sing if you love with me. Oh, [music] sing if you love his name. his name. his name. Come on [music] and let Come on [music] and let Come on [music] and let your [singing] your [singing] your [singing] voice with me. He's [music] worthy of voice with me. He's [music] worthy of voice with me. He's [music] worthy of all our praise. Bless God in [music] the sanctuary. Bless God in [music] the sanctuary. Bless [singing] God in the fields of Bless [singing] God in the fields of Bless [singing] God in the fields of plenty. Bless [music] God in the darkest plenty. Bless [music] God in the darkest plenty. Bless [music] God in the darkest valley. Every chance I get, I'll bless valley. Every chance I get, I'll bless valley. Every chance I get, I'll bless [singing] your name. Bless God when [singing] your name. Bless God when [singing] your name. Bless God when [music] my hands are empty. Bless God [music] my hands are empty. Bless God [music] my hands are empty. Bless God with the praise that [singing] I'll with the praise that [singing] I'll with the praise that [singing] I'll sing. Bless God when nobody's watching.

sing. Bless God when nobody's watching. sing. Bless God when nobody's watching. [music] [music] [music] Every chance I get, [singing] I'll bless Every chance I get, [singing] I'll bless Every chance I get, [singing] I'll bless your bless God when the weapons falling. your bless God when the weapons falling. your bless God when the weapons falling. [music] [music] [music] Bless God when the walls are falling. Bless God when the walls are falling. Bless God when the walls are falling. Bless God as he goes before me. [music] Bless God as he goes before me. [music] Bless God as he goes before me. [music] Every chance I get, I rest your name. Every chance I get, I rest your name. Every chance I get, I rest your name. Bless God for [music] Bless God for [music] Bless God for [music] the victory. Bless God for the victory. Bless God for the victory. Bless God for me. Bless God for always. me. Bless God for always. me. Bless God for always. Every [music] chance I get I'm praise praise [music] with me. with me. Sing [music] with me with me is [music] worthy of [singing] is [music] worthy of [singing] is [music] worthy of [singing] our praise and [music and singing] praise and [music and singing] praise the Lord with me.

the Lord with me. the Lord with me. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> Sing >> Sing >> Sing his name your voice with me. He's [music] worthy your voice with me. He's [music] worthy of of of my praise. my praise. my praise. Come and praise Come and praise Come and praise the the the Lord with me. Lord with me. Lord with me. Sing if you love [singing and music] Sing if you love [singing and music] Sing if you love [singing and music] his name. his name. his name. Come on and lift [music] Come on and lift [music] Come on and lift [music] your your your voice with me. He's [singing] worthy voice with me. He's [singing] worthy voice with me. He's [singing] worthy [music] [music] [music] of all our praise. of all our praise. of all our praise. >> He's [music] worthy of all our praise. >> He's [music] worthy of all our praise. >> He's [music] worthy of all our praise. [singing] [singing] [singing] [music] [music] [music] Praise [music] [music] goes like this. Oh, how good it is goes like this. Oh, how good it is goes like this. Oh, how good it is [music] when God's people dwell [music] when God's people dwell [music] when God's people dwell together. [singing] together. [singing] together. [singing] Oh, how good is when God's [music]

Oh, how good is when God's [music] Oh, how good is when God's [music] people dwell in unity. For there [music] For there [music] the Lord the Lord the Lord pours out his blessing. pours out his blessing. pours out his blessing. For [music and singing] there the Lord For [music and singing] there the Lord For [music and singing] there the Lord gives life forever more. Oh gives life forever more. Oh gives life forever more. Oh [music and singing] how good, oh how [music and singing] how good, oh how [music and singing] how good, oh how good. >> Would you stand and try that? Sing that >> Would you stand and try that? Sing that with us. Oh how good it is. with us. Oh how good it is. with us. Oh how good it is. >> Oh how good it is when God's people >> Oh how good it is when God's people >> Oh how good it is when God's people [music] [music] [music] together. together. together. Oh, how good [music] Oh, how good [music] Oh, how good [music] when God's people fell in unity for their [music] for their [music] Lord is blessing is blessing forever [music] [singing] forever more. Oh, how [music] [singing] forever more. Oh, how [music] good. Oh, how good it is.

No matter what the story No matter what the story that brought you [music and singing] that brought you [music and singing] that brought you [music and singing] through these doors, through these doors, through these doors, we agree together [music] in one mind we agree together [music] in one mind we agree together [music] in one mind and one accord. [singing] and one accord. [singing] and one accord. [singing] It's the word of God that binds us. It's It's the word of God that binds us. It's It's the word of God that binds us. It's love that [music and singing] makes us love that [music and singing] makes us love that [music and singing] makes us one. He is here. He's the reason that we one. He is here. He's the reason that we one. He is here. He's the reason that we come. come. come. Oh, how good it is when God's people Oh, how good it is when God's people Oh, how good it is when God's people together. together. together. Oh, how good it is when God's people Oh, how good it is when God's people Oh, how good it is when God's people [music] forget forget the Lord the Lord the Lord for for for [music] his blessing. [music] his blessing. [music] his blessing. Forget Forget Forget the Lord the Lord the Lord is [music] forever. is [music] forever. is [music] forever. Oh, how good. Oh, Oh, how good. Oh, Oh, how good. Oh, [music] of his sweet embrace of his sweet embrace as the peace of his presence. [music]

Psalm 133 says, "How good and pleasant Psalm 133 says, "How good and pleasant it is when God's people dwell together it is when God's people dwell together it is when God's people dwell together in unity. For there the Lord pours out in unity. For there the Lord pours out in unity. For there the Lord pours out his blessing, even life forever more." his blessing, even life forever more." his blessing, even life forever more." Jesus said to his disciples [music] in Jesus said to his disciples [music] in Jesus said to his disciples [music] in Matthew 18, "For where two or three of Matthew 18, "For where two or three of Matthew 18, "For where two or three of you are gathered in my name, there I you are gathered in my name, there I you are gathered in my name, there I will be in your midst. will be in your midst. will be in your midst. Heat. Heat. [music] [music] [music] Heat. Heat. [music] [music] Oh yes. [music] how good [music] how good is Oh, how [music and singing] good it is.

Oh, how [music and singing] good it is. Oh, how good is Oh, how good is Oh, how good is Oh, how good it is. [music] >> Not a word was heard >> Not a word was heard at the tomb that day, just shuffling at the tomb that day, just shuffling at the tomb that day, just shuffling soldiers feet as they guarded the grave. soldiers feet as they guarded the grave. soldiers feet as they guarded the grave. gave.

gave. gave. One day, One day, One day, two days, [singing] two days, [singing] two days, [singing] three days [music] had passed. three days [music] had passed. three days [music] had passed. Could it be that Jesus Could it be that Jesus Could it be that Jesus had breathed [music] his last? had breathed [music] his last? had breathed [music] his last? Could it be that his father Could it be that his father Could it be that his father had forsaken him, had forsaken him, had forsaken him, turned his back on his son, despising turned his back on his son, despising turned his back on his son, despising our sin? our sin? our sin? [music] All hell seemed to whisper, [music] All hell seemed to whisper, [music] All hell seemed to whisper, "Just forget him. He's dead." "Just forget him. He's dead." "Just forget him. He's dead." Then the father looked down Then the father looked down Then the father looked down to the son and said, "Arise, [music] "Arise, [music] [singing] my love, [singing] my love, [singing] my love, arise, arise, arise, my love. my love. my love. The grave no [music and singing] The grave no [music and singing] The grave no [music and singing] longer has a hold longer has a hold longer has a hold on you.

on you. on you. No more [music] No more [music] No more [music] testing. No more suffering. testing. No more suffering. testing. No more suffering. [music and singing] [music and singing] [music and singing] Arise. Arise Arise [music] [music] [music] my [music] [music] earth trembled earth trembled earth trembled and the tomb [singing] and the tomb [singing] and the tomb [singing] began to shake. began to shake. began to shake. And like [music] lightning from And like [music] lightning from And like [music] lightning from [singing] heaven, the star was rolled [singing] heaven, the star was rolled [singing] heaven, the star was rolled away. And as dead men, the gods, away. And as dead men, the gods, away. And as dead men, the gods, they stood there in Christ [music] they stood there in Christ [music] they stood there in Christ [music] as the power of love as the power of love as the power of love displayed. [music] [music] Suddenly a cloud is here filled the air Suddenly a cloud is here filled the air Suddenly a cloud is here filled the air [music] [music] [music] riding breeze and wind riding breeze and wind riding breeze and wind was [music] everywhere.

The words of creation The words of creation have been longing [music] have been longing [music] have been longing [music] to hear as a sweet sound of [music] to hear as a sweet sound of [music] to hear as a sweet sound of [music] victory. victory. victory. So alive. So alive. So alive. So alive. So alive. So alive. [music] My love. My love. Arise [music] Arise [music] Arise [music] my love. my love. my love. The rain [singing] on you. on you. The Lord The Lord The Lord is [music] sing. Sin, where are your shackles?

Sin, where are your shackles? Death, where is your sting? [music] Death, where is your sting? [music] Death, where is your sting? [music] Hell has been defeated. Heat. Heat. Hell has been defeated. Heat. Heat. Hell has been defeated. Heat. Heat. [music] >> [music] >> [music] [singing]