07.12.26 - 9 AM Sunday Service // My Favorite Story // Matt Morgan

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, Kabat, Midtown, we're located in Benton, Kabat, Midtown, we're located in Benton, Kabat, Midtown, Little Rock, Mal, North Little Rock, and Little Rock, Mal, North Little Rock, and Little Rock, Mal, North Little Rock, and our Espanol campus. We are one church our Espanol campus. We are one church our Espanol campus. We are one church that meets in multiple locations in that meets in multiple locations in that meets in multiple locations in central Arkansas. 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. We're so glad Well, good morning church. We're so glad you are here today. Hey, can you stand you are here today. Hey, can you stand you are here today. Hey, can you stand and begin to get into a posture of and begin to get into a posture of and begin to get into a posture of worship? How many of you know that in worship? How many of you know that in worship? How many of you know that in the presence of the Lord, there is a the presence of the Lord, there is a the presence of the Lord, there is a fullness of joy? And so, we sing with fullness of joy? And so, we sing with fullness of joy? And so, we sing with joy today. We sing with happiness joy today. We sing with happiness joy today. We sing with happiness because of what he has done and because because of what he has done and because because of what he has done and because of who he is. And so, we lift his name of who he is. And so, we lift his name of who he is. And so, we lift his name up today because he called our name and up today because he called our name and up today because he called our name and he brought us into a glorious day. So, he brought us into a glorious day. So, he brought us into a glorious day. So, we sing of that today. Come on. Come on, we sing this together. I was Come on, we sing this together. I was buried beneath my shame. I was buried buried beneath my shame. I was buried buried beneath my shame. I was buried beneath beneath beneath my shame. my shame. my shame. Who could carry that kind of weight? And Who could carry that kind of weight? And Who could carry that kind of weight? And who could carry that kind who could carry that kind who could carry that kind of weight? till I met you. till I met you. I was breathing I was breathing I was breathing and I was In your mercy has saved

In your mercy has saved my soul. This is the song of the my soul. This is the song of the my soul. This is the song of the redeemer. Sing it together. And now your redeemer. Sing it together. And now your redeemer. Sing it together. And now your freom is all freom is all freom is all that I know. Jesus when I Jesus when I when you call my name. You call my name. Oh yes, you did. So we sing this Oh yes, you did. So we sing this together. This is our testimony, church, together. This is our testimony, church, together. This is our testimony, church, that we needed rescue, but he saved us.

that we needed rescue, but he saved us. that we needed rescue, but he saved us. Come on, we sing it together. Cuz I Come on, we sing it together. Cuz I Come on, we sing it together. Cuz I needed rescue. My sin was heavy. But needed rescue. My sin was heavy. But needed rescue. My sin was heavy. But chains break at the weight of your chains break at the weight of your chains break at the weight of your glory. I needed shelter. I was an glory. I needed shelter. I was an glory. I needed shelter. I was an orphan. Now you call me a s. Your glorious day.

Your glorious day. Can we praise the Lord this morning? Can we praise the Lord this morning? Can we praise the Lord this morning? Amen. Hey, it is a glorious day today at Amen. Hey, it is a glorious day today at Amen. Hey, it is a glorious day today at Fellowship. We are so glad that you Fellowship. We are so glad that you Fellowship. We are so glad that you chose to worship with us this morning. chose to worship with us this morning. chose to worship with us this morning. You may have a seat. My name is Steven You may have a seat. My name is Steven You may have a seat. My name is Steven Brandon. and I serve as a care pastor Brandon. and I serve as a care pastor Brandon. and I serve as a care pastor here at Fellowship and hope that each of here at Fellowship and hope that each of here at Fellowship and hope that each of you are doing well today. I was doing you are doing well today. I was doing you are doing well today. I was doing pretty great this week until I was pretty great this week until I was pretty great this week until I was meeting with a young adult earlier this meeting with a young adult earlier this meeting with a young adult earlier this week and he described a situation where week and he described a situation where week and he described a situation where he met a man and he said, quote, "The he met a man and he said, quote, "The he met a man and he said, quote, "The man was older. He was in his 40s or man was older. He was in his 40s or man was older. He was in his 40s or 50s." 50s." 50s." And I just, man, tried not to take that And I just, man, tried not to take that And I just, man, tried not to take that personal. That kind of brought me down a personal. That kind of brought me down a personal. That kind of brought me down a notch or two. So whether you are young notch or two. So whether you are young notch or two. So whether you are young or older, we're so glad that you are or older, we're so glad that you are or older, we're so glad that you are here today with us worshiping. here today with us worshiping. here today with us worshiping. Especially if you're a first-time guest, Especially if you're a first-time guest, Especially if you're a first-time guest, takes a lot of courage maybe to try a takes a lot of courage maybe to try a takes a lot of courage maybe to try a new church, uh maybe it's been a while new church, uh maybe it's been a while new church, uh maybe it's been a while since you've been here at Fellowship. since you've been here at Fellowship. since you've been here at Fellowship. Welcome back. So whether you are a Welcome back. So whether you are a Welcome back. So whether you are a first-time guest, you've been visiting first-time guest, you've been visiting first-time guest, you've been visiting with us for a while, or maybe even with us for a while, or maybe even with us for a while, or maybe even watching with us this morning online.

watching with us this morning online. watching with us this morning online. It's a real honor that you choose to It's a real honor that you choose to It's a real honor that you choose to worship with us today. There are great worship with us today. There are great worship with us today. There are great churches here in central Arkansas, so we churches here in central Arkansas, so we churches here in central Arkansas, so we don't take it lightly that you're here. don't take it lightly that you're here. don't take it lightly that you're here. And we love the opportunity to get to And we love the opportunity to get to And we love the opportunity to get to meet you. If you're here in person, stop meet you. If you're here in person, stop meet you. If you're here in person, stop by the connection center that's out by the connection center that's out by the connection center that's out these doors and to the right. Follow the these doors and to the right. Follow the these doors and to the right. Follow the smell of donuts and coffee. You'll find smell of donuts and coffee. You'll find smell of donuts and coffee. You'll find elders and pastors there ready to meet elders and pastors there ready to meet elders and pastors there ready to meet you. Not just a name on a piece of paper you. Not just a name on a piece of paper you. Not just a name on a piece of paper that you can do on the bulletin. But that you can do on the bulletin. But that you can do on the bulletin. But we'd love to hear your story, get to we'd love to hear your story, get to we'd love to hear your story, get to know you a little bit better, answer any know you a little bit better, answer any know you a little bit better, answer any questions you may have. And if you're questions you may have. And if you're questions you may have. And if you're watching online, you can scan the QR watching online, you can scan the QR watching online, you can scan the QR code there and let us know that you're code there and let us know that you're code there and let us know that you're worshiping with us online. And we'll be worshiping with us online. And we'll be worshiping with us online. And we'll be glad to be in touch with you very, very glad to be in touch with you very, very glad to be in touch with you very, very soon. We are celebrating baptisms across soon. We are celebrating baptisms across soon. We are celebrating baptisms across all campuses this morning. People all campuses this morning. People all campuses this morning. People passing from death to life, that outward passing from death to life, that outward passing from death to life, that outward expression of an inward commitment to expression of an inward commitment to expression of an inward commitment to Jesus as savior. So we celebrate all Jesus as savior. So we celebrate all Jesus as savior. So we celebrate all manner of spiritual growth here at manner of spiritual growth here at manner of spiritual growth here at Fellowship and especially baptism here Fellowship and especially baptism here Fellowship and especially baptism here this morning. Other ways we see people this morning. Other ways we see people this morning. Other ways we see people grow in their faith is through grow in their faith is through grow in their faith is through strengthening marriages. Here at strengthening marriages. Here at strengthening marriages. Here at Fellowship, we have a ministry approach Fellowship, we have a ministry approach Fellowship, we have a ministry approach that includes starting marriages, that includes starting marriages, that includes starting marriages, strengthening marriages, and saving strengthening marriages, and saving strengthening marriages, and saving marriages. And one of the ways that we marriages. And one of the ways that we marriages. And one of the ways that we minister to couples who are starting minister to couples who are starting minister to couples who are starting their marriages are through our becoming their marriages are through our becoming their marriages are through our becoming one weekender. That's happening this one weekender. That's happening this one weekender. That's happening this coming s Friday and Saturday uh here at coming s Friday and Saturday uh here at coming s Friday and Saturday uh here at the West Little Rock campus. It is for the West Little Rock campus. It is for the West Little Rock campus. It is for anyone who is engaged or seriously anyone who is engaged or seriously anyone who is engaged or seriously dating. So if you're here in the room dating. So if you're here in the room dating. So if you're here in the room and you're engaged or seriously dating, and you're engaged or seriously dating, and you're engaged or seriously dating, we invite you to come and be a part of we invite you to come and be a part of we invite you to come and be a part of this mini conference. It's a Friday this mini conference. It's a Friday this mini conference. It's a Friday night and Saturday. We have elders and night and Saturday. We have elders and night and Saturday. We have elders and pastors that teach six different

pastors that teach six different pastors that teach six different sessions. things like God's plan and sessions. things like God's plan and sessions. things like God's plan and purpose, communication, conflict purpose, communication, conflict purpose, communication, conflict resolution, uh roles and resolution, uh roles and resolution, uh roles and responsibilities. We feed you great responsibilities. We feed you great responsibilities. We feed you great food. It's a lot of fun. Break out into food. It's a lot of fun. Break out into food. It's a lot of fun. Break out into small groups. And so, you won't want to small groups. And so, you won't want to small groups. And so, you won't want to miss this as a great starting block, a miss this as a great starting block, a miss this as a great starting block, a great foundational piece to anyone that great foundational piece to anyone that great foundational piece to anyone that is engaged to be married or anyone is engaged to be married or anyone is engaged to be married or anyone that's seriously dating. So, if you are that's seriously dating. So, if you are that's seriously dating. So, if you are or know someone who is, visit or know someone who is, visit or know someone who is, visit fellowshipar.com/becoming fellowshipar.com/becoming fellowshipar.com/becoming one to learn more and to register. When one to learn more and to register. When one to learn more and to register. When it comes to strengthening marriages, I it comes to strengthening marriages, I it comes to strengthening marriages, I want to tell you a little bit about want to tell you a little bit about want to tell you a little bit about re-engage marriage class, which begins re-engage marriage class, which begins re-engage marriage class, which begins this fall, September the 13th on Sunday this fall, September the 13th on Sunday this fall, September the 13th on Sunday nights right here on this campus and on nights right here on this campus and on nights right here on this campus and on all of our campuses across central all of our campuses across central all of our campuses across central Arkansas. This class meets at 4:00 and Arkansas. This class meets at 4:00 and Arkansas. This class meets at 4:00 and it's a class not just for hurting it's a class not just for hurting it's a class not just for hurting marriages. This is a opportunity for marriages. This is a opportunity for marriages. This is a opportunity for marriages to engage in preventative marriages to engage in preventative marriages to engage in preventative maintenance, marriages to grow stronger, maintenance, marriages to grow stronger, maintenance, marriages to grow stronger, marriages to recover and heal. So, if marriages to recover and heal. So, if marriages to recover and heal. So, if you're interested, starting September you're interested, starting September you're interested, starting September the 13th, visit the 13th, visit the 13th, visit fellowshipar.com/reengage to learn more and to register. But also, to learn more and to register. But also, if you're a couple that's been looking if you're a couple that's been looking if you're a couple that's been looking for ministry to jump into, you say, for ministry to jump into, you say, for ministry to jump into, you say, "Hey, we want to serve others and pour "Hey, we want to serve others and pour "Hey, we want to serve others and pour into others here on our campus," you can into others here on our campus," you can into others here on our campus," you can do that as well. Stop by the connection do that as well. Stop by the connection do that as well. Stop by the connection center or email our disciplehip ministry center or email our disciplehip ministry center or email our disciplehip ministry and learn how you could be a table and learn how you could be a table and learn how you could be a table leader at Re-Engage. Well, it's already leader at Re-Engage. Well, it's already leader at Re-Engage. Well, it's already been a great morning. So thankful for been a great morning. So thankful for been a great morning. So thankful for our worship team and media leading us our worship team and media leading us our worship team and media leading us already. Let's stand together and already. Let's stand together and already. Let's stand together and continue our worship by singing songs to continue our worship by singing songs to continue our worship by singing songs to God and in praise.

I want to see you. I want to see you. I want to see you. I want to see you. I want to see you. I want to see you. I want to see you. I want to see you. I want to see you. I want to see you. I want to see. I want to see. I want to see. Open the eyes. Open the eyes. Open the eyes. Open the eyes of my home. Open the eyes of my home. Open the eyes of my home. Open the eyes of my heart. I want to see Open the eyes of my heart. I want to see Open the eyes of my heart. I want to see you. you. you. I want to see you. Open the eyes of my heart, Lord. Open the eyes of my heart, Lord. Open the eyes of my heart. I want to see Open the eyes of my heart. I want to see Open the eyes of my heart. I want to see you. you. you. I want to see. To see you high, lift it I want to see. To see you high, lift it I want to see. To see you high, lift it up. See you. I lift you up. up. See you. I lift you up. up. See you. I lift you up. Shine out of your glory. Shine out of your glory. Shine out of your glory. Pour out your power Pour out your power Pour out your power as we see all the Oh, I want to see you.

Oh, I want to see you. I want to see you. I want to see you. I want to see you. I want to see you. Open the eyes of my I want to see you. Open the eyes of my I want to see you. Open the eyes of my heart, Lord. heart, Lord. heart, Lord. Open the eyes of my heart, Lord. Open the eyes of my heart, Lord. Open the eyes of my heart, Lord. Open the eyes of my heart. Heat. Heat. Open the eyes of my heart. Heat. Heat. Open the eyes of my heart. Heat. Heat. Heat. Open the eyes of my heart. Open the eyes of my heart. Open the eyes of my heart. holy, holy, holy, holy, holy, holy, holy, holy.

Holy, holy, holy. I want to see you. Holy, holy, holy. I want to see you. Sing it again. Holy, Sing it again. Holy, Sing it again. Holy, holy, holy, holy. holy, holy, holy. holy, holy, holy. Heat. Heat. Yeah. Yeah. Heat. Yeah. Yeah. Heat.

You are holy, holy, holy. You are holy, holy, holy. You are holy, holy, holy. You are holy, holy, holy. You are holy, holy, holy. You are holy, holy, holy. I want to see You are holy, holy, holy. I want to see You are holy, holy, holy. I want to see you. Holy, holy, holy. Holy, holy, holy. You are holy, holy, holy. You are holy, holy, holy. You are holy, holy, holy. You are only, only You are only, only You are only, only I want to see. Your name

Your name is great is great is great and great and great and great to be praised. Your name to be praised. Your name to be praised. Your name is great is great is great and great and great and great to be praised. your name your name is great is great is great is great.

is great. is great. We praise your name We praise your name We praise your name is great. is great. is great. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Heat. Heat.

Heat. Heat. Yeah. If you would just take a moment,

Yeah. If you would just take a moment, if you feel comfortable, lift your if you feel comfortable, lift your if you feel comfortable, lift your hands. Let's sing that chorus. Worthy, hands. Let's sing that chorus. Worthy, hands. Let's sing that chorus. Worthy, worthy. Worthy will. worthy. Worthy will. worthy. Worthy will. >> Worthy you are. Worthy you are. Worthy >> Worthy you are. Worthy you are. Worthy >> Worthy you are. Worthy you are. Worthy you will be forever. you will be forever. you will be forever. Worthy you are. Worthy you are. Worthy Worthy you are. Worthy you are. Worthy Worthy you are. Worthy you are. Worthy you will be forever. Worthy you are. Worthy you are. Worthy Worthy you are. Worthy you are. Worthy you will be forever you will be forever you will be forever your way. Worthy you are. Worthy you your way. Worthy you are. Worthy you your way. Worthy you are. Worthy you are. Worthy you will be forever. >> Yes. This King Jesus, we thank you for >> Yes. This King Jesus, we thank you for you alone are worthy and you alone are you alone are worthy and you alone are you alone are worthy and you alone are worthy of the honor and the glory and worthy of the honor and the glory and worthy of the honor and the glory and the praise that we can give to you.

the praise that we can give to you. the praise that we can give to you. There is no one else who can sit on the There is no one else who can sit on the There is no one else who can sit on the throne that you are seated on, God. For throne that you are seated on, God. For throne that you are seated on, God. For you are the one who makes all things you are the one who makes all things you are the one who makes all things new. You are the one who brings dead new. You are the one who brings dead new. You are the one who brings dead things to life, God. So we thank you. We things to life, God. So we thank you. We things to life, God. So we thank you. We give you the praise for that this give you the praise for that this give you the praise for that this morning. And in Jesus name we all pray. morning. And in Jesus name we all pray. morning. And in Jesus name we all pray. Amen. Amen. You all can be seated. Amen. Amen. You all can be seated. Amen. Amen. You all can be seated. If we have not had the pleasure of If we have not had the pleasure of If we have not had the pleasure of meeting, my name is Anel. um one of our meeting, my name is Anel. um one of our meeting, my name is Anel. um one of our worship pastors here on staff. And um I worship pastors here on staff. And um I worship pastors here on staff. And um I want to remind you before we go into our want to remind you before we go into our want to remind you before we go into our offering that we are in this series offering that we are in this series offering that we are in this series called My Favorite Stories where we have called My Favorite Stories where we have called My Favorite Stories where we have pastors from all over our different pastors from all over our different pastors from all over our different campus, campus pastors coming to teach campus, campus pastors coming to teach campus, campus pastors coming to teach and preach in different locations. And and preach in different locations. And and preach in different locations. And so today we are excited to have Matt so today we are excited to have Matt so today we are excited to have Matt Morgan from our mom campus coming to Morgan from our mom campus coming to Morgan from our mom campus coming to bring a word today. And we are just very bring a word today. And we are just very bring a word today. And we are just very grateful for the way that our church grateful for the way that our church grateful for the way that our church gets to be integrated with one another gets to be integrated with one another gets to be integrated with one another with every campus. We are one church in with every campus. We are one church in with every campus. We are one church in different locations. And we get to show different locations. And we get to show different locations. And we get to show that today by hearing the word from that today by hearing the word from that today by hearing the word from somebody from a different location. But somebody from a different location. But somebody from a different location. But right now, I want us to move into our right now, I want us to move into our right now, I want us to move into our next portion of worship, which is our next portion of worship, which is our next portion of worship, which is our offering. You can see the different ways offering. You can see the different ways offering. You can see the different ways to give there on the screen. If you to give there on the screen. If you to give there on the screen. If you brought your offering in person, we have brought your offering in person, we have brought your offering in person, we have little black boxes in the back. And we little black boxes in the back. And we little black boxes in the back. And we want you to know that when you give, a want you to know that when you give, a want you to know that when you give, a portion of your giving allows us to portion of your giving allows us to portion of your giving allows us to partner with people and partner with partner with people and partner with partner with people and partner with missions here at home and across the missions here at home and across the missions here at home and across the world. We just want to take a moment to world. We just want to take a moment to world. We just want to take a moment to highlight um one of our longest standing highlight um one of our longest standing highlight um one of our longest standing partners partners partners over in Haiti, the Lucian, Caleb and over in Haiti, the Lucian, Caleb and over in Haiti, the Lucian, Caleb and Debbie. They're running a ministry Debbie. They're running a ministry Debbie. They're running a ministry called Hoseaan. And that ministry is a called Hoseaan. And that ministry is a called Hoseaan. And that ministry is a school that is helping educate and give school that is helping educate and give school that is helping educate and give life-changing skills to the youth of

life-changing skills to the youth of life-changing skills to the youth of Haiti. So, we just want to take a moment Haiti. So, we just want to take a moment Haiti. So, we just want to take a moment and hear from Caleb and Debbie and hear from Caleb and Debbie and hear from Caleb and Debbie themselves. >> Good morning, fellowship. My name is >> Good morning, fellowship. My name is Caleb Lucian Caleb Lucian Caleb Lucian >> and I'm Debbie Lucian >> and I'm Debbie Lucian >> and I'm Debbie Lucian >> and we serve in Haiti with Rosian >> and we serve in Haiti with Rosian >> and we serve in Haiti with Rosian International Ministry and we've been International Ministry and we've been International Ministry and we've been there for the past uh 37 years. We are there for the past uh 37 years. We are there for the past uh 37 years. We are grateful for the prayers and the many grateful for the prayers and the many grateful for the prayers and the many support that fellowship has brought to support that fellowship has brought to support that fellowship has brought to us and uh we just from the bottom of our us and uh we just from the bottom of our us and uh we just from the bottom of our heart want to thank you for supporting heart want to thank you for supporting heart want to thank you for supporting us and for empowering us to do the work us and for empowering us to do the work us and for empowering us to do the work of the modern lady. We'd really of the modern lady. We'd really of the modern lady. We'd really appreciate if you would pray for two appreciate if you would pray for two appreciate if you would pray for two things. One is just for our students things. One is just for our students things. One is just for our students that are getting ready to take national that are getting ready to take national that are getting ready to take national exams this month and um and also for the exams this month and um and also for the exams this month and um and also for the security situation in Haiti that would security situation in Haiti that would security situation in Haiti that would continue to improve and um and that we continue to improve and um and that we continue to improve and um and that we could continue to do all the outreaches could continue to do all the outreaches could continue to do all the outreaches we have planned. Thanks.

>> Amen. Can we pray for them right now? >> Amen. Can we pray for them right now? Church. Church. Church. King Jesus, we thank you for the work King Jesus, we thank you for the work King Jesus, we thank you for the work that you are doing that you are doing that you are doing globally, God. For we know that your globally, God. For we know that your globally, God. For we know that your heart is not only for your church here heart is not only for your church here heart is not only for your church here in America, but for your church around in America, but for your church around in America, but for your church around the world, God. And so we just pray for the world, God. And so we just pray for the world, God. And so we just pray for the Lucians. We pray for their ministry. the Lucians. We pray for their ministry. the Lucians. We pray for their ministry. We pray for those students who are going We pray for those students who are going We pray for those students who are going to take those exams, Lord. Will you be to take those exams, Lord. Will you be to take those exams, Lord. Will you be with them? Will you guide them? Will you with them? Will you guide them? Will you with them? Will you guide them? Will you just give everybody their safety, Lord? just give everybody their safety, Lord? just give everybody their safety, Lord? We just grant them the peace of mind of We just grant them the peace of mind of We just grant them the peace of mind of knowing that they are safe and that they knowing that they are safe and that they knowing that they are safe and that they are taken care of. God, we thank you. We are taken care of. God, we thank you. We are taken care of. God, we thank you. We thank you. And we thank you Jesus name. thank you. And we thank you Jesus name. thank you. And we thank you Jesus name. Amen.

Good morning, fellowship. Good morning, fellowship. >> Good morning to those of you in the >> Good morning to those of you in the >> Good morning to those of you in the chapel, those of you joining us online. chapel, those of you joining us online. chapel, those of you joining us online. Uh if we haven't had a chance to meet, Uh if we haven't had a chance to meet, Uh if we haven't had a chance to meet, if my face isn't familiar, because I if my face isn't familiar, because I if my face isn't familiar, because I know it is to some of you because uh know it is to some of you because uh know it is to some of you because uh I've been here a little while. Uh but my I've been here a little while. Uh but my I've been here a little while. Uh but my name is Matt Morgan and I do as Anel name is Matt Morgan and I do as Anel name is Matt Morgan and I do as Anel said get to serve as campus pastor on said get to serve as campus pastor on said get to serve as campus pastor on our ML campus which we launched back in our ML campus which we launched back in our ML campus which we launched back in 2022. Uh but before that um for about 11 2022. Uh but before that um for about 11 2022. Uh but before that um for about 11 or 12 years I was here uh on the West or 12 years I was here uh on the West or 12 years I was here uh on the West Rock campus as pre-teen pastor and as Rock campus as pre-teen pastor and as Rock campus as pre-teen pastor and as kids pastor. Uh and it's a joy and kids pastor. Uh and it's a joy and kids pastor. Uh and it's a joy and honestly a surprise that they invited me honestly a surprise that they invited me honestly a surprise that they invited me back. I was you know didn't think they back. I was you know didn't think they back. I was you know didn't think they would ever ever do that. Um I have a would ever ever do that. Um I have a would ever ever do that. Um I have a photo of my family. I want to introduce photo of my family. I want to introduce photo of my family. I want to introduce you to them. Uh this is my wife Dana, my you to them. Uh this is my wife Dana, my you to them. Uh this is my wife Dana, my daughters Maggie and Macy. Uh when we daughters Maggie and Macy. Uh when we daughters Maggie and Macy. Uh when we came to fellowship back in 2011, our came to fellowship back in 2011, our came to fellowship back in 2011, our oldest Maggie was about four months old. oldest Maggie was about four months old. oldest Maggie was about four months old. Uh and then Macy was born a couple of Uh and then Macy was born a couple of Uh and then Macy was born a couple of years after that. And so honestly, it's years after that. And so honestly, it's years after that. And so honestly, it's the only church they've ever known. Um the only church they've ever known. Um the only church they've ever known. Um but I can say without any hesitation or but I can say without any hesitation or but I can say without any hesitation or reservation that we love fellowship and reservation that we love fellowship and reservation that we love fellowship and it has been such a blessing to be a part it has been such a blessing to be a part it has been such a blessing to be a part of what God is doing in and through this of what God is doing in and through this of what God is doing in and through this church. So, thank you, church, just for church. So, thank you, church, just for church. So, thank you, church, just for letting us be a part of that. If you letting us be a part of that. If you letting us be a part of that. If you have your Bible or the Bible app, I'm have your Bible or the Bible app, I'm have your Bible or the Bible app, I'm going to ask you to go to Luke chapter going to ask you to go to Luke chapter going to ask you to go to Luke chapter 19. Luke chapter 19 is where we're going 19. Luke chapter 19 is where we're going 19. Luke chapter 19 is where we're going to be this morning. Uh, I'm really to be this morning. Uh, I'm really to be this morning. Uh, I'm really excited to continue this series, my excited to continue this series, my excited to continue this series, my favorite story, and tell you one of my favorite story, and tell you one of my favorite story, and tell you one of my favorite stories, the story of Jesus and favorite stories, the story of Jesus and favorite stories, the story of Jesus and Zakius.

Zakius. Zakius. Now, if you're familiar with that story, Now, if you're familiar with that story, Now, if you're familiar with that story, and you look up here, you probably and you look up here, you probably and you look up here, you probably understand why I chose it, right? Let me understand why I chose it, right? Let me understand why I chose it, right? Let me I don't know if you can see this from I don't know if you can see this from I don't know if you can see this from the podium. that is now on its lowest the podium. that is now on its lowest the podium. that is now on its lowest setting. By the way, uh I'm not the setting. By the way, uh I'm not the setting. By the way, uh I'm not the tallest guy. Okay. Um and so if if tallest guy. Okay. Um and so if if tallest guy. Okay. Um and so if if you're familiar with Zakius's story, you you're familiar with Zakius's story, you you're familiar with Zakius's story, you probably became familiar with this story probably became familiar with this story probably became familiar with this story as a kid. Uh in Sunday school, we sang a as a kid. Uh in Sunday school, we sang a as a kid. Uh in Sunday school, we sang a little song, and I'm going to ask you little song, and I'm going to ask you little song, and I'm going to ask you guys, not the whole thing, but we're guys, not the whole thing, but we're guys, not the whole thing, but we're going to sing a part of it. Okay? If you going to sing a part of it. Okay? If you going to sing a part of it. Okay? If you know it, sing along. It says, "Zakius know it, sing along. It says, "Zakius know it, sing along. It says, "Zakius was a wee little man. A wee little man was a wee little man. A wee little man was a wee little man. A wee little man was he." Yeah. So, as a vertically was he." Yeah. So, as a vertically was he." Yeah. So, as a vertically challenged pastor, uh I identify with challenged pastor, uh I identify with challenged pastor, uh I identify with Zakius. I I feel him. Uh it's hard being Zakius. I I feel him. Uh it's hard being Zakius. I I feel him. Uh it's hard being short. And you know, I'm never more short. And you know, I'm never more short. And you know, I'm never more aware of my shortness than when I'm aware of my shortness than when I'm aware of my shortness than when I'm around Mark Henry. Um he's a giant. I around Mark Henry. Um he's a giant. I around Mark Henry. Um he's a giant. I mean, he's 6' 8 foot. I don't know what mean, he's 6' 8 foot. I don't know what mean, he's 6' 8 foot. I don't know what height he is. Uh but I do know that height he is. Uh but I do know that height he is. Uh but I do know that every time Mark Henry comes around me, every time Mark Henry comes around me, every time Mark Henry comes around me, he loves to put his arm around me. And I he loves to put his arm around me. And I he loves to put his arm around me. And I hate it. Uh because when he puts his arm hate it. Uh because when he puts his arm hate it. Uh because when he puts his arm around me, my head smells like his around me, my head smells like his around me, my head smells like his deodorant. Uh because I'm like I'm right deodorant. Uh because I'm like I'm right deodorant. Uh because I'm like I'm right here on him. And so I have to all the here on him. And so I have to all the here on him. And so I have to all the time kind of remind Mark and say like time kind of remind Mark and say like time kind of remind Mark and say like listen Psalm 115 verse 13 says that God listen Psalm 115 verse 13 says that God listen Psalm 115 verse 13 says that God will bless those who fear the Lord, both will bless those who fear the Lord, both will bless those who fear the Lord, both the small and the great. Uh he mentions the small and the great. Uh he mentions the small and the great. Uh he mentions both, but he does mention the small both, but he does mention the small both, but he does mention the small first. Okay. So um now the real reason first. Okay. So um now the real reason first. Okay. So um now the real reason that I love this story, uh it is an that I love this story, uh it is an that I love this story, uh it is an amazing story. There is a humor to it.

amazing story. There is a humor to it. amazing story. There is a humor to it. And as a kids pastor, it was so fun to And as a kids pastor, it was so fun to And as a kids pastor, it was so fun to tell this story. But the real reason I tell this story. But the real reason I tell this story. But the real reason I love this story is in just 10 verses, we love this story is in just 10 verses, we love this story is in just 10 verses, we get one of the most beautiful and clear get one of the most beautiful and clear get one of the most beautiful and clear pictures of who Jesus is. We we hear him pictures of who Jesus is. We we hear him pictures of who Jesus is. We we hear him declare, "This is why he came." And then declare, "This is why he came." And then declare, "This is why he came." And then in just 10 verses, we get to see the in just 10 verses, we get to see the in just 10 verses, we get to see the transforming power of his grace. And so transforming power of his grace. And so transforming power of his grace. And so that's why it's one of my favorite that's why it's one of my favorite that's why it's one of my favorite stories. And so I'm going to encourage stories. And so I'm going to encourage stories. And so I'm going to encourage you if you have your Bible to read along you if you have your Bible to read along you if you have your Bible to read along with me. It'll be on the screen as well, with me. It'll be on the screen as well, with me. It'll be on the screen as well, but Luke 19 verse 1-10. but Luke 19 verse 1-10. but Luke 19 verse 1-10. This is what the word says. This is what the word says. This is what the word says. It says, "He entered Jericho and was It says, "He entered Jericho and was It says, "He entered Jericho and was passing through. And behold, there was a passing through. And behold, there was a passing through. And behold, there was a man named Zakius. He was a chief tax man named Zakius. He was a chief tax man named Zakius. He was a chief tax collector and was rich. He was seeking collector and was rich. He was seeking collector and was rich. He was seeking to see who Jesus was. But on account of to see who Jesus was. But on account of to see who Jesus was. But on account of the crowd, he could not because he was the crowd, he could not because he was the crowd, he could not because he was small in stature." And so he ran on small in stature." And so he ran on small in stature." And so he ran on ahead and climbed up into a sycamore ahead and climbed up into a sycamore ahead and climbed up into a sycamore tree to see him. For he was about to tree to see him. For he was about to tree to see him. For he was about to pass that way. And when Jesus came to pass that way. And when Jesus came to pass that way. And when Jesus came to the place, he looked up and he said to the place, he looked up and he said to the place, he looked up and he said to him, "Zakius, hurry and come down, for I him, "Zakius, hurry and come down, for I him, "Zakius, hurry and come down, for I must stay at your house today." And so must stay at your house today." And so must stay at your house today." And so he hurried and came down, and he he hurried and came down, and he he hurried and came down, and he received him joyfully. And when they saw received him joyfully. And when they saw received him joyfully. And when they saw it, they all grumbled. He's gone in to it, they all grumbled. He's gone in to it, they all grumbled. He's gone in to be the guest of a man who is a sinner.

be the guest of a man who is a sinner. be the guest of a man who is a sinner. And Zakius stood and said to the Lord, And Zakius stood and said to the Lord, And Zakius stood and said to the Lord, "Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I "Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I "Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor. And if I have give to the poor. And if I have give to the poor. And if I have defrauded anyone of anything, I restore defrauded anyone of anything, I restore defrauded anyone of anything, I restore it four-fold. And Jesus said to him, it four-fold. And Jesus said to him, it four-fold. And Jesus said to him, "Today salvation has come to this house, "Today salvation has come to this house, "Today salvation has come to this house, since he also is a son of Abraham, for since he also is a son of Abraham, for since he also is a son of Abraham, for the son of man came to seek and to save the son of man came to seek and to save the son of man came to seek and to save the lost." the lost." the lost." What a beautiful story. And I think this What a beautiful story. And I think this What a beautiful story. And I think this story really kind of as I read it, it story really kind of as I read it, it story really kind of as I read it, it has three movements. And each movement has three movements. And each movement has three movements. And each movement is important. and it teaches us is important. and it teaches us is important. and it teaches us something about uh what Jesus came to something about uh what Jesus came to something about uh what Jesus came to do. And so we're going to walk through do. And so we're going to walk through do. And so we're going to walk through those movements together this morning. those movements together this morning. those movements together this morning. The first movement, if you're taking The first movement, if you're taking The first movement, if you're taking notes, is where we're introduced to notes, is where we're introduced to notes, is where we're introduced to Zakius. And he is a searching sinner. Zakius. And he is a searching sinner. Zakius. And he is a searching sinner. He's a searching sinner. Luke tells us a He's a searching sinner. Luke tells us a He's a searching sinner. Luke tells us a couple of things about Zakius. He says couple of things about Zakius. He says couple of things about Zakius. He says that he was a chief tax collector and he that he was a chief tax collector and he that he was a chief tax collector and he was rich. Now, to most of us, that just was rich. Now, to most of us, that just was rich. Now, to most of us, that just sounds like an impressive resume, right? sounds like an impressive resume, right? sounds like an impressive resume, right? I mean, here's a successful businessman.

I mean, here's a successful businessman. I mean, here's a successful businessman. He's financially comfortable. It sounds He's financially comfortable. It sounds He's financially comfortable. It sounds like a pretty good life, but actually like a pretty good life, but actually like a pretty good life, but actually this is a shocking introduction this is a shocking introduction this is a shocking introduction because tax collectors were not just because tax collectors were not just because tax collectors were not just unpopular people. They were traitors. unpopular people. They were traitors. unpopular people. They were traitors. You see, they would collect tax for the You see, they would collect tax for the You see, they would collect tax for the conquering Roman government and they conquering Roman government and they conquering Roman government and they oppressed the other Jewish people. They oppressed the other Jewish people. They oppressed the other Jewish people. They would go against their own people to would go against their own people to would go against their own people to fund these oppressive taxes and burdens fund these oppressive taxes and burdens fund these oppressive taxes and burdens that were put on them. And not only that were put on them. And not only that were put on them. And not only that, but they worked on commission. And that, but they worked on commission. And that, but they worked on commission. And so they would collect the tax for Rome. so they would collect the tax for Rome. so they would collect the tax for Rome. But anything that they could squeeze out But anything that they could squeeze out But anything that they could squeeze out of the people above and beyond that tax, of the people above and beyond that tax, of the people above and beyond that tax, they got to keep. It was extortion. It they got to keep. It was extortion. It they got to keep. It was extortion. It was betraying their own people for was betraying their own people for was betraying their own people for personal gain. And Zakius wasn't just a personal gain. And Zakius wasn't just a personal gain. And Zakius wasn't just a tax collector. Luke says he was the tax collector. Luke says he was the tax collector. Luke says he was the chief. He was the head of this chief. He was the head of this chief. He was the head of this operation. operation. operation. So when it says that he was rich, that So when it says that he was rich, that So when it says that he was rich, that was an indictment on his character. To was an indictment on his character. To was an indictment on his character. To say he was rich means he was say he was rich means he was say he was rich means he was exorbitantly taxing his own people and exorbitantly taxing his own people and exorbitantly taxing his own people and taking advantage of them. His wealth was taking advantage of them. His wealth was taking advantage of them. His wealth was the evidence of the very thing that the evidence of the very thing that the evidence of the very thing that people despised him for.

people despised him for. people despised him for. And so we don't know if Zakius feels And so we don't know if Zakius feels And so we don't know if Zakius feels some level of guilt. We don't know if some level of guilt. We don't know if some level of guilt. We don't know if there's something going on in his heart. there's something going on in his heart. there's something going on in his heart. Maybe all the money and wealth is just Maybe all the money and wealth is just Maybe all the money and wealth is just kind of left him feeling empty. We don't kind of left him feeling empty. We don't kind of left him feeling empty. We don't really know what's happening. But we do really know what's happening. But we do really know what's happening. But we do know as verse three says that he was know as verse three says that he was know as verse three says that he was seeking to see who Jesus was. seeking to see who Jesus was. seeking to see who Jesus was. something was missing. Like something something was missing. Like something something was missing. Like something had left him dissatisfied and restless. had left him dissatisfied and restless. had left him dissatisfied and restless. And so when word comes that Jesus of And so when word comes that Jesus of And so when word comes that Jesus of Nazareth is going to be passing this Nazareth is going to be passing this Nazareth is going to be passing this way, something stirs in Zakius and he way, something stirs in Zakius and he way, something stirs in Zakius and he says, "I need to see that man. I need to says, "I need to see that man. I need to says, "I need to see that man. I need to go see him for myself." But the problem go see him for myself." But the problem go see him for myself." But the problem was everyone had the same idea. And so was everyone had the same idea. And so was everyone had the same idea. And so the crowds form along the streets and the crowds form along the streets and the crowds form along the streets and Zakius being a short guy can't see Zakius being a short guy can't see Zakius being a short guy can't see Jesus. But like most short guys, he was Jesus. But like most short guys, he was Jesus. But like most short guys, he was a very smart guy. a very smart guy. a very smart guy. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. He runs on ahead and he climbs up in a He runs on ahead and he climbs up in a He runs on ahead and he climbs up in a tree and he waits for Jesus to come by. tree and he waits for Jesus to come by. tree and he waits for Jesus to come by. Now, we're going to get to Jesus in just Now, we're going to get to Jesus in just Now, we're going to get to Jesus in just a moment because he's the hero of the a moment because he's the hero of the a moment because he's the hero of the story. He's the point of this story, but story. He's the point of this story, but story. He's the point of this story, but I just want to pause and let's just I just want to pause and let's just I just want to pause and let's just reflect for a minute on this reflect for a minute on this reflect for a minute on this restlessness.

restlessness. restlessness. Zakius is restless. I I I think here Zakius is restless. I I I think here Zakius is restless. I I I think here here's a man who's climbed every ladder here's a man who's climbed every ladder here's a man who's climbed every ladder that the world has given him, right? He that the world has given him, right? He that the world has given him, right? He has he has got money. He's got influence has he has got money. He's got influence has he has got money. He's got influence whether even if it's corrupted. He's got whether even if it's corrupted. He's got whether even if it's corrupted. He's got power. But Luke makes a point of telling power. But Luke makes a point of telling power. But Luke makes a point of telling us all those things us all those things us all those things leave him restless. And so he's like a leave him restless. And so he's like a leave him restless. And so he's like a child climbing up in a tree just trying child climbing up in a tree just trying child climbing up in a tree just trying to get a glimpse of the popular man to get a glimpse of the popular man to get a glimpse of the popular man who's walking by on the road. And I who's walking by on the road. And I who's walking by on the road. And I think the tension here is the point. I think the tension here is the point. I think the tension here is the point. I think the tension about this think the tension about this think the tension about this restlessness because everything that restlessness because everything that restlessness because everything that he's achieved, everything that he's he's achieved, everything that he's he's achieved, everything that he's accumulated, it's not enough. accumulated, it's not enough. accumulated, it's not enough. something inside of him is not something inside of him is not something inside of him is not satisfied. And so he realizes there's satisfied. And so he realizes there's satisfied. And so he realizes there's got to be something else or maybe got to be something else or maybe got to be something else or maybe someone else. someone else. someone else. I think it's important for us to notice I think it's important for us to notice I think it's important for us to notice because the restlessness that Zakius because the restlessness that Zakius because the restlessness that Zakius feels is something that every human feels is something that every human feels is something that every human experiences like we all feel this experiences like we all feel this experiences like we all feel this restlessness. We feel a dissatisfaction restlessness. We feel a dissatisfaction restlessness. We feel a dissatisfaction with everything that the world can offer with everything that the world can offer with everything that the world can offer us. Why? Because it can never feed and us. Why? Because it can never feed and us. Why? Because it can never feed and fuel the longings that we have for fuel the longings that we have for fuel the longings that we have for Christ.

Christ. Christ. This is the point that we see in this This is the point that we see in this This is the point that we see in this first movement. It's that the first movement. It's that the first movement. It's that the restlessness of the human heart. You restlessness of the human heart. You restlessness of the human heart. You see, it reveals a need and it's a need see, it reveals a need and it's a need see, it reveals a need and it's a need that only Jesus can meet. that only Jesus can meet. that only Jesus can meet. The common experience of restlessness is The common experience of restlessness is The common experience of restlessness is all because of a common need. You see, all because of a common need. You see, all because of a common need. You see, for all of us, our sin has disconnected for all of us, our sin has disconnected for all of us, our sin has disconnected us from God, our creator. It has left us us from God, our creator. It has left us us from God, our creator. It has left us without the relationship that we were without the relationship that we were without the relationship that we were created to have with him. And without created to have with him. And without created to have with him. And without that, we can never experience true and that, we can never experience true and that, we can never experience true and lasting satisfaction. lasting satisfaction. lasting satisfaction. So this restlessness that we feel in our So this restlessness that we feel in our So this restlessness that we feel in our hearts, it's a reminder that's meant to hearts, it's a reminder that's meant to hearts, it's a reminder that's meant to point us to Jesus. point us to Jesus. point us to Jesus. I don't have time to fully unpack this, I don't have time to fully unpack this, I don't have time to fully unpack this, but this is why John 1:1 is so important but this is why John 1:1 is so important but this is why John 1:1 is so important for us. You guys know that familiar for us. You guys know that familiar for us. You guys know that familiar passage where John begins his gospel passage where John begins his gospel passage where John begins his gospel with a with kind of a reminiscing of with a with kind of a reminiscing of with a with kind of a reminiscing of Genesis 1:1, where he says, "In the Genesis 1:1, where he says, "In the Genesis 1:1, where he says, "In the beginning was the word, and the word was beginning was the word, and the word was beginning was the word, and the word was with God, and the word was God." And you with God, and the word was God." And you with God, and the word was God." And you probably know this, but when it talks probably know this, but when it talks probably know this, but when it talks about the word, it's speaking of Jesus, about the word, it's speaking of Jesus, about the word, it's speaking of Jesus, that he is the living word. But the word that he is the living word. But the word that he is the living word. But the word that's used there in the Greek is the that's used there in the Greek is the that's used there in the Greek is the word logos.

word logos. word logos. And that word has a meaning of purpose And that word has a meaning of purpose And that word has a meaning of purpose or reason. It's where we get our word or reason. It's where we get our word or reason. It's where we get our word for logic. for logic. for logic. It's the word that the Greek It's the word that the Greek It's the word that the Greek philosophers used when they were philosophers used when they were philosophers used when they were describing what gave order and coherence describing what gave order and coherence describing what gave order and coherence to the whole universe. It was the answer to the whole universe. It was the answer to the whole universe. It was the answer to the question, what holds everything to the question, what holds everything to the question, what holds everything together? together? together? It's the logos. It's the logos. It's the logos. It's the thing for life to make sense. It's the thing for life to make sense. It's the thing for life to make sense. It's the thing for us to be at peace. It's the thing for us to be at peace. It's the thing for us to be at peace. And what does the Bible say? It says the And what does the Bible say? It says the And what does the Bible say? It says the logos is Jesus. logos is Jesus. logos is Jesus. So in other words, in order for us to So in other words, in order for us to So in other words, in order for us to find rest, for us to find peace and find rest, for us to find peace and find rest, for us to find peace and satisfaction, we have to see Jesus. satisfaction, we have to see Jesus. satisfaction, we have to see Jesus. Fourth century theologian Augustine, he Fourth century theologian Augustine, he Fourth century theologian Augustine, he famously prayed, "Lord, you have made us famously prayed, "Lord, you have made us famously prayed, "Lord, you have made us for yourself, and our hearts are for yourself, and our hearts are for yourself, and our hearts are restless until they find rest in you. restless until they find rest in you. restless until they find rest in you. See, the restlessness of our hearts is See, the restlessness of our hearts is See, the restlessness of our hearts is not an accident. It's not a flaw. It is not an accident. It's not a flaw. It is not an accident. It's not a flaw. It is it is built into God's design after the it is built into God's design after the it is built into God's design after the fall to point us and lead us back to fall to point us and lead us back to fall to point us and lead us back to Jesus. Jesus. Jesus. Ecclesiastes says that he has set Ecclesiastes says that he has set Ecclesiastes says that he has set eternity in the heart of people. That eternity in the heart of people. That eternity in the heart of people. That restlessness we feel, it's a built-in restlessness we feel, it's a built-in restlessness we feel, it's a built-in reminder that we're not meant to be reminder that we're not meant to be reminder that we're not meant to be self-sufficient. We're not meant to be self-sufficient. We're not meant to be self-sufficient. We're not meant to be self-satisfied.

self-satisfied. self-satisfied. It's not something we should ignore. It's not something we should ignore. It's not something we should ignore. It's not something that we should feel It's not something that we should feel It's not something that we should feel and then just try harder. and then just try harder. and then just try harder. It should be a siren going off inside of It should be a siren going off inside of It should be a siren going off inside of us when we feel restless. That we are us when we feel restless. That we are us when we feel restless. That we are missing out on the person who can missing out on the person who can missing out on the person who can satisfy. That we're missing out on Jesus satisfy. That we're missing out on Jesus satisfy. That we're missing out on Jesus and that the only way back to that and that the only way back to that and that the only way back to that relationship we've lost is through him. relationship we've lost is through him. relationship we've lost is through him. Listen, if you're here this morning Listen, if you're here this morning Listen, if you're here this morning and you're experiencing restlessness and and you're experiencing restlessness and and you're experiencing restlessness and and for whatever reason you've never put and for whatever reason you've never put and for whatever reason you've never put your faith and trust in Jesus, can I your faith and trust in Jesus, can I your faith and trust in Jesus, can I speak to you for just a moment? speak to you for just a moment? speak to you for just a moment? The restlessness you feel is not because The restlessness you feel is not because The restlessness you feel is not because you need another job. you need another job. you need another job. It's not because you need another It's not because you need another It's not because you need another relationship. relationship. relationship. That restlessness is not because you That restlessness is not because you That restlessness is not because you just need a better version of yourself. just need a better version of yourself. just need a better version of yourself. That restlessness that your soul feels That restlessness that your soul feels That restlessness that your soul feels is it longing to be reconnected to its is it longing to be reconnected to its is it longing to be reconnected to its creator. creator. creator. And the only way through that is through And the only way through that is through And the only way through that is through Jesus. The only way to have that Jesus. The only way to have that Jesus. The only way to have that satisfaction is to believe in him and satisfaction is to believe in him and satisfaction is to believe in him and what he has done for you.

what he has done for you. what he has done for you. But believers, we also struggle with But believers, we also struggle with But believers, we also struggle with restlessness. restlessness. restlessness. Not because we need Jesus to save us Not because we need Jesus to save us Not because we need Jesus to save us again. His work is once and for all and again. His work is once and for all and again. His work is once and for all and we're forgiven and reconciled and we're forgiven and reconciled and we're forgiven and reconciled and secured forever in Christ. But man, we secured forever in Christ. But man, we secured forever in Christ. But man, we forget that. And we drift away from that forget that. And we drift away from that forget that. And we drift away from that truth. truth. truth. The world just bombards us with worries. The world just bombards us with worries. The world just bombards us with worries. Worries for today and worries for Worries for today and worries for Worries for today and worries for tomorrow. And before too long, we start tomorrow. And before too long, we start tomorrow. And before too long, we start to live as if our peace and our to live as if our peace and our to live as if our peace and our satisfaction, it really depends on us satisfaction, it really depends on us satisfaction, it really depends on us holding everything together. holding everything together. holding everything together. I was reminded of that a couple of weeks I was reminded of that a couple of weeks I was reminded of that a couple of weeks ago when I was riding in the backseat of ago when I was riding in the backseat of ago when I was riding in the backseat of a car while my 76-year-old father was a car while my 76-year-old father was a car while my 76-year-old father was driving. driving. driving. Um, sitting back there, I can't tell you Um, sitting back there, I can't tell you Um, sitting back there, I can't tell you how badly I wanted to be in control of how badly I wanted to be in control of how badly I wanted to be in control of that vehicle. I wanted to determine the that vehicle. I wanted to determine the that vehicle. I wanted to determine the speed, how fast or how slow we were speed, how fast or how slow we were speed, how fast or how slow we were going. I wanted to determine where we going. I wanted to determine where we going. I wanted to determine where we turned and when we turned, when we break turned and when we turned, when we break turned and when we turned, when we break when cars were coming at us.

when cars were coming at us. when cars were coming at us. I wanted my hands to be on the steering I wanted my hands to be on the steering I wanted my hands to be on the steering wheel. I wanted to be in control. wheel. I wanted to be in control. wheel. I wanted to be in control. And isn't that exactly what we do with And isn't that exactly what we do with And isn't that exactly what we do with God? God? God? Like, he has promised us Like, he has promised us Like, he has promised us a future in Christ. He's promised us a future in Christ. He's promised us a future in Christ. He's promised us that he'll never leave us. He's assured that he'll never leave us. He's assured that he'll never leave us. He's assured us that nothing can ever separate us us that nothing can ever separate us us that nothing can ever separate us from his love. And yet, we sit in the from his love. And yet, we sit in the from his love. And yet, we sit in the backseat of God's providence trying to backseat of God's providence trying to backseat of God's providence trying to grab the steering wheel. grab the steering wheel. grab the steering wheel. And that's why we become anxious and And that's why we become anxious and And that's why we become anxious and restless because we're trying to hold on restless because we're trying to hold on restless because we're trying to hold on to peace that keeps slipping through our to peace that keeps slipping through our to peace that keeps slipping through our hands instead of trusting him and that hands instead of trusting him and that hands instead of trusting him and that he's got everything in his hands. he's got everything in his hands. he's got everything in his hands. Listen believers, when restlessness Listen believers, when restlessness Listen believers, when restlessness shows up, it's often a sign that we've shows up, it's often a sign that we've shows up, it's often a sign that we've stopped trusting in Christ and started stopped trusting in Christ and started stopped trusting in Christ and started trusting in ourselves. And instead of trusting in ourselves. And instead of trusting in ourselves. And instead of letting those worries just drive us letting those worries just drive us letting those worries just drive us further and further into self-reliance, further and further into self-reliance, further and further into self-reliance, we need to let them drive us back to we need to let them drive us back to we need to let them drive us back to Christ, to depend on him, and to depend Christ, to depend on him, and to depend Christ, to depend on him, and to depend on his grace. The answer is never to on his grace. The answer is never to on his grace. The answer is never to grip tighter. The answer is to trust grip tighter. The answer is to trust grip tighter. The answer is to trust deeper.

deeper. deeper. This is one of the reasons that God has This is one of the reasons that God has This is one of the reasons that God has given us the spiritual disciplines. We given us the spiritual disciplines. We given us the spiritual disciplines. We talk about those a lot here at talk about those a lot here at talk about those a lot here at fellowship. That prayer and time in the fellowship. That prayer and time in the fellowship. That prayer and time in the word, time together in worship, those word, time together in worship, those word, time together in worship, those disciplines, they're not ways to earn disciplines, they're not ways to earn disciplines, they're not ways to earn God's favor or to get his attention. God's favor or to get his attention. God's favor or to get his attention. They are his gracious means of directing They are his gracious means of directing They are his gracious means of directing our hearts back to him. Kind of like our hearts back to him. Kind of like our hearts back to him. Kind of like Zakius climbing up in the tree to see Zakius climbing up in the tree to see Zakius climbing up in the tree to see Jesus. The disciplines are our way of Jesus. The disciplines are our way of Jesus. The disciplines are our way of positioning ourselves to see more of positioning ourselves to see more of positioning ourselves to see more of Jesus. Jesus. Jesus. Through them, the Holy Spirit reminds us Through them, the Holy Spirit reminds us Through them, the Holy Spirit reminds us of the gospel. It deepens our dependence of the gospel. It deepens our dependence of the gospel. It deepens our dependence on Christ and it helps us again to go on Christ and it helps us again to go on Christ and it helps us again to go back to him to find our satisfaction and back to him to find our satisfaction and back to him to find our satisfaction and our peace. our peace. our peace. Restlessness is meant to drive us to Restlessness is meant to drive us to Restlessness is meant to drive us to Jesus. Jesus. Jesus. That's what Zakius is discovering. I That's what Zakius is discovering. I That's what Zakius is discovering. I don't think he fully understands it yet. don't think he fully understands it yet. don't think he fully understands it yet. I don't think he fully knows what he's I don't think he fully knows what he's I don't think he fully knows what he's searching for. But what we see is that searching for. But what we see is that searching for. But what we see is that the restlessness of his heart is leading the restlessness of his heart is leading the restlessness of his heart is leading him straight to the only one who can him straight to the only one who can him straight to the only one who can satisfy. satisfy. satisfy. And that gets us to the second movement And that gets us to the second movement And that gets us to the second movement of the story. This is the movement where of the story. This is the movement where of the story. This is the movement where we're introduced to Jesus. He is the we're introduced to Jesus. He is the we're introduced to Jesus. He is the seeking savior.

seeking savior. seeking savior. I love that Luke doesn't make this a I love that Luke doesn't make this a I love that Luke doesn't make this a story about Zakius searching for Jesus. story about Zakius searching for Jesus. story about Zakius searching for Jesus. He makes this a story about Jesus He makes this a story about Jesus He makes this a story about Jesus seeking out Zakius. He makes this a seeking out Zakius. He makes this a seeking out Zakius. He makes this a story about a savior who is seeking to story about a savior who is seeking to story about a savior who is seeking to save the lost. save the lost. save the lost. Verse 5 and 7, let me remind you. It Verse 5 and 7, let me remind you. It Verse 5 and 7, let me remind you. It says Jesus came to the place. looked up says Jesus came to the place. looked up says Jesus came to the place. looked up and he said to him, "Now catch this. and he said to him, "Now catch this. and he said to him, "Now catch this. Zakius, Zakius, Zakius, hurry and come down for I must stay at hurry and come down for I must stay at hurry and come down for I must stay at your house today." And so Zakius hurries your house today." And so Zakius hurries your house today." And so Zakius hurries down and receives him joyfully. How down and receives him joyfully. How down and receives him joyfully. How amazing is it that in a crowd full of amazing is it that in a crowd full of amazing is it that in a crowd full of people, streets lined with people, people, streets lined with people, people, streets lined with people, Jesus finds the one man that he's Jesus finds the one man that he's Jesus finds the one man that he's looking for and he looks up in the tree looking for and he looks up in the tree looking for and he looks up in the tree and he calls him out by name. and he calls him out by name. and he calls him out by name. Like everybody else knew Zakius by his Like everybody else knew Zakius by his Like everybody else knew Zakius by his occupation. Everyone else knew him by occupation. Everyone else knew him by occupation. Everyone else knew him by his physical stature. Everyone knew him his physical stature. Everyone knew him his physical stature. Everyone knew him by his sin. And Jesus knew him by his by his sin. And Jesus knew him by his by his sin. And Jesus knew him by his name. And he calls him by name. And not name. And he calls him by name. And not name. And he calls him by name. And not only that, but he says, "Hurry and come only that, but he says, "Hurry and come only that, but he says, "Hurry and come down for I must stay at your house down for I must stay at your house down for I must stay at your house today." Listen, sometimes we skip over today." Listen, sometimes we skip over today." Listen, sometimes we skip over words, but they're important. The word words, but they're important. The word words, but they're important. The word must there is really important. This is must there is really important. This is must there is really important. This is a word that Luke uses throughout his a word that Luke uses throughout his a word that Luke uses throughout his gospel as a way to describe divine gospel as a way to describe divine gospel as a way to describe divine necessity. He uses this word to say this necessity. He uses this word to say this necessity. He uses this word to say this is something that's part of God's plan is something that's part of God's plan is something that's part of God's plan and it must happen. It's the same word and it must happen. It's the same word and it must happen. It's the same word that was used when Jesus says he must that was used when Jesus says he must that was used when Jesus says he must suffer, that he must be put into the suffer, that he must be put into the suffer, that he must be put into the hands of evil people and crucified, that hands of evil people and crucified, that hands of evil people and crucified, that he must resurrect. It's the same word.

he must resurrect. It's the same word. he must resurrect. It's the same word. So, you see what's happening here? This So, you see what's happening here? This So, you see what's happening here? This is not Jesus saying, "Hey, can I come is not Jesus saying, "Hey, can I come is not Jesus saying, "Hey, can I come over for dinner?" over for dinner?" over for dinner?" This is Jesus saying, "The whole reason This is Jesus saying, "The whole reason This is Jesus saying, "The whole reason I came is this man in this moment. I came is this man in this moment. I came is this man in this moment. That's why I'm here in Jericho. That's why I'm here in Jericho. That's why I'm here in Jericho. It's not a distraction. It's not a It's not a distraction. It's not a It's not a distraction. It's not a detour. This was God accomplishing the detour. This was God accomplishing the detour. This was God accomplishing the very mission that Jesus proclaims in very mission that Jesus proclaims in very mission that Jesus proclaims in verse 10. The son of man has come to verse 10. The son of man has come to verse 10. The son of man has come to seek and to save the lost." seek and to save the lost." seek and to save the lost." Like, it blows my mind to think that Like, it blows my mind to think that Like, it blows my mind to think that even the the location of this encounter, even the the location of this encounter, even the the location of this encounter, it just shows how much it was part of it just shows how much it was part of it just shows how much it was part of God's plan. Because the city of Jericho God's plan. Because the city of Jericho God's plan. Because the city of Jericho sits in the middle of the Judean desert. sits in the middle of the Judean desert. sits in the middle of the Judean desert. It's an arid and harsh environment where It's an arid and harsh environment where It's an arid and harsh environment where nothing grows. And yet, this city sits a nothing grows. And yet, this city sits a nothing grows. And yet, this city sits a top some underground springs that have a top some underground springs that have a top some underground springs that have a constant flow of water that make it a constant flow of water that make it a constant flow of water that make it a surprising oasis in the middle of a surprising oasis in the middle of a surprising oasis in the middle of a desert where trees like this sycamore desert where trees like this sycamore desert where trees like this sycamore can grow. can grow. can grow. So long before Zakius ever climbed a So long before Zakius ever climbed a So long before Zakius ever climbed a tree, it was God who prepared the place tree, it was God who prepared the place tree, it was God who prepared the place where grace would meet him. where grace would meet him. where grace would meet him. He provided the water. He produced the He provided the water. He produced the He provided the water. He produced the tree so that on this day Jesus would tree so that on this day Jesus would tree so that on this day Jesus would stop under its branches, look up and stop under its branches, look up and stop under its branches, look up and call Zakius by name. And the crowds call Zakius by name. And the crowds call Zakius by name. And the crowds didn't like it. They were shook.

didn't like it. They were shook. didn't like it. They were shook. Zakius was too corrupt, too sinful, too Zakius was too corrupt, too sinful, too Zakius was too corrupt, too sinful, too far gone. He's never going to be made far gone. He's never going to be made far gone. He's never going to be made right with God. If he was, then he had right with God. If he was, then he had right with God. If he was, then he had to prove himself worthy. to prove himself worthy. to prove himself worthy. He had to pay back everything he sold, He had to pay back everything he sold, He had to pay back everything he sold, stole. He had to repair what he broke. stole. He had to repair what he broke. stole. He had to repair what he broke. He had to clean up his reputation. And He had to clean up his reputation. And He had to clean up his reputation. And then maybe if he did enough and enough then maybe if he did enough and enough then maybe if he did enough and enough time passed, he could slowly work his time passed, he could slowly work his time passed, he could slowly work his ways back into the margins of mercy. ways back into the margins of mercy. ways back into the margins of mercy. That's how religion thinks. Make That's how religion thinks. Make That's how religion thinks. Make yourself right and then maybe God will yourself right and then maybe God will yourself right and then maybe God will accept you. accept you. accept you. Jesus flips it all upside down, doesn't Jesus flips it all upside down, doesn't Jesus flips it all upside down, doesn't he? He doesn't give Zakius a list of he? He doesn't give Zakius a list of he? He doesn't give Zakius a list of things to do or behaviors to fix. He things to do or behaviors to fix. He things to do or behaviors to fix. He doesn't say, "Zakius, you better come doesn't say, "Zakius, you better come doesn't say, "Zakius, you better come down and do these things and then maybe down and do these things and then maybe down and do these things and then maybe you'll be No, you'll be No, you'll be No, he just calls him by name and invites he just calls him by name and invites he just calls him by name and invites him to come and be with him." him to come and be with him." him to come and be with him." And it amazes me where this falls in the And it amazes me where this falls in the And it amazes me where this falls in the timeline of events. Because if you read timeline of events. Because if you read timeline of events. Because if you read on in Luke's gospel, you realize that he on in Luke's gospel, you realize that he on in Luke's gospel, you realize that he wasn't just passing through Jericho. wasn't just passing through Jericho. wasn't just passing through Jericho. This wasn't happen stance. This is the This wasn't happen stance. This is the This wasn't happen stance. This is the last stop. This is the last city before last stop. This is the last city before last stop. This is the last city before Jerusalem. He is on his way to the Jerusalem. He is on his way to the Jerusalem. He is on his way to the cross.

cross. cross. But even now, the cross is casting its But even now, the cross is casting its But even now, the cross is casting its shadow back on Jericho. shadow back on Jericho. shadow back on Jericho. See, Jesus stops here underneath a tree See, Jesus stops here underneath a tree See, Jesus stops here underneath a tree to point forward to another tree. to point forward to another tree. to point forward to another tree. He shows what he's about to accomplish. He shows what he's about to accomplish. He shows what he's about to accomplish. He is on his way to die for sinners, but He is on his way to die for sinners, but He is on his way to die for sinners, but in his grace, he stops to save one of in his grace, he stops to save one of in his grace, he stops to save one of them. them. them. Romans 5'8 says, "But God demonstrates Romans 5'8 says, "But God demonstrates Romans 5'8 says, "But God demonstrates his love for us, and that while we were his love for us, and that while we were his love for us, and that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." still sinners, Christ died for us." still sinners, Christ died for us." Listen, this is the scandal of grace. Listen, this is the scandal of grace. Listen, this is the scandal of grace. Zakius did not deserve to be called by Zakius did not deserve to be called by Zakius did not deserve to be called by name. He did not deserve for Jesus to name. He did not deserve for Jesus to name. He did not deserve for Jesus to stop the whole procession and go to his stop the whole procession and go to his stop the whole procession and go to his house. house. house. But grace is not about what you deserve. But grace is not about what you deserve. But grace is not about what you deserve. Grace is about what God is willing to Grace is about what God is willing to Grace is about what God is willing to give and what he is willing to do. And give and what he is willing to do. And give and what he is willing to do. And in his sovereign love for us, he is in his sovereign love for us, he is in his sovereign love for us, he is willing to give his one and only son. willing to give his one and only son. willing to give his one and only son. and he is willing to sacrifice him on and he is willing to sacrifice him on and he is willing to sacrifice him on behalf of your sin and resurrect him so behalf of your sin and resurrect him so behalf of your sin and resurrect him so that you can have life and peace and that you can have life and peace and that you can have life and peace and satisfaction in him.

satisfaction in him. satisfaction in him. This is the heart of the story. This is This is the heart of the story. This is This is the heart of the story. This is the heart of the whole gospel, the whole the heart of the whole gospel, the whole the heart of the whole gospel, the whole Bible. It's the mission of Jesus to Bible. It's the mission of Jesus to Bible. It's the mission of Jesus to graciously move towards sinners and to graciously move towards sinners and to graciously move towards sinners and to restore relationship with those who restore relationship with those who restore relationship with those who lost. That's why he came. lost. That's why he came. lost. That's why he came. Listen, this is good news for everybody Listen, this is good news for everybody Listen, this is good news for everybody in this room. in this room. in this room. If you're here this morning and you're If you're here this morning and you're If you're here this morning and you're not a follower of Jesus, this is good not a follower of Jesus, this is good not a follower of Jesus, this is good news because the same Jesus is still news because the same Jesus is still news because the same Jesus is still seeking to save the lost. He is still seeking to save the lost. He is still seeking to save the lost. He is still seeking out. And the fact that you're in seeking out. And the fact that you're in seeking out. And the fact that you're in this room is no accident. this room is no accident. this room is no accident. It's no accident that you're here. The It's no accident that you're here. The It's no accident that you're here. The same Jesus who looked up at Zakius and same Jesus who looked up at Zakius and same Jesus who looked up at Zakius and called him by name, he knows exactly who called him by name, he knows exactly who called him by name, he knows exactly who you are. And he knows your name and he you are. And he knows your name and he you are. And he knows your name and he invites you to come to him by faith, to invites you to come to him by faith, to invites you to come to him by faith, to receive him joyfully. receive him joyfully. receive him joyfully. And just as God was at work in Zakius's And just as God was at work in Zakius's And just as God was at work in Zakius's life long before he even knew it, I'm life long before he even knew it, I'm life long before he even knew it, I'm pretty confident that God has been at pretty confident that God has been at pretty confident that God has been at work in your life, that he's been work in your life, that he's been work in your life, that he's been working maybe through your working maybe through your working maybe through your circumstances, maybe through the people circumstances, maybe through the people circumstances, maybe through the people that invited you to be here today, maybe that invited you to be here today, maybe that invited you to be here today, maybe just through your own restlessness, that just through your own restlessness, that just through your own restlessness, that he's been using those things to draw you he's been using those things to draw you he's been using those things to draw you back to himself.

back to himself. back to himself. You don't have to clean yourself up. You don't have to clean yourself up. You don't have to clean yourself up. You don't have to make everything right You don't have to make everything right You don't have to make everything right before you come to him. No, he just before you come to him. No, he just before you come to him. No, he just says, "Come." He invites you to come and says, "Come." He invites you to come and says, "Come." He invites you to come and receive him. Put your trust in who he is receive him. Put your trust in who he is receive him. Put your trust in who he is and what he's done to save you. And and what he's done to save you. And and what he's done to save you. And listen, if you do that, he will do for listen, if you do that, he will do for listen, if you do that, he will do for you what you can never do for yourself. you what you can never do for yourself. you what you can never do for yourself. He will provide forgiveness of your He will provide forgiveness of your He will provide forgiveness of your sins. He will provide the the restored sins. He will provide the the restored sins. He will provide the the restored relationship. You're reconciled back to relationship. You're reconciled back to relationship. You're reconciled back to God. He will make you new. He will give God. He will make you new. He will give God. He will make you new. He will give you rest. you rest. you rest. Listen, if you're here this morning and Listen, if you're here this morning and Listen, if you're here this morning and you don't know Jesus, please don't leave you don't know Jesus, please don't leave you don't know Jesus, please don't leave out here. The person who invited you out here. The person who invited you out here. The person who invited you would love to tell you more about him. would love to tell you more about him. would love to tell you more about him. We'll have pastors and elders at the We'll have pastors and elders at the We'll have pastors and elders at the connection center. We would love to tell connection center. We would love to tell connection center. We would love to tell you more about him, you more about him, you more about him, tell you how you can follow him, put tell you how you can follow him, put tell you how you can follow him, put your trust in him, and receive that rest your trust in him, and receive that rest your trust in him, and receive that rest he gives. he gives. he gives. But this is also good news for believers But this is also good news for believers But this is also good news for believers in this room, right? Sometimes we move in this room, right? Sometimes we move in this room, right? Sometimes we move on too quickly, but this is good news on too quickly, but this is good news on too quickly, but this is good news because first and foremost, it's just because first and foremost, it's just because first and foremost, it's just good to be reminded of how he saved us. good to be reminded of how he saved us. good to be reminded of how he saved us. that it was by his grace, not any of our that it was by his grace, not any of our that it was by his grace, not any of our own merit or our own doing. Paul writes own merit or our own doing. Paul writes own merit or our own doing. Paul writes in Ephesians 2:8, "For by grace you have in Ephesians 2:8, "For by grace you have in Ephesians 2:8, "For by grace you have been saved through faith." This is not been saved through faith." This is not been saved through faith." This is not of your own doing. It's a gift from God.

of your own doing. It's a gift from God. of your own doing. It's a gift from God. But this is also good news because Jesus But this is also good news because Jesus But this is also good news because Jesus is not only gracious towards us at the is not only gracious towards us at the is not only gracious towards us at the moment of our salvation, but he moment of our salvation, but he moment of our salvation, but he continuously is gracious towards us continuously is gracious towards us continuously is gracious towards us every step of the journey. every step of the journey. every step of the journey. Like the mission of Jesus is not just to Like the mission of Jesus is not just to Like the mission of Jesus is not just to find the lost. It is to save the lost. find the lost. It is to save the lost. find the lost. It is to save the lost. And he is not the type of savior who And he is not the type of savior who And he is not the type of savior who gives up on his work halfway through. He gives up on his work halfway through. He gives up on his work halfway through. He will finish what he starts. He was will finish what he starts. He was will finish what he starts. He was gracious to save you and he will gracious to save you and he will gracious to save you and he will continuously hold you by his grace. continuously hold you by his grace. continuously hold you by his grace. It's pretty important because as we said It's pretty important because as we said It's pretty important because as we said earlier, we can drift away from that earlier, we can drift away from that earlier, we can drift away from that truth. truth. truth. We can start to drift away from the fact We can start to drift away from the fact We can start to drift away from the fact that he is all we need. And so we can that he is all we need. And so we can that he is all we need. And so we can begin to look for satisfaction or peace begin to look for satisfaction or peace begin to look for satisfaction or peace in things other than him. in things other than him. in things other than him. And when we do that, it's natural to And when we do that, it's natural to And when we do that, it's natural to feel a distance grow between us and him. feel a distance grow between us and him. feel a distance grow between us and him. We start to feel a gap between his love We start to feel a gap between his love We start to feel a gap between his love and our relationship to that love. And and our relationship to that love. And and our relationship to that love. And when that happens, it's easy to start when that happens, it's easy to start when that happens, it's easy to start believing the lie that the distance you believing the lie that the distance you believing the lie that the distance you feel between you and God is him giving feel between you and God is him giving feel between you and God is him giving up on you, that he's moving away from up on you, that he's moving away from up on you, that he's moving away from you or that he's done with you. And so you or that he's done with you. And so you or that he's done with you. And so what happens is believers, we start to what happens is believers, we start to what happens is believers, we start to pull back. Like we pull back. We stop pull back. Like we pull back. We stop pull back. Like we pull back. We stop pursuing him because we assume he's pursuing him because we assume he's pursuing him because we assume he's disappointed in us. We stop we stop disappointed in us. We stop we stop disappointed in us. We stop we stop pursuing him because we feel ashamed.

pursuing him because we feel ashamed. pursuing him because we feel ashamed. And over time you just continuously And over time you just continuously And over time you just continuously drift because you feel like his grace drift because you feel like his grace drift because you feel like his grace has run out on you. has run out on you. has run out on you. Listen, I am living testimony of that is Listen, I am living testimony of that is Listen, I am living testimony of that is not the truth. His grace is not the truth. His grace is not the truth. His grace is inexhaustible. inexhaustible. inexhaustible. You cannot abuse and and misuse it. It You cannot abuse and and misuse it. It You cannot abuse and and misuse it. It never runs out on you. never runs out on you. never runs out on you. So we practice the spiritual disciplines So we practice the spiritual disciplines So we practice the spiritual disciplines to draw near to Christ. But we've got to to draw near to Christ. But we've got to to draw near to Christ. But we've got to recognize that even before we open the recognize that even before we open the recognize that even before we open the Bible, even before we bow our head in Bible, even before we bow our head in Bible, even before we bow our head in prayer or we show up for worship, he has prayer or we show up for worship, he has prayer or we show up for worship, he has already pursued us. already pursued us. already pursued us. That in Christ, he has already pursued That in Christ, he has already pursued That in Christ, he has already pursued us, welcomed us, and made us his own. us, welcomed us, and made us his own. us, welcomed us, and made us his own. And so our pursuit of him is always a And so our pursuit of him is always a And so our pursuit of him is always a response to his pursuit of us. response to his pursuit of us. response to his pursuit of us. That's why I love how Paul Trip, That's why I love how Paul Trip, That's why I love how Paul Trip, everything he writes is just so everything he writes is just so everything he writes is just so convicting and and uplifting to the convicting and and uplifting to the convicting and and uplifting to the gospel. But in one of his devotionals, gospel. But in one of his devotionals, gospel. But in one of his devotionals, he describes the grace of Jesus toward he describes the grace of Jesus toward he describes the grace of Jesus toward his people. And here's what he says. He his people. And here's what he says. He his people. And here's what he says. He says, "No sin will make your savior turn says, "No sin will make your savior turn says, "No sin will make your savior turn away and discuss. No weakness will make away and discuss. No weakness will make away and discuss. No weakness will make him want to give up. No struggle will him want to give up. No struggle will him want to give up. No struggle will make him feel his grace has been given make him feel his grace has been given make him feel his grace has been given in vain. He will not give up.

in vain. He will not give up. in vain. He will not give up. Will not forsake you. He will complete Will not forsake you. He will complete Will not forsake you. He will complete what he has become." what he has become." what he has become." Listen, that's who Jesus is. He's a Listen, that's who Jesus is. He's a Listen, that's who Jesus is. He's a savior who seeks. He's a savior who savior who seeks. He's a savior who savior who seeks. He's a savior who saves. He's a savior who stays to finish saves. He's a savior who stays to finish saves. He's a savior who stays to finish everything he starts. everything he starts. everything he starts. As we get to the end of the story, we As we get to the end of the story, we As we get to the end of the story, we don't just get to see the message of don't just get to see the message of don't just get to see the message of grace. We get to see the power of grace, grace. We get to see the power of grace, grace. We get to see the power of grace, the transforming power of grace. The the transforming power of grace. The the transforming power of grace. The moment that Jesus stepped into Zakius's moment that Jesus stepped into Zakius's moment that Jesus stepped into Zakius's house, that work of grace began. house, that work of grace began. house, that work of grace began. This is the third movement in the story. This is the third movement in the story. This is the third movement in the story. It's where we get to see a stunning It's where we get to see a stunning It's where we get to see a stunning salvation. salvation. salvation. You verse seven ends with the people You verse seven ends with the people You verse seven ends with the people grumbling and complaining. I think grumbling and complaining. I think grumbling and complaining. I think there's some time between verse 7 and there's some time between verse 7 and there's some time between verse 7 and verse 8. We don't know how much time. verse 8. We don't know how much time. verse 8. We don't know how much time. Was it an hour? Was it overnight? How Was it an hour? Was it overnight? How Was it an hour? Was it overnight? How long did Jesus stay at the house of long did Jesus stay at the house of long did Jesus stay at the house of Zakius? We don't know. We don't even Zakius? We don't know. We don't even Zakius? We don't know. We don't even know what conversations happened with know what conversations happened with know what conversations happened with Zakius. Zakius. Zakius. But what we do know is that when we see But what we do know is that when we see But what we do know is that when we see him again in verse 8, when he comes back him again in verse 8, when he comes back him again in verse 8, when he comes back before the crowds, he's a new man. He is before the crowds, he's a new man. He is before the crowds, he's a new man. He is changed by grace. Verse 8 and 9 says, changed by grace. Verse 8 and 9 says, changed by grace. Verse 8 and 9 says, "Zakius stood and said to the Lord," "Zakius stood and said to the Lord," "Zakius stood and said to the Lord," Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor. And if I've defrauded give to the poor. And if I've defrauded give to the poor. And if I've defrauded anyone of anything, which is hilarious anyone of anything, which is hilarious anyone of anything, which is hilarious because that was his whole profession, because that was his whole profession, because that was his whole profession, I restore it four-fold.

I restore it four-fold. I restore it four-fold. And Jesus said to him, "Today salvation And Jesus said to him, "Today salvation And Jesus said to him, "Today salvation has come to this house since he also is has come to this house since he also is has come to this house since he also is a son of Abraham." Listen, this is what a son of Abraham." Listen, this is what a son of Abraham." Listen, this is what God's grace does to us. It changes us. God's grace does to us. It changes us. God's grace does to us. It changes us. Zakius is standing before Jesus and Zakius is standing before Jesus and Zakius is standing before Jesus and before the whole crowd and he declares, before the whole crowd and he declares, before the whole crowd and he declares, "You are Lord." "You are Lord." "You are Lord." He's no longer just curious about Jesus. He's no longer just curious about Jesus. He's no longer just curious about Jesus. He's no longer just trying to catch a He's no longer just trying to catch a He's no longer just trying to catch a glimpse of Jesus. This is the man who glimpse of Jesus. This is the man who glimpse of Jesus. This is the man who climbed a tree to just see Jesus. Now climbed a tree to just see Jesus. Now climbed a tree to just see Jesus. Now bowing down before him as Lord. bowing down before him as Lord. bowing down before him as Lord. And the actions that follow are a direct And the actions that follow are a direct And the actions that follow are a direct result of a heart that has been result of a heart that has been result of a heart that has been transformed by grace. And it's nothing transformed by grace. And it's nothing transformed by grace. And it's nothing short of stunning. short of stunning. short of stunning. The man who built his entire life around The man who built his entire life around The man who built his entire life around accumulation is willing to give away accumulation is willing to give away accumulation is willing to give away half of everything he has. half of everything he has. half of everything he has. The man who made that fortune by being a The man who made that fortune by being a The man who made that fortune by being a thief and a professional extortioner is thief and a professional extortioner is thief and a professional extortioner is now committing to repay anyone he now committing to repay anyone he now committing to repay anyone he defrauded times four. defrauded times four. defrauded times four. Now, I'm not a mathematician, but if you Now, I'm not a mathematician, but if you Now, I'm not a mathematician, but if you do the math, do the math, do the math, if he gives away half of what he has and if he gives away half of what he has and if he gives away half of what he has and repays what he took fourfold, Zakius is repays what he took fourfold, Zakius is repays what he took fourfold, Zakius is about to be broke.

about to be broke. about to be broke. But it doesn't matter to him. Why? But it doesn't matter to him. Why? But it doesn't matter to him. Why? Because he's found his treasure in Because he's found his treasure in Because he's found his treasure in Christ. Christ. Christ. Listen, this is even more shocking if Listen, this is even more shocking if Listen, this is even more shocking if you read it in the context of Luke's you read it in the context of Luke's you read it in the context of Luke's gospel. Because this is in Luke chapter gospel. Because this is in Luke chapter gospel. Because this is in Luke chapter 19. But if we go back to Luke chapter 19. But if we go back to Luke chapter 19. But if we go back to Luke chapter 18, we get a similar story of the rich 18, we get a similar story of the rich 18, we get a similar story of the rich young ruler. young ruler. young ruler. The rich young ruler comes to Jesus and The rich young ruler comes to Jesus and The rich young ruler comes to Jesus and says, "What must I do to inherit eternal says, "What must I do to inherit eternal says, "What must I do to inherit eternal life?" life?" life?" It's such a contrast to this story It's such a contrast to this story It's such a contrast to this story because the rich young ruler, as we see, because the rich young ruler, as we see, because the rich young ruler, as we see, he couldn't let go of his wealth because he couldn't let go of his wealth because he couldn't let go of his wealth because it was his god. But Zakius gladly lets it was his god. But Zakius gladly lets it was his god. But Zakius gladly lets go because Christ was now his treasure. go because Christ was now his treasure. go because Christ was now his treasure. Zakius is everything the rich young Zakius is everything the rich young Zakius is everything the rich young ruler was. He's wealthy. He's powerful. ruler was. He's wealthy. He's powerful. ruler was. He's wealthy. He's powerful. He's defined by his money. And yet, the He's defined by his money. And yet, the He's defined by his money. And yet, the outcome of the story is totally outcome of the story is totally outcome of the story is totally different. Why? It's not because Zakius different. Why? It's not because Zakius different. Why? It's not because Zakius was a better person. was a better person. was a better person. Arguably, he was a much worse person. Arguably, he was a much worse person. Arguably, he was a much worse person. The point here is that grace had reached The point here is that grace had reached The point here is that grace had reached him in a way that left him unable to him in a way that left him unable to him in a way that left him unable to cling to the things he had clinged to cling to the things he had clinged to cling to the things he had clinged to before.

before. before. Back in Luke 18, after the encounter Back in Luke 18, after the encounter Back in Luke 18, after the encounter with the rich young ruler, Jesus told with the rich young ruler, Jesus told with the rich young ruler, Jesus told his disciples, he said, "It's easier for his disciples, he said, "It's easier for his disciples, he said, "It's easier for a camel to slip through the eye of a a camel to slip through the eye of a a camel to slip through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the needle than for a rich man to enter the needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God." So, in other words, kingdom of God." So, in other words, kingdom of God." So, in other words, money or other idols, they have such a money or other idols, they have such a money or other idols, they have such a grip on our hearts that we won't let grip on our hearts that we won't let grip on our hearts that we won't let them go even to reach for a savior. them go even to reach for a savior. them go even to reach for a savior. And the disciples, I think they felt the And the disciples, I think they felt the And the disciples, I think they felt the truth of that statement. I think they truth of that statement. I think they truth of that statement. I think they felt it in their own lives. And so they felt it in their own lives. And so they felt it in their own lives. And so they asked Jesus, "Well, then who can be asked Jesus, "Well, then who can be asked Jesus, "Well, then who can be saved?" saved?" saved?" Like, if if sin is so captive and so Like, if if sin is so captive and so Like, if if sin is so captive and so enticing to us, then whoever has a enticing to us, then whoever has a enticing to us, then whoever has a chance to be allowed into your kingdom, chance to be allowed into your kingdom, chance to be allowed into your kingdom, you know how Jesus responds? you know how Jesus responds? you know how Jesus responds? He says, "What is impossible with man is He says, "What is impossible with man is He says, "What is impossible with man is possible with God." possible with God." possible with God." This is where it gets beautiful because This is where it gets beautiful because This is where it gets beautiful because that was Luke 18. And we going turn over that was Luke 18. And we going turn over that was Luke 18. And we going turn over to Luke 19. You know what we see? We see to Luke 19. You know what we see? We see to Luke 19. You know what we see? We see exactly what is possible with God. exactly what is possible with God. exactly what is possible with God. Zakius is what is possible with God. A Zakius is what is possible with God. A Zakius is what is possible with God. A rich man saved, an idol shattered, a rich man saved, an idol shattered, a rich man saved, an idol shattered, a greedy heart made generous, a thief greedy heart made generous, a thief greedy heart made generous, a thief turned into restorer, a sinner turned into restorer, a sinner turned into restorer, a sinner transformed by grace.

transformed by grace. transformed by grace. Here's what the story is showing us is Here's what the story is showing us is Here's what the story is showing us is that when Jesus saves someone, listen, that when Jesus saves someone, listen, that when Jesus saves someone, listen, they don't stay the same. His grace they don't stay the same. His grace they don't stay the same. His grace transforms who they are and how they transforms who they are and how they transforms who they are and how they live. live. live. It changes us. It changes us. It changes us. And I love this story because it just And I love this story because it just And I love this story because it just reminds us how powerful his grace is and reminds us how powerful his grace is and reminds us how powerful his grace is and the effects that it has on our life. And the effects that it has on our life. And the effects that it has on our life. And so I just want to take the last few so I just want to take the last few so I just want to take the last few moments I got to just kind of highlight moments I got to just kind of highlight moments I got to just kind of highlight a few ways that his grace changes us. a few ways that his grace changes us. a few ways that his grace changes us. This is how his grace is changing me. This is how his grace is changing me. This is how his grace is changing me. And I'm so thankful. And I'm so thankful. And I'm so thankful. Grace changes who we are. Grace changes who we are. Grace changes who we are. See, in Christ, your identity is no See, in Christ, your identity is no See, in Christ, your identity is no longer the one who failed, longer the one who failed, longer the one who failed, the one who can't seem to hold it all the one who can't seem to hold it all the one who can't seem to hold it all together. together. together. No, your identity is child of God who No, your identity is child of God who No, your identity is child of God who has been sought and bought by the blood has been sought and bought by the blood has been sought and bought by the blood of Jesus. of Jesus. of Jesus. When Jesus says that Zakius is a son of When Jesus says that Zakius is a son of When Jesus says that Zakius is a son of Abraham, he's not just saying, "Yes, Abraham, he's not just saying, "Yes, Abraham, he's not just saying, "Yes, he's a Jew." He's declaring that Zakius he's a Jew." He's declaring that Zakius he's a Jew." He's declaring that Zakius belongs to the covenant family of God. belongs to the covenant family of God. belongs to the covenant family of God. That God has adopted him through his That God has adopted him through his That God has adopted him through his faith into his covenant family. When we faith into his covenant family. When we faith into his covenant family. When we believe in Christ, when we trust in believe in Christ, when we trust in believe in Christ, when we trust in Christ, we become co-airs with Christ, Christ, we become co-airs with Christ, Christ, we become co-airs with Christ, members of God's family and co-airs to members of God's family and co-airs to members of God's family and co-airs to all the riches of heaven.

all the riches of heaven. all the riches of heaven. It changes our identity. Grace changes It changes our identity. Grace changes It changes our identity. Grace changes the way we relate to one another. the way we relate to one another. the way we relate to one another. Listen, grace is not a free pass to just Listen, grace is not a free pass to just Listen, grace is not a free pass to just continue sinning against one another. continue sinning against one another. continue sinning against one another. It's the freedom to confess sin and to It's the freedom to confess sin and to It's the freedom to confess sin and to make it right with one another. make it right with one another. make it right with one another. See, we want grace that says, "Well, I See, we want grace that says, "Well, I See, we want grace that says, "Well, I know I messed up, but God forgives it, know I messed up, but God forgives it, know I messed up, but God forgives it, so I don't have to worry about who it so I don't have to worry about who it so I don't have to worry about who it hurt. I don't have to worry about the hurt. I don't have to worry about the hurt. I don't have to worry about the damage that it caused." But that's not damage that it caused." But that's not damage that it caused." But that's not real grace. Real grace says God forgives real grace. Real grace says God forgives real grace. Real grace says God forgives me. So now I have the freedom. I have me. So now I have the freedom. I have me. So now I have the freedom. I have the courage to actually go and seek out the courage to actually go and seek out the courage to actually go and seek out forgiveness of others and to make it forgiveness of others and to make it forgiveness of others and to make it right. right. right. Just as Zakius did. We want to be quick Just as Zakius did. We want to be quick Just as Zakius did. We want to be quick to repent of our sin. We want to take to repent of our sin. We want to take to repent of our sin. We want to take steps towards reconciliation with one steps towards reconciliation with one steps towards reconciliation with one another. And grace is what gives us that another. And grace is what gives us that another. And grace is what gives us that freedom and that courage to do that. freedom and that courage to do that. freedom and that courage to do that. This means in real life, grace produces This means in real life, grace produces This means in real life, grace produces people who don't run away from people who don't run away from people who don't run away from conversations, but they run towards conversations, but they run towards conversations, but they run towards them. them. them. If you've hurt someone, grace is what If you've hurt someone, grace is what If you've hurt someone, grace is what gives you the courage to say, "I was gives you the courage to say, "I was gives you the courage to say, "I was wrong."

wrong." wrong." Be quick to confess. Be quick to ask for Be quick to confess. Be quick to ask for Be quick to confess. Be quick to ask for forgiveness from others. And if you've forgiveness from others. And if you've forgiveness from others. And if you've been hurt, grace is what removes that been hurt, grace is what removes that been hurt, grace is what removes that burden of feeling like you have to burden of feeling like you have to burden of feeling like you have to defend yourself or avenge yourself. defend yourself or avenge yourself. defend yourself or avenge yourself. Because in Christ, you've already been Because in Christ, you've already been Because in Christ, you've already been received and defended and justified. So, received and defended and justified. So, received and defended and justified. So, you don't have to fight your own you don't have to fight your own you don't have to fight your own justice. justice. justice. Grace says you can forgive because Grace says you can forgive because Grace says you can forgive because you've been forgiven. You can seek re you've been forgiven. You can seek re you've been forgiven. You can seek re reconciliation whenever it's possible. reconciliation whenever it's possible. reconciliation whenever it's possible. And listen, I know that sometimes it's And listen, I know that sometimes it's And listen, I know that sometimes it's not possible. But even in those moments, not possible. But even in those moments, not possible. But even in those moments, you can just hand it over to him and let you can just hand it over to him and let you can just hand it over to him and let him be judged because he's a better him be judged because he's a better him be judged because he's a better judge than you are anyway. judge than you are anyway. judge than you are anyway. I need to remember that if everything I need to remember that if everything I need to remember that if everything sinful about me, past, present, and sinful about me, past, present, and sinful about me, past, present, and future, has been completely covered by future, has been completely covered by future, has been completely covered by the redemptive blood of Christ, then the redemptive blood of Christ, then the redemptive blood of Christ, then there should be no moment, no sin that I there should be no moment, no sin that I there should be no moment, no sin that I don't have the freedom and courage to don't have the freedom and courage to don't have the freedom and courage to confess. confess. confess. It also says that if everything sinful It also says that if everything sinful It also says that if everything sinful and wrong about me has been completely and wrong about me has been completely and wrong about me has been completely covered by the redemptive blood of Jesus covered by the redemptive blood of Jesus covered by the redemptive blood of Jesus Christ, if I've been forgiven that much, Christ, if I've been forgiven that much, Christ, if I've been forgiven that much, then there's no reason I can't extend then there's no reason I can't extend then there's no reason I can't extend forgiveness to others.

forgiveness to others. forgiveness to others. Grace is what allows us to become a Grace is what allows us to become a Grace is what allows us to become a people who can say without fear of people who can say without fear of people who can say without fear of condemnation, hey, I sinned. But it also condemnation, hey, I sinned. But it also condemnation, hey, I sinned. But it also makes us a people who can say,"I makes us a people who can say,"I makes us a people who can say,"I forgive." Because both of those things forgive." Because both of those things forgive." Because both of those things are rooted in the freeing truth that are rooted in the freeing truth that are rooted in the freeing truth that Jesus has paid the debt of sin on the Jesus has paid the debt of sin on the Jesus has paid the debt of sin on the cross, it's all been covered. cross, it's all been covered. cross, it's all been covered. If you don't have the type of community, If you don't have the type of community, If you don't have the type of community, by the way, I listen, I'm just making a by the way, I listen, I'm just making a by the way, I listen, I'm just making a plug right here. If you don't have the plug right here. If you don't have the plug right here. If you don't have the type of community where you can live type of community where you can live type of community where you can live grace out in that way, that's why we grace out in that way, that's why we grace out in that way, that's why we talk about droups. That's why we talk talk about droups. That's why we talk talk about droups. That's why we talk about small groups because we want you about small groups because we want you about small groups because we want you to have a place where you can experience to have a place where you can experience to have a place where you can experience that that opportunity to say, "I've that that opportunity to say, "I've that that opportunity to say, "I've sinned and to receive forgiveness and to sinned and to receive forgiveness and to sinned and to receive forgiveness and to practice forgiveness to live out grace." practice forgiveness to live out grace." practice forgiveness to live out grace." We want you to do that in small groups We want you to do that in small groups We want you to do that in small groups where it's safe to do that. where it's safe to do that. where it's safe to do that. Here's the last thing. Grace changes the Here's the last thing. Grace changes the Here's the last thing. Grace changes the things we treasure. things we treasure. things we treasure. See, without Christ, we naturally look See, without Christ, we naturally look See, without Christ, we naturally look to other things for security. to other things for security. to other things for security. Money feels like safety to us. Success Money feels like safety to us. Success Money feels like safety to us. Success feels like our identity. Control feels feels like our identity. Control feels feels like our identity. Control feels like peace. Approval feels like like peace. Approval feels like like peace. Approval feels like happiness. And what happens is we rely happiness. And what happens is we rely happiness. And what happens is we rely on those things to hold our world on those things to hold our world on those things to hold our world together. But they fail.

together. But they fail. together. But they fail. And so in his grace, Jesus breaks that And so in his grace, Jesus breaks that And so in his grace, Jesus breaks that illusion. We begin to see those things illusion. We begin to see those things illusion. We begin to see those things for what they are. They are good gifts, for what they are. They are good gifts, for what they are. They are good gifts, but they are terrible gods. They can but they are terrible gods. They can but they are terrible gods. They can never carry the weight that we put on never carry the weight that we put on never carry the weight that we put on them. They can never give the deep them. They can never give the deep them. They can never give the deep security and satisfaction that he gives. security and satisfaction that he gives. security and satisfaction that he gives. And so by his grace, what Jesus does is And so by his grace, what Jesus does is And so by his grace, what Jesus does is he turns our hearts to see him as our he turns our hearts to see him as our he turns our hearts to see him as our greatest treasure. greatest treasure. greatest treasure. What we have in him becomes more What we have in him becomes more What we have in him becomes more satisfying than anything money could satisfying than anything money could satisfying than anything money could buy. It becomes more secure than what buy. It becomes more secure than what buy. It becomes more secure than what any success or power can give us, more any success or power can give us, more any success or power can give us, more stable than anything the world offers. stable than anything the world offers. stable than anything the world offers. In his book, The Whole Christ, Sinclair In his book, The Whole Christ, Sinclair In his book, The Whole Christ, Sinclair Ferguson says it like this. Ferguson says it like this. Ferguson says it like this. He says, 'When we behold the glory of He says, 'When we behold the glory of He says, 'When we behold the glory of Christ in the gospel, Christ in the gospel, Christ in the gospel, it reorders the loves of our hearts. So it reorders the loves of our hearts. So it reorders the loves of our hearts. So we delight in him supremely and the we delight in him supremely and the we delight in him supremely and the other things that have ruled our lives, other things that have ruled our lives, other things that have ruled our lives, they lose their enslaving power over us. Church, grace Church, grace doesn't just tell you, "Hey, stop loving doesn't just tell you, "Hey, stop loving doesn't just tell you, "Hey, stop loving those other things." No, grace gives you those other things." No, grace gives you those other things." No, grace gives you something better to love.

something better to love. something better to love. It gives you Jesus. It gives you Jesus. It gives you Jesus. The one who holds all things together. The one who holds all things together. The one who holds all things together. The one who sought us and bought us by The one who sought us and bought us by The one who sought us and bought us by his blood. The one who forgives us his blood. The one who forgives us his blood. The one who forgives us fully, secures us completely, satisfies fully, secures us completely, satisfies fully, secures us completely, satisfies us deeply. He's the one that our hearts us deeply. He's the one that our hearts us deeply. He's the one that our hearts crave. crave. crave. Listen, I love this story because it is Listen, I love this story because it is Listen, I love this story because it is such a beautiful and complete picture of such a beautiful and complete picture of such a beautiful and complete picture of who Jesus is. who Jesus is. who Jesus is. When we were planning out this series When we were planning out this series When we were planning out this series and they say, "Hey, just pick your and they say, "Hey, just pick your and they say, "Hey, just pick your favorite story." I thought, man, if I've favorite story." I thought, man, if I've favorite story." I thought, man, if I've only got one bullet, this is the shot only got one bullet, this is the shot only got one bullet, this is the shot I'm taking. I'm taking. I'm taking. I just want you to see Jesus. I just want you to see Jesus. I just want you to see Jesus. I do not want you to leave this this I do not want you to leave this this I do not want you to leave this this room thinking about a short man. Not room thinking about a short man. Not room thinking about a short man. Not Zakius and not me. Zakius and not me. Zakius and not me. I want you to remember Jesus. I want you to remember Jesus. I want you to remember Jesus. He is the very embodiment of God's love. He is the very embodiment of God's love. He is the very embodiment of God's love. He's the son of God who came into our He's the son of God who came into our He's the son of God who came into our world to seek and to save those who were world to seek and to save those who were world to seek and to save those who were lost in sin. He's the one who's not lost in sin. He's the one who's not lost in sin. He's the one who's not surprised. He's not repelled by your surprised. He's not repelled by your surprised. He's not repelled by your sin, but in his grace, he moves towards sin, but in his grace, he moves towards sin, but in his grace, he moves towards us and he calls us by name to faith in us and he calls us by name to faith in us and he calls us by name to faith in him. He's the one who gave himself as a him. He's the one who gave himself as a him. He's the one who gave himself as a sacrifice on the cross to pay the debt sacrifice on the cross to pay the debt sacrifice on the cross to pay the debt of sin. He's the one who has broken its of sin. He's the one who has broken its of sin. He's the one who has broken its power over us. He's the one who has power over us. He's the one who has power over us. He's the one who has resurrected to eternal life so that we resurrected to eternal life so that we resurrected to eternal life so that we can have new life in him. He's the one can have new life in him. He's the one can have new life in him. He's the one who sits on the throne reigning above who sits on the throne reigning above who sits on the throne reigning above all things and holding them in his all things and holding them in his all things and holding them in his hands. He is Jesus.

hands. He is Jesus. hands. He is Jesus. Church, be in awe of Jesus. Church, be in awe of Jesus. Church, be in awe of Jesus. Be amazed at his grace. If you haven't Be amazed at his grace. If you haven't Be amazed at his grace. If you haven't done so, believe in him today. done so, believe in him today. done so, believe in him today. Would you pray with me? Lord, I thank you so much for your Lord, I thank you so much for your grace. Thank you so much for your son Jesus and Thank you so much for your son Jesus and what he has done for us. what he has done for us. what he has done for us. that while we were sinners, he would that while we were sinners, he would that while we were sinners, he would come and seek us out and die on the come and seek us out and die on the come and seek us out and die on the cross to save us from sin and to give cross to save us from sin and to give cross to save us from sin and to give our hearts the rest that it craves. And Lord, for those in this room that And Lord, for those in this room that don't know him in that saving way, would don't know him in that saving way, would don't know him in that saving way, would you lead them today to see him clearly you lead them today to see him clearly you lead them today to see him clearly and put their faith in him? and put their faith in him? and put their faith in him? And Lord, for those of us that do know And Lord, for those of us that do know And Lord, for those of us that do know him as savior and lord, just as Zakius him as savior and lord, just as Zakius him as savior and lord, just as Zakius said, would our lives reflect the way said, would our lives reflect the way said, would our lives reflect the way his grace is changing us, his grace is changing us, his grace is changing us, would we live out the identity he's would we live out the identity he's would we live out the identity he's given us as sons and daughters of the given us as sons and daughters of the given us as sons and daughters of the most high God.

Lord, we need to see Jesus for who he is Lord, we need to see Jesus for who he is and what he's done. And as we see him, and what he's done. And as we see him, and what he's done. And as we see him, we love him. And as we love him, we want we love him. And as we love him, we want we love him. And as we love him, we want to follow him. Lord, that's our prayer to follow him. Lord, that's our prayer to follow him. Lord, that's our prayer this morning. Would you make that true this morning. Would you make that true this morning. Would you make that true in our hearts? In his name we pray. in our hearts? In his name we pray. in our hearts? In his name we pray. Amen. Let's stand and respond together in Let's stand and respond together in worship. How great the chasm How great the chasm that lay between us. How high the that lay between us. How high the that lay between us. How high the mountain mountain mountain I could not climb. I could not climb. I could not climb. In desperation, In desperation, In desperation, I turned to heaven I turned to heaven I turned to heaven and spoke your light into the night.

and spoke your light into the night. and spoke your light into the night. And through the darkness, And through the darkness, And through the darkness, your loving kindness your loving kindness your loving kindness tore through the shadows tore through the shadows tore through the shadows of my soul. of my soul. of my soul. The work is finished. The work is finished. The work is finished. The is The is The is Jesus Christ my living Jesus Christ my living Jesus Christ my living hope. Who could imagine Who could imagine so great a mercy? so great a mercy? so great a mercy? Oh, good father, Oh, good father, Oh, good father, such childless grace. such childless grace. such childless grace. The God of aesthetic.

Yes, church. Yes, church. That is our prayer today that we can That is our prayer today that we can That is our prayer today that we can delight in the one who is our living delight in the one who is our living delight in the one who is our living hope. hope. hope. It's been such a good time worshiping It's been such a good time worshiping It's been such a good time worshiping with you all. We hope to see you next with you all. We hope to see you next with you all. We hope to see you next week. But before you go, I want to week. But before you go, I want to week. But before you go, I want to remind you just as Stephen said that we remind you just as Stephen said that we remind you just as Stephen said that we have some people who are going into the have some people who are going into the have some people who are going into the watery grave of baptism and coming back watery grave of baptism and coming back watery grave of baptism and coming back up new creations who are declaring their up new creations who are declaring their up new creations who are declaring their faith in Christ through baptisms just faith in Christ through baptisms just faith in Christ through baptisms just out there after this service. So if you out there after this service. So if you out there after this service. So if you have time, stick around, celebrate with have time, stick around, celebrate with have time, stick around, celebrate with them, and just engage in your new family them, and just engage in your new family them, and just engage in your new family in Christ. All right, y'all have a great in Christ. All right, y'all have a great in Christ. All right, y'all have a great week. We'll see y'all next week.