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to to Heat. Heat. Welcome everyone. Stay in worship with Welcome everyone. Stay in worship with us.

Sing, Lord, you are good. Sing, Lord, you are good. >> Lord, you are good and your mercy >> Lord, you are good and your mercy >> Lord, you are good and your mercy endureth forever. endureth forever. endureth forever. >> Lord, you are good. Yeah. >> Lord, you are good. Yeah. >> Lord, you are good. Yeah. >> Lord, you are good and your mercy >> Lord, you are good and your mercy >> Lord, you are good and your mercy enduring forever. enduring forever. enduring forever. >> People from every nation from every >> People from every nation from every >> People from every nation from every nation nation nation from generation to generation we worship from generation to generation we worship from generation to generation we worship you. you. you. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. We worship Hallelujah. We worship Hallelujah. We worship you for who you are. We worship We worship you. Hallelujah. you. Hallelujah. you. Hallelujah. >> Hallelujah. >> Hallelujah. >> Hallelujah. Hallelujah. We worship you for who you Hallelujah. We worship you for who you Hallelujah. We worship you for who you are. >> Lord, you are good. Say, >> Lord, you are good. Say, >> Lord, you are good and your mercy >> Lord, you are good and your mercy >> Lord, you are good and your mercy enduring forever.

enduring forever. enduring forever. >> Sing, Lord, you are good. >> Sing, Lord, you are good. >> Sing, Lord, you are good. >> Lord, you are good and your mercy >> Lord, you are good and your mercy >> Lord, you are good and your mercy endureth forever. People from every endureth forever. People from every endureth forever. People from every nation from every nation and tongue from nation from every nation and tongue from nation from every nation and tongue from generation to generation we worship generation to generation we worship generation to generation we worship you. you. you. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. We worship Hallelujah. We worship Hallelujah. We worship you for who you are. We worship We worship you. Hallelujah. you. Hallelujah. you. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. We worship you for who you Hallelujah. We worship you for who you Hallelujah. We worship you for who you are. You are good. You are good. Yes, you are. Yes, you are. Yes, you Yes, you are. Yes, you are. Yes, you Yes, you are. Yes, you are. Yes, you are. are. are. So good. So good. So good. So good. So good. So good. Yes, you are. Yes, you are. Yes, you Yes, you are. Yes, you are. Yes, you Yes, you are. Yes, you are. Yes, you are.

are. are. You are good all the time. All the time You are good all the time. All the time You are good all the time. All the time you are good. You are good. All the you are good. You are good. All the you are good. You are good. All the time. All the time. You are good. time. All the time. You are good. time. All the time. You are good. >> You are good. >> You are good. >> You are good. >> You are good. All the time. All the >> You are good. All the time. All the >> You are good. All the time. All the time. You are good. time. You are good. time. You are good. >> You are good. >> You are good. >> You are good. >> You are good. All the time. All the >> You are good. All the time. All the >> You are good. All the time. All the time. You are good. time. You are good. time. You are good. Lord, you are good and your mercy Lord, you are good and your mercy Lord, you are good and your mercy endureth forever. >> Lord, you are good and your mercy >> Lord, you are good and your mercy endureth forever. Lord, you are good and your mercy Lord, you are good and your mercy endureth forever. Lord, you are good and your mercy endure Lord, you are good and your mercy endure it forever.

people from every nation and tongue, people from every nation and tongue, from generation to generation. from generation to generation. from generation to generation. We worship We worship We worship you. Hallelujah. you. Hallelujah. you. Hallelujah. >> Hallelujah. >> Hallelujah. >> Hallelujah. Hallelujah. We worship Hallelujah. We worship Hallelujah. We worship you for who you are. We worship We worship you. you. you. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. >> We worship >> We worship >> We worship you for who you are. you for who you are. you for who you are. >> For who you are. >> For who you are. >> For who you are. >> You are who you are. >> You are who you are. >> You are who you are. >> You are good. >> You are good. >> You are good. >> You are good.

You good? Good for all my life. You good? Good for all my life. Nothing could ever change my mind. You'll never break the promise. You'll never break the promise. Constant in all you do. Constant in all you do. Constant in all you do. Yours is the way, the truth, the life Yours is the way, the truth, the life Yours is the way, the truth, the life that I will choose. that I will choose. that I will choose. Oh, I know that. I know you won't ever Oh, I know that. I know you won't ever Oh, I know that. I know you won't ever let me go. Every low, every high, you let me go. Every low, every high, you let me go. Every low, every high, you are faithful all the time. I taste it are faithful all the time. I taste it are faithful all the time. I taste it and I see you've been so so good to me and I see you've been so so good to me and I see you've been so so good to me that I know that I know I will look to the left or right I will look to the left or right and I will keep heaven in my sight.

and I will keep heaven in my sight. and I will keep heaven in my sight. No, I will not shake it. No, I will not shake it. No, I will not shake it. Nothing is moving me. Nothing is moving me. Nothing is moving me. I got faith for things I cannot say. I got faith for things I cannot say. I got faith for things I cannot say. Oh, I know that I know you won't ever Oh, I know that I know you won't ever Oh, I know that I know you won't ever let me go. Every low. Every high you are let me go. Every low. Every high you are let me go. Every low. Every high you are faithful all the time. I'll taste it and faithful all the time. I'll taste it and faithful all the time. I'll taste it and I'll see. You've been so so good to me. I'll see. You've been so so good to me. I'll see. You've been so so good to me. God, I know that I know I won't stand on words of men. God, I'll I won't stand on words of men. God, I'll stand on yours instead. All of my hope, stand on yours instead. All of my hope, stand on yours instead. All of my hope, all of my faith, all of it in your name.

all of my faith, all of it in your name. all of my faith, all of it in your name. And the world cannot deny all that And the world cannot deny all that And the world cannot deny all that you've done in my life. All of my days, you've done in my life. All of my days, you've done in my life. All of my days, all of my praise, all in Jesus name. I all of my praise, all in Jesus name. I all of my praise, all in Jesus name. I won't stand on words of men. God, I won't stand on words of men. God, I won't stand on words of men. God, I stand on yours instead. All of my hope, stand on yours instead. All of my hope, stand on yours instead. All of my hope, all of my pain, all of it in your name. all of my pain, all of it in your name. all of my pain, all of it in your name. And the world cannot deny all that And the world cannot deny all that And the world cannot deny all that you've done in my life. All of my days, you've done in my life. All of my days, you've done in my life. All of my days, all of my praise, I believe in Jesus all of my praise, I believe in Jesus all of my praise, I believe in Jesus name. All of my days, all of my praise, name. All of my days, all of my praise, name. All of my days, all of my praise, I believe Jesus name. Oh, I know that. I I believe Jesus name. Oh, I know that. I I believe Jesus name. Oh, I know that. I know you won't ever let me go. Every know you won't ever let me go. Every know you won't ever let me go. Every low, every high, you are faithful all low, every high, you are faithful all low, every high, you are faithful all the time. Oh, I know that I know you the time. Oh, I know that I know you the time. Oh, I know that I know you won't never let me go. Every little won't never let me go. Every little won't never let me go. Every little you are faithful all the time. I taste you are faithful all the time. I taste you are faithful all the time. I taste it and I see you've been so so good to it and I see you've been so so good to it and I see you've been so so good to me. God, I know that I know Jesus,

Jesus, you've been faithful. I don't want anything I don't want anything but you. but you. but you. You're more than every dream come true. You're more than every dream come true. You're more than every dream come true. All of the things I thought I wanted All of the things I thought I wanted All of the things I thought I wanted don't come close to knowing you. Now that I'm yours and you are mine, Now that I'm yours and you are mine, our love is the secret our love is the secret our love is the secret that I find. that I find. that I find. I'll spend forever I'll spend forever I'll spend forever in the pleasure in the pleasure in the pleasure I found looking I found looking I found looking in your eyes.

You can have all this world. You can have all this world. You can have all this world. You can have it all, Jesus. You can have it all, Jesus. More than silver, More than silver, More than silver, more than gold. more than gold. more than gold. You are the treesure You are the treesure You are the treesure that I hold. that I hold. that I hold. Now that I've tasted Now that I've tasted Now that I've tasted of your goodness, of your goodness, of your goodness, nothing nothing nothing else will satisfy. You can help all the world. You can help all the world. It's yours and yours. Oh Lord Jesus, you It's yours and yours. Oh Lord Jesus, you It's yours and yours. Oh Lord Jesus, you can have it all. You can can have it all. You can can have it all. You can all this world.

all this world. all this world. Give me Jesus. You can have it. Oh Jesus. You can have it. Oh Jesus. All this you can have it all. You can All this you can have it all. You can All this you can have it all. You can have all this. Oh, you would have it all. Oh, you would have it all. Oh Jesus. Oh Jesus. Oh Jesus. Oh, you would have it all. My attention, Oh, you would have it all. My attention, Oh, you would have it all. My attention, my worship, my worship, my worship, it's yours and yours alone. it's yours and yours alone. it's yours and yours alone. I fix my eyes on you and you alone I fix my eyes on you and you alone I fix my eyes on you and you alone Jesus. I don't want anyone else.

I don't want anyone else. I don't need anything else. I don't need anything else. I don't need anything else. You are my one thing. You are my one You are my one thing. You are my one You are my one thing. You are my one thing. Say I don't want anyone. I don't thing. Say I don't want anyone. I don't thing. Say I don't want anyone. I don't need anything else. need anything else. need anything else. >> Thank you, Jesus. >> Oh, your love is enough >> Oh, your love is enough to satisfy our souls. to satisfy our souls. to satisfy our souls. >> Thank you, Jesus. Cuz I don't need >> Thank you, Jesus. Cuz I don't need >> Thank you, Jesus. Cuz I don't need anything else. You are You are my one. anything else. You are You are my one. anything else. You are You are my one. Oh, you're my one thing, Jesus. The only Oh, you're my one thing, Jesus. The only Oh, you're my one thing, Jesus. The only thing I really need. thing I really need. thing I really need. >> You're my treasure. my treasure. >> You are all my desire. Say, you are >> You are all my desire. Say, you are >> You are all my desire. Say, you are hallelujah. hallelujah. hallelujah. You are my Oh Jesus, you are hallelujah. You are my Oh Jesus, you are hallelujah. You are my Oh Jesus, you are hallelujah. You are your one.

You can have it all. Anything you ask You can have it all. Anything you ask for, Jesus, you can have it. See, you for, Jesus, you can have it. See, you for, Jesus, you can have it. See, you can have can have can have Give me Jesus. Give me Jesus. Give me Jesus. You give me You can have. You can have. You can have it. All Jesus. You can have it. All Jesus. You can have it. All Jesus. You can have all this world. Say I don't You can have all this world. Say I don't You can have all this world. Say I don't want anyone else. Say I don't want want anyone else. Say I don't want want anyone else. Say I don't want anyone else cuz I don't need anything anyone else cuz I don't need anything anyone else cuz I don't need anything else. Cuz you are you are my one thing. else. Cuz you are you are my one thing. else. Cuz you are you are my one thing. Jesus. Jesus. Jesus. We say I don't want anyone else We say I don't want anyone else We say I don't want anyone else cuz I don't need anything else.

cuz I don't need anything else. cuz I don't need anything else. And you are my And you are my And you are my >> Yes, you are, Jesus. You are my >> Yes, you are, Jesus. You are my >> Yes, you are, Jesus. You are my >> You're my >> You're my >> You're my You are my You are my You are my You are my You are my You are my You are my You are my You are my Give me Jesus. Give me Jesus. Give me Jesus. Give me Jesus. >> You can have it. >> You can have it. You can have You can have You can have all this world. all this world. all this world. That's our prayer today. That's our prayer today. That's our prayer today. We just need you, Jesus. We just need you, Jesus. We just need you, Jesus. Lord, forgive us for when we get Lord, forgive us for when we get Lord, forgive us for when we get distracted and we get attached to to distracted and we get attached to to distracted and we get attached to to things that really don't matter. What we things that really don't matter. What we things that really don't matter. What we want, what we need is more of you. And want, what we need is more of you. And want, what we need is more of you. And thank you that you respond when we cry thank you that you respond when we cry thank you that you respond when we cry out. Thank you for your presence and for out. Thank you for your presence and for out. Thank you for your presence and for your help. We worship you in Jesus name.

your help. We worship you in Jesus name. your help. We worship you in Jesus name. Amen. Amen. Well, good morning. Before Amen. Amen. Well, good morning. Before Amen. Amen. Well, good morning. Before you sit down, turn around and greet you sit down, turn around and greet you sit down, turn around and greet somebody. It's a good day to be somebody. It's a good day to be somebody. It's a good day to be together. Good morning again and welcome whether Good morning again and welcome whether online or in person. We're one church online or in person. We're one church online or in person. We're one church and one family. Thank you for being and one family. Thank you for being and one family. Thank you for being here. Please take a moment and check in. here. Please take a moment and check in. here. Please take a moment and check in. You can do that on the app or by tapping You can do that on the app or by tapping You can do that on the app or by tapping your phone on the circle on the chair your phone on the circle on the chair your phone on the circle on the chair back in front of you. If you're a guest back in front of you. If you're a guest back in front of you. If you're a guest with us, if you take a moment, do that with us, if you take a moment, do that with us, if you take a moment, do that same thing. I just want to send you same thing. I just want to send you same thing. I just want to send you something later this week to say thank something later this week to say thank something later this week to say thank you again for being here today. Invite you again for being here today. Invite you again for being here today. Invite you to join us right after this service you to join us right after this service you to join us right after this service in the guest center, which is just out in the guest center, which is just out in the guest center, which is just out these doors and across the main lobby.

these doors and across the main lobby. these doors and across the main lobby. If you're a guest, we have a gift for If you're a guest, we have a gift for If you're a guest, we have a gift for you. Uh guest center is also the place you. Uh guest center is also the place you. Uh guest center is also the place if you're ready to be a member of our if you're ready to be a member of our if you're ready to be a member of our church. I've seen several this morning church. I've seen several this morning church. I've seen several this morning going through membership. We'll do your going through membership. We'll do your going through membership. We'll do your own membership class right then. just own membership class right then. just own membership class right then. just for you. Uh if you're ready to find your for you. Uh if you're ready to find your for you. Uh if you're ready to find your place in ministry, looking for a way to place in ministry, looking for a way to place in ministry, looking for a way to connect or you want to follow the Lord connect or you want to follow the Lord connect or you want to follow the Lord in water baptism, come to the guest in water baptism, come to the guest in water baptism, come to the guest center. Last week, 53 firsttime guests center. Last week, 53 firsttime guests center. Last week, 53 firsttime guests checked in. So, thanks for inviting checked in. So, thanks for inviting checked in. So, thanks for inviting people to come to church with you. It's people to come to church with you. It's people to come to church with you. It's awesome. awesome. awesome. Last weekend, we took a special offering Last weekend, we took a special offering Last weekend, we took a special offering to provide Bible school scholarships for to provide Bible school scholarships for to provide Bible school scholarships for pastors in Rwanda. crucially important pastors in Rwanda. crucially important pastors in Rwanda. crucially important because without a degree they won't be because without a degree they won't be because without a degree they won't be allowed to continue as pastors. Money is allowed to continue as pastors. Money is allowed to continue as pastors. Money is still coming in. Right now that total is still coming in. Right now that total is still coming in. Right now that total is just over $134,000 just over $134,000 just over $134,000 which is phenomenal. Thank you. which is phenomenal. Thank you. which is phenomenal. Thank you. And now I want to back up about four And now I want to back up about four And now I want to back up about four years. March of 2022 years. March of 2022 years. March of 2022 we took a special offering for the we took a special offering for the we took a special offering for the church in Ukraine. The war with Russia church in Ukraine. The war with Russia church in Ukraine. The war with Russia just begun.

just begun. just begun. The need was desperate. You responded The need was desperate. You responded The need was desperate. You responded with what was at that time the second with what was at that time the second with what was at that time the second largest offering in the history of our largest offering in the history of our largest offering in the history of our church over $310,000. church over $310,000. church over $310,000. Couple weeks ago, Pastor Parker and I Couple weeks ago, Pastor Parker and I Couple weeks ago, Pastor Parker and I were with the missionary leaders for were with the missionary leaders for were with the missionary leaders for that part of the world. They shared a that part of the world. They shared a that part of the world. They shared a story about the impact of your giving story about the impact of your giving story about the impact of your giving that I I knew you had to hear. So I that I I knew you had to hear. So I that I I knew you had to hear. So I asked them if they would adjust their asked them if they would adjust their asked them if they would adjust their schedules and come and be with us today. schedules and come and be with us today. schedules and come and be with us today. They are the missionary leaders in that They are the missionary leaders in that They are the missionary leaders in that part of the world kind of a group of part of the world kind of a group of part of the world kind of a group of former Soviet block nations and this is former Soviet block nations and this is former Soviet block nations and this is their first time to be with us at first their first time to be with us at first their first time to be with us at first NLR. So would you welcome our NLR. So would you welcome our NLR. So would you welcome our missionaries Ken and Tiffany Belbin. >> man. We already loved you guys, but just >> man. We already loved you guys, but just being with you in person, like, love you being with you in person, like, love you being with you in person, like, love you even more. Um, we're Ken and Tiffany even more. Um, we're Ken and Tiffany even more. Um, we're Ken and Tiffany Velvin, and we have four wonderful Velvin, and we have four wonderful Velvin, and we have four wonderful children. There they are. And one children. There they are. And one children. There they are. And one awesome son-in-law. And when we first awesome son-in-law. And when we first awesome son-in-law. And when we first started our missionary journey, they started our missionary journey, they started our missionary journey, they were just 2, four, six, and eight. So, were just 2, four, six, and eight. So, were just 2, four, six, and eight. So, thank you guys for your faithful support thank you guys for your faithful support thank you guys for your faithful support to us as a family. Thank you, Pastor to us as a family. Thank you, Pastor to us as a family. Thank you, Pastor Rod, for just being the most loving, Rod, for just being the most loving, Rod, for just being the most loving, generous, um, faithful supporter and of generous, um, faithful supporter and of generous, um, faithful supporter and of missionaries and to us. So, thank you.

missionaries and to us. So, thank you. missionaries and to us. So, thank you. Thank you, church. Um, we also want to Thank you, church. Um, we also want to Thank you, church. Um, we also want to give a a big thank you for your generous give a a big thank you for your generous give a a big thank you for your generous support for Ukraine a few years ago. And support for Ukraine a few years ago. And support for Ukraine a few years ago. And that that gift that you guys gave has that that gift that you guys gave has that that gift that you guys gave has made such an impact in the lives of the made such an impact in the lives of the made such an impact in the lives of the Ukrainians and continues to um impact Ukrainians and continues to um impact Ukrainians and continues to um impact and God is doing amazing things in and God is doing amazing things in and God is doing amazing things in Ukraine. And so we have a story that we Ukraine. And so we have a story that we Ukraine. And so we have a story that we wanted to share with you. wanted to share with you. wanted to share with you. >> Your faith giving has opened the gateway >> Your faith giving has opened the gateway >> Your faith giving has opened the gateway to participate in miracles that God is to participate in miracles that God is to participate in miracles that God is doing in Ukraine. When the war started doing in Ukraine. When the war started doing in Ukraine. When the war started almost five years ago, the church began almost five years ago, the church began almost five years ago, the church began to pray. And I want to tell you this to pray. And I want to tell you this to pray. And I want to tell you this morning that you have participated in morning that you have participated in morning that you have participated in the planting of more churches over the the planting of more churches over the the planting of more churches over the last five years in Ukraine than perhaps last five years in Ukraine than perhaps last five years in Ukraine than perhaps at any other point in all of its at any other point in all of its at any other point in all of its history. Isn't that amazing? We Amen. In a place that has been ravaged by In a place that has been ravaged by nightly drone strikes, over 300 drones nightly drone strikes, over 300 drones nightly drone strikes, over 300 drones many nights, and missile attacks that many nights, and missile attacks that many nights, and missile attacks that are still continuing, it's it's often are still continuing, it's it's often are still continuing, it's it's often the case that people spend the night the case that people spend the night the case that people spend the night hunkered down in basement. And I was hunkered down in basement. And I was hunkered down in basement. And I was invited a year ago when I was in Ukraine invited a year ago when I was in Ukraine invited a year ago when I was in Ukraine by one of our missionaries that you have by one of our missionaries that you have by one of our missionaries that you have sent to be there. He said, "You know sent to be there. He said, "You know sent to be there. He said, "You know what? there's this city on the front what? there's this city on the front what? there's this city on the front line about 30 miles from where the line about 30 miles from where the line about 30 miles from where the fighting is, and I'd like for us to go fighting is, and I'd like for us to go fighting is, and I'd like for us to go there. God is doing something." And I there. God is doing something." And I there. God is doing something." And I said, "Well, I'm not usually that brave, said, "Well, I'm not usually that brave, said, "Well, I'm not usually that brave, but if you feel that God's in this, but if you feel that God's in this, but if you feel that God's in this, let's go." And so, we went, and I got to let's go." And so, we went, and I got to let's go." And so, we went, and I got to tell you, we showed up and he'd been tell you, we showed up and he'd been tell you, we showed up and he'd been going there for some months. When the

going there for some months. When the going there for some months. When the war started, this this city had been war started, this this city had been war started, this this city had been invaded. And so, you can see today where invaded. And so, you can see today where invaded. And so, you can see today where there are mortar shell holes that are in there are mortar shell holes that are in there are mortar shell holes that are in every building. In fact, there are every building. In fact, there are every building. In fact, there are almost no windows left in any building. almost no windows left in any building. almost no windows left in any building. And the devastation is there. You can And the devastation is there. You can And the devastation is there. You can imagine when the war began that all of a imagine when the war began that all of a imagine when the war began that all of a sudden that there's no electricity, no sudden that there's no electricity, no sudden that there's no electricity, no running water, and people had no way of running water, and people had no way of running water, and people had no way of getting food. And who was it that showed getting food. And who was it that showed getting food. And who was it that showed up? It was the churches that we partner up? It was the churches that we partner up? It was the churches that we partner with. It was the missionaries that you with. It was the missionaries that you with. It was the missionaries that you support that showed up and cared for support that showed up and cared for support that showed up and cared for these people. Well, we went to this city these people. Well, we went to this city these people. Well, we went to this city and the missionary told me, "Look, we and the missionary told me, "Look, we and the missionary told me, "Look, we had tried to come and plant the church had tried to come and plant the church had tried to come and plant the church some years ago, but they told us very some years ago, but they told us very some years ago, but they told us very strongly. They said, "There will never strongly. They said, "There will never strongly. They said, "There will never be a gospel church that exists in this be a gospel church that exists in this be a gospel church that exists in this city." And so they went away. And can I city." And so they went away. And can I city." And so they went away. And can I tell you though that when the war tell you though that when the war tell you though that when the war started, they just said, 'Well, started, they just said, 'Well, started, they just said, 'Well, somebody's got to love and take care of somebody's got to love and take care of somebody's got to love and take care of these people and show them expressions these people and show them expressions these people and show them expressions of the love of Jesus. And so they showed of the love of Jesus. And so they showed of the love of Jesus. And so they showed up. And you were part of this. And up. And you were part of this. And up. And you were part of this. And you've done this in this community, and you've done this in this community, and you've done this in this community, and you've done this in communities all you've done this in communities all you've done this in communities all across Ukraine. In fact, thousands and across Ukraine. In fact, thousands and across Ukraine. In fact, thousands and thousands of people have received food thousands of people have received food thousands of people have received food and basic needs provided to them because and basic needs provided to them because and basic needs provided to them because of your faithful giving. So, we got to of your faithful giving. So, we got to of your faithful giving. So, we got to this town and here we are handing out this town and here we are handing out this town and here we are handing out bags of food and giving hope and praying bags of food and giving hope and praying bags of food and giving hope and praying with people. And all of a sudden, the with people. And all of a sudden, the with people. And all of a sudden, the mayor of this city stood up and said, 'I mayor of this city stood up and said, 'I mayor of this city stood up and said, 'I need to say something. Some time ago, we need to say something. Some time ago, we need to say something. Some time ago, we told you that you couldn't come. You told you that you couldn't come. You told you that you couldn't come. You couldn't start a church here, but when couldn't start a church here, but when couldn't start a church here, but when the war started and when our troops the war started and when our troops the war started and when our troops repelled the uh the enemy away and and repelled the uh the enemy away and and repelled the uh the enemy away and and we got this city back, that you showed we got this city back, that you showed we got this city back, that you showed up. You brought plywood to board up our

up. You brought plywood to board up our up. You brought plywood to board up our windows. You brought food to supply for windows. You brought food to supply for windows. You brought food to supply for our basic needs. and you brought the our basic needs. and you brought the our basic needs. and you brought the hope of Jesus that we had never known. hope of Jesus that we had never known. hope of Jesus that we had never known. So I want to tell you today, our city is So I want to tell you today, our city is So I want to tell you today, our city is your city. Our schools are your schools. your city. Our schools are your schools. your city. Our schools are your schools. We want you to plant the church. And can We want you to plant the church. And can We want you to plant the church. And can I tell you that today church that they I tell you that today church that they I tell you that today church that they have given us their civic center. It's have given us their civic center. It's have given us their civic center. It's the biggest the biggest building in the biggest the biggest building in the biggest the biggest building in their community. And they said, "We're their community. And they said, "We're their community. And they said, "We're giving this to you so you can plant a giving this to you so you can plant a giving this to you so you can plant a church." These are the things that we get to be a These are the things that we get to be a part of because we partner, because by part of because we partner, because by part of because we partner, because by faith we give and we pray and we send. I faith we give and we pray and we send. I faith we give and we pray and we send. I want to say from the bottom of our want to say from the bottom of our want to say from the bottom of our hearts, thank you so much. God bless hearts, thank you so much. God bless hearts, thank you so much. God bless you. >> Thank you, Ken and Tiffany, for serving >> Thank you, Ken and Tiffany, for serving the Lord and leading in a very difficult the Lord and leading in a very difficult the Lord and leading in a very difficult part of our world. and thank you. Thank part of our world. and thank you. Thank part of our world. and thank you. Thank you for all you do to make a difference you for all you do to make a difference you for all you do to make a difference in Rwanda, the Ukraine, around the in Rwanda, the Ukraine, around the in Rwanda, the Ukraine, around the world. I want to pray God's blessings world. I want to pray God's blessings world. I want to pray God's blessings for you. When I'm done praying, the for you. When I'm done praying, the for you. When I'm done praying, the ushers will come to receive our tithe ushers will come to receive our tithe ushers will come to receive our tithe and offering. If you're watching online, and offering. If you're watching online, and offering. If you're watching online, you can give at first, nlr.com/give.

Lord, thank you. Thank you for this Lord, thank you. Thank you for this church family. Thank you for the many church family. Thank you for the many church family. Thank you for the many who have settled the obedience issue who have settled the obedience issue who have settled the obedience issue when it comes to their finances. they when it comes to their finances. they when it comes to their finances. they trust and give their first 10% of their trust and give their first 10% of their trust and give their first 10% of their income, their tithe to you. Then Lord, income, their tithe to you. Then Lord, income, their tithe to you. Then Lord, thank you that so many give above and thank you that so many give above and thank you that so many give above and beyond that generously, even beyond that generously, even beyond that generously, even sacrificially to share your love. Thank sacrificially to share your love. Thank sacrificially to share your love. Thank you, Lord, for those who gave so pastors you, Lord, for those who gave so pastors you, Lord, for those who gave so pastors and leaders in Rwanda can continue to and leaders in Rwanda can continue to and leaders in Rwanda can continue to serve. Lord, thank you for the church serve. Lord, thank you for the church serve. Lord, thank you for the church that generously gave so the church in that generously gave so the church in that generously gave so the church in Ukraine could be planted and so could Ukraine could be planted and so could Ukraine could be planted and so could people could be reached out with love. people could be reached out with love. people could be reached out with love. Lord, we know every time we reach out Lord, we know every time we reach out Lord, we know every time we reach out with your love, people respond. Thank with your love, people respond. Thank with your love, people respond. Thank you for allowing us to be part of that. you for allowing us to be part of that. you for allowing us to be part of that. Thank you for allowing us to be a part Thank you for allowing us to be a part Thank you for allowing us to be a part of your plan for this world. And I pray of your plan for this world. And I pray of your plan for this world. And I pray your blessings on your people. We your blessings on your people. We your blessings on your people. We worship you as we give in Jesus' name. worship you as we give in Jesus' name. worship you as we give in Jesus' name. Amen. And God bless you as you give. Amen. And God bless you as you give. Amen. And God bless you as you give. First know our men's ministry invites First know our men's ministry invites First know our men's ministry invites you to Breakfast with Dad on Saturday, you to Breakfast with Dad on Saturday, you to Breakfast with Dad on Saturday, June 20th at 8:30 a.m. Bring your kids June 20th at 8:30 a.m. Bring your kids June 20th at 8:30 a.m. Bring your kids and enjoy a morning filled with great and enjoy a morning filled with great and enjoy a morning filled with great food, fun, and giveaways for dad and the food, fun, and giveaways for dad and the food, fun, and giveaways for dad and the kids. Get your tickets online at kids. Get your tickets online at kids. Get your tickets online at firstlr.com/dad.

firstlr.com/dad. firstlr.com/dad. Whether you're a dad, a grandpa, or a Whether you're a dad, a grandpa, or a Whether you're a dad, a grandpa, or a father figure, this is a great father figure, this is a great father figure, this is a great opportunity to create memories with your opportunity to create memories with your opportunity to create memories with your kids. Make plans to join us on June 20th kids. Make plans to join us on June 20th kids. Make plans to join us on June 20th for Breakfast with Dad. 250 years ago, a nation was born. Since 250 years ago, a nation was born. Since then, generations have sacrificed, then, generations have sacrificed, then, generations have sacrificed, served, and prayed for the future of served, and prayed for the future of served, and prayed for the future of America. Today, that responsibility America. Today, that responsibility America. Today, that responsibility belongs to us. God made a promise in 2 belongs to us. God made a promise in 2 belongs to us. God made a promise in 2 Chronicles 7:14. If my people who are Chronicles 7:14. If my people who are Chronicles 7:14. If my people who are called by my name will humble themselves called by my name will humble themselves called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from and pray and seek my face and turn from and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from their wicked ways, then will I hear from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven will forgive their sin and heal heaven will forgive their sin and heal heaven will forgive their sin and heal their land. On Saturday, July 4th at their land. On Saturday, July 4th at their land. On Saturday, July 4th at 9:00 a.m., First and No, we'll join 9:00 a.m., First and No, we'll join 9:00 a.m., First and No, we'll join thousands of churches across the country thousands of churches across the country thousands of churches across the country for a special prayer meeting for for a special prayer meeting for for a special prayer meeting for America. Together, we'll thank God for America. Together, we'll thank God for America. Together, we'll thank God for his faithfulness, pray for our nation, his faithfulness, pray for our nation, his faithfulness, pray for our nation, and ask him to guide the future of our and ask him to guide the future of our and ask him to guide the future of our country and the generations to come. As country and the generations to come. As country and the generations to come. As we reflect on 250 years of history, we reflect on 250 years of history, we reflect on 250 years of history, let's join together for prayer for the let's join together for prayer for the let's join together for prayer for the future of our nation. We hope you'll future of our nation. We hope you'll future of our nation. We hope you'll join us for the special prayer meeting join us for the special prayer meeting join us for the special prayer meeting for America, Saturday, July 4th at 9:00 for America, Saturday, July 4th at 9:00 for America, Saturday, July 4th at 9:00 a.m.

a.m. a.m. And we look forward to spending time And we look forward to spending time And we look forward to spending time together in prayer on July 4th weekend. together in prayer on July 4th weekend. together in prayer on July 4th weekend. Who is the worst person you know? Who is the worst person you know? Who is the worst person you know? I know it's a great way to start a I know it's a great way to start a I know it's a great way to start a message, message, message, but when you think of a bad person, who but when you think of a bad person, who but when you think of a bad person, who comes to mind? comes to mind? comes to mind? I put a blank at the top of your outline I put a blank at the top of your outline I put a blank at the top of your outline this morning, and I want you to write this morning, and I want you to write this morning, and I want you to write the name of the person who you thought the name of the person who you thought the name of the person who you thought of. of. of. Maybe for you, you thought of somebody Maybe for you, you thought of somebody Maybe for you, you thought of somebody who hurt you in your past, who hurt you in your past, who hurt you in your past, an ex- spouse, an ex- spouse, an ex- spouse, a bully from when you were in school, or a bully from when you were in school, or a bully from when you were in school, or a dirty business partner. a dirty business partner. a dirty business partner. Maybe you thought of someone evil from Maybe you thought of someone evil from Maybe you thought of someone evil from the news like Kim Jong-un or the Supreme the news like Kim Jong-un or the Supreme the news like Kim Jong-un or the Supreme Leader of Iran. Leader of Iran. Leader of Iran. Maybe I asked that and you thought to Maybe I asked that and you thought to Maybe I asked that and you thought to yourself, yourself, yourself, "I'm a bad person." "I'm a bad person." "I'm a bad person." If only he knew what I've done, he'd If only he knew what I've done, he'd If only he knew what I've done, he'd agree. agree. agree. Today, I want to look at a story that Today, I want to look at a story that Today, I want to look at a story that focuses on someone many early Christians focuses on someone many early Christians focuses on someone many early Christians would have considered the worst person would have considered the worst person would have considered the worst person they knew.

they knew. they knew. His name would have been at the top of His name would have been at the top of His name would have been at the top of their outline. their outline. their outline. And this is one of the most incredible And this is one of the most incredible And this is one of the most incredible stories in the book of Acts. Really in stories in the book of Acts. Really in stories in the book of Acts. Really in the entire Bible. the entire Bible. the entire Bible. Two men as different from each other as Two men as different from each other as Two men as different from each other as they could be both had unbelievable they could be both had unbelievable they could be both had unbelievable encounters with God. encounters with God. encounters with God. It's a story that's filled with danger It's a story that's filled with danger It's a story that's filled with danger and intrigue, surprise, and adventure. and intrigue, surprise, and adventure. and intrigue, surprise, and adventure. And as we look at it together, we're led And as we look at it together, we're led And as we look at it together, we're led to consider some tough things. to consider some tough things. to consider some tough things. our tendency to judge others, our tendency to judge others, our tendency to judge others, our habit of only obeying when we our habit of only obeying when we our habit of only obeying when we understand what God means, and the shame concerning our past. and the shame concerning our past. The good news is that as we look at this The good news is that as we look at this The good news is that as we look at this story, we're able to see the amazing story, we're able to see the amazing story, we're able to see the amazing things that happen when we follow God's things that happen when we follow God's things that happen when we follow God's plan for our life. So, let me set the plan for our life. So, let me set the plan for our life. So, let me set the scene. scene. scene. After Jesus's death and resurrection, After Jesus's death and resurrection, After Jesus's death and resurrection, the early church was growing.

the early church was growing. the early church was growing. In the book of Acts chapter 2 47 it In the book of Acts chapter 2 47 it In the book of Acts chapter 2 47 it tells us every day the Lord was adding tells us every day the Lord was adding tells us every day the Lord was adding to their number those who were being to their number those who were being to their number those who were being saved. saved. saved. But even with rapid growth followers of But even with rapid growth followers of But even with rapid growth followers of Jesus still experienced trouble Jesus still experienced trouble Jesus still experienced trouble because of their growing influence and because of their growing influence and because of their growing influence and numbers. Jewish authorities became numbers. Jewish authorities became numbers. Jewish authorities became jealous and they they became violent. jealous and they they became violent. jealous and they they became violent. The church faced increased persecution. The church faced increased persecution. The church faced increased persecution. Disciples were arrested. followers were Disciples were arrested. followers were Disciples were arrested. followers were beaten and people were killed. beaten and people were killed. beaten and people were killed. Then in Acts chapter 6, we're introduced Then in Acts chapter 6, we're introduced Then in Acts chapter 6, we're introduced to a leader in the early church. to a leader in the early church. to a leader in the early church. The Bible tells us that Stephen was a The Bible tells us that Stephen was a The Bible tells us that Stephen was a man full of God's grace and power and man full of God's grace and power and man full of God's grace and power and did great wonders and miraculous signs did great wonders and miraculous signs did great wonders and miraculous signs among the people. among the people. among the people. The Jewish leaders were so jealous of The Jewish leaders were so jealous of The Jewish leaders were so jealous of Stephen Stephen Stephen that they stoned him to death. that they stoned him to death. that they stoned him to death. And one of the men watching and cheering And one of the men watching and cheering And one of the men watching and cheering as Stephen died was a man named Saul.

as Stephen died was a man named Saul. as Stephen died was a man named Saul. After Steven's death, Saul began to After Steven's death, Saul began to After Steven's death, Saul began to destroy the church. Going from house to destroy the church. Going from house to destroy the church. Going from house to house, he dragged off men and women and house, he dragged off men and women and house, he dragged off men and women and he put them in prison. he put them in prison. he put them in prison. So Saul was enemy number one. So Saul was enemy number one. So Saul was enemy number one. He believed Christians were a cult He believed Christians were a cult He believed Christians were a cult following a false messiah. following a false messiah. following a false messiah. So, whatever name you wrote at the top So, whatever name you wrote at the top So, whatever name you wrote at the top of your outline, Saul was worse. Some of you may identify with Saul Some of you may identify with Saul because you don't follow Jesus and this because you don't follow Jesus and this because you don't follow Jesus and this whole church thing doesn't make a whole whole church thing doesn't make a whole whole church thing doesn't make a whole lot of sense to you and might even be a lot of sense to you and might even be a lot of sense to you and might even be a little weird. little weird. little weird. In fact, you might only be here because In fact, you might only be here because In fact, you might only be here because the person who invited you promised you the person who invited you promised you the person who invited you promised you free lunch. If that's you and you're here this If that's you and you're here this morning, you're far away from God. morning, you're far away from God. morning, you're far away from God. I want you to listen really close I want you to listen really close I want you to listen really close because this story has an unexpected because this story has an unexpected because this story has an unexpected ending. ending. ending. Meanwhile, Saul was still breathing out Meanwhile, Saul was still breathing out Meanwhile, Saul was still breathing out murderous threats against the Lord's murderous threats against the Lord's murderous threats against the Lord's disciples.

disciples. disciples. He went to the high priest and asked him He went to the high priest and asked him He went to the high priest and asked him for letters to the synagogues in for letters to the synagogues in for letters to the synagogues in Damascus. So that if he found anyone Damascus. So that if he found anyone Damascus. So that if he found anyone there who belonged to the way, that's there who belonged to the way, that's there who belonged to the way, that's followers of Jesus, whether men or followers of Jesus, whether men or followers of Jesus, whether men or women, he might take them as prisoners women, he might take them as prisoners women, he might take them as prisoners to Jerusalem. to Jerusalem. to Jerusalem. Saul hated followers of Jesus. He Saul hated followers of Jesus. He Saul hated followers of Jesus. He threatened and looked for any chance to threatened and looked for any chance to threatened and looked for any chance to stop them. And in this instance, he stop them. And in this instance, he stop them. And in this instance, he followed them all the way to Damascus. followed them all the way to Damascus. followed them all the way to Damascus. And Damascus was a long way from where And Damascus was a long way from where And Damascus was a long way from where Saul was. Saul was. Saul was. Saul didn't have a bike. He didn't have Saul didn't have a bike. He didn't have Saul didn't have a bike. He didn't have a car. He couldn't pull out his iPhone a car. He couldn't pull out his iPhone a car. He couldn't pull out his iPhone and order an Uber. and order an Uber. and order an Uber. He had to walk He had to walk He had to walk 130 miles to continue his persecution. 130 miles to continue his persecution. 130 miles to continue his persecution. If he walked six hours a day at a steady If he walked six hours a day at a steady If he walked six hours a day at a steady pace, it would have taken him a week to pace, it would have taken him a week to pace, it would have taken him a week to get there. get there. get there. It's like walking from here to Memphis It's like walking from here to Memphis It's like walking from here to Memphis just to kill people you hate. Can you imagine the fear and the terror Can you imagine the fear and the terror in that community?

in that community? in that community? The people knew that Saul was on his way The people knew that Saul was on his way The people knew that Saul was on his way to kill them and he wouldn't stop at to kill them and he wouldn't stop at to kill them and he wouldn't stop at anything until the church was stopped. As Saul neared Damascus on his journey, As Saul neared Damascus on his journey, suddenly a light from heaven flashed suddenly a light from heaven flashed suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him and he fell to the ground. around him and he fell to the ground. around him and he fell to the ground. Imagine that moment. What did Saul Imagine that moment. What did Saul Imagine that moment. What did Saul think? think? think? Was he dead? Was he being abducted by Was he dead? Was he being abducted by Was he dead? Was he being abducted by aliens? Did he eat a bad lamb kebab the aliens? Did he eat a bad lamb kebab the aliens? Did he eat a bad lamb kebab the night before? Like, what was going on? night before? Like, what was going on? night before? Like, what was going on? What was he thinking? When Saul hit the ground, When Saul hit the ground, he heard a voice say to him, "Saul, he heard a voice say to him, "Saul, he heard a voice say to him, "Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me? Saul, why do you persecute me? Saul, why do you persecute me? Who are you, Lord? Who are you, Lord? Who are you, Lord? I'm Jesus I'm Jesus I'm Jesus whom you're persecuting." Saul believed that Jesus was a false Saul believed that Jesus was a false prophet. He denied the fact Jesus ever prophet. He denied the fact Jesus ever prophet. He denied the fact Jesus ever rose from the grave and it was his rose from the grave and it was his rose from the grave and it was his mission to stop people who claimed the mission to stop people who claimed the mission to stop people who claimed the resurrection was real. Saul was resurrection was real. Saul was resurrection was real. Saul was extremely far from God.

extremely far from God. extremely far from God. When you're far away, When you're far away, When you're far away, you convince yourself that there's too you convince yourself that there's too you convince yourself that there's too much separation between you and God. much separation between you and God. much separation between you and God. You picture God in heaven and he's got You picture God in heaven and he's got You picture God in heaven and he's got this clipboard and he's walking around this clipboard and he's walking around this clipboard and he's walking around all the angels around him and he's all the angels around him and he's all the angels around him and he's making a list. He's writing all the making a list. He's writing all the making a list. He's writing all the names, the potential candidates for names, the potential candidates for names, the potential candidates for heaven. So, he's writing names down. He heaven. So, he's writing names down. He heaven. So, he's writing names down. He puts a check mark next to this one cuz puts a check mark next to this one cuz puts a check mark next to this one cuz they're definitely getting in. They are they're definitely getting in. They are they're definitely getting in. They are good. He writes another name down and he good. He writes another name down and he good. He writes another name down and he puts like a a smiley because they've had puts like a a smiley because they've had puts like a a smiley because they've had a good six months. We got to make sure a good six months. We got to make sure a good six months. We got to make sure that they have another good six months that they have another good six months that they have another good six months before we count them in. before we count them in. before we count them in. And at one point in time, maybe a long And at one point in time, maybe a long And at one point in time, maybe a long time ago, time ago, time ago, your name was on this list, your name was on this list, your name was on this list, but God was watching but God was watching but God was watching and he was waiting. and he was waiting. and he was waiting. And the moment you messed up, the moment And the moment you messed up, the moment And the moment you messed up, the moment you made a mistake, the moment you you made a mistake, the moment you you made a mistake, the moment you walked away, he crossed your name off the list and he he crossed your name off the list and he forgot all about you.

But that's not how God is. But that's not how God is. No matter what you've said, No matter what you've said, No matter what you've said, no matter what you've done, no matter what you've done, no matter what you've done, God knows where you are. Instead of crossing your name off the Instead of crossing your name off the list, he actively looks for list, he actively looks for list, he actively looks for opportunities to reestablish opportunities to reestablish opportunities to reestablish relationship with you. relationship with you. relationship with you. And what's amazing is not only does God And what's amazing is not only does God And what's amazing is not only does God know where you are, know where you are, know where you are, but he knows your name. And it must have been shocking for Saul And it must have been shocking for Saul to hear his name come from that light. to hear his name come from that light. to hear his name come from that light. Imagine what he thought when he found Imagine what he thought when he found Imagine what he thought when he found out it was Jesus speaking to him. out it was Jesus speaking to him. out it was Jesus speaking to him. Everything that he had been denying, the Everything that he had been denying, the Everything that he had been denying, the miracles, the prophecies, the miracles, the prophecies, the miracles, the prophecies, the resurrection, it was all true. resurrection, it was all true. resurrection, it was all true. And the man behind it all And the man behind it all And the man behind it all knew his name. The other day I took my truck to the The other day I took my truck to the shop to go get an oil change. And as I shop to go get an oil change. And as I shop to go get an oil change. And as I as I pulled up to the shop, I hopped as I pulled up to the shop, I hopped as I pulled up to the shop, I hopped out. I walked inside and the worker out. I walked inside and the worker out. I walked inside and the worker behind the counter said, "Timothy Espo."

behind the counter said, "Timothy Espo." behind the counter said, "Timothy Espo." He called me by name and he pronounced He called me by name and he pronounced He called me by name and he pronounced my last name right. And nobody my last name right. And nobody my last name right. And nobody pronounces my last name right. I have pronounces my last name right. I have pronounces my last name right. I have family members that don't pronounce my family members that don't pronounce my family members that don't pronounce my last name right. last name right. last name right. So I step up to the counter and he he's So I step up to the counter and he he's So I step up to the counter and he he's behind there and he just Timothy Espo. behind there and he just Timothy Espo. behind there and he just Timothy Espo. solidified the decision I made to give solidified the decision I made to give solidified the decision I made to give them my business. It felt good. He cared them my business. It felt good. He cared them my business. It felt good. He cared enough about me to remember me. It's a enough about me to remember me. It's a enough about me to remember me. It's a good feeling. And you know how that good feeling. And you know how that good feeling. And you know how that feels. You walk into a big room and feels. You walk into a big room and feels. You walk into a big room and you're surrounded by people. Maybe it you're surrounded by people. Maybe it you're surrounded by people. Maybe it happened to you this morning. You walked happened to you this morning. You walked happened to you this morning. You walked in the sanctuary, people everywhere. in the sanctuary, people everywhere. in the sanctuary, people everywhere. But even though you're surrounded by But even though you're surrounded by But even though you're surrounded by people, you kind of have that lonely people, you kind of have that lonely people, you kind of have that lonely feeling feeling feeling until one person calls you by name until one person calls you by name until one person calls you by name and you're drawn to them. and you're drawn to them. and you're drawn to them. I've got a word for you today. I've got a word for you today. I've got a word for you today. The creator of the universe knows your The creator of the universe knows your The creator of the universe knows your name. name. name. You may think God is too busy to care You may think God is too busy to care You may think God is too busy to care about you, about you, about you, but you're wrong. but you're wrong. but you're wrong. He cares.

He cares. He cares. He sees. He sees. He sees. And he knows your name. And before And before even time began, even time began, even time began, my life was in my life was in my life was in his hands. He knows He knows my name. He knows He knows my every my every my every thought.

He sees He sees each tear that falls each tear that falls each tear that falls and he hears me when and he hears me when and he hears me when I call. And he'll never And he'll never leave leave leave me. me. me. No matter where No matter where No matter where I go, and he knows and he knows my every my every my every thought. And he sees And he sees each tear that falls.

each tear that falls. each tear that falls. And he hears me when And he hears me when And he hears me when I call. He knows your every He knows your every thought. He sees all those tears that fall. He sees all those tears that fall. And I'll hear you when And I'll hear you when And I'll hear you when you call. He'll hear you when He'll hear you when you call. You say, "Timothy, that's great. It's You say, "Timothy, that's great. It's cool that God sees me and he knows me.

cool that God sees me and he knows me. cool that God sees me and he knows me. That means that he sees and he knows That means that he sees and he knows That means that he sees and he knows someone who's broken and useless. someone who's broken and useless. someone who's broken and useless. I've gone too far and I I can't come I've gone too far and I I can't come I've gone too far and I I can't come back. back. back. Don't check out now. The story's not Don't check out now. The story's not Don't check out now. The story's not done. done. done. God said to Saul. Now get up and go into God said to Saul. Now get up and go into God said to Saul. Now get up and go into the city and you will be told what you the city and you will be told what you the city and you will be told what you must do. must do. must do. He didn't blind him and then smack him He didn't blind him and then smack him He didn't blind him and then smack him around a few times and say, "Hey, since around a few times and say, "Hey, since around a few times and say, "Hey, since you've been a jerk to all my followers, you've been a jerk to all my followers, you've been a jerk to all my followers, enjoy being a beggar for the rest of enjoy being a beggar for the rest of enjoy being a beggar for the rest of your life." your life." your life." No, he stopped Saul. No, he stopped Saul. No, he stopped Saul. He got his attention He got his attention He got his attention and then he gave him a new direction. and then he gave him a new direction. and then he gave him a new direction. God didn't give up on Saul God didn't give up on Saul God didn't give up on Saul and he won't give up on you. and he won't give up on you. and he won't give up on you. In spite of all you've done, God still In spite of all you've done, God still In spite of all you've done, God still has a plan for your life. And you might think, well, if God's got And you might think, well, if God's got a plan for my life, I sure can't tell.

a plan for my life, I sure can't tell. a plan for my life, I sure can't tell. Well, that's because his plan is hard to Well, that's because his plan is hard to Well, that's because his plan is hard to see and understand when you're far from see and understand when you're far from see and understand when you're far from him. He sees, he cares, he's got a plan him. He sees, he cares, he's got a plan him. He sees, he cares, he's got a plan for your life, but sin separates you for your life, but sin separates you for your life, but sin separates you from God. God forgives, but active sin from God. God forgives, but active sin from God. God forgives, but active sin and separation blinds you to his plan and separation blinds you to his plan and separation blinds you to his plan and it removes that blessing from your and it removes that blessing from your and it removes that blessing from your life. life. life. When a a lawn service comes and When a a lawn service comes and When a a lawn service comes and fertilizes your yard and sprays it for fertilizes your yard and sprays it for fertilizes your yard and sprays it for weeds, your yard looks fantastic. I weeds, your yard looks fantastic. I weeds, your yard looks fantastic. I mean, it's green, it's level, there's mean, it's green, it's level, there's mean, it's green, it's level, there's not a weed in sight. It is the greatest not a weed in sight. It is the greatest not a weed in sight. It is the greatest gift you could ever give a dad. gift you could ever give a dad. gift you could ever give a dad. and your lawn looks great because you and your lawn looks great because you and your lawn looks great because you have this active connection with your have this active connection with your have this active connection with your lawn guy. lawn guy. lawn guy. But let's say you decide to to stop the But let's say you decide to to stop the But let's say you decide to to stop the service, you want to save some money, so service, you want to save some money, so service, you want to save some money, so you cancel the plan. What's going to pop you cancel the plan. What's going to pop you cancel the plan. What's going to pop up all over your yard in two weeks? up all over your yard in two weeks? up all over your yard in two weeks? Weeds. Exactly. There's a natural Weeds. Exactly. There's a natural Weeds. Exactly. There's a natural consequence to the separation between consequence to the separation between consequence to the separation between you and your lawn guy.

you and your lawn guy. you and your lawn guy. The same principle applies to your The same principle applies to your The same principle applies to your relationship with Jesus. Active relationship with Jesus. Active relationship with Jesus. Active connection is key to understanding his connection is key to understanding his connection is key to understanding his plan. plan. plan. Saul knew that he was caught. There was Saul knew that he was caught. There was Saul knew that he was caught. There was no mistaking the same Jesus whose no mistaking the same Jesus whose no mistaking the same Jesus whose followers he was killing followers he was killing followers he was killing was now blinding him. was now blinding him. was now blinding him. And we know it wasn't a dream. We know And we know it wasn't a dream. We know And we know it wasn't a dream. We know it wasn't a hallucination because Saul it wasn't a hallucination because Saul it wasn't a hallucination because Saul wasn't the only one that experienced wasn't the only one that experienced wasn't the only one that experienced this moment. Verse 7 tells us, "The men this moment. Verse 7 tells us, "The men this moment. Verse 7 tells us, "The men traveling with Saul stood there traveling with Saul stood there traveling with Saul stood there speechless. speechless. speechless. I heard the sound. They didn't see I heard the sound. They didn't see I heard the sound. They didn't see anyone. anyone. anyone. So, the other guys also heard the voice. So, the other guys also heard the voice. So, the other guys also heard the voice. But their response surprises me. If I But their response surprises me. If I But their response surprises me. If I would have been them, if I would have would have been them, if I would have would have been them, if I would have been there, I would have turned opposite been there, I would have turned opposite been there, I would have turned opposite direction, sprinted all the way back to direction, sprinted all the way back to direction, sprinted all the way back to Jerusalem, found every single religious Jerusalem, found every single religious Jerusalem, found every single religious leader. I'd like, "Stop persecuting the leader. I'd like, "Stop persecuting the leader. I'd like, "Stop persecuting the Christians. God knows about it. God's Christians. God knows about it. God's Christians. God knows about it. God's not happy. Jesus, he's going to come not happy. Jesus, he's going to come not happy. Jesus, he's going to come with this big heavenly spotlight. He's with this big heavenly spotlight. He's with this big heavenly spotlight. He's going to knock you down." going to knock you down." going to knock you down." I would have told everybody, not these I would have told everybody, not these I would have told everybody, not these guys. Uhuh. Frozen in place.

guys. Uhuh. Frozen in place. guys. Uhuh. Frozen in place. And Saul got up from the ground. And Saul got up from the ground. And Saul got up from the ground. But when he opened his eyes, he could But when he opened his eyes, he could But when he opened his eyes, he could see nothing. see nothing. see nothing. So they led him by the hand into So they led him by the hand into So they led him by the hand into Damascus. Damascus. Damascus. For three days, he was blind and did not For three days, he was blind and did not For three days, he was blind and did not eat or drink anything. eat or drink anything. eat or drink anything. In a matter of moments, In a matter of moments, In a matter of moments, Saul went from feared and powerful Saul went from feared and powerful Saul went from feared and powerful to helpless and humiliated. to helpless and humiliated. to helpless and humiliated. And at the same time all of this was And at the same time all of this was And at the same time all of this was going on, God was working on the other going on, God was working on the other going on, God was working on the other part of his plan. part of his plan. part of his plan. There was a a believer in that same town There was a a believer in that same town There was a a believer in that same town who was about to be just as surprised as who was about to be just as surprised as who was about to be just as surprised as Saul was, just in a different way. Saul was, just in a different way. Saul was, just in a different way. Now there was a believer in Damascus Now there was a believer in Damascus Now there was a believer in Damascus named Ananas. named Ananas. named Ananas. The Lord spoke to him in a vision The Lord spoke to him in a vision The Lord spoke to him in a vision calling Ananas. calling Ananas. calling Ananas. So both Saul and Ananas heard God's So both Saul and Ananas heard God's So both Saul and Ananas heard God's voice. But the difference was Ananas voice. But the difference was Ananas voice. But the difference was Ananas recognized God's voice.

recognized God's voice. recognized God's voice. The Lord spoke to him in a vision The Lord spoke to him in a vision The Lord spoke to him in a vision calling Ananas. calling Ananas. calling Ananas. Yes, Lord. He answered. The Lord told Yes, Lord. He answered. The Lord told Yes, Lord. He answered. The Lord told him, "Go to the house of Judas on him, "Go to the house of Judas on him, "Go to the house of Judas on Straight Street and ask for a man from Straight Street and ask for a man from Straight Street and ask for a man from Tarsus Tarsus Tarsus named Saul." named Saul." named Saul." And Ananas said to think, "Really, God? And Ananas said to think, "Really, God? And Ananas said to think, "Really, God? Saul comes to town and we're all Saul comes to town and we're all Saul comes to town and we're all terrified? terrified? terrified? But then we hear that he's blind, so But then we hear that he's blind, so But then we hear that he's blind, so we're good. We're cool. It's all good. we're good. We're cool. It's all good. we're good. We're cool. It's all good. But now you want me to go looking for But now you want me to go looking for But now you want me to go looking for him?" him?" him?" But God wasn't done speaking. But God wasn't done speaking. But God wasn't done speaking. He said, "Saul is praying He said, "Saul is praying He said, "Saul is praying and in a vision he has seen a man named and in a vision he has seen a man named and in a vision he has seen a man named Ananas come and place his hands on him Ananas come and place his hands on him Ananas come and place his hands on him to restore his sight." to restore his sight." to restore his sight." And when God finished, Ananas protested, And when God finished, Ananas protested, And when God finished, Ananas protested, "Lord, "Lord, "Lord, I've heard many reports about this man I've heard many reports about this man I've heard many reports about this man and all the harm he's done to your and all the harm he's done to your and all the harm he's done to your saints in Jerusalem saints in Jerusalem saints in Jerusalem and he has come here with the authority and he has come here with the authority and he has come here with the authority of the chief priests to arrest all who of the chief priests to arrest all who of the chief priests to arrest all who call on your name." This is a suicide call on your name." This is a suicide call on your name." This is a suicide mission. It's crazy. God, have you not mission. It's crazy. God, have you not mission. It's crazy. God, have you not been watching the news? Are you not been watching the news? Are you not been watching the news? Are you not scrolling through Facebook? You can't scrolling through Facebook? You can't scrolling through Facebook? You can't expect me to go visit our biggest enemy.

But the Lord said to Ananas, "Go. But the Lord said to Ananas, "Go. This man is my chosen instrument to This man is my chosen instrument to This man is my chosen instrument to carry my name before the Gentiles and carry my name before the Gentiles and carry my name before the Gentiles and their kings and before the people of their kings and before the people of their kings and before the people of Israel, and I will show him how much he Israel, and I will show him how much he Israel, and I will show him how much he must suffer for my name." must suffer for my name." must suffer for my name." And Ananas had to think what And Ananas had to think what And Ananas had to think what this guy this guy this guy Saul is your chosen instrument. And what a powerful word from the Lord. And what a powerful word from the Lord. In a matter of 16 verses, In a matter of 16 verses, In a matter of 16 verses, Saul went from too far gone Saul went from too far gone Saul went from too far gone to God's chosen instrument. And that is the exact opposite of how we And that is the exact opposite of how we think. We look at Saul's history. We we look at We look at Saul's history. We we look at his past. We look at all the mistakes his past. We look at all the mistakes his past. We look at all the mistakes that he's made and we completely write that he's made and we completely write that he's made and we completely write him off. There is no chance for Saul. It's a good thing that God's not like It's a good thing that God's not like us.

us. us. Instead, Instead, Instead, God gives second chances. No matter what you've done, No matter what you've done, no matter what you've said, no matter no matter what you've said, no matter no matter what you've said, no matter how far you've run, God is offering you how far you've run, God is offering you how far you've run, God is offering you a second chance. a second chance. a second chance. And Saul getting a second chance had to And Saul getting a second chance had to And Saul getting a second chance had to have been shocking for Ananas. have been shocking for Ananas. have been shocking for Ananas. But God said, "Go." But God said, "Go." But God said, "Go." Then Ananas went to the house and he Then Ananas went to the house and he Then Ananas went to the house and he entered it. entered it. entered it. Think about the emotions in that moment. Think about the emotions in that moment. Think about the emotions in that moment. It was a radical step of obedience, but It was a radical step of obedience, but It was a radical step of obedience, but it had to have been filled with a lot of it had to have been filled with a lot of it had to have been filled with a lot of fear and anxiety. Placing his hands on Saul, Placing his hands on Saul, he said, "Brother Saul, he said, "Brother Saul, he said, "Brother Saul, this is amazing. this is amazing. this is amazing. If I would have been Ananas, I would If I would have been Ananas, I would If I would have been Ananas, I would have been tempted to take advantage of have been tempted to take advantage of have been tempted to take advantage of Saul's disability. I would have sat him Saul's disability. I would have sat him Saul's disability. I would have sat him down. I would have lectured him. I would down. I would have lectured him. I would down. I would have lectured him. I would have listed off ABC, the reasons we have listed off ABC, the reasons we have listed off ABC, the reasons we don't like you.

don't like you. don't like you. But not Ananas. But not Ananas. But not Ananas. Ananas made the decision to accept Saul Ananas made the decision to accept Saul Ananas made the decision to accept Saul before he ever spoke to him. before he ever spoke to him. before he ever spoke to him. In a spectacular display, a powerful In a spectacular display, a powerful In a spectacular display, a powerful statement of faith, he started the statement of faith, he started the statement of faith, he started the conversation by declaring Saul, the conversation by declaring Saul, the conversation by declaring Saul, the murderer, the number one enemy of the murderer, the number one enemy of the murderer, the number one enemy of the church, church, church, his brother. Brother Saul, Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you were coming here, has the road as you were coming here, has the road as you were coming here, has sent me so that you may see again and be sent me so that you may see again and be sent me so that you may see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit. filled with the Holy Spirit. filled with the Holy Spirit. And immediately something like scales And immediately something like scales And immediately something like scales fell from Saul's eyes and he could see fell from Saul's eyes and he could see fell from Saul's eyes and he could see again. again. again. He got up and was baptized. After taking He got up and was baptized. After taking He got up and was baptized. After taking some food, he regained his strength. some food, he regained his strength. some food, he regained his strength. This is significant. Do not miss this. This is significant. Do not miss this. This is significant. Do not miss this. The first thing Saul did when he could The first thing Saul did when he could The first thing Saul did when he could see again see again see again was be baptized. was be baptized. was be baptized. Remember, he hadn't eaten anything in Remember, he hadn't eaten anything in Remember, he hadn't eaten anything in three days.

three days. three days. Before the guy ever got a drink, before Before the guy ever got a drink, before Before the guy ever got a drink, before he ever ate a snack, he accepted his he ever ate a snack, he accepted his he ever ate a snack, he accepted his second chance. second chance. second chance. Why? There's no doubt There's no doubt Jesus was the one who had saved him. Jesus was the one who had saved him. Jesus was the one who had saved him. Now, I can picture Saul crying as those Now, I can picture Saul crying as those Now, I can picture Saul crying as those scales fell from his eyes scales fell from his eyes scales fell from his eyes because he could see the man who had because he could see the man who had because he could see the man who had obeyed God and changed his life forever. obeyed God and changed his life forever. obeyed God and changed his life forever. And those tears, they began to stream And those tears, they began to stream And those tears, they began to stream down his cheeks and they splashed on the down his cheeks and they splashed on the down his cheeks and they splashed on the ground as he sprinted to the water to be ground as he sprinted to the water to be ground as he sprinted to the water to be baptized because he wanted everyone to baptized because he wanted everyone to baptized because he wanted everyone to know that he had accepted God's know that he had accepted God's know that he had accepted God's forgiveness and his second chance. And knowing you have the same And knowing you have the same opportunity, opportunity, opportunity, how should you respond, the same way Saul did, the same way Saul did, change now?

It doesn't matter what you've done. It It doesn't matter what you've done. It doesn't matter how bad you've messed up. doesn't matter how bad you've messed up. doesn't matter how bad you've messed up. It doesn't matter how many times you've It doesn't matter how many times you've It doesn't matter how many times you've walked away. God's grace is for you. No one is beyond the love of God. Would No one is beyond the love of God. Would you bow your heads? If you're here today and you're far from If you're here today and you're far from God, I want to take a second and pray God, I want to take a second and pray God, I want to take a second and pray for you. for you. for you. You're convinced that you've done too You're convinced that you've done too You're convinced that you've done too much wrong. You you've gone too far and much wrong. You you've gone too far and much wrong. You you've gone too far and that God can't forgive you. But if you're ready for a second chance, But if you're ready for a second chance, I've got good news. I've got good news. I've got good news. God is offering it to you right now. God is offering it to you right now. God is offering it to you right now. He's ready and willing to change your He's ready and willing to change your He's ready and willing to change your life just like he changed Saul's. So, if you're here today and you're So, if you're here today and you're ready for your second chance, super ready for your second chance, super ready for your second chance, super simple. If you're in the room, I just simple. If you're in the room, I just simple. If you're in the room, I just want you to raise your hand. If you're want you to raise your hand. If you're want you to raise your hand. If you're watching online, I want you to click the watching online, I want you to click the watching online, I want you to click the button for prayer.

button for prayer. button for prayer. Yeah, I see you. Thanks. Thanks for Yeah, I see you. Thanks. Thanks for Yeah, I see you. Thanks. Thanks for having the courage to raise your hand. having the courage to raise your hand. having the courage to raise your hand. Yeah, I see you up there. Yeah, Yeah, I see you up there. Yeah, Yeah, I see you up there. Yeah, I'd be honored to pray with you, Lord. Thank you. Lord. Thank you. Thank you for your mercy and for your Thank you for your mercy and for your Thank you for your mercy and for your grace. grace. grace. Thank you for offering us a second Thank you for offering us a second Thank you for offering us a second chance even when we don't deserve it. We take a moment right now and we admit We take a moment right now and we admit that we've done wrong. The Bible calls that we've done wrong. The Bible calls that we've done wrong. The Bible calls that sin. that sin. that sin. We've messed up. We've chosen our own We've messed up. We've chosen our own We've messed up. We've chosen our own path. We've walked away from you. We've path. We've walked away from you. We've path. We've walked away from you. We've made mistakes, but we're ready for all made mistakes, but we're ready for all made mistakes, but we're ready for all of that to change. I pray my friends who who raise their I pray my friends who who raise their hands or click that button. I pray they hands or click that button. I pray they hands or click that button. I pray they would feel the weight of this moment would feel the weight of this moment would feel the weight of this moment right now. right now. right now. That they would know something is That they would know something is That they would know something is different. May they realize how special different. May they realize how special different. May they realize how special your forgiveness is. I ask this wouldn't be a a Sunday I ask this wouldn't be a a Sunday morning decision where life goes back to morning decision where life goes back to morning decision where life goes back to normal on Monday, but this would be a normal on Monday, but this would be a normal on Monday, but this would be a lifechanging moment that they would lifechanging moment that they would lifechanging moment that they would never forget. They would walk out of never forget. They would walk out of never forget. They would walk out of this room differently when they walked this room differently when they walked this room differently when they walked in.

Would you speak to their heart right now Would you speak to their heart right now and show them how much you love them? and show them how much you love them? and show them how much you love them? Show them how much you value them. Show them how much you value them. Show them how much you value them. allow your love to challenge them to allow your love to challenge them to allow your love to challenge them to change. Challenge them to be different. Would you make the areas in their life Would you make the areas in their life that need to change very obvious for that need to change very obvious for that need to change very obvious for them to see? them to see? them to see? Help them to have the courage and the Help them to have the courage and the Help them to have the courage and the wisdom and the strength to follow wisdom and the strength to follow wisdom and the strength to follow through with the decision they're making through with the decision they're making through with the decision they're making right now. I pray they would never once turn their I pray they would never once turn their back on you. that they would never back on you. that they would never back on you. that they would never choose their old way of life, but choose their old way of life, but choose their old way of life, but instead they would fully commit instead they would fully commit instead they would fully commit themselves to you for the rest of their themselves to you for the rest of their themselves to you for the rest of their life. Lord, help us with this. Lord, help us with this. We need you. We trust you. It's in your We need you. We trust you. It's in your We need you. We trust you. It's in your name we pray. Amen. Amen. I encourage name we pray. Amen. Amen. I encourage name we pray. Amen. Amen. I encourage you if you prayed that prayer right you if you prayed that prayer right you if you prayed that prayer right after service, walk through this big after service, walk through this big after service, walk through this big door, one, two, three doors on the left.

door, one, two, three doors on the left. door, one, two, three doors on the left. There's a a door right above it says There's a a door right above it says There's a a door right above it says prayer room. We have prayer pastors prayer room. We have prayer pastors prayer room. We have prayer pastors there waiting to talk with you, pray there waiting to talk with you, pray there waiting to talk with you, pray with you, and help you with the next with you, and help you with the next with you, and help you with the next steps. steps. steps. You may be here or you're watching You may be here or you're watching You may be here or you're watching online and you don't relate to Saul online and you don't relate to Saul online and you don't relate to Saul because you're not far from God. If because you're not far from God. If because you're not far from God. If that's you, great. This message still that's you, great. This message still that's you, great. This message still for you. for you. for you. At the beginning, I asked you to write At the beginning, I asked you to write At the beginning, I asked you to write the name of somebody at the top of your the name of somebody at the top of your the name of somebody at the top of your outline. I want you to get that outline outline. I want you to get that outline outline. I want you to get that outline back out. I want you to look at the name back out. I want you to look at the name back out. I want you to look at the name you wrote down. The person you considered too far gone. The person you considered too far gone. The person you considered the worst of The person you considered the worst of The person you considered the worst of the worst, a bad person you knew, has the worst, a bad person you knew, has the worst, a bad person you knew, has the same opportunity the same opportunity the same opportunity Saul had. Saul had. Saul had. God is offering them a second chance. God is offering them a second chance. God is offering them a second chance. Ananas's second chance would have never Ananas's second chance would have never Ananas's second chance would have never been shown without Ananas. His obedience been shown without Ananas. His obedience been shown without Ananas. His obedience reached the worst of the worst and it reached the worst of the worst and it reached the worst of the worst and it resulted in life change.

resulted in life change. resulted in life change. And as a follower of Jesus, you have the And as a follower of Jesus, you have the And as a follower of Jesus, you have the same responsibility same responsibility same responsibility to reach the lost. to reach the lost. to reach the lost. But how do you do that? But how do you do that? But how do you do that? First, First, First, listen to God. God spoke to Ananas and Saul. God spoke to Ananas and Saul. When Saul heard God, he said, "Who are When Saul heard God, he said, "Who are When Saul heard God, he said, "Who are you, Lord? you, Lord? you, Lord? But when Ananas heard God, he said, But when Ananas heard God, he said, But when Ananas heard God, he said, "Yes, Lord, "Yes, Lord, "Yes, Lord, he was in close enough relationship that he was in close enough relationship that he was in close enough relationship that he recognized God's voice. God is calling your name. God is calling your name. He has an assignment for you, He has an assignment for you, He has an assignment for you, but you will never hear him unless you but you will never hear him unless you but you will never hear him unless you listen for him." listen for him." listen for him." Make it a priority to seek God and to Make it a priority to seek God and to Make it a priority to seek God and to listen for his voice. And when you do, listen for his voice. And when you do, listen for his voice. And when you do, when you hear him, just like Ananas, when you hear him, just like Ananas, when you hear him, just like Ananas, obey. God's direction for Ananas made no God's direction for Ananas made no sense.

sense. sense. God told him, "Go and pray for the man God told him, "Go and pray for the man God told him, "Go and pray for the man who came to kill you." who came to kill you." who came to kill you." That's tough. That's a tough assignment. And when God speaks to you, no matter And when God speaks to you, no matter what the assignment is, what the assignment is, what the assignment is, listen and obey. listen and obey. listen and obey. If the assignment is challenging, obey. If the assignment is challenging, obey. If the assignment is challenging, obey. If the assignment pushes you out of your If the assignment pushes you out of your If the assignment pushes you out of your comfort zone, obey. If the assignment comfort zone, obey. If the assignment comfort zone, obey. If the assignment doesn't make any sense at all, doesn't make any sense at all, doesn't make any sense at all, obey. I wish I could tell you that every I wish I could tell you that every instruction you receive from the Lord is instruction you receive from the Lord is instruction you receive from the Lord is going to make immediate sense for the going to make immediate sense for the going to make immediate sense for the rest of your life. rest of your life. rest of your life. As most of you already know, that's not As most of you already know, that's not As most of you already know, that's not how it works. how it works. how it works. And in fact, in the book of Isaiah And in fact, in the book of Isaiah And in fact, in the book of Isaiah chapter 55, God tells us, "For my chapter 55, God tells us, "For my chapter 55, God tells us, "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither thoughts are not your thoughts, neither thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways. As the heavens are your ways my ways. As the heavens are your ways my ways. As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my are higher than the earth, so are my are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my ways higher than your ways and my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts."

thoughts than your thoughts." thoughts than your thoughts." God's thoughts are higher than your God's thoughts are higher than your God's thoughts are higher than your thoughts. In other words, God knows thoughts. In other words, God knows thoughts. In other words, God knows better than you do. better than you do. better than you do. As a believer, it's not your As a believer, it's not your As a believer, it's not your responsibility to understand the plan. responsibility to understand the plan. responsibility to understand the plan. It's not your responsibility to to make It's not your responsibility to to make It's not your responsibility to to make the plan. the plan. the plan. It's your job to obey. It's your job to obey. It's your job to obey. And obedience And obedience And obedience leads to blessing, leads to blessing, leads to blessing, impact, and life change for you and for impact, and life change for you and for impact, and life change for you and for the people around you. Finally, to reach the lost just like Finally, to reach the lost just like Ananas, Ananas, Ananas, extend God's grace. When Ananas got to Saul, he didn't beat When Ananas got to Saul, he didn't beat him. He didn't restrain him. He didn't him. He didn't restrain him. He didn't him. He didn't restrain him. He didn't lecture him. lecture him. lecture him. Instead, placing his hands on Saul, Instead, placing his hands on Saul, Instead, placing his hands on Saul, he said, "Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, he said, "Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, he said, "Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you who appeared to you on the road as you who appeared to you on the road as you were coming here, has sent me so that were coming here, has sent me so that were coming here, has sent me so that you may see again and be filled with the you may see again and be filled with the you may see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit.

I want to be like Ananas. I want to be like Ananas. I want to welcome people that God is I want to welcome people that God is I want to welcome people that God is changing. changing. changing. They may not look like me. They may not They may not look like me. They may not They may not look like me. They may not talk like me. They may not act like me. talk like me. They may not act like me. talk like me. They may not act like me. They may not dress like me. but I want They may not dress like me. but I want They may not dress like me. but I want to be willing to accept them into God's to be willing to accept them into God's to be willing to accept them into God's family because God is willing to accept family because God is willing to accept family because God is willing to accept them into his family. them into his family. them into his family. >> And we must never forget that there's no >> And we must never forget that there's no >> And we must never forget that there's no greater miracle. There's not a greater greater miracle. There's not a greater greater miracle. There's not a greater moment in life than when one person moment in life than when one person moment in life than when one person commits their life to Jesus. In Anonyias, he extended the extreme In Anonyias, he extended the extreme grace of God to the very man who came to grace of God to the very man who came to grace of God to the very man who came to arrest, beat, and kill people just like arrest, beat, and kill people just like arrest, beat, and kill people just like him. him. him. Before he ever met Saul, Ananas made the Before he ever met Saul, Ananas made the Before he ever met Saul, Ananas made the decision to accept him. So if he can do that for Saul, So if he can do that for Saul, you can do that for the lost people in you can do that for the lost people in you can do that for the lost people in your life. You can extend God's grace to that You can extend God's grace to that hateful relative who mocks your faith or to the addict who has yet to discover or to the addict who has yet to discover freedom freedom freedom or the person whose lifestyle is chained or the person whose lifestyle is chained or the person whose lifestyle is chained by sin.

Why is it important to listen, obey, and Why is it important to listen, obey, and extend God's grace? extend God's grace? extend God's grace? Well, look at the end of our story, Well, look at the end of our story, Well, look at the end of our story, verse 19. verse 19. verse 19. Saul spent several days with the Saul spent several days with the Saul spent several days with the disciples in Damascus and at once he disciples in Damascus and at once he disciples in Damascus and at once he began to preach in the synagogues that began to preach in the synagogues that began to preach in the synagogues that Jesus Jesus Jesus is the son of God. is the son of God. is the son of God. The same synagogues that Saul sought The same synagogues that Saul sought The same synagogues that Saul sought approval from to persecute the church approval from to persecute the church approval from to persecute the church were now the synagogues he preached the were now the synagogues he preached the were now the synagogues he preached the name of Jesus. name of Jesus. name of Jesus. And it was a radical change because of And it was a radical change because of And it was a radical change because of one man's obedience and grace. Can you imagine the leader of that Can you imagine the leader of that synagogue? You know, morning service synagogue? You know, morning service synagogue? You know, morning service rolls around. The leader gets up. He rolls around. The leader gets up. He rolls around. The leader gets up. He stands at the podium. He gets the mic stands at the podium. He gets the mic stands at the podium. He gets the mic and he he welcomes Saul, the chief and he he welcomes Saul, the chief and he he welcomes Saul, the chief persecutor, up to the stage and the the persecutor, up to the stage and the the persecutor, up to the stage and the the crowd, they're they're ready because crowd, they're they're ready because crowd, they're they're ready because they're they know Saul is going to rally they're they know Saul is going to rally they're they know Saul is going to rally the crowd against the church of Jesus the crowd against the church of Jesus the crowd against the church of Jesus Christ. Saul walks up Christ. Saul walks up Christ. Saul walks up and instead he talks about the and instead he talks about the and instead he talks about the life-changing love of Jesus.

life-changing love of Jesus. life-changing love of Jesus. It's like if you were the owner of a It's like if you were the owner of a It's like if you were the owner of a Chevy dealership and you get the the Chevy dealership and you get the the Chevy dealership and you get the the whole team together, all your staff and whole team together, all your staff and whole team together, all your staff and a big wig from corporate office is a big wig from corporate office is a big wig from corporate office is coming down to give a speech. And so the coming down to give a speech. And so the coming down to give a speech. And so the big wig gets here and she stands up and big wig gets here and she stands up and big wig gets here and she stands up and and she presents to your whole team and and she presents to your whole team and and she presents to your whole team and she says, "Hey, I know we're a Chevy she says, "Hey, I know we're a Chevy she says, "Hey, I know we're a Chevy dealership, but every single one of you dealership, but every single one of you dealership, but every single one of you should go out today and buy a Ford." It's an unbelievable moment. It's an unbelievable moment. In fact, verse 21 tells us that all In fact, verse 21 tells us that all In fact, verse 21 tells us that all those who heard Saul were astonished. They were astonished at the fact that They were astonished at the fact that the man who was once the enemy of the the man who was once the enemy of the the man who was once the enemy of the church church church was now part of the church. God's got a plan. God's got a plan. And when you trust him and follow that And when you trust him and follow that And when you trust him and follow that plan, the results are absolutely plan, the results are absolutely plan, the results are absolutely astonishing.

So what could God do with your obedience So what could God do with your obedience and grace? Could he reach the person that you wrote Could he reach the person that you wrote at the top of your outline? Could he send you Could he send you to tell them about their second chance? If you're like Ananas, I want to pray If you're like Ananas, I want to pray for you. for you. for you. I want to pray that God would reveal the I want to pray that God would reveal the I want to pray that God would reveal the people who are lost people who are lost people who are lost and hurting and broken in your life and hurting and broken in your life and hurting and broken in your life and that he would give you the and that he would give you the and that he would give you the opportunity opportunity opportunity to extend his grace to extend his grace to extend his grace and guide them to life change. Can I and guide them to life change. Can I and guide them to life change. Can I pray that way for you? pray that way for you? pray that way for you? Would you bow your heads? Thank you that you use people like us Thank you that you use people like us to reach people who don't know you.

Thank you for allowing us the privilege Thank you for allowing us the privilege to share your love and your grace and to share your love and your grace and to share your love and your grace and your forgiveness with people who are far your forgiveness with people who are far your forgiveness with people who are far from you. We ask that you would please forgive us We ask that you would please forgive us for the times that we've decided someone for the times that we've decided someone for the times that we've decided someone was far too gone, that someone had no was far too gone, that someone had no was far too gone, that someone had no chance of ever coming back to you. Would chance of ever coming back to you. Would chance of ever coming back to you. Would you help us to never see people like you help us to never see people like you help us to never see people like that again? I pray that you would challenge us I pray that you would challenge us today. Challenge us to see people the way you Challenge us to see people the way you see them. see them. see them. Challenge us to to love people the way Challenge us to to love people the way Challenge us to to love people the way you love them. you love them. you love them. Challenge us to extend your grace and Challenge us to extend your grace and Challenge us to extend your grace and your forgiveness to people who everyone your forgiveness to people who everyone your forgiveness to people who everyone else has given up on. Would you give us the opportunity to Would you give us the opportunity to share your presence with people that we share your presence with people that we share your presence with people that we meet regardless of who they are or what meet regardless of who they are or what meet regardless of who they are or what they've done or how far they've run from they've done or how far they've run from they've done or how far they've run from you. Use us to share your love.

In fact, I ask that you would give us In fact, I ask that you would give us that opportunity this week. Place someone in our path who is hurting Place someone in our path who is hurting and broken and in desperate need of an and broken and in desperate need of an and broken and in desperate need of an encounter with you. Help us see that moment. Help us see that moment. Help us capitalize on that moment. Help Help us capitalize on that moment. Help Help us capitalize on that moment. Help us follow your direction. We make the decision right now to be We make the decision right now to be like Ananas. We want to listen to your voice, We want to listen to your voice, obey your command. We want to follow obey your command. We want to follow obey your command. We want to follow your direction. We want to extend your your direction. We want to extend your your direction. We want to extend your grace. And help us to do that not just today, And help us to do that not just today, not just this week, not just this week, not just this week, but for the rest of our lives. Lord, we love you. Lord, we love you. We trust you. We trust you. We trust you. We ask you to use us today.

We ask you to use us today. We ask you to use us today. And it's in your name that we pray. And it's in your name that we pray. And it's in your name that we pray. Amen. Amen. Thank you for being at Amen. Amen. Thank you for being at Amen. Amen. Thank you for being at church today. Have a wonderful rest of church today. Have a wonderful rest of church today. Have a wonderful rest of your Sunday. We'll see you next weekend. But I found a love so amazing. But I found a love so amazing. If only If only If only they knew. they knew. they knew. all of the times he's provided all of the times he's provided all of the times he's provided the mirales, wonders, and signs. the mirales, wonders, and signs. the mirales, wonders, and signs. So why can I give you half of my So why can I give you half of my So why can I give you half of my worship? And that should be no surprise.

worship? And that should be no surprise. worship? And that should be no surprise. Don't ask me why I worship the way that Don't ask me why I worship the way that Don't ask me why I worship the way that I do. I do. I do. I've got a reason to praise him. I know I've got a reason to praise him. I know I've got a reason to praise him. I know I've got to lose. Come on, y'all. Come on, y'all. that I can't put in words that I can't put in words that I can't put in words for all of