08.30.26 - 9 AM Sunday Service // Miracles Of Jesus // Justin Bilson

Good morning and thanks so much for Good morning and thanks so much for joining us online for our worship joining us online for our worship joining us online for our worship services today. My name is Mark Henry. services today. My name is Mark Henry. services today. My name is Mark Henry. I'm one of the teaching pastors here at I'm one of the teaching pastors here at I'm one of the teaching pastors here at Fellowship and I serve alongside our Fellowship and I serve alongside our Fellowship and I serve alongside our other pastors to help lead and teach our other pastors to help lead and teach our other pastors to help lead and teach our church in a very team oriented way. And church in a very team oriented way. And church in a very team oriented way. And if you're new with us today, we're so if you're new with us today, we're so if you're new with us today, we're so excited that you're here and we'd love excited that you're here and we'd love excited that you're here and we'd love to connect with you and help you take to connect with you and help you take to connect with you and help you take your next step at fellowship. You can do your next step at fellowship. You can do your next step at fellowship. You can do that by using the QR code located there that by using the QR code located there that by using the QR code located there on the bottom of the screen or reaching on the bottom of the screen or reaching on the bottom of the screen or reaching out through our website. And if you're out through our website. And if you're out through our website. And if you're attending in person, you can drop by our attending in person, you can drop by our attending in person, you can drop by our connection center on any of our connection center on any of our connection center on any of our campuses. The Fellowship Bible Church campuses. The Fellowship Bible Church campuses. The Fellowship Bible Church started in Little Rock, Arkansas, where started in Little Rock, Arkansas, where started in Little Rock, Arkansas, where our West Little Rock campus is, but our West Little Rock campus is, but our West Little Rock campus is, but we've grown into seven different we've grown into seven different we've grown into seven different campuses over the last 48 years. Now campuses over the last 48 years. Now campuses over the last 48 years. Now we're located in Benton, Kabat, Midtown, we're located in Benton, Kabat, Midtown, we're located in Benton, Kabat, Midtown, Little Rock, Mal, North Little Rock, and Little Rock, Mal, North Little Rock, and Little Rock, Mal, North Little Rock, and our Espanol campus. We are one church our Espanol campus. We are one church our Espanol campus. We are one church that meets in multiple locations in that meets in multiple locations in that meets in multiple locations in central Arkansas. And what unites us central Arkansas. And what unites us central Arkansas. And what unites us together is a common vision and mission. together is a common vision and mission. together is a common vision and mission. Our mission here at Fellowship is to Our mission here at Fellowship is to Our mission here at Fellowship is to make disciples who live by God's grace make disciples who live by God's grace make disciples who live by God's grace and for his glory at home and across the and for his glory at home and across the and for his glory at home and across the world. And we're so excited that you're world. And we're so excited that you're world. And we're so excited that you're joining us online today. And I want to joining us online today. And I want to joining us online today. And I want to encourage you to fully engage with us encourage you to fully engage with us encourage you to fully engage with us wherever you are. I know that the Lord wherever you are. I know that the Lord wherever you are. I know that the Lord has something he wants to do in your has something he wants to do in your has something he wants to do in your heart and life as we worship and learn heart and life as we worship and learn heart and life as we worship and learn from his word together today. If you from his word together today. If you from his word together today. If you call Fellowship Home, I want to call Fellowship Home, I want to call Fellowship Home, I want to encourage you to worship God with us encourage you to worship God with us encourage you to worship God with us through your giving. There are many ways through your giving. There are many ways through your giving. There are many ways to give at Fellowship. One of the most to give at Fellowship. One of the most to give at Fellowship. One of the most popular is to give through our website.

popular is to give through our website. popular is to give through our website. And when you give, God uses your And when you give, God uses your And when you give, God uses your faithful giving to bless others in faithful giving to bless others in faithful giving to bless others in central Arkansas and across the world. central Arkansas and across the world. central Arkansas and across the world. Again, thank you for joining us today. Again, thank you for joining us today. Again, thank you for joining us today. And we pray that God will move in all And we pray that God will move in all And we pray that God will move in all our hearts as he accomplishes his our hearts as he accomplishes his our hearts as he accomplishes his purpose in us and through us together. I'm actually glad you said that. I don't I'm actually glad you said that. I don't ever turn them off and I did today.

Good morning fellowship. I invite you Good morning fellowship. I invite you guys to stand guys to stand guys to stand as we fix our eyes on Jesus and just as we fix our eyes on Jesus and just as we fix our eyes on Jesus and just prepare to just worship him, to pour our prepare to just worship him, to pour our prepare to just worship him, to pour our love on him as he pours his love back on love on him as he pours his love back on love on him as he pours his love back on us. Just to kind of help us get our us. Just to kind of help us get our us. Just to kind of help us get our hearts in a posture of worship. I'm hearts in a posture of worship. I'm hearts in a posture of worship. I'm going to read Colossians 1 starting at going to read Colossians 1 starting at going to read Colossians 1 starting at verse 15. And it says of Jesus, he is verse 15. And it says of Jesus, he is verse 15. And it says of Jesus, he is the image of the invisible God, the the image of the invisible God, the the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by him firstborn of all creation. For by him firstborn of all creation. For by him all things were created in heaven and on all things were created in heaven and on all things were created in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether earth, visible and invisible, whether earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or thrones or dominions or rulers or thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities. All things were created authorities. All things were created authorities. All things were created through him and for him. And he is through him and for him. And he is through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things before all things, and in him all things before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the hold together. And he is the head of the hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church. And he is the body, the church. And he is the body, the church. And he is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, beginning, the firstborn from the dead, beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be that in everything he might be that in everything he might be preeeminent. For in him all the fullness preeeminent. For in him all the fullness preeeminent. For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell. And through of God was pleased to dwell. And through of God was pleased to dwell. And through him to reconcile to himself all things, him to reconcile to himself all things, him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making whether on earth or in heaven, making whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross. Lord peace by the blood of his cross. Lord peace by the blood of his cross. Lord Jesus, we worship you as the preeminent Jesus, we worship you as the preeminent Jesus, we worship you as the preeminent one this morning, one this morning, one this morning, the holy one of heaven.

the holy one of heaven. the holy one of heaven. Even now we join in the worship of Even now we join in the worship of Even now we join in the worship of heaven as the angels surround your heaven as the angels surround your heaven as the angels surround your throne singing of your holiness. Lord we throne singing of your holiness. Lord we throne singing of your holiness. Lord we join in their song as we worship you join in their song as we worship you join in their song as we worship you this morning. A thousand generations A thousand generations are falling down in worship to sing the are falling down in worship to sing the are falling down in worship to sing the song of ages to the lamb. And all who've gone before us and all And all who've gone before us and all who will believe who will believe who will believe will sing the song of ages to the lamb. will sing the song of ages to the lamb. will sing the song of ages to the lamb. We exalt the name of Jesus. If your name We exalt the name of Jesus. If your name We exalt the name of Jesus. If your name is the highest, your name is the is the highest, your name is the is the highest, your name is the greatest. Your name Lord stands above greatest. Your name Lord stands above greatest. Your name Lord stands above the power of Jesus. the power of Jesus. the power of Jesus. all all all his millions and all powers and his millions and all powers and his millions and all powers and positions your name. Oh, he stands above positions your name. Oh, he stands above positions your name. Oh, he stands above them all and the angels cry.

them all and the angels cry. them all and the angels cry. Holy Holy Holy and all creation cries. It's your holy. and all creation cries. It's your holy. and all creation cries. It's your holy. You are lifted high. Holy, Holy, holy, forever forever in forever in Jesus. Jesus. Jesus. If you've been forgiven, If you've been forgiven, If you've been forgiven, if you bury me, if you bury me, if you bury me, sing a song forever to walk in freedom. walk in freedom. And if you bear his day, And if you bear his day, And if you bear his day, sing the song forever to. sing the song forever to. sing the song forever to. Oh, Oh, Oh, we sing the song forever ending we sing the song forever ending we sing the song forever ending and the angels cry. and the angels cry. and the angels cry. You're holy Jesus.

holy Jesus. Oh my Jesus, your name is the highest. Your Jesus, your name is the highest. Your name is the highest. Your name is the name is the highest. Your name is the name is the highest. Your name is the greatest. Your name glor. greatest. Your name glor. greatest. Your name glor. And that's why we praise you. All And that's why we praise you. All And that's why we praise you. All is minions and all powers. It positiones is minions and all powers. It positiones is minions and all powers. It positiones your name. your name. your name. Holy ex Holy ex Holy ex Jesus is your name in the highest Lord Jesus, you will always be

Lord Jesus, you will always be holy, Amen. Amen. Amen. Amen. You know, Revelation 4 gives us that You know, Revelation 4 gives us that You know, Revelation 4 gives us that picture of the angels gathered around in picture of the angels gathered around in picture of the angels gathered around in the throne room of Jesus. now and the throne room of Jesus. now and the throne room of Jesus. now and forever more singing those words, holy forever more singing those words, holy forever more singing those words, holy are you Lord. And it's not only the are you Lord. And it's not only the are you Lord. And it's not only the angels that are gathered around singing angels that are gathered around singing angels that are gathered around singing that all over the globe this morning. that all over the globe this morning. that all over the globe this morning. There are believers on every continent There are believers on every continent There are believers on every continent and every country some gathering in open and every country some gathering in open and every country some gathering in open some gathering in secret and they are some gathering in secret and they are some gathering in secret and they are singing worship songs to the same Lord singing worship songs to the same Lord singing worship songs to the same Lord that we are this morning too. And so I that we are this morning too. And so I that we are this morning too. And so I hope you feel that this morning that we hope you feel that this morning that we hope you feel that this morning that we are a part of something bigger than are a part of something bigger than are a part of something bigger than ourselves. We are joining in with the ourselves. We are joining in with the ourselves. We are joining in with the angels and we are giving worth to a holy angels and we are giving worth to a holy angels and we are giving worth to a holy Lord that is worth all that we are and Lord that is worth all that we are and Lord that is worth all that we are and all that we have. So we're glad you're all that we have. So we're glad you're all that we have. So we're glad you're here doing that with us this morning. here doing that with us this morning. here doing that with us this morning. You guys can grab a seat. What a great You guys can grab a seat. What a great You guys can grab a seat. What a great way to start our morning together. If we way to start our morning together. If we way to start our morning together. If we haven't met yet, my name is Jay McGuer. haven't met yet, my name is Jay McGuer. haven't met yet, my name is Jay McGuer. I'm the pastor of adult disciplehip for I'm the pastor of adult disciplehip for I'm the pastor of adult disciplehip for all of our fellowship campuses here. And all of our fellowship campuses here. And all of our fellowship campuses here. And if we haven't had an opportunity to meet if we haven't had an opportunity to meet if we haven't had an opportunity to meet yet, I'd love to do that before you head yet, I'd love to do that before you head yet, I'd love to do that before you head out today. On your way in this morning, out today. On your way in this morning, out today. On your way in this morning, hopefully you got one of our bulletins.

hopefully you got one of our bulletins. hopefully you got one of our bulletins. And if you're a guest here with us And if you're a guest here with us And if you're a guest here with us today, we would love to connect with today, we would love to connect with today, we would love to connect with you. At the bottom of that bulletin, you. At the bottom of that bulletin, you. At the bottom of that bulletin, among the many other things we have among the many other things we have among the many other things we have going on in the life of our church that going on in the life of our church that going on in the life of our church that you can see, there's a place that you you can see, there's a place that you you can see, there's a place that you can fill out uh this little section. can fill out uh this little section. can fill out uh this little section. tear it off. On your way out, if you'll tear it off. On your way out, if you'll tear it off. On your way out, if you'll stop by our connection center, which is stop by our connection center, which is stop by our connection center, which is over here by our west entrance, over by over here by our west entrance, over by over here by our west entrance, over by where the fireplace is. We have some where the fireplace is. We have some where the fireplace is. We have some pastors and some elders that are there pastors and some elders that are there pastors and some elders that are there that would love to spend just a minute that would love to spend just a minute that would love to spend just a minute with you before you head out. We have a with you before you head out. We have a with you before you head out. We have a free gift we'd love to share with you, free gift we'd love to share with you, free gift we'd love to share with you, too. See if there's anything we can do too. See if there's anything we can do too. See if there's anything we can do to help you take your next steps of to help you take your next steps of to help you take your next steps of spiritual growth or even connect more to spiritual growth or even connect more to spiritual growth or even connect more to our church family. For those of you that our church family. For those of you that our church family. For those of you that are joining us online, we want to extend are joining us online, we want to extend are joining us online, we want to extend that same offer to you. If you've never that same offer to you. If you've never that same offer to you. If you've never joined us in person, we'd love to have joined us in person, we'd love to have joined us in person, we'd love to have you come and worship with us. There's a you come and worship with us. There's a you come and worship with us. There's a link there that you can click that'll link there that you can click that'll link there that you can click that'll help you connect with us too and share help you connect with us too and share help you connect with us too and share some information there with us too. The some information there with us too. The some information there with us too. The bottom line is this. If you're a guest, bottom line is this. If you're a guest, bottom line is this. If you're a guest, we would love to connect with you and we would love to connect with you and we would love to connect with you and see if there's anything we can better do see if there's anything we can better do see if there's anything we can better do to help you follow Jesus. Well, you to help you follow Jesus. Well, you to help you follow Jesus. Well, you know, if you and I were to have a know, if you and I were to have a know, if you and I were to have a conversation this morning and I were to conversation this morning and I were to conversation this morning and I were to ask you how it's going in life, your ask you how it's going in life, your ask you how it's going in life, your response back to me would probably be response back to me would probably be response back to me would probably be the same thing you tell everybody. Busy. the same thing you tell everybody. Busy. the same thing you tell everybody. Busy. It's just busy. Because that seems like It's just busy. Because that seems like It's just busy. Because that seems like that's the proper response. I've never that's the proper response. I've never that's the proper response. I've never asked somebody that question and they asked somebody that question and they asked somebody that question and they said, "Man, I have no idea what to do said, "Man, I have no idea what to do said, "Man, I have no idea what to do with all this free time in my life. I with all this free time in my life. I with all this free time in my life. I just, please, do you have something I just, please, do you have something I just, please, do you have something I could do?" And here's what I found out could do?" And here's what I found out could do?" And here's what I found out to be true in my own life. Whenever to be true in my own life. Whenever to be true in my own life. Whenever things are busy, I still make time for things are busy, I still make time for things are busy, I still make time for the things that I value. Like, I will the things that I value. Like, I will the things that I value. Like, I will cra no matter how busy it is, I will add cra no matter how busy it is, I will add cra no matter how busy it is, I will add more things if they bring value to my more things if they bring value to my more things if they bring value to my life. And so in a busy fall for you, in life. And so in a busy fall for you, in life. And so in a busy fall for you, in a busy fall for all of us, we really a busy fall for all of us, we really a busy fall for all of us, we really want to encourage you to connect with or want to encourage you to connect with or want to encourage you to connect with or continue to be a part of one of our

continue to be a part of one of our continue to be a part of one of our Dgroups that we have here at Fellowship. Dgroups that we have here at Fellowship. Dgroups that we have here at Fellowship. If you're unfamiliar with that, our If you're unfamiliar with that, our If you're unfamiliar with that, our D-groups are our small group communities D-groups are our small group communities D-groups are our small group communities of usually about 12 to 20 people that of usually about 12 to 20 people that of usually about 12 to 20 people that gather each week uh in homes in gather each week uh in homes in gather each week uh in homes in different places across our area for the different places across our area for the different places across our area for the purposes of building relationships, purposes of building relationships, purposes of building relationships, growing spiritually, and living on growing spiritually, and living on growing spiritually, and living on Christ's mission together, too. Some of Christ's mission together, too. Some of Christ's mission together, too. Some of those groups discuss the sermons that those groups discuss the sermons that those groups discuss the sermons that you hear every week. If you connect well you hear every week. If you connect well you hear every week. If you connect well with those, some of them are doing all with those, some of them are doing all with those, some of them are doing all sorts of other books of the Bible or sorts of other books of the Bible or sorts of other books of the Bible or topics or things that interest you. We topics or things that interest you. We topics or things that interest you. We have groups for every age, every stage have groups for every age, every stage have groups for every age, every stage of life that gather again across of life that gather again across of life that gather again across neighborhoods all across our community. neighborhoods all across our community. neighborhoods all across our community. And if you've never connected to one of And if you've never connected to one of And if you've never connected to one of those or even if in your mind you go, those or even if in your mind you go, those or even if in your mind you go, "Man, I'd love to, but I'm just too "Man, I'd love to, but I'm just too "Man, I'd love to, but I'm just too busy." We would love to help you busy." We would love to help you busy." We would love to help you prioritize your spiritual growth this prioritize your spiritual growth this prioritize your spiritual growth this fall. Again, whether it's men's groups, fall. Again, whether it's men's groups, fall. Again, whether it's men's groups, women's groups, a group with your spouse women's groups, a group with your spouse women's groups, a group with your spouse or just a group with other people that or just a group with other people that or just a group with other people that are gathering together that around are gathering together that around are gathering together that around something that might interest you, if something that might interest you, if something that might interest you, if you will make spiritual growth a you will make spiritual growth a you will make spiritual growth a priority, we guarantee you, we promise priority, we guarantee you, we promise priority, we guarantee you, we promise you that you will find people you you that you will find people you you that you will find people you connect with, that you will take steps connect with, that you will take steps connect with, that you will take steps forward in your faith and you will see forward in your faith and you will see forward in your faith and you will see the power of Christ at work in your the power of Christ at work in your the power of Christ at work in your life, especially in a year where we're life, especially in a year where we're life, especially in a year where we're saying that God is able. He is able to saying that God is able. He is able to saying that God is able. He is able to transform your life and to be with you transform your life and to be with you transform your life and to be with you through no matter what it is you're through no matter what it is you're through no matter what it is you're going through. So again, if you want to going through. So again, if you want to going through. So again, if you want to connect with one of those groups, stop connect with one of those groups, stop connect with one of those groups, stop by our DGroups booth that's out here in by our DGroups booth that's out here in by our DGroups booth that's out here in the plaza. It's over by the connection the plaza. It's over by the connection the plaza. It's over by the connection center. Or you can go online to center. Or you can go online to center. Or you can go online to fellowship arar.com/groups fellowship arar.com/groups fellowship arar.com/groups and see all of the different groups we and see all of the different groups we and see all of the different groups we have meeting here at our West Little have meeting here at our West Little have meeting here at our West Little Rock campus. Send us an email at Rock campus. Send us an email at Rock campus. Send us an email at [email protected].

[email protected]. [email protected]. A lot of different ways that you can A lot of different ways that you can A lot of different ways that you can connect, but our priority for you is connect, but our priority for you is connect, but our priority for you is that we want to see you grow in your that we want to see you grow in your that we want to see you grow in your faith and we would love to help you do faith and we would love to help you do faith and we would love to help you do that, too. So stop by our booth on the that, too. So stop by our booth on the that, too. So stop by our booth on the way out or find one of those ways to way out or find one of those ways to way out or find one of those ways to connect. Won't you stand with us this connect. Won't you stand with us this connect. Won't you stand with us this morning? We're going to continue to morning? We're going to continue to morning? We're going to continue to worship just again as the angels are worship just again as the angels are worship just again as the angels are gathered around the throne. We're going gathered around the throne. We're going gathered around the throne. We're going to continue to give the Lord the praise to continue to give the Lord the praise to continue to give the Lord the praise that he is due. that he is due. that he is due. >> Amen. Thanks, Jay. It is a great morning >> Amen. Thanks, Jay. It is a great morning >> Amen. Thanks, Jay. It is a great morning to be in the house of the Lord together. to be in the house of the Lord together. to be in the house of the Lord together. Hey, um I do want to introduce you to Hey, um I do want to introduce you to Hey, um I do want to introduce you to somebody because if you've been coming somebody because if you've been coming somebody because if you've been coming here for a minute, you may not recognize here for a minute, you may not recognize here for a minute, you may not recognize Davey here, but this is Davey Flowers Davey here, but this is Davey Flowers Davey here, but this is Davey Flowers LFAL. Can we welcome her here this LFAL. Can we welcome her here this LFAL. Can we welcome her here this morning? She's guest leading with us today. She's She's guest leading with us today. She's out of Dallas. She leads at Watermark out of Dallas. She leads at Watermark out of Dallas. She leads at Watermark and she's got her beautiful little and she's got her beautiful little and she's got her beautiful little daughter with her. Uh, but she's leading daughter with her. Uh, but she's leading daughter with her. Uh, but she's leading tonight at our women's event with Jenny tonight at our women's event with Jenny tonight at our women's event with Jenny Allen and we're so glad to have her. But Allen and we're so glad to have her. But Allen and we're so glad to have her. But I just wanted to introduce you cuz she's I just wanted to introduce you cuz she's I just wanted to introduce you cuz she's a phenomenal worship leader and uh has a phenomenal worship leader and uh has a phenomenal worship leader and uh has already just been blessing us this already just been blessing us this already just been blessing us this morning. But let me just tune our eyes morning. But let me just tune our eyes morning. But let me just tune our eyes back to him. Jesus, you are worthy to be back to him. Jesus, you are worthy to be back to him. Jesus, you are worthy to be praised and we can enter with a praised and we can enter with a praised and we can enter with a confidence this morning because of the confidence this morning because of the confidence this morning because of the blood of Jesus that was given for us. We blood of Jesus that was given for us. We blood of Jesus that was given for us. We love you in Jesus name. Amen. Amen.

We praise the lamb of God We praise the lamb of God for us. Everything changed. Everything changed. It's getting harder to recognize It's getting harder to recognize It's getting harder to recognize the person I was the person I was the person I was before. I encounter Christ. Cuz I don't before. I encounter Christ. Cuz I don't before. I encounter Christ. Cuz I don't walk like I used to. I don't talk like I walk like I used to. I don't talk like I walk like I used to. I don't talk like I used to. I've been washed from the used to. I've been washed from the used to. I've been washed from the inside. inside. inside. I've been washed from the inside. I've been washed from the inside. I've been washed from the inside. Hallelu. I know it was the blood. It could have I know it was the blood. It could have only been the blood. only been the blood. only been the blood. Hallelu. I know it was the blood. Could have only I know it was the blood. Could have only been the blood. been the blood. been the blood. Only the blood of Jesus makes me whole Only the blood of Jesus makes me whole Only the blood of Jesus makes me whole again.

You see, I can't explain it. You see, I can't explain it. I cannot explain. I cannot explain. I cannot explain. But nothing's more real than this. In But nothing's more real than this. In But nothing's more real than this. In the presence of God. the presence of God. the presence of God. Oh, what my heart experienced. Oh, what my heart experienced. Oh, what my heart experienced. When my shame hit the wayside When my shame hit the wayside When my shame hit the wayside and my sin met the most high. I was and my sin met the most high. I was and my sin met the most high. I was washed from the inside. washed from the inside. washed from the inside. I was washed from the We sing I was washed from the We sing I was washed from the We sing hallelujah. Hallelu. Hallelu. Hallelu. blood. I know it was the blood. It could blood. I know it was the blood. It could blood. I know it was the blood. It could have only been the blood of Jesus. have only been the blood of Jesus. have only been the blood of Jesus. Hallelu. I know it was the blood. Could have only I know it was the blood. Could have only been the blood. Oh, the precious blood of Jesus Oh, the precious blood of Jesus changes changes changes everything.

Oh, it's never been about performance, Oh, it's never been about performance, perfection, or shouting for acceptance. perfection, or shouting for acceptance. perfection, or shouting for acceptance. Let me tell you, it's only about the Let me tell you, it's only about the Let me tell you, it's only about the blood. blood. blood. It's never been about deserving It's never been about deserving It's never been about deserving or hurting. It's a gift that's free to or hurting. It's a gift that's free to or hurting. It's a gift that's free to give it. Let me tell you that it's all give it. Let me tell you that it's all give it. Let me tell you that it's all about blood. about blood. about blood. Does anybody want to be Yeah. Yeah. Heat. One voice we sing together. Hallelu.

One voice we sing together. Hallelu. Hallelu. I know it was the blood. It could have I know it was the blood. It could have only been the blood. only been the blood. only been the blood. Hallelu. I know it was the blood. Could have only I know it was the blood. Could have only been the blood. Oh, we thank you for your preious blood. Oh, we thank you for your preious blood. Jesus Jesus Jesus could have only been the blood. I know it was the blood.

I know it was the blood. Could have only been the blood. Could have only been the blood. Could have only been the blood. Hallelu. I know it was the blood. I know it was the blood. Could have only been your blood. Could have only been your blood. Could have only been your blood. Yeah. Hallelujah. Yeah. Hallelujah. Yeah. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Who is there like you, Jesus? Who is there like you, Jesus? What can you not do? What can you not do? What can you not do? perfect and holy perfect and holy perfect and holy and you are here. Oh, you're moving in. So I worship you. So I worship you. I worship you. I worship you. I worship you. You are here. Oh, you're working in this You are here. Oh, you're working in this You are here. Oh, you're working in this place. place. place. I worship you.

I worship you. I worship you. I worship you. I worship you. I worship you. You are here You are here You are here kind moving in our midst. kind moving in our midst. kind moving in our midst. I worship you. I worship you. I worship you. I worship you. I worship you. I worship you. You are here. You are here. You are here. Oh, you're working in this place. Oh, you're working in this place. Oh, you're working in this place. I worship you. I worship you. I worship you. worship you cuz you're the God who makes worship you cuz you're the God who makes worship you cuz you're the God who makes way. You are way maker, miracle worker, way. You are way maker, miracle worker, way. You are way maker, miracle worker, promise keeper, light in the darkness. promise keeper, light in the darkness. promise keeper, light in the darkness. My God is who is who you are. My God is who is who you are. My God is who is who you are. Here you are, way maker, miracle worker, Here you are, way maker, miracle worker, Here you are, way maker, miracle worker, promise keeper, light in the darkness. promise keeper, light in the darkness. promise keeper, light in the darkness. My God, that is who you are. My God, that is who you are. My God, that is who you are. And you are here and you're touching And you are here and you're touching And you are here and you're touching every heart.

every heart. every heart. I worship you, I worship you, I worship you, God. I worship you. God. I worship you. God. I worship you. You are here You are here You are here and you're healing every heart. and you're healing every heart. and you're healing every heart. I worship you. I worship you. I worship you. our worst. We believe you're here, our worst. We believe you're here, our worst. We believe you're here, Jesus. You are here and you're hurting Jesus. You are here and you're hurting Jesus. You are here and you're hurting lives around. lives around. lives around. I worship you. I worship you. I worship you. I worship you. I worship you. I worship you. You are here You are here You are here and you in every heart. and you in every heart. and you in every heart. I worship you. I worship you. I worship you. I worship you Jesus I worship you Jesus I worship you Jesus maker maker maker pro Who is like you, Jesus? So great in

Who is like you, Jesus? So great in power, so great in love. You are all of our faith, all of our hope, all all of our faith, all of our hope, all of our confidence, of our confidence, of our confidence, only in Jesus. Only in Jesus. Even when I don't feel it, you're Even when I don't feel it, you're working. Even when I don't feel it, working. Even when I don't feel it, working. Even when I don't feel it, you're working. You never stop. You you're working. You never stop. You you're working. You never stop. You never stop working. You never stop. You never stop working. You never stop. You never stop working. You never stop. You never stop working. Even when I don't never stop working. Even when I don't never stop working. Even when I don't see it, you're working. Even when I see it, you're working. Even when I see it, you're working. Even when I don't feel it, you're working. You never don't feel it, you're working. You never don't feel it, you're working. You never stop. You never stop working. stop. You never stop working. stop. You never stop working. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat.

Heat. Heat. Way maker, miracle worker, promise Way maker, miracle worker, promise keeper, light in the darkness. My God, keeper, light in the darkness. My God, keeper, light in the darkness. My God, that is who you are. that is who you are. that is who you are. Oh, I believe. Oh, I believe. Oh, I believe. Way maker, miracle worker, promise Way maker, miracle worker, promise Way maker, miracle worker, promise keeper, light in the darkness. My God, keeper, light in the darkness. My God, keeper, light in the darkness. My God, that is who you are. that is who you are. that is who you are. That's who you are. Man, anybody need to be reminded of that Man, anybody need to be reminded of that this morning. this morning. this morning. That he's the way maker. He's the That he's the way maker. He's the That he's the way maker. He's the redeemer. He's the one who brings redeemer. He's the one who brings redeemer. He's the one who brings salvation. He's the one who brings life. salvation. He's the one who brings life. salvation. He's the one who brings life. Come on. Anybody need to be reminded of Come on. Anybody need to be reminded of Come on. Anybody need to be reminded of that this morning? He's the way maker that this morning? He's the way maker that this morning? He's the way maker in the darkest of nights. He brings a in the darkest of nights. He brings a in the darkest of nights. He brings a light. We're at the bottom pit. He is light. We're at the bottom pit. He is light. We're at the bottom pit. He is right there with us. And what a truth to right there with us. And what a truth to right there with us. And what a truth to sing and remind ourselves this morning.

sing and remind ourselves this morning. sing and remind ourselves this morning. Sing over one another. Won't you be Sing over one another. Won't you be Sing over one another. Won't you be seated? We're going to continue worship seated? We're going to continue worship seated? We're going to continue worship this morning by moving into our time of this morning by moving into our time of this morning by moving into our time of offering. offering. offering. And we know that our giving is a And we know that our giving is a And we know that our giving is a response just as well as singing is a response just as well as singing is a response just as well as singing is a response to the glorious rich richness response to the glorious rich richness response to the glorious rich richness of who our God is. So we respond of who our God is. So we respond of who our God is. So we respond faithfully this morning. We want to faithfully this morning. We want to faithfully this morning. We want to thank you for continuing to be a thank you for continuing to be a thank you for continuing to be a generous church. And we've got a video generous church. And we've got a video generous church. And we've got a video we want to share with you how your we want to share with you how your we want to share with you how your generosity has been impacting the world generosity has been impacting the world generosity has been impacting the world around us and beyond us. Let's take a around us and beyond us. Let's take a around us and beyond us. Let's take a look at this. Imagine never knowing the hope of Imagine never knowing the hope of scripture, never encountering God scripture, never encountering God scripture, never encountering God through his word. For millions of people through his word. For millions of people through his word. For millions of people around the world, this is their reality. around the world, this is their reality. around the world, this is their reality. At Seed Company, we are on a mission to At Seed Company, we are on a mission to At Seed Company, we are on a mission to change that. change that. change that. No matter the location, the challenges, No matter the location, the challenges, No matter the location, the challenges, or the dangers, we hold unwavering or the dangers, we hold unwavering or the dangers, we hold unwavering resolve focused on pursuing this sacred resolve focused on pursuing this sacred resolve focused on pursuing this sacred work. Partnering with global experts and work. Partnering with global experts and work. Partnering with global experts and local translators, we drive innovation local translators, we drive innovation local translators, we drive innovation to accelerate scripture translation and to accelerate scripture translation and to accelerate scripture translation and bring God's word to those still waiting.

bring God's word to those still waiting. bring God's word to those still waiting. Our vision is clear. God's word Our vision is clear. God's word Our vision is clear. God's word transforming lives in every language in transforming lives in every language in transforming lives in every language in this generation. All scripture for all this generation. All scripture for all this generation. All scripture for all people. Can you see the overwhelming joy people. Can you see the overwhelming joy people. Can you see the overwhelming joy of a community receiving the Bible for of a community receiving the Bible for of a community receiving the Bible for the first time? Realizing God himself the first time? Realizing God himself the first time? Realizing God himself speaks their language. speaks their language. speaks their language. The generosity of difference makers like The generosity of difference makers like The generosity of difference makers like you unlocks resources, builds strategic you unlocks resources, builds strategic you unlocks resources, builds strategic partnerships, and advances this bold partnerships, and advances this bold partnerships, and advances this bold mission. mission. mission. Individual lives changed now and for Individual lives changed now and for Individual lives changed now and for eternity. Too much is at stake to look away or Too much is at stake to look away or slow down. slow down. slow down. Together with you, we can ensure that Together with you, we can ensure that Together with you, we can ensure that every man, woman, and child has access every man, woman, and child has access every man, woman, and child has access to the fullness of God's word in their to the fullness of God's word in their to the fullness of God's word in their heart language, heart language, heart language, all scripture, all people.

Yeah, that's not just a promo, right? Yeah, that's not just a promo, right? That has been our heart as a church is That has been our heart as a church is That has been our heart as a church is to partner with the seed company to see to partner with the seed company to see to partner with the seed company to see God's word go and flourish in all God's word go and flourish in all God's word go and flourish in all nations. So, let's take a minute and nations. So, let's take a minute and nations. So, let's take a minute and thank the Lord for your generosity, for thank the Lord for your generosity, for thank the Lord for your generosity, for the way that he's giving people his word the way that he's giving people his word the way that he's giving people his word in their heart language. Jesus, thank in their heart language. Jesus, thank in their heart language. Jesus, thank you for today. Thank you for the you for today. Thank you for the you for today. Thank you for the generosity of the people of Fellowship, generosity of the people of Fellowship, generosity of the people of Fellowship, for all the churches that partner with for all the churches that partner with for all the churches that partner with seed company, to the individuals that seed company, to the individuals that seed company, to the individuals that say, "I want to give because I've been say, "I want to give because I've been say, "I want to give because I've been granted access to the word of God, and I granted access to the word of God, and I granted access to the word of God, and I want all people, tribe, tongues to have want all people, tribe, tongues to have want all people, tribe, tongues to have access to the word of God." Thank you, access to the word of God." Thank you, access to the word of God." Thank you, Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, for the ways that you're transforming for the ways that you're transforming for the ways that you're transforming lives by we believe that they believe by lives by we believe that they believe by lives by we believe that they believe by hearing the good news of Jesus. And we hearing the good news of Jesus. And we hearing the good news of Jesus. And we want that for all people. You want that want that for all people. You want that want that for all people. You want that for all people. Your heart is for all for all people. Your heart is for all for all people. Your heart is for all nations. We love you. In Jesus name we nations. We love you. In Jesus name we nations. We love you. In Jesus name we pray. Amen.

Oh no. Oh no. Heat. Well, good morning, church. Well, good morning, church. This is the day that the Lord has made, This is the day that the Lord has made, This is the day that the Lord has made, and we will rejoice and be glad in it. and we will rejoice and be glad in it. and we will rejoice and be glad in it. That's what I'm talking about. I love That's what I'm talking about. I love That's what I'm talking about. I love it. Yes. I heard you in the chapel, too. it. Yes. I heard you in the chapel, too. it. Yes. I heard you in the chapel, too. Yes, I heard you there, too. Amen. Do me Yes, I heard you there, too. Amen. Do me Yes, I heard you there, too. Amen. Do me a favor. Would you tell someone around a favor. Would you tell someone around a favor. Would you tell someone around you, someone next to you, just tell them you, someone next to you, just tell them you, someone next to you, just tell them for me, "I'm glad you're here today." for me, "I'm glad you're here today." for me, "I'm glad you're here today." Tell them that. Tell them, "I'm glad Tell them that. Tell them, "I'm glad Tell them that. Tell them, "I'm glad you're here today." you're here today." you're here today." Amen. I'm glad you're here today. Both here in I'm glad you're here today. Both here in the worship center, in the chapel, those the worship center, in the chapel, those the worship center, in the chapel, those of you watching online, we are so glad of you watching online, we are so glad of you watching online, we are so glad that you are here with us even virtually that you are here with us even virtually that you are here with us even virtually uh today. So, thank you so much for uh today. So, thank you so much for uh today. So, thank you so much for connecting with us. If I haven't met you connecting with us. If I haven't met you connecting with us. If I haven't met you yet, my name is Justin Bilson. I'm one yet, my name is Justin Bilson. I'm one yet, my name is Justin Bilson. I'm one of the four teaching pastors here at of the four teaching pastors here at of the four teaching pastors here at Fellowship. We are one church in seven Fellowship. We are one church in seven Fellowship. We are one church in seven locations around central Arkansas uh locations around central Arkansas uh locations around central Arkansas uh with a mission of making disciples who with a mission of making disciples who with a mission of making disciples who live by God's grace and for his glory at live by God's grace and for his glory at live by God's grace and for his glory at home and across the world. I'm excited home and across the world. I'm excited home and across the world. I'm excited today because last Sunday was our vision today because last Sunday was our vision today because last Sunday was our vision Sunday where we cast vision for all of Sunday where we cast vision for all of Sunday where we cast vision for all of our campuses. What God is going to do uh our campuses. What God is going to do uh our campuses. What God is going to do uh in this coming year ministry year as we in this coming year ministry year as we in this coming year ministry year as we talk about this theme of God is able.

talk about this theme of God is able. talk about this theme of God is able. And so our teaching pastor team And so our teaching pastor team And so our teaching pastor team alongside our campus pastors uh and and alongside our campus pastors uh and and alongside our campus pastors uh and and other teachers on staff, we came other teachers on staff, we came other teachers on staff, we came together and prayed and sought the Lord together and prayed and sought the Lord together and prayed and sought the Lord and felt the best way to come out of and felt the best way to come out of and felt the best way to come out of that vision Sunday would be to begin a that vision Sunday would be to begin a that vision Sunday would be to begin a series talking about the miracles of series talking about the miracles of series talking about the miracles of Jesus. And so we've got six sermons that Jesus. And so we've got six sermons that Jesus. And so we've got six sermons that we want to walk through over the next we want to walk through over the next we want to walk through over the next few weeks in various parts of the few weeks in various parts of the few weeks in various parts of the scripture as we consider these scripture as we consider these scripture as we consider these miraculous events in scripture. And so miraculous events in scripture. And so miraculous events in scripture. And so today, the first one that we're going to today, the first one that we're going to today, the first one that we're going to look at is found in John chapter 5. So look at is found in John chapter 5. So look at is found in John chapter 5. So let's go to John's Gospel. Gospel of let's go to John's Gospel. Gospel of let's go to John's Gospel. Gospel of John chapter 5 is where we're going to John chapter 5 is where we're going to John chapter 5 is where we're going to be today. We're going to read verses 1-1 be today. We're going to read verses 1-1 be today. We're going to read verses 1-1 17. A very beautiful and powerful 17. A very beautiful and powerful 17. A very beautiful and powerful narrative as we think about what it is narrative as we think about what it is narrative as we think about what it is that God wants to say to us through this that God wants to say to us through this that God wants to say to us through this word today. And I pray that we would word today. And I pray that we would word today. And I pray that we would approach this passage, as we do every approach this passage, as we do every approach this passage, as we do every passage, with what I call humble passage, with what I call humble passage, with what I call humble curiosity. Because some of us may know curiosity. Because some of us may know curiosity. Because some of us may know this story, some of us may have heard it this story, some of us may have heard it this story, some of us may have heard it countless times, but I pray that we countless times, but I pray that we countless times, but I pray that we would approach it with humble curiosity would approach it with humble curiosity would approach it with humble curiosity because there's always something new to because there's always something new to because there's always something new to learn and see in God's word. John learn and see in God's word. John learn and see in God's word. John chapter 5 verse 1-1 17 is where we're chapter 5 verse 1-1 17 is where we're chapter 5 verse 1-1 17 is where we're going to be today. Put it on the screen.

going to be today. Put it on the screen. going to be today. Put it on the screen. Our team will put it on the screen if Our team will put it on the screen if Our team will put it on the screen if you don't have it in front of you. you don't have it in front of you. you don't have it in front of you. Listen to the words of the narrative. Listen to the words of the narrative. Listen to the words of the narrative. After this, there was a feast of the After this, there was a feast of the After this, there was a feast of the Jews. And Jesus went up to Jerusalem. Jews. And Jesus went up to Jerusalem. Jews. And Jesus went up to Jerusalem. Now there is in Jerusalem by the sheep Now there is in Jerusalem by the sheep Now there is in Jerusalem by the sheep gate a pool in Aramaic called Bethesda, gate a pool in Aramaic called Bethesda, gate a pool in Aramaic called Bethesda, which has five roofed colonies. In these which has five roofed colonies. In these which has five roofed colonies. In these lay a multitude of invalids, blind, lay a multitude of invalids, blind, lay a multitude of invalids, blind, lame, and paralyzed. One man was there lame, and paralyzed. One man was there lame, and paralyzed. One man was there who had been an invalid for 38 years. who had been an invalid for 38 years. who had been an invalid for 38 years. When Jesus saw him lying there and knew When Jesus saw him lying there and knew When Jesus saw him lying there and knew that he had already been there a long that he had already been there a long that he had already been there a long time, he said to him, "Do you want to be time, he said to him, "Do you want to be time, he said to him, "Do you want to be healed?" The sick man answered him, healed?" The sick man answered him, healed?" The sick man answered him, "Sir, I have no one to put me into the "Sir, I have no one to put me into the "Sir, I have no one to put me into the pool when the water is stirred up." And pool when the water is stirred up." And pool when the water is stirred up." And while I'm going, another steps down while I'm going, another steps down while I'm going, another steps down before me. Jesus said to him, verse 8, before me. Jesus said to him, verse 8, before me. Jesus said to him, verse 8, "Get up, take up your bed, and walk." "Get up, take up your bed, and walk." "Get up, take up your bed, and walk." And once the man was healed, and he took And once the man was healed, and he took And once the man was healed, and he took up his bed, and walked. Now that day was up his bed, and walked. Now that day was up his bed, and walked. Now that day was the Sabbath. So the Jews said to the man the Sabbath. So the Jews said to the man the Sabbath. So the Jews said to the man who had been healed, it is the Sabbath who had been healed, it is the Sabbath who had been healed, it is the Sabbath and it is not lawful for you to take up and it is not lawful for you to take up and it is not lawful for you to take up your bed. But he answered them, "The man your bed. But he answered them, "The man your bed. But he answered them, "The man who healed me, that man said to me, take who healed me, that man said to me, take who healed me, that man said to me, take up your bed and walk." They asked him, up your bed and walk." They asked him, up your bed and walk." They asked him, "Who is this man who said to you, take "Who is this man who said to you, take "Who is this man who said to you, take up your bed and walk?" Now the man who up your bed and walk?" Now the man who up your bed and walk?" Now the man who had been healed did not know who it was, had been healed did not know who it was, had been healed did not know who it was, for Jesus had withdrawn. As there was a for Jesus had withdrawn. As there was a for Jesus had withdrawn. As there was a crowd in the place afterward Jesus found crowd in the place afterward Jesus found crowd in the place afterward Jesus found him in the temple and said to him, "See, him in the temple and said to him, "See, him in the temple and said to him, "See, you are well. sin no more that nothing you are well. sin no more that nothing you are well. sin no more that nothing worse may happen to you. The man went worse may happen to you. The man went worse may happen to you. The man went away and told Je told the Jews that it away and told Je told the Jews that it away and told Je told the Jews that it was Jesus who had healed him. And this

was Jesus who had healed him. And this was Jesus who had healed him. And this was why the Jews were persecuting Jesus was why the Jews were persecuting Jesus was why the Jews were persecuting Jesus because he was doing these things on the because he was doing these things on the because he was doing these things on the Sabbath. But Jesus answered them, "My Sabbath. But Jesus answered them, "My Sabbath. But Jesus answered them, "My father is working until now and I am father is working until now and I am father is working until now and I am working." That's the word of the Lord to working." That's the word of the Lord to working." That's the word of the Lord to us today as we talk as we begin this us today as we talk as we begin this us today as we talk as we begin this series on the miracles of Jesus. Today I series on the miracles of Jesus. Today I series on the miracles of Jesus. Today I want to talk uh from this theme. I want to talk uh from this theme. I want to talk uh from this theme. I really just want to talk about uh our really just want to talk about uh our really just want to talk about uh our our theme for the year. But we're going our theme for the year. But we're going our theme for the year. But we're going to talk today about God is able. That's to talk today about God is able. That's to talk today about God is able. That's what we want to talk about today. God is what we want to talk about today. God is what we want to talk about today. God is able. Let's pray. Father, thank you for able. Let's pray. Father, thank you for able. Let's pray. Father, thank you for the joy that we have today to be in your the joy that we have today to be in your the joy that we have today to be in your presence. We know your presence is not presence. We know your presence is not presence. We know your presence is not confined to the four walls of this confined to the four walls of this confined to the four walls of this building. And we thank you that wherever building. And we thank you that wherever building. And we thank you that wherever we are, whether we're in our homes, in we are, whether we're in our homes, in we are, whether we're in our homes, in our apartments, in our cars, and walking our apartments, in our cars, and walking our apartments, in our cars, and walking out in creation, Lord, we are in your out in creation, Lord, we are in your out in creation, Lord, we are in your presence. Thank you for the opportunity presence. Thank you for the opportunity presence. Thank you for the opportunity that we have to gather both in person that we have to gather both in person that we have to gather both in person and online to fellowship, to worship, and online to fellowship, to worship, and online to fellowship, to worship, and to hear your word. Father, we need and to hear your word. Father, we need and to hear your word. Father, we need your word. And we look at all that we your word. And we look at all that we your word. And we look at all that we see in the world, all that is going on, see in the world, all that is going on, see in the world, all that is going on, even just most recently, the devastation even just most recently, the devastation even just most recently, the devastation in Nepal where hundreds if not thousands in Nepal where hundreds if not thousands in Nepal where hundreds if not thousands of lives lost. Lord, we need your word.

of lives lost. Lord, we need your word. of lives lost. Lord, we need your word. Your word anchors us. Your word is Your word anchors us. Your word is Your word anchors us. Your word is truth. Your word is life and light. truth. Your word is life and light. truth. Your word is life and light. Lord, let this word come alive today. Lord, let this word come alive today. Lord, let this word come alive today. Let it capture us. Let it challenge us. Let it capture us. Let it challenge us. Let it capture us. Let it challenge us. Let it change us. Let us convict us in Let it change us. Let us convict us in Let it change us. Let us convict us in the areas that we need to grow. Thank the areas that we need to grow. Thank the areas that we need to grow. Thank you for your word. Have your way, Lord. you for your word. Have your way, Lord. you for your word. Have your way, Lord. and we ask that you'd speak to us. We're and we ask that you'd speak to us. We're and we ask that you'd speak to us. We're listening and we receive what you have listening and we receive what you have listening and we receive what you have to say. We love you and we thank you in to say. We love you and we thank you in to say. We love you and we thank you in Jesus name. Amen. Jesus name. Amen. Jesus name. Amen. Church, in his classic work entitled Church, in his classic work entitled Church, in his classic work entitled Miracles, a preliminary study, it was Miracles, a preliminary study, it was Miracles, a preliminary study, it was author and theologian CS Lewis who gave author and theologian CS Lewis who gave author and theologian CS Lewis who gave his defense for the possibility and more his defense for the possibility and more his defense for the possibility and more importantly the significance of importantly the significance of importantly the significance of miracles. In his book, Lewis argues that miracles. In his book, Lewis argues that miracles. In his book, Lewis argues that miracles are a retelling in small miracles are a retelling in small miracles are a retelling in small letters of the very same story which is letters of the very same story which is letters of the very same story which is written across the whole world in written across the whole world in written across the whole world in letters too large for some of us to see. letters too large for some of us to see. letters too large for some of us to see. His argument is powerful and it His argument is powerful and it His argument is powerful and it intersects with our text today because intersects with our text today because intersects with our text today because one could almost argue easily in fact one could almost argue easily in fact one could almost argue easily in fact argue that the healing of this man at argue that the healing of this man at argue that the healing of this man at the pool of Bethesda is a small letter the pool of Bethesda is a small letter the pool of Bethesda is a small letter retelling of the vast divine story of retelling of the vast divine story of retelling of the vast divine story of the God who creates and sustains and the God who creates and sustains and the God who creates and sustains and restores and judges evil and raises the restores and judges evil and raises the restores and judges evil and raises the dead and makes all things new. And that dead and makes all things new. And that dead and makes all things new. And that is why when we look at this text, we can is why when we look at this text, we can is why when we look at this text, we can conclude that the healing at the pool of conclude that the healing at the pool of conclude that the healing at the pool of Bethesda is not an isolated miracle, but

Bethesda is not an isolated miracle, but Bethesda is not an isolated miracle, but it is in fact a preview of the coming it is in fact a preview of the coming it is in fact a preview of the coming resurrection. So with that in mind, we resurrection. So with that in mind, we resurrection. So with that in mind, we come to our text where John chapter 5 come to our text where John chapter 5 come to our text where John chapter 5 tells us that Jesus travels to Jerusalem tells us that Jesus travels to Jerusalem tells us that Jesus travels to Jerusalem during one of the Jewish feasts. Now, during one of the Jewish feasts. Now, during one of the Jewish feasts. Now, before we move any further that we have before we move any further that we have before we move any further that we have to stop there because that's an to stop there because that's an to stop there because that's an important scenic detail in the text important scenic detail in the text important scenic detail in the text because it helps to set the stage for because it helps to set the stage for because it helps to set the stage for what we're about to see. In fact, before what we're about to see. In fact, before what we're about to see. In fact, before we get to the healing at the pool, we we get to the healing at the pool, we we get to the healing at the pool, we need to first consider when the writer need to first consider when the writer need to first consider when the writer says that Jesus traveled during the time says that Jesus traveled during the time says that Jesus traveled during the time of one of the feasts, what was it like of one of the feasts, what was it like of one of the feasts, what was it like during that time? In order to understand during that time? In order to understand during that time? In order to understand what it was like, I I I researched and what it was like, I I I researched and what it was like, I I I researched and discovered these words from a a discovered these words from a a discovered these words from a a Jewishborn Christian scholar who said Jewishborn Christian scholar who said Jewishborn Christian scholar who said that in that time Jerusalem lay in her that in that time Jerusalem lay in her that in that time Jerusalem lay in her festive attire. All around, pilgrims festive attire. All around, pilgrims festive attire. All around, pilgrims were hastening to ward it from the were hastening to ward it from the were hastening to ward it from the gorgeous temple buildings dazzling in gorgeous temple buildings dazzling in gorgeous temple buildings dazzling in snow white marble and gold on which the snow white marble and gold on which the snow white marble and gold on which the slanting rays of the sun were reflected.

slanting rays of the sun were reflected. slanting rays of the sun were reflected. From that rose the smoke of the altar of From that rose the smoke of the altar of From that rose the smoke of the altar of burnt offering. These these courts were burnt offering. These these courts were burnt offering. These these courts were crowded with eager worshippers. Streets crowded with eager worshippers. Streets crowded with eager worshippers. Streets must have been thronged with strangers must have been thronged with strangers must have been thronged with strangers and flat roofs covered with eager and flat roofs covered with eager and flat roofs covered with eager gazers. Friends, I love how this writer gazers. Friends, I love how this writer gazers. Friends, I love how this writer poetically captures the essence of what poetically captures the essence of what poetically captures the essence of what it must have been like in Jerusalem at it must have been like in Jerusalem at it must have been like in Jerusalem at the time of John chapter 5. And it also the time of John chapter 5. And it also the time of John chapter 5. And it also shows us not only the the scene but it shows us not only the the scene but it shows us not only the the scene but it also gives us a glimpse of the tension also gives us a glimpse of the tension also gives us a glimpse of the tension because at the same time in the same because at the same time in the same because at the same time in the same story not only do we find pilgrims who story not only do we find pilgrims who story not only do we find pilgrims who are coming from far and near to present are coming from far and near to present are coming from far and near to present themselves to God but we also find those themselves to God but we also find those themselves to God but we also find those who are sick and disabled and are not who are sick and disabled and are not who are sick and disabled and are not allowed to present themselves before the allowed to present themselves before the allowed to present themselves before the presence of God in the temple but are presence of God in the temple but are presence of God in the temple but are instead waiting near a pool in hopes to instead waiting near a pool in hopes to instead waiting near a pool in hopes to receive their healing. John tells us receive their healing. John tells us receive their healing. John tells us that these sick and disabled people were that these sick and disabled people were that these sick and disabled people were gathered at this pool because the common gathered at this pool because the common gathered at this pool because the common belief, dare I even say superstition at belief, dare I even say superstition at belief, dare I even say superstition at the time was that this water would bring the time was that this water would bring the time was that this water would bring healing to the first person who entered healing to the first person who entered healing to the first person who entered it after the angel came from heaven to it after the angel came from heaven to it after the angel came from heaven to stir or trouble the waters. This was the stir or trouble the waters. This was the stir or trouble the waters. This was the command. This was the common belief command. This was the common belief command. This was the common belief rather. And and we see evidence of this rather. And and we see evidence of this rather. And and we see evidence of this because the fact that this man who is because the fact that this man who is because the fact that this man who is unnamed to us in the text, but he has unnamed to us in the text, but he has unnamed to us in the text, but he has been waiting and he's been sick for 38 been waiting and he's been sick for 38 been waiting and he's been sick for 38 years, hoping to be the first one to

years, hoping to be the first one to years, hoping to be the first one to step into the waters when it is step into the waters when it is step into the waters when it is troubled. But every year, every year he troubled. But every year, every year he troubled. But every year, every year he failed to be the first one. And so here failed to be the first one. And so here failed to be the first one. And so here he is after almost four decades still he is after almost four decades still he is after almost four decades still waiting for a miracle. amongst countless waiting for a miracle. amongst countless waiting for a miracle. amongst countless other sick and disabled people who are other sick and disabled people who are other sick and disabled people who are laying on mats. They're scattered all laying on mats. They're scattered all laying on mats. They're scattered all around this pool, which and I don't know around this pool, which and I don't know around this pool, which and I don't know if you care to know this. I thought this if you care to know this. I thought this if you care to know this. I thought this was insightful information. Please was insightful information. Please was insightful information. Please realize this was not a small pool by any realize this was not a small pool by any realize this was not a small pool by any stretch. As a matter of fact, historians stretch. As a matter of fact, historians stretch. As a matter of fact, historians suggest that this pool was actually two suggest that this pool was actually two suggest that this pool was actually two pools and it was the combined size pools and it was the combined size pools and it was the combined size equivalent to a football field. As a equivalent to a football field. As a equivalent to a football field. As a matter of fact, there's a there there's matter of fact, there's a there there's matter of fact, there's a there there's a photo that we want to put on the a photo that we want to put on the a photo that we want to put on the screen to show you possibly a what it screen to show you possibly a what it screen to show you possibly a what it could have looked like in that day. It's could have looked like in that day. It's could have looked like in that day. It's sheer size and massive space that there sheer size and massive space that there sheer size and massive space that there were so many people. We cannot even were so many people. We cannot even were so many people. We cannot even begin to account for how many people begin to account for how many people begin to account for how many people were there. But what we do know is were there. But what we do know is were there. But what we do know is there's one man who was there. The Bible there's one man who was there. The Bible there's one man who was there. The Bible says he had been sick for 38 years. And says he had been sick for 38 years. And says he had been sick for 38 years. And Jesus approached him and asked him a Jesus approached him and asked him a Jesus approached him and asked him a question. and he said, "Do you want to question. and he said, "Do you want to question. and he said, "Do you want to be healed?" Can I can I tell you, be healed?" Can I can I tell you, be healed?" Can I can I tell you, fellowship, when I when I first read fellowship, when I when I first read fellowship, when I when I first read that question uh years ago, when I that question uh years ago, when I that question uh years ago, when I remember reading this story, it it remember reading this story, it it remember reading this story, it it seemed odd to me because again, verse 6 seemed odd to me because again, verse 6 seemed odd to me because again, verse 6 tells us that Jesus saw the man lying tells us that Jesus saw the man lying tells us that Jesus saw the man lying there. He discerned that he had been

there. He discerned that he had been there. He discerned that he had been sick a long time. And so Jesus, if you sick a long time. And so Jesus, if you sick a long time. And so Jesus, if you know the man's issue, why would you even know the man's issue, why would you even know the man's issue, why would you even ask this question? It It's obvious he ask this question? It It's obvious he ask this question? It It's obvious he wants to be healed. Look at the answer. wants to be healed. Look at the answer. wants to be healed. Look at the answer. He says, "Sir, I I'm trying. There's no He says, "Sir, I I'm trying. There's no He says, "Sir, I I'm trying. There's no one to put me in the pool. And even when one to put me in the pool. And even when one to put me in the pool. And even when I'm trying to get there, somebody steps I'm trying to get there, somebody steps I'm trying to get there, somebody steps in front of me. I'm doing everything I in front of me. I'm doing everything I in front of me. I'm doing everything I can to get to the pool." So, ladies and can to get to the pool." So, ladies and can to get to the pool." So, ladies and gentlemen, the issue is not a lack of gentlemen, the issue is not a lack of gentlemen, the issue is not a lack of effort. So, then what's the issue? Is it effort. So, then what's the issue? Is it effort. So, then what's the issue? Is it a lack of faith or is it something a lack of faith or is it something a lack of faith or is it something deeper? I want to wrestle with that deeper? I want to wrestle with that deeper? I want to wrestle with that tension in just a moment. But before we tension in just a moment. But before we tension in just a moment. But before we do, here's the question I want to do, here's the question I want to do, here's the question I want to consider first. It's there on your consider first. It's there on your consider first. It's there on your bulletin if you have it in front of you. bulletin if you have it in front of you. bulletin if you have it in front of you. The question is this, what does this The question is this, what does this The question is this, what does this narrative reveal to the reader? What narrative reveal to the reader? What narrative reveal to the reader? What does this narrative reveal to the does this narrative reveal to the does this narrative reveal to the reader? There's so many things that we reader? There's so many things that we reader? There's so many things that we could see in this text, but there's two could see in this text, but there's two could see in this text, but there's two things that I want to raise for our things that I want to raise for our things that I want to raise for our attention today. The first thing is attention today. The first thing is attention today. The first thing is this, that this text displays the divine this, that this text displays the divine this, that this text displays the divine initiative of the savior. The divine initiative of the savior. The divine initiative of the savior. The divine initiative of the savior. We'll we'll initiative of the savior. We'll we'll initiative of the savior. We'll we'll leave that up there for a moment if you leave that up there for a moment if you leave that up there for a moment if you want to write that down. But what does want to write that down. But what does want to write that down. But what does that mean? divine initiative, Justin. It that mean? divine initiative, Justin. It that mean? divine initiative, Justin. It simply means that Jesus in the text simply means that Jesus in the text simply means that Jesus in the text makes the first move. And the reason we makes the first move. And the reason we makes the first move. And the reason we know that is because verse six says that know that is because verse six says that know that is because verse six says that Jesus saw the man. Jesus approached him Jesus saw the man. Jesus approached him Jesus saw the man. Jesus approached him and asked him, "Do you want to be and asked him, "Do you want to be and asked him, "Do you want to be healed?" What I find powerful about that healed?" What I find powerful about that healed?" What I find powerful about that moment, this interaction here, is moment, this interaction here, is moment, this interaction here, is because if you study John's gospel, you because if you study John's gospel, you because if you study John's gospel, you will see that this is not the only will see that this is not the only will see that this is not the only miracle in John's gospel. But it is

miracle in John's gospel. But it is miracle in John's gospel. But it is however the only miracle where Jesus however the only miracle where Jesus however the only miracle where Jesus approaches someone instead of them approaches someone instead of them approaches someone instead of them approaching him. That's why Jesus shows approaching him. That's why Jesus shows approaching him. That's why Jesus shows us he displays this divine initiative. us he displays this divine initiative. us he displays this divine initiative. And as I think about him approaching And as I think about him approaching And as I think about him approaching this man, I cannot help but also think this man, I cannot help but also think this man, I cannot help but also think about what Jesus in the Gospels is going about what Jesus in the Gospels is going about what Jesus in the Gospels is going to do. Because not only did he come into to do. Because not only did he come into to do. Because not only did he come into the world at the divine initiative of the world at the divine initiative of the world at the divine initiative of the father, but he is also going to go the father, but he is also going to go the father, but he is also going to go to the cross to complete this transfer to the cross to complete this transfer to the cross to complete this transfer of our sin onto him and his of our sin onto him and his of our sin onto him and his righteousness onto us. And it's not righteousness onto us. And it's not righteousness onto us. And it's not because we asked him to do it. It's not because we asked him to do it. It's not because we asked him to do it. It's not because we deserved it, but it's because because we deserved it, but it's because because we deserved it, but it's because he initiated. That's why John 6:38 Jesus he initiated. That's why John 6:38 Jesus he initiated. That's why John 6:38 Jesus says,"I have come down from heaven not says,"I have come down from heaven not says,"I have come down from heaven not to do my own will but the will of him to do my own will but the will of him to do my own will but the will of him who sent me." Jesus initiates with who sent me." Jesus initiates with who sent me." Jesus initiates with humanity and with this man. And not only humanity and with this man. And not only humanity and with this man. And not only does he initiate, but he also extends an does he initiate, but he also extends an does he initiate, but he also extends an invitation. He extends this invitation.

invitation. He extends this invitation. invitation. He extends this invitation. He asks the man a question. He says, "Do He asks the man a question. He says, "Do He asks the man a question. He says, "Do you want to be healed?" In other words, you want to be healed?" In other words, you want to be healed?" In other words, he's inviting him. He's inviting him to he's inviting him. He's inviting him to he's inviting him. He's inviting him to find healing in him instead of spending find healing in him instead of spending find healing in him instead of spending the rest of his days. He's already spent the rest of his days. He's already spent the rest of his days. He's already spent 38 years, but the rest of his days 38 years, but the rest of his days 38 years, but the rest of his days sitting at this pool. Jesus saw this man sitting at this pool. Jesus saw this man sitting at this pool. Jesus saw this man and he healed him. And this is a and he healed him. And this is a and he healed him. And this is a beautiful story. beautiful story. beautiful story. And yet I cannot help but wonder, maybe And yet I cannot help but wonder, maybe And yet I cannot help but wonder, maybe you thought this too, you thought this too, you thought this too, why this man and no one else? why this man and no one else? why this man and no one else? Because again, the text says that this Because again, the text says that this Because again, the text says that this man was healed, but he was not the only man was healed, but he was not the only man was healed, but he was not the only sick person there. sick person there. sick person there. So, did Jesus ignore everyone else? in So, did Jesus ignore everyone else? in So, did Jesus ignore everyone else? in in fact and and this is just how my mind in fact and and this is just how my mind in fact and and this is just how my mind works. Can you imagine being the man works. Can you imagine being the man works. Can you imagine being the man next to him next to him next to him and and maybe wondering, "Hey, hey, hey, and and maybe wondering, "Hey, hey, hey, and and maybe wondering, "Hey, hey, hey, excuse me, excuse me, Jesus, what what excuse me, excuse me, Jesus, what what excuse me, excuse me, Jesus, what what what what about me?"

what what about me?" what what about me?" And I know that's funny and I know And I know that's funny and I know And I know that's funny and I know that's comical to even think of, maybe that's comical to even think of, maybe that's comical to even think of, maybe you've never even thought about that you've never even thought about that you've never even thought about that before, but the reality is, and I know before, but the reality is, and I know before, but the reality is, and I know we don't see that in the text, but I do we don't see that in the text, but I do we don't see that in the text, but I do believe if I were to ask you maybe, just believe if I were to ask you maybe, just believe if I were to ask you maybe, just maybe at one point in your life, you've maybe at one point in your life, you've maybe at one point in your life, you've asked that question. asked that question. asked that question. Jesus, what about me? Jesus, what about me? Jesus, what about me? What about my marriage? What about my What about my marriage? What about my What about my marriage? What about my family? What about my life? It seems family? What about my life? It seems family? What about my life? It seems like you're blessing everybody else, but like you're blessing everybody else, but like you're blessing everybody else, but what about me? what about me? what about me? Friends, that's a tension that many Friends, that's a tension that many Friends, that's a tension that many quietly wrestle with. And instead of me quietly wrestle with. And instead of me quietly wrestle with. And instead of me trying to explain or attempting to trying to explain or attempting to trying to explain or attempting to explain why Jesus heals one and not explain why Jesus heals one and not explain why Jesus heals one and not another, here is what I would rather another, here is what I would rather another, here is what I would rather tell you. tell you. tell you. I would tell you that as followers of I would tell you that as followers of I would tell you that as followers of Christ, we can rest in the truth that we Christ, we can rest in the truth that we Christ, we can rest in the truth that we have a savior who is able. We have a have a savior who is able. We have a have a savior who is able. We have a savior who is able to heal us from savior who is able to heal us from savior who is able to heal us from physical suffering. He can. He does. And physical suffering. He can. He does. And physical suffering. He can. He does. And there are testimonies in this room in there are testimonies in this room in there are testimonies in this room in the chapel. There are so many the chapel. There are so many the chapel. There are so many testimonies that God can and does heal testimonies that God can and does heal testimonies that God can and does heal from physical suffering. On this side of from physical suffering. On this side of from physical suffering. On this side of heaven, we know that we're healed heaven, we know that we're healed heaven, we know that we're healed eternally, but on this side of heaven, eternally, but on this side of heaven, eternally, but on this side of heaven, he can and he does. But we also have a he can and he does. But we also have a he can and he does. But we also have a savior who rescued us from eternal savior who rescued us from eternal savior who rescued us from eternal suffering through his finished work on suffering through his finished work on suffering through his finished work on the cross. And and I love this. Not only the cross. And and I love this. Not only the cross. And and I love this. Not only do we have a savior who can heal do we have a savior who can heal do we have a savior who can heal physical suffering, rescued us from physical suffering, rescued us from physical suffering, rescued us from eternal suffering, we have a savior who eternal suffering, we have a savior who eternal suffering, we have a savior who joins us in our suffering to remind us joins us in our suffering to remind us joins us in our suffering to remind us that we're not alone. He can do all of that we're not alone. He can do all of that we're not alone. He can do all of that because he's able. And today, you

that because he's able. And today, you that because he's able. And today, you may be longing for healing in whatever may be longing for healing in whatever may be longing for healing in whatever way that looks like or praying for way that looks like or praying for way that looks like or praying for someone that you love to be healed. And someone that you love to be healed. And someone that you love to be healed. And if so, that is you. I want you to know if so, that is you. I want you to know if so, that is you. I want you to know God is able. God is able. God is able. >> And whether that healing materializes on >> And whether that healing materializes on >> And whether that healing materializes on this side of heaven or in eternity, know this side of heaven or in eternity, know this side of heaven or in eternity, know that you have a hope in the one who that you have a hope in the one who that you have a hope in the one who suffered for you and suffers with you. suffered for you and suffers with you. suffered for you and suffers with you. He initiated. Not only did he initiate, He initiated. Not only did he initiate, He initiated. Not only did he initiate, but the text also highlights, I love but the text also highlights, I love but the text also highlights, I love this, the obedience of the man in this, the obedience of the man in this, the obedience of the man in response to the authority of Jesus. It response to the authority of Jesus. It response to the authority of Jesus. It highlights the obedience of the man in highlights the obedience of the man in highlights the obedience of the man in response to the authority of Jesus. response to the authority of Jesus. response to the authority of Jesus. Let's leave that up there again as Let's leave that up there again as Let's leave that up there again as you're writing it down. Jesus initiates. you're writing it down. Jesus initiates. you're writing it down. Jesus initiates. He comes up to the man. He extends an He comes up to the man. He extends an He comes up to the man. He extends an invitation to receive healing. He does invitation to receive healing. He does invitation to receive healing. He does so through the form of a question. He so through the form of a question. He so through the form of a question. He says, "Do you want to be healed?" And says, "Do you want to be healed?" And says, "Do you want to be healed?" And again, this is not a trick question, but again, this is not a trick question, but again, this is not a trick question, but I believe he's challenging him. And as I I believe he's challenging him. And as I I believe he's challenging him. And as I processed through this question, the processed through this question, the processed through this question, the Holy Spirit showed me, it's not that Holy Spirit showed me, it's not that Holy Spirit showed me, it's not that he's just asking him, "Do you want to be he's just asking him, "Do you want to be he's just asking him, "Do you want to be healed?" He's really asking him, "Are healed?" He's really asking him, "Are healed?" He's really asking him, "Are you ready? Are you ready?" Because, dear you ready? Are you ready?" Because, dear you ready? Are you ready?" Because, dear brother, if you're ready to be healed, brother, if you're ready to be healed, brother, if you're ready to be healed, here's what it's going to require of here's what it's going to require of here's what it's going to require of you. You are going to have to turn away you. You are going to have to turn away you. You are going to have to turn away from decades of dependence on yourself, from decades of dependence on yourself, from decades of dependence on yourself, on others, and on everything else other on others, and on everything else other on others, and on everything else other than me.

than me. than me. Because your healing is not going to Because your healing is not going to Because your healing is not going to come from this water. Your healing is come from this water. Your healing is come from this water. Your healing is not going to come from this pool. It's not going to come from this pool. It's not going to come from this pool. It's not going to come by you striving trying not going to come by you striving trying not going to come by you striving trying to get into the water. No, your healing to get into the water. No, your healing to get into the water. No, your healing does not come, can I even say it like does not come, can I even say it like does not come, can I even say it like this, church? It doesn't come from this this, church? It doesn't come from this this, church? It doesn't come from this water. It comes from the living water. water. It comes from the living water. water. It comes from the living water. >> He alone has the power to heal both the >> He alone has the power to heal both the >> He alone has the power to heal both the disease of the body and the disease of disease of the body and the disease of disease of the body and the disease of the heart, which is sin. And the good the heart, which is sin. And the good the heart, which is sin. And the good news of the gospel is that Jesus can news of the gospel is that Jesus can news of the gospel is that Jesus can heal all of me. Say it again, Justin. heal all of me. Say it again, Justin. heal all of me. Say it again, Justin. Jesus can heal all of me. But in order Jesus can heal all of me. But in order Jesus can heal all of me. But in order for that to happen, I must look to him. for that to happen, I must look to him. for that to happen, I must look to him. I must trust in him and obey his I must trust in him and obey his I must trust in him and obey his command. The command there is in verse command. The command there is in verse command. The command there is in verse eight. Jesus said to the man, "Get up, eight. Jesus said to the man, "Get up, eight. Jesus said to the man, "Get up, take up your bed, and walk." take up your bed, and walk." take up your bed, and walk." I love this command because not only I love this command because not only I love this command because not only does it create an opportunity for him to does it create an opportunity for him to does it create an opportunity for him to exercise obedience, but it also displays exercise obedience, but it also displays exercise obedience, but it also displays the Savior's authority because he told the Savior's authority because he told the Savior's authority because he told him to do. Check this out. He told him him to do. Check this out. He told him him to do. Check this out. He told him to do the very thing he could not do.

to do the very thing he could not do. to do the very thing he could not do. Jesus, the man cannot walk. But you tell Jesus, the man cannot walk. But you tell Jesus, the man cannot walk. But you tell him to get up and walk. It seems crazy, him to get up and walk. It seems crazy, him to get up and walk. It seems crazy, but remember John chapter nine, he did but remember John chapter nine, he did but remember John chapter nine, he did the same thing. This blind man in John the same thing. This blind man in John the same thing. This blind man in John chapter nine, Jesus spits in the ground chapter nine, Jesus spits in the ground chapter nine, Jesus spits in the ground and takes mud and puts mud on the man's and takes mud and puts mud on the man's and takes mud and puts mud on the man's eyes. The man is blind. He has mud on eyes. The man is blind. He has mud on eyes. The man is blind. He has mud on his eyes. And what does Jesus say? Go his eyes. And what does Jesus say? Go his eyes. And what does Jesus say? Go wash in the pool of Salomon. wash in the pool of Salomon. wash in the pool of Salomon. G Jesus, he's blind and you've covered G Jesus, he's blind and you've covered G Jesus, he's blind and you've covered his eyes with mud. How is he even going his eyes with mud. How is he even going his eyes with mud. How is he even going to see where the pool is? to see where the pool is? to see where the pool is? It it it it seems like it doesn't make It it it it seems like it doesn't make It it it it seems like it doesn't make sense. But isn't that the whole point? sense. But isn't that the whole point? sense. But isn't that the whole point? Because if I really believe that God is Because if I really believe that God is Because if I really believe that God is able, then I am willing to walk in able, then I am willing to walk in able, then I am willing to walk in obedience even when it doesn't make obedience even when it doesn't make obedience even when it doesn't make sense. And I trust God with the outcome, sense. And I trust God with the outcome, sense. And I trust God with the outcome, which is what this man did. And the which is what this man did. And the which is what this man did. And the Bible says by God's grace, he was Bible says by God's grace, he was Bible says by God's grace, he was healed. And I say that because make no healed. And I say that because make no healed. And I say that because make no mistake, his healing was not the result mistake, his healing was not the result mistake, his healing was not the result of his effort. of his effort. of his effort. It's not the result of his effort. It's not the result of his effort. It's not the result of his effort. Because here's the thing, church. If it Because here's the thing, church. If it Because here's the thing, church. If it was just a matter of willpower or good was just a matter of willpower or good was just a matter of willpower or good planning, then he would have already planning, then he would have already planning, then he would have already made it to the pool by now. I got to be made it to the pool by now. I got to be made it to the pool by now. I got to be honest, if if it was me, I 38 years by honest, if if it was me, I 38 years by honest, if if it was me, I 38 years by year five, I'm trying to scoot my mat up year five, I'm trying to scoot my mat up year five, I'm trying to scoot my mat up to the stairs and figure out how I can to the stairs and figure out how I can to the stairs and figure out how I can get in front of somebody. If I got to get in front of somebody. If I got to get in front of somebody. If I got to camp out on the stairs and just sit camp out on the stairs and just sit camp out on the stairs and just sit there, I'm going to figure out how I can there, I'm going to figure out how I can there, I'm going to figure out how I can be first. It wasn't just a matter of be first. It wasn't just a matter of be first. It wasn't just a matter of effort. It wasn't just a matter of good effort. It wasn't just a matter of good effort. It wasn't just a matter of good planning. No, this miracle was the planning. No, this miracle was the planning. No, this miracle was the result. It was the work of God's grace.

result. It was the work of God's grace. result. It was the work of God's grace. And the story serves as a reminder that And the story serves as a reminder that And the story serves as a reminder that anytime we experience the miraculous in anytime we experience the miraculous in anytime we experience the miraculous in our lives, big miracles, small miracles, our lives, big miracles, small miracles, our lives, big miracles, small miracles, miracles that others see, miracles that miracles that others see, miracles that miracles that others see, miracles that others don't, we should be humbled others don't, we should be humbled others don't, we should be humbled because it's not a work of our effort. because it's not a work of our effort. because it's not a work of our effort. It is a work of God's grace. It is a work of God's grace. It is a work of God's grace. It's not a result of our effort. Or can It's not a result of our effort. Or can It's not a result of our effort. Or can I also say this? It's not a result of I also say this? It's not a result of I also say this? It's not a result of our lack of effort. our lack of effort. our lack of effort. Because some of us, if we would tell the Because some of us, if we would tell the Because some of us, if we would tell the truth, have been led astray by the enemy truth, have been led astray by the enemy truth, have been led astray by the enemy to think that the reason why God hasn't to think that the reason why God hasn't to think that the reason why God hasn't done what we've asked him to do in our done what we've asked him to do in our done what we've asked him to do in our lives is because we haven't done enough. lives is because we haven't done enough. lives is because we haven't done enough. But at the end of the day, what God does But at the end of the day, what God does But at the end of the day, what God does in our lives is a work of his grace. in our lives is a work of his grace. in our lives is a work of his grace. It's a work of his grace. The truth is It's a work of his grace. The truth is It's a work of his grace. The truth is this moment was God's miraculous work of this moment was God's miraculous work of this moment was God's miraculous work of grace. And it is a reminder to anyone grace. And it is a reminder to anyone grace. And it is a reminder to anyone that hears my voice that if you are that hears my voice that if you are that hears my voice that if you are still waiting for a miracle, still still waiting for a miracle, still still waiting for a miracle, still praying and believing God is able. praying and believing God is able. praying and believing God is able. But Justin, maybe I'm not waiting for a But Justin, maybe I'm not waiting for a But Justin, maybe I'm not waiting for a miracle. Things in my life are great. miracle. Things in my life are great. miracle. Things in my life are great. Things in my life are well. Praise God.

Things in my life are well. Praise God. Things in my life are well. Praise God. But can I also encourage you that you But can I also encourage you that you But can I also encourage you that you should be celebrating the miracle you should be celebrating the miracle you should be celebrating the miracle you see every day. What miracle is that? see every day. What miracle is that? see every day. What miracle is that? Look in the mirror. Look in the mirror. Look in the mirror. Every single day you are looking at a Every single day you are looking at a Every single day you are looking at a miracle because you have been saved from miracle because you have been saved from miracle because you have been saved from eternal punishment. You've been set free eternal punishment. You've been set free eternal punishment. You've been set free from the penalty of sin. You've been from the penalty of sin. You've been from the penalty of sin. You've been raised to new life in Christ. That is a raised to new life in Christ. That is a raised to new life in Christ. That is a miracle. miracle. miracle. We are miracles walking miracles by We are miracles walking miracles by We are miracles walking miracles by God's grace. And if we were to count all God's grace. And if we were to count all God's grace. And if we were to count all the things that God has done for us, it the things that God has done for us, it the things that God has done for us, it would take eternity would take eternity would take eternity because God has been amazingly good to because God has been amazingly good to because God has been amazingly good to us. And that's beautiful. And we us. And that's beautiful. And we us. And that's beautiful. And we celebrate that. And yet I know that celebrate that. And yet I know that celebrate that. And yet I know that there are some who still hear this there are some who still hear this there are some who still hear this message and I believe in your heart you message and I believe in your heart you message and I believe in your heart you feel feel feel attention. attention. attention. You feel attention because while you do You feel attention because while you do You feel attention because while you do not discount the fact that God has done not discount the fact that God has done not discount the fact that God has done marvelous things in your life and you marvelous things in your life and you marvelous things in your life and you know that he is able yet there's still know that he is able yet there's still know that he is able yet there's still this what I would call quiet question this what I would call quiet question this what I would call quiet question that you cannot shake. And the question that you cannot shake. And the question that you cannot shake. And the question is this, and it's the second question is this, and it's the second question is this, and it's the second question that I want to deal with before we wrap that I want to deal with before we wrap that I want to deal with before we wrap up today, which is this. How do I up today, which is this. How do I up today, which is this. How do I believe that God is still able?

believe that God is still able? believe that God is still able? I believe he's able. Yes, I know that. I I believe he's able. Yes, I know that. I I believe he's able. Yes, I know that. I know that. But how do I believe in my know that. But how do I believe in my know that. But how do I believe in my heart that God is still able? Because heart that God is still able? Because heart that God is still able? Because Justin, I've been waiting. I've been Justin, I've been waiting. I've been Justin, I've been waiting. I've been praying and doing all that I was taught praying and doing all that I was taught praying and doing all that I was taught to do. And things have not changed. As a to do. And things have not changed. As a to do. And things have not changed. As a matter of fact, not only have they not matter of fact, not only have they not matter of fact, not only have they not changed, but it seems like they're changed, but it seems like they're changed, but it seems like they're getting worse. getting worse. getting worse. And I love this man's story, but Justin, And I love this man's story, but Justin, And I love this man's story, but Justin, if I am honest, I feel like the person if I am honest, I feel like the person if I am honest, I feel like the person next to him because I celebrate someone next to him because I celebrate someone next to him because I celebrate someone else's miracle, but I still wonder, else's miracle, but I still wonder, else's miracle, but I still wonder, Jesus, what about me? I'm still waiting. Jesus, what about me? I'm still waiting. Jesus, what about me? I'm still waiting. I'm still praying. I'm still hoping. And I'm still praying. I'm still hoping. And I'm still praying. I'm still hoping. And I'm struggling to believe. I'm struggling to believe. I'm struggling to believe. What do I do when it feels like what I'm What do I do when it feels like what I'm What do I do when it feels like what I'm praying for, what I'm believing for is praying for, what I'm believing for is praying for, what I'm believing for is not matching what I see in front of me? not matching what I see in front of me? not matching what I see in front of me? What do I do, Justin? I've done What do I do, Justin? I've done What do I do, Justin? I've done everything that I was taught that I was everything that I was taught that I was everything that I was taught that I was told that you said to do everything, told that you said to do everything, told that you said to do everything, but it seems like things are not but it seems like things are not but it seems like things are not changing. changing. changing. That's a real question. Question I had That's a real question. Question I had That's a real question. Question I had to wrestle with even some years ago.

to wrestle with even some years ago. to wrestle with even some years ago. Some of you heard and know my story Some of you heard and know my story Some of you heard and know my story about uh my mother. As a matter of fact, about uh my mother. As a matter of fact, about uh my mother. As a matter of fact, I I remember it was like it was I I remember it was like it was I I remember it was like it was yesterday walking around the the parking yesterday walking around the the parking yesterday walking around the the parking lot here at the West Little Rock campus. lot here at the West Little Rock campus. lot here at the West Little Rock campus. Mother at the time lived in Orlando, Mother at the time lived in Orlando, Mother at the time lived in Orlando, Florida, and she uh a few days before Florida, and she uh a few days before Florida, and she uh a few days before had uh had a many stroke. She had had a had uh had a many stroke. She had had a had uh had a many stroke. She had had a series of many strokes and and a family series of many strokes and and a family series of many strokes and and a family member told me that uh she was she was member told me that uh she was she was member told me that uh she was she was going to the hospital for a procedure going to the hospital for a procedure going to the hospital for a procedure and and uh she was married at the time and and uh she was married at the time and and uh she was married at the time and so her husband called me and said, and so her husband called me and said, and so her husband called me and said, "Well, you know, she hadn't woken up yet "Well, you know, she hadn't woken up yet "Well, you know, she hadn't woken up yet cuz she's still under anesthesia and so cuz she's still under anesthesia and so cuz she's still under anesthesia and so we're we're just waiting for her to come we're we're just waiting for her to come we're we're just waiting for her to come out of it." I'll never forget uh uncle out of it." I'll never forget uh uncle out of it." I'll never forget uh uncle told me. He said, "Man, I I think you told me. He said, "Man, I I think you told me. He said, "Man, I I think you need to call and and just hear here for need to call and and just hear here for need to call and and just hear here for yourself cuz it seems like it's been a yourself cuz it seems like it's been a yourself cuz it seems like it's been a couple of days and she should have woken couple of days and she should have woken couple of days and she should have woken up by now." Never forget being in the up by now." Never forget being in the up by now." Never forget being in the parking lot and walking around and being parking lot and walking around and being parking lot and walking around and being on the hole for 30 minutes and the nurse on the hole for 30 minutes and the nurse on the hole for 30 minutes and the nurse finally came on the phone. She said, finally came on the phone. She said, finally came on the phone. She said, "Mr. Bilson, what we've been trying to "Mr. Bilson, what we've been trying to "Mr. Bilson, what we've been trying to tell your mother's husband is that she's tell your mother's husband is that she's tell your mother's husband is that she's not under anesthesia. She's in a coma." not under anesthesia. She's in a coma." not under anesthesia. She's in a coma." Church, I I stood there for what felt Church, I I stood there for what felt Church, I I stood there for what felt like eternity.

like eternity. like eternity. And immediately it it my my my knowing And immediately it it my my my knowing And immediately it it my my my knowing and my my working had kicked in. And so and my my working had kicked in. And so and my my working had kicked in. And so I said, "Okay, all right. I know what to I said, "Okay, all right. I know what to I said, "Okay, all right. I know what to do." And I started praying. And my wife do." And I started praying. And my wife do." And I started praying. And my wife and I were fasting and we called and I were fasting and we called and I were fasting and we called everybody we knew and we praying healing everybody we knew and we praying healing everybody we knew and we praying healing scriptures and I I called and and say, scriptures and I I called and and say, scriptures and I I called and and say, "Hey, put put the the phone to her ear "Hey, put put the the phone to her ear "Hey, put put the the phone to her ear and and and I would pray." And we would and and and I would pray." And we would and and and I would pray." And we would say scriptures and and and her husband say scriptures and and and her husband say scriptures and and and her husband would tell me, "Oh, oh, she's moving her would tell me, "Oh, oh, she's moving her would tell me, "Oh, oh, she's moving her foot." And and she's moving her hand. foot." And and she's moving her hand. foot." And and she's moving her hand. And all these things and and and we And all these things and and and we And all these things and and and we continued to pray and believe. And then continued to pray and believe. And then continued to pray and believe. And then that following Friday after Mother's that following Friday after Mother's that following Friday after Mother's Day, I got a call 3:00 in the morning Day, I got a call 3:00 in the morning Day, I got a call 3:00 in the morning that her blood pressure had dropped. And that her blood pressure had dropped. And that her blood pressure had dropped. And by 12:00 I got a call and the doctor by 12:00 I got a call and the doctor by 12:00 I got a call and the doctor said that there's no sign of brain said that there's no sign of brain said that there's no sign of brain activity. I said, "So what are you activity. I said, "So what are you activity. I said, "So what are you saying to me? He's saying that your saying to me? He's saying that your saying to me? He's saying that your mother has passed away." mother has passed away." mother has passed away." And I sat there on my couch and I said, And I sat there on my couch and I said, And I sat there on my couch and I said, "But but God, I I I prayed. "But but God, I I I prayed. "But but God, I I I prayed. I I I fasted. I did all the things that I I I fasted. I did all the things that I I I fasted. I did all the things that that I knew to do. I did it all. And and that I knew to do. I did it all. And and that I knew to do. I did it all. And and what what happened, what what happened, what what happened, church?" I wrestled with that church?" I wrestled with that church?" I wrestled with that for years and quiet as is kept in. Even for years and quiet as is kept in. Even for years and quiet as is kept in. Even in my flesh, there are still some days in my flesh, there are still some days in my flesh, there are still some days where I still wrestle.

where I still wrestle. where I still wrestle. But I have learned and continue to learn But I have learned and continue to learn But I have learned and continue to learn that in hard moments, I must choose that in hard moments, I must choose that in hard moments, I must choose to trust in the sovereignty of God. to trust in the sovereignty of God. to trust in the sovereignty of God. That's a choice. I must choose because That's a choice. I must choose because That's a choice. I must choose because my flesh wants what it wants. My flesh my flesh wants what it wants. My flesh my flesh wants what it wants. My flesh wants answers. My flesh wants its own wants answers. My flesh wants its own wants answers. My flesh wants its own way. But I have to choose. way. But I have to choose. way. But I have to choose. I choose to trust in the sovereignty of I choose to trust in the sovereignty of I choose to trust in the sovereignty of God. God. God. To believe that he sees what I don't. To believe that he sees what I don't. To believe that he sees what I don't. He knows what I do not. He knows what I do not. He knows what I do not. I have to choose to trust in the I have to choose to trust in the I have to choose to trust in the sovereignty of God. Which means, and I sovereignty of God. Which means, and I sovereignty of God. Which means, and I wrote this down in my notes, and I don't wrote this down in my notes, and I don't wrote this down in my notes, and I don't know who needs to hear this today, that know who needs to hear this today, that know who needs to hear this today, that a change in my plan is not a change in a change in my plan is not a change in a change in my plan is not a change in his. his. his. A change in my plan is not a change in A change in my plan is not a change in A change in my plan is not a change in his. God has not changed his mind. This his. God has not changed his mind. This his. God has not changed his mind. This is not what you planned. This is not how is not what you planned. This is not how is not what you planned. This is not how you planned for your life to go. This is you planned for your life to go. This is you planned for your life to go. This is not what you wanted. This is not what not what you wanted. This is not what not what you wanted. This is not what you prayed for. This is not what you you prayed for. This is not what you you prayed for. This is not what you expected. expected. expected. I don't know if you've been there. I I don't know if you've been there. I I don't know if you've been there. I don't know if you are there now. You're don't know if you are there now. You're don't know if you are there now. You're struggling to hold on to hope, to still struggling to hold on to hope, to still struggling to hold on to hope, to still believe that God is able.

believe that God is able. believe that God is able. But I need you to know that God is But I need you to know that God is But I need you to know that God is sovereign. Nothing has caught him off sovereign. Nothing has caught him off sovereign. Nothing has caught him off guard. Nothing has surprised him. And guard. Nothing has surprised him. And guard. Nothing has surprised him. And here's the second thing. Even in the here's the second thing. Even in the here's the second thing. Even in the midst of the hard thing, I choose to midst of the hard thing, I choose to midst of the hard thing, I choose to trust that he sees. He knows. And he is trust that he sees. He knows. And he is trust that he sees. He knows. And he is with me. with me. with me. He sees. He knows. And he is with me. He sees. He knows. And he is with me. He sees. He knows. And he is with me. He sees. He knows. And he is with me. He sees. He knows. And he is with me. He sees. He knows. And he is with me. But Justin, that doesn't take the pain But Justin, that doesn't take the pain But Justin, that doesn't take the pain away. I know. But it will change your away. I know. But it will change your away. I know. But it will change your perspective. perspective. perspective. It will change your perspective. It will change your perspective. It will change your perspective. It change your perspective. It change your perspective. It change your perspective. So may our resolve be So may our resolve be So may our resolve be that we choose to believe that God is that we choose to believe that God is that we choose to believe that God is still able. still able. still able. And as a prayer to wrap up, I I was And as a prayer to wrap up, I I was And as a prayer to wrap up, I I was sharing with a a colleague this week and sharing with a a colleague this week and sharing with a a colleague this week and Holy Spirit laid this on my heart and um Holy Spirit laid this on my heart and um Holy Spirit laid this on my heart and um I wrote this in my notes because I I I wrote this in my notes because I I I wrote this in my notes because I I believe this is true for all of us. Um believe this is true for all of us. Um believe this is true for all of us. Um and and I'm I'm guilty of it as well.

and and I'm I'm guilty of it as well. and and I'm I'm guilty of it as well. But when we when we pray, the scripture But when we when we pray, the scripture But when we when we pray, the scripture reminds us that we pray God's word, but reminds us that we pray God's word, but reminds us that we pray God's word, but there's a part of us if we're not there's a part of us if we're not there's a part of us if we're not careful and and there's nothing careful and and there's nothing careful and and there's nothing inherently wrong with it, but there's a inherently wrong with it, but there's a inherently wrong with it, but there's a part of us that prays our expectations, part of us that prays our expectations, part of us that prays our expectations, right? What would we desire, what we right? What would we desire, what we right? What would we desire, what we want, and again, I'm not saying there's want, and again, I'm not saying there's want, and again, I'm not saying there's anything wrong with that, but here's anything wrong with that, but here's anything wrong with that, but here's what I've acknowledged. that often times what I've acknowledged. that often times what I've acknowledged. that often times our expectations our expectations our expectations when it seems like they go unanswered, when it seems like they go unanswered, when it seems like they go unanswered, when God does things in a way that we when God does things in a way that we when God does things in a way that we did not expect or not the way we wanted, did not expect or not the way we wanted, did not expect or not the way we wanted, it can give way to disappointment. it can give way to disappointment. it can give way to disappointment. And maybe for some of us here, your And maybe for some of us here, your And maybe for some of us here, your issue is you're not angry at God, you're issue is you're not angry at God, you're issue is you're not angry at God, you're disappointed disappointed disappointed because because because it didn't go the way you prayed. I it didn't go the way you prayed. I it didn't go the way you prayed. I wrestled with that disappointment even wrestled with that disappointment even wrestled with that disappointment even in my own heart with my mother because I in my own heart with my mother because I in my own heart with my mother because I said, "God, I wasn't I wasn't wasn't said, "God, I wasn't I wasn't wasn't said, "God, I wasn't I wasn't wasn't ready yet. I wasn't expecting this to ready yet. I wasn't expecting this to ready yet. I wasn't expecting this to happen. happen. happen. But here's what I've learned and what But here's what I've learned and what But here's what I've learned and what I'm continuing to learn. Instead of I'm continuing to learn. Instead of I'm continuing to learn. Instead of giving up, because disappointment and giving up, because disappointment and giving up, because disappointment and discouragement can lead you to a place discouragement can lead you to a place discouragement can lead you to a place where you feel like you want to give up, where you feel like you want to give up, where you feel like you want to give up, instead of giving up, I choose to instead of giving up, I choose to instead of giving up, I choose to remember God's heart towards me. That he remember God's heart towards me. That he remember God's heart towards me. That he sees me, that he knows me, that he is sees me, that he knows me, that he is sees me, that he knows me, that he is with me." And that gives me the strength with me." And that gives me the strength with me." And that gives me the strength to trust because at the end of the day, to trust because at the end of the day, to trust because at the end of the day, you may leave today and you still feel you may leave today and you still feel you may leave today and you still feel like you're waiting like you're waiting like you're waiting because this man met Jesus at year 38.

because this man met Jesus at year 38. because this man met Jesus at year 38. But what about year two, year five, year But what about year two, year five, year But what about year two, year five, year 12, year 15, year 33, year 37? What 12, year 15, year 33, year 37? What 12, year 15, year 33, year 37? What about those years still waiting? about those years still waiting? about those years still waiting? Still waiting. But I choose to trust. I Still waiting. But I choose to trust. I Still waiting. But I choose to trust. I know that you see me. know me. You know that you see me. know me. You know that you see me. know me. You suffered for me and you suffer with me suffered for me and you suffer with me suffered for me and you suffer with me and you are able. It may not change the and you are able. It may not change the and you are able. It may not change the pain that I feel in my heart but it does pain that I feel in my heart but it does pain that I feel in my heart but it does change my perspective change my perspective change my perspective because I know verse 17 because I know verse 17 because I know verse 17 Jesus says the father is working and I Jesus says the father is working and I Jesus says the father is working and I am working. am working. am working. May not change my situation right now May not change my situation right now May not change my situation right now but he is working in me and he's able. but he is working in me and he's able. but he is working in me and he's able. So, here's how I want to end. So, here's how I want to end. So, here's how I want to end. I I don't know the needs of those around I I don't know the needs of those around I I don't know the needs of those around you. Maybe you're sitting next to your you. Maybe you're sitting next to your you. Maybe you're sitting next to your kids or your spouse, a friend, or maybe kids or your spouse, a friend, or maybe kids or your spouse, a friend, or maybe someone in your small group or maybe someone in your small group or maybe someone in your small group or maybe you're sitting next to someone you don't you're sitting next to someone you don't you're sitting next to someone you don't even know. But I want to give us an even know. But I want to give us an even know. But I want to give us an opportunity and I was praying about how opportunity and I was praying about how opportunity and I was praying about how to end this message because I felt all to end this message because I felt all to end this message because I felt all week the weight of this helping us to week the weight of this helping us to week the weight of this helping us to sit in this tension of believing that sit in this tension of believing that sit in this tension of believing that God is still able while acknowledging God is still able while acknowledging God is still able while acknowledging the reality of where we are.

the reality of where we are. the reality of where we are. But I want us to practice But I want us to practice But I want us to practice the one anothers. So here's what I'm the one anothers. So here's what I'm the one anothers. So here's what I'm going to invite you to do. We're a going to invite you to do. We're a going to invite you to do. We're a church family and whether you know the church family and whether you know the church family and whether you know the person next to you well or not, I want person next to you well or not, I want person next to you well or not, I want us to do what Jesus would have us to do. us to do what Jesus would have us to do. us to do what Jesus would have us to do. And I want us before we end the message, And I want us before we end the message, And I want us before we end the message, before we come and respond in worship, I before we come and respond in worship, I before we come and respond in worship, I want us to turn to the person next to us want us to turn to the person next to us want us to turn to the person next to us or someone around us and I want us to or someone around us and I want us to or someone around us and I want us to ask them this question. How can I pray ask them this question. How can I pray ask them this question. How can I pray for you today? You don't know the needs for you today? You don't know the needs for you today? You don't know the needs of those around you or maybe you do. And of those around you or maybe you do. And of those around you or maybe you do. And especially if you're sitting next to especially if you're sitting next to especially if you're sitting next to your spouse, this is a great way to love your spouse, this is a great way to love your spouse, this is a great way to love them like Jesus loves them and ask them, them like Jesus loves them and ask them, them like Jesus loves them and ask them, "How can I pray for you today?" Maybe "How can I pray for you today?" Maybe "How can I pray for you today?" Maybe this is a moment where you're sitting this is a moment where you're sitting this is a moment where you're sitting next to your kids or your or your next to your kids or your or your next to your kids or your or your grandchildren and say, "Hey, how can I grandchildren and say, "Hey, how can I grandchildren and say, "Hey, how can I pray for you today?" Sitting next to a pray for you today?" Sitting next to a pray for you today?" Sitting next to a roommate, sitting next to someone that roommate, sitting next to someone that roommate, sitting next to someone that maybe you invited to church. Maybe maybe you invited to church. Maybe maybe you invited to church. Maybe you're sitting next to someone who you're sitting next to someone who you're sitting next to someone who doesn't know Jesus, but you can still doesn't know Jesus, but you can still doesn't know Jesus, but you can still ask them, "How can I pray for you ask them, "How can I pray for you ask them, "How can I pray for you today?" today?" today?" If you're online and you want prayer, If you're online and you want prayer, If you're online and you want prayer, you can email us. Email our care team, you can email us. Email our care team, you can email us. Email our care team, carefellowshipar.com.

So, what I'm going to ask you to do, So, what I'm going to ask you to do, what I'm going to invite you to do, what I'm going to invite you to do, what I'm going to invite you to do, Justin, I'm an introvert. I don't really Justin, I'm an introvert. I don't really Justin, I'm an introvert. I don't really like talking to people. Guess what? So like talking to people. Guess what? So like talking to people. Guess what? So am I. am I. am I. You You just stood up here and talked in You You just stood up here and talked in You You just stood up here and talked in front of people on stage. I know that's front of people on stage. I know that's front of people on stage. I know that's the Holy Spirit. the Holy Spirit. the Holy Spirit. But here's the thing. If we truly see But here's the thing. If we truly see But here's the thing. If we truly see each other as brother and sister in each other as brother and sister in each other as brother and sister in Christ and we should be willing to Christ and we should be willing to Christ and we should be willing to stretch ourselves and to simply ask the stretch ourselves and to simply ask the stretch ourselves and to simply ask the question, how can I pray for you? Give question, how can I pray for you? Give question, how can I pray for you? Give them space to answer and then do the them space to answer and then do the them space to answer and then do the same. So, I'm going to invite you to do same. So, I'm going to invite you to do same. So, I'm going to invite you to do that now both here in the worship center that now both here in the worship center that now both here in the worship center and in the chapel and then we'll come and in the chapel and then we'll come and in the chapel and then we'll come and worship after a few moments. So, and worship after a few moments. So, and worship after a few moments. So, let's go ahead and do that now. let's go ahead and do that now. let's go ahead and do that now. Everybody, let's ask how can I pray for Everybody, let's ask how can I pray for Everybody, let's ask how can I pray for you and let's pray together.

You know, over the last six months, You know, over the last six months, we've been sitting with this theme we've been sitting with this theme we've been sitting with this theme before we presented with the church, the before we presented with the church, the before we presented with the church, the elders, and our teaching pastors and elders, and our teaching pastors and elders, and our teaching pastors and leadership, and leadership, and leadership, and just this idea that God is able. And I just this idea that God is able. And I just this idea that God is able. And I pray that you've already been encouraged pray that you've already been encouraged pray that you've already been encouraged this morning, praying for one another. this morning, praying for one another. this morning, praying for one another. Um, for some of us that might feel Um, for some of us that might feel Um, for some of us that might feel uncomfortable, but uncomfortable, but uncomfortable, but some of us might be able to look back some of us might be able to look back some of us might be able to look back and realize, man, I haven't asked and realize, man, I haven't asked and realize, man, I haven't asked somebody to pray for me in a really long somebody to pray for me in a really long somebody to pray for me in a really long time, or maybe ever. And so, I hope it's time, or maybe ever. And so, I hope it's time, or maybe ever. And so, I hope it's been just a challenging time to go, you been just a challenging time to go, you been just a challenging time to go, you know, we're meant to be in community know, we're meant to be in community know, we're meant to be in community with one another, to pray for one with one another, to pray for one with one another, to pray for one another, to believe and have faith that another, to believe and have faith that another, to believe and have faith that God can do what he's going to do, that God can do what he's going to do, that God can do what he's going to do, that he is who he says he is. And uh, so our he is who he says he is. And uh, so our he is who he says he is. And uh, so our team started sitting with this theme, team started sitting with this theme, team started sitting with this theme, God is able. And that Romans passage God is able. And that Romans passage God is able. And that Romans passage that just says that Abraham was fully that just says that Abraham was fully that just says that Abraham was fully convinced that God is who he is and that convinced that God is who he is and that convinced that God is who he is and that he's going to do what he says he's going he's going to do what he says he's going he's going to do what he says he's going to do. And so, we've been singing and to do. And so, we've been singing and to do. And so, we've been singing and kind of writing a song that we believe kind of writing a song that we believe kind of writing a song that we believe could be a special song for us as a could be a special song for us as a could be a special song for us as a church this entire year. And we want to church this entire year. And we want to church this entire year. And we want to teach you the chorus this morning. You teach you the chorus this morning. You teach you the chorus this morning. You can sit or you can stand, however you can sit or you can stand, however you can sit or you can stand, however you want to respond. But let us teach you want to respond. But let us teach you want to respond. But let us teach you this chorus this morning. And then we'll this chorus this morning. And then we'll this chorus this morning. And then we'll sing a song together. Sing this. I am sing a song together. Sing this. I am sing a song together. Sing this. I am fully convinced fully convinced fully convinced our God is able our God is able our God is able to do what he said.

And he will be who is And he will be who is if our God is for us. if our God is for us. if our God is for us. stand again. The mighty power of our God. The mighty power of our God. hand. who overthrows who overthrows me.

Yes, I know he will make a way. Can we Yes, I know he will make a way. Can we stand and declare this together? Oh, stand and declare this together? Oh, stand and declare this together? Oh, that I am fully convinced that I am fully convinced that I am fully convinced that our God is aable that our God is aable that our God is aable to do what he said. And he will be who he's been And he will be who he's been if our God is for us. Is he the guy who brought the giant Is he the guy who brought the giant down? The guy who brought the giant down fall to the ground. fall to the ground. He lifts up the weak. He lifts up the weak. He lifts up the weak. Heat. Heat. Heat.

who can stand against a mighty God? who can stand against a mighty God? You are worthy. but showed the depths of his love upon but showed the depths of his love upon the altar of the cross. the altar of the cross. the altar of the cross. upon the altar of the cross was slain the lamb of God. was slain the lamb of God. He's the one who holds the keys Our Our God is able God is able God is able to do what he say.

Make it Make it so we make it. Amen. Can we bless the Lord for all that Amen. Can we bless the Lord for all that he has done? he has done? he has done? Sing that chorus. I am fully convinced Sing that chorus. I am fully convinced Sing that chorus. I am fully convinced our God is able our God is able our God is able to do what he says. to do what he says. to do what he says. on. He will on. He will on. He will >> and he will be who he's been >> and he will be who he's been >> and he will be who he's been if our God is for us. if our God is for us. if our God is for us. Who stands against? Who stands against? Who stands against? >> Oh Jesus, King Jesus, we believe that >> Oh Jesus, King Jesus, we believe that >> Oh Jesus, King Jesus, we believe that none can stand against you. And so if none can stand against you. And so if none can stand against you. And so if the God that no one can stand against is the God that no one can stand against is the God that no one can stand against is for us, then who can stand against us? for us, then who can stand against us? for us, then who can stand against us? You're the same God who split the seas. You're the same God who split the seas. You're the same God who split the seas. You're the same God who raised Lazarus You're the same God who raised Lazarus You're the same God who raised Lazarus from the dead. You're the same God from the dead. You're the same God from the dead. You're the same God who was murdered on a cross, but on who was murdered on a cross, but on who was murdered on a cross, but on three days rose in victory, and we share three days rose in victory, and we share three days rose in victory, and we share in that victory this morning, Jesus. So in that victory this morning, Jesus. So in that victory this morning, Jesus. So God, if you can do it then, you can do God, if you can do it then, you can do God, if you can do it then, you can do it now. We believe that that you are who it now. We believe that that you are who it now. We believe that that you are who you say you are, and you do the things you say you are, and you do the things you say you are, and you do the things you say you're going to do. We're fully you say you're going to do. We're fully you say you're going to do. We're fully convinced, Lord. Increase our faith.

convinced, Lord. Increase our faith. convinced, Lord. Increase our faith. encourage our faith to trust you. In a encourage our faith to trust you. In a encourage our faith to trust you. In a world of cynicism, in a world of world of cynicism, in a world of world of cynicism, in a world of disbelief, increase our belief in you. disbelief, increase our belief in you. disbelief, increase our belief in you. We love you. All God's people said, We love you. All God's people said, We love you. All God's people said, "Amen." Amen. Thanks for being here this "Amen." Amen. Thanks for being here this "Amen." Amen. Thanks for being here this morning. Hope you were encouraged. We'll morning. Hope you were encouraged. We'll morning. Hope you were encouraged. We'll see the ladies tonight at the women's see the ladies tonight at the women's see the ladies tonight at the women's gathering 6 p.m. here in the worship gathering 6 p.m. here in the worship gathering 6 p.m. here in the worship center. Have a great rest of your day. center. Have a great rest of your day. center. Have a great rest of your day. We'll see you next week.