06.14.26 - 11 AM Sunday Service // My Favorite Story // 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. A Fellowship Bible Church campuses. A Fellowship Bible Church campuses. A 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, Kat, Midtown, we're located in Benton, Kat, Midtown, we're located in Benton, Kat, 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. What unites us central Arkansas. What unites us central Arkansas. 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.

Well, good morning church. Well, good morning church. Glad we're all [music] here to worship Glad we're all [music] here to worship Glad we're all [music] here to worship together. Will you please stand as we together. Will you please stand as we together. Will you please stand as we sing of the only [music] one who is sing of the only [music] one who is sing of the only [music] one who is worthy? We sing to the lamb of God, the worthy? We sing to the lamb of God, the worthy? We sing to the lamb of God, the anointed one of heaven. You're the only one worthy God. You're the only one worthy God. Sing I am an instrument of exaltation. I Sing I am an instrument of exaltation. I Sing I am an instrument of exaltation. I am an instrument [music] am an instrument [music] am an instrument [music] of exaltation [singing] and I was born [music] and I was born [music] to [singing] lift your name above all to [singing] lift your name above all to [singing] lift your name above all names. names. names. You hear the melody [music] but there's a song [music] of praise but there's a song [music] of praise that only I can bring. And who [music] that only I can bring. And who [music] that only I can bring. And who [music] else is worthy? else is worthy? else is worthy? Who else is worthy?

There's no There's no [music] [music] [music] Jesus Jesus Jesus who else [music] is worth. worth. [music] [music] [music] There is no There is no There is no only [music] Jesus only [music] Jesus only [music] Jesus cuz you are the cuz you are the cuz you are the God of the [music] songs [singing] songs [singing] even [music] even [music] even [music] angels sing. Who else is worthy? [music] There is no There is no [music] [music] [music] Jesus.

Jesus. Jesus. Who else is worthy? Who else is worthy? Who else is worthy? Who else is worthy? Who else is worthy? Who else is worthy? [music] Jesus. Jesus. [music] [music] [music] Who else is worthy? Who else is worthy? Who else is worthy? Who else is worthy? [music] There is no There is no [music] [music] [music] Jesus. Jesus. Jesus. Who else is worthy? Who else is worthy? Who else is worthy? Asking who [music] else is worthy. Asking who [music] else is worthy. Asking who [music] else is worthy. There is no there is [music] no one only There is no there is [music] no one only There is no there is [music] no one only you Jesus. There is no [singing] one else There is no [singing] one else worthy [music] of all our praise. You [music and singing] alone. You alone You [music and singing] alone. You alone are worthy.

are worthy. are worthy. You alone are worthy. [singing] We lift [music] up our eyes to you, oh We lift [music] up our eyes to you, oh God. God. God. [music] We sing this together. The lamb [music] We sing this together. The lamb [music] We sing this together. The lamb of God. Oh, the lamb of God, [singing] of God. Oh, the lamb of God, [singing] of God. Oh, the lamb of God, [singing] anointed one who was [music] and is and anointed one who was [music] and is and anointed one who was [music] and is and is to come. You're seated on the throne is to come. You're seated on the throne is to come. You're seated on the throne above. Holy, [music] above. Holy, [music] above. Holy, [music] holy, holy, holy, rightous one who shed his blood. You rightous one who shed his blood. You rightous one who shed his blood. You prove to us the [music] father's love prove to us the [music] father's love prove to us the [music] father's love Jesus Christ we lifted up [music] [music] [music] Heat.

Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. [music] Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> Holy Jesus. Amen. Can we lift up the name of the Amen. Can we lift up the name of the King of Kings? He is worthy [music] of King of Kings? He is worthy [music] of King of Kings? He is worthy [music] of our praise.

And in the Revelation chapter 4 and 5, And in the Revelation chapter 4 and 5, John paints for us this picture of John paints for us this picture of John paints for us this picture of what's happening in heaven. And it's the what's happening in heaven. And it's the what's happening in heaven. And it's the elders and the creatures of heaven all elders and the creatures of heaven all elders and the creatures of heaven all gathered around the throne of Jesus. And gathered around the throne of Jesus. And gathered around the throne of Jesus. And they are singing that song. Worthy is they are singing that song. Worthy is they are singing that song. Worthy is the lamb who was slain. All power and the lamb who was slain. All power and the lamb who was slain. All power and wealth [music] and wisdom and might and wealth [music] and wisdom and might and wealth [music] and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing be unto honor and glory and blessing be unto honor and glory and blessing be unto him. And so I hope it encourages you him. And so I hope it encourages you him. And so I hope it encourages you that today we start off [music] our that today we start off [music] our that today we start off [music] our worship by singing the same word that worship by singing the same word that worship by singing the same word that those who are in heaven are singing those who are in heaven are singing those who are in heaven are singing around the throne of Christ. And around the throne of Christ. And around the throne of Christ. And believers gathered all over the globe believers gathered all over the globe believers gathered all over the globe today on Sunday are singing to lift up today on Sunday are singing to lift up today on Sunday are singing to lift up the name of Jesus. And so hopefully the name of Jesus. And so hopefully the name of Jesus. And so hopefully that'll minister to your heart today as that'll minister to your heart today as that'll minister to your heart today as you're here. And it will empower you you're here. And it will empower you you're here. And it will empower you [music] and encourage you with the [music] and encourage you with the [music] and encourage you with the spirit of God to know that he is with us spirit of God to know that he is with us spirit of God to know that he is with us and that he is worthy of our worship. and that he is worthy of our worship. and that he is worthy of our worship. [music] if he's worthy of our praise. [music] if he's worthy of our praise. [music] if he's worthy of our praise. You guys can grab a seat. We're so glad You guys can grab a seat. We're so glad You guys can grab a seat. We're so glad you're here this morning. If we haven't you're here this morning. If we haven't you're here this morning. If we haven't met yet, my name is Jay McGuer. I'm the met yet, my name is Jay McGuer. I'm the met yet, my name is Jay McGuer. I'm the pastor of disciplehip for all of our pastor of disciplehip for all of our pastor of disciplehip for all of our fellowship campuses. If we haven't met, fellowship campuses. If we haven't met, fellowship campuses. If we haven't met, I hope we get an opportunity before you I hope we get an opportunity before you I hope we get an opportunity before you leave today. We'd love to connect with leave today. We'd love to connect with leave today. We'd love to connect with you personally. If you're here this you personally. If you're here this you personally. If you're here this morning and you're a guest with us, I morning and you're a guest with us, I morning and you're a guest with us, I want to welcome you, let you know how want to welcome you, let you know how want to welcome you, let you know how glad we are that you are here. On your glad we are that you are here. On your glad we are that you are here. On your way in, hopefully you got one of our way in, hopefully you got one of our way in, hopefully you got one of our bulletins. And you'll notice that at the bulletins. And you'll notice that at the bulletins. And you'll notice that at the bottom of that, there's a little section bottom of that, there's a little section bottom of that, there's a little section that you can fill out and tear off. if that you can fill out and tear off. if that you can fill out and tear off. if you would after the service, stop by our you would after the service, stop by our you would after the service, stop by our connection center with that. It's over connection center with that. It's over connection center with that. It's over by our west entrance where the fireplace by our west entrance where the fireplace by our west entrance where the fireplace is. We have some pastors and elders who is. We have some pastors and elders who is. We have some pastors and elders who are there who would love to spend just a are there who would love to spend just a are there who would love to spend just a minute with you before you head out to minute with you before you head out to minute with you before you head out to lunch and connect with you. We have a lunch and connect with you. We have a lunch and connect with you. 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, just to let you know how glad that too, just to let you know how glad that too, just to let you know how glad that we are that you are here today. And we'd we are that you are here today. And we'd we are that you are here today. And we'd love to see if there's anything we can love to see if there's anything we can love to see if there's anything we can do to help connect you better to our do to help connect you better to our do to help connect you better to our church family or take your next step of church family or take your next step of church family or take your next step of spiritual growth. If you're online this

spiritual growth. If you're online this spiritual growth. If you're online this morning and joining us, we want to morning and joining us, we want to morning and joining us, we want to welcome you, too. There's a link that welcome you, too. There's a link that welcome you, too. There's a link that you can click there that'll help us know you can click there that'll help us know you can click there that'll help us know who you are and that you're there who you are and that you're there who you are and that you're there joining us. And if you have just been joining us. And if you have just been joining us. And if you have just been checking us out for a few weeks or maybe checking us out for a few weeks or maybe checking us out for a few weeks or maybe this is your first time watching online, this is your first time watching online, this is your first time watching online, we'd love for you to come and join us we'd love for you to come and join us we'd love for you to come and join us and worship with us in person very soon. and worship with us in person very soon. and worship with us in person very soon. The bottom line is if you're a guest, we The bottom line is if you're a guest, we The bottom line is if you're a guest, we want to know you're here and see if want to know you're here and see if want to know you're here and see if there's anything we can do to help there's anything we can do to help there's anything we can do to help better shepherd you or connect you to better shepherd you or connect you to better shepherd you or connect you to our church family. Well, this past week our church family. Well, this past week our church family. Well, this past week in the life of our church here at our in the life of our church here at our in the life of our church here at our Wesler Rock campus, we hosted the Wesler Rock campus, we hosted the Wesler Rock campus, we hosted the Windshape Camp for elementary age kids. Windshape Camp for elementary age kids. Windshape Camp for elementary age kids. That meant that this week we had over That meant that this week we had over That meant that this week we had over 350 kids on our campus. There were 33 350 kids on our campus. There were 33 350 kids on our campus. There were 33 staff and over 70 volunteers who helped staff and over 70 volunteers who helped staff and over 70 volunteers who helped come and make this an incredible place come and make this an incredible place come and make this an incredible place where kids could experience the gospel, where kids could experience the gospel, where kids could experience the gospel, have a great time doing it, and grow in have a great time doing it, and grow in have a great time doing it, and grow in their own faith, too. I was at drop off their own faith, too. I was at drop off their own faith, too. I was at drop off and pickup one day and it was amazing and pickup one day and it was amazing and pickup one day and it was amazing the number of kids who were running out the number of kids who were running out the number of kids who were running out of here wide open and the parents who of here wide open and the parents who of here wide open and the parents who would say the second they got in the car would say the second they got in the car would say the second they got in the car they just dropped and passed out because they just dropped and passed out because they just dropped and passed out because it was a high energy and an incredible it was a high energy and an incredible it was a high energy and an incredible week. But even more so than that, we had week. But even more so than that, we had week. But even more so than that, we had 45 kids who stepped forward and started 45 kids who stepped forward and started 45 kids who stepped forward and started gospel conversations with some of our gospel conversations with some of our gospel conversations with some of our volunteers this week and who said, "I volunteers this week and who said, "I volunteers this week and who said, "I want to know more about what it looks want to know more about what it looks want to know more about what it looks like to follow Jesus." And so can we like to follow Jesus." And so can we like to follow Jesus." And so can we celebrate that and thank those celebrate that and thank those celebrate that and thank those volunteers who are here this week.

And then you know the cool other side of And then you know the cool other side of that is that means we had 45 volunteers that is that means we had 45 volunteers that is that means we had 45 volunteers who got to sit down and share their who got to sit down and share their who got to sit down and share their faith and share the gospel with some of faith and share the gospel with some of faith and share the gospel with some of our kids. I know my teenage son was one our kids. I know my teenage son was one our kids. I know my teenage son was one of those people. And it was such a joy of those people. And it was such a joy of those people. And it was such a joy to hear him how excited he was about to hear him how excited he was about to hear him how excited he was about getting to share the gospel with getting to share the gospel with getting to share the gospel with somebody else, too. And so I hope you'll somebody else, too. And so I hope you'll somebody else, too. And so I hope you'll join us in praying for those kids, join us in praying for those kids, join us in praying for those kids, praying for those families that God praying for those families that God praying for those families that God would continue the work in their hearts would continue the work in their hearts would continue the work in their hearts that he began this week. and all of that he began this week. and all of that he began this week. and all of those kids and volunteers who were a those kids and volunteers who were a those kids and volunteers who were a part of that. We're so grateful for how part of that. We're so grateful for how part of that. We're so grateful for how the Lord is using that Windshaped camp the Lord is using that Windshaped camp the Lord is using that Windshaped camp in the life of our kids ministry and the in the life of our kids ministry and the in the life of our kids ministry and the lives of our families. Well, why don't lives of our families. Well, why don't lives of our families. Well, why don't you stand with us? We're going to you stand with us? We're going to you stand with us? We're going to continue to worship because worthy is continue to worship because worthy is continue to worship because worthy is the lamb who was slain. He is worthy of the lamb who was slain. He is worthy of the lamb who was slain. He is worthy of our praise, worthy of all glory. Let's our praise, worthy of all glory. Let's our praise, worthy of all glory. Let's [music] sing and worship him together. [music] sing and worship him together. [music] sing and worship him together. Amen. Well, in Jeremiah 17, it says, Amen. Well, in Jeremiah 17, it says, Amen. Well, in Jeremiah 17, it says, "Blessed [music] "Blessed [music] "Blessed [music] is the one who places his trust in the is the one who places his trust in the is the one who places his trust in the Lord, whose confidence is in him." Lord, Lord, whose confidence is in him." Lord, Lord, whose confidence is in him." Lord, as we are gathered here to sing you this as we are gathered here to sing you this as we are gathered here to sing you this morning, would you give us grace day by morning, would you give us grace day by morning, would you give us grace day by day to trust you more and more every day to trust you more and more every day to trust you more and more every day? Sing this together. Oh, it is so [music] sweet to trust in Oh, it is so [music] sweet to trust in Jesus.

Jesus. Jesus. just to take him might his word just to take him might his word just to take him might his word just [music] to rest just [music] to rest just [music] to rest upon his cross upon his cross upon his cross and [music and singing] to and [music and singing] to and [music and singing] to the savior. [music] Oh Jesus, Oh Jesus, Jesus, [music] Jesus, [music] Jesus, [music] how I trust [singing] him. How I bruise how I trust [singing] him. How I bruise how I trust [singing] him. How I bruise [music] [music] [music] him more [singing] and more. him more [singing] and more. him more [singing] and more. Jesus. [music] Jesus. [music] Jesus. [music] Jesus. Jesus. Jesus. Precious Precious Precious [music] Jesus. [singing] [music] Jesus. [singing] [music] Jesus. [singing] Oh, for grace you [music] trust him. [music] Want to trust you, Lord. Jesus. [music] Want to trust you, Lord. Jesus. Teach us to trust you, Lord.

Oh, it's so [music] sweet to trust in Oh, it's so [music] sweet to trust in Jesus. [music] Jesus. [music] Jesus. [music] just [singing] to take him at [music] just [singing] to take him at [music] just [singing] to take him at [music] his word. his word. his word. Just to [music] rest Just to [music] rest Just to [music] rest upon his [singing] promise upon his [singing] promise upon his [singing] promise and [music] to know the Savior [singing] Jesus [music] Jesus [music] Jesus, [singing] Jesus, [singing] Jesus, [singing] Jesus, [music] how I trust him. Heat. Jesus, [music] how I trust him. Heat. Jesus, [music] how I trust him. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. [music] Gra. Gra. [music] Oh, I'm so [singing] glad that I learned Oh, I'm so [singing] glad that I learned [music] to trust [music] to trust [music] to trust precious precious precious Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, Savior, [music and singing] Savior, [music and singing] Savior, [music and singing] from his faith.

from his faith. from his faith. And I know that [music] he is with me. And I know that [music] he is with me. And I know that [music] he is with me. Oh, will be with [music] Oh, will be with [music] Oh, will be with [music] me. [music] [music] Oh [music] [music] Jesus. Jesus. Jesus. Jesus Jesus Jesus [singing] [singing] [singing] Christ. >> [music] >> [music] >> is Jesus He's got every reason to trust the Lord. He's got every reason to trust the Lord. [music] Sing this course together. [music] Sing this course together. [music] Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, how I sing it to him. How I proved him how I sing it to him. How I proved him how I sing it to him. How I proved him more and [singing] more.

more and [singing] more. more and [singing] more. Jesus, [music] Jesus, [music] Jesus, [music] Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, precious precious precious Jesus. [music] Jesus. [music] Jesus. [music] Oh, for grace Oh, for grace Oh, for grace to trust [singing] him more. >> You were [singing] the word at the >> You were [singing] the word at the [music] beginning, one with [singing] God the Lord most one with [singing] God the Lord most high. Your [music] hidden glory in creation Your [music] hidden glory in creation [singing] is now revealed in you are Christ. is now revealed in you are Christ. [music] [music] [music] What a beautiful [singing] What a beautiful [singing] What a beautiful [singing] name it is. What a [music] beautiful name it is. What a [music] beautiful name it is. What a [music] beautiful name it is. The name [singing] of Jesus name it is. The name [singing] of Jesus name it is. The name [singing] of Jesus Christ my [music] Christ my [music] Christ my [music] king.

king. king. What a beautiful name [singing] it is. What a beautiful name [singing] it is. What a beautiful name [singing] it is. [music] [music] [music] Nothing compares to this. What a Nothing compares to this. What a Nothing compares to this. What a beautiful name [music and singing] it beautiful name [music and singing] it beautiful name [music and singing] it is. The name of Jesus. is. The name of Jesus. is. The name of Jesus. [music and singing] Oh, Oh, you didn't [music and singing] want you didn't [music and singing] want you didn't [music and singing] want heaven without us. So Jesus, you brought heaven without us. So Jesus, you brought heaven without us. So Jesus, you brought [singing] heaven [singing] heaven [singing] heaven down. down. down. Oh, [music] my sin was greater, [singing] your love my sin was greater, [singing] your love was greater. was greater. was greater. What could [music] What could [music] What could [music] raise us now? [singing] raise us now? [singing] raise us now? [singing] What [music] a wonderful name it is. What [music] a wonderful name it is. What [music] a wonderful name it is. What a wonderful name [singing] What a wonderful name [singing] What a wonderful name [singing] it is. it is. it is. The [music] name of Jesus The [music] name of Jesus The [music] name of Jesus Christ might. Christ might. Christ might. Oh, what a wonderful name [music] it is.

Oh, what a wonderful name [music] it is. Oh, what a wonderful name [music] it is. Nothing [singing] compares to this. What Nothing [singing] compares to this. What Nothing [singing] compares to this. What a wonderful name it [music] is. The a wonderful name it [music] is. The a wonderful name it [music] is. The [singing] name of Jesus. [singing] name of Jesus. [singing] name of Jesus. What a wonderful name it is. [music] The What a wonderful name it is. [music] The What a wonderful name it is. [music] The name of Jesus. [music] What a wonderful [music] What a wonderful name. name. name. Nothing [singing] compares. [music] Nothing [singing] compares. [music] Nothing [singing] compares. [music] There is power in your name. There is power in your name. There is power in your name. The name of Jesus. [music] The name of Jesus. [music] The name of Jesus. [music] Oh, we see the name of Jesus. [singing and music] Death could not hold [singing and music] Death could not hold you. The veiled store before you. You you. The veiled store before you. You you. The veiled store before you. You [music] silence [singing] the ghost of [music] silence [singing] the ghost of [music] silence [singing] the ghost of sin and grave. sin and grave. sin and grave. The [music] heavens are [singing] The [music] heavens are [singing] The [music] heavens are [singing] roaring.

roaring. roaring. The praise of your glory [music] The praise of your glory [music] The praise of your glory [music] for you are raised to life [singing] for you are raised to life [singing] for you are raised to life [singing] again. again. again. [music] You have no rival. [music] You have no rival. [music] You have no rival. You have [music] no evil You have [music] no evil You have [music] no evil now [singing] and forever. now [singing] and forever. now [singing] and forever. [music] [music] [music] You is the [music] king. is the [music] king. Yours is the Yours is the Yours is the [music] [music] [music] name of name of name of [music] Yeah. Heat. Yeah. Heat. [music] Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. [music] [music] [music] Heat.

>> [music and singing] >> [music and singing] >> I you know know [music] [music] [music] [singing] [music] [music] [singing] [music] [music] The name of Jesus.

[music] Can we sing that one more time? [music] Can we sing that one more time? What a beautiful name. What a beautiful What a beautiful name. What a beautiful What a beautiful name. What a beautiful name. [music] name. [music] name. [music] What a beautiful name it is. What a beautiful name it is. What a beautiful name it is. The name of Jesus [music] The name of Jesus [music] The name of Jesus [music] Christ my king. Christ my king. Christ my king. What [music] a beautiful name it is. What [music] a beautiful name it is. What [music] a beautiful name it is. Nothing compares to this. Nothing compares to this. Nothing compares to this. What a beautiful name is the name of What a beautiful name is the name of What a beautiful name is the name of Jesus. [music] Jesus. [music] Jesus. [music] What a beautiful name is the name. What a beautiful name is the name. What a beautiful name is the name. [music] [music] [music] >> One more time. What a beautiful name. >> One more time. What a beautiful name. >> One more time. What a beautiful name. >> What a beautiful name is [singing] the >> What a beautiful name is [singing] the >> What a beautiful name is [singing] the name. Yes, Jesus, we lift up your matchless Yes, Jesus, we lift up your matchless and beautiful [music] name. For you and beautiful [music] name. For you and beautiful [music] name. For you alone are worthy of all the praise that alone are worthy of all the praise that alone are worthy of all the praise that we can bring. And so it is sweet to we can bring. And so it is sweet to we can bring. And so it is sweet to trust [music] trust [music] trust [music] in the one who holds all things in his in the one who holds all things in his in the one who holds all things in his hands. We thank you for this day. We hands. We thank you for this day. We hands. We thank you for this day. We thank you for the ability to gather in thank you for the ability to gather in thank you for the ability to gather in worship in spirit and in truth, God. For worship in spirit and in truth, God. For worship in spirit and in truth, God. For you are worthy of that praise.

you are worthy of that praise. you are worthy of that praise. Yes, Jesus. We give you this day. And Yes, Jesus. We give you this day. And Yes, Jesus. We give you this day. And all God's children said, "Amen." Amen. all God's children said, "Amen." Amen. all God's children said, "Amen." Amen. And you guys can have a seat. And you guys can have a seat. And you guys can have a seat. >> Amen. Well, it is good to be in the >> Amen. Well, it is good to be in the >> Amen. Well, it is good to be in the house of the Lord this morning. It's house of the Lord this morning. It's house of the Lord this morning. It's good to see you and hear you worship the good to see you and hear you worship the good to see you and hear you worship the living God. There's something beautiful living God. There's something beautiful living God. There's something beautiful that happens when we sing over one that happens when we sing over one that happens when we sing over one another as we encourage one another in another as we encourage one another in another as we encourage one another in the gospel truth. And uh I don't know the gospel truth. And uh I don't know the gospel truth. And uh I don't know about you, but I need to be reminded of about you, but I need to be reminded of about you, but I need to be reminded of his faithfulness. Uh that he is his faithfulness. Uh that he is his faithfulness. Uh that he is powerful, that he has the power to heal powerful, that he has the power to heal powerful, that he has the power to heal and save and redeem and rescue. Anybody and save and redeem and rescue. Anybody and save and redeem and rescue. Anybody else need to hear that? that he is the else need to hear that? that he is the else need to hear that? that he is the God who continues to do that. Come on, God who continues to do that. Come on, God who continues to do that. Come on, anybody believe that this morning? He is anybody believe that this morning? He is anybody believe that this morning? He is that wonderful, beautiful, powerful that wonderful, beautiful, powerful that wonderful, beautiful, powerful name. And it's the power [music] of the name. And it's the power [music] of the name. And it's the power [music] of the name of Jesus. And there's no other name name of Jesus. And there's no other name name of Jesus. And there's no other name like him. There's no one else like him. like him. There's no one else like him. like him. There's no one else like him. Well, all other gods will fade away. Well, all other gods will fade away. Well, all other gods will fade away. There's little gods all over this world There's little gods all over this world There's little gods all over this world and we make things idols, but they're and we make things idols, but they're and we make things idols, but they're all going to fade away. Jesus will all going to fade away. Jesus will all going to fade away. Jesus will remain seated on his throne. And that's remain seated on his throne. And that's remain seated on his throne. And that's why we've gathered to worship this why we've gathered to worship this why we've gathered to worship this morning. We're going to move into a time morning. We're going to move into a time morning. We're going to move into a time of offering [music] and uh you can see of offering [music] and uh you can see of offering [music] and uh you can see here in just a moment, they'll put it up here in just a moment, they'll put it up here in just a moment, they'll put it up on the screen how ways that you can hop on the screen how ways that you can hop on the screen how ways that you can hop in and be on mission with us in that in and be on mission with us in that in and be on mission with us in that way. If you brought your tithe with you way. If you brought your tithe with you way. If you brought your tithe with you today, we have black boxes in the back today, we have black boxes in the back today, we have black boxes in the back of the room. You can drop that off on of the room. You can drop that off on of the room. You can drop that off on the way out. Um but man, we are the way out. Um but man, we are the way out. Um but man, we are reminded. We we speak of this often reminded. We we speak of this often reminded. We we speak of this often because we want you to know that it's because we want you to know that it's because we want you to know that it's not just about turning over money. It's not just about turning over money. It's not just about turning over money. It's actually a response. It's actually actually a response. It's actually actually a response. It's actually worship to give back to the Lord what's worship to give back to the Lord what's worship to give back to the Lord what's been given us. He's given us abundantly

been given us. He's given us abundantly been given us. He's given us abundantly more than we could ever ask, think, or more than we could ever ask, think, or more than we could ever ask, think, or imagine. And he keeps doing it, right? imagine. And he keeps doing it, right? imagine. And he keeps doing it, right? Even when we run away, even when we get Even when we run away, even when we get Even when we run away, even when we get complacent, even when we choose the complacent, even when we choose the complacent, even when we choose the world, he keeps giving and giving. And world, he keeps giving and giving. And world, he keeps giving and giving. And so we want to respond rightfully, so we want to respond rightfully, so we want to respond rightfully, truthfully, and lovely and gracefully truthfully, and lovely and gracefully truthfully, and lovely and gracefully today in that way as well. Well, I do today in that way as well. Well, I do today in that way as well. Well, I do want to let you know about um one little want to let you know about um one little want to let you know about um one little like family type conversation. [music] like family type conversation. [music] like family type conversation. [music] And this is a good thing. This is not And this is a good thing. This is not And this is a good thing. This is not somebody nobody's leaving. Uh but I did somebody nobody's leaving. Uh but I did somebody nobody's leaving. Uh but I did want to tell you about uh something that want to tell you about uh something that want to tell you about uh something that we have going on here in the worship we have going on here in the worship we have going on here in the worship center. and then across our campuses. center. and then across our campuses. center. and then across our campuses. And uh one of those, if you're new with And uh one of those, if you're new with And uh one of those, if you're new with us or not connected with us, we're a us or not connected with us, we're a us or not connected with us, we're a church, one church, but meets in seven church, one church, but meets in seven church, one church, but meets in seven locations. And part of my role is to locations. And part of my role is to locations. And part of my role is to oversee worship production for all those oversee worship production for all those oversee worship production for all those campuses. And so I lead in here a lot on campuses. And so I lead in here a lot on campuses. And so I lead in here a lot on Sundays, but sometimes last week I led Sundays, but sometimes last week I led Sundays, but sometimes last week I led at our bitten campus. And uh some weeks at our bitten campus. And uh some weeks at our bitten campus. And uh some weeks I'm at Midtown or [music] Cabbat or I'm at Midtown or [music] Cabbat or I'm at Midtown or [music] Cabbat or Mamel. I'm I get the pleasure of getting Mamel. I'm I get the pleasure of getting Mamel. I'm I get the pleasure of getting to see the Lord move in a lot of to see the Lord move in a lot of to see the Lord move in a lot of different contexts and it's so different contexts and it's so different contexts and it's so beautiful. Uh, but over the last five or beautiful. Uh, but over the last five or beautiful. Uh, but over the last five or six years, I've had a teammate in this six years, I've had a teammate in this six years, I've had a teammate in this room named Jake Briggs. I told you guys room named Jake Briggs. I told you guys room named Jake Briggs. I told you guys just a few months ago, he moved into a just a few months ago, he moved into a just a few months ago, he moved into a disciplehip pastor role. And then just disciplehip pastor role. And then just disciplehip pastor role. And then just in the last month or so, I've asked in the last month or so, I've asked in the last month or so, I've asked Angel Jeff right here to move into that Angel Jeff right here to move into that Angel Jeff right here to move into that role. And so, AJ, come up here real role. And so, AJ, come up here real role. And so, AJ, come up here real quick. Come on. We just celebrate him.

quick. Come on. We just celebrate him. quick. Come on. We just celebrate him. [music] [music] [music] He and his wife Britney moved here a He and his wife Britney moved here a He and his wife Britney moved here a year ago, and he's been leading for our year ago, and he's been leading for our year ago, and he's been leading for our young adults on Tuesday nights and then young adults on Tuesday nights and then young adults on Tuesday nights and then traveling around on Sundays. and traveling around on Sundays. and traveling around on Sundays. and sometimes you've gotten the pleasure of sometimes you've gotten the pleasure of sometimes you've gotten the pleasure of being led by him here on Sunday being led by him here on Sunday being led by him here on Sunday mornings, but he has been doing an mornings, but he has been doing an mornings, but he has been doing an incredible job and I'm so excited about incredible job and I'm so excited about incredible job and I'm so excited about partnering in this next season alongside partnering in this next season alongside partnering in this next season alongside him. But then we also got a new guy. Uh him. But then we also got a new guy. Uh him. But then we also got a new guy. Uh you may have saw him this morning you may have saw him this morning you may have saw him this morning leading Tiso Sweet. Trevor, come on up leading Tiso Sweet. Trevor, come on up leading Tiso Sweet. Trevor, come on up here. And [music] Trevor just graduated here. And [music] Trevor just graduated here. And [music] Trevor just graduated from Hall. And yeah, come on. from Hall. And yeah, come on. from Hall. And yeah, come on. And uh I've known Trevor. Trevor And uh I've known Trevor. Trevor And uh I've known Trevor. Trevor actually led his freshman year over for actually led his freshman year over for actually led his freshman year over for our Midtown students. And so we've kept our Midtown students. And so we've kept our Midtown students. And so we've kept a relationship the last four years. a relationship the last four years. a relationship the last four years. incredibly gifted man of God. So excited incredibly gifted man of God. So excited incredibly gifted man of God. So excited about him uh joining our team. So he's about him uh joining our team. So he's about him uh joining our team. So he's going to be leading now as a worship going to be leading now as a worship going to be leading now as a worship associate here Tuesday nights for young associate here Tuesday nights for young associate here Tuesday nights for young adults. So if you're a young adult, adults. So if you're a young adult, adults. So if you're a young adult, please come be a part of that night. please come be a part of that night. please come be a part of that night. It's really special [music] uh for It's really special [music] uh for It's really special [music] uh for community and connecting with God in community and connecting with God in community and connecting with God in that way. And then leading on Sundays that way. And then leading on Sundays that way. And then leading on Sundays here, but all of our campuses. So can we here, but all of our campuses. So can we here, but all of our campuses. So can we just welcome him as well? His wife Cece, just welcome him as well? His wife Cece, just welcome him as well? His wife Cece, they've been married the last couple of they've been married the last couple of they've been married the last couple of years, too. And uh I'm not going to make years, too. And uh I'm not going to make years, too. And uh I'm not going to make you come up today, okay? I'm not going you come up today, okay? I'm not going you come up today, okay? I'm not going to bring them up on stage, but let's to bring them up on stage, but let's to bring them up on stage, but let's just pray over them and then this just pray over them and then this just pray over them and then this morning and then we'll continue on.

morning and then we'll continue on. morning and then we'll continue on. Lord, thank you for today and thank you Lord, thank you for today and thank you Lord, thank you for today and thank you for what you're doing in our church. And for what you're doing in our church. And for what you're doing in our church. And we thank you for moments like this where we thank you for moments like this where we thank you for moments like this where we get to celebrate u new additions, we get to celebrate u new additions, we get to celebrate u new additions, [music] new ways that you're gifting and [music] new ways that you're gifting and [music] new ways that you're gifting and leading people. And today is a good day. leading people. And today is a good day. leading people. And today is a good day. And uh and so we are just expectant and And uh and so we are just expectant and And uh and so we are just expectant and excited for this next season. How are excited for this next season. How are excited for this next season. How are you going to use AJ here in the worship you going to use AJ here in the worship you going to use AJ here in the worship center and our West Law Rock campus? How center and our West Law Rock campus? How center and our West Law Rock campus? How are you going to use Trevor here, but are you going to use Trevor here, but are you going to use Trevor here, but also across all of our campuses [music] also across all of our campuses [music] also across all of our campuses [music] in young adult ministry as well? I just in young adult ministry as well? I just in young adult ministry as well? I just pray for Britney, uh, AJ's wife as well. pray for Britney, uh, AJ's wife as well. pray for Britney, uh, AJ's wife as well. This be a sweet season for them This be a sweet season for them This be a sweet season for them communitywise. [music] Pray for Cece and communitywise. [music] Pray for Cece and communitywise. [music] Pray for Cece and Trevor to immediately find community Trevor to immediately find community Trevor to immediately find community here as well. Thank you, Jesus, for all here as well. Thank you, Jesus, for all here as well. Thank you, Jesus, for all that you're doing. We have so much to be that you're doing. We have so much to be that you're doing. We have so much to be thankful for. We're full of gratitude thankful for. We're full of gratitude thankful for. We're full of gratitude this morning. Help us where we're this morning. Help us where we're this morning. Help us where we're lacking gratitude. Increase our faith. lacking gratitude. Increase our faith. lacking gratitude. Increase our faith. Increase our love. Increase our our Increase our love. Increase our our Increase our love. Increase our our understanding of your love for us that understanding of your love for us that understanding of your love for us that we might rightly respond to you. We love we might rightly respond to you. We love we might rightly respond to you. We love you in Jesus name. Amen. Amen. Heat. you in Jesus name. Amen. Amen. Heat. you in Jesus name. Amen. Amen. Heat. Heat.

[music] [music] >> Well, good morning church. >> 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. Would you do me a favor uh here in the Would you do me a favor uh here in the Would you do me a favor uh here in the room? Would you just turn to somebody room? Would you just turn to somebody room? Would you just turn to somebody around you and tell them I'm glad you're around you and tell them I'm glad you're around you and tell them I'm glad you're here today? Tell them, "I'm glad you're here today? Tell them, "I'm glad you're here today? Tell them, "I'm glad you're here today." I am glad you're here here today." I am glad you're here here today." I am glad you're here today. Amen. today. Amen. today. Amen. Glad you're here today. Glad you're here today. Glad you're here today. You never know who needs to hear those You never know who needs to hear those You never know who needs to hear those words. We come and we gather not only to words. We come and we gather not only to words. We come and we gather not only to uh be encouraged, but to be an uh be encouraged, but to be an uh be encouraged, but to be an encouragement. And so, we are glad that encouragement. And so, we are glad that encouragement. And so, we are glad that you are here today, both in the room and you are here today, both in the room and you are here today, both in the room and watching online uh as well as in the watching online uh as well as in the watching online uh as well as in the chapel. My name is Justin Bilson. I'm chapel. My name is Justin Bilson. I'm chapel. My name is Justin Bilson. I'm one of the four teaching pastors here at one of the four teaching pastors here at one of the four teaching pastors here at Fellowship. And all summer long, we're Fellowship. And all summer long, we're Fellowship. And all summer long, we're in this series called My Favorite Story. in this series called My Favorite Story. in this series called My Favorite Story. And so, obviously, here at the West And so, obviously, here at the West And so, obviously, here at the West Campus, we hear from the teaching Campus, we hear from the teaching Campus, we hear from the teaching pastors, myself, Ben, Brandon, and Mark. pastors, myself, Ben, Brandon, and Mark. pastors, myself, Ben, Brandon, and Mark. But in addition to that, we're also But in addition to that, we're also But in addition to that, we're also going to hear from some of our campus going to hear from some of our campus going to hear from some of our campus pastors, from the other six campuses who pastors, from the other six campuses who pastors, from the other six campuses who don't normally get to share here. And don't normally get to share here. And don't normally get to share here. And so, it's good that we get to hear from so, it's good that we get to hear from so, it's good that we get to hear from other voices as we collectively share other voices as we collectively share other voices as we collectively share our favorite story from God's word.

our favorite story from God's word. our favorite story from God's word. >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> And so today, I want to direct your >> And so today, I want to direct your >> And so today, I want to direct your attention to the book of Genesis. You attention to the book of Genesis. You attention to the book of Genesis. You shouldn't have to turn uh far. Uh it's shouldn't have to turn uh far. Uh it's shouldn't have to turn uh far. Uh it's right there, the book of beginnings. right there, the book of beginnings. right there, the book of beginnings. Genesis chapter 22 is where I want to Genesis chapter 22 is where I want to Genesis chapter 22 is where I want to direct your attention today. Genesis direct your attention today. Genesis direct your attention today. Genesis chapter 22. As we look at one of my chapter 22. As we look at one of my chapter 22. As we look at one of my favorite stories uh in the Old Testament favorite stories uh in the Old Testament favorite stories uh in the Old Testament and in the scriptures, Genesis chapter and in the scriptures, Genesis chapter and in the scriptures, Genesis chapter 22. We're going to walk through verses 22. We're going to walk through verses 22. We're going to walk through verses 1-19. Uh, but I'm only going to read 1-19. Uh, but I'm only going to read 1-19. Uh, but I'm only going to read verses 4-8 just to lay the foundation verses 4-8 just to lay the foundation verses 4-8 just to lay the foundation for our time together this morning. for our time together this morning. for our time together this morning. Again, Genesis chapter 22 is where we're Again, Genesis chapter 22 is where we're Again, Genesis chapter 22 is where we're going to be. We'll put it on the screen going to be. We'll put it on the screen going to be. We'll put it on the screen if you don't have it in front of you. if you don't have it in front of you. if you don't have it in front of you. Uh, verse 4 says this, "On the third Uh, verse 4 says this, "On the third Uh, verse 4 says this, "On the third day, Abraham lifted up his eyes and saw day, Abraham lifted up his eyes and saw day, Abraham lifted up his eyes and saw the place from a far off." And Abraham the place from a far off." And Abraham the place from a far off." And Abraham said to his young men, "Stay here with said to his young men, "Stay here with said to his young men, "Stay here with the donkey. I and the boy will go over the donkey. I and the boy will go over the donkey. I and the boy will go over there and worship and come again to you. there and worship and come again to you. there and worship and come again to you. And Abraham took the wood of the burnt And Abraham took the wood of the burnt And Abraham took the wood of the burnt offering and laid it on Isaac his son.

offering and laid it on Isaac his son. offering and laid it on Isaac his son. And he took in his hand the fire and the And he took in his hand the fire and the And he took in his hand the fire and the knife. So they went both of them knife. So they went both of them knife. So they went both of them together. And Isaac said to his father together. And Isaac said to his father together. And Isaac said to his father Abraham, "My father," and he said, "Here Abraham, "My father," and he said, "Here Abraham, "My father," and he said, "Here I am, my son." He said, "Behold the fire I am, my son." He said, "Behold the fire I am, my son." He said, "Behold the fire and the wood, but where is the lamb for and the wood, but where is the lamb for and the wood, but where is the lamb for a burnt offering?" Verse 8. And Abraham a burnt offering?" Verse 8. And Abraham a burnt offering?" Verse 8. And Abraham said, "God will provide for himself the said, "God will provide for himself the said, "God will provide for himself the lamb for a burnt offering, my son." So lamb for a burnt offering, my son." So lamb for a burnt offering, my son." So they went both of them together. That's they went both of them together. That's they went both of them together. That's the word of the Lord to us this morning the word of the Lord to us this morning the word of the Lord to us this morning as we uh talk about a call to faithful as we uh talk about a call to faithful as we uh talk about a call to faithful obedience. That's what we're going to obedience. That's what we're going to obedience. That's what we're going to talk about this morning, church. A call talk about this morning, church. A call talk about this morning, church. A call to faithful obedience. Let's pray to faithful obedience. Let's pray to faithful obedience. Let's pray together. Father, thank you for our time together. Father, thank you for our time together. Father, thank you for our time in your word. Thank you for the in your word. Thank you for the in your word. Thank you for the opportunity both in the room and online opportunity both in the room and online opportunity both in the room and online to be able to worship you all across to be able to worship you all across to be able to worship you all across this nation wherever we are but here this nation wherever we are but here this nation wherever we are but here right here in central Arkansas across right here in central Arkansas across right here in central Arkansas across all of our campuses today to be able to all of our campuses today to be able to all of our campuses today to be able to lift you and worship you and to lift you and worship you and to lift you and worship you and to fellowship with one another to encourage fellowship with one another to encourage fellowship with one another to encourage one another and to be encouraged by one one another and to be encouraged by one one another and to be encouraged by one another and now to sit at your feet to another and now to sit at your feet to another and now to sit at your feet to open up your word and ask that you would open up your word and ask that you would open up your word and ask that you would speak to us. Lord, I thank you that your speak to us. Lord, I thank you that your speak to us. Lord, I thank you that your word is life and light to us. And so I word is life and light to us. And so I word is life and light to us. And so I ask I always do that you would let this ask I always do that you would let this ask I always do that you would let this word come alive. Let it jump off the word come alive. Let it jump off the word come alive. Let it jump off the page. Let it captivate our attention.

page. Let it captivate our attention. page. Let it captivate our attention. Let it challenge us. Let it change us. Let it challenge us. Let it change us. Let it challenge us. Let it change us. Let it convict us in the areas that we Let it convict us in the areas that we Let it convict us in the areas that we need to grow. Thank you that your word need to grow. Thank you that your word need to grow. Thank you that your word does not leave us the same. Lord, I does not leave us the same. Lord, I does not leave us the same. Lord, I praise you and I honor you for the ways praise you and I honor you for the ways praise you and I honor you for the ways that you're at work in our church, in that you're at work in our church, in that you're at work in our church, in the lives of those here in the worship the lives of those here in the worship the lives of those here in the worship center, in the chapel and online and all center, in the chapel and online and all center, in the chapel and online and all around central Arkansas and the world. around central Arkansas and the world. around central Arkansas and the world. Lord, thank you for the ways that you're Lord, thank you for the ways that you're Lord, thank you for the ways that you're working. But as we approach your word, working. But as we approach your word, working. But as we approach your word, we do so humbly and we ask that you we do so humbly and we ask that you we do so humbly and we ask that you would speak to us today. We need to hear would speak to us today. We need to hear would speak to us today. We need to hear from you. We love you, Lord, and we from you. We love you, Lord, and we from you. We love you, Lord, and we thank you in Jesus name. Amen. Church, for as long as I can remember, Church, for as long as I can remember, I've always been fascinated by the Old I've always been fascinated by the Old I've always been fascinated by the Old Testament. This fascination began in the Testament. This fascination began in the Testament. This fascination began in the early years of my faith formation as a early years of my faith formation as a early years of my faith formation as a child growing up in Syracuse, New York. child growing up in Syracuse, New York. child growing up in Syracuse, New York. uh actually in Sunday school and uh my uh actually in Sunday school and uh my uh actually in Sunday school and uh my grandmother was my first Sunday school grandmother was my first Sunday school grandmother was my first Sunday school teacher. So, as you can imagine, there teacher. So, as you can imagine, there teacher. So, as you can imagine, there was no such thing as I missed class. Uh was no such thing as I missed class. Uh was no such thing as I missed class. Uh no, you did not. Uh but I I remember no, you did not. Uh but I I remember no, you did not. Uh but I I remember vividly each week talking about vividly each week talking about vividly each week talking about different uh Bible figures in the different uh Bible figures in the different uh Bible figures in the narrative of scripture. I remember narrative of scripture. I remember narrative of scripture. I remember vividly being in awe of this man named vividly being in awe of this man named vividly being in awe of this man named Noah who built an ark and survived a Noah who built an ark and survived a Noah who built an ark and survived a flood with his family and the animals on flood with his family and the animals on flood with his family and the animals on the ark. I remember hearing the story the ark. I remember hearing the story the ark. I remember hearing the story about the three Hebrew boys who survived about the three Hebrew boys who survived about the three Hebrew boys who survived this burning fiery furnace. I remember this burning fiery furnace. I remember this burning fiery furnace. I remember being captivated by the story and the being captivated by the story and the being captivated by the story and the imagery of the Red Sea crossing as Moses imagery of the Red Sea crossing as Moses imagery of the Red Sea crossing as Moses lifts up his staff and the children of

lifts up his staff and the children of lifts up his staff and the children of Israel cross over the Red Sea on dry Israel cross over the Red Sea on dry Israel cross over the Red Sea on dry ground. These were just a few of the ground. These were just a few of the ground. These were just a few of the stories that captivated me as a child stories that captivated me as a child stories that captivated me as a child and even to this day. I love the stories and even to this day. I love the stories and even to this day. I love the stories and the history of the Old Testament. and the history of the Old Testament. and the history of the Old Testament. That's why I've chosen as one of my That's why I've chosen as one of my That's why I've chosen as one of my favorite stories today this passage favorite stories today this passage favorite stories today this passage before us in Genesis chapter 22. This before us in Genesis chapter 22. This before us in Genesis chapter 22. This story, if you're unfamiliar with it, the story, if you're unfamiliar with it, the story, if you're unfamiliar with it, the sacrifice of Isaac is one of my personal sacrifice of Isaac is one of my personal sacrifice of Isaac is one of my personal favorites because in it we see radical favorites because in it we see radical favorites because in it we see radical obedience, willing sacrifice, the divine obedience, willing sacrifice, the divine obedience, willing sacrifice, the divine promise and provision of God. And I also promise and provision of God. And I also promise and provision of God. And I also see Jesus. We're going to talk about see Jesus. We're going to talk about see Jesus. We're going to talk about that in a moment, but for now, let me that in a moment, but for now, let me that in a moment, but for now, let me set the stage for us just so that you set the stage for us just so that you set the stage for us just so that you are aware of what's going on not only in are aware of what's going on not only in are aware of what's going on not only in the text, but what is going on leading the text, but what is going on leading the text, but what is going on leading up to the text because context matters. up to the text because context matters. up to the text because context matters. So that's why there on your bulletin, if So that's why there on your bulletin, if So that's why there on your bulletin, if you have it in front of you, I suggest you have it in front of you, I suggest you have it in front of you, I suggest that in order to understand Genesis 22, that in order to understand Genesis 22, that in order to understand Genesis 22, we have to go back to Genesis 12.

we have to go back to Genesis 12. we have to go back to Genesis 12. Genesis 12, we're introduced to a man by Genesis 12, we're introduced to a man by Genesis 12, we're introduced to a man by the name of Abram. Abram is called by the name of Abram. Abram is called by the name of Abram. Abram is called by God to leave his father's country, leave God to leave his father's country, leave God to leave his father's country, leave his old life behind and go to a new land his old life behind and go to a new land his old life behind and go to a new land that God will show him. This is his that God will show him. This is his that God will show him. This is his first act of obedience. And in Genesis first act of obedience. And in Genesis first act of obedience. And in Genesis 15, the Bible says that God makes a 15, the Bible says that God makes a 15, the Bible says that God makes a covenant with him and even to his covenant with him and even to his covenant with him and even to his offspring. Skip over to Genesis 17 and offspring. Skip over to Genesis 17 and offspring. Skip over to Genesis 17 and 18, God says to Abram, "You will be the 18, God says to Abram, "You will be the 18, God says to Abram, "You will be the father of many nations. I'm changing father of many nations. I'm changing father of many nations. I'm changing your name. You will no longer be Abram. your name. You will no longer be Abram. your name. You will no longer be Abram. You will now be Abraham." and I'm even You will now be Abraham." and I'm even You will now be Abraham." and I'm even going to give you and your wife Sarah a going to give you and your wife Sarah a going to give you and your wife Sarah a child in your latter years. child in your latter years. child in your latter years. This promised child Isaac is born in This promised child Isaac is born in This promised child Isaac is born in chapter 21. The promise is fulfilled and chapter 21. The promise is fulfilled and chapter 21. The promise is fulfilled and the Bible says after making a treaty the Bible says after making a treaty the Bible says after making a treaty with King Aimilec, Abraham and his with King Aimilec, Abraham and his with King Aimilec, Abraham and his family settle in Beeba. They live family settle in Beeba. They live family settle in Beeba. They live quietly and we would presume peacefully quietly and we would presume peacefully quietly and we would presume peacefully until one day according to Genesis 22, until one day according to Genesis 22, until one day according to Genesis 22, God decides to test Abraham. Scholars God decides to test Abraham. Scholars God decides to test Abraham. Scholars would suggest that this test comes some would suggest that this test comes some would suggest that this test comes some 15 to 20, even some say 30 years after 15 to 20, even some say 30 years after 15 to 20, even some say 30 years after the birth of Isaac, which would make the birth of Isaac, which would make the birth of Isaac, which would make Isaac, if that is correct, that would Isaac, if that is correct, that would Isaac, if that is correct, that would mean Isaac would be anywhere between in mean Isaac would be anywhere between in mean Isaac would be anywhere between in his late teen years or even into early his late teen years or even into early his late teen years or even into early young adulthood. And it would mean that young adulthood. And it would mean that young adulthood. And it would mean that Abraham was well over 110 years old at Abraham was well over 110 years old at Abraham was well over 110 years old at the time. Despite all of this, God tells the time. Despite all of this, God tells the time. Despite all of this, God tells Abraham, he says, "Take your son Isaac, Abraham, he says, "Take your son Isaac, Abraham, he says, "Take your son Isaac, go to the land of Mariah and sacrifice

go to the land of Mariah and sacrifice go to the land of Mariah and sacrifice him as a burnt offering." him as a burnt offering." him as a burnt offering." This is God's command. And verse three, This is God's command. And verse three, This is God's command. And verse three, Abraham, the Bible says, responds in Abraham, the Bible says, responds in Abraham, the Bible says, responds in obedience. He gets up the next morning. obedience. He gets up the next morning. obedience. He gets up the next morning. He prepares his son. He prepares the He prepares his son. He prepares the He prepares his son. He prepares the elements to make the altar. He gets two elements to make the altar. He gets two elements to make the altar. He gets two servants. And he says, "Let's go make a servants. And he says, "Let's go make a servants. And he says, "Let's go make a 3-day journey from Beeba to Mariah." 3-day journey from Beeba to Mariah." 3-day journey from Beeba to Mariah." Bible says they get to the place of Bible says they get to the place of Bible says they get to the place of sacrifice. They get to the place where sacrifice. They get to the place where sacrifice. They get to the place where they see the mountain a far off. And the they see the mountain a far off. And the they see the mountain a far off. And the text says that Abraham looks at the text says that Abraham looks at the text says that Abraham looks at the servants and says, "Camp here. Stay servants and says, "Camp here. Stay servants and says, "Camp here. Stay here. I and the boy are going to here. I and the boy are going to here. I and the boy are going to worship. We'll come back in a few." So worship. We'll come back in a few." So worship. We'll come back in a few." So now we see the father and son Isaac and now we see the father and son Isaac and now we see the father and son Isaac and Abraham alone. They make this trek up Abraham alone. They make this trek up Abraham alone. They make this trek up the mountain which which which the mountain which which which the mountain which which which historians say this is a a smaller historians say this is a a smaller historians say this is a a smaller mountain in comparison to other mountain in comparison to other mountain in comparison to other surrounding mountains. It's small in surrounding mountains. It's small in surrounding mountains. It's small in size but it's significant in meaning size but it's significant in meaning size but it's significant in meaning because this is the place where God because this is the place where God because this is the place where God tests Abraham's obedience.

tests Abraham's obedience. tests Abraham's obedience. As they're going up the mountain, Isaac As they're going up the mountain, Isaac As they're going up the mountain, Isaac says, I just read it but Isaac says to says, I just read it but Isaac says to says, I just read it but Isaac says to his father, he says, "I see the fire. I his father, he says, "I see the fire. I his father, he says, "I see the fire. I see the wood, but where is the lamb for see the wood, but where is the lamb for see the wood, but where is the lamb for burnt offering? Notice what Abraham burnt offering? Notice what Abraham burnt offering? Notice what Abraham says. He says, "Son, God will provide says. He says, "Son, God will provide says. He says, "Son, God will provide for himself the lamb for a burnt for himself the lamb for a burnt for himself the lamb for a burnt offering." Church, I love this. And I offering." Church, I love this. And I offering." Church, I love this. And I want to pause here for a moment because want to pause here for a moment because want to pause here for a moment because I love this exchange between father and I love this exchange between father and I love this exchange between father and son because Isaac asks an honest son because Isaac asks an honest son because Isaac asks an honest question that there is no visible lamb question that there is no visible lamb question that there is no visible lamb or animal sacrifice. So where is it? And or animal sacrifice. So where is it? And or animal sacrifice. So where is it? And Abraham not only says it, but he shows Abraham not only says it, but he shows Abraham not only says it, but he shows his confidence in God because he his confidence in God because he his confidence in God because he believes that God will provide. Did you believes that God will provide. Did you believes that God will provide. Did you know that word provide? Just a fun know that word provide? Just a fun know that word provide? Just a fun tidbit of information. Did you know that tidbit of information. Did you know that tidbit of information. Did you know that word provide in Hebrew literally means word provide in Hebrew literally means word provide in Hebrew literally means God will see to it when he says to him God will see to it when he says to him God will see to it when he says to him that God will provide himself? God will that God will provide himself? God will that God will provide himself? God will provide for himself a ram or a lamb. provide for himself a ram or a lamb. provide for himself a ram or a lamb. What he's suggesting to him is that God What he's suggesting to him is that God What he's suggesting to him is that God himself will see to it that the himself will see to it that the himself will see to it that the sacrifice is there. He says this not sacrifice is there. He says this not sacrifice is there. He says this not only to reassure Isaac, but I believe to only to reassure Isaac, but I believe to only to reassure Isaac, but I believe to reassure himself that God will provide.

reassure himself that God will provide. reassure himself that God will provide. They get on top of the mountain and They get on top of the mountain and They get on top of the mountain and Abraham, notice what he does in the Abraham, notice what he does in the Abraham, notice what he does in the text, he builds an altar. If you study text, he builds an altar. If you study text, he builds an altar. If you study his story, you'll note that Abraham has his story, you'll note that Abraham has his story, you'll note that Abraham has a habit of building altars. In Genesis a habit of building altars. In Genesis a habit of building altars. In Genesis 12 verse 6, the Bible says he built an 12 verse 6, the Bible says he built an 12 verse 6, the Bible says he built an altar to mark the place of divine altar to mark the place of divine altar to mark the place of divine encounter with God. In that same chapter encounter with God. In that same chapter encounter with God. In that same chapter again in verse 8, he builds another again in verse 8, he builds another again in verse 8, he builds another altar so that he can worship God in this altar so that he can worship God in this altar so that he can worship God in this new place. And then in chapter 13, he new place. And then in chapter 13, he new place. And then in chapter 13, he builds an altar in the place where God builds an altar in the place where God builds an altar in the place where God made a covenant with him. Abraham builds made a covenant with him. Abraham builds made a covenant with him. Abraham builds altars. But I suggest us church today altars. But I suggest us church today altars. But I suggest us church today that this altar in Genesis 22 is by far that this altar in Genesis 22 is by far that this altar in Genesis 22 is by far the most important altar of his life the most important altar of his life the most important altar of his life because this is the place where he marks because this is the place where he marks because this is the place where he marks his obedience to God. On this altar he his obedience to God. On this altar he his obedience to God. On this altar he binds his son and lays him on the wood. binds his son and lays him on the wood. binds his son and lays him on the wood. And verse 10 says he prepares to take And verse 10 says he prepares to take And verse 10 says he prepares to take the knife to slaughter his son. And in the knife to slaughter his son. And in the knife to slaughter his son. And in that moment, the angel of the Lord calls that moment, the angel of the Lord calls that moment, the angel of the Lord calls out to him and says, "Do not lay your out to him and says, "Do not lay your out to him and says, "Do not lay your hand on the boy. Do not do anything to hand on the boy. Do not do anything to hand on the boy. Do not do anything to him. For now, I know you fear God, him. For now, I know you fear God, him. For now, I know you fear God, seeing you have not withheld your son seeing you have not withheld your son seeing you have not withheld your son from me." After this, he lifts up his from me." After this, he lifts up his from me." After this, he lifts up his eyes. I would imagine he hears some eyes. I would imagine he hears some eyes. I would imagine he hears some commotion behind him. And he turns and commotion behind him. And he turns and commotion behind him. And he turns and he sees a ram caught in the thicket he sees a ram caught in the thicket he sees a ram caught in the thicket behind him. And the Bible says he takes behind him. And the Bible says he takes behind him. And the Bible says he takes the ram and Isaac gets off of the altar.

the ram and Isaac gets off of the altar. the ram and Isaac gets off of the altar. He puts the ram on the altar and He puts the ram on the altar and He puts the ram on the altar and sacrifices the ram instead of his son. sacrifices the ram instead of his son. sacrifices the ram instead of his son. Then at the end of this, he names the Then at the end of this, he names the Then at the end of this, he names the place Jehovah Gyra, which means the Lord place Jehovah Gyra, which means the Lord place Jehovah Gyra, which means the Lord will provide or the Lord will see to it. will provide or the Lord will see to it. will provide or the Lord will see to it. This is what takes place in the text. This is what takes place in the text. This is what takes place in the text. And I love this story. I'm fascinated by And I love this story. I'm fascinated by And I love this story. I'm fascinated by this story. And there are so many this story. And there are so many this story. And there are so many nuances and details that we could nuances and details that we could nuances and details that we could consider. But let me just show you a few consider. But let me just show you a few consider. But let me just show you a few things that captivated me in my studies things that captivated me in my studies things that captivated me in my studies this week. First thing I noticed is this week. First thing I noticed is this week. First thing I noticed is there in verse one when it says that God there in verse one when it says that God there in verse one when it says that God tested Abraham. This divine test, God tested Abraham. This divine test, God tested Abraham. This divine test, God tests Abraham. And I need us to tests Abraham. And I need us to tests Abraham. And I need us to understand that the definition of this understand that the definition of this understand that the definition of this word test is important because it gives word test is important because it gives word test is important because it gives us context behind the purpose and intent us context behind the purpose and intent us context behind the purpose and intent of God. Why is God testing Abraham? of God. Why is God testing Abraham? of God. Why is God testing Abraham? Here's why God is testing Abraham. God Here's why God is testing Abraham. God Here's why God is testing Abraham. God is testing Abraham because he wants to is testing Abraham because he wants to is testing Abraham because he wants to reveal the character of Abraham. reveal the character of Abraham. reveal the character of Abraham. God's purpose in testing Abraham was to God's purpose in testing Abraham was to God's purpose in testing Abraham was to reveal his character. It was not to to reveal his character. It was not to to reveal his character. It was not to to to lead him into sin because scriptur is to lead him into sin because scriptur is to lead him into sin because scriptur is clear that God does not tempt us or lead clear that God does not tempt us or lead clear that God does not tempt us or lead us into sin. But he is testing him us into sin. But he is testing him us into sin. But he is testing him because he wants to reveal his because he wants to reveal his because he wants to reveal his character. Leave that up there for a character. Leave that up there for a character. Leave that up there for a second. But we we know this because the second. But we we know this because the second. But we we know this because the word test in the ancient Hebrew word test in the ancient Hebrew word test in the ancient Hebrew language, it means to prove or reveal.

language, it means to prove or reveal. language, it means to prove or reveal. We also know this because notice what We also know this because notice what We also know this because notice what the angel of the Lord says, how he the angel of the Lord says, how he the angel of the Lord says, how he responds. He says, "Now I know that you responds. He says, "Now I know that you responds. He says, "Now I know that you fear God." And what's interesting about fear God." And what's interesting about fear God." And what's interesting about that is it's not to suggest that he's that is it's not to suggest that he's that is it's not to suggest that he's unsure or as if the angel of the Lord unsure or as if the angel of the Lord unsure or as if the angel of the Lord were were waiting, biting his nails and were were waiting, biting his nails and were were waiting, biting his nails and waiting anxiously to see does Abraham waiting anxiously to see does Abraham waiting anxiously to see does Abraham fear God. I'm unsure. I don't know. No, fear God. I'm unsure. I don't know. No, fear God. I'm unsure. I don't know. No, that's not what he's saying. What he's that's not what he's saying. What he's that's not what he's saying. What he's saying is that through your act of saying is that through your act of saying is that through your act of obedience, you have proven, it's been obedience, you have proven, it's been obedience, you have proven, it's been revealed that you are fully devoted to revealed that you are fully devoted to revealed that you are fully devoted to God and you will let nothing come before God and you will let nothing come before God and you will let nothing come before him. him. him. So again, remember the purpose of the So again, remember the purpose of the So again, remember the purpose of the test, the purpose of the test is to test, the purpose of the test is to test, the purpose of the test is to reveal his character. And as I thought reveal his character. And as I thought reveal his character. And as I thought about that, I could not help but about that, I could not help but about that, I could not help but remember some of the moments in my own remember some of the moments in my own remember some of the moments in my own life. And I believe you think about life. And I believe you think about life. And I believe you think about yours, moments of testing. Maybe you're yours, moments of testing. Maybe you're yours, moments of testing. Maybe you're in one of those moments right now. And in one of those moments right now. And in one of those moments right now. And it seems like God tends to use hard it seems like God tends to use hard it seems like God tends to use hard situations in our lives to reveal our situations in our lives to reveal our situations in our lives to reveal our character. because I'm a witness and I character. because I'm a witness and I character. because I'm a witness and I believe someone else in this room and believe someone else in this room and believe someone else in this room and watching me online can agree with this watching me online can agree with this watching me online can agree with this that when life gets hard, I mean when that when life gets hard, I mean when that when life gets hard, I mean when life gets really hard, it will challenge life gets really hard, it will challenge life gets really hard, it will challenge you. Even if you don't verbally say it, you. Even if you don't verbally say it, you. Even if you don't verbally say it, it may be a passing thought. And the it may be a passing thought. And the it may be a passing thought. And the thought is, do I really believe what I thought is, do I really believe what I thought is, do I really believe what I say I believe? And do I really believe say I believe? And do I really believe say I believe? And do I really believe that God is who he says he is? Do I that God is who he says he is? Do I that God is who he says he is? Do I really believe what I say I believe? You really believe what I say I believe? You really believe what I say I believe? You see, when things are easy and everything see, when things are easy and everything see, when things are easy and everything is good and everything is relaxing, yes,

is good and everything is relaxing, yes, is good and everything is relaxing, yes, you're fine. But when life gets hard and you're fine. But when life gets hard and you're fine. But when life gets hard and you feel like your back is against the you feel like your back is against the you feel like your back is against the wall, you're between a rock and a hard wall, you're between a rock and a hard wall, you're between a rock and a hard place. Do I really believe what I say? I place. Do I really believe what I say? I place. Do I really believe what I say? I believe. Do I really believe that God is believe. Do I really believe that God is believe. Do I really believe that God is who he says he is? We sing about him who he says he is? We sing about him who he says he is? We sing about him being a healer. We sing about him being being a healer. We sing about him being being a healer. We sing about him being a way maker. We sing about all these a way maker. We sing about all these a way maker. We sing about all these things. But do you really believe? Do things. But do you really believe? Do things. But do you really believe? Do you really believe it? Because here's you really believe it? Because here's you really believe it? Because here's what Abraham's story teaches us. If I what Abraham's story teaches us. If I what Abraham's story teaches us. If I believe that he is who he said he is, believe that he is who he said he is, believe that he is who he said he is, look at this. Then obedience is my look at this. Then obedience is my look at this. Then obedience is my response to whatever he asks of me. If I response to whatever he asks of me. If I response to whatever he asks of me. If I really believe that he is who he said he really believe that he is who he said he really believe that he is who he said he is, then obedience is my response to is, then obedience is my response to is, then obedience is my response to whatever he asks of me. And I understand whatever he asks of me. And I understand whatever he asks of me. And I understand that obedience is my response as Abraham that obedience is my response as Abraham that obedience is my response as Abraham teaches us even when God asks me to do teaches us even when God asks me to do teaches us even when God asks me to do the hard thing. the hard thing. the hard thing. Because here's the thing, church. I Because here's the thing, church. I Because here's the thing, church. I don't want us to overlook the fact that don't want us to overlook the fact that don't want us to overlook the fact that what Abraham was asked of by God was a what Abraham was asked of by God was a what Abraham was asked of by God was a hard thing. And I say that because hard thing. And I say that because hard thing. And I say that because notice what the text does not say. The notice what the text does not say. The notice what the text does not say. The text does not say that God said to text does not say that God said to text does not say that God said to Abraham, Abraham, go to the land of Abraham, Abraham, go to the land of Abraham, Abraham, go to the land of Mariah with your son and sacrifice an Mariah with your son and sacrifice an Mariah with your son and sacrifice an offering, a burnt offering with Isaac.

offering, a burnt offering with Isaac. offering, a burnt offering with Isaac. Doesn't say that. The text also does not Doesn't say that. The text also does not Doesn't say that. The text also does not say,"Abraham, get up and take Isaac and say,"Abraham, get up and take Isaac and say,"Abraham, get up and take Isaac and go to the land of Mariah and sacrifice go to the land of Mariah and sacrifice go to the land of Mariah and sacrifice an offering to me on behalf of Isaac." an offering to me on behalf of Isaac." an offering to me on behalf of Isaac." Doesn't say that either. Here's what the Doesn't say that either. Here's what the Doesn't say that either. Here's what the text says. It says, "Take Isaac and go text says. It says, "Take Isaac and go text says. It says, "Take Isaac and go offer him as the sacrifice. offer him as the sacrifice. offer him as the sacrifice. Go offer him as a sacrifice." This is Go offer him as a sacrifice." This is Go offer him as a sacrifice." This is his command to Abraham. And how does he his command to Abraham. And how does he his command to Abraham. And how does he respond? He responds in obedience. This respond? He responds in obedience. This respond? He responds in obedience. This is powerful and we we we admire his is powerful and we we we admire his is powerful and we we we admire his faithful obedience and dedication. But I faithful obedience and dedication. But I faithful obedience and dedication. But I cannot help but wonder as I was reading cannot help but wonder as I was reading cannot help but wonder as I was reading this story and every time I read it, I this story and every time I read it, I this story and every time I read it, I cannot help but wonder did he wrestle cannot help but wonder did he wrestle cannot help but wonder did he wrestle at any point in his heart after hearing at any point in his heart after hearing at any point in his heart after hearing this request from God? What was was he this request from God? What was was he this request from God? What was was he anxious or nervous walking up the anxious or nervous walking up the anxious or nervous walking up the mountain to the top of the mountain? Did mountain to the top of the mountain? Did mountain to the top of the mountain? Did he get any sleep the night before? he get any sleep the night before? he get any sleep the night before? Did he tell Isaac what God told him? Or Did he tell Isaac what God told him? Or Did he tell Isaac what God told him? Or better yet, did he tell Sarah?

better yet, did he tell Sarah? better yet, did he tell Sarah? And if he did, how did that conversation And if he did, how did that conversation And if he did, how did that conversation go? go? go? I I I ask these questions and I think I I I ask these questions and I think I I I ask these questions and I think about these things and unfortunately the about these things and unfortunately the about these things and unfortunately the text does not tell us, but I don't want text does not tell us, but I don't want text does not tell us, but I don't want to rob Abraham of the reality of his to rob Abraham of the reality of his to rob Abraham of the reality of his humanity because we don't know what he humanity because we don't know what he humanity because we don't know what he felt, but we know what he did. Bible felt, but we know what he did. Bible felt, but we know what he did. Bible says he obeyed God. And please note that says he obeyed God. And please note that says he obeyed God. And please note that his obedience is not blind obedience. his obedience is not blind obedience. his obedience is not blind obedience. It's not blind obedience. No, it is a It's not blind obedience. No, it is a It's not blind obedience. No, it is a wholehearted obedience that is anchored wholehearted obedience that is anchored wholehearted obedience that is anchored in his faith in God. Because obedience in his faith in God. Because obedience in his faith in God. Because obedience flows out of a heart that loves God, flows out of a heart that loves God, flows out of a heart that loves God, that believes in God, that is devoted to that believes in God, that is devoted to that believes in God, that is devoted to God. And that's why for me, this is the God. And that's why for me, this is the God. And that's why for me, this is the central truth. This is the main thrust. central truth. This is the main thrust. central truth. This is the main thrust. This is the main point of the message. This is the main point of the message. This is the main point of the message. Here it is in a sentence. This is what Here it is in a sentence. This is what Here it is in a sentence. This is what the sermon is about. Our character is the sermon is about. Our character is the sermon is about. Our character is revealed through our obedience to God revealed through our obedience to God revealed through our obedience to God and a willingness to give up the thing and a willingness to give up the thing and a willingness to give up the thing we love most to show that we hold we love most to show that we hold we love most to show that we hold nothing above God. I read it again. Our nothing above God. I read it again. Our nothing above God. I read it again. Our character is revealed through our character is revealed through our character is revealed through our obedience to God and our willingness to obedience to God and our willingness to obedience to God and our willingness to give up the thing we love most to show give up the thing we love most to show give up the thing we love most to show that we hold nothing above God.

that we hold nothing above God. that we hold nothing above God. This is what the text teaches us. And This is what the text teaches us. And This is what the text teaches us. And and here's the thing, the text shows us and here's the thing, the text shows us and here's the thing, the text shows us this. And and and Abraham, yes, he is this. And and and Abraham, yes, he is this. And and and Abraham, yes, he is sacrificing his son. Please know that sacrificing his son. Please know that sacrificing his son. Please know that God could have asked Abraham for God could have asked Abraham for God could have asked Abraham for anything at any time because he's God. anything at any time because he's God. anything at any time because he's God. He is sovereign. He is in full control He is sovereign. He is in full control He is sovereign. He is in full control of creation. And he reserves the divine of creation. And he reserves the divine of creation. And he reserves the divine right as God. The one in the Psalms who right as God. The one in the Psalms who right as God. The one in the Psalms who who the psalmist says, "The earth is the who the psalmist says, "The earth is the who the psalmist says, "The earth is the Lord's and the fullness thereof. And all Lord's and the fullness thereof. And all Lord's and the fullness thereof. And all the things that dwell in the earth, the the things that dwell in the earth, the the things that dwell in the earth, the earth belongs to him. and all of us who earth belongs to him. and all of us who earth belongs to him. and all of us who abide in it. And that is why God abide in it. And that is why God abide in it. And that is why God reserves the right at any time to ask reserves the right at any time to ask reserves the right at any time to ask anything of his creation. Okay, Justin, anything of his creation. Okay, Justin, anything of his creation. Okay, Justin, I get that. I hear that. But here's the I get that. I hear that. But here's the I get that. I hear that. But here's the tension I have in the text. Why of all tension I have in the text. Why of all tension I have in the text. Why of all the things God asked for, why would God the things God asked for, why would God the things God asked for, why would God ask for this? God, you gave us this ask for this? God, you gave us this ask for this? God, you gave us this child. We we waited over 20 almost 25 child. We we waited over 20 almost 25 child. We we waited over 20 almost 25 years for him to come and now you are years for him to come and now you are years for him to come and now you are asking me to sacrifice him as a burnt asking me to sacrifice him as a burnt asking me to sacrifice him as a burnt offering. Friends, I don't I don't know offering. Friends, I don't I don't know offering. Friends, I don't I don't know if Abraham asked any questions in his if Abraham asked any questions in his if Abraham asked any questions in his heart. I don't know if he did. But when heart. I don't know if he did. But when heart. I don't know if he did. But when I read this text, I also have to admit I read this text, I also have to admit I read this text, I also have to admit that I find it very difficult to not put that I find it very difficult to not put that I find it very difficult to not put myself into the shoes of Abraham because myself into the shoes of Abraham because myself into the shoes of Abraham because as a father, I cannot imagine I cannot as a father, I cannot imagine I cannot as a father, I cannot imagine I cannot imagine having to do this. And I'm not imagine having to do this. And I'm not imagine having to do this. And I'm not saying that I believe because I do not saying that I believe because I do not saying that I believe because I do not believe that Abraham's specific test is believe that Abraham's specific test is believe that Abraham's specific test is universal for all of us. What I do universal for all of us. What I do universal for all of us. What I do believe is that when we look at this believe is that when we look at this believe is that when we look at this story, we celebrate his faith in the

story, we celebrate his faith in the story, we celebrate his faith in the power of God. So much so that the writer power of God. So much so that the writer power of God. So much so that the writer of Hebrews says in Hebrews 11:17-19 of Hebrews says in Hebrews 11:17-19 of Hebrews says in Hebrews 11:17-19 look at this it says that when he was look at this it says that when he was look at this it says that when he was tested Abraham when Abraham was tested tested Abraham when Abraham was tested tested Abraham when Abraham was tested he offered up Isaac and he who had he offered up Isaac and he who had he offered up Isaac and he who had received the promises or was in the act received the promises or was in the act received the promises or was in the act of offering up his only son of whom it of offering up his only son of whom it of offering up his only son of whom it was said through Isaac shall your was said through Isaac shall your was said through Isaac shall your offspring be named. He considered, I offspring be named. He considered, I offspring be named. He considered, I love this, that God was able even to love this, that God was able even to love this, that God was able even to raise him from the dead, which raise him from the dead, which raise him from the dead, which figuratively speaking, he did receive figuratively speaking, he did receive figuratively speaking, he did receive him back. Church, that blessed me him back. Church, that blessed me him back. Church, that blessed me because it shows that Abraham was so because it shows that Abraham was so because it shows that Abraham was so confident in God that he recognizes even confident in God that he recognizes even confident in God that he recognizes even if I do kill Isaac, the God I serve has if I do kill Isaac, the God I serve has if I do kill Isaac, the God I serve has the power to restore him back to life. the power to restore him back to life. the power to restore him back to life. And so, Abraham was confident in God. And so, Abraham was confident in God. And so, Abraham was confident in God. God had all power. God has proven God had all power. God has proven God had all power. God has proven himself to be a man of his word. And so himself to be a man of his word. And so himself to be a man of his word. And so that is why Abraham says, "I am willing that is why Abraham says, "I am willing that is why Abraham says, "I am willing to obey even at great cost to obey even at great cost to obey even at great cost because my obedience is rooted in my because my obedience is rooted in my because my obedience is rooted in my faith in God."

faith in God." faith in God." So as I thought about that, it it So as I thought about that, it it So as I thought about that, it it challenged me to think about this challenged me to think about this challenged me to think about this question and I want to pose this question and I want to pose this question and I want to pose this question to you. The question is this. question to you. The question is this. question to you. The question is this. As I look at Abraham's story and we As I look at Abraham's story and we As I look at Abraham's story and we celebrate his obedience, but here's the celebrate his obedience, but here's the celebrate his obedience, but here's the question we need to ask ourselves. How question we need to ask ourselves. How question we need to ask ourselves. How is my obedience to God? is my obedience to God? is my obedience to God? How is my obedience to God? And when he How is my obedience to God? And when he How is my obedience to God? And when he speaks to my heart about something he speaks to my heart about something he speaks to my heart about something he wants me to do, do I do it? How how is wants me to do, do I do it? How how is wants me to do, do I do it? How how is my obedience to God? And when he speaks my obedience to God? And when he speaks my obedience to God? And when he speaks to my heart about something he wants me to my heart about something he wants me to my heart about something he wants me to do, do I do it? to do, do I do it? to do, do I do it? I want you to sit with the weight of I want you to sit with the weight of I want you to sit with the weight of that question for a moment that question for a moment that question for a moment because as I thought about that this because as I thought about that this because as I thought about that this week, I was convicted, church. I was week, I was convicted, church. I was week, I was convicted, church. I was convicted because yes, I do oy God, but convicted because yes, I do oy God, but convicted because yes, I do oy God, but I also at the same time wrestle with I also at the same time wrestle with I also at the same time wrestle with what Dr. Crawford Laritz calls what Dr. Crawford Laritz calls what Dr. Crawford Laritz calls comfortable disobedience. comfortable disobedience. comfortable disobedience. Comfortable disobedience. Because my Comfortable disobedience. Because my Comfortable disobedience. Because my flesh, and I know I'm not alone in this, flesh, and I know I'm not alone in this, flesh, and I know I'm not alone in this, my flesh wants to do what is easy and my flesh wants to do what is easy and my flesh wants to do what is easy and comfortable and convenient. and my comfortable and convenient. and my comfortable and convenient. and my Justin's flesh will intentionally avoid Justin's flesh will intentionally avoid Justin's flesh will intentionally avoid hard things because doing the hard thing hard things because doing the hard thing hard things because doing the hard thing challenges me to not only trust God in challenges me to not only trust God in challenges me to not only trust God in the present, I also have to trust him the present, I also have to trust him the present, I also have to trust him for the outcome. And trusting God for for the outcome. And trusting God for for the outcome. And trusting God for the outcome brings to light my need to the outcome brings to light my need to the outcome brings to light my need to be in control. And here's the thing, we be in control. And here's the thing, we be in control. And here's the thing, we all wrestle in some way, shape, or form all wrestle in some way, shape, or form all wrestle in some way, shape, or form with the desire for control. And that is

with the desire for control. And that is with the desire for control. And that is why Christ tells us that to follow me, why Christ tells us that to follow me, why Christ tells us that to follow me, you must not only trust me as savior, you must not only trust me as savior, you must not only trust me as savior, but you must surrender to me as lord. but you must surrender to me as lord. but you must surrender to me as lord. Because Jesus is not only my savior, he Because Jesus is not only my savior, he Because Jesus is not only my savior, he must also be lord of my life. Because must also be lord of my life. Because must also be lord of my life. Because hear me church, you cannot walk in hear me church, you cannot walk in hear me church, you cannot walk in obedience to Christ if you have not obedience to Christ if you have not obedience to Christ if you have not surrendered to him as lord. surrendered to him as lord. surrendered to him as lord. That means trusting in his word and That means trusting in his word and That means trusting in his word and leaving the outcome of your life in his leaving the outcome of your life in his leaving the outcome of your life in his hands. So, we're called to this act of hands. So, we're called to this act of hands. So, we're called to this act of obedience. And we're called to this act obedience. And we're called to this act obedience. And we're called to this act of obedience. And he says, "If I were to of obedience. And he says, "If I were to of obedience. And he says, "If I were to ask of you, the thing that you love ask of you, the thing that you love ask of you, the thing that you love most, give it to me." Why? Because most, give it to me." Why? Because most, give it to me." Why? Because here's what he knows about us. He knows here's what he knows about us. He knows here's what he knows about us. He knows that we can turn the things we love into that we can turn the things we love into that we can turn the things we love into idols. idols. idols. Which means that those things in our Which means that those things in our Which means that those things in our lives that we love, they become just as lives that we love, they become just as lives that we love, they become just as important to us as God. But God is clear important to us as God. But God is clear important to us as God. But God is clear in the scriptures. The scriptures remind in the scriptures. The scriptures remind in the scriptures. The scriptures remind us that he is and should be and must be us that he is and should be and must be us that he is and should be and must be above all.

above all. above all. And so I have to guard my heart against And so I have to guard my heart against And so I have to guard my heart against the danger of divided loves. the danger of divided loves. the danger of divided loves. Jesus says, "If you want to follow me, Jesus says, "If you want to follow me, Jesus says, "If you want to follow me, you have to love me and love my father you have to love me and love my father you have to love me and love my father more than anything." more than anything." more than anything." Luke 9:23, the call to disciplehip is a Luke 9:23, the call to disciplehip is a Luke 9:23, the call to disciplehip is a call to pick up a cross. It is a call to call to pick up a cross. It is a call to call to pick up a cross. It is a call to faithful obedience. faithful obedience. faithful obedience. And that's why he asks us, will you give And that's why he asks us, will you give And that's why he asks us, will you give me the thing that you love most to show me the thing that you love most to show me the thing that you love most to show that you have placed nothing above me? that you have placed nothing above me? that you have placed nothing above me? Will you give me the thing that you love Will you give me the thing that you love Will you give me the thing that you love most? Will you give me your comfort, most? Will you give me your comfort, most? Will you give me your comfort, your your your pursuit of the things your your your pursuit of the things your your your pursuit of the things that make you comfortable? Will you give that make you comfortable? Will you give that make you comfortable? Will you give me those life plans and that incessant me those life plans and that incessant me those life plans and that incessant need that you have to control the need that you have to control the need that you have to control the outcome of everything? Will you give me outcome of everything? Will you give me outcome of everything? Will you give me your spouse? Will you give me your need your spouse? Will you give me your need your spouse? Will you give me your need or desire rather for a spouse? Will you or desire rather for a spouse? Will you or desire rather for a spouse? Will you give me your children? Will you give me give me your children? Will you give me give me your children? Will you give me that longing and desire that you have that longing and desire that you have that longing and desire that you have for children? Will you give me your job? for children? Will you give me your job? for children? Will you give me your job? Will you give me your business? Will you Will you give me your business? Will you Will you give me your business? Will you give me what I have given to you? Will give me what I have given to you? Will give me what I have given to you? Will you give it to me? Will you show me?

you give it to me? Will you show me? you give it to me? Will you show me? Lord, there's nothing above you. There Lord, there's nothing above you. There Lord, there's nothing above you. There are no idols. There is nothing that are no idols. There is nothing that are no idols. There is nothing that you're competing with in my life. I you're competing with in my life. I you're competing with in my life. I trust you with everything I have and I trust you with everything I have and I trust you with everything I have and I trust you with the outcome of my life. trust you with the outcome of my life. trust you with the outcome of my life. And even saying that statement, right, And even saying that statement, right, And even saying that statement, right, that is what makes obedience hard when that is what makes obedience hard when that is what makes obedience hard when you think about it. That's what makes you think about it. That's what makes you think about it. That's what makes obedience hard because it means that I obedience hard because it means that I obedience hard because it means that I have to let go of my control and to have to let go of my control and to have to let go of my control and to trust God in every area. Obedience is trust God in every area. Obedience is trust God in every area. Obedience is not easy, but it's worth it. So, I make not easy, but it's worth it. So, I make not easy, but it's worth it. So, I make the choice to obey and I rest in the the choice to obey and I rest in the the choice to obey and I rest in the trustworthiness of God because he's a trustworthiness of God because he's a trustworthiness of God because he's a man of his word. And we see evidence of man of his word. And we see evidence of man of his word. And we see evidence of this in the text because God said and this in the text because God said and this in the text because God said and Abraham even told Isaac that I believe Abraham even told Isaac that I believe Abraham even told Isaac that I believe God is going to provide. And look at God is going to provide. And look at God is going to provide. And look at what we see in the text. Abraham before what we see in the text. Abraham before what we see in the text. Abraham before he goes forward with killing his son, he goes forward with killing his son, he goes forward with killing his son, the angel of the Lord says what he says. the angel of the Lord says what he says. the angel of the Lord says what he says. Abraham looks behind him. He sees the Abraham looks behind him. He sees the Abraham looks behind him. He sees the ram. And I get excited because this is ram. And I get excited because this is ram. And I get excited because this is the first time, church, in the the first time, church, in the the first time, church, in the scriptures that we see substitutionary scriptures that we see substitutionary scriptures that we see substitutionary atonement. Substitutionary atonement is atonement. Substitutionary atonement is atonement. Substitutionary atonement is taking one sacrifice in place for taking one sacrifice in place for taking one sacrifice in place for another. Justin, why are you so excited?

another. Justin, why are you so excited? another. Justin, why are you so excited? I'm excited because this Old Testament I'm excited because this Old Testament I'm excited because this Old Testament story is pointing ahead to New Testament story is pointing ahead to New Testament story is pointing ahead to New Testament fulfillment. fulfillment. fulfillment. Because in Genesis 22, it's a ram. But Because in Genesis 22, it's a ram. But Because in Genesis 22, it's a ram. But in the gospels, it is a lamb who will in the gospels, it is a lamb who will in the gospels, it is a lamb who will come and lay down his life for the sins come and lay down his life for the sins come and lay down his life for the sins of humanity so that you and I through of humanity so that you and I through of humanity so that you and I through his sacrifice will be saved from our his sacrifice will be saved from our his sacrifice will be saved from our sins and freed. sins and freed. sins and freed. This is what Jesus does. And I love this This is what Jesus does. And I love this This is what Jesus does. And I love this story because in many ways it points to story because in many ways it points to story because in many ways it points to the foreshadowing or it foreshadows and the foreshadowing or it foreshadows and the foreshadowing or it foreshadows and it points to the obedience of Christ. it points to the obedience of Christ. it points to the obedience of Christ. It reminds us that we are called to It reminds us that we are called to It reminds us that we are called to respond in obedience to God. Not because respond in obedience to God. Not because respond in obedience to God. Not because we want something from him. Not because we want something from him. Not because we want something from him. Not because we want something from him, but because we want something from him, but because we want something from him, but because of who he is. He is God. We are his of who he is. He is God. We are his of who he is. He is God. We are his children. We are made in his image. We children. We are made in his image. We children. We are made in his image. We have been bought with a price. We have have been bought with a price. We have have been bought with a price. We have been redeemed. And we are obeying him been redeemed. And we are obeying him been redeemed. And we are obeying him because of what he has done, because of because of what he has done, because of because of what he has done, because of who he is. And we trust that Jehovah who he is. And we trust that Jehovah who he is. And we trust that Jehovah Gyra is with us. And so we choose to Gyra is with us. And so we choose to Gyra is with us. And so we choose to obey even when it's hard. Our answer is obey even when it's hard. Our answer is obey even when it's hard. Our answer is still yes because we've seen his still yes because we've seen his still yes because we've seen his faithfulness demonstrated over and over faithfulness demonstrated over and over faithfulness demonstrated over and over and over and over again. This is our and over and over again. This is our and over and over again. This is our hope. And so when we look at Abraham's hope. And so when we look at Abraham's hope. And so when we look at Abraham's story, we do not take away from this story, we do not take away from this story, we do not take away from this wondering if God will test us or will wondering if God will test us or will wondering if God will test us or will God test us. No, it is certain God will God test us. No, it is certain God will God test us. No, it is certain God will test us. But he tests us because he test us. But he tests us because he test us. But he tests us because he loves us. didn't test us because we've loves us. didn't test us because we've loves us. didn't test us because we've done something wrong. No, remember the

done something wrong. No, remember the done something wrong. No, remember the purpose of the test. It is a divine test purpose of the test. It is a divine test purpose of the test. It is a divine test and is to reveal our character to show and is to reveal our character to show and is to reveal our character to show our obedience to him and that when he our obedience to him and that when he our obedience to him and that when he asks, we will say, "I hold nothing above asks, we will say, "I hold nothing above asks, we will say, "I hold nothing above you." you." you." So, here's where I leave you today. I So, here's where I leave you today. I So, here's where I leave you today. I want to leave you with this to consider. want to leave you with this to consider. want to leave you with this to consider. Will you obey? Will you obey? Will you obey? Even when he asks you the hard thing, Even when he asks you the hard thing, Even when he asks you the hard thing, will you obey? Will you obey? And will will you obey? Will you obey? And will will you obey? Will you obey? And will you surrender all to me? And will you you surrender all to me? And will you you surrender all to me? And will you trust that even in the midst of your trust that even in the midst of your trust that even in the midst of your test, as hard as it may be, will you test, as hard as it may be, will you test, as hard as it may be, will you look around and see that Jehovah Gyra, look around and see that Jehovah Gyra, look around and see that Jehovah Gyra, the God who will provide, is with you. the God who will provide, is with you. the God who will provide, is with you. Father, thank you Father, thank you Father, thank you for the awesome reminder today. for the awesome reminder today. for the awesome reminder today. sobering word and a beautiful story sobering word and a beautiful story sobering word and a beautiful story to remind us that you call us to a life of obedience.

that you call us to a life of obedience. Lord, we live in a culture that is Lord, we live in a culture that is Lord, we live in a culture that is at times addicted to the pursuit of at times addicted to the pursuit of at times addicted to the pursuit of success and more success and more success and more and fame and fortune and comfort and and fame and fortune and comfort and and fame and fortune and comfort and ease. ease. ease. Lord, you remind us through this story, Lord, you remind us through this story, Lord, you remind us through this story, through this word that you've called us through this word that you've called us through this word that you've called us not a life of independence but a life of not a life of independence but a life of not a life of independence but a life of dependence dependence dependence and a life of obedience to you. and a life of obedience to you. and a life of obedience to you. Thank you Lord that even when it is hard Thank you Lord that even when it is hard Thank you Lord that even when it is hard because we know that what you asked of because we know that what you asked of because we know that what you asked of Abraham was a hard thing and we know Abraham was a hard thing and we know Abraham was a hard thing and we know Lord that our flesh wants to do its own Lord that our flesh wants to do its own Lord that our flesh wants to do its own thing. It wants to go its own way. It thing. It wants to go its own way. It thing. It wants to go its own way. It wants its own happiness. It wants its wants its own happiness. It wants its wants its own happiness. It wants its own comfort. But thank you Lord that own comfort. But thank you Lord that own comfort. But thank you Lord that every day you give us the grace to walk every day you give us the grace to walk every day you give us the grace to walk in obedience. in obedience. in obedience. We cannot do it in our own power. We We cannot do it in our own power. We We cannot do it in our own power. We give you all that you have given us. We give you all that you have given us. We give you all that you have given us. We give it back to you. We hold it with give it back to you. We hold it with give it back to you. We hold it with open hands. open hands. open hands. We trust you with all that we have. We trust you with all that we have. We trust you with all that we have. And we surrender.

And we surrender And we surrender because the [music] first step to full because the [music] first step to full because the [music] first step to full obedience begins with surrender. obedience begins with surrender. obedience begins with surrender. And maybe Lord, we've been holding some And maybe Lord, we've been holding some And maybe Lord, we've been holding some things back. Maybe we've been saying, things back. Maybe we've been saying, things back. Maybe we've been saying, "I'll give you this, but I won't give "I'll give you this, but I won't give "I'll give you this, but I won't give you that." But Lord, we surrender all. you that." But Lord, we surrender all. you that." But Lord, we surrender all. We surrender We surrender We surrender all. all. all. As a matter of fact, church, would you As a matter of fact, church, would you As a matter of fact, church, would you do me this favor before we sing? do me this favor before we sing? do me this favor before we sing? as a sign and a symbol of our as a sign and a symbol of our as a sign and a symbol of our willingness to surrender. willingness to surrender. willingness to surrender. If you can, would you just lift your If you can, would you just lift your If you can, would you just lift your hands all over this room, hands all over this room, hands all over this room, as a sign of surrender as a sign of surrender as a sign of surrender that Lord, whatever I need to give to that Lord, whatever I need to give to that Lord, whatever I need to give to you, I give it. you, I give it. you, I give it. I surrender my children's lives into I surrender my children's lives into I surrender my children's lives into your your hand. Whatever they will your your hand. Whatever they will your your hand. Whatever they will become, whatever they will be, whatever become, whatever they will be, whatever become, whatever they will be, whatever hard decisions [music] that need to be hard decisions [music] that need to be hard decisions [music] that need to be made, Lord, I give them to you. made, Lord, I give them to you. made, Lord, I give them to you. my grandchildren or my l Lord the my grandchildren or my l Lord the my grandchildren or my l Lord the desires that I have maybe a longing for desires that I have maybe a longing for desires that I have maybe a longing for this or longing for a spouse or longing this or longing for a spouse or longing this or longing for a spouse or longing for children or longing for a different for children or longing for a different for children or longing for a different job or longing for something else.

job or longing for something else. job or longing for something else. Whatever it is, I give it to you. Whatever it is, I give it to you. Whatever it is, I give it to you. I've been carrying it. Even if it's I've been carrying it. Even if it's I've been carrying it. Even if it's grief, Lord, I give it to you. grief, Lord, I give it to you. grief, Lord, I give it to you. I cannot carry the weight of this on my I cannot carry the weight of this on my I cannot carry the weight of this on my own. I cannot carry it. I try to fix it own. I cannot carry it. I try to fix it own. I cannot carry it. I try to fix it and I make a mess of it every time. So and I make a mess of it every time. So and I make a mess of it every time. So Lord, I surrender Lord, I surrender Lord, I surrender and I thank [music] you for the freedom and I thank [music] you for the freedom and I thank [music] you for the freedom that comes in surrender and I will obey that comes in surrender and I will obey that comes in surrender and I will obey because I delight in you. I thank you because I delight in you. I thank you because I delight in you. I thank you for your word. I thank you for your for your word. I thank you for your for your word. I thank you for your truth. I thank you for the way that you truth. I thank you for the way that you truth. I thank you for the way that you lead me. It is not burdensome, but it is lead me. It is not burdensome, but it is lead me. It is not burdensome, but it is beautiful. Lord, help us to [music] beautiful. Lord, help us to [music] beautiful. Lord, help us to [music] surrender. Help us to obey. surrender. Help us to obey. surrender. Help us to obey. And we hold nothing back. We give all to And we hold nothing back. We give all to And we hold nothing back. We give all to you. our blessed savior. you. our blessed savior. you. our blessed savior. We surrender all in Jesus name. We surrender all in Jesus name. We surrender all in Jesus name. Amen.

Church, I pray that you were Church, I pray that you were strengthened and encouraged by this word strengthened and encouraged by this word strengthened and encouraged by this word [music] today. [music] today. [music] today. And I pray that you will not leave today And I pray that you will not leave today And I pray that you will not leave today burdened or heavy, but that you will burdened or heavy, but that you will burdened or heavy, but that you will actually surrender and leave it at the actually surrender and leave it at the actually surrender and leave it at the feet of Jesus. feet of Jesus. feet of Jesus. Sometimes I have a habit of [music] Sometimes I have a habit of [music] Sometimes I have a habit of [music] leaving it at his feet and then wanting leaving it at his feet and then wanting leaving it at his feet and then wanting to go back and pick it up. Nope. I'm to go back and pick it up. Nope. I'm to go back and pick it up. Nope. I'm leaving it there. leaving it there. leaving it there. And I'm not going to look over his And I'm not going to look over his And I'm not going to look over his shoulder and try to see [music] how he's shoulder and try to see [music] how he's shoulder and try to see [music] how he's doing it or try to control when he does doing it or try to control when he does doing it or try to control when he does it. I trust him. He calls me to [music] it. I trust him. He calls me to [music] it. I trust him. He calls me to [music] obey and he says, "Leave the results." obey and he says, "Leave the results." obey and he says, "Leave the results." and the outcome to me. and the outcome to me. and the outcome to me. And who better to do that [music] with And who better to do that [music] with And who better to do that [music] with than the one who knows all, who sees all than the one who knows all, who sees all than the one who knows all, who sees all and created [music] the end and the and created [music] the end and the and created [music] the end and the beginning and knows all things. We can beginning and knows all things. We can beginning and knows all things. We can trust him. So let's stand [music] and trust him. So let's stand [music] and trust him. So let's stand [music] and worship the Lord together as we sing of worship the Lord together as we sing of worship the Lord together as we sing of his faithfulness. his faithfulness. his faithfulness. And as we cry [music] out this song of And as we cry [music] out this song of And as we cry [music] out this song of our hearts, Lord, give us faith for the our hearts, Lord, give us faith for the our hearts, Lord, give us faith for the moment. this moment of testing, this moment. this moment of testing, this moment. this moment of testing, this moment of hardship, whatever we're moment of hardship, whatever we're moment of hardship, whatever we're dealing with, [music] we need faith for dealing with, [music] we need faith for dealing with, [music] we need faith for this moment. God, we need you. Let's this moment. God, we need you. Let's this moment. God, we need you. Let's sing together before we leave today.

[music] [music] We sing this. It's your love. We sing this. It's your love. We sing this. It's your love. Your love [music] stays with me. Your Your love [music] stays with me. Your Your love [music] stays with me. Your grace never leaves. You have never left grace never leaves. You have never left grace never leaves. You have never left my side. my side. my side. Seasons [music] Seasons [music] Seasons [music] come and go, but [singing] I know you come and go, but [singing] I know you come and go, but [singing] I know you don't. I know [music] that you hold my don't. I know [music] that you hold my don't. I know [music] that you hold my life. When I'm lost and I'm afraid. life. When I'm lost and I'm afraid. life. When I'm lost and I'm afraid. [music] When I can't see past today. When I can't see past today. Give me faith for the moment. Give me [music and singing] eyes for you Give me [music and singing] eyes for you only. We [music] sing your mercies on me. Oh, We [music] sing your mercies on me. Oh, your mercies your mercies your mercies each day. Cast my [music] fears away.

each day. Cast my [music] fears away. each day. Cast my [music] fears away. Your presence [singing] Your presence [singing] Your presence [singing] is my hiding place. is my hiding place. is my hiding place. Oh, [music] hide me. Keep me safe. Build Oh, [music] hide me. Keep me safe. Build Oh, [music] hide me. Keep me safe. Build in your face. I lift my hands in your face. I lift my hands in your face. I lift my hands [music and singing] and say, "Give me [music and singing] and say, "Give me [music and singing] and say, "Give me faith for the morning. [music] Help me see. Help me see. [music] [music] [music] Give me eyes for you. I I [music] You're all [singing] we [music] You're all [singing] we [music] could ever need.

Oh, I want [music and singing] to walk Oh, I want [music and singing] to walk by faith. Don't want to walk by sight. by faith. Don't want to walk by sight. by faith. Don't want to walk by sight. [music] [music] [music] faith to believe your ways. See the faith to believe your ways. See the faith to believe your ways. See the world [singing] through your eyes. I world [singing] through your eyes. I world [singing] through your eyes. I want to walk by faith. [music] want to walk by faith. [music] want to walk by faith. [music] Don't want [singing] to walk by sight. Don't want [singing] to walk by sight. Don't want [singing] to walk by sight. Faith to believe your ways. See the Faith to believe your ways. See the Faith to believe your ways. See the world through. [music] We declare this world through. [music] We declare this world through. [music] We declare this together. I want to walk by faith. Don't together. I want to walk by faith. Don't together. I want to walk by faith. Don't want to walk by [music] want to walk by [music] want to walk by [music] faith to change your way. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. [music] [music] [music] Heat.

[music] [music] Forgive Forgive Forgive me for [music] Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. [music] Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> Now I need you, God. >> Now I need you, God. >> Now I need you, God. Oh, Am I unbelie?

Am I unbelie? [music] [music] [music] Oh, I know. I believe So yes, [music] King Jesus, we thank So yes, [music] King Jesus, we thank you. you. you. We thank you for being the one who We thank you for being the one who We thank you for being the one who provides, the one who will see us provides, the one who will see us provides, the one who will see us through. through. through. God, I just pray that we can look to you God, I just pray that we can look to you God, I just pray that we can look to you when times get [music] rough. That we when times get [music] rough. That we when times get [music] rough. That we can turn our eyes to you and just so can turn our eyes to you and just so can turn our eyes to you and just so sweetly trust in all of the things that sweetly trust in all of the things that sweetly trust in all of the things that you have said will [music] come to pass. you have said will [music] come to pass. you have said will [music] come to pass. For you are the one who never breaks his For you are the one who never breaks his For you are the one who never breaks his promises. You are the one who holds fast promises. You are the one who holds fast promises. You are the one who holds fast [music] [music] [music] to [snorts] his commands and to the to [snorts] his commands and to the to [snorts] his commands and to the things that you have said. So God, we things that you have said. So God, we things that you have said. So God, we lift you up as the one who can and lift you up as the one who can and lift you up as the one who can and [music] will come through. and all God's [music] will come through. and all God's [music] will come through. and all God's children said, "Amen." Amen. Well, we've children said, "Amen." Amen. Well, we've children said, "Amen." Amen. Well, we've had such a wonderful day worshiping with had such a wonderful day worshiping with had such a wonderful day worshiping with you all. We hope to see you back next you all. We hope to see you back next you all. We hope to see you back next week. And I just pray peace and week. And I just pray peace and week. And I just pray peace and blessings [music] over your entire week blessings [music] over your entire week blessings [music] over your entire week until we see you again. Have a great until we see you again. Have a great until we see you again. Have a great week.