My Favorite Story: Phillip & the Ethiopian | Cody Calhoun

Well, good morning family. Well, good morning family. >> Good to see you all this morning. Get >> Good to see you all this morning. Get >> Good to see you all this morning. Get your Bibles open up to Acts chapter 8. your Bibles open up to Acts chapter 8. your Bibles open up to Acts chapter 8. Acts chapter 8. I want to greet those Acts chapter 8. I want to greet those Acts chapter 8. I want to greet those are joining us online, those in the are joining us online, those in the are joining us online, those in the chapel. We're so glad that you are chapel. We're so glad that you are chapel. We're so glad that you are joining in today. Uh I have been a part joining in today. Uh I have been a part joining in today. Uh I have been a part of fellowship for 13 years. of fellowship for 13 years. of fellowship for 13 years. I grew up in this area. This is so much I grew up in this area. This is so much I grew up in this area. This is so much of this is home. Uh I didn't share this of this is home. Uh I didn't share this of this is home. Uh I didn't share this the first service, but I grew up the first service, but I grew up the first service, but I grew up missionary Baptist and there was a missionary Baptist and there was a missionary Baptist and there was a Sunday I snuck over and I listened to Sunday I snuck over and I listened to Sunday I snuck over and I listened to Ben Parkinson or Bill Parkinson preach Ben Parkinson or Bill Parkinson preach Ben Parkinson or Bill Parkinson preach when I was missionary Baptist. And I did when I was missionary Baptist. And I did when I was missionary Baptist. And I did I snuck so I wouldn't get in trouble. I snuck so I wouldn't get in trouble. I snuck so I wouldn't get in trouble. And uh I've loved fellowship and so it's And uh I've loved fellowship and so it's And uh I've loved fellowship and so it's wonderful to be a part of staff for this wonderful to be a part of staff for this wonderful to be a part of staff for this long. Uh this story we've been talking long. Uh this story we've been talking long. Uh this story we've been talking about our favorite stories. Today we get about our favorite stories. Today we get about our favorite stories. Today we get to Philillip and the Ethiopian. My to Philillip and the Ethiopian. My to Philillip and the Ethiopian. My favorite story. There's a lot of favorite story. There's a lot of favorite story. There's a lot of Philip's story that kind of I I relate Philip's story that kind of I I relate Philip's story that kind of I I relate to. Uh and you'll kind of hear a little to. Uh and you'll kind of hear a little to. Uh and you'll kind of hear a little bit but uh Philip this this story stands bit but uh Philip this this story stands bit but uh Philip this this story stands out because uh when I grew up when we out because uh when I grew up when we out because uh when I grew up when we did baptism we read from this passage. did baptism we read from this passage. did baptism we read from this passage. And so when I was baptized in 1986 we And so when I was baptized in 1986 we And so when I was baptized in 1986 we read this passage my pastor did. and it read this passage my pastor did. and it read this passage my pastor did. and it just always stuck with me. Well, there's just always stuck with me. Well, there's just always stuck with me. Well, there's different ways as well as I've grown up different ways as well as I've grown up different ways as well as I've grown up here. Uh I'm I I grew up southwest rock, here. Uh I'm I I grew up southwest rock, here. Uh I'm I I grew up southwest rock, moved to Selen County. I've got a lot of moved to Selen County. I've got a lot of moved to Selen County. I've got a lot of Selen County in me as you can hear. It's Selen County in me as you can hear. It's Selen County in me as you can hear. It's it's thick.

it's thick. it's thick. Grew up in this area, went to school, Grew up in this area, went to school, Grew up in this area, went to school, went to university, then moved off to went to university, then moved off to went to university, then moved off to Africa with this accent. I moved to Africa with this accent. I moved to Africa with this accent. I moved to Africa Africa Africa and I loved I lived in Botswana for a and I loved I lived in Botswana for a and I loved I lived in Botswana for a couple of years. Loved it. Was there couple of years. Loved it. Was there couple of years. Loved it. Was there serving as a missionary when I got done serving as a missionary when I got done serving as a missionary when I got done with Botswana, I moved to another with Botswana, I moved to another with Botswana, I moved to another foreign country, Texas foreign country, Texas foreign country, Texas where I rescued my wife and I brought where I rescued my wife and I brought where I rescued my wife and I brought her back to Arkansas. her back to Arkansas. her back to Arkansas. Uh I have uh Jessica and I have been Uh I have uh Jessica and I have been Uh I have uh Jessica and I have been married now almost 20 years. We have married now almost 20 years. We have married now almost 20 years. We have three beautiful daughters, Matt, Lucy, three beautiful daughters, Matt, Lucy, three beautiful daughters, Matt, Lucy, Josie, they're also right here as well. Josie, they're also right here as well. Josie, they're also right here as well. Uh my good friend Tom Hill who used to Uh my good friend Tom Hill who used to Uh my good friend Tom Hill who used to be a part of fellowship passed away but be a part of fellowship passed away but be a part of fellowship passed away but Tom had four daughters and he described Tom had four daughters and he described Tom had four daughters and he described his life as an estrogen hurricane and his life as an estrogen hurricane and his life as an estrogen hurricane and that is a wellthoughtout statement for a that is a wellthoughtout statement for a that is a wellthoughtout statement for a dad. I love it though. I love having dad. I love it though. I love having dad. I love it though. I love having girls. Uh there all three of them are girls. Uh there all three of them are girls. Uh there all three of them are incredibly special. Uh Jessica is incredibly special. Uh Jessica is incredibly special. Uh Jessica is incredibly patient and gracious to be incredibly patient and gracious to be incredibly patient and gracious to be married to me for 20 years. And so it's married to me for 20 years. And so it's married to me for 20 years. And so it's such a sweet time and in in having that such a sweet time and in in having that such a sweet time and in in having that same heart of of teaching them to love same heart of of teaching them to love same heart of of teaching them to love Christ, teaching them to understand the Christ, teaching them to understand the Christ, teaching them to understand the gospel. Today we get to talk about gospel. Today we get to talk about gospel. Today we get to talk about Philip. Philip is in the story is not Philip. Philip is in the story is not Philip. Philip is in the story is not the disciple. Philip is a deacon that the disciple. Philip is a deacon that the disciple. Philip is a deacon that was elected back in the first part of was elected back in the first part of was elected back in the first part of Acts with Steven. Steven has died and Acts with Steven. Steven has died and Acts with Steven. Steven has died and and Philillip specifically has been and Philillip specifically has been and Philillip specifically has been ministering to the poor and sharing the ministering to the poor and sharing the ministering to the poor and sharing the gospel. Philip has four daughters. All gospel. Philip has four daughters. All gospel. Philip has four daughters. All four love the Lord. And so there's part four love the Lord. And so there's part four love the Lord. And so there's part of this story that I'm listening and of this story that I'm listening and of this story that I'm listening and he's he's ministering to an African and

he's he's ministering to an African and he's he's ministering to an African and there's such a great second part of this there's such a great second part of this there's such a great second part of this that we know through church history but that we know through church history but that we know through church history but not through this part of Acts that we not through this part of Acts that we not through this part of Acts that we see the beauty of the gospel. We see the see the beauty of the gospel. We see the see the beauty of the gospel. We see the gospel presented. We see baptism gospel presented. We see baptism gospel presented. We see baptism administered and then we see how to administered and then we see how to administered and then we see how to share this wonderful gift of the gospel. share this wonderful gift of the gospel. share this wonderful gift of the gospel. So I'm excited that I get to do this So I'm excited that I get to do this So I'm excited that I get to do this today. I'll be honest. Uh I'm normally I today. I'll be honest. Uh I'm normally I today. I'll be honest. Uh I'm normally I try to to culturally fit in where I'm try to to culturally fit in where I'm try to to culturally fit in where I'm preaching. Today you have to culturally preaching. Today you have to culturally preaching. Today you have to culturally fit in where I preach. So you are all fit in where I preach. So you are all fit in where I preach. So you are all going to pretend you are from Selen going to pretend you are from Selen going to pretend you are from Selen County. We're going to do some crowd County. We're going to do some crowd County. We're going to do some crowd participation. So get with it. Put on participation. So get with it. Put on participation. So get with it. Put on your best camouflage. your best camouflage. your best camouflage. Put in a dip, Put in a dip, Put in a dip, ladies. ladies. ladies. You think you think I'm joking? You think you think I'm joking? You think you think I'm joking? We're going to do a little bit. We'll do We're going to do a little bit. We'll do We're going to do a little bit. We'll do some bent here today. Okay. And here's some bent here today. Okay. And here's some bent here today. Okay. And here's how we're going to start. We're reading how we're going to start. We're reading how we're going to start. We're reading from Acts 8 verse 26-39. And if you're from Acts 8 verse 26-39. And if you're from Acts 8 verse 26-39. And if you're able, would you stand with me as we read able, would you stand with me as we read able, would you stand with me as we read God's word together?

Now an angel of the Lord said to Now an angel of the Lord said to Philillip, "Rise and go towards the Philillip, "Rise and go towards the Philillip, "Rise and go towards the south to the road that goes down from south to the road that goes down from south to the road that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza. This is a desert Jerusalem to Gaza. This is a desert Jerusalem to Gaza. This is a desert place." And he rose and went. And there place." And he rose and went. And there place." And he rose and went. And there was an Ethiopian, a unic, a court was an Ethiopian, a unic, a court was an Ethiopian, a unic, a court official of Candace, queen of the official of Candace, queen of the official of Candace, queen of the Ethiopians, who was in charge of all her Ethiopians, who was in charge of all her Ethiopians, who was in charge of all her treasure. treasure. treasure. He had w he had come to Jerusalem to He had w he had come to Jerusalem to He had w he had come to Jerusalem to worship and was returning seated in his worship and was returning seated in his worship and was returning seated in his chariot and was reading the prophet chariot and was reading the prophet chariot and was reading the prophet Isaiah. And the spirit said to Isaiah. And the spirit said to Isaiah. And the spirit said to Philillip, "Go over and join this Philillip, "Go over and join this Philillip, "Go over and join this chariot." So Philip ran to him and heard chariot." So Philip ran to him and heard chariot." So Philip ran to him and heard him reading Isaiah the prophet and him reading Isaiah the prophet and him reading Isaiah the prophet and asked, "Do you understand what you're asked, "Do you understand what you're asked, "Do you understand what you're reading?" And he said, "How can I unless reading?" And he said, "How can I unless reading?" And he said, "How can I unless someone guides me?" And he invited someone guides me?" And he invited someone guides me?" And he invited Philillip to come up and sit with him. Philillip to come up and sit with him. Philillip to come up and sit with him. Now the passage of scripture that he was Now the passage of scripture that he was Now the passage of scripture that he was reading was this. Like a sheep he was reading was this. Like a sheep he was reading was this. Like a sheep he was led to the slaughter. And like a lamb led to the slaughter. And like a lamb led to the slaughter. And like a lamb before its shears is silent. So he opens before its shears is silent. So he opens before its shears is silent. So he opens not his mouth. And his humiliation not his mouth. And his humiliation not his mouth. And his humiliation justice was denied him. Who can describe justice was denied him. Who can describe justice was denied him. Who can describe his generation? For his life is taken his generation? For his life is taken his generation? For his life is taken away from the earth. And the unic said away from the earth. And the unic said away from the earth. And the unic said to Philip, "About whom I ask you, does to Philip, "About whom I ask you, does to Philip, "About whom I ask you, does the prophet say this about himself or the prophet say this about himself or the prophet say this about himself or about someone else?" Then Philip opened about someone else?" Then Philip opened about someone else?" Then Philip opened his mouth and beginning with this his mouth and beginning with this his mouth and beginning with this scripture, he told him the good news scripture, he told him the good news scripture, he told him the good news about Jesus.

about Jesus. about Jesus. As they were going along the road, they As they were going along the road, they As they were going along the road, they came to some water. And the unic said, came to some water. And the unic said, came to some water. And the unic said, "See, here is water. What prevents me "See, here is water. What prevents me "See, here is water. What prevents me from being baptized, and he commanded from being baptized, and he commanded from being baptized, and he commanded the chariot to stop, and they both went the chariot to stop, and they both went the chariot to stop, and they both went down into the water. Philip and the the down into the water. Philip and the the down into the water. Philip and the the unic and he baptized him." And when they unic and he baptized him." And when they unic and he baptized him." And when they came up out of the water, the spirit of came up out of the water, the spirit of came up out of the water, the spirit of the Lord carried Philillip away, and the the Lord carried Philillip away, and the the Lord carried Philillip away, and the unic saw him no more and went on his way unic saw him no more and went on his way unic saw him no more and went on his way rejoicing. rejoicing. rejoicing. Let's pray. Lord, we thank you for your Let's pray. Lord, we thank you for your Let's pray. Lord, we thank you for your goodness and grace to us through your goodness and grace to us through your goodness and grace to us through your word. word. word. We thank you for the good news that we We thank you for the good news that we We thank you for the good news that we hear week to week that reminds us of who hear week to week that reminds us of who hear week to week that reminds us of who you are and who we are and what you've you are and who we are and what you've you are and who we are and what you've done. Lord, I pray that today you'd give done. Lord, I pray that today you'd give done. Lord, I pray that today you'd give me words to speak and prohibit me from me words to speak and prohibit me from me words to speak and prohibit me from saying anything that I don't need to saying anything that I don't need to saying anything that I don't need to say. And ask this in Jesus name. Amen. say. And ask this in Jesus name. Amen. say. And ask this in Jesus name. Amen. You can be seated. You can be seated. You can be seated. This morning, we're going to look at This morning, we're going to look at This morning, we're going to look at three specific things through this text. three specific things through this text. three specific things through this text. First off, that we are called to be First off, that we are called to be First off, that we are called to be spirit-led messengers. spirit-led messengers. spirit-led messengers. Secondly, we're called to be good news Secondly, we're called to be good news Secondly, we're called to be good news sharers. And thirdly, we're called to be sharers. And thirdly, we're called to be sharers. And thirdly, we're called to be baptism commissioners.

baptism commissioners. baptism commissioners. There's such beauty in this story as we There's such beauty in this story as we There's such beauty in this story as we see the ordination of the gospel being see the ordination of the gospel being see the ordination of the gospel being shared. shared. shared. We see the the gest or the the meat of We see the the gest or the the meat of We see the the gest or the the meat of what is the gospel? what is the gospel? what is the gospel? We see the commissioning of baptism We see the commissioning of baptism We see the commissioning of baptism after somebody has responded to the after somebody has responded to the after somebody has responded to the gospel. gospel. gospel. And we see that we, you and I have a And we see that we, you and I have a And we see that we, you and I have a role in all of this. Let's look first role in all of this. Let's look first role in all of this. Let's look first here at this. Then we are called to be here at this. Then we are called to be here at this. Then we are called to be spirit-led messengers. Read again verse spirit-led messengers. Read again verse spirit-led messengers. Read again verse 26 through31. Now an angel of the Lord 26 through31. Now an angel of the Lord 26 through31. Now an angel of the Lord said to Philip, "Rise and go towards the said to Philip, "Rise and go towards the said to Philip, "Rise and go towards the south to the road that goes down from south to the road that goes down from south to the road that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza." Jerusalem to Gaza." Jerusalem to Gaza." Philip at this point is in the north. Philip at this point is in the north. Philip at this point is in the north. He's in Samaria. He's made his way from He's in Samaria. He's made his way from He's in Samaria. He's made his way from Cesaria, which is kind of I like maps. Cesaria, which is kind of I like maps. Cesaria, which is kind of I like maps. He's in the northwest. He's coming down He's in the northwest. He's coming down He's in the northwest. He's coming down to Samaria. He's going to go through to Samaria. He's going to go through to Samaria. He's going to go through Jerusalem and go into this specific road Jerusalem and go into this specific road Jerusalem and go into this specific road as an angel told him to do. This is a as an angel told him to do. This is a as an angel told him to do. This is a desert place. There's nothing there. desert place. There's nothing there. desert place. There's nothing there. Just go. And he rose and went. And there Just go. And he rose and went. And there Just go. And he rose and went. And there was an Ethiopian, a unic, a court was an Ethiopian, a unic, a court was an Ethiopian, a unic, a court official of Candace, queen of the official of Candace, queen of the official of Candace, queen of the Ethiopians. Candace is not her name.

Ethiopians. Candace is not her name. Ethiopians. Candace is not her name. Candace is like a title. Candace is what Candace is like a title. Candace is what Candace is like a title. Candace is what they would call their queens. Like we they would call their queens. Like we they would call their queens. Like we would call Caesar for Rome. This is would call Caesar for Rome. This is would call Caesar for Rome. This is Candace as the queen of the Ethiopians Candace as the queen of the Ethiopians Candace as the queen of the Ethiopians who was in charge of all her treasure. who was in charge of all her treasure. who was in charge of all her treasure. That's a That is a pretty sweet gig. That's a That is a pretty sweet gig. That's a That is a pretty sweet gig. You're in charge of the money for an You're in charge of the money for an You're in charge of the money for an entire empire. entire empire. entire empire. High position. He had come to Jerusalem High position. He had come to Jerusalem High position. He had come to Jerusalem to worship and was returning seated in to worship and was returning seated in to worship and was returning seated in his chariot. He was reading the prophet his chariot. He was reading the prophet his chariot. He was reading the prophet Isaiah. He had made a 1500 mile trip in Isaiah. He had made a 1500 mile trip in Isaiah. He had made a 1500 mile trip in a chariot. a chariot. a chariot. That's a road trip. There's no bies on That's a road trip. There's no bies on That's a road trip. There's no bies on the way the way the way like there is in Sling County. Amen. like there is in Sling County. Amen. like there is in Sling County. Amen. Okay. And the spirit said to Philip, "Go over And the spirit said to Philip, "Go over and join his chariot." So Philip ran to and join his chariot." So Philip ran to and join his chariot." So Philip ran to him and heard him reading the pro Isaiah him and heard him reading the pro Isaiah him and heard him reading the pro Isaiah the prophet. He's reading it out loud the prophet. He's reading it out loud the prophet. He's reading it out loud and asked, "Do you understand what and asked, "Do you understand what and asked, "Do you understand what you're reading?" And he said, "How can I you're reading?" And he said, "How can I you're reading?" And he said, "How can I unless someone guides me?" He invited unless someone guides me?" He invited unless someone guides me?" He invited Philip to come up and sit with him. What Philip to come up and sit with him. What Philip to come up and sit with him. What a beautiful moment here. A beautiful a beautiful moment here. A beautiful a beautiful moment here. A beautiful moment to see that God indeed has moment to see that God indeed has moment to see that God indeed has planned something special.

planned something special. planned something special. that an Ethiopian that an Ethiopian that an Ethiopian in the southern part of the Sudan area in the southern part of the Sudan area in the southern part of the Sudan area under this great empire has come to under this great empire has come to under this great empire has come to Jerusalem because he wants to worship. Jerusalem because he wants to worship. Jerusalem because he wants to worship. There's a lot of ignorance that he's There's a lot of ignorance that he's There's a lot of ignorance that he's admitting here. admitting here. admitting here. He wants to come and worship in He wants to come and worship in He wants to come and worship in Jerusalem and he does so and he's Jerusalem and he does so and he's Jerusalem and he does so and he's returning home. returning home. returning home. And as he's doing so, God had plans for And as he's doing so, God had plans for And as he's doing so, God had plans for his life. God had plans for Philip to be his life. God had plans for Philip to be his life. God had plans for Philip to be there. Verse 29. And the spirit said to there. Verse 29. And the spirit said to there. Verse 29. And the spirit said to Philip, "Go over and join this chariot. Philip, "Go over and join this chariot. Philip, "Go over and join this chariot. God ordained this meeting. God ordained this meeting. God ordained this meeting. This wasn't by chance. This wasn't This wasn't by chance. This wasn't This wasn't by chance. This wasn't accidental. accidental. accidental. Philip wasn't in the county at all and Philip wasn't in the county at all and Philip wasn't in the county at all and he was told to go." By the way, he he was told to go." By the way, he he was told to go." By the way, he doesn't he doesn't say, "Hey, what's doesn't he doesn't say, "Hey, what's doesn't he doesn't say, "Hey, what's going to happen there?" When an angel going to happen there?" When an angel going to happen there?" When an angel says, "You need to go south of says, "You need to go south of says, "You need to go south of Jerusalem," he doesn't go, "Well, let's Jerusalem," he doesn't go, "Well, let's Jerusalem," he doesn't go, "Well, let's talk about this." He's he just goes. talk about this." He's he just goes. talk about this." He's he just goes. In fact, he's going down the road and it In fact, he's going down the road and it In fact, he's going down the road and it says that he ran to his chariot to catch says that he ran to his chariot to catch says that he ran to his chariot to catch up to the chariot. That the spirit led up to the chariot. That the spirit led up to the chariot. That the spirit led him all the way.

him all the way. him all the way. There's no such thing as chance. There's no such thing as chance. There's no such thing as chance. This is beautiful ordination of God to This is beautiful ordination of God to This is beautiful ordination of God to understand that God is meticulously understand that God is meticulously understand that God is meticulously sovereign over all things. Do we know sovereign over all things. Do we know sovereign over all things. Do we know that that that he is sovereign over every detail? If he he is sovereign over every detail? If he he is sovereign over every detail? If he is not meticulously sovereign over all is not meticulously sovereign over all is not meticulously sovereign over all things, he is not God. He is not just sovereign over the big He is not just sovereign over the big things. He is sovereign over the very things. He is sovereign over the very things. He is sovereign over the very little things. little things. little things. That is a comfort to us because you and That is a comfort to us because you and That is a comfort to us because you and I know that one, I know that one, I know that one, we are praying to a God who is powerful we are praying to a God who is powerful we are praying to a God who is powerful and ordains all that is to occur. and ordains all that is to occur. and ordains all that is to occur. We don't have to be unsure in this life. We don't have to be unsure in this life. We don't have to be unsure in this life. We don't have to we don't have to worry We don't have to we don't have to worry We don't have to we don't have to worry that we're going to mess up God's plans. That's a little bit prideful, isn't it, That's a little bit prideful, isn't it, to think somehow you're going to mess up to think somehow you're going to mess up to think somehow you're going to mess up the divine ordained plans of God by what the divine ordained plans of God by what the divine ordained plans of God by what you do. you do. you do. He ordains all. He ordains all. He ordains all. He accounts for all. He accounts for all. He accounts for all. What a comfort that is to us. He is What a comfort that is to us. He is What a comfort that is to us. He is sovereign over this moment in the desert sovereign over this moment in the desert sovereign over this moment in the desert and he is sovereign over your life.

and he is sovereign over your life. and he is sovereign over your life. John Calvin says, "If God should John Calvin says, "If God should John Calvin says, "If God should withdraw his hand a little, all things withdraw his hand a little, all things withdraw his hand a little, all things would immediately perish and dissolve would immediately perish and dissolve would immediately perish and dissolve into nothing. into nothing. into nothing. That's a powerful God, isn't it? That's That's a powerful God, isn't it? That's That's a powerful God, isn't it? That's a God you can rely on and you can trust a God you can rely on and you can trust a God you can rely on and you can trust in. in. in. And that's true for our calling and And that's true for our calling and And that's true for our calling and coming into the faith. coming into the faith. coming into the faith. When I was young, God called me. The When I was young, God called me. The When I was young, God called me. The spirit took the word and the gospel of spirit took the word and the gospel of spirit took the word and the gospel of Jesus and applied conviction to my heart Jesus and applied conviction to my heart Jesus and applied conviction to my heart and awakened my heart to understand the and awakened my heart to understand the and awakened my heart to understand the gospel to repent and believe in him. The precious thing here is that the The precious thing here is that the Ethiopian though he has the scroll of Ethiopian though he has the scroll of Ethiopian though he has the scroll of Isaiah open he's not looking for Jesus Isaiah open he's not looking for Jesus Isaiah open he's not looking for Jesus but Jesus is looking for him and ordains that this would occur for and ordains that this would occur for Philip to be there. Philip to be there. Philip to be there. The beautiful action of God in applying The beautiful action of God in applying The beautiful action of God in applying our salvation indeed is that he supplies our salvation indeed is that he supplies our salvation indeed is that he supplies it. The son provides it and the spirit it. The son provides it and the spirit it. The son provides it and the spirit applies it to us. applies it to us. applies it to us. This is God's doing. This is God's This is God's doing. This is God's This is God's doing. This is God's starting and this is God's completing.

The only contribution that you and I The only contribution that you and I make to our salvation is the sin make to our salvation is the sin make to our salvation is the sin necessary for Christ to die. necessary for Christ to die. necessary for Christ to die. We don't make any contribution to this. We don't make any contribution to this. We don't make any contribution to this. Praise God. Praise God. Praise God. He gets all the glory, doesn't he? He gets all the glory, doesn't he? He gets all the glory, doesn't he? He is sovereign over all. He's the one He is sovereign over all. He's the one He is sovereign over all. He's the one that calls. He's the one that saves. that calls. He's the one that saves. that calls. He's the one that saves. John 6:44, "No one can come to to me John 6:44, "No one can come to to me John 6:44, "No one can come to to me unless the father who sent me draws unless the father who sent me draws unless the father who sent me draws him." It is he who calls him." It is he who calls him." It is he who calls and calls us. and calls us. and calls us. It's his grace that does the saving. We It's his grace that does the saving. We It's his grace that does the saving. We know our condition is this. Romans know our condition is this. Romans know our condition is this. Romans 3:10-12. For as it is written, "No one 3:10-12. For as it is written, "No one 3:10-12. For as it is written, "No one is righteous, no not one. No one is righteous, no not one. No one is righteous, no not one. No one understands. No one seeks for God. All understands. No one seeks for God. All understands. No one seeks for God. All have turned aside. Together they have have turned aside. Together they have have turned aside. Together they have been become worthless. No one does good, been become worthless. No one does good, been become worthless. No one does good, not even one." not even one." not even one." When it comes to any of us that would When it comes to any of us that would When it comes to any of us that would come into the faith, it is a work of the come into the faith, it is a work of the come into the faith, it is a work of the Holy Spirit awakening our hearts to love Holy Spirit awakening our hearts to love Holy Spirit awakening our hearts to love Christ. Christ. Christ. I'm so thankful for that grace. I'm so thankful for that grace. I'm so thankful for that grace. RC Sproul said, "Unless we are born of RC Sproul said, "Unless we are born of RC Sproul said, "Unless we are born of the spirit of God, unless God sheds his the spirit of God, unless God sheds his the spirit of God, unless God sheds his holy love in our hearts, unless he holy love in our hearts, unless he holy love in our hearts, unless he stoops in his grace to change our stoops in his grace to change our stoops in his grace to change our hearts, we will never love him."

hearts, we will never love him." hearts, we will never love him." It is the work of the spirit to awaken It is the work of the spirit to awaken It is the work of the spirit to awaken us. It is the work of the spirit to us. It is the work of the spirit to us. It is the work of the spirit to awaken the truth of the gospel. awaken the truth of the gospel. awaken the truth of the gospel. And we see this by what is happening And we see this by what is happening And we see this by what is happening through an angel and through the Holy through an angel and through the Holy through an angel and through the Holy Spirit leading Philip specifically to Spirit leading Philip specifically to Spirit leading Philip specifically to this particular Ethiopian. I want you to this particular Ethiopian. I want you to this particular Ethiopian. I want you to take a moment. I want you to think back take a moment. I want you to think back take a moment. I want you to think back when you came into the faith. when you came into the faith. when you came into the faith. Can you go back and appreciate all that Can you go back and appreciate all that Can you go back and appreciate all that a sovereign God did in order for you to a sovereign God did in order for you to a sovereign God did in order for you to hear the gospel and respond to it? hear the gospel and respond to it? hear the gospel and respond to it? Cody, I grew up in church. Me, too. I'm I'm thankful mom and dad had us at I'm I'm thankful mom and dad had us at church every time. My dad had it at at church every time. My dad had it at at church every time. My dad had it at at church when church wasn't even open and church when church wasn't even open and church when church wasn't even open and he forgot it was daylight savings time he forgot it was daylight savings time he forgot it was daylight savings time and we showed up an hour early. I've and we showed up an hour early. I've and we showed up an hour early. I've always been at church, always been at church, always been at church, but I had no heart looking to love but I had no heart looking to love but I had no heart looking to love Christ. And it was the Holy Spirit who Christ. And it was the Holy Spirit who Christ. And it was the Holy Spirit who opened my heart and awakened me to the opened my heart and awakened me to the opened my heart and awakened me to the gospel and saved me. I wasn't robbing gospel and saved me. I wasn't robbing gospel and saved me. I wasn't robbing banks at 10 years old. I wasn't just banks at 10 years old. I wasn't just banks at 10 years old. I wasn't just doing the worst divorce, but I was a doing the worst divorce, but I was a doing the worst divorce, but I was a broken s sinful person not looking for broken s sinful person not looking for broken s sinful person not looking for Christ and his grace and mercy saved me.

Christ and his grace and mercy saved me. Christ and his grace and mercy saved me. That's the power of God. Philip approaches the chariot says, "So, Philip approaches the chariot says, "So, Philip ran to him and heard him reading Philip ran to him and heard him reading Philip ran to him and heard him reading Isaiah the prophet and asked, do you Isaiah the prophet and asked, do you Isaiah the prophet and asked, do you understand what you're reading?" And he understand what you're reading?" And he understand what you're reading?" And he said, "How can I unless someone guides said, "How can I unless someone guides said, "How can I unless someone guides me?" And he invited Philillip to come up me?" And he invited Philillip to come up me?" And he invited Philillip to come up and sit with him. and sit with him. and sit with him. As we see the beauty of the gospel and As we see the beauty of the gospel and As we see the beauty of the gospel and as we talk about even more how we share as we talk about even more how we share as we talk about even more how we share the gospel, I love that Philip starts the gospel, I love that Philip starts the gospel, I love that Philip starts with a question. with a question. with a question. I think much of our sharing of the I think much of our sharing of the I think much of our sharing of the gospel that we talk about when we talk gospel that we talk about when we talk gospel that we talk about when we talk about Jesus to other people, it should about Jesus to other people, it should about Jesus to other people, it should start with questions. What do you start with questions. What do you start with questions. What do you believe? Do you know that God loves you? believe? Do you know that God loves you? believe? Do you know that God loves you? Can I share with you about what Christ Can I share with you about what Christ Can I share with you about what Christ has done for me? Can I hear about what has done for me? Can I hear about what has done for me? Can I hear about what what is what has your life been like up what is what has your life been like up what is what has your life been like up to this point? What are the things that to this point? What are the things that to this point? What are the things that you wrestle with spiritually? How can I you wrestle with spiritually? How can I you wrestle with spiritually? How can I help you with those? help you with those? help you with those? It's asking good questions and engaging. It's asking good questions and engaging. It's asking good questions and engaging. But as much as we love to engage and ask But as much as we love to engage and ask But as much as we love to engage and ask questions, the most important thing is questions, the most important thing is questions, the most important thing is number two right here. number two right here. number two right here. We're called to be good news sharers.

We're called to be good news sharers. We're called to be good news sharers. We're called to be good news sharers. We're called to be good news sharers. We're called to be good news sharers. Verse 32 through35 again. Now the Verse 32 through35 again. Now the Verse 32 through35 again. Now the passage of the scripture that he was passage of the scripture that he was passage of the scripture that he was reading was this. Like a sheep he was reading was this. Like a sheep he was reading was this. Like a sheep he was led to the slaughter. And like a lamb led to the slaughter. And like a lamb led to the slaughter. And like a lamb before it shears is silent. So he opened before it shears is silent. So he opened before it shears is silent. So he opened not his mouth. not his mouth. not his mouth. In his humiliation justice was denied In his humiliation justice was denied In his humiliation justice was denied him. him. him. You who can describe his generation? For You who can describe his generation? For You who can describe his generation? For his life is taken away from the earth. his life is taken away from the earth. his life is taken away from the earth. And that unic said to Philillip about And that unic said to Philillip about And that unic said to Philillip about whom I ask you does the prophet say this whom I ask you does the prophet say this whom I ask you does the prophet say this about himself or about someone else. about himself or about someone else. about himself or about someone else. I love this next part. Then Philip I love this next part. Then Philip I love this next part. Then Philip opened his mouth and beginning with the opened his mouth and beginning with the opened his mouth and beginning with the scripture he told him the good news scripture he told him the good news scripture he told him the good news about Jesus. He opened his mouth. You want to share the gospel with You want to share the gospel with somebody? You got to open your mouth. somebody? You got to open your mouth. somebody? You got to open your mouth. But you have so much to say. But you have so much to say. But you have so much to say. Philip here is walking up to the Philip here is walking up to the Philip here is walking up to the chariot, not by chance, but at the chariot, not by chance, but at the chariot, not by chance, but at the moment that the Ethiopian is reading moment that the Ethiopian is reading moment that the Ethiopian is reading Isaiah 53, which is known as the Isaiah 53, which is known as the Isaiah 53, which is known as the suffering servant passage. If you've suffering servant passage. If you've suffering servant passage. If you've been here for a little bit, we we did been here for a little bit, we we did been here for a little bit, we we did the book of Isaiah. We called it the the book of Isaiah. We called it the the book of Isaiah. We called it the fifth gospel because so much of Isaiah fifth gospel because so much of Isaiah fifth gospel because so much of Isaiah is pointing forward to a messiah who is pointing forward to a messiah who is pointing forward to a messiah who would fulfill all things. And in Christ would fulfill all things. And in Christ would fulfill all things. And in Christ 700 years later at this moment, Philip 700 years later at this moment, Philip 700 years later at this moment, Philip is taking a passage and showing how is taking a passage and showing how is taking a passage and showing how Christ fulfilled this passage Christ fulfilled this passage Christ fulfilled this passage that indeed as John his cousin would that indeed as John his cousin would that indeed as John his cousin would say, "Behold the lamb of God who takes say, "Behold the lamb of God who takes say, "Behold the lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world.

away the sins of the world. away the sins of the world. He is the sheep that has led to the He is the sheep that has led to the He is the sheep that has led to the slaughter. He is the lamb silent before slaughter. He is the lamb silent before slaughter. He is the lamb silent before his shears as he opened not his mouth. his shears as he opened not his mouth. his shears as he opened not his mouth. His life was taken from this earth. He His life was taken from this earth. He His life was taken from this earth. He was denied justice. was denied justice. was denied justice. And yet all of this was God's plan. And yet all of this was God's plan. And yet all of this was God's plan. Philip took a moment with this Ethiopian Philip took a moment with this Ethiopian Philip took a moment with this Ethiopian and showed how Christ fulfilled this and showed how Christ fulfilled this and showed how Christ fulfilled this passage that it wasn't about Isaiah. It passage that it wasn't about Isaiah. It passage that it wasn't about Isaiah. It was about Jesus. All scripture is about was about Jesus. All scripture is about was about Jesus. All scripture is about Jesus Jesus Jesus and points us to him. and points us to him. and points us to him. But here's the moment that he presented But here's the moment that he presented But here's the moment that he presented the gospel. And and here you ready? the gospel. And and here you ready? the gospel. And and here you ready? Here's your crowd participation. Here's your crowd participation. Here's your crowd participation. Here's the gospel. I'm going to teach it Here's the gospel. I'm going to teach it Here's the gospel. I'm going to teach it to you. holy creator of all that we know, holy creator of all that we know, created everything for his glory to created everything for his glory to created everything for his glory to reflect his his character to us and reflect his his character to us and reflect his his character to us and created humanity for relationship. He is holy. That means all of his He is holy. That means all of his characteristics are perfect in what they characteristics are perfect in what they characteristics are perfect in what they are. He is holy loving. He is holy just.

are. He is holy loving. He is holy just. are. He is holy loving. He is holy just. He is holy gracious. He is perfectly in He is holy gracious. He is perfectly in He is holy gracious. He is perfectly in all those things. God, come on. Get with me. What? What's this? come on. Get with me. What? What's this? Thank you. Let's wake up. Let's go. You Thank you. Let's wake up. Let's go. You Thank you. Let's wake up. Let's go. You ready? One more time. ready? One more time. ready? One more time. >> Man, by the way, I do this in Benton >> Man, by the way, I do this in Benton >> Man, by the way, I do this in Benton every Sunday and nobody's caught on yet, every Sunday and nobody's caught on yet, every Sunday and nobody's caught on yet, so you're fine. Okay, so you're fine. Okay, so you're fine. Okay, man. God created us for relationship. But yet God created us for relationship. But yet going back to the garden, we sinned. We going back to the garden, we sinned. We going back to the garden, we sinned. We disobeyed God. We wanted to be little G disobeyed God. We wanted to be little G disobeyed God. We wanted to be little G gods of our lives. And we rejected him. gods of our lives. And we rejected him. gods of our lives. And we rejected him. And in doing so, going back to the And in doing so, going back to the And in doing so, going back to the garden, all of us are born sinful. We garden, all of us are born sinful. We garden, all of us are born sinful. We have sinful DNA that's just attached to have sinful DNA that's just attached to have sinful DNA that's just attached to us. We know how to sin from the time us. We know how to sin from the time us. We know how to sin from the time that we're born. If you don't believe that we're born. If you don't believe that we're born. If you don't believe that, go hang out in the toddler room. that, go hang out in the toddler room. that, go hang out in the toddler room. Sinners everywhere. That's a great commercial for fellowship That's a great commercial for fellowship kids, by the way. Just saying. kids, by the way. Just saying. kids, by the way. Just saying. But we are we're all if you leave us on But we are we're all if you leave us on But we are we're all if you leave us on just watch us. Leave us on our own.

just watch us. Leave us on our own. just watch us. Leave us on our own. We're the most selfish, sinful people We're the most selfish, sinful people We're the most selfish, sinful people you've ever met. you've ever met. you've ever met. And that sin separates us from a holy And that sin separates us from a holy And that sin separates us from a holy God. Just as Adam and Eve were placed God. Just as Adam and Eve were placed God. Just as Adam and Eve were placed outside of the garden, you and I have outside of the garden, you and I have outside of the garden, you and I have spiritually and eternally been placed spiritually and eternally been placed spiritually and eternally been placed outside outside outside of God's holiness. And if you and I die of God's holiness. And if you and I die of God's holiness. And if you and I die in our separation, we are destined to in our separation, we are destined to in our separation, we are destined to the what we deserve and that is hell the what we deserve and that is hell the what we deserve and that is hell because we've chosen sin. Separation in this life and separation Separation in this life and separation in the life to come. That is terrible in the life to come. That is terrible in the life to come. That is terrible news. But here's the good news. Let's do news. But here's the good news. Let's do news. But here's the good news. Let's do it again. >> Jesus >> Jesus that the only contribution we have to that the only contribution we have to that the only contribution we have to add to this is our sin. Therefore, the add to this is our sin. Therefore, the add to this is our sin. Therefore, the problem is not the solution is not problem is not the solution is not problem is not the solution is not inside of us. The problem is inside of inside of us. The problem is inside of inside of us. The problem is inside of us. us. us. Therefore, we need divine intervention Therefore, we need divine intervention Therefore, we need divine intervention to deal with our sin. to deal with our sin. to deal with our sin. And to deal with that, Christ came. God And to deal with that, Christ came. God And to deal with that, Christ came. God in the flesh, part of the triune God in the flesh, part of the triune God in the flesh, part of the triune God would come and put flesh on and would come and put flesh on and would come and put flesh on and condescend to us putting flesh on and condescend to us putting flesh on and condescend to us putting flesh on and live obedient to God what God required live obedient to God what God required live obedient to God what God required of us and that is perfection.

of us and that is perfection. of us and that is perfection. That the aim is not to be good. the the That the aim is not to be good. the the That the aim is not to be good. the the standard is perfection that you and I standard is perfection that you and I standard is perfection that you and I don't have. And Christ is that don't have. And Christ is that don't have. And Christ is that perfection. perfection. perfection. Was obedient to all that God commanded, Was obedient to all that God commanded, Was obedient to all that God commanded, willingly went to the cross to lay down willingly went to the cross to lay down willingly went to the cross to lay down his life. That without the shedding of his life. That without the shedding of his life. That without the shedding of blood, there is no forgiveness of sin. blood, there is no forgiveness of sin. blood, there is no forgiveness of sin. And so, just like the lamb on the altar And so, just like the lamb on the altar And so, just like the lamb on the altar in the Old Testament, there would be in the Old Testament, there would be in the Old Testament, there would be sacrifice. His neck would be cut. They sacrifice. His neck would be cut. They sacrifice. His neck would be cut. They would bleed out for the sins of the would bleed out for the sins of the would bleed out for the sins of the people. And that would be temporary people. And that would be temporary people. And that would be temporary because as soon as they left the altar, because as soon as they left the altar, because as soon as they left the altar, what would happen? They'd sin again. what would happen? They'd sin again. what would happen? They'd sin again. But Christ is the once and for all But Christ is the once and for all But Christ is the once and for all sacrifice bearing the weight and the sacrifice bearing the weight and the sacrifice bearing the weight and the consequence of my sin. My sin consequence of my sin. My sin consequence of my sin. My sin and your sin and your sin and your sin that I owed a debt and I couldn't pay that I owed a debt and I couldn't pay that I owed a debt and I couldn't pay it. And he paid it for me though he it. And he paid it for me though he it. And he paid it for me though he didn't know it. didn't know it. didn't know it. And on the cross he took my place, shed And on the cross he took my place, shed And on the cross he took my place, shed his blood for the forgiveness of my sin. his blood for the forgiveness of my sin. his blood for the forgiveness of my sin. And he was placed into a borrowed tomb. And he was placed into a borrowed tomb. And he was placed into a borrowed tomb. Why was it borrowed? Because he only Why was it borrowed? Because he only Why was it borrowed? Because he only needed three days. needed three days. needed three days. and he rose again and he defeated sin and he rose again and he defeated sin and he rose again and he defeated sin and he defeated death and he defeated death and he defeated death so that sin can no longer be held so that sin can no longer be held so that sin can no longer be held against me and death doesn't have the against me and death doesn't have the against me and death doesn't have the final word of my life and when I die final word of my life and when I die final word of my life and when I die because I have repented of my sin and because I have repented of my sin and because I have repented of my sin and put my faith in the savior who took my put my faith in the savior who took my put my faith in the savior who took my place I will be with him for all of place I will be with him for all of place I will be with him for all of eternity eternity eternity and it I earned nothing and it I earned nothing and it I earned nothing it is all his grace and mercy to me it is all his grace and mercy to me it is all his grace and mercy to me a Puritan pastor's dying and a friend a Puritan pastor's dying and a friend a Puritan pastor's dying and a friend comes up and says, "Pastor, you're going comes up and says, "Pastor, you're going comes up and says, "Pastor, you're going to receive all of your reward." He

to receive all of your reward." He to receive all of your reward." He looked at him and says, "No, I'm going looked at him and says, "No, I'm going looked at him and says, "No, I'm going to receive mercy." to receive mercy." to receive mercy." And that's what we get in Christ, mercy. And that's what we get in Christ, mercy. And that's what we get in Christ, mercy. He has taken your place. He's taken my He has taken your place. He's taken my He has taken your place. He's taken my place. And to receive this gift, I place. And to receive this gift, I place. And to receive this gift, I repent of my sin and I put my faith in repent of my sin and I put my faith in repent of my sin and I put my faith in Jesus. >> That's it. You got it. >> That's it. You got it. You got it, Cody. I don't know what to You got it, Cody. I don't know what to You got it, Cody. I don't know what to share. If somebody's in front of me that share. If somebody's in front of me that share. If somebody's in front of me that doesn't know the gospel, what am I going doesn't know the gospel, what am I going doesn't know the gospel, what am I going to share? What am I going to say? >> That's it. You got it. >> That's it. You got it. It's not. It's It's way less It's not. It's It's way less It's not. It's It's way less complicated, isn't it? complicated, isn't it? complicated, isn't it? Well, Cody, what if somebody asked me Well, Cody, what if somebody asked me Well, Cody, what if somebody asked me questions I don't know the answer to? questions I don't know the answer to? questions I don't know the answer to? You say, "If you'll email Justin Bilson, You say, "If you'll email Justin Bilson, You say, "If you'll email Justin Bilson, jilsonfellowship arr.com, jilsonfellowship arr.com, jilsonfellowship arr.com, Justin will be happy to answer those Justin will be happy to answer those Justin will be happy to answer those questions. I don't know what the answer questions. I don't know what the answer questions. I don't know what the answer is. You can just ask him." But you know is. You can just ask him." But you know is. You can just ask him." But you know what? You get back to >> You just come back to it.

>> You just come back to it. I don't know. I don't know is a I don't know. I don't know is a I don't know. I don't know is a sufficient answer to tell somebody. I sufficient answer to tell somebody. I sufficient answer to tell somebody. I don't know. I'll figure We'll figure it don't know. I'll figure We'll figure it don't know. I'll figure We'll figure it out. But you come back to this. out. But you come back to this. out. But you come back to this. You rehearse it. Do you know what I You rehearse it. Do you know what I You rehearse it. Do you know what I want? You know what? I'm going to need want? You know what? I'm going to need want? You know what? I'm going to need when I wake up in the morning and I'm when I wake up in the morning and I'm when I wake up in the morning and I'm looking myself in the mirror. You know looking myself in the mirror. You know looking myself in the mirror. You know what I'm going to need? I'm going to what I'm going to need? I'm going to what I'm going to need? I'm going to need this again. Why Cody? Didn't you need this again. Why Cody? Didn't you need this again. Why Cody? Didn't you trust in Christ? I did. But I forget. trust in Christ? I did. But I forget. trust in Christ? I did. But I forget. I forget the gospel. I forget the gospel. I forget the gospel. So, not only do I need to prepare to So, not only do I need to prepare to So, not only do I need to prepare to share with others, but I need to share with others, but I need to share with others, but I need to rehearse this for myself. My identity is rehearse this for myself. My identity is rehearse this for myself. My identity is not what I do. My identity is the one not what I do. My identity is the one not what I do. My identity is the one who's already been who's already said who's already been who's already said who's already been who's already said it's been done. it's been done. it's been done. My identity is not in my performance. My identity is not in my performance. My identity is not in my performance. Christ has done all. And if I wake up Christ has done all. And if I wake up Christ has done all. And if I wake up tomorrow with nothing, I have Jesus. tomorrow with nothing, I have Jesus. tomorrow with nothing, I have Jesus. That's enough. That's enough. That's enough. And I forget that. And I'll forget that And I forget that. And I'll forget that And I forget that. And I'll forget that tomorrow. And I need I need to rehearse tomorrow. And I need I need to rehearse tomorrow. And I need I need to rehearse the gospel all over again. I need to the gospel all over again. I need to the gospel all over again. I need to work my way through God, man. Jesus. I work my way through God, man. Jesus. I work my way through God, man. Jesus. I don't know if you know this about don't know if you know this about don't know if you know this about fellowship. We got one story. That's it. fellowship. We got one story. That's it. fellowship. We got one story. That's it. And we wear it out. But we wear it out And we wear it out. But we wear it out And we wear it out. But we wear it out because it is the best story. It is because it is the best story. It is because it is the best story. It is foundational to all stories. It's foundational to all stories. It's foundational to all stories. It's foundational to all lives. And Sunday to foundational to all lives. And Sunday to foundational to all lives. And Sunday to Sunday, we all need be reminded Sunday, we all need be reminded Sunday, we all need be reminded and that's what we share.

and that's what we share. and that's what we share. There's some things we need to know. There's some things we need to know. There's some things we need to know. First off, not everybody you share that First off, not everybody you share that First off, not everybody you share that with is going to trust in Christ. with is going to trust in Christ. with is going to trust in Christ. Does it break our heart? Sure it does. Does it break our heart? Sure it does. Does it break our heart? Sure it does. It does. I've had people just say, "No, It does. I've had people just say, "No, It does. I've had people just say, "No, I'm not interested in that." I'm not interested in that." I'm not interested in that." What I need to understand, and maybe for What I need to understand, and maybe for What I need to understand, and maybe for us, is that they're not rejecting us. us, is that they're not rejecting us. us, is that they're not rejecting us. They're rejecting the gospel. And I'll They're rejecting the gospel. And I'll They're rejecting the gospel. And I'll be honest, that hurts a little bit more be honest, that hurts a little bit more be honest, that hurts a little bit more than it does just rejecting me. If you than it does just rejecting me. If you than it does just rejecting me. If you reject me and you love Jesus, then we're reject me and you love Jesus, then we're reject me and you love Jesus, then we're fine. We're good. You're going to have fine. We're good. You're going to have fine. We're good. You're going to have to sit next to me in heaven, but we'll to sit next to me in heaven, but we'll to sit next to me in heaven, but we'll be fine. Not everybody's going to say yes, but Not everybody's going to say yes, but listen to me. Your obedience and sharing listen to me. Your obedience and sharing listen to me. Your obedience and sharing the gospel is what gives God glory. It gives God glory that you would share. It gives God glory that you would share. So share. There's a couple other things So share. There's a couple other things So share. There's a couple other things we need to remember in the midst of all we need to remember in the midst of all we need to remember in the midst of all of this. One, we can have confidence of this. One, we can have confidence of this. One, we can have confidence because we've rehearsed it, right? Every because we've rehearsed it, right? Every because we've rehearsed it, right? Every single one of you can walk out of here single one of you can walk out of here single one of you can walk out of here and sit across the table from somebody and sit across the table from somebody and sit across the table from somebody at lunch, take a napkin and a pen and at lunch, take a napkin and a pen and at lunch, take a napkin and a pen and write, "God, man, Jesus, and you can write, "God, man, Jesus, and you can write, "God, man, Jesus, and you can rehearse the gospel right there with rehearse the gospel right there with rehearse the gospel right there with them." All of us can. The confidence is them." All of us can. The confidence is them." All of us can. The confidence is not in your best ability. The confidence not in your best ability. The confidence not in your best ability. The confidence is the Holy Spirit that will speak your is the Holy Spirit that will speak your is the Holy Spirit that will speak your understanding of the gospel. That's it.

understanding of the gospel. That's it. understanding of the gospel. That's it. We can trust. You don't know where We can trust. You don't know where We can trust. You don't know where you're at in the process with somebody you're at in the process with somebody you're at in the process with somebody who's sharing the gospel. You may be who's sharing the gospel. You may be who's sharing the gospel. You may be number one. You may be number six. You number one. You may be number six. You number one. You may be number six. You know, number 12. You don't know. know, number 12. You don't know. know, number 12. You don't know. And your goal is not to somehow be the And your goal is not to somehow be the And your goal is not to somehow be the last one. Your goal is to be one of last one. Your goal is to be one of last one. Your goal is to be one of them. them. them. You can share the gospel and just trust You can share the gospel and just trust You can share the gospel and just trust that the seed of the gospel is being that the seed of the gospel is being that the seed of the gospel is being planted somewhere in their lives. planted somewhere in their lives. planted somewhere in their lives. You can rest. I love this one. You can You can rest. I love this one. You can You can rest. I love this one. You can share the gospel and then rest. share the gospel and then rest. share the gospel and then rest. You don't have to close the deal. You You don't have to close the deal. You You don't have to close the deal. You don't have to feel pressured. Somehow don't have to feel pressured. Somehow don't have to feel pressured. Somehow you just got to get them to do you just got to get them to do you just got to get them to do something. something. something. In all my years of ministry, I have In all my years of ministry, I have In all my years of ministry, I have never saved anybody. But the Holy Spirit never saved anybody. But the Holy Spirit never saved anybody. But the Holy Spirit has saved others. And that's the Holy has saved others. And that's the Holy has saved others. And that's the Holy Spirit's job, not mine. Spirit's job, not mine. Spirit's job, not mine. You don't have to push. The Holy Spirit You don't have to push. The Holy Spirit You don't have to push. The Holy Spirit will convict. will convict. will convict. That's why we did the first point, That's why we did the first point, That's why we did the first point, right? God is meticulously sovereign. right? God is meticulously sovereign. right? God is meticulously sovereign. The Holy Spirit works. The Holy Spirit The Holy Spirit works. The Holy Spirit The Holy Spirit works. The Holy Spirit awakens us to the gospel. The Holy awakens us to the gospel. The Holy awakens us to the gospel. The Holy Spirit has to do that. Cody can't do Spirit has to do that. Cody can't do Spirit has to do that. Cody can't do that. And you can't do that. We rest in that. And you can't do that. We rest in that. And you can't do that. We rest in the work of the spirit.

the work of the spirit. the work of the spirit. Here's maybe another favorite I have. Here's maybe another favorite I have. Here's maybe another favorite I have. You can't mess it up. You can't mess it up. You can't mess it up. Cody, what do you mean? Well, first off, Cody, what do you mean? Well, first off, Cody, what do you mean? Well, first off, I mean, don't go preach heresy. That'd I mean, don't go preach heresy. That'd I mean, don't go preach heresy. That'd be bad. be bad. be bad. But when you're sharing the gospel, you But when you're sharing the gospel, you But when you're sharing the gospel, you need to understand the condition of the need to understand the condition of the need to understand the condition of the person. If we are dead in our person. If we are dead in our person. If we are dead in our trespasses, you're sharing the gospel trespasses, you're sharing the gospel trespasses, you're sharing the gospel with a dead person. with a dead person. with a dead person. My good friend Tad Puit is a surgeon, My good friend Tad Puit is a surgeon, My good friend Tad Puit is a surgeon, and I'm sure that he learned how to do and I'm sure that he learned how to do and I'm sure that he learned how to do surgery this way. If you're at US and surgery this way. If you're at US and surgery this way. If you're at US and you're learning how to do surgery, they you're learning how to do surgery, they you're learning how to do surgery, they don't will in a healthy person for you don't will in a healthy person for you don't will in a healthy person for you to do surgery on for your first time. to do surgery on for your first time. to do surgery on for your first time. If they do, I don't want to be that If they do, I don't want to be that If they do, I don't want to be that healthy person. healthy person. healthy person. Who do they will in? What do they will Who do they will in? What do they will Who do they will in? What do they will in? in? in? A cadaavver. Right? A cadaavver. Right? A cadaavver. Right? If you're going to do surgery, you want If you're going to do surgery, you want If you're going to do surgery, you want to make sure that you're not going to to make sure that you're not going to to make sure that you're not going to mess anybody up so bad. Right? So, mess anybody up so bad. Right? So, mess anybody up so bad. Right? So, you're going to use a cadaavver to you're going to use a cadaavver to you're going to use a cadaavver to practice surgery. practice surgery. practice surgery. Now, that's a terrible example, so just Now, that's a terrible example, so just Now, that's a terrible example, so just go with it for a second. Okay? go with it for a second. Okay? go with it for a second. Okay? When you share the gospel with a dead When you share the gospel with a dead When you share the gospel with a dead person, you're not going to make them person, you're not going to make them person, you're not going to make them more dead.

Do you understand? The pressure is off. Do you understand? The pressure is off. You can't really make them more dead. You can't really make them more dead. You can't really make them more dead. They're already dead in their They're already dead in their They're already dead in their trespasses. trespasses. trespasses. And if the Holy Spirit's the one that And if the Holy Spirit's the one that And if the Holy Spirit's the one that works, the Holy Spirit's the one that works, the Holy Spirit's the one that works, the Holy Spirit's the one that calls and awakens our hearts to the calls and awakens our hearts to the calls and awakens our hearts to the gospel, listen to me. You're preaching gospel, listen to me. You're preaching gospel, listen to me. You're preaching the gospel to dead people. the gospel to dead people. the gospel to dead people. One pastor said, "Evangelism is nothing One pastor said, "Evangelism is nothing One pastor said, "Evangelism is nothing but standing in a cemetery going, but standing in a cemetery going, but standing in a cemetery going, "Here's the G. Here's Jesus. "Here's the G. Here's Jesus. "Here's the G. Here's Jesus. Here's Jesus. You can't mess it up." You can't mess it up." If I know that, if I know it's the Holy If I know that, if I know it's the Holy If I know that, if I know it's the Holy Spirit that does the work, if I know Spirit that does the work, if I know Spirit that does the work, if I know that I can I can uh as I'm sharing the that I can I can uh as I'm sharing the that I can I can uh as I'm sharing the gospel, I can actually be free, it ought gospel, I can actually be free, it ought gospel, I can actually be free, it ought to make me the most bold person to share to make me the most bold person to share to make me the most bold person to share the gospel with anybody. You can be bold about your faith, not You can be bold about your faith, not worrying that you're going to mess it worrying that you're going to mess it worrying that you're going to mess it up. up. up. Well, Cody, I'm afraid, aren't we all, Well, Cody, I'm afraid, aren't we all, Well, Cody, I'm afraid, aren't we all, but you're not going to mess it up. but you're not going to mess it up. but you're not going to mess it up. Share share what Christ has done for Share share what Christ has done for Share share what Christ has done for you. Share share the gospel and then and you. Share share the gospel and then and you. Share share the gospel and then and then let the Holy Spirit does do what then let the Holy Spirit does do what then let the Holy Spirit does do what the Holy Spirit does.

the Holy Spirit does. the Holy Spirit does. Be bold. You don't have to be afraid. Be bold. You don't have to be afraid. Be bold. You don't have to be afraid. You don't have to be worried. You don't have to be worried. You don't have to be worried. And here's my genuine prayer as I drove And here's my genuine prayer as I drove And here's my genuine prayer as I drove in today is that God has put somebody on in today is that God has put somebody on in today is that God has put somebody on your heart that you know you need to your heart that you know you need to your heart that you know you need to share the gospel with. there's somebody, share the gospel with. there's somebody, share the gospel with. there's somebody, family, friend, co-orker, whoever it family, friend, co-orker, whoever it family, friend, co-orker, whoever it might be, classmate, whoever it might might be, classmate, whoever it might might be, classmate, whoever it might be. be. be. That there's somebody that God has put That there's somebody that God has put That there's somebody that God has put on your heart and he does it to me. on your heart and he does it to me. on your heart and he does it to me. And my prayer is for their salvation. My And my prayer is for their salvation. My And my prayer is for their salvation. My prayer is for opportunities to share. My prayer is for opportunities to share. My prayer is for opportunities to share. My prayer is for boldness. prayer is for boldness. prayer is for boldness. My prayer is that the Holy Spirit would My prayer is that the Holy Spirit would My prayer is that the Holy Spirit would speak through me. speak through me. speak through me. My prayer is clarity. I I'd love to tell you that it's it's I I'd love to tell you that it's it's really not as hard as we think it is. really not as hard as we think it is. really not as hard as we think it is. Try it one time Try it one time Try it one time and see if you can't wait to do it and see if you can't wait to do it and see if you can't wait to do it again. again. again. By the way, look around. Can you imagine By the way, look around. Can you imagine By the way, look around. Can you imagine all of us going out through the city, all of us going out through the city, all of us going out through the city, the Little Rock, Central Arkansas, every the Little Rock, Central Arkansas, every the Little Rock, Central Arkansas, every single one of us this week sharing the single one of us this week sharing the single one of us this week sharing the gospel with somebody?

gospel with somebody? gospel with somebody? Can you imagine what next Sunday would Can you imagine what next Sunday would Can you imagine what next Sunday would be like? be like? be like? Be pretty cool, wouldn't it? Be pretty cool, wouldn't it? Be pretty cool, wouldn't it? Once we come into the faith, there's a Once we come into the faith, there's a Once we come into the faith, there's a joyous celebration. joyous celebration. joyous celebration. There's a beautiful declaration. There's a beautiful declaration. There's a beautiful declaration. And that's baptism. That's the next And that's baptism. That's the next And that's baptism. That's the next step. As we see Philip here, look at step. As we see Philip here, look at step. As we see Philip here, look at point three. We're called to be baptism point three. We're called to be baptism point three. We're called to be baptism commissioners. Look at verse 36. commissioners. Look at verse 36. commissioners. Look at verse 36. And as they were going along the road, And as they were going along the road, And as they were going along the road, they came to some water. And the unic they came to some water. And the unic they came to some water. And the unic said, "See, here is water. What prevents said, "See, here is water. What prevents said, "See, here is water. What prevents me from being baptized?" me from being baptized?" me from being baptized?" And he commanded the chariot to stop. And he commanded the chariot to stop. And he commanded the chariot to stop. And they both went down into the water, And they both went down into the water, And they both went down into the water, Philip and the unic, and he baptized Philip and the unic, and he baptized Philip and the unic, and he baptized him. Verse 39. And when they came out of him. Verse 39. And when they came out of him. Verse 39. And when they came out of the water, the spirit of the Lord the water, the spirit of the Lord the water, the spirit of the Lord carried Philip away. I don't know if carried Philip away. I don't know if carried Philip away. I don't know if that's teleportation. I don't know what that's teleportation. I don't know what that's teleportation. I don't know what that was, but Philip is gone. He's not that was, but Philip is gone. He's not that was, but Philip is gone. He's not around anymore. around anymore. around anymore. But here's what's sweet. The next part But here's what's sweet. The next part But here's what's sweet. The next part and the unic saw him no more and went on and the unic saw him no more and went on and the unic saw him no more and went on his way rejoicing. his way rejoicing. his way rejoicing. You know what church history tells us, You know what church history tells us, You know what church history tells us, by the way, about that? And then then by the way, about that? And then then by the way, about that? And then then this is the sidebar. This is your extra this is the sidebar. This is your extra this is the sidebar. This is your extra sermon.

sermon. sermon. History would tell us through one History would tell us through one History would tell us through one Ethiopian in a scroll of Isaiah that God Ethiopian in a scroll of Isaiah that God Ethiopian in a scroll of Isaiah that God would plant a humongous church in would plant a humongous church in would plant a humongous church in Eastern Africa. Eastern Africa. Eastern Africa. God's plan all along was just through God's plan all along was just through God's plan all along was just through one Ethiopian the gospel would be shared that it would absolutely turn Eastern that it would absolutely turn Eastern Africa upside down. Africa upside down. Africa upside down. That's the kind of God we serve. So what That's the kind of God we serve. So what That's the kind of God we serve. So what happens here? He trusts. He responds to happens here? He trusts. He responds to happens here? He trusts. He responds to the gospel and he follows it with the gospel and he follows it with the gospel and he follows it with baptism. A beautiful means of grace to baptism. A beautiful means of grace to baptism. A beautiful means of grace to us to represent the death, burial, and us to represent the death, burial, and us to represent the death, burial, and resurrection of our savior. resurrection of our savior. resurrection of our savior. There's nothing else like it. Next There's nothing else like it. Next There's nothing else like it. Next Sunday Sunday Sunday is baptism Sunday. It is one of the most is baptism Sunday. It is one of the most is baptism Sunday. It is one of the most beautiful things we do here as we see beautiful things we do here as we see beautiful things we do here as we see someone who was dead in their trespasses someone who was dead in their trespasses someone who was dead in their trespasses made alive made alive made alive have a savior have a savior have a savior to follow. to follow. to follow. It's a declaration. It's a declaration. It's a declaration. I belong to Christ. Jess and I have been I belong to Christ. Jess and I have been I belong to Christ. Jess and I have been married almost 20 years. The commitment married almost 20 years. The commitment married almost 20 years. The commitment didn't start when we did the wedding.

didn't start when we did the wedding. didn't start when we did the wedding. The wedding was actually just a The wedding was actually just a The wedding was actually just a celebration. celebration. celebration. The commitment happened back in April of The commitment happened back in April of The commitment happened back in April of that year of ' 06 at a Red Sox Rangers that year of ' 06 at a Red Sox Rangers that year of ' 06 at a Red Sox Rangers game because I'm so romantic. But the commitment was there. The But the commitment was there. The commitment was as we as we courted commitment was as we as we courted commitment was as we as we courted the commitment was I will marry you and the commitment was I will marry you and the commitment was I will marry you and you will be my bride and I will be your you will be my bride and I will be your you will be my bride and I will be your husband. The wedding is when family got husband. The wedding is when family got husband. The wedding is when family got to see. to see. to see. Baptism doesn't save you but it does Baptism doesn't save you but it does Baptism doesn't save you but it does declare that you are saved. declare that you are saved. declare that you are saved. Baptism is the celebration with family Baptism is the celebration with family Baptism is the celebration with family through baptism. We see first off that through baptism. We see first off that through baptism. We see first off that Jesus modeled it back in Mark 1. If you Jesus modeled it back in Mark 1. If you Jesus modeled it back in Mark 1. If you remember the story Jesus is being remember the story Jesus is being remember the story Jesus is being baptized. John doesn't want to do it. baptized. John doesn't want to do it. baptized. John doesn't want to do it. says he's not worthy to do it but does says he's not worthy to do it but does says he's not worthy to do it but does it it it and the truth is that it says Jesus was and the truth is that it says Jesus was and the truth is that it says Jesus was baptized to fulfill all righteousness baptized to fulfill all righteousness baptized to fulfill all righteousness that is all obedience that he requires that is all obedience that he requires that is all obedience that he requires of us then to follow him is that we of us then to follow him is that we of us then to follow him is that we would do the same he commands it if you would do the same he commands it if you would do the same he commands it if you go back to Matthew 28 go then to all go back to Matthew 28 go then to all go back to Matthew 28 go then to all peoples everywhere and make them all peoples everywhere and make them all peoples everywhere and make them all make them my disciples baptize them in make them my disciples baptize them in make them my disciples baptize them in the name of the father son and the holy the name of the father son and the holy the name of the father son and the holy spirit and cease them to obey everything spirit and cease them to obey everything spirit and cease them to obey everything I have commanded you baptism is a I have commanded you baptism is a I have commanded you baptism is a command that once we come into the faith command that once we come into the faith command that once we come into the faith we follow in obedience through baptism.

we follow in obedience through baptism. we follow in obedience through baptism. We confess Christ at our baptism. We confess Christ at our baptism. We confess Christ at our baptism. Colossians 2:12, for when you you were Colossians 2:12, for when you you were Colossians 2:12, for when you you were baptized, you were buried with Christ, baptized, you were buried with Christ, baptized, you were buried with Christ, and in baptism, you were also raised and in baptism, you were also raised and in baptism, you were also raised with Christ. It's this picture of what with Christ. It's this picture of what with Christ. It's this picture of what baptism is. That word literally means baptism is. That word literally means baptism is. That word literally means dunk, submerged, dunk, submerged, dunk, submerged, because it's a picture of our death. because it's a picture of our death. because it's a picture of our death. that when I was baptized, I'm that when I was baptized, I'm that when I was baptized, I'm symbolically pointing to the fact that symbolically pointing to the fact that symbolically pointing to the fact that Cody is now dead and I've been raised to Cody is now dead and I've been raised to Cody is now dead and I've been raised to walk in new life with Christ. It's it's incredible that we are saying It's it's incredible that we are saying not only have I've been have I given my not only have I've been have I given my not only have I've been have I given my life to Christ, have I trusted in life to Christ, have I trusted in life to Christ, have I trusted in Christ, it's reflected that I am dead Christ, it's reflected that I am dead Christ, it's reflected that I am dead and now I am alive now with Christ and and now I am alive now with Christ and and now I am alive now with Christ and walking and following Christ. walking and following Christ. walking and following Christ. It's a joy to be able to declare that It's a joy to be able to declare that It's a joy to be able to declare that with family. with family. with family. It's a joy to say, "I belong to him." It's a joy to say, "I belong to him." It's a joy to say, "I belong to him." And it comes after faith and repentance. And it comes after faith and repentance. And it comes after faith and repentance. Acts 2:41, those who accepted his Acts 2:41, those who accepted his Acts 2:41, those who accepted his message were baptized.

message were baptized. message were baptized. It's a confession. It's a confession. It's a confession. Now, we let there's verse 37 in Acts 8. Now, we let there's verse 37 in Acts 8. Now, we let there's verse 37 in Acts 8. Did you notice that it wasn't there? You Did you notice that it wasn't there? You Did you notice that it wasn't there? You OCD people, did you notice 37 wasn't OCD people, did you notice 37 wasn't OCD people, did you notice 37 wasn't there? there? there? It's in later manuscripts. Here's what It's in later manuscripts. Here's what It's in later manuscripts. Here's what it says, and it doesn't hurt the story, it says, and it doesn't hurt the story, it says, and it doesn't hurt the story, but here's what it says. but here's what it says. but here's what it says. And Philip said, 'If you believe with And Philip said, 'If you believe with And Philip said, 'If you believe with all your heart, you may. And he replied, all your heart, you may. And he replied, all your heart, you may. And he replied, I believe that Jesus Christ is the son I believe that Jesus Christ is the son I believe that Jesus Christ is the son of God. of God. of God. Which manuscript? It doesn't matter. But Which manuscript? It doesn't matter. But Which manuscript? It doesn't matter. But the truth is that if any of us are the truth is that if any of us are the truth is that if any of us are coming to baptism, it is through coming to baptism, it is through coming to baptism, it is through confession that Jesus Christ is Lord. confession that Jesus Christ is Lord. confession that Jesus Christ is Lord. Here's my question for you today. Here's my question for you today. Here's my question for you today. Have you placed faith in Christ? Have you placed faith in Christ? Have you placed faith in Christ? And if you have, have you followed in And if you have, have you followed in And if you have, have you followed in baptism? baptism? baptism? We would love to talk with you about it. We would love to talk with you about it. We would love to talk with you about it. Maybe it's about baptism. Maybe it's Maybe it's about baptism. Maybe it's Maybe it's about baptism. Maybe it's about your baptism. Maybe it's about the about your baptism. Maybe it's about the about your baptism. Maybe it's about the subject of baptism. subject of baptism. subject of baptism. Elders are here to be able to answer Elders are here to be able to answer Elders are here to be able to answer some of those questions for you and to some of those questions for you and to some of those questions for you and to walk with you about what this means. You walk with you about what this means. You walk with you about what this means. You can email [email protected] can email [email protected] can email [email protected] or even better go to the connection or even better go to the connection or even better go to the connection center. There's a lot of us hanging center. There's a lot of us hanging center. There's a lot of us hanging around out here. We'd love to get to around out here. We'd love to get to around out here. We'd love to get to visit with you about baptism.

visit with you about baptism. visit with you about baptism. But it's a beautiful response. But it's a beautiful response. But it's a beautiful response. It's a declaration of who's you belong It's a declaration of who's you belong It's a declaration of who's you belong to to to and we do so in obedience. I love too and we do so in obedience. I love too and we do so in obedience. I love too that we whoever's in charge of that we whoever's in charge of that we whoever's in charge of discipling you is going to baptize you. discipling you is going to baptize you. discipling you is going to baptize you. I'm a pastor. I love to baptize people. I'm a pastor. I love to baptize people. I'm a pastor. I love to baptize people. I love to go home with my shirt wet from I love to go home with my shirt wet from I love to go home with my shirt wet from baptism because I it's just God's little baptism because I it's just God's little baptism because I it's just God's little precious reminder of the lives I get to precious reminder of the lives I get to precious reminder of the lives I get to be a part of. But if there's somebody that you have But if there's somebody that you have led to the faith or you've been involved led to the faith or you've been involved led to the faith or you've been involved in their disciplehip, we want you to we in their disciplehip, we want you to we in their disciplehip, we want you to we want you to baptize them. want you to baptize them. want you to baptize them. It's beautiful for dads to baptize It's beautiful for dads to baptize It's beautiful for dads to baptize kiddos, for friends to baptize friends, kiddos, for friends to baptize friends, kiddos, for friends to baptize friends, for those that have maybe led us to the for those that have maybe led us to the for those that have maybe led us to the Lord to baptize us to say, "Look, I love Lord to baptize us to say, "Look, I love Lord to baptize us to say, "Look, I love my brother or sister in Christ, and I'm my brother or sister in Christ, and I'm my brother or sister in Christ, and I'm here for their growth. I'm here to help here for their growth. I'm here to help here for their growth. I'm here to help them." them." them." I grew up missionary Baptist. It was I grew up missionary Baptist. It was I grew up missionary Baptist. It was only the pastor. only the pastor. only the pastor. But nothing brings me to tears like But nothing brings me to tears like But nothing brings me to tears like watching people who have poured into watching people who have poured into watching people who have poured into somebody else cross the line of faith somebody else cross the line of faith somebody else cross the line of faith and then baptize them. That's pretty and then baptize them. That's pretty and then baptize them. That's pretty precious. precious. precious. Today, I don't I don't know where some Today, I don't I don't know where some Today, I don't I don't know where some of you are.

of you are. of you are. Maybe for the first time in your life, Maybe for the first time in your life, Maybe for the first time in your life, you've heard God, man, Jesus. you've heard God, man, Jesus. you've heard God, man, Jesus. Maybe today through the work of the Holy Maybe today through the work of the Holy Maybe today through the work of the Holy Spirit in your life, you're ready to Spirit in your life, you're ready to Spirit in your life, you're ready to repent and trust in him. We want to help repent and trust in him. We want to help repent and trust in him. We want to help you. you. you. You can do that through you can come You can do that through you can come You can do that through you can come talk to We're going to be hanging out talk to We're going to be hanging out talk to We're going to be hanging out down front. You can come talk to us. But down front. You can come talk to us. But down front. You can come talk to us. But even better than that, somebody probably even better than that, somebody probably even better than that, somebody probably brought you today that's been waiting to brought you today that's been waiting to brought you today that's been waiting to have that conversation with you and they have that conversation with you and they have that conversation with you and they would love to talk with you about Jesus. would love to talk with you about Jesus. would love to talk with you about Jesus. If you've never been baptized, this is a If you've never been baptized, this is a If you've never been baptized, this is a wonderful invitation to do so. wonderful invitation to do so. wonderful invitation to do so. It's not too late. You can be a part of It's not too late. You can be a part of It's not too late. You can be a part of next week next week next week or whenever you want, or whenever you want, or whenever you want, but you can follow in obedience. But but you can follow in obedience. But but you can follow in obedience. But lastly, it's this. lastly, it's this. lastly, it's this. Maybe there's somebody today that's been Maybe there's somebody today that's been Maybe there's somebody today that's been on your heart that you want to share the on your heart that you want to share the on your heart that you want to share the gospel with. gospel with. gospel with. and you're already struggling, you're and you're already struggling, you're and you're already struggling, you're already doubting, you're already already doubting, you're already already doubting, you're already wrestling through that. wrestling through that. wrestling through that. Please don't walk out of here feeling Please don't walk out of here feeling Please don't walk out of here feeling obligated or guilty. I've been a pastor long enough to I've been a pastor long enough to realize that obligation and duty and realize that obligation and duty and realize that obligation and duty and guilt are not very good motivators. They guilt are not very good motivators. They guilt are not very good motivators. They might be for a week or so. That's the might be for a week or so. That's the might be for a week or so. That's the way my gym membership works.

way my gym membership works. way my gym membership works. Guilt and obligation and that wears off. Guilt and obligation and that wears off. Guilt and obligation and that wears off. You know what the best motivator for You know what the best motivator for You know what the best motivator for evangelism is for sharing your faith? evangelism is for sharing your faith? evangelism is for sharing your faith? Love. If you and I went out of here and had If you and I went out of here and had lunch today, you give me 10 minutes and lunch today, you give me 10 minutes and lunch today, you give me 10 minutes and I can tell what you love. I can tell what you love. I can tell what you love. You'll start talking about friends or You'll start talking about friends or You'll start talking about friends or family or things you like. family or things you like. family or things you like. In about 10 minutes, we'll sit down and In about 10 minutes, we'll sit down and In about 10 minutes, we'll sit down and you'll hear me and I'll hear you. you'll hear me and I'll hear you. you'll hear me and I'll hear you. The aim of today is not to make you feel The aim of today is not to make you feel The aim of today is not to make you feel guilty or shame you into sharing the guilty or shame you into sharing the guilty or shame you into sharing the gospel. The goal today is gospel. The goal today is gospel. The goal today is to love Jesus. to love Jesus. to love Jesus. We share what we love. We share what we love. We share what we love. And today, if you would see yourself as And today, if you would see yourself as And today, if you would see yourself as a broken, sinful person in need of his a broken, sinful person in need of his a broken, sinful person in need of his grace, and you rehearse that gospel, and grace, and you rehearse that gospel, and grace, and you rehearse that gospel, and I would dare say the word, and you get I would dare say the word, and you get I would dare say the word, and you get really romantic about the gospel and really romantic about the gospel and really romantic about the gospel and what it's done for you, you won't have a what it's done for you, you won't have a what it's done for you, you won't have a problem sharing problem sharing problem sharing my lack of sharing those around me is my lack of sharing those around me is my lack of sharing those around me is more I need to fan the flame of my love more I need to fan the flame of my love more I need to fan the flame of my love for Christ and my love for others for Christ and my love for others for Christ and my love for others that I see the gospel is true for me and that I see the gospel is true for me and that I see the gospel is true for me and I'm a debtor to grace I'm a debtor to grace I'm a debtor to grace and I can't wait to share with somebody and I can't wait to share with somebody and I can't wait to share with somebody else.

else. else. I hope that happens for you today. I I hope that happens for you today. I I hope that happens for you today. I pray that it does. pray that it does. pray that it does. I pray for the people as you walk out I pray for the people as you walk out I pray for the people as you walk out these doors you're going to encounter these doors you're going to encounter these doors you're going to encounter and this week and this week and this week that the spirit's going to lead you and that the spirit's going to lead you and that the spirit's going to lead you and go, "Hey, go, "Hey, go, "Hey, go over there." go over there." go over there." And you'll go And you'll go And you'll go and you'll ask questions and you'll ask questions and you'll ask questions and you'll look for a moment that you and you'll look for a moment that you and you'll look for a moment that you get to share Jesus because you love get to share Jesus because you love get to share Jesus because you love Jesus and you can't help for it to come Jesus and you can't help for it to come Jesus and you can't help for it to come out. I love you. I love you. I'm praying for you. I'm praying for you. I'm praying for you. Let's pray. Let's pray. Let's pray. Lord Jesus, we thank you for your mercy Lord Jesus, we thank you for your mercy Lord Jesus, we thank you for your mercy to broken, sinful people. to broken, sinful people. to broken, sinful people. People that were not worthy, People that were not worthy, People that were not worthy, people that don't deserve anything from people that don't deserve anything from people that don't deserve anything from you. you. you. But your grace and mercy have saved us But your grace and mercy have saved us But your grace and mercy have saved us and redeemed us. You have bore our and redeemed us. You have bore our and redeemed us. You have bore our penalty upon the cross. You have shed penalty upon the cross. You have shed penalty upon the cross. You have shed your blood for our forgiveness.

And we are debtors of grace. And we are debtors of grace. And in gratitude and worship and And in gratitude and worship and And in gratitude and worship and thanksgiving, Lord, we walk out of these doors Lord, we walk out of these doors with the gospel on our lips with the gospel on our lips with the gospel on our lips for ourselves and for others, for ourselves and for others, for ourselves and for others, looking for every moment we can to looking for every moment we can to looking for every moment we can to share, share, share, knowing that you're the one that ordains knowing that you're the one that ordains knowing that you're the one that ordains these things to happen. these things to happen. these things to happen. knowing that we have the freedom to knowing that we have the freedom to knowing that we have the freedom to share because Lord, you speak through us share because Lord, you speak through us share because Lord, you speak through us and you've given us a message worthy to and you've given us a message worthy to and you've given us a message worthy to share with every single person on share with every single person on share with every single person on [music] the face of this earth. Lord, teach us to treasure you Lord, teach us to treasure you as we share the treasure. as we share the treasure. as we share the treasure. We pray all this in Jesus name. [music] We pray all this in Jesus name. [music] We pray all this in Jesus name. [music] Amen. >> Thanks again for listening to the word >> Thanks again for listening to the word of God. We are blessed to [music] reach of God. We are blessed to [music] reach of God. We are blessed to [music] reach you throughout the week through whatever you throughout the week through whatever you throughout the week through whatever platform you're listening on. If you're platform you're listening on. If you're platform you're listening on. If you're needing prayer or you want to [music] needing prayer or you want to [music] needing prayer or you want to [music] talk to someone about your walk with talk to someone about your walk with talk to someone about your walk with Jesus, reach out to us at Jesus, reach out to us at Jesus, reach out to us at fellowshipar.com/cont.

fellowshipar.com/cont. fellowshipar.com/cont. [music] Have a great week.