Worship Service from the Venue at 11:00am on August 30

God atone for every broken heart, every God atone for every broken heart, every wound and scar wound and scar wound and scar so rich in mercy. By your grace, salvation made it through By your grace, salvation made it through your wounds and scars. your wounds and scars. your wounds and scars. Amen. Amen. Amen. Amen. You picked me up, set me in the highest You picked me up, set me in the highest heaven. heaven. heaven. Now I'm in company with Jesus.

You took my shame, pour the weight upon You took my shame, pour the weight upon your shoulders. your shoulders. your shoulders. Now I'm in company with Jesus. You call. Now I'm in company with Jesus. You call. Now I'm in company with Jesus. You call. You call me out into life with you You call me out into life with you You call me out into life with you forever. forever. forever. Now I'm in company with Jesus. I'm not Now I'm in company with Jesus. I'm not Now I'm in company with Jesus. I'm not the same. the same. the same. I'm not the same. Fully changed from I'm not the same. Fully changed from I'm not the same. Fully changed from where I started. where I started. where I started. Now I'm in company with Jesus. blood for every broken heart. Every word blood for every broken heart. Every word is so rich in mercy. is so rich in mercy. is so rich in mercy. Mercy. Mercy. Mercy. >> Every breath you give, >> Every breath you give, >> Every breath you give, >> it's a gift of mercy, Lord.

>> By your grace, salvation made his heart >> By your grace, salvation made his heart through your words and through your words and through your words and amen. sing. Holy, sing. Holy, holy, holy, holy, hol. Come on, let's sing it together.

hol. Come on, let's sing it together. hol. Come on, let's sing it together. Sing Sing Sing God. Early Early in the morning, in the morning, in the morning, our song shall rise to thee. our song shall rise to thee. our song shall rise to thee. Sing holy, Sing holy, Sing holy, holy, holy, holy, holy, merciful merciful and God God in preity. Let's sing it again. Let's sing it again. Holy, Holy, Holy, holy, holy, holy, holy.

>> though the eye of sinful men, thy glory >> though the eye of sinful men, thy glory may not. may not. may not. >> Oh, come on. Let's sing it right to the >> Oh, come on. Let's sing it right to the >> Oh, come on. Let's sing it right to the Lord, y'all. Lord, y'all. Lord, y'all. >> See, holy, >> See, holy, >> See, holy, thou art. There is none beside There is none beside me. me. me. >> Perfect >> Perfect >> Perfect in power Cuz your name is the highest. Cuz your Cuz your name is the highest. Cuz your name is the greatest. Your name it name is the greatest. Your name it name is the greatest. Your name it stands above them all. Yeah. Above all stands above them all. Yeah. Above all stands above them all. Yeah. Above all thrones and dominion all powers and thrones and dominion all powers and thrones and dominion all powers and positions your name. It stands above positions your name. It stands above positions your name. It stands above them all. And the angels cry.

them all. And the angels cry. them all. And the angels cry. Holy. Holy. Holy. All creation cries. All creation cries. All creation cries. Holy Holy Holy God, you are lifted high, God, you are lifted high, God, you are lifted high, holy, holy, holy, we sing holy forever. Holy, Holy, holy, holy, holy, holy Lord Lord God Almighty. >> All thy works shall praise thy name in >> All thy works shall praise thy name in earth and sky and sea. earth and sky and sea. earth and sky and sea. >> Oh, let's sing. Holy, >> Oh, let's sing. Holy, >> Oh, let's sing. Holy, holy, holy, holy, holy yes, Lord. Yes, Lord. You're holy yes, Lord. Yes, Lord. You're holy yes, Lord. Yes, Lord. You're merciful merciful merciful and and and >> Come on, let's sing it in faith. Y'all >> Come on, let's sing it in faith. Y'all >> Come on, let's sing it in faith. Y'all see God.

Good morning, Crossings family. It's so Good morning, Crossings family. It's so good to gather in this place. One thing good to gather in this place. One thing good to gather in this place. One thing I love about this church is how well you I love about this church is how well you I love about this church is how well you sing. So, would you sing out with sing. So, would you sing out with sing. So, would you sing out with everything that you have today as we everything that you have today as we everything that you have today as we worship the father? He is worthy of our worship the father? He is worthy of our worship the father? He is worthy of our praise. So, let's stand. Let's worship praise. So, let's stand. Let's worship praise. So, let's stand. Let's worship together. We lift up one voice, one together. We lift up one voice, one together. We lift up one voice, one crossing's voice. Here we go. crossing's voice. Here we go. crossing's voice. Here we go. Blessed are those who run to him, who Blessed are those who run to him, who Blessed are those who run to him, who place their hope and confidence in place their hope and confidence in place their hope and confidence in Jesus. Jesus. Jesus. He won't forsake them. He won't forsake them. He won't forsake them. Blessed are those who seek his face, who Blessed are those who seek his face, who Blessed are those who seek his face, who bend their knee and fix their gaze on bend their knee and fix their gaze on bend their knee and fix their gaze on Jesus. Jesus. Jesus. They won't be shen. Come on, sing. Come They won't be shen. Come on, sing. Come They won't be shen. Come on, sing. Come on and praise on and praise on and praise the the the Lord with me. Yes. Sing. If you love his Lord with me. Yes. Sing. If you love his Lord with me. Yes. Sing. If you love his name, name, name, go on and lift go on and lift go on and lift your your your voice with me. He's worthy of all our voice with me. He's worthy of all our voice with me. He's worthy of all our praise.

praise. praise. Yes, he is. Blessed are those who walk with him, Blessed are those who walk with him, whose hearts are set on primage with whose hearts are set on primage with whose hearts are set on primage with Jesus. Jesus. Jesus. They'll see his glory. And blessed are those who died to live. And blessed are those who died to live. His joy it is to give it all for Jesus His joy it is to give it all for Jesus His joy it is to give it all for Jesus and for him all. and for him all. and for him all. Oh Jesus Oh Jesus Oh Jesus all for your glory all for your glory all for your glory come on and praise come on and praise come on and praise the the the Lord with me. Lord with me. Lord with me. Sing if you love his name. Sing if you love his name. Sing if you love his name. Come on and lift Come on and lift Come on and lift your your your voice with me. He's worthy of all our voice with me. He's worthy of all our voice with me. He's worthy of all our praise.

praise. praise. Come on and bring Come on and bring Come on and bring your sing if you know his way. sing if you know his way. You want to lift You want to lift You want to lift up your holy hands. He's worthy of all up your holy hands. He's worthy of all up your holy hands. He's worthy of all our praise. >> He is worthy. We sing. Bless God in the >> He is worthy. We sing. Bless God in the sanctuary. sanctuary. sanctuary. Bless God in the fields of plenty. Bless Bless God in the fields of plenty. Bless Bless God in the fields of plenty. Bless God in the darkest valley. Every chance God in the darkest valley. Every chance God in the darkest valley. Every chance I get, I bless yours. Sing bless God. I get, I bless yours. Sing bless God. I get, I bless yours. Sing bless God. Bless God. Bless God. Bless God. Bless God when nobody's watching. Every Bless God when nobody's watching. Every Bless God when nobody's watching. Every chance I get, I bless your name. Bless chance I get, I bless your name. Bless chance I get, I bless your name. Bless God when no weapons for me. Bless God God when no weapons for me. Bless God God when no weapons for me. Bless God when the walls are falling. Bless God when the walls are falling. Bless God when the walls are falling. Bless God before me. Every chance I get, I bless before me. Every chance I get, I bless before me. Every chance I get, I bless your name. Bless God for he holds the your name. Bless God for he holds the your name. Bless God for he holds the vision. Bless God for always with me.

vision. Bless God for always with me. vision. Bless God for always with me. Bless God, always worthy. Every chance I Bless God, always worthy. Every chance I Bless God, always worthy. Every chance I get, I get, I get, I bless God in the sanctuary. bless God in the sanctuary. bless God in the sanctuary. Bless Gods of Bless Gods of Bless Gods of Bless God in the darkest valley. Every Bless God in the darkest valley. Every Bless God in the darkest valley. Every chance I get, I bless your name. Bless chance I get, I bless your name. Bless chance I get, I bless your name. Bless God. God. God. Bless God with the praise that calls me. Bless God with the praise that calls me. Bless God with the praise that calls me. Bless God when nobody's watching. Every Bless God when nobody's watching. Every Bless God when nobody's watching. Every chance I bless your name. Bless God when chance I bless your name. Bless God when chance I bless your name. Bless God when the weapons falling. Bless God when the the weapons falling. Bless God when the the weapons falling. Bless God when the walls are falling. Bless God for he walls are falling. Bless God for he walls are falling. Bless God for he every chance I get. I bless your name. every chance I get. I bless your name. every chance I get. I bless your name. Bless God for the victory. Bless God for Bless God for the victory. Bless God for Bless God for the victory. Bless God for always with me. Bless God who is always always with me. Bless God who is always always with me. Bless God who is always worthy. Every chance I get, I bless your worthy. Every chance I get, I bless your worthy. Every chance I get, I bless your name.

with me. with me. See if you Heat. Heat. Heat. He's worthy. He's worthy. He's worthy of He's worthy of He's worthy of our Colossians 3 says this, "Since then you Colossians 3 says this, "Since then you have been raised with Christ. Set your have been raised with Christ. Set your have been raised with Christ. Set your hearts on things above where Christ is hearts on things above where Christ is hearts on things above where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set seated at the right hand of God. Set seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on your minds on things above, not on your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you have died and earthly things. For you have died and earthly things. For you have died and your life is now hidden with Christ in your life is now hidden with Christ in your life is now hidden with Christ in God. This morning, we gather in his

God. This morning, we gather in his God. This morning, we gather in his name. And I'm going to ask you to do name. And I'm going to ask you to do name. And I'm going to ask you to do something um in a very confident way. something um in a very confident way. something um in a very confident way. But if you call Jesus your savior, if But if you call Jesus your savior, if But if you call Jesus your savior, if you've given your life to him, would you you've given your life to him, would you you've given your life to him, would you raise your hand? raise your hand? raise your hand? Would you look around and see the faith Would you look around and see the faith Would you look around and see the faith that is represented in this room when we that is represented in this room when we that is represented in this room when we gather to lift up his name? One of the gather to lift up his name? One of the gather to lift up his name? One of the most important things that we can do is most important things that we can do is most important things that we can do is we proclaim Jesus. Amen. Remember that we proclaim Jesus. Amen. Remember that we proclaim Jesus. Amen. Remember that you've been raised with Christ. Let us you've been raised with Christ. Let us you've been raised with Christ. Let us have confidence as we set our minds and have confidence as we set our minds and have confidence as we set our minds and our hearts on things above. our hearts on things above. our hearts on things above. God is doing some amazing things in and God is doing some amazing things in and God is doing some amazing things in and through the people of this church. I through the people of this church. I through the people of this church. I just met a guy named Ali. Man, Olly, it just met a guy named Ali. Man, Olly, it just met a guy named Ali. Man, Olly, it was so fun to get to hear what God's was so fun to get to hear what God's was so fun to get to hear what God's done in your life. Let us be open to the done in your life. Let us be open to the done in your life. Let us be open to the things that God may have for us. Let's things that God may have for us. Let's things that God may have for us. Let's go deeper in our faith. Let's trust him go deeper in our faith. Let's trust him go deeper in our faith. Let's trust him a little bit more. Would you sing this a little bit more. Would you sing this a little bit more. Would you sing this chorus with me one more time? Let's lift chorus with me one more time? Let's lift chorus with me one more time? Let's lift this up as a church. Come on. Come on this up as a church. Come on. Come on this up as a church. Come on. Come on and praise and praise and praise the the the Lord.

Lord. Lord. >> That's right. >> That's right. >> That's right. >> Sing if you love his name. >> Sing if you love his name. >> Sing if you love his name. Come Come Come on and lift on and lift on and lift your your your voice with me. He's worthy of all our voice with me. He's worthy of all our voice with me. He's worthy of all our praise. praise. praise. >> Sing with confidence. Come on and >> Sing with confidence. Come on and >> Sing with confidence. Come on and breathe breathe breathe your your your offering. Sing if you've known his grace Sing if you've known his grace and lift and lift and lift of your holy hands. He's worthy of all of your holy hands. He's worthy of all of your holy hands. He's worthy of all the praise. the praise. the praise. >> Amen. Hallelujah. >> Yes. And today is such a special day. We >> Yes. And today is such a special day. We get to see over 70 people being baptized get to see over 70 people being baptized get to see over 70 people being baptized across all of our locations. Yeah.

And I'm just going to plant this seed. And I'm just going to plant this seed. If you have never been baptized before If you have never been baptized before If you have never been baptized before um and you want to make that step of um and you want to make that step of um and you want to make that step of faith today, we we would be ready for faith today, we we would be ready for faith today, we we would be ready for you. At the end of the sermon here in you. At the end of the sermon here in you. At the end of the sermon here in just a little bit, um we're going to just a little bit, um we're going to just a little bit, um we're going to we're going to open the baptismal and we're going to open the baptismal and we're going to open the baptismal and anybody who wants to come and profess anybody who wants to come and profess anybody who wants to come and profess their faith in Jesus and come and be their faith in Jesus and come and be their faith in Jesus and come and be baptized um in front of their whole baptized um in front of their whole baptized um in front of their whole church family, man, we we invite you to church family, man, we we invite you to church family, man, we we invite you to come. So, be thinking about that if come. So, be thinking about that if come. So, be thinking about that if that's you. Um, one of my favorite parts that's you. Um, one of my favorite parts that's you. Um, one of my favorite parts of the service is when we get to greet of the service is when we get to greet of the service is when we get to greet those around us. When you have a chance those around us. When you have a chance those around us. When you have a chance to make a connection with your church to make a connection with your church to make a connection with your church family. So, get to know the people that family. So, get to know the people that family. So, get to know the people that you're worshiping with today. Say hello, you're worshiping with today. Say hello, you're worshiping with today. Say hello, meet a new friend. Welcome somebody to meet a new friend. Welcome somebody to meet a new friend. Welcome somebody to church.

Hopefully Hopefully you buddy. For you introverts, this is a painful For you introverts, this is a painful moment. Okay, I'm rescuing you. moment. Okay, I'm rescuing you. moment. Okay, I'm rescuing you. That's so fun to watch this. I mean, I I That's so fun to watch this. I mean, I I That's so fun to watch this. I mean, I I could have just stood there just watched could have just stood there just watched could have just stood there just watched it happen. You all are just great. It's it happen. You all are just great. It's it happen. You all are just great. It's so good to be here today. And last count so good to be here today. And last count so good to be here today. And last count I got so far is 112 baptisms. And so I got so far is 112 baptisms. And so I got so far is 112 baptisms. And so there's and you know who's counting? But there's and you know who's counting? But there's and you know who's counting? But it's it's been a a pretty special day it's it's been a a pretty special day it's it's been a a pretty special day around here. It always is. So glad around here. It always is. So glad around here. It always is. So glad you're here today. Really glad that you're here today. Really glad that you're here today. Really glad that we're together. Uh you can check in now we're together. Uh you can check in now we're together. Uh you can check in now a little differently than you have a little differently than you have a little differently than you have before. There's a tag now. NFC tag. It's before. There's a tag now. NFC tag. It's before. There's a tag now. NFC tag. It's either between your seat or in on the either between your seat or in on the either between your seat or in on the back of the seat in front of you back of the seat in front of you back of the seat in front of you depending on if you don't have a seat in depending on if you don't have a seat in depending on if you don't have a seat in front of you. But if you'll do that, front of you. But if you'll do that, front of you. But if you'll do that, that's a great easy way with your phone that's a great easy way with your phone that's a great easy way with your phone to check in, get it over with, and it's to check in, get it over with, and it's to check in, get it over with, and it's helpful to us, it's helpful to you, and helpful to us, it's helpful to you, and helpful to us, it's helpful to you, and to get the information that you'll be to get the information that you'll be to get the information that you'll be able to get there. Um we have a able to get there. Um we have a able to get there. Um we have a opportunity coming up walk for water.

opportunity coming up walk for water. opportunity coming up walk for water. You'll hear more more news about it uh You'll hear more more news about it uh You'll hear more more news about it uh probably in the next week or so. But probably in the next week or so. But probably in the next week or so. But it's our annual walk for water. This was it's our annual walk for water. This was it's our annual walk for water. This was water 4. Water 4 started over in our water 4. Water 4 started over in our water 4. Water 4 started over in our sanctuary service uh 20 years ago, 15 sanctuary service uh 20 years ago, 15 sanctuary service uh 20 years ago, 15 years ago probably something like that. years ago probably something like that. years ago probably something like that. And uh they just knew there was an area And uh they just knew there was an area And uh they just knew there was an area in the world that wasn't getting enough in the world that wasn't getting enough in the world that wasn't getting enough water and they figured out a way to do water and they figured out a way to do water and they figured out a way to do it. They own a pump supply company here it. They own a pump supply company here it. They own a pump supply company here locally and they get water all over the locally and they get water all over the locally and they get water all over the place. But God took him to a Look, look place. But God took him to a Look, look place. But God took him to a Look, look what's happened in Africa since they did what's happened in Africa since they did what's happened in Africa since they did this. 429,000 this. 429,000 this. 429,000 people this year got water. 10,000 as they serve water, they share the as they serve water, they share the gospel. This year so far, 10,744 gospel. This year so far, 10,744 gospel. This year so far, 10,744 people have been baptized. Is that people have been baptized. Is that people have been baptized. Is that great? great? great? 21 uh 21,000 water projects getting 21 uh 21,000 water projects getting 21 uh 21,000 water projects getting fresh water to people who've never had fresh water to people who've never had fresh water to people who've never had it before. 2.6 million this far have it before. 2.6 million this far have it before. 2.6 million this far have been served since they started this in a been served since they started this in a been served since they started this in a me in a time of prayer down in the me in a time of prayer down in the me in a time of prayer down in the sanctuary years ago. And they've had 1.1 sanctuary years ago. And they've had 1.1 sanctuary years ago. And they've had 1.1 million, a little more than that, come million, a little more than that, come million, a little more than that, come to Christ since they started.

So, Walk for Water's coming. Be be So, Walk for Water's coming. Be be mindful of that. You may want to be a mindful of that. You may want to be a mindful of that. You may want to be a part of that walk and get to know a part of that walk and get to know a part of that walk and get to know a little more about Water for Care Series. little more about Water for Care Series. little more about Water for Care Series. Women's Bible studies start Monday Women's Bible studies start Monday Women's Bible studies start Monday nights. That's coming up. This is a nights. That's coming up. This is a nights. That's coming up. This is a great evening for study and Bible great evening for study and Bible great evening for study and Bible studies and all kinds of support groups studies and all kinds of support groups studies and all kinds of support groups uh coming up on Mondays. And uh and uh coming up on Mondays. And uh and uh coming up on Mondays. And uh and we've got a great message ahead of us we've got a great message ahead of us we've got a great message ahead of us here from Andy and then we'll see here from Andy and then we'll see here from Andy and then we'll see baptisms. And it's just been pretty baptisms. And it's just been pretty baptisms. And it's just been pretty special all day. Let's pray. Father, special all day. Let's pray. Father, special all day. Let's pray. Father, we're thankful for the privilege of we're thankful for the privilege of we're thankful for the privilege of being in church. We thank you for this being in church. We thank you for this being in church. We thank you for this moment. We thank you for this particular moment. We thank you for this particular moment. We thank you for this particular room, this particular Sunday service. We room, this particular Sunday service. We room, this particular Sunday service. We know that they're in all the services. know that they're in all the services. know that they're in all the services. There are people whose lives have There are people whose lives have There are people whose lives have changed who decided that today was the changed who decided that today was the changed who decided that today was the day to be public in their faith in Jesus day to be public in their faith in Jesus day to be public in their faith in Jesus Christ. Father, I pray for those who are Christ. Father, I pray for those who are Christ. Father, I pray for those who are considering it, those who are ready, and considering it, those who are ready, and considering it, those who are ready, and those who aren't will keep thinking those who aren't will keep thinking those who aren't will keep thinking about it. Lord, we love you. We thank about it. Lord, we love you. We thank about it. Lord, we love you. We thank you for the privilege we have to you for the privilege we have to you for the privilege we have to worship. We give you this in Jesus name. worship. We give you this in Jesus name. worship. We give you this in Jesus name. Amen. and ask the ushers if they would Amen. and ask the ushers if they would Amen. and ask the ushers if they would come at this time as we move into the come at this time as we move into the come at this time as we move into the message.

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 more like him Jesus deeply and becoming more like him Jesus deeply and becoming more like him the disciplehip pathway. the disciplehip pathway. 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. communion and baptism. communion and baptism. We actively participate in a group by We actively participate in a group by We actively participate in a group by joining smaller communities so that we joining smaller communities so that we joining smaller communities so that we are reminded we are not alone on this are reminded we are not alone on this are 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 that God will meet time, we are praying that God will meet time, we are praying that God will meet you where you are today and guide you to you where you are today and guide you to you where you are today and guide you to your next steps in pursuing him. Welcome your next steps in pursuing him. Welcome your next steps in pursuing him. Welcome to the disciplehip pathway.

Well, good morning, Crossings. My name Well, good morning, Crossings. My name is Andy. It's good to be with you guys. is Andy. It's good to be with you guys. is Andy. It's good to be with you guys. And this morning, we're going to be in And this morning, we're going to be in And this morning, we're going to be in two uh passages. If you have your Bibles two uh passages. If you have your Bibles two uh passages. If you have your Bibles with you, Matthew 28 and Acts chapter 2 with you, Matthew 28 and Acts chapter 2 with you, Matthew 28 and Acts chapter 2 is where we're going to spend most of is where we're going to spend most of is where we're going to spend most of our morning this morning. We'll we'll our morning this morning. We'll we'll our morning this morning. We'll we'll throw a couple up uh on the screen, but throw a couple up uh on the screen, but throw a couple up uh on the screen, but mainly that's where we're going to be. mainly that's where we're going to be. mainly that's where we're going to be. And so, you just heard Todd talking And so, you just heard Todd talking And so, you just heard Todd talking about this disciplehip pathway. And so about this disciplehip pathway. And so about this disciplehip pathway. And so as I've been preparing and thinking and as I've been preparing and thinking and as I've been preparing and thinking and praying about this message, um I'm an praying about this message, um I'm an praying about this message, um I'm an image learner. I'm I'm like a visual image learner. I'm I'm like a visual image learner. I'm I'm like a visual learner. And so I'm always wondering learner. And so I'm always wondering learner. And so I'm always wondering what's what's the image that I can uh what's what's the image that I can uh what's what's the image that I can uh think about when I think about the think about when I think about the think about when I think about the disciplehip pathway. What does this disciplehip pathway. What does this disciplehip pathway. What does this journey with Jesus look like? Um it's journey with Jesus look like? Um it's journey with Jesus look like? Um it's one thing to talk about it. It's another one thing to talk about it. It's another one thing to talk about it. It's another thing to have an image in your head. And thing to have an image in your head. And thing to have an image in your head. And so what God I feel gave me was it so what God I feel gave me was it so what God I feel gave me was it started about four years ago when my started about four years ago when my started about four years ago when my children started to run cross country. children started to run cross country. children started to run cross country. And I thought this is this is the And I thought this is this is the And I thought this is this is the picture of the of the Christian life. picture of the of the Christian life. picture of the of the Christian life. Okay. And so if you're not familiar, Okay. And so if you're not familiar, Okay. And so if you're not familiar, which many people aren't because this is which many people aren't because this is which many people aren't because this is not the the the big Friday Night Lights not the the the big Friday Night Lights not the the the big Friday Night Lights kind of uh sport. It's not really kind of uh sport. It's not really kind of uh sport. It's not really celebrated like others. And so it's a celebrated like others. And so it's a celebrated like others. And so it's a very small group of people that commit very small group of people that commit very small group of people that commit to doing something that is very very to doing something that is very very to doing something that is very very difficult. It's not super celebrated, difficult. It's not super celebrated, difficult. It's not super celebrated, but it is incredibly satisfying. And so but it is incredibly satisfying. And so but it is incredibly satisfying. And so what I saw when I became a parent of what I saw when I became a parent of what I saw when I became a parent of cross country runners was how they run cross country runners was how they run cross country runners was how they run the race. And every bit of the race in the race. And every bit of the race in the race. And every bit of the race in my head points back to this is what it's my head points back to this is what it's my head points back to this is what it's like to be a Christian. This sport is like to be a Christian. This sport is like to be a Christian. This sport is what it's like to be a Christian. So let

what it's like to be a Christian. So let what it's like to be a Christian. So let me let me just bring you into it if you me let me just bring you into it if you me let me just bring you into it if you don't know. So, basically what happens don't know. So, basically what happens don't know. So, basically what happens is a couple days into the week, somebody is a couple days into the week, somebody is a couple days into the week, somebody at whatever school that's hosting the uh at whatever school that's hosting the uh at whatever school that's hosting the uh cross country meet figures out how to cross country meet figures out how to cross country meet figures out how to make a a a course through their make a a a course through their make a a a course through their property. They cut the grass. They put property. They cut the grass. They put property. They cut the grass. They put up, you know, flags and signs on the up, you know, flags and signs on the up, you know, flags and signs on the side to kind of make a pathway. They put side to kind of make a pathway. They put side to kind of make a pathway. They put spray paint on the ground with an arrow. spray paint on the ground with an arrow. spray paint on the ground with an arrow. One for the girls race, one for the guys One for the girls race, one for the guys One for the girls race, one for the guys race, a different color arrow for the JV race, a different color arrow for the JV race, a different color arrow for the JV and all that stuff. And so someone is and all that stuff. And so someone is and all that stuff. And so someone is meticulously creating a path, a a a meticulously creating a path, a a a meticulously creating a path, a a a course to run. Because what you don't course to run. Because what you don't course to run. Because what you don't do, and what I've never seen at any do, and what I've never seen at any do, and what I've never seen at any cross country race, was everybody at the cross country race, was everybody at the cross country race, was everybody at the beginning just run in whatever direction beginning just run in whatever direction beginning just run in whatever direction they feel like running. That's not what they feel like running. That's not what they feel like running. That's not what they do. It would be utter chaos. And they do. It would be utter chaos. And they do. It would be utter chaos. And here's what would end up happening is no here's what would end up happening is no here's what would end up happening is no one would know if they're running the one would know if they're running the one would know if they're running the correct race. They wouldn't know if correct race. They wouldn't know if correct race. They wouldn't know if they're on pace with the race. and they they're on pace with the race. and they they're on pace with the race. and they certainly wouldn't know when they're certainly wouldn't know when they're certainly wouldn't know when they're done because where's the finish line? done because where's the finish line? done because where's the finish line? And so that person, whoever it is at And so that person, whoever it is at And so that person, whoever it is at whatever school is setting out the whatever school is setting out the whatever school is setting out the course earlier in the week is thinking course earlier in the week is thinking course earlier in the week is thinking we every single student that's running we every single student that's running we every single student that's running this rate is going to need to know where this rate is going to need to know where this rate is going to need to know where to go. And as you run this race, a to go. And as you run this race, a to go. And as you run this race, a couple things happen. Is one, everybody couple things happen. Is one, everybody couple things happen. Is one, everybody starts at the exact same point at the starts at the exact same point at the starts at the exact same point at the exact same time. But depending on the exact same time. But depending on the exact same time. But depending on the athletic ability, you may be at the athletic ability, you may be at the athletic ability, you may be at the front of the pack, middle of the pack, front of the pack, middle of the pack, front of the pack, middle of the pack, or the back of the pack. And so what or the back of the pack. And so what or the back of the pack. And so what ends up happening is you see that ends up happening is you see that ends up happening is you see that someone needs to show them the course.

someone needs to show them the course. someone needs to show them the course. That's the person that that mowed and That's the person that that mowed and That's the person that that mowed and sprayed. And then when you're actually sprayed. And then when you're actually sprayed. And then when you're actually running the race, if you're not in the running the race, if you're not in the running the race, if you're not in the very front, the only way that you know very front, the only way that you know very front, the only way that you know is the the markers, but also the person is the the markers, but also the person is the the markers, but also the person in front of you. Where are they going? in front of you. Where are they going? in front of you. Where are they going? Oh, they're turning here. I need to turn Oh, they're turning here. I need to turn Oh, they're turning here. I need to turn there. Literally two weeks ago, I was at there. Literally two weeks ago, I was at there. Literally two weeks ago, I was at the very first meet of the year and the very first meet of the year and the very first meet of the year and there was a kid in the very back of the there was a kid in the very back of the there was a kid in the very back of the race who didn't have anybody clearly in race who didn't have anybody clearly in race who didn't have anybody clearly in front of them and they turned. They made front of them and they turned. They made front of them and they turned. They made a wrong turn. a wrong turn. a wrong turn. The only way that that kid knew to get The only way that that kid knew to get The only way that that kid knew to get back on course was because of the people back on course was because of the people back on course was because of the people watching the race said, "No, no, you're watching the race said, "No, no, you're watching the race said, "No, no, you're going the wrong way. Go this way." going the wrong way. Go this way." going the wrong way. Go this way." And so whether it's the person that's And so whether it's the person that's And so whether it's the person that's mowing the grass and spray painting the mowing the grass and spray painting the mowing the grass and spray painting the grass or the person running in front of grass or the person running in front of grass or the person running in front of them or the crowd on the sides cheering them or the crowd on the sides cheering them or the crowd on the sides cheering them on saying go this way, go this way. them on saying go this way, go this way. them on saying go this way, go this way. It sounds to me and it it looks like It sounds to me and it it looks like It sounds to me and it it looks like every race I go to is like this is this every race I go to is like this is this every race I go to is like this is this is the kingdom of God. This is it. And is the kingdom of God. This is it. And is the kingdom of God. This is it. And Jesus has been the one who has made a Jesus has been the one who has made a Jesus has been the one who has made a path for us. He doesn't just tell us path for us. He doesn't just tell us path for us. He doesn't just tell us about it. He lived it out and then he about it. He lived it out and then he about it. He lived it out and then he points people to it and it is actually points people to it and it is actually points people to it and it is actually him. You see, Jesus is an invitational him. You see, Jesus is an invitational him. You see, Jesus is an invitational savior. He's not just, hey, go do more savior. He's not just, hey, go do more savior. He's not just, hey, go do more better kind of guy. He's a come follow better kind of guy. He's a come follow better kind of guy. He's a come follow me. I know the path. I know the way. And me. I know the path. I know the way. And me. I know the path. I know the way. And the way that I have will give you life the way that I have will give you life the way that I have will give you life and life to the full. And so cross and life to the full. And so cross and life to the full. And so cross country is this interesting sport that country is this interesting sport that country is this interesting sport that in my mind looks a lot like what it in my mind looks a lot like what it in my mind looks a lot like what it looks like to be a Christian. that we

looks like to be a Christian. that we looks like to be a Christian. that we are all running a race. The question is are all running a race. The question is are all running a race. The question is what kind of race are we running? And do what kind of race are we running? And do what kind of race are we running? And do we know the course that we're running? we know the course that we're running? we know the course that we're running? Do we know when we're doing well and Do we know when we're doing well and Do we know when we're doing well and when we're we need somebody to cheer us when we're we need somebody to cheer us when we're we need somebody to cheer us on? Like what where where are we at on? Like what where where are we at on? Like what where where are we at here? And so this disciplehip pathway here? And so this disciplehip pathway here? And so this disciplehip pathway gives us some language and some gives us some language and some gives us some language and some direction to help us as a church know direction to help us as a church know direction to help us as a church know what it looks like to run this race of what it looks like to run this race of what it looks like to run this race of following Jesus because it is not a following Jesus because it is not a following Jesus because it is not a passive thing, right? No one joins the passive thing, right? No one joins the passive thing, right? No one joins the cross country team, goes to the coach, cross country team, goes to the coach, cross country team, goes to the coach, says, "Hey, I want to join the team." says, "Hey, I want to join the team." says, "Hey, I want to join the team." Gets the uniform, and then goes home and Gets the uniform, and then goes home and Gets the uniform, and then goes home and does nothing. That's actually the does nothing. That's actually the does nothing. That's actually the beginning. So, we're This is baptism beginning. So, we're This is baptism beginning. So, we're This is baptism Sunday. So, today, this is the starting Sunday. So, today, this is the starting Sunday. So, today, this is the starting line right here. This is it. We're going line right here. This is it. We're going line right here. This is it. We're going to get to celebrate with people in our to get to celebrate with people in our to get to celebrate with people in our church that are saying, "I'm ready to church that are saying, "I'm ready to church that are saying, "I'm ready to follow Jesus." And it is a journey. It's follow Jesus." And it is a journey. It's follow Jesus." And it is a journey. It's not just a one-time decision where we not just a one-time decision where we not just a one-time decision where we just shake God's hand, say, "We're good. just shake God's hand, say, "We're good. just shake God's hand, say, "We're good. Now, I'll go on. I'll run my race." No, Now, I'll go on. I'll run my race." No, Now, I'll go on. I'll run my race." No, no. He says, "Follow me. Run my race." no. He says, "Follow me. Run my race." no. He says, "Follow me. Run my race." So here I want to give you the visual So here I want to give you the visual So here I want to give you the visual just for this morning. There's a cross just for this morning. There's a cross just for this morning. There's a cross over there on that that side of the over there on that that side of the over there on that that side of the stage. If this is the starting line and stage. If this is the starting line and stage. If this is the starting line and as Christians we are all lined up ready as Christians we are all lined up ready as Christians we are all lined up ready to go. Baptism is the beginning that we to go. Baptism is the beginning that we to go. Baptism is the beginning that we say I want to publicly declare my faith say I want to publicly declare my faith say I want to publicly declare my faith in Jesus. And now I'm going to start in Jesus. And now I'm going to start in Jesus. And now I'm going to start running and I'm going to and it's going running and I'm going to and it's going running and I'm going to and it's going to be hard. I'm going to walk sometimes.

to be hard. I'm going to walk sometimes. to be hard. I'm going to walk sometimes. I'm going to fall down a trip. But my I'm going to fall down a trip. But my I'm going to fall down a trip. But my goal through this life is to follow goal through this life is to follow goal through this life is to follow Jesus because one day we will be with Jesus because one day we will be with Jesus because one day we will be with him and he will wipe away every tear him and he will wipe away every tear him and he will wipe away every tear from every eye. He will make all things from every eye. He will make all things from every eye. He will make all things new. And as we go through life, new. And as we go through life, new. And as we go through life, it's not just, well, what do I want to it's not just, well, what do I want to it's not just, well, what do I want to do today? It's what does Jesus want to do today? It's what does Jesus want to do today? It's what does Jesus want to do in me today? Because the Christian do in me today? Because the Christian do in me today? Because the Christian life isn't about checking off boxes. life isn't about checking off boxes. life isn't about checking off boxes. The Christian journey with Jesus is The Christian journey with Jesus is The Christian journey with Jesus is about the formation of our soul that we about the formation of our soul that we about the formation of our soul that we would not just obey Jesus, but we would would not just obey Jesus, but we would would not just obey Jesus, but we would look more and more like him as we run look more and more like him as we run look more and more like him as we run the race, as we go along the path that the race, as we go along the path that the race, as we go along the path that God has set out for us. This is what God has set out for us. This is what God has set out for us. This is what we're doing. we're doing. we're doing. And so I want to just look at these And so I want to just look at these And so I want to just look at these couple verses, but before I do, I I want couple verses, but before I do, I I want couple verses, but before I do, I I want to just tee off really quick on the to just tee off really quick on the to just tee off really quick on the pathway is a pathway. It is a journey of pathway is a pathway. It is a journey of pathway is a pathway. It is a journey of formation. And then secondly, formation. And then secondly, formation. And then secondly, disciplehip. disciplehip. disciplehip. That word disciplehip means those who That word disciplehip means those who That word disciplehip means those who have surrendered their life and are have surrendered their life and are have surrendered their life and are pursuing Jesus to become like Jesus.

pursuing Jesus to become like Jesus. pursuing Jesus to become like Jesus. That's disciplehip. And what I learned a That's disciplehip. And what I learned a That's disciplehip. And what I learned a long time ago that one thing I never long time ago that one thing I never long time ago that one thing I never want to do as a pastor is assume that want to do as a pastor is assume that want to do as a pastor is assume that every single soul in this room is a every single soul in this room is a every single soul in this room is a disciple of Jesus. disciple of Jesus. disciple of Jesus. There are probably people in here you There are probably people in here you There are probably people in here you are seeking, you're questioning, you're are seeking, you're questioning, you're are seeking, you're questioning, you're skeptic, you you're just not quite sure skeptic, you you're just not quite sure skeptic, you you're just not quite sure because a lot of Christians don't because a lot of Christians don't because a lot of Christians don't represent Jesus very well and you're represent Jesus very well and you're represent Jesus very well and you're like, "Well, these people, I don't know. like, "Well, these people, I don't know. like, "Well, these people, I don't know. We'll see." That's okay. But I don't We'll see." That's okay. But I don't We'll see." That's okay. But I don't want to just jump into how do you follow want to just jump into how do you follow want to just jump into how do you follow Jesus assuming that you are already Jesus assuming that you are already Jesus assuming that you are already following Jesus. And so I want to start following Jesus. And so I want to start following Jesus. And so I want to start baptism Sunday with just a a simple baptism Sunday with just a a simple baptism Sunday with just a a simple gospel presentation of what does it mean gospel presentation of what does it mean gospel presentation of what does it mean to be a Christian? What is what does the to be a Christian? What is what does the to be a Christian? What is what does the gospel of Jesus look like? And to do gospel of Jesus look like? And to do gospel of Jesus look like? And to do that I want to look at three ver three that I want to look at three ver three that I want to look at three ver three three passages today. The first one three passages today. The first one three passages today. The first one super famous John 3:16-1 17. Jesus says super famous John 3:16-1 17. Jesus says super famous John 3:16-1 17. Jesus says this for this is how God loved the this for this is how God loved the this for this is how God loved the world. He gave his one and only son so world. He gave his one and only son so world. He gave his one and only son so that everyone who believes in him will that everyone who believes in him will that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. God not perish but have eternal life. God not perish but have eternal life. God sent his son into the world not to judge sent his son into the world not to judge sent his son into the world not to judge the world but to save the world through the world but to save the world through the world but to save the world through him.

him. him. What this means is that Jesus What this means is that Jesus What this means is that Jesus that the heart of God for you and for me that the heart of God for you and for me that the heart of God for you and for me and for this world begins with love for and for this world begins with love for and for this world begins with love for you and for this world. Secondly, what I you and for this world. Secondly, what I you and for this world. Secondly, what I see in there is that there is a a see in there is that there is a a see in there is that there is a a relationship with Jesus that offers relationship with Jesus that offers relationship with Jesus that offers salvation. salvation. salvation. And then thirdly, what you see here is And then thirdly, what you see here is And then thirdly, what you see here is the heart of God is not to condemn. the heart of God is not to condemn. the heart of God is not to condemn. It is to set free. It is to set free. It is to set free. And this was a this is a hard lesson I And this was a this is a hard lesson I And this was a this is a hard lesson I had to learn over a long period of time. had to learn over a long period of time. had to learn over a long period of time. I learned early in my life that I needed I learned early in my life that I needed I learned early in my life that I needed to be fearful of God and don't screw up. to be fearful of God and don't screw up. to be fearful of God and don't screw up. He's watching. I'm like, that's that's He's watching. I'm like, that's that's He's watching. I'm like, that's that's the exact opposite of John 3:17. the exact opposite of John 3:17. the exact opposite of John 3:17. We are He already knows. And so what I We are He already knows. And so what I We are He already knows. And so what I what I like to say is Jesus did not come what I like to say is Jesus did not come what I like to say is Jesus did not come to catch you in your sin. He came to set to catch you in your sin. He came to set to catch you in your sin. He came to set you free from the sin that has already you free from the sin that has already you free from the sin that has already caught you. He is a rescuer. He is a caught you. He is a rescuer. He is a caught you. He is a rescuer. He is a redeemer. And so John 3:16 and 17 tell redeemer. And so John 3:16 and 17 tell redeemer. And so John 3:16 and 17 tell us that the good news of the gospel is us that the good news of the gospel is us that the good news of the gospel is that Jesus knows that we need saving. that Jesus knows that we need saving. that Jesus knows that we need saving. And he said, "I will love you in such a And he said, "I will love you in such a And he said, "I will love you in such a way that I will send my one and only son way that I will send my one and only son way that I will send my one and only son to offer and provide for you the to offer and provide for you the to offer and provide for you the salvation that you cannot get yourself."

salvation that you cannot get yourself." salvation that you cannot get yourself." The next verse is is Colossians 1:13 and The next verse is is Colossians 1:13 and The next verse is is Colossians 1:13 and 14. The Apostle Paul writes this. For he 14. The Apostle Paul writes this. For he 14. The Apostle Paul writes this. For he he God has rescued us from the kingdom he God has rescued us from the kingdom he God has rescued us from the kingdom of darkness and transferred us into the of darkness and transferred us into the of darkness and transferred us into the kingdom of his dear son who purchased kingdom of his dear son who purchased kingdom of his dear son who purchased our freedom and forgave our sins. I love our freedom and forgave our sins. I love our freedom and forgave our sins. I love this little verse right here because it this little verse right here because it this little verse right here because it just points out the obvious, guys. It's just points out the obvious, guys. It's just points out the obvious, guys. It's pretty obvious we live in a dark world. pretty obvious we live in a dark world. pretty obvious we live in a dark world. Like you don't have to be wise to Like you don't have to be wise to Like you don't have to be wise to recognize the darkness of the of the recognize the darkness of the of the recognize the darkness of the of the kingdom that that we are born into in kingdom that that we are born into in kingdom that that we are born into in this world. No one teaches when I when I this world. No one teaches when I when I this world. No one teaches when I when I had kids, I I realized no one taught my had kids, I I realized no one taught my had kids, I I realized no one taught my kids to lie. They just did it. kids to lie. They just did it. kids to lie. They just did it. No one taught them to be selfish. They No one taught them to be selfish. They No one taught them to be selfish. They just are. And you know what? It's not just are. And you know what? It's not just are. And you know what? It's not just my kids. It's literally all of us. just my kids. It's literally all of us. just my kids. It's literally all of us. No one taught you. We just wake up that No one taught you. We just wake up that No one taught you. We just wake up that way. We are born into the kingdom of way. We are born into the kingdom of way. We are born into the kingdom of darkness. darkness. darkness. And God said, "Not on my watch. I'm And God said, "Not on my watch. I'm And God said, "Not on my watch. I'm going to send my son and he's going to going to send my son and he's going to going to send my son and he's going to transfer you into his kingdom." That's transfer you into his kingdom." That's transfer you into his kingdom." That's what it means to be a Christian. It's what it means to be a Christian. It's what it means to be a Christian. It's not just a check off list of of weekly not just a check off list of of weekly not just a check off list of of weekly attendance at church. It is a attendance at church. It is a attendance at church. It is a transformational journey that he's transformational journey that he's transformational journey that he's saying, I'm going to transfer you from saying, I'm going to transfer you from saying, I'm going to transfer you from one kingdom into my kingdom. And there one kingdom into my kingdom. And there one kingdom into my kingdom. And there is a way. There's a pathway in my is a way. There's a pathway in my is a way. There's a pathway in my kingdom. There's a way that we walk with kingdom. There's a way that we walk with kingdom. There's a way that we walk with Jesus. And then lastly, we have Jesus. And then lastly, we have Jesus. And then lastly, we have uh Titus 3 verse 3-5. And I feel like uh Titus 3 verse 3-5. And I feel like uh Titus 3 verse 3-5. And I feel like this is like Paul, the Apostle Paul's this is like Paul, the Apostle Paul's this is like Paul, the Apostle Paul's John 3:16. Read it with me. He he says John 3:16. Read it with me. He he says John 3:16. Read it with me. He he says once we too were foolish and

once we too were foolish and once we too were foolish and disobedient. We were misled and became disobedient. We were misled and became disobedient. We were misled and became slaves to many lusts and pleasures. Our slaves to many lusts and pleasures. Our slaves to many lusts and pleasures. Our lives were full of evil and envy and we lives were full of evil and envy and we lives were full of evil and envy and we hated each other. But when God our hated each other. But when God our hated each other. But when God our savior revealed his kindness and love, savior revealed his kindness and love, savior revealed his kindness and love, he saved us. Not because of the he saved us. Not because of the he saved us. Not because of the righteous things we had done, but righteous things we had done, but righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy, he washed away our because of his mercy, he washed away our because of his mercy, he washed away our sins, giving us new birth and new life sins, giving us new birth and new life sins, giving us new birth and new life through the Holy Spirit. And so the cool through the Holy Spirit. And so the cool through the Holy Spirit. And so the cool thing about the kingdom of God is it is thing about the kingdom of God is it is thing about the kingdom of God is it is a kingdom that is characterized by a kingdom that is characterized by a kingdom that is characterized by freedom, forgiveness, mercy, kindness, freedom, forgiveness, mercy, kindness, freedom, forgiveness, mercy, kindness, and new life. That is what Jesus said in and new life. That is what Jesus said in and new life. That is what Jesus said in John 10:10. I have come to give you John 10:10. I have come to give you John 10:10. I have come to give you life, and I have come to give it in the life, and I have come to give it in the life, and I have come to give it in the full abundance of who he is. The kingdom full abundance of who he is. The kingdom full abundance of who he is. The kingdom of darkness is a kingdom of enslavement. of darkness is a kingdom of enslavement. of darkness is a kingdom of enslavement. That we're going to be at the starting That we're going to be at the starting That we're going to be at the starting line of our life, and we're going to line of our life, and we're going to line of our life, and we're going to determine what race we're going to run. determine what race we're going to run. determine what race we're going to run. and you're going to run a race and and you're going to run a race and and you're going to run a race and you're going to pursue it and at the end you're going to pursue it and at the end you're going to pursue it and at the end of the day you're going to get some of of the day you're going to get some of of the day you're going to get some of what you're wanting and you're going to what you're wanting and you're going to what you're wanting and you're going to realize, oh no, I'm running the wrong realize, oh no, I'm running the wrong realize, oh no, I'm running the wrong race.

race. race. Because the things that our hearts are Because the things that our hearts are Because the things that our hearts are so easily taken by that are so easily so easily taken by that are so easily so easily taken by that are so easily convinced, convinced, convinced, we get those things and we realize it we get those things and we realize it we get those things and we realize it didn't do for us what we thought it was didn't do for us what we thought it was didn't do for us what we thought it was going to do. going to do. going to do. This is what the enemy says or Jesus This is what the enemy says or Jesus This is what the enemy says or Jesus says about the enemy. He has come to says about the enemy. He has come to says about the enemy. He has come to steal, kill, and to destroy. That's what steal, kill, and to destroy. That's what steal, kill, and to destroy. That's what the enemy is doing. that he will use the enemy is doing. that he will use the enemy is doing. that he will use everything in this world, the pleasures, everything in this world, the pleasures, everything in this world, the pleasures, the the power, the influence, all that the the power, the influence, all that the the power, the influence, all that stuff to try and get you to run a race stuff to try and get you to run a race stuff to try and get you to run a race of your own making and it will lead us of your own making and it will lead us of your own making and it will lead us to a place of steal, kill, and destroy. to a place of steal, kill, and destroy. to a place of steal, kill, and destroy. Jesus says, "Come to me and I will give Jesus says, "Come to me and I will give Jesus says, "Come to me and I will give you life." And so Jesus is our pathway. you life." And so Jesus is our pathway. you life." And so Jesus is our pathway. And now and let's let's let's not con uh And now and let's let's let's not con uh And now and let's let's let's not con uh be be too um I don't know naive to think be be too um I don't know naive to think be be too um I don't know naive to think that our whole world every institution that our whole world every institution that our whole world every institution every political party every news every political party every news every political party every news organization every influencer every organization every influencer every organization every influencer every company is making disciples. They are company is making disciples. They are company is making disciples. They are they're in the business of making they're in the business of making they're in the business of making followers followers followers to their product to their ideas so that to their product to their ideas so that to their product to their ideas so that they can make money off of us that they they can make money off of us that they they can make money off of us that they can have control over us. Jesus uses his can have control over us. Jesus uses his can have control over us. Jesus uses his authority for our benefit.

authority for our benefit. authority for our benefit. That's the difference in the kingdoms. That's the difference in the kingdoms. That's the difference in the kingdoms. Jesus says, "I have come to give you Jesus says, "I have come to give you Jesus says, "I have come to give you life." The kingdom of this world says, life." The kingdom of this world says, life." The kingdom of this world says, "I have come to take your life and "I have come to take your life and "I have come to take your life and everything in it." everything in it." everything in it." And so this idea of disciplehip is not And so this idea of disciplehip is not And so this idea of disciplehip is not just a biblical idea. Our whole world just a biblical idea. Our whole world just a biblical idea. Our whole world functions on trying to make you a functions on trying to make you a functions on trying to make you a follower of something. The question then follower of something. The question then follower of something. The question then before us is what are you following? Who before us is what are you following? Who before us is what are you following? Who or whom are you a disciple of? or whom are you a disciple of? or whom are you a disciple of? Jesus offers an invitation. He is an Jesus offers an invitation. He is an Jesus offers an invitation. He is an invitational savior. Everything that he invitational savior. Everything that he invitational savior. Everything that he says is an invitation. It's constantly says is an invitation. It's constantly says is an invitation. It's constantly an invitation to himself. And so baptism an invitation to himself. And so baptism an invitation to himself. And so baptism is a beginning of a journey. It's like is a beginning of a journey. It's like is a beginning of a journey. It's like that cross country meet. All the that cross country meet. All the that cross country meet. All the students are lined up and they're just students are lined up and they're just students are lined up and they're just waiting and the gun goes off and the and waiting and the gun goes off and the and waiting and the gun goes off and the and the side by side takes off and the side by side takes off and the side by side takes off and everybody's following the side by side everybody's following the side by side everybody's following the side by side to to know where the race is going. And to to know where the race is going. And to to know where the race is going. And depending on your talent level or your depending on your talent level or your depending on your talent level or your training level, you might be in the training level, you might be in the training level, you might be in the front of the pack, middle, or the back. front of the pack, middle, or the back. front of the pack, middle, or the back. And as a Christian, you might be a brand And as a Christian, you might be a brand And as a Christian, you might be a brand new Christian. You might be a Christian new Christian. You might be a Christian new Christian. You might be a Christian your whole life. But during the race, your whole life. But during the race, your whole life. But during the race, we're going to do this. We're going to we're going to do this. We're going to we're going to do this. We're going to move in the front, then we're going to move in the front, then we're going to move in the front, then we're going to move them back. We're going to trip and move them back. We're going to trip and move them back. We're going to trip and fall. We got to get back up. We got to fall. We got to get back up. We got to fall. We got to get back up. We got to have people move along with us.

have people move along with us. have people move along with us. And so, let's look at the pathway that And so, let's look at the pathway that And so, let's look at the pathway that Jesus brought before us. And if you're Jesus brought before us. And if you're Jesus brought before us. And if you're not a Christian, if you're not a a not a Christian, if you're not a a not a Christian, if you're not a a disciple of Jesus, man, today is the day disciple of Jesus, man, today is the day disciple of Jesus, man, today is the day I would invite you to become a disciple I would invite you to become a disciple I would invite you to become a disciple of Jesus. That you would say, "I'm tired of Jesus. That you would say, "I'm tired of Jesus. That you would say, "I'm tired of doing this on my own. I want to do it of doing this on my own. I want to do it of doing this on my own. I want to do it Jesus's way." Jesus's way." Jesus's way." And I'm telling you right now, it is And I'm telling you right now, it is And I'm telling you right now, it is going to be the best and hardest thing going to be the best and hardest thing going to be the best and hardest thing of your life. of your life. of your life. And it's awesome. And it's awesome. And it's awesome. Jesus does not offer an easy way. He He Jesus does not offer an easy way. He He Jesus does not offer an easy way. He He offers the way that ends in life every offers the way that ends in life every offers the way that ends in life every single day, every single week, every single day, every single week, every single day, every single week, every single season. Psalm 1 says this, "If single season. Psalm 1 says this, "If single season. Psalm 1 says this, "If you if you if you plant yourself in him, you if you if you plant yourself in him, you if you if you plant yourself in him, you will bear fruit in every season, you will bear fruit in every season, you will bear fruit in every season, regardless of whether it's hard, easy, regardless of whether it's hard, easy, regardless of whether it's hard, easy, or indifferent." So, let's let's let's or indifferent." So, let's let's let's or indifferent." So, let's let's let's get to it. Um, Matthew 28. So, this is get to it. Um, Matthew 28. So, this is get to it. Um, Matthew 28. So, this is the end of of the Gospel of Matthew, the end of of the Gospel of Matthew, the end of of the Gospel of Matthew, literally the last paragraph. And Jesus literally the last paragraph. And Jesus literally the last paragraph. And Jesus has has been crucified. He's been risen. has has been crucified. He's been risen. has has been crucified. He's been risen. And he meets with his boys one last And he meets with his boys one last And he meets with his boys one last time. And this is what Jesus says in time. And this is what Jesus says in time. And this is what Jesus says in verse 18. It says, "Jesus came near and verse 18. It says, "Jesus came near and verse 18. It says, "Jesus came near and said to them." Well, hold on. Stop right said to them." Well, hold on. Stop right said to them." Well, hold on. Stop right there. Let's not skip over this idea.

there. Let's not skip over this idea. there. Let's not skip over this idea. Jesus came near. Jesus came near. Jesus came near. It reminds us that we don't serve a It reminds us that we don't serve a It reminds us that we don't serve a savior that is far off. savior that is far off. savior that is far off. The disciples were nervous. They're The disciples were nervous. They're The disciples were nervous. They're about to lose Jesus. He's about to go about to lose Jesus. He's about to go about to lose Jesus. He's about to go back with the father in heaven. And now back with the father in heaven. And now back with the father in heaven. And now he's entrusting them. They're scared. he's entrusting them. They're scared. he's entrusting them. They're scared. And what does he say? He leans in. He And what does he say? He leans in. He And what does he say? He leans in. He comes near and said to them this, "All comes near and said to them this, "All comes near and said to them this, "All authority has been given to me in heaven authority has been given to me in heaven authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make and on earth. Go therefore and make and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them disciples of all nations, baptizing them disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son in the name of the Father and of the Son in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you. observe everything I have commanded you. observe everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always to And remember, I am with you always to And remember, I am with you always to the end of the age. the end of the age. the end of the age. What an incredible We could do a whole What an incredible We could do a whole What an incredible We could do a whole series on this passage. series on this passage. series on this passage. I want to look at verse 18. He says, I want to look at verse 18. He says, I want to look at verse 18. He says, "All authority has been given to me in "All authority has been given to me in "All authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth." Here's what Jesus heaven and on earth." Here's what Jesus heaven and on earth." Here's what Jesus is saying. I know I'm leaving you, but is saying. I know I'm leaving you, but is saying. I know I'm leaving you, but all authority, all power is mine, both all authority, all power is mine, both all authority, all power is mine, both in the spiritual realm and the physical.

in the spiritual realm and the physical. in the spiritual realm and the physical. So, you do not need to be afraid. You So, you do not need to be afraid. You So, you do not need to be afraid. You probably will be afraid. You don't need probably will be afraid. You don't need probably will be afraid. You don't need to be because how does he end this to be because how does he end this to be because how does he end this passage? I will be with you always. So passage? I will be with you always. So passage? I will be with you always. So the God of the universe has given us his the God of the universe has given us his the God of the universe has given us his son who he has given all authority in son who he has given all authority in son who he has given all authority in heaven and on earth to you as a heaven and on earth to you as a heaven and on earth to you as a Christian because you have the holy Christian because you have the holy Christian because you have the holy spirit within you. And so why we are spirit within you. And so why we are spirit within you. And so why we are afraid I will never know. But I'm a afraid I will never know. But I'm a afraid I will never know. But I'm a fearful person. fearful person. fearful person. And this is why he says go therefore not And this is why he says go therefore not And this is why he says go therefore not because go and do your best. You're on because go and do your best. You're on because go and do your best. You're on your own. your own. your own. When you study the scriptures, when it When you study the scriptures, when it When you study the scriptures, when it says therefore, you have to stop and says therefore, you have to stop and says therefore, you have to stop and ask, "What is the therefore?" Therefore, ask, "What is the therefore?" Therefore, ask, "What is the therefore?" Therefore, and the therefore says, "Go therefore and the therefore says, "Go therefore and the therefore says, "Go therefore and make disciples because all authority and make disciples because all authority and make disciples because all authority on heaven and earth has been given to on heaven and earth has been given to on heaven and earth has been given to me." So, you don't need to be afraid. me." So, you don't need to be afraid. me." So, you don't need to be afraid. So, therefore, go. And that word go just So, therefore, go. And that word go just So, therefore, go. And that word go just means as you go, as you live your life, means as you go, as you live your life, means as you go, as you live your life, make disciples. This isn't for an elite make disciples. This isn't for an elite make disciples. This isn't for an elite special seal team six versus Christian. special seal team six versus Christian. special seal team six versus Christian. This is everybody. If you are a follower This is everybody. If you are a follower This is everybody. If you are a follower of Jesus, like like look at who the of Jesus, like like look at who the of Jesus, like like look at who the disciples were.

disciples were. disciples were. He didn't pick the best of the best, the He didn't pick the best of the best, the He didn't pick the best of the best, the brightest of the brightest, the most brightest of the brightest, the most brightest of the brightest, the most powerful of the powerful. He picked powerful of the powerful. He picked powerful of the powerful. He picked ordinary people. And he said, "My power ordinary people. And he said, "My power ordinary people. And he said, "My power is now your power because you have the is now your power because you have the is now your power because you have the Holy Spirit. Now go. Go as you go. Make Holy Spirit. Now go. Go as you go. Make Holy Spirit. Now go. Go as you go. Make disciples." He He says multiple things disciples." He He says multiple things disciples." He He says multiple things here. He says, "Number one, baptizing, here. He says, "Number one, baptizing, here. He says, "Number one, baptizing, teaching, observing, and remembering." teaching, observing, and remembering." teaching, observing, and remembering." He says, "Make disciples and then He says, "Make disciples and then He says, "Make disciples and then baptize them. Teach them to observe baptize them. Teach them to observe baptize them. Teach them to observe everything and remember I am with you everything and remember I am with you everything and remember I am with you always." And so this is the always." And so this is the always." And so this is the transformation of the journey, right? If transformation of the journey, right? If transformation of the journey, right? If baptism is the beginning, baptism is a baptism is the beginning, baptism is a baptism is the beginning, baptism is a transformation of our identity. That I transformation of our identity. That I transformation of our identity. That I am no longer my own. I am his adopted am no longer my own. I am his adopted am no longer my own. I am his adopted child of God into his kingdom. I am an child of God into his kingdom. I am an child of God into his kingdom. I am an ambassador of Christ and a citizen of ambassador of Christ and a citizen of ambassador of Christ and a citizen of heaven. Our identity is transformed. So heaven. Our identity is transformed. So heaven. Our identity is transformed. So now the journey from the baptism to the now the journey from the baptism to the now the journey from the baptism to the end of our days where we meet Jesus is a end of our days where we meet Jesus is a end of our days where we meet Jesus is a transformational process. It is not a transformational process. It is not a transformational process. It is not a checkbox. I'm good. No. God is always checkbox. I'm good. No. God is always checkbox. I'm good. No. God is always doing something. And baptism transforms doing something. And baptism transforms doing something. And baptism transforms our identity. That's the first step. And our identity. That's the first step. And our identity. That's the first step. And then he says, teach them everything I've then he says, teach them everything I've then he says, teach them everything I've commanded you. This is a transformation commanded you. This is a transformation commanded you. This is a transformation of our mind and our heart. And it of our mind and our heart. And it of our mind and our heart. And it changes how we function. So like when I changes how we function. So like when I changes how we function. So like when I was when I met my wife, well, she wasn't was when I met my wife, well, she wasn't was when I met my wife, well, she wasn't my wife then when I met her, but when I my wife then when I met her, but when I my wife then when I met her, but when I met her and we started to spend time met her and we started to spend time met her and we started to spend time together, I got to know her. And as I together, I got to know her. And as I together, I got to know her. And as I got to know her, my mind thought got to know her, my mind thought got to know her, my mind thought differently about her and my heart grew

differently about her and my heart grew differently about her and my heart grew because I was getting to know her and I because I was getting to know her and I because I was getting to know her and I loved her and I was like, I want to loved her and I was like, I want to loved her and I was like, I want to spend the rest of my life with her. And spend the rest of my life with her. And spend the rest of my life with her. And then I gave my life to her. And from then I gave my life to her. And from then I gave my life to her. And from that point forward, everything else in that point forward, everything else in that point forward, everything else in my life was no longer my own. my life was no longer my own. my life was no longer my own. And so when we spend time in God's word, And so when we spend time in God's word, And so when we spend time in God's word, when we spend time in prayer getting to when we spend time in prayer getting to when we spend time in prayer getting to know Jesus, it changes and transforms know Jesus, it changes and transforms know Jesus, it changes and transforms how we think and it changes and how we think and it changes and how we think and it changes and transforms how we love. And that means transforms how we love. And that means transforms how we love. And that means every area of our life gets transformed. every area of our life gets transformed. every area of our life gets transformed. Our relationships get transformed. How Our relationships get transformed. How Our relationships get transformed. How we handle our money gets transformed. we handle our money gets transformed. we handle our money gets transformed. How we handle our emotions gets How we handle our emotions gets How we handle our emotions gets transformed. How we handle relationships transformed. How we handle relationships transformed. How we handle relationships gets transformed because now it's not gets transformed because now it's not gets transformed because now it's not just me. It's it's Jesus in me. just me. It's it's Jesus in me. just me. It's it's Jesus in me. And so there's a transformational And so there's a transformational And so there's a transformational process. The next one he says observe process. The next one he says observe process. The next one he says observe everything I have commanded you. This is everything I have commanded you. This is everything I have commanded you. This is another way to say obey. And this is the another way to say obey. And this is the another way to say obey. And this is the transformation of our will. And I would transformation of our will. And I would transformation of our will. And I would argue that this is the hardest part of argue that this is the hardest part of argue that this is the hardest part of the Christian faith because I have a the Christian faith because I have a the Christian faith because I have a strong will. I have desires. I have strong will. I have desires. I have strong will. I have desires. I have wants. I have dreams and goals. I like wants. I have dreams and goals. I like wants. I have dreams and goals. I like all that stuff.

all that stuff. all that stuff. But he says teach them to observe But he says teach them to observe But he says teach them to observe everything I have commanded you. And so everything I have commanded you. And so everything I have commanded you. And so there's a transformation of our will. there's a transformation of our will. there's a transformation of our will. This is the surrendering of ourselves. This is the surrendering of ourselves. This is the surrendering of ourselves. And we see Jesus do what a wonderful And we see Jesus do what a wonderful And we see Jesus do what a wonderful savior we have in Jesus. savior we have in Jesus. savior we have in Jesus. In the garden of Gethsemane, In the garden of Gethsemane, In the garden of Gethsemane, Jesus Christ, the king of kings and the Jesus Christ, the king of kings and the Jesus Christ, the king of kings and the lord of lords prays and says, "Father, lord of lords prays and says, "Father, lord of lords prays and says, "Father, not my will be done, but yours." not my will be done, but yours." not my will be done, but yours." If we aren't starting every day with If we aren't starting every day with If we aren't starting every day with that prayer, what are we doing? that prayer, what are we doing? that prayer, what are we doing? >> Because every day I wake up, my will be >> Because every day I wake up, my will be >> Because every day I wake up, my will be done. Every day. done. Every day. done. Every day. every day. And so there's a every day. And so there's a every day. And so there's a transformational process as we walk and transformational process as we walk and transformational process as we walk and we follow Jesus. Not my will, Lord, but we follow Jesus. Not my will, Lord, but we follow Jesus. Not my will, Lord, but your will be done. This is the hard your will be done. This is the hard your will be done. This is the hard part. This is why this is why we need part. This is why this is why we need part. This is why this is why we need the Holy Spirit so badly. He is the the Holy Spirit so badly. He is the the Holy Spirit so badly. He is the engine that drives the car. If we're engine that drives the car. If we're engine that drives the car. If we're trying to muster up the will to make trying to muster up the will to make trying to muster up the will to make God's will my will, like, good luck. God's will my will, like, good luck. God's will my will, like, good luck. It's like driving a car with no It's like driving a car with no It's like driving a car with no transmission. transmission. transmission. This is where as the older I get and the This is where as the older I get and the This is where as the older I get and the more I know myself, this idea of praying more I know myself, this idea of praying more I know myself, this idea of praying continuously or without ceasing becomes continuously or without ceasing becomes continuously or without ceasing becomes like, oh yeah, that makes total sense.

like, oh yeah, that makes total sense. like, oh yeah, that makes total sense. I'm a mess. I wake up every day with my I'm a mess. I wake up every day with my I'm a mess. I wake up every day with my like it, man. God, I need you. I need like it, man. God, I need you. I need like it, man. God, I need you. I need you in this meeting. I need you at this you in this meeting. I need you at this you in this meeting. I need you at this lunch. I need you in the car today. I lunch. I need you in the car today. I lunch. I need you in the car today. I need you when I go home today. Would you need you when I go home today. Would you need you when I go home today. Would you transform my will so that I experience transform my will so that I experience transform my will so that I experience the life that you have in the full? the life that you have in the full? the life that you have in the full? And then the last one he says And then the last one he says And then the last one he says remembering remembering remembering what? Not what I taught you. He says what? Not what I taught you. He says what? Not what I taught you. He says remembering that I am with you always. remembering that I am with you always. remembering that I am with you always. I'm with you always, says Jesus. You I'm I'm with you always, says Jesus. You I'm I'm with you always, says Jesus. You I'm not leaving you as orphans. Not you're not leaving you as orphans. Not you're not leaving you as orphans. Not you're not spiritual orphans. He's like, I will not spiritual orphans. He's like, I will not spiritual orphans. He's like, I will be with you. So there therefore go. So be with you. So there therefore go. So be with you. So there therefore go. So he has authority all authority in heaven he has authority all authority in heaven he has authority all authority in heaven on earth. He will be with you always on earth. He will be with you always on earth. He will be with you always wherever you go. So therefore, go make wherever you go. So therefore, go make wherever you go. So therefore, go make disciples of all nations, teaching, disciples of all nations, teaching, disciples of all nations, teaching, baptizing, observing, and remembering. baptizing, observing, and remembering. baptizing, observing, and remembering. This is the pathway that Jesus lays out This is the pathway that Jesus lays out This is the pathway that Jesus lays out for his disciples. And this is the for his disciples. And this is the for his disciples. And this is the pathway that is laid out for us. And so pathway that is laid out for us. And so pathway that is laid out for us. And so let's let's quickly move there then to let's let's quickly move there then to let's let's quickly move there then to to Acts chapter 2 because this is this to Acts chapter 2 because this is this to Acts chapter 2 because this is this is the journey, the invitation to the is the journey, the invitation to the is the journey, the invitation to the journey. In Acts chapter 2, we actually journey. In Acts chapter 2, we actually journey. In Acts chapter 2, we actually see it lived out by the first disciples.

see it lived out by the first disciples. see it lived out by the first disciples. Let's read in verse 42. It says they the Let's read in verse 42. It says they the Let's read in verse 42. It says they the disciples devoted themselves to the disciples devoted themselves to the disciples devoted themselves to the apostles teaching to fellowship to apostles teaching to fellowship to apostles teaching to fellowship to breaking of bread and to prayer. breaking of bread and to prayer. breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe and many Everyone was filled with awe and many Everyone was filled with awe and many wonders and signs were being performed wonders and signs were being performed wonders and signs were being performed through the apostles. Now all the through the apostles. Now all the through the apostles. Now all the believers were together and held all believers were together and held all believers were together and held all things in common. They sold their things in common. They sold their things in common. They sold their possessions and property and distributed possessions and property and distributed possessions and property and distributed the proceeds to all as they had need. the proceeds to all as they had need. the proceeds to all as they had need. Every day they devoted themselves to Every day they devoted themselves to Every day they devoted themselves to meeting together in the temple and broke meeting together in the temple and broke meeting together in the temple and broke bread from house to house. They ate bread from house to house. They ate bread from house to house. They ate their food with joyful and sincere their food with joyful and sincere their food with joyful and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the hearts, praising God and enjoying the hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. Every day the favor of all the people. Every day the favor of all the people. Every day the Lord added to their number those who Lord added to their number those who Lord added to their number those who were being saved. And so you have Jesus were being saved. And so you have Jesus were being saved. And so you have Jesus say, "Hey gentlemen, this is the say, "Hey gentlemen, this is the say, "Hey gentlemen, this is the pathway. I want you to do this. I'm pathway. I want you to do this. I'm pathway. I want you to do this. I'm leaving, but here's now your leaving, but here's now your leaving, but here's now your commissioning." commissioning." commissioning." And when we see in Acts, Jesus has left And when we see in Acts, Jesus has left And when we see in Acts, Jesus has left and now they're on their own. And what and now they're on their own. And what and now they're on their own. And what do they do? do they do? do they do? They do exactly what Jesus told them to They do exactly what Jesus told them to They do exactly what Jesus told them to do. They ran the course. They followed do. They ran the course. They followed do. They ran the course. They followed the spray painted lines the spray painted lines the spray painted lines and they said, "Oh, we're going to and they said, "Oh, we're going to and they said, "Oh, we're going to devote ourselves to what it says. They devote ourselves to what it says. They devote ourselves to what it says. They devoted themselves to the apostles devoted themselves to the apostles devoted themselves to the apostles teaching."

teaching." teaching." All right? And so they devoted All right? And so they devoted All right? And so they devoted themselves to knowing Jesus. Like I themselves to knowing Jesus. Like I themselves to knowing Jesus. Like I think about this I what this might have think about this I what this might have think about this I what this might have looked like. Like I remember at our looked like. Like I remember at our looked like. Like I remember at our family meals like my kids are old enough family meals like my kids are old enough family meals like my kids are old enough to like roast me and me and me me and my to like roast me and me and me me and my to like roast me and me and me me and my wife. like they make fun of us a lot wife. like they make fun of us a lot wife. like they make fun of us a lot and like I get it. This is what kids do, and like I get it. This is what kids do, and like I get it. This is what kids do, right? And it's actually endearing. right? And it's actually endearing. right? And it's actually endearing. You're like, you know me. We've done You're like, you know me. We've done You're like, you know me. We've done stuff together. And I just wonder if the stuff together. And I just wonder if the stuff together. And I just wonder if the apostles were doing the same thing like, apostles were doing the same thing like, apostles were doing the same thing like, hey, do you guys remember when Jesus did hey, do you guys remember when Jesus did hey, do you guys remember when Jesus did this? What did he say, Peter, when you this? What did he say, Peter, when you this? What did he say, Peter, when you were walking on the water? were walking on the water? were walking on the water? What did he say? What did he say? What did he say? Hey, do you remember when Jesus went to Hey, do you remember when Jesus went to Hey, do you remember when Jesus went to this town and said this? Like to me, it this town and said this? Like to me, it this town and said this? Like to me, it was like this family meeting of like, was like this family meeting of like, was like this family meeting of like, let's remember what Jesus said. And so let's remember what Jesus said. And so let's remember what Jesus said. And so they devoted themselves to each other's they devoted themselves to each other's they devoted themselves to each other's teachings, what they remembered, what teachings, what they remembered, what teachings, what they remembered, what they knew, and they continually pointed they knew, and they continually pointed they knew, and they continually pointed themselves to Jesus. And then it says, themselves to Jesus. And then it says, themselves to Jesus. And then it says, "And they were devoted to fellowship, to "And they were devoted to fellowship, to "And they were devoted to fellowship, to one another." It wasn't an individual one another." It wasn't an individual one another." It wasn't an individual thing. It was that we're doing this thing. It was that we're doing this thing. It was that we're doing this together. And this is where that cross together. And this is where that cross together. And this is where that cross country example goes back into my head.

country example goes back into my head. country example goes back into my head. Like on a cross country team, it's all Like on a cross country team, it's all Like on a cross country team, it's all individuals, individuals, individuals, but they're all individuals running the but they're all individuals running the but they're all individuals running the same race cheering each other on. same race cheering each other on. same race cheering each other on. Because one of the coolest things, I get Because one of the coolest things, I get Because one of the coolest things, I get chills every time I watch it. Every chills every time I watch it. Every chills every time I watch it. Every Saturday morning when there's a meet, Saturday morning when there's a meet, Saturday morning when there's a meet, the last 200 yards of a cross country the last 200 yards of a cross country the last 200 yards of a cross country meet are my favorite because everyone's meet are my favorite because everyone's meet are my favorite because everyone's exhausted and there's always a couple exhausted and there's always a couple exhausted and there's always a couple athletes that are like they're they're athletes that are like they're they're athletes that are like they're they're doing this. doing this. doing this. like they're barely moving their feet, like they're barely moving their feet, like they're barely moving their feet, but as soon as they like turn a corner but as soon as they like turn a corner but as soon as they like turn a corner and they see like two to 300 yards of and they see like two to 300 yards of and they see like two to 300 yards of parents and grandparents and and parents and grandparents and and parents and grandparents and and teammates cheering everybody on, they teammates cheering everybody on, they teammates cheering everybody on, they kick it into a gear where they I mean kick it into a gear where they I mean kick it into a gear where they I mean they are flying and I'm watching like, they are flying and I'm watching like, they are flying and I'm watching like, "Dude, you left something in the tank. "Dude, you left something in the tank. "Dude, you left something in the tank. You should you should have been pacing You should you should have been pacing You should you should have been pacing yourself out a little bit better because yourself out a little bit better because yourself out a little bit better because they are flying." Why? Because all of a they are flying." Why? Because all of a they are flying." Why? Because all of a sudden they realize they're not alone sudden they realize they're not alone sudden they realize they're not alone and they've got people there cheering and they've got people there cheering and they've got people there cheering them on. You can do it. Come on. them on. You can do it. Come on. them on. You can do it. Come on. And that's the Christian faith. We need And that's the Christian faith. We need And that's the Christian faith. We need to be devoted to one another because to be devoted to one another because to be devoted to one another because there's seasons of life where we need there's seasons of life where we need there's seasons of life where we need someone else to run alongside us. We someone else to run alongside us. We someone else to run alongside us. We need someone to yell from the sidelines, need someone to yell from the sidelines, need someone to yell from the sidelines, "You can do it. Keep your eyes on Jesus.

"You can do it. Keep your eyes on Jesus. "You can do it. Keep your eyes on Jesus. Let's go." Let's go." Let's go." It's the most positive sport I've ever It's the most positive sport I've ever It's the most positive sport I've ever been around. In cross country, you don't been around. In cross country, you don't been around. In cross country, you don't cheer against anybody cheer against anybody cheer against anybody because everyone's just trying to beat because everyone's just trying to beat because everyone's just trying to beat their own time. Like I found myself as their own time. Like I found myself as their own time. Like I found myself as my kids started running, cheering on my kids started running, cheering on my kids started running, cheering on kids that I do not know kids that I do not know kids that I do not know and cheering for schools that are not my and cheering for schools that are not my and cheering for schools that are not my kids' school because I saw them running kids' school because I saw them running kids' school because I saw them running and doing something so difficult that and doing something so difficult that and doing something so difficult that all I they just need somebody to say, all I they just need somebody to say, all I they just need somebody to say, "Keep going. Keep going." "Keep going. Keep going." "Keep going. Keep going." And this is what the body of Christ And this is what the body of Christ And this is what the body of Christ does. This is what we do for one another does. This is what we do for one another does. This is what we do for one another is we we run this race. And so we're is we we run this race. And so we're is we we run this race. And so we're devoted to knowing Jesus. We're devoted devoted to knowing Jesus. We're devoted devoted to knowing Jesus. We're devoted to knowing one another. They're devoted to knowing one another. They're devoted to knowing one another. They're devoted to obeying and observing what Jesus to obeying and observing what Jesus to obeying and observing what Jesus said. What does it say? They were they said. What does it say? They were they said. What does it say? They were they were taking communion. And Jesus said, were taking communion. And Jesus said, were taking communion. And Jesus said, "As often as you get together, do this." "As often as you get together, do this." "As often as you get together, do this." And so they did. And so they did. And so they did. And then they were devoted to prayer. And then they were devoted to prayer. And then they were devoted to prayer. Why? Because they saw Jesus pray often. Why? Because they saw Jesus pray often. Why? Because they saw Jesus pray often. He got away on by himself to pray. And He got away on by himself to pray. And He got away on by himself to pray. And so what you see the disciples doing is so what you see the disciples doing is so what you see the disciples doing is they're running the race that Christ has they're running the race that Christ has they're running the race that Christ has laid out for them. It started with laid out for them. It started with laid out for them. It started with baptism and then they were being formed baptism and then they were being formed baptism and then they were being formed by Jesus as they went with Jesus.

by Jesus as they went with Jesus. by Jesus as they went with Jesus. The most convicting thing to me as I The most convicting thing to me as I The most convicting thing to me as I think about this idea is who am I being think about this idea is who am I being think about this idea is who am I being formed by? formed by? formed by? What outside voices am I listening to? What outside voices am I listening to? What outside voices am I listening to? Am I watching? Am I scrolling through? Am I watching? Am I scrolling through? Am I watching? Am I scrolling through? Like go go go look at your algorithm. Like go go go look at your algorithm. Like go go go look at your algorithm. It'll tell you who's discipling you It'll tell you who's discipling you It'll tell you who's discipling you because they're in the business of because they're in the business of because they're in the business of disciplehip. disciplehip. disciplehip. If we're not in God's word regularly, If we're not in God's word regularly, If we're not in God's word regularly, that probably means we're not being that probably means we're not being that probably means we're not being discipled by Jesus. discipled by Jesus. discipled by Jesus. And so it's a both a communal thing but And so it's a both a communal thing but And so it's a both a communal thing but also an individual thing. And then in also an individual thing. And then in also an individual thing. And then in verse 43-47, verse 43-47, verse 43-47, we just start reading like, oh man, we just start reading like, oh man, we just start reading like, oh man, they're filled with awe. They're they're filled with awe. They're they're filled with awe. They're together, everything in common. They're together, everything in common. They're together, everything in common. They're selling possessions, meeting one selling possessions, meeting one selling possessions, meeting one another's needs. They're breaking bread another's needs. They're breaking bread another's needs. They're breaking bread every day together. They're joining in every day together. They're joining in every day together. They're joining in the temple. They're enjoying uh food the temple. They're enjoying uh food the temple. They're enjoying uh food with joyful and sincere hearts. Like with joyful and sincere hearts. Like with joyful and sincere hearts. Like they're just enjoying the fruit of they're just enjoying the fruit of they're just enjoying the fruit of Christian fellowship. They're enjoying Christian fellowship. They're enjoying Christian fellowship. They're enjoying the jog. the jog. the jog. They're just enjoying the fruit of the They're just enjoying the fruit of the They're just enjoying the fruit of the journey with Jesus. That's what they're journey with Jesus. That's what they're journey with Jesus. That's what they're doing. And the result of that, the when doing. And the result of that, the when doing. And the result of that, the when we do these things, when we actually we do these things, when we actually we do these things, when we actually follow Jesus, our lives, our church will follow Jesus, our lives, our church will follow Jesus, our lives, our church will look so different than the world, look so different than the world, look so different than the world, they'll see a kingdom of Jesus instead they'll see a kingdom of Jesus instead they'll see a kingdom of Jesus instead of the kingdom of darkness. And they of the kingdom of darkness. And they of the kingdom of darkness. And they will be so attracted to it that what will be so attracted to it that what will be so attracted to it that what does it say at the very end?

does it say at the very end? does it say at the very end? Many were added to their number daily. Many were added to their number daily. Many were added to their number daily. Meaning when we are walking out and Meaning when we are walking out and Meaning when we are walking out and living out the pathway of disciplehip, living out the pathway of disciplehip, living out the pathway of disciplehip, God is going to use your life in ways God is going to use your life in ways God is going to use your life in ways that you cannot imagine because people that you cannot imagine because people that you cannot imagine because people will see and they will hear you talk will see and they will hear you talk will see and they will hear you talk about King Jesus about King Jesus about King Jesus with joy and they'll see you hanging out with joy and they'll see you hanging out with joy and they'll see you hanging out with your Christian friends and your with your Christian friends and your with your Christian friends and your small group or your neighbor, whatever, small group or your neighbor, whatever, small group or your neighbor, whatever, and they'll be like, "What do you got and they'll be like, "What do you got and they'll be like, "What do you got that I don't?" And the Holy Spirit will that I don't?" And the Holy Spirit will that I don't?" And the Holy Spirit will work in ways that we cannot manufacture. work in ways that we cannot manufacture. work in ways that we cannot manufacture. And so Jesus is inviting us not to a And so Jesus is inviting us not to a And so Jesus is inviting us not to a list of rules and regulations. He's list of rules and regulations. He's list of rules and regulations. He's inviting us into a relationship with him inviting us into a relationship with him inviting us into a relationship with him that we might start the race in that tub that we might start the race in that tub that we might start the race in that tub right there saying, "I declare that I am right there saying, "I declare that I am right there saying, "I declare that I am submitting my life to Jesus. I'm going submitting my life to Jesus. I'm going submitting my life to Jesus. I'm going to follow him with everything in my to follow him with everything in my to follow him with everything in my life." And then we lock arms and we run life." And then we lock arms and we run life." And then we lock arms and we run the race. the race. the race. And we run it together. There's moments And we run it together. There's moments And we run it together. There's moments where we're going to run it by where we're going to run it by where we're going to run it by ourselves. There's going to be moments ourselves. There's going to be moments ourselves. There's going to be moments where we get together like this every where we get together like this every where we get together like this every week and we're going to worship and run week and we're going to worship and run week and we're going to worship and run the race together as we as we sing, as the race together as we as we sing, as the race together as we as we sing, as we get in God's word, as we pray we get in God's word, as we pray we get in God's word, as we pray together.

together. together. This is the disciplehip pathway that This is the disciplehip pathway that This is the disciplehip pathway that Jesus has laid out for us. We see Jesus Jesus has laid out for us. We see Jesus Jesus has laid out for us. We see Jesus do it. We see the disciples do it. And do it. We see the disciples do it. And do it. We see the disciples do it. And so, why would we not do this? And so, so, why would we not do this? And so, so, why would we not do this? And so, for the next several weeks, we're going for the next several weeks, we're going for the next several weeks, we're going to walk through this one by one, right? to walk through this one by one, right? to walk through this one by one, right? We're going to we're going to we're We're going to we're going to we're We're going to we're going to we're going to talk about the three pillars of going to talk about the three pillars of going to talk about the three pillars of this disciplehip pathway of weekly this disciplehip pathway of weekly this disciplehip pathway of weekly worship of getting together in groups worship of getting together in groups worship of getting together in groups where you are known and pe and you know where you are known and pe and you know where you are known and pe and you know people where we can cheer each other on, people where we can cheer each other on, people where we can cheer each other on, sharpen one another, encourage one sharpen one another, encourage one sharpen one another, encourage one another, pray for one another. And then another, pray for one another. And then another, pray for one another. And then there's that third pillar of just your there's that third pillar of just your there's that third pillar of just your personal relationship with Jesus. personal relationship with Jesus. personal relationship with Jesus. getting away in prayer, reading his getting away in prayer, reading his getting away in prayer, reading his scriptures, taking our resources and scriptures, taking our resources and scriptures, taking our resources and blessings that he's given us and blessings that he's given us and blessings that he's given us and bringing them towards God's kingdom, not bringing them towards God's kingdom, not bringing them towards God's kingdom, not just my kingdom. And so, this is where just my kingdom. And so, this is where just my kingdom. And so, this is where we're going for the next three weeks. I we're going for the next three weeks. I we're going for the next three weeks. I hope that you prioritize being here. hope that you prioritize being here. hope that you prioritize being here. This is going to be a fun series as we This is going to be a fun series as we This is going to be a fun series as we start to look at what does it look like start to look at what does it look like start to look at what does it look like for crossings to run the race with for crossings to run the race with for crossings to run the race with Jesus. Jesus. Jesus. not just on our own, not determining not just on our own, not determining not just on our own, not determining what our finish line is, but saying, what our finish line is, but saying, what our finish line is, but saying, "Let's be unified in our mission and "Let's be unified in our mission and "Let's be unified in our mission and calling to follow Jesus. Not just find calling to follow Jesus. Not just find calling to follow Jesus. Not just find him, but follow him." And I look forward him, but follow him." And I look forward him, but follow him." And I look forward to watching what God's going to do in to watching what God's going to do in to watching what God's going to do in our city as he adds to our numbers every our city as he adds to our numbers every our city as he adds to our numbers every day, those who are being saved.

day, those who are being saved. day, those who are being saved. So, here's what we're going to do. We're So, here's what we're going to do. We're So, here's what we're going to do. We're going to get into baptism. clear. If you going to get into baptism. clear. If you going to get into baptism. clear. If you have never been baptized and you want to have never been baptized and you want to have never been baptized and you want to be baptized, we are ready for you. We've be baptized, we are ready for you. We've be baptized, we are ready for you. We've got shorts, we've got shirts, we got got shorts, we've got shirts, we got got shorts, we've got shirts, we got underwear, we got bras, we got towels, underwear, we got bras, we got towels, underwear, we got bras, we got towels, we got everything you need. All right, we got everything you need. All right, we got everything you need. All right, you can go home with wet hair. You're you can go home with wet hair. You're you can go home with wet hair. You're good. If you are already signed up to good. If you are already signed up to good. If you are already signed up to bapt be baptized, go ahead and get up bapt be baptized, go ahead and get up bapt be baptized, go ahead and get up and head back to the blue light. If you and head back to the blue light. If you and head back to the blue light. If you want to be baptized, we would offer that want to be baptized, we would offer that want to be baptized, we would offer that for you. Head back to the blue light. for you. Head back to the blue light. for you. Head back to the blue light. Our our team will will meet you back Our our team will will meet you back Our our team will will meet you back there. And what your job is, church, is there. And what your job is, church, is there. And what your job is, church, is now we get to be now we get to be now we get to be those people on the side those people on the side those people on the side who are cheering on the runners as they who are cheering on the runners as they who are cheering on the runners as they start their race. And a lot of the start their race. And a lot of the start their race. And a lot of the people being baptized are young people. people being baptized are young people. people being baptized are young people. And they're going to need you as a And they're going to need you as a And they're going to need you as a church, as adults, to jump in and church, as adults, to jump in and church, as adults, to jump in and encourage them along the way. This is encourage them along the way. This is encourage them along the way. This is what we do as a as a church body. We what we do as a as a church body. We what we do as a as a church body. We cheer them on. So, let's celebrate and cheer them on. So, let's celebrate and cheer them on. So, let's celebrate and worship what God is doing in our church, worship what God is doing in our church, worship what God is doing in our church, in the lives of these people. And if you in the lives of these people. And if you in the lives of these people. And if you want to get baptized today, head on back want to get baptized today, head on back want to get baptized today, head on back to the blue light. We would love to do to the blue light. We would love to do to the blue light. We would love to do it. All right, let's worship.

Come on, church. Let's celebrate. Let's Come on, church. Let's celebrate. Let's worship today. worship today. worship today. Celebrate what God has done. Amen. What Celebrate what God has done. Amen. What Celebrate what God has done. Amen. What a beautiful day. Let's sing this together. Let's sing this together. He shames every idol. He goes by the name of He goes by the name of Jehovah. Jehovah. Jehovah. Jehovah. Jehovah. Jehovah. He's facing to nothing He goes by the name of He goes by the name of Jehovah. Jehovah. Jehovah. Jehovah. Jehovah. Jehovah. Call the name. Call the name. Call the name. Call the name. Call the name. Call the name. Call the name. Call the name. Call the name. Call the name. Jehovah.

Call the name. Jehovah. Call the name. Jehovah. All our praise, All our praise, All our praise, all our praise, all our praise, all our praise, all our praise belongs to him. I think they're coming. I think they I think they're coming. I think they should be coming here pretty soon. We're should be coming here pretty soon. We're should be coming here pretty soon. We're going to celebrate when they do. Here we going to celebrate when they do. Here we going to celebrate when they do. Here we go. His go. His go. His foes will be silent. Hey, there's no other God like Hey, there's no other God like Jehovah. Jehovah. Jehovah. Jehovah. Jehovah. Jehovah. Oh, his arm never tire. There's no other God like There's no other God like Jehovah.

Jehovah. Jehovah. Jehovah call the name. call the name. Call the name. Call the name. Call the name. Call the name Jehovah. Call the name Jehovah. Call the name Jehovah. All our praise. All our praise. All our praise. All our praise. All our praise. All our praise. All our praise belongs to him. All our praise belongs to him. All our praise belongs to him. Call the name. Call the name. Call the name. Call the name. Call the name. Call the name. Call the name. Jehovah. Call the name. Jehovah. Call the name. Jehovah. All our praise. All our praise. All our praise. All our praise. All our praise. All our praise. All our praise belongs to him. We sing the different names of God. We We sing the different names of God. We sing Jehovah.

sing Jehovah. sing Jehovah. Jehovah ni fight your battle. Jehovah ni fight your battle. Jehovah ni fight your battle. Jehovah draw meet your need. Jehovah draw meet your need. Jehovah draw meet your need. Jehovah Rafa heal your body. Jehovah Rafa heal your body. Jehovah Rafa heal your body. Jehovah shall be your peace. Jehovah shall be your peace. Jehovah shall be your peace. Jehovah nifies your battle. Jehovah nifies your battle. Jehovah nifies your battle. Jehovah shall meet your need. Jehovah shall meet your need. Jehovah shall meet your need. Jehovah I hear your mind. Jehovah I hear your mind. Jehovah I hear your mind. Jehovah shall be your peace. Come on Jehovah shall be your peace. Come on Jehovah shall be your peace. Come on church you sing. church you sing. church you sing. Jehovah receive fight your battle. Jehovah receive fight your battle. Jehovah receive fight your battle. Jehovah is your Jehovah. I hear your body. Jehovah. I hear your body. Jehovah shares calling name calling name calling name calling name calling name calling and Jehovah.

calling and Jehovah. calling and Jehovah. All our praise, All our praise, All our praise, all our praise, all our praise, all our praise, all our praise all our praise all our praise to him. to him. to him. Calling name Calling name Calling name calling name Jehovah. name Jehovah. All our praise. All our praise. All our praise. All our praise. All our praise. All our praise. All our praise belongs to him. Jehovah n All our praise belongs to him. Jehovah n All our praise belongs to him. Jehovah n your battle your battle your battle Jehovah is your peace. Jehovah Jehovah your Jehovah shall be your peace. Jehovah shall be your peace. Heat. Heat. We're going to keep singing. Who's

We're going to keep singing. Who's excited about what God's doing in this excited about what God's doing in this excited about what God's doing in this space today? He's so good. >> I've been washed in the water, washed in >> I've been washed in the water, washed in the blood. as good as you. Oh, the blood. as good as you. Oh, the blood. as good as you. Oh, hallelujah. I'm washed in the water, hallelujah. I'm washed in the water, hallelujah. I'm washed in the water, washed in the blood of the washed in the blood of the washed in the blood of the Oh, hallelujah. Sin was stained on me. Sin was stained on me. Your shame was running deep. Your shame was running deep. Your shame was running deep. But love was filled on Calvary. But love was filled on Calvary. But love was filled on Calvary. Oh hallelujah. Oh hallelujah. Oh hallelujah. And God, how can he be? And God, how can he be? And God, how can he be? I'm ransomed and redeemed. I'm ransomed and redeemed. I'm ransomed and redeemed. Standing in your victory. Standing in your victory. Standing in your victory. Oh hallelujah. Washed in the water. Oh hallelujah. Washed in the water. Oh hallelujah. Washed in the water. Washed in the blood. Good as you. Oh Washed in the blood. Good as you. Oh Washed in the blood. Good as you. Oh hallelujah. Washed in the water. Washed hallelujah. Washed in the water. Washed hallelujah. Washed in the water. Washed in the blood. All because of you. Oh in the blood. All because of you. Oh in the blood. All because of you. Oh hallelujah.

I'm clean. It's not what I have done, I'm clean. It's not what I have done, but what you've done for me. but what you've done for me. but what you've done for me. You paid it all up on that tree. Oh, You paid it all up on that tree. Oh, You paid it all up on that tree. Oh, hallelujah. I'm clean. Your love has hallelujah. I'm clean. Your love has hallelujah. I'm clean. Your love has overcome. overcome. overcome. Your mercy is supreme. Your mercy is supreme. Your mercy is supreme. I'm dancing in your victory. I'm dancing in your victory. I'm dancing in your victory. Oh hallelujah. I'll be washed in the Oh hallelujah. I'll be washed in the Oh hallelujah. I'll be washed in the water. Washing in the blood. water. Washing in the blood. water. Washing in the blood. Oh hallelujah. I'll be washed in the Oh hallelujah. I'll be washed in the Oh hallelujah. I'll be washed in the water. Wash in the blood. water. Wash in the blood. water. Wash in the blood. Oh hallelujah. Oh hallelujah. Oh hallelujah. one one one of his. of his. of his. Oh, hallelujah.

Cuz you took away my shame Cuz you took away my shame and you nailed me to the cross. and you nailed me to the cross. and you nailed me to the cross. You got me running out of pain. You got me running out of pain. You got me running out of pain. Hallelujah. Here I come. This is what Hallelujah. Here I come. This is what Hallelujah. Here I come. This is what Jesus did. Cuz you took away my shame. Jesus did. Cuz you took away my shame. Jesus did. Cuz you took away my shame. When you nailed to the cross, When you nailed to the cross, When you nailed to the cross, you got me running on the grave. you got me running on the grave. you got me running on the grave. Hallelujah. Here I come. Hallelujah. Here I come. Hallelujah. Here I come. Cuz you took away my sting Cuz you took away my sting Cuz you took away my sting to the cross. to the cross. to the cross. You got me running out. You got me running out. You got me running out. Hallelujah. Here I come Hallelujah. Here I come Hallelujah. Here I come cuz you took away my Hallelujah. Here I come. Hallelujah. Here I come. Hallelujah.

Holly, hallelujah. Holly, hallelujah. Hal, hal, hallelujah. Hal, hal, hallelujah. Hal, hal, hallelujah. Hal, holly, hallelujah, Hal, holly, hallelujah, Hal, holly, hallelujah, hallelu. hallelu. hallelu. All right, here we go. Sing. I've been All right, here we go. Sing. I've been All right, here we go. Sing. I've been washed in the water. Washed in the washed in the water. Washed in the washed in the water. Washed in the blood. I'm as good as new. Oh, blood. I'm as good as new. Oh, blood. I'm as good as new. Oh, hallelujah. I've been washed in the hallelujah. I've been washed in the hallelujah. I've been washed in the water. Washed in the blood. All because water. Washed in the blood. All because water. Washed in the blood. All because of you. Oh, hallelujah. I'll be washed of you. Oh, hallelujah. I'll be washed of you. Oh, hallelujah. I'll be washed in the water. Washed in the blood. in the water. Washed in the blood. in the water. Washed in the blood. Oh, hallelujah. I'll be in the water. The darkness we were waiting Without

The darkness we were waiting Without hope and without light, till from heaven hope and without light, till from heaven hope and without light, till from heaven you came running. There was mercy in you came running. There was mercy in you came running. There was mercy in your eyes. To fulfill the law and your eyes. To fulfill the law and your eyes. To fulfill the law and prophets to a virgin came the word. From prophets to a virgin came the word. From prophets to a virgin came the word. From a throne of endless glory to a cradle in a throne of endless glory to a cradle in a throne of endless glory to a cradle in the dirt. Praise the father. Praise the father. Praise the son. Praise the son. Praise the son. Praise the spirit. Praise the spirit. Praise the spirit. Three in one. Three in one. Three in one. God of glory, God of glory, God of glory, majesty. Praise forever Praise forever to the King to the King to the King of Kings to reveal the kingom coming and to to reveal the kingom coming and to reconcile the lost to redeem the whole reconcile the lost to redeem the whole reconcile the lost to redeem the whole creation. You did not despise the cross creation. You did not despise the cross creation. You did not despise the cross for even yourself. yourself to the other for even yourself. yourself to the other for even yourself. yourself to the other side knowing this was our salvation.

side knowing this was our salvation. side knowing this was our salvation. Jesus for our savior died. Praise the Praise the praise the sun. praise the sun. praise the sun. Praise the spirit. God of glory, God of glory, majesty, praise forever praise forever to the king, the king that you rose. that you rose. All of heaven held its breath till that All of heaven held its breath till that All of heaven held its breath till that stone was moved for good. For the lamb stone was moved for good. For the lamb stone was moved for good. For the lamb that conquered death and the dead rose that conquered death and the dead rose that conquered death and the dead rose from their tombs and the angels did from their tombs and the angels did from their tombs and the angels did enough.

enough. enough. For the souls of all who come to the For the souls of all who come to the For the souls of all who come to the father are restored. father are restored. father are restored. And the church of Christ was born. There shall not shall shall not shall by his blood in his name. is free and I by his blood in his name. is free and I by his blood in his name. is free and I am free for the love of Jesus Christ. >> Man, that was fun. Great job, church.

>> Man, that was fun. Great job, church. Way to celebrate a a new beginning in Way to celebrate a a new beginning in Way to celebrate a a new beginning in the life of of a believer and our the life of of a believer and our the life of of a believer and our brothers and sisters in Christ. So our brothers and sisters in Christ. So our brothers and sisters in Christ. So our call now is to keep going, call now is to keep going, call now is to keep going, >> to run in front of, run behind, cheer us >> to run in front of, run behind, cheer us >> to run in front of, run behind, cheer us to cheer them on as they go. And here's to cheer them on as they go. And here's to cheer them on as they go. And here's the thing. We raised our hands earlier. the thing. We raised our hands earlier. the thing. We raised our hands earlier. If you're a follower of Jesus, you're a If you're a follower of Jesus, you're a If you're a follower of Jesus, you're a part of this race. And so let's let's part of this race. And so let's let's part of this race. And so let's let's commit to being together, to follow commit to being together, to follow commit to being together, to follow Jesus, to love one another, to be in Jesus, to love one another, to be in Jesus, to love one another, to be in God's word in prayer, letting him guide God's word in prayer, letting him guide God's word in prayer, letting him guide us through this life. Now, if you're one us through this life. Now, if you're one us through this life. Now, if you're one of those folks that are kind of like me of those folks that are kind of like me of those folks that are kind of like me that maybe you don't want to do it in that maybe you don't want to do it in that maybe you don't want to do it in front of everybody here in this service, front of everybody here in this service, front of everybody here in this service, we will if you if you want to get we will if you if you want to get we will if you if you want to get baptized after the service, we would baptized after the service, we would baptized after the service, we would love to do that. And so, just head back love to do that. And so, just head back love to do that. And so, just head back to the blue light again, find one of our to the blue light again, find one of our to the blue light again, find one of our our team members, and we would love to our team members, and we would love to our team members, and we would love to baptize you after the service if if baptize you after the service if if baptize you after the service if if that's more your style. Okay, guys, let that's more your style. Okay, guys, let that's more your style. Okay, guys, let me pray for us as we leave today. God, me pray for us as we leave today. God, me pray for us as we leave today. God, thank you for bringing us here. Holy thank you for bringing us here. Holy thank you for bringing us here. Holy Spirit, thank you for the way that you Spirit, thank you for the way that you Spirit, thank you for the way that you are working in the lives of every single are working in the lives of every single are working in the lives of every single person at this location, across every person at this location, across every person at this location, across every crossings location. Every Christian crossings location. Every Christian crossings location. Every Christian across the globe, Lord, that is been across the globe, Lord, that is been across the globe, Lord, that is been immersed into your family. God, thank immersed into your family. God, thank immersed into your family. God, thank you that you have given us your son to you that you have given us your son to you that you have given us your son to forgive us, forgive us, forgive us, to redeem us, and welcome us into your to redeem us, and welcome us into your to redeem us, and welcome us into your kingdom.

kingdom. kingdom. Lord, I pray that as a church, Holy Lord, I pray that as a church, Holy Lord, I pray that as a church, Holy Spirit, would you do a work in us Spirit, would you do a work in us Spirit, would you do a work in us individually, collectively, and individually, collectively, and individually, collectively, and corporately that we would be a light in corporately that we would be a light in corporately that we would be a light in this city and in this state for one name this city and in this state for one name this city and in this state for one name only, not our name, not for crossings, only, not our name, not for crossings, only, not our name, not for crossings, but for Jesus. So Lord, would you but for Jesus. So Lord, would you but for Jesus. So Lord, would you strengthen us through your spirit? Would strengthen us through your spirit? Would strengthen us through your spirit? Would you give us eyes to see and ears to hear you give us eyes to see and ears to hear you give us eyes to see and ears to hear how we can advance your kingdom wherever how we can advance your kingdom wherever how we can advance your kingdom wherever we go, wherever we find ourselves? We we go, wherever we find ourselves? We we go, wherever we find ourselves? We pray these things in your name. Amen. pray these things in your name. Amen. pray these things in your name. Amen. crossings. Our prayer teams will be down crossings. Our prayer teams will be down crossings. Our prayer teams will be down front. Have a great week of worship. If front. Have a great week of worship. If front. Have a great week of worship. If you want to get baptized, head on back you want to get baptized, head on back you want to get baptized, head on back to the blue light. We we'll we'll get it to the blue light. We we'll we'll get it to the blue light. We we'll we'll get it done.

Let's sing holy, Let's sing holy, holy, holy, holy, hol. Come on, let's sing it together. hol. Come on, let's sing it together. hol. Come on, let's sing it together. Sing Sing Sing God. Yeah. Worthy Yeah. Worthy in the morning. in the morning. in the morning. Our song shall rise to thee. Our song shall rise to thee. Our song shall rise to thee. Sing holy, Sing holy, Sing holy, holy, holy, holy, holy, merciful merciful and God God in preity. Let's sing it again.

Let's sing it again. Holy, Holy, Holy, holy, holy, holy, holy. >> though the eye of sinful >> though the eye of sinful men, thy glory men, thy glory men, thy glory may not. may not. may not. >> Oh, come on. Let's sing it right to the >> Oh, come on. Let's sing it right to the >> Oh, come on. Let's sing it right to the Lord, y'all. Lord, y'all. Lord, y'all. >> Holy >> Holy >> Holy thou art. There is none beside There is none beside me. me. me. >> Perfect >> Perfect >> Perfect in power cuz your name is the highest. Your name cuz your name is the highest. Your name is the greatest. Your name it stands is the greatest. Your name it stands is the greatest. Your name it stands above them all. Yeah. Above all thrones above them all. Yeah. Above all thrones above them all. Yeah. Above all thrones and do many all powers and position your and do many all powers and position your and do many all powers and position your name. It stands above them all. And the name. It stands above them all. And the name. It stands above them all. And the angels cry.

angels cry. angels cry. Holy. Holy. Holy. All creation cries. All creation cries. All creation cries. Holy Holy Holy God, you are lifted high, God, you are lifted high, God, you are lifted high, holy, holy, holy, we sing holy forever. That's holy, That's holy, holy, holy, holy, holy, >> Lord >> Lord God Almighty. >> All thy works shall praise thy name in >> All thy works shall praise thy name in earth and sky and sea. Holy sing, earth and sky and sea. Holy sing, earth and sky and sea. Holy sing, holy, holy, holy, holy holy holy yes, Lord. Yes, Lord. You're merciful yes, Lord. Yes, Lord. You're merciful yes, Lord. Yes, Lord. You're merciful and and and >> Come on. Let's sing it in faith, y'all.

>> Come on. Let's sing it in faith, y'all. >> Come on. Let's sing it in faith, y'all. Sing God Sing God Sing God in three. in three. in three. Come on, real loud. Let's sing. Sing Come on, real loud. Let's sing. Sing Come on, real loud. Let's sing. Sing bless. ing your name is the highest. God, your ing your name is the highest. God, your name is the greatest. Your name name is the greatest. Your name name is the greatest. Your name stands above the We believe stands above the We believe stands above the We believe all and position. God, your name and position. God, your name stands above. Come on. I want to hear stands above. Come on. I want to hear stands above. Come on. I want to hear y'all sing. Let's sing it out y'all. y'all sing. Let's sing it out y'all. y'all sing. Let's sing it out y'all. Say, see, your name is the highest. Your Say, see, your name is the highest. Your Say, see, your name is the highest. Your name is the greatest God. Your name it name is the greatest God. Your name it name is the greatest God. Your name it stands above them all. stands above them all. stands above them all. All in position got your name in position got your name stands above them all. And the angels stands above them all. And the angels stands above them all. And the angels cry.

cry. cry. Holy Holy Holy all creation God all creation God all creation God holy holy holy cuz you are lifted high Hear your people sing Hear your people sing holy holy holy to the king of to the king of to the king of we sing holy we sing holy we sing holy cuz you will always be cuz you will always be cuz you will always be holy. holy. holy. You're holy forever holy forever. holy forever. Yeah.

Yeah. Yeah. God, you will always be, God, you will always be, God, you will always be, holy, holy forever. holy forever. Come on, just lift up every voice. Let's Come on, just lift up every voice. Let's Come on, just lift up every voice. Let's sing it again. Holy, holy, holy. I want sing it again. Holy, holy, holy. I want sing it again. Holy, holy, holy. I want to hear y'all sing it out, church. Sing to hear y'all sing it out, church. Sing to hear y'all sing it out, church. Sing holy, holy, holy, holy, holy, holy, holy, holy, holy, you merciful you merciful you merciful and and and >> yeah blessed blessed trinity. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Amen.

So why would I wor at all? So why would I wor at all? You're faithful to You're faithful to You're faithful to Come on, sing. Come on, sing. Come on, sing. Everything I need, Everything I need, Everything I need, everything I need, my father has it. My everything I need, my father has it. My everything I need, my father has it. My father has it. Every single time the father has it. Every single time the father has it. Every single time the Lord will provide. Lord will provide. Lord will provide. My father has it. My father has it. My father has it. My father has it. My father has it. My father has it. Yes, it does. It's It's nothing. No fear of tomorrow No fear of tomorrow and what you will bring. If I have you, I have enough. Cuz your If I have you, I have enough. Cuz your love will s everything I need. Everything I need. My everything I need. Everything I need. My father has. My father has it. Every father has. My father has it. Every father has. My father has it. Every single time the Lord will roll my heart.

single time the Lord will roll my heart. single time the Lord will roll my heart. No. My father has it. My father has seen So seek first the kingom and treasure So seek first the kingom and treasure and everything else will be and everything else will be and everything else will be all that. I know the Lord will provide. Yes. I I know the Lord will provide. Yes. I know. know. know. And I know my God's not empty. And I know my God's not empty. And I know my God's not empty. She gives us blessings upon blessings She gives us blessings upon blessings She gives us blessings upon blessings and I'm still believing. and I'm still believing. and I'm still believing. Oh, I know the Lord will provide. Seek Oh, I know the Lord will provide. Seek Oh, I know the Lord will provide. Seek first. first. first. Seeking first the kingom and its Seeking first the kingom and its Seeking first the kingom and its treasures and everything else I see will treasures and everything else I see will treasures and everything else I see will be hiding. All that I need. I know I be hiding. All that I need. I know I be hiding. All that I need. I know I know the Lord will provide.

I know my God's not empty. I know my God's not empty. He gives us blessing. I still believe. I still believe. Oh, I know the Lord will provide. Oh, Oh, I know the Lord will provide. Oh, Oh, I know the Lord will provide. Oh, everything. Everything. Yeah. everything. Everything. Yeah. everything. Everything. Yeah. Everything I need. Everything I need. My Everything I need. Everything I need. My Everything I need. Everything I need. My father has. My father has it. Every father has. My father has it. Every father has. My father has it. Every single time the Lord will provide.