Kingdom Shepherd | 11:00 am | Michael Gossett

My heart woke up and out. I came into My heart woke up and out. I came into fresh fresh fresh started. Hallelu Hallelu to the God who to the God who to the God who hallelu Hallelujah. Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ. I feel lost without Good morning, church family, and welcome Good morning, church family, and welcome to Green Acres. We're so glad that you to Green Acres. We're so glad that you to Green Acres. We're so glad that you chose to worship with us. If this is chose to worship with us. If this is chose to worship with us. If this is your first time visiting, or maybe your first time visiting, or maybe your first time visiting, or maybe you've been coming for a little bit and

you've been coming for a little bit and you've been coming for a little bit and haven't gotten connected yet, we would haven't gotten connected yet, we would haven't gotten connected yet, we would love to have a conversation with you. Do love to have a conversation with you. Do love to have a conversation with you. Do us a favor by texting the word connect us a favor by texting the word connect us a favor by texting the word connect to 903-5251100 to 903-5251100 to 903-5251100 so that one of our ministers can reach so that one of our ministers can reach so that one of our ministers can reach out to you this week and answer your out to you this week and answer your out to you this week and answer your questions and pray with you if you've questions and pray with you if you've questions and pray with you if you've got anything going on. Also, midweek is back and we are having Also, midweek is back and we are having so much fun. So, we want you to come so much fun. So, we want you to come so much fun. So, we want you to come join and be part of that fun. We've got join and be part of that fun. We've got join and be part of that fun. We've got prayer gathering across all three of our prayer gathering across all three of our prayer gathering across all three of our campuses from 6:00 to 7:00 on Wednesday campuses from 6:00 to 7:00 on Wednesday campuses from 6:00 to 7:00 on Wednesday nights and so many activities for kids, nights and so many activities for kids, nights and so many activities for kids, students, adults, all ages and stages of students, adults, all ages and stages of students, adults, all ages and stages of life. So, make sure that you visit life. So, make sure that you visit life. So, make sure that you visit gbc.org/mdwk Then ladies, we have a huge event coming Then ladies, we have a huge event coming for you just around the corner this for you just around the corner this for you just around the corner this September. The dates will be on your September. The dates will be on your September. The dates will be on your screen. We have our women's fall screen. We have our women's fall screen. We have our women's fall friendship dinner. This will be hosted friendship dinner. This will be hosted friendship dinner. This will be hosted at all three of our campuses. We've got at all three of our campuses. We've got at all three of our campuses. We've got a different speaker coming for each a different speaker coming for each a different speaker coming for each campus. The men in our church will be campus. The men in our church will be campus. The men in our church will be serving dinner and it's going to be a serving dinner and it's going to be a serving dinner and it's going to be a fun night to be together as women in the fun night to be together as women in the fun night to be together as women in the church and community and partner with church and community and partner with church and community and partner with local mission organizations. You can local mission organizations. You can local mission organizations. You can visit greenacreswomen.org visit greenacreswomen.org visit greenacreswomen.org for more information.

Thanks again for choosing to worship Thanks again for choosing to worship with us this morning. If you're online, with us this morning. If you're online, with us this morning. If you're online, make sure you leave a comment with where make sure you leave a comment with where make sure you leave a comment with where you're watching from or who you're you're watching from or who you're you're watching from or who you're watching with. If you're in the room, watching with. If you're in the room, watching with. If you're in the room, take a few minutes to say hello to take a few minutes to say hello to take a few minutes to say hello to someone around you. And we're going to someone around you. And we're going to someone around you. And we're going to get started soon. All right. Good morning, church family.

All right. Good morning, church family. So good to see you today. Would you So good to see you today. Would you So good to see you today. Would you stand to your feet with us? We have a stand to your feet with us? We have a stand to your feet with us? We have a God this morning who is worthy of God this morning who is worthy of God this morning who is worthy of praise. The creator of the heavens and praise. The creator of the heavens and praise. The creator of the heavens and the earth. We lift our voices together the earth. We lift our voices together the earth. We lift our voices together as we praise the name of Jesus. Come on. as we praise the name of Jesus. Come on. as we praise the name of Jesus. Come on. Sometimes you got to dance to the Sometimes you got to dance to the Sometimes you got to dance to the darkness. Sing through the fire. Praise darkness. Sing through the fire. Praise darkness. Sing through the fire. Praise when it don't make sense. Sometimes you when it don't make sense. Sometimes you when it don't make sense. Sometimes you got to stare down the giant. Worship got to stare down the giant. Worship got to stare down the giant. Worship from the lion's dead. Come on, we sing. from the lion's dead. Come on, we sing. from the lion's dead. Come on, we sing. Sometimes you got to shout it from the Sometimes you got to shout it from the Sometimes you got to shout it from the mountain. power in the valley trusting mountain. power in the valley trusting mountain. power in the valley trusting that he's going to get you in. Sometimes that he's going to get you in. Sometimes that he's going to get you in. Sometimes you got to welcome a wonder waiting for you got to welcome a wonder waiting for you got to welcome a wonder waiting for the answer. Worship lives in we say I'll the answer. Worship lives in we say I'll the answer. Worship lives in we say I'll praise you anywhere. Praise the praise. praise you anywhere. Praise the praise. praise you anywhere. Praise the praise. Give him praise in the highest praise. Give him praise in the highest praise. Give him praise in the highest praise. Give him praise. Give him praise in the Give him praise. Give him praise in the Give him praise. Give him praise in the highest.

is worthy. is worthy. Yes, he is worthy of all of the praise. Sometimes you got to praise in the Sometimes you got to praise in the prison, cry out to heaven, shout until prison, cry out to heaven, shout until prison, cry out to heaven, shout until the doors swing wide. Sometimes you got the doors swing wide. Sometimes you got the doors swing wide. Sometimes you got to stand on your shackles, pray in the to stand on your shackles, pray in the to stand on your shackles, pray in the battle, worship with your hands high. battle, worship with your hands high. battle, worship with your hands high. I'll praise you anywhere. Praise praise. I'll praise you anywhere. Praise praise. I'll praise you anywhere. Praise praise. Praise in the highest praise. Give Praise in the highest praise. Give Praise in the highest praise. Give praise. Praise in the highest. praise. Praise in the highest. praise. Praise in the highest. He is worthy. He is worthy of all of the praise. Give He is worthy of all of the praise. Give him praise. Give him praise in the him praise. Give him praise in the him praise. Give him praise in the highest praise. Give him praise. We highest praise. Give him praise. We highest praise. Give him praise. We praise in the highest. praise in the highest. praise in the highest. He is worthy.

He is worthy. He is worthy. Yes, he is worthy of all of his praise. Yes, he is worthy of all of his praise. Yes, he is worthy of all of his praise. >> Is he worthy this morning, church >> Is he worthy this morning, church >> Is he worthy this morning, church family, family, family, come on, we lift it up. He's been come on, we lift it up. He's been come on, we lift it up. He's been faithful. We sing. Yeah. Faithful all my faithful. We sing. Yeah. Faithful all my faithful. We sing. Yeah. Faithful all my life. Blessings day and night. For life. Blessings day and night. For life. Blessings day and night. For countless reasons why I'll praise you countless reasons why I'll praise you countless reasons why I'll praise you anywhere, every promise kept. Goodness anywhere, every promise kept. Goodness anywhere, every promise kept. Goodness every step, each and every breath. I'll every step, each and every breath. I'll every step, each and every breath. I'll praise you any faithful all my life. praise you any faithful all my life. praise you any faithful all my life. Blessings day and night. Countless Blessings day and night. Countless Blessings day and night. Countless reasons why. I'll praise you anywhere, reasons why. I'll praise you anywhere, reasons why. I'll praise you anywhere, every promise. goodness every step, each every promise. goodness every step, each every promise. goodness every step, each and every breath. I'll praise you and every breath. I'll praise you and every breath. I'll praise you anywhere, anywhere, anywhere, anywhere. You're worthy, Lord. We sing anywhere. You're worthy, Lord. We sing anywhere. You're worthy, Lord. We sing praise. Give him praise. Give him praise. Give him praise. Give him praise. Give him praise. Give him praise. Come on, church. In the highest praise. Come on, church. In the highest praise. Come on, church. In the highest praise, give him praise. Give him praise praise, give him praise. Give him praise praise, give him praise. Give him praise in the highest.

Worthy. Worthy. Yes. Yes. Yes. is worthy of all of his praise. Give him is worthy of all of his praise. Give him is worthy of all of his praise. Give him praise. Give him praise in the highest praise. Give him praise in the highest praise. Give him praise in the highest praise. Give him praise. Give him praise praise. Give him praise. Give him praise praise. Give him praise. Give him praise in the highest. Worthy Worthy is is is worthy of all our praise. worthy of all our praise. worthy of all our praise. Oh Jesus, you're worthy of our praise. Oh Jesus, you're worthy of our praise. Oh Jesus, you're worthy of our praise. For you're worthy, we sing is worthy. is worthy. Yes, he Yes, he Yes, he is worthy of all. is worthy of all. is worthy of all. >> Amen. He's worthy of all the praise. >> Amen. He's worthy of all the praise. >> Amen. He's worthy of all the praise. We have come to praise his name that is We have come to praise his name that is We have come to praise his name that is above every other name this morning and above every other name this morning and above every other name this morning and lift up our song together as we have lift up our song together as we have lift up our song together as we have gathered together under his very name gathered together under his very name gathered together under his very name today. No matter what you're walking today. No matter what you're walking today. No matter what you're walking through, he is worthy of your praise. We through, he is worthy of your praise. We through, he is worthy of your praise. We sing this together as we raise sing this together as we raise sing this together as we raise hallelujah to the King of Kings. We sing hallelujah to the King of Kings. We sing hallelujah to the King of Kings. We sing with all our heart. Come on, we sing.

with all our heart. Come on, we sing. with all our heart. Come on, we sing. Oh, I raise a hallelu Oh, I raise a hallelu Oh, I raise a hallelu with everything, with everything, with everything, with everything inside of me. with everything inside of me. with everything inside of me. Yes, Lord. Oh, I raise a hallelujah Yes, Lord. Oh, I raise a hallelujah Yes, Lord. Oh, I raise a hallelujah to the light of the world. Oh, I will to the light of the world. Oh, I will to the light of the world. Oh, I will watch the darkness flee. watch the darkness flee. watch the darkness flee. We sing. I raise a hallelujah. Right here in the middle of the mystery. Right here in the middle of the mystery. Oh, you're worthy, Lord. I raise a Oh, you're worthy, Lord. I raise a Oh, you're worthy, Lord. I raise a hallelujah. hallelujah. hallelujah. Come on, church. Come on, church. Come on, church. Oh fear, you lost your hold on me. I'm going to sing I'm going to sing you you you louder and louder. You're going to hear louder and louder. You're going to hear louder and louder. You're going to hear my praises, Lord. my praises, Lord. my praises, Lord. Up from the ashes Up from the ashes Up from the ashes will arise.

will arise. will arise. Death is defeated. Death is defeated. Death is defeated. The king is alive. He is alive. The king is alive. He is alive. The king is alive. He is alive. Oh, sing a little louder. Oh, sing a little louder. Oh, sing a little louder. >> Sing a little louder. >> Sing a little louder. >> Sing a little louder. >> Yeah. Sing a little louder. >> Yeah. Sing a little louder. >> Yeah. Sing a little louder. >> Sing a little louder. >> Sing a little louder. >> Sing a little louder. >> Oh, sing a little louder. >> Oh, sing a little louder. >> Oh, sing a little louder. >> Sing a little louder, >> Sing a little louder, >> Sing a little louder, >> church. Sing a little louder. >> church. Sing a little louder. >> church. Sing a little louder. >> Sing a little louder. >> Sing a little louder. >> Sing a little louder. >> Come on and sing a little louder. >> Come on and sing a little louder. >> Come on and sing a little louder. In the presence of my enemies, In the presence of my enemies, In the presence of my enemies, >> sing a little louder. >> sing a little louder. >> sing a little louder. >> It's louder than the unbeliever. Yeah. >> It's louder than the unbeliever. Yeah. >> It's louder than the unbeliever. Yeah. >> Sing a little louder. >> Sing a little louder. >> Sing a little louder. >> Oh, my weapon is the melody. >> Oh, my weapon is the melody. >> Oh, my weapon is the melody. >> Sing a little louder. >> Sing a little louder. >> Sing a little louder. >> When heaven comes to fight for me, >> When heaven comes to fight for me, >> When heaven comes to fight for me, >> sing a little louder. >> sing a little louder. >> sing a little louder. >> I'm going to sing with a song. Come on.

>> I'm going to sing with a song. Come on. >> I'm going to sing with a song. Come on. Louder and louder. You're going to hear Louder and louder. You're going to hear Louder and louder. You're going to hear my praises roar my praises roar my praises roar up from the ashes. up from the ashes. up from the ashes. Hope will arise. Hope will arise. Hope will arise. Death is defeated. Death is defeated. Death is defeated. The king is high. The king is high. The king is high. Hallelujah. I raise hallelujah. I raise hallelujah. Every day I raise a hallelujah Every day I raise a hallelujah Every day I raise a hallelujah to the Lord of all lords. Oh, I raise a to the Lord of all lords. Oh, I raise a to the Lord of all lords. Oh, I raise a hallelu. Come on, we lift up praise to the Lord Come on, we lift up praise to the Lord of lords. of lords. of lords. Amen. We have a baptism to witness Amen. We have a baptism to witness Amen. We have a baptism to witness together. Go ahead and have a seat together. Go ahead and have a seat together. Go ahead and have a seat today. All right, church family. Good morning. All right, church family. Good morning. I'm so excited uh to get to celebrate a I'm so excited uh to get to celebrate a I'm so excited uh to get to celebrate a baptism with you. Uh this is Enzo Hawin, baptism with you. Uh this is Enzo Hawin, baptism with you. Uh this is Enzo Hawin, and if you're a friend or family member and if you're a friend or family member and if you're a friend or family member of Enzo's, I just invite you to stand in of Enzo's, I just invite you to stand in of Enzo's, I just invite you to stand in support of his decision today. Uh but support of his decision today. Uh but support of his decision today. Uh but Enzo is a sophomore at Tyler Legacy. Uh Enzo is a sophomore at Tyler Legacy. Uh Enzo is a sophomore at Tyler Legacy. Uh and has uh over his life has grown up in and has uh over his life has grown up in and has uh over his life has grown up in a Christian home. He he knew who Jesus a Christian home. He he knew who Jesus a Christian home. He he knew who Jesus was. He knew the stories of the Bible was. He knew the stories of the Bible was. He knew the stories of the Bible and the gospel. And just a process of and the gospel. And just a process of and the gospel. And just a process of being involved in church, going to being involved in church, going to being involved in church, going to camps. He put his faith and trust in camps. He put his faith and trust in camps. He put his faith and trust in Jesus when uh he was in middle school.

Jesus when uh he was in middle school. Jesus when uh he was in middle school. But in that time, he hadn't made the But in that time, he hadn't made the But in that time, he hadn't made the decision yet to be baptized. And he's decision yet to be baptized. And he's decision yet to be baptized. And he's continuing to grow in that knowledge of continuing to grow in that knowledge of continuing to grow in that knowledge of what it meant to follow Jesus. And this what it meant to follow Jesus. And this what it meant to follow Jesus. And this last summer uh at beach camp, he said, last summer uh at beach camp, he said, last summer uh at beach camp, he said, "Hey, I know I need to get baptized. I "Hey, I know I need to get baptized. I "Hey, I know I need to get baptized. I want to get baptized. I want to show want to get baptized. I want to show want to get baptized. I want to show that Jesus is my Lord. I want to let that Jesus is my Lord. I want to let that Jesus is my Lord. I want to let people know that I'm committed to people know that I'm committed to people know that I'm committed to following him." So, Enzo, are you coming following him." So, Enzo, are you coming following him." So, Enzo, are you coming today because Jesus is the Lord of your today because Jesus is the Lord of your today because Jesus is the Lord of your life? life? life? >> Enzo, because of that public profession >> Enzo, because of that public profession >> Enzo, because of that public profession of faith in Jesus, your dad gets to of faith in Jesus, your dad gets to of faith in Jesus, your dad gets to baptize you today in the name of the baptize you today in the name of the baptize you today in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, buried with Christ in baptism, buried with Christ in baptism, buried with Christ in baptism, raised to walk in a new life. How about that? How about that? Hey, one How about that? How about that? Hey, one more time, let's give the Lord a praise. more time, let's give the Lord a praise. more time, let's give the Lord a praise. How about that? How about that? How about that? Hey, good uh good morning everyone. Hey, good uh good morning everyone. Hey, good uh good morning everyone. Welcome to Greenacres Baptist Church. If Welcome to Greenacres Baptist Church. If Welcome to Greenacres Baptist Church. If you're watching online, uh we sure hope you're watching online, uh we sure hope you're watching online, uh we sure hope at some point that you get to uh show up at some point that you get to uh show up at some point that you get to uh show up in this room and let us shake your hand in this room and let us shake your hand in this room and let us shake your hand and hug your neck. But for those of you and hug your neck. But for those of you and hug your neck. But for those of you that are, we hope we've already done that are, we hope we've already done that are, we hope we've already done that. But if you're just kind of kicking that. But if you're just kind of kicking that. But if you're just kind of kicking the tires and and coming into a big old the tires and and coming into a big old the tires and and coming into a big old room and not sure what's going on, take room and not sure what's going on, take room and not sure what's going on, take your phone and text the word connect to your phone and text the word connect to your phone and text the word connect to 903-5251100.

903-5251100. 903-5251100. Just follow the prompts as we say, "Let Just follow the prompts as we say, "Let Just follow the prompts as we say, "Let us get to know you as you're as you're us get to know you as you're as you're us get to know you as you're as you're getting to know us." Um, you can also getting to know us." Um, you can also getting to know us." Um, you can also use that very same number. Uh, and text use that very same number. Uh, and text use that very same number. Uh, and text the word pray. Uh, some of you, I know the word pray. Uh, some of you, I know the word pray. Uh, some of you, I know you you brought stuff in, you're you you brought stuff in, you're you you brought stuff in, you're carrying things, and you just need a carrying things, and you just need a carrying things, and you just need a group of people to pray. You can you can group of people to pray. You can you can group of people to pray. You can you can let us know what that is. You can you let us know what that is. You can you let us know what that is. You can you can say, "Hey, this is confidential." can say, "Hey, this is confidential." can say, "Hey, this is confidential." And we've got a small group of very And we've got a small group of very And we've got a small group of very confidential, we call them prayer confidential, we call them prayer confidential, we call them prayer warriors who will pray for whatever you warriors who will pray for whatever you warriors who will pray for whatever you share. If you don't let us know it's share. If you don't let us know it's share. If you don't let us know it's private, there's gonna be a lot of private, there's gonna be a lot of private, there's gonna be a lot of people praying for you. So, uh, take people praying for you. So, uh, take people praying for you. So, uh, take advantage of that. That's the word pray. advantage of that. That's the word pray. advantage of that. That's the word pray. And then many of you take advantage of And then many of you take advantage of And then many of you take advantage of this, that very same number. Just text this, that very same number. Just text this, that very same number. Just text the word give and follow the prompts. the word give and follow the prompts. the word give and follow the prompts. Um, you keep the lights on, the Um, you keep the lights on, the Um, you keep the lights on, the ministries going because of your ministries going because of your ministries going because of your generosity. So, thank you so very much generosity. So, thank you so very much generosity. So, thank you so very much for that. Um, listen, every Wednesday for that. Um, listen, every Wednesday for that. Um, listen, every Wednesday night in this room, we have something night in this room, we have something night in this room, we have something called a prayer gathering six o'clock called a prayer gathering six o'clock called a prayer gathering six o'clock right here. That's the only thing going right here. That's the only thing going right here. That's the only thing going on for adults uh on this campus six on for adults uh on this campus six on for adults uh on this campus six o'clock in this room every Wednesday o'clock in this room every Wednesday o'clock in this room every Wednesday night and we do really primarily just night and we do really primarily just night and we do really primarily just one thing is we pray. Now sometimes we one thing is we pray. Now sometimes we one thing is we pray. Now sometimes we sing. It's a little bit of teaching but sing. It's a little bit of teaching but sing. It's a little bit of teaching but it's a lot of prayer and we want you to it's a lot of prayer and we want you to it's a lot of prayer and we want you to be a part of that if you haven't been a be a part of that if you haven't been a be a part of that if you haven't been a part of it. I ask someone who has. Um part of it. I ask someone who has. Um part of it. I ask someone who has. Um there's several hundred of us who do it there's several hundred of us who do it there's several hundred of us who do it and uh uh pretty soon it'll become your and uh uh pretty soon it'll become your and uh uh pretty soon it'll become your favorite night of the week. I guarantee favorite night of the week. I guarantee favorite night of the week. I guarantee you that. So you come and join us for you that. So you come and join us for you that. So you come and join us for that. Now that happens this every that. Now that happens this every that. Now that happens this every Wednesday night. Now on September the Wednesday night. Now on September the Wednesday night. Now on September the 9th, uh we'll have a special prayer

9th, uh we'll have a special prayer 9th, uh we'll have a special prayer gathering for first responders. And uh gathering for first responders. And uh gathering for first responders. And uh can you believe it's been 25 years since can you believe it's been 25 years since can you believe it's been 25 years since 911? And uh if you are a first 911? And uh if you are a first 911? And uh if you are a first responder, we want you to be here. We'll responder, we want you to be here. We'll responder, we want you to be here. We'll pray over you. You don't have to do pray over you. You don't have to do pray over you. You don't have to do anything. You can just show up. But we anything. You can just show up. But we anything. You can just show up. But we want to invite anybody and everybody to want to invite anybody and everybody to want to invite anybody and everybody to come. And let's let's remember how God come. And let's let's remember how God come. And let's let's remember how God brings us through difficult times, brings us through difficult times, brings us through difficult times, difficult seasons. All right. Now, difficult seasons. All right. Now, difficult seasons. All right. Now, ladies in the room, are you here? Can I ladies in the room, are you here? Can I ladies in the room, are you here? Can I hear you, please, ladies? hear you, please, ladies? hear you, please, ladies? >> All right. We have uh Yes. Thank you. We >> All right. We have uh Yes. Thank you. We >> All right. We have uh Yes. Thank you. We have the uh fall friendship dinner. have the uh fall friendship dinner. have the uh fall friendship dinner. Y'all know about it already. The fall Y'all know about it already. The fall Y'all know about it already. The fall friendship dinner is one of our biggest friendship dinner is one of our biggest friendship dinner is one of our biggest outreach events in our women's ministry, outreach events in our women's ministry, outreach events in our women's ministry, and that's going to happen on the 15th, and that's going to happen on the 15th, and that's going to happen on the 15th, uh September 15th, coming up real fast. uh September 15th, coming up real fast. uh September 15th, coming up real fast. Uh there's information in the foyer at Uh there's information in the foyer at Uh there's information in the foyer at the women's ministry booth. You find out the women's ministry booth. You find out the women's ministry booth. You find out about that. Now guys in the room, I need about that. Now guys in the room, I need about that. Now guys in the room, I need to hear you guys. to hear you guys. to hear you guys. Okay, now keep that enthusiasm because Okay, now keep that enthusiasm because Okay, now keep that enthusiasm because we need to serve at the fall friendship we need to serve at the fall friendship we need to serve at the fall friendship dinner. Yeah, I got you there. That's dinner. Yeah, I got you there. That's dinner. Yeah, I got you there. That's right. I heard you yell. I know every right. I heard you yell. I know every right. I heard you yell. I know every one of you that yelled. So, I need you one of you that yelled. So, I need you one of you that yelled. So, I need you to when you leave here, you go out and to when you leave here, you go out and to when you leave here, you go out and volunteer because we we fill water cups volunteer because we we fill water cups volunteer because we we fill water cups and we bring food and we clean up and and we bring food and we clean up and and we bring food and we clean up and help ladies sit down and and then and help ladies sit down and and then and help ladies sit down and and then and then we go have Chick-fil-A is what we then we go have Chick-fil-A is what we then we go have Chick-fil-A is what we do. So, you're invited, but you got to do. So, you're invited, but you got to do. So, you're invited, but you got to let them know. So, right after this, let them know. So, right after this, let them know. So, right after this, guys, go volunteer. You get to wear a guys, go volunteer. You get to wear a guys, go volunteer. You get to wear a white shirt and black pants. I mean, white shirt and black pants. I mean, white shirt and black pants. I mean, what could be better? It'll be so much what could be better? It'll be so much what could be better? It'll be so much fun. All right, listen.

fun. All right, listen. fun. All right, listen. There's a lot going on. There's a lot going on. There's a lot going on. Some of you came, you've had a fantastic Some of you came, you've had a fantastic Some of you came, you've had a fantastic week. Some of you came and you're week. Some of you came and you're week. Some of you came and you're carrying things that you never intended carrying things that you never intended carrying things that you never intended to carry, burdens. There's a passage of to carry, burdens. There's a passage of to carry, burdens. There's a passage of scripture, I'll be brief, there's a scripture, I'll be brief, there's a scripture, I'll be brief, there's a passage of scripture in the book of passage of scripture in the book of passage of scripture in the book of Lamentations, right? not the most Lamentations, right? not the most Lamentations, right? not the most uplifting scene. Uh Lamentations is one uplifting scene. Uh Lamentations is one uplifting scene. Uh Lamentations is one of the darkest uh seasons of the darkest uh seasons of the darkest uh seasons um in Israel's past. And uh here's what um in Israel's past. And uh here's what um in Israel's past. And uh here's what the Bible says in Lamentations 3:21 the Bible says in Lamentations 3:21 the Bible says in Lamentations 3:21 through 23. The Bible says this, "Yet through 23. The Bible says this, "Yet through 23. The Bible says this, "Yet I call this to mind and therefore I have I call this to mind and therefore I have I call this to mind and therefore I have hope. Because of the Lord's faithful hope. Because of the Lord's faithful hope. Because of the Lord's faithful love, we do not perish. For his mercies love, we do not perish. For his mercies love, we do not perish. For his mercies never end. They are new every morning. never end. They are new every morning. never end. They are new every morning. Great is your faithfulness. That Great is your faithfulness. That Great is your faithfulness. That three-letter word is a big word for some three-letter word is a big word for some three-letter word is a big word for some of us. And yet of us. And yet of us. And yet in the midst of all that you're going in the midst of all that you're going in the midst of all that you're going through. And yet. In the midst of the through. And yet. In the midst of the through. And yet. In the midst of the struggle and the pain. And yet. In the struggle and the pain. And yet. In the struggle and the pain. And yet. In the midst of curveballs you never knew you'd midst of curveballs you never knew you'd midst of curveballs you never knew you'd have to hit. Yet.

have to hit. Yet. have to hit. Yet. God is faithful. His mercies are new God is faithful. His mercies are new God is faithful. His mercies are new every morning. every morning. every morning. Great is his faithfulness. Pray with me, Great is his faithfulness. Pray with me, Great is his faithfulness. Pray with me, would you? As our ushers come forward would you? As our ushers come forward would you? As our ushers come forward with your heads bowed and eyes closed. Father, thank you for Father, thank you for being sufficient. Thank you that your being sufficient. Thank you that your being sufficient. Thank you that your mercies in our lives are new every mercies in our lives are new every mercies in our lives are new every morning. Would you remind us whatever we morning. Would you remind us whatever we morning. Would you remind us whatever we have brought in and whatever we are have brought in and whatever we are have brought in and whatever we are carrying, the good and the difficult, carrying, the good and the difficult, carrying, the good and the difficult, Lord, your mercies are new. Great is Lord, your mercies are new. Great is Lord, your mercies are new. Great is your faithfulness. Even when we're not your faithfulness. Even when we're not your faithfulness. Even when we're not faithful, you are faithful. So, Father, faithful, you are faithful. So, Father, faithful, you are faithful. So, Father, would you take these gifts, these would you take these gifts, these would you take these gifts, these tithes, these offerings, use them to tithes, these offerings, use them to tithes, these offerings, use them to your glory and to your glory alone? And your glory and to your glory alone? And your glory and to your glory alone? And we pray those things in Jesus name. And we pray those things in Jesus name. And we pray those things in Jesus name. And everybody said, "Amen." Alone in my sorrow and dead in my sin.

Alone in my sorrow and dead in my sin. Lost without hope and no place to begin. Lost without hope and no place to begin. Lost without hope and no place to begin. Your love made a way to let mercy come. Your love made a way to let mercy come. Your love made a way to let mercy come. When death Ash was redeemed only remains Ash was redeemed only remains >> and my orphan heart >> Come on. When death was rest >> Come on. When death was rest >> sing of his grace today. Come on. >> sing of his grace today. Come on. >> sing of his grace today. Come on. Oh, your grace so free Oh, your grace so free Oh, your grace so free washes over washes over washes over me. me. me. You have made me new. Now life begins You have made me new. Now life begins You have made me new. Now life begins with you.

It's your endless It's your endless love love love pouring down on us. Oh Lord, you have pouring down on us. Oh Lord, you have pouring down on us. Oh Lord, you have made us new. Now life begins with you. >> Released from my chains. I'm a prisoner. >> Released from my chains. I'm a prisoner. >> Hallelujah. We sing. >> Hallelujah. We sing. >> Hallelujah. We sing. >> My shame was me. He cancelled my dead and he called me He cancelled my dead and he called me his friend. his friend. his friend. When death was arrested and my life When death was arrested and my life When death was arrested and my life began. began. began. >> Oh your grace, >> Oh your grace, >> Oh your grace, oh your grace so free oh your grace so free oh your grace so free washes over. You have made me new. Now life begins You have made me new. Now life begins with you because of your love. with you because of your love. with you because of your love. It's your endless It's your endless It's your endless love love love pouring down on us.

pouring down on us. pouring down on us. You have made us new now. Life begins You have made us new now. Life begins You have made us new now. Life begins with you. Thank you, Lord. Thank you, Lord. Our savior displayed on a criminal's Our savior displayed on a criminal's Our savior displayed on a criminal's cross. Oh, darkness rejoices though heaven had Oh, darkness rejoices though heaven had lost. Come on, church. Should we sing it lost. Come on, church. Should we sing it lost. Come on, church. Should we sing it out today? Oh, but Jesus rose with our out today? Oh, but Jesus rose with our out today? Oh, but Jesus rose with our freedom in death was arrested in my life. death was arrested in my life. >> Oh, we thank you Lord. >> Oh, we thank you Lord. >> Oh, we thank you Lord. Oh, your grace so free Oh, your grace so free Oh, your grace so free washes over washes over washes over me. me. me. You have made me knew how life begins You have made me knew how life begins You have made me knew how life begins with you. Oh, it's your love.

with you. Oh, it's your love. with you. Oh, it's your love. It's your endless It's your endless It's your endless love love love pouring down on us. pouring down on us. pouring down on us. You have made us new. Now life begins You have made us new. Now life begins You have made us new. Now life begins with you. with you. with you. Oh, we're free. Oh, we're free. Oh, we're free. Oh, we're free. Oh, we're free. Oh, we're free. Forever free. I'm join Forever free. I'm join Forever free. I'm join all of >> Come on, we sing. We pray. We're free >> Come on, we sing. We pray. We're free forever. forever. forever. Come join the song of all the Come join the song of all the Come join the song of all the free When was When was my life be When death was rested in my my life be When death was rested in my my life be When death was rested in my life. Oh, when death was arrested in my life. Oh, when death was arrested in my life. Oh, when death was arrested in my life.

life. life. Hey, are you grateful today? Come on. Every good and perfect gift comes from Every good and perfect gift comes from the Lord. Amen. the Lord. Amen. the Lord. Amen. Every blessing we have is from him. We Every blessing we have is from him. We Every blessing we have is from him. We sing this together. of every blessing. of every blessing. Turn my heart Turn my heart Turn my heart sing. above above the mountain the mountain the mountain upon it. upon it. upon it. of thy redeeing.

here I raise my heaven. here I raise my heaven. Give her by thy help I come Give her by thy help I come Give her by thy help I come and thy hope by thy good pleasure and thy hope by thy good pleasure and thy hope by thy good pleasure safely to arrive at home. safely to arrive at home. safely to arrive at home. Jesus saw me when a stranger Jesus saw me when a stranger Jesus saw me when a stranger wondering from the world of God wondering from the world of God wondering from the world of God here to rescue here to rescue here to rescue me from the danger me from the danger me from the danger in the closing Come on, we sing. Come on, we sing. Oh to grace how great a dear Oh to grace how great a dear Oh to grace how great a dear I'm I'm I'm straight to thee.

straight to thee. straight to thee. Let thy goodness Let thy goodness Let thy goodness like a feather like a feather like a feather bind my wondering heart to me. I'm prone bind my wondering heart to me. I'm prone bind my wondering heart to me. I'm prone to wonder. to wonder. to wonder. Lord I feel it. I'm going to leave the Lord I feel it. I'm going to leave the Lord I feel it. I'm going to leave the God I love. God I love. God I love. Here's my heart, Lord. Take and seal it. Here's my heart, Lord. Take and seal it. Here's my heart, Lord. Take and seal it. Seal it, Lord. High courts above. Seal it, Lord. High courts above. Seal it, Lord. High courts above. I'm prone to wonder, I'm prone to wonder, I'm prone to wonder, Lord. I feel it. I'm prone to the God I Lord. I feel it. I'm prone to the God I Lord. I feel it. I'm prone to the God I love. Here's my heart, Lord. Take and seal it. Here's my heart, Lord. Take and seal it. Seal it for thy courts above. Seal it for thy courts above. Seal it for thy courts above. Here's my heart. Here's my heart. Here's my heart. Take and seal it. Seal it for.

We sing this together. We sing this together. I love you, Lord, and I lift my voice and I lift my voice to worship you. you. Oh my soul, my soul rejoice. Oh my soul, my soul rejoice. Oh my soul, my soul rejoice. Take joy, take joy, my king. Take joy, take joy, my king. Take joy, take joy, my king. Oh, in Oh, in Oh, in what you hear. Oh, may it be a sweet, Oh, may it be a sweet, sweet, sweet, sweet, Lord, in your Lord, in your Lord, in your >> Come on, we pour out our hearts today >> Come on, we pour out our hearts today >> Come on, we pour out our hearts today before the Lord. We sing, I love you, before the Lord. We sing, I love you, before the Lord. We sing, I love you, Lord. Oh, I love you, Lord. And I lift my voice And I lift my voice to worship you.

worship you. Oh my my soul rejoice. Oh my my soul rejoice. Oh my my soul rejoice. >> Take joy. Oh take joy. My may it be a sweet may it be a sweet sweet may it be sweet may it be sweet may it be may it be a sweet may it be a sweet may it be a sweet sweet may it be a sweet may it be a sweet We found We found We found in your in your in your name. Amen. Amen. Father, that's our prayer today. That Father, that's our prayer today. That Father, that's our prayer today. That everything that we've sung, everything that we've sung, everything that we've sung, the way our hearts are postured here the way our hearts are postured here the way our hearts are postured here before you together online, before you together online, before you together online, we want to bring you something that is we want to bring you something that is we want to bring you something that is acceptable today.

Lord, we know that we worship in spirit Lord, we know that we worship in spirit and in truth. And so we are wholly and in truth. And so we are wholly and in truth. And so we are wholly dependent this morning on your spirit to dependent this morning on your spirit to dependent this morning on your spirit to sing, to hear from you, to worship you, sing, to hear from you, to worship you, sing, to hear from you, to worship you, and to love you with all of our heart, and to love you with all of our heart, and to love you with all of our heart, soul, mind, and strength. soul, mind, and strength. soul, mind, and strength. And Lord, it is a joy to worship you And Lord, it is a joy to worship you And Lord, it is a joy to worship you just as we sang, to lift up your name, just as we sang, to lift up your name, just as we sang, to lift up your name, Jesus, above every other name. Jesus, above every other name. Jesus, above every other name. Thank you, Lord, for the unity we have Thank you, Lord, for the unity we have Thank you, Lord, for the unity we have in the name of Jesus. in the name of Jesus. in the name of Jesus. the foundation we have in your word, the the foundation we have in your word, the the foundation we have in your word, the power we have from you, spirit of God, power we have from you, spirit of God, power we have from you, spirit of God, to worship you with everything that we to worship you with everything that we to worship you with everything that we have in spirit and in truth. Thank you have in spirit and in truth. Thank you have in spirit and in truth. Thank you for your word today. Form us Lord and for your word today. Form us Lord and for your word today. Form us Lord and shape us into the likeness of Jesus. We shape us into the likeness of Jesus. We shape us into the likeness of Jesus. We surrender and submit to your leadership surrender and submit to your leadership surrender and submit to your leadership today in his name. In the name of Jesus, today in his name. In the name of Jesus, today in his name. In the name of Jesus, we all pray. Everyone said, "Amen." You we all pray. Everyone said, "Amen." You we all pray. Everyone said, "Amen." You may be seated. You know, I really do remember it like You know, I really do remember it like yesterday, yesterday, yesterday, the very first time that I ever went on the very first time that I ever went on the very first time that I ever went on my first uh residential fire.

my first uh residential fire. my first uh residential fire. We were sitting in the station, We were sitting in the station, We were sitting in the station, the fire tones dropped, and I just the fire tones dropped, and I just the fire tones dropped, and I just remember thinking to myself, "Please remember thinking to myself, "Please remember thinking to myself, "Please call station three." And that was where call station three." And that was where call station three." And that was where I was at, of course. But all the young I was at, of course. But all the young I was at, of course. But all the young guys, that's what they hoped for. guys, that's what they hoped for. guys, that's what they hoped for. They're like, "Man, yeah, call us." And They're like, "Man, yeah, call us." And They're like, "Man, yeah, call us." And then all the old guys or the excuse me, then all the old guys or the excuse me, then all the old guys or the excuse me, seasoned guys, the veterans were like, seasoned guys, the veterans were like, seasoned guys, the veterans were like, "Don't call us." All right. And I was "Don't call us." All right. And I was "Don't call us." All right. And I was just waiting just waiting just waiting and then All of this sudden, the and then All of this sudden, the and then All of this sudden, the dispatcher says, "Engine three, med dispatcher says, "Engine three, med dispatcher says, "Engine three, med three, engine 11, med 11, engine 13, three, engine 11, med 11, engine 13, three, engine 11, med 11, engine 13, rescue 7, ladder 5, battalion 1, respond rescue 7, ladder 5, battalion 1, respond rescue 7, ladder 5, battalion 1, respond to residential fire." And man, my heart to residential fire." And man, my heart to residential fire." And man, my heart was just like pounding. I'm like, "Here was just like pounding. I'm like, "Here was just like pounding. I'm like, "Here we go." And I was just hoping it wasn't we go." And I was just hoping it wasn't we go." And I was just hoping it wasn't a false alarm. a false alarm. a false alarm. Isn't that terrible? Isn't that terrible? Isn't that terrible? Now, I have said this to you. Listen, I Now, I have said this to you. Listen, I Now, I have said this to you. Listen, I don't want anybody's house to burn. don't want anybody's house to burn. don't want anybody's house to burn. Never. Like, not in my wildest dreams, Never. Like, not in my wildest dreams, Never. Like, not in my wildest dreams, but if it does, but if it does, but if it does, I just wanted to be there. All right, I just wanted to be there. All right, I just wanted to be there. All right, that's it. And here's what is that's it. And here's what is that's it. And here's what is interesting. I It was really incredible interesting. I It was really incredible interesting. I It was really incredible because we show up on the scene, the because we show up on the scene, the because we show up on the scene, the house is 25% involved, which meant it house is 25% involved, which meant it house is 25% involved, which meant it was perfect for an aggressive interior was perfect for an aggressive interior was perfect for an aggressive interior attack. and I was on the nozzle and I attack. and I was on the nozzle and I attack. and I was on the nozzle and I was about to bust down that door and I was about to bust down that door and I was about to bust down that door and I was going to go in and I was going to was going to go in and I was going to was going to go in and I was going to put that fire and I had all these

put that fire and I had all these put that fire and I had all these thoughts in my mind and um and and like thoughts in my mind and um and and like thoughts in my mind and um and and like I said, this was my very first like real I said, this was my very first like real I said, this was my very first like real fire. And so we go to the back of the fire. And so we go to the back of the fire. And so we go to the back of the house. We're making entry on the back of house. We're making entry on the back of house. We're making entry on the back of the house. And then another team was the house. And then another team was the house. And then another team was going in the front of the house and um I going in the front of the house and um I going in the front of the house and um I was waiting for my lieutenant to give me was waiting for my lieutenant to give me was waiting for my lieutenant to give me the green light to go in. And he's like, the green light to go in. And he's like, the green light to go in. And he's like, "All right, let's go." And then I go and "All right, let's go." And then I go and "All right, let's go." And then I go and I kick the door. I'm like I'm like, "Can I kick the door. I'm like I'm like, "Can I kick the door. I'm like I'm like, "Can I like I'm like, "Is this real? Like, I like I'm like, "Is this real? Like, I like I'm like, "Is this real? Like, can I do this? Like, are you like, "Am I can I do this? Like, are you like, "Am I can I do this? Like, are you like, "Am I sure? Am I seeing what you're see?" So, sure? Am I seeing what you're see?" So, sure? Am I seeing what you're see?" So, I'm supposed to kick and tear this door I'm supposed to kick and tear this door I'm supposed to kick and tear this door down. Are you sure? And he's like giving down. Are you sure? And he's like giving down. Are you sure? And he's like giving me the green light. He's like, "Yeah." me the green light. He's like, "Yeah." me the green light. He's like, "Yeah." He's like, "Kick it down. I'm too old." He's like, "Kick it down. I'm too old." He's like, "Kick it down. I'm too old." You know, of course. And he's like, You know, of course. And he's like, You know, of course. And he's like, "Kick it down." And so I go and I just "Kick it down." And so I go and I just "Kick it down." And so I go and I just give it all I got. The hinges, I mean, give it all I got. The hinges, I mean, give it all I got. The hinges, I mean, everything's just flying. Glass is everything's just flying. Glass is everything's just flying. Glass is flying. And I'm go in and there are the flying. And I'm go in and there are the flying. And I'm go in and there are the other guys just standing there other guys just standing there other guys just standing there looking at me looking at me looking at me like, "Man, why did you kick that door like, "Man, why did you kick that door like, "Man, why did you kick that door down?

down? down? We would have let you in." you know, and of course my lieutenants like and of course my lieutenants like rookies, you know, I mean, you can't rookies, you know, I mean, you can't rookies, you know, I mean, you can't can't get good help anymore. Of course, can't get good help anymore. Of course, can't get good help anymore. Of course, I mean, I was the brother joke. And it I mean, I was the brother joke. And it I mean, I was the brother joke. And it it's interesting, though, because it's interesting, though, because it's interesting, though, because everybody knows their assignment. everybody knows their assignment. everybody knows their assignment. Everybody knows their job. Everybody Everybody knows their job. Everybody Everybody knows their job. Everybody knows what they're supposed to do. The knows what they're supposed to do. The knows what they're supposed to do. The first engine in, they're going to have first engine in, they're going to have first engine in, they're going to have the attack line. The second engine in, the attack line. The second engine in, the attack line. The second engine in, they're going to be the supply line to they're going to be the supply line to they're going to be the supply line to the attack line. the attack line. the attack line. The first units going in with the The first units going in with the The first units going in with the attack. The second med unit, ambulance, attack. The second med unit, ambulance, attack. The second med unit, ambulance, is going to be uh medical. The rescue is is going to be uh medical. The rescue is is going to be uh medical. The rescue is going to be interior search. Ladder is going to be interior search. Ladder is going to be interior search. Ladder is going to be ventilation. I mean, you going to be ventilation. I mean, you going to be ventilation. I mean, you have all of these different assignments. have all of these different assignments. have all of these different assignments. Battalion chief just stands there and, Battalion chief just stands there and, Battalion chief just stands there and, you know, bosses everybody. you know, bosses everybody. you know, bosses everybody. But there's one team that is always But there's one team that is always But there's one team that is always overlooked. overlooked. overlooked. And every fire scene requires this team.

And every fire scene requires this team. And every fire scene requires this team. This team is called RIT. RIT T rapid This team is called RIT. RIT T rapid This team is called RIT. RIT T rapid intervention team. Now I understand that intervention team. Now I understand that intervention team. Now I understand that when you say RIT team that you're saying when you say RIT team that you're saying when you say RIT team that you're saying rapid intervention team. Okay, I get rapid intervention team. Okay, I get rapid intervention team. Okay, I get that. But everybody says RIT team. And that. But everybody says RIT team. And that. But everybody says RIT team. And if you were on the RIT team, you had one if you were on the RIT team, you had one if you were on the RIT team, you had one job. job. job. You had one assignment. You were not You had one assignment. You were not You had one assignment. You were not allowed to go in on the interior on the allowed to go in on the interior on the allowed to go in on the interior on the initial attack. You are not allowed uh initial attack. You are not allowed uh initial attack. You are not allowed uh to go and vent the roof. You're not to go and vent the roof. You're not to go and vent the roof. You're not allowed to be on the attack line. You allowed to be on the attack line. You allowed to be on the attack line. You can't do anything. Your only job is to can't do anything. Your only job is to can't do anything. Your only job is to stand there with one or two other guys, stand there with one or two other guys, stand there with one or two other guys, whoever is assigned to that team. Your whoever is assigned to that team. Your whoever is assigned to that team. Your job is to stand at the command post job is to stand at the command post job is to stand at the command post dressed, ready to go. dressed, ready to go. dressed, ready to go. and at any moment's notice when somebody and at any moment's notice when somebody and at any moment's notice when somebody calls for mayday calls for mayday calls for mayday that you are deployed by the battalion that you are deployed by the battalion that you are deployed by the battalion chief to go in and retrieve and rescue chief to go in and retrieve and rescue chief to go in and retrieve and rescue any firefighter that goes down. That is any firefighter that goes down. That is any firefighter that goes down. That is your only job.

your only job. your only job. And everybody is trained in this. And everybody is trained in this. And everybody is trained in this. Everybody understands that that's their Everybody understands that that's their Everybody understands that that's their job. job. job. Nobody wanted it because usually that Nobody wanted it because usually that Nobody wanted it because usually that means that you don't get to do anything. means that you don't get to do anything. means that you don't get to do anything. You just have to stand there and watch. You just have to stand there and watch. You just have to stand there and watch. But anytime But anytime But anytime that Mayday was called, listen, if any that Mayday was called, listen, if any that Mayday was called, listen, if any time that team was deployed, all other time that team was deployed, all other time that team was deployed, all other operations, operations, operations, everything comes to a halt and the everything comes to a halt and the everything comes to a halt and the primary focus and the primary job is now primary focus and the primary job is now primary focus and the primary job is now to rescue that firefighter that is down. to rescue that firefighter that is down. to rescue that firefighter that is down. You think about that, man. They're You think about that, man. They're You think about that, man. They're they're going into the same situation they're going into the same situation they're going into the same situation and the same conditions that took that and the same conditions that took that and the same conditions that took that firefighter out. firefighter out. firefighter out. And without hesitation, they run in. And And without hesitation, they run in. And And without hesitation, they run in. And that is their job. They know that. that is their job. They know that. that is their job. They know that. And here's the truth of the matter for And here's the truth of the matter for And here's the truth of the matter for you and I to consider today. you and I to consider today. you and I to consider today. There are only two categories of people There are only two categories of people There are only two categories of people in the world.

in the world. in the world. You are either the one who needs to be You are either the one who needs to be You are either the one who needs to be rescued rescued rescued or you are standing ready to be part of or you are standing ready to be part of or you are standing ready to be part of the rescue team. the rescue team. the rescue team. There's no in between. There's no in between. There's no in between. And in fact, this is exactly what Jesus And in fact, this is exactly what Jesus And in fact, this is exactly what Jesus shows us in Luke 15:es 1-7. By the time you get to Luke chapter 15, By the time you get to Luke chapter 15, it seems to be the center of the Gospel it seems to be the center of the Gospel it seems to be the center of the Gospel of Luke. It's the center of like of Luke. It's the center of like of Luke. It's the center of like theological nuance and depth in the book theological nuance and depth in the book theological nuance and depth in the book of Luke. And it's the center of Jesus's of Luke. And it's the center of Jesus's of Luke. And it's the center of Jesus's ministry. And he is showing us the true ministry. And he is showing us the true ministry. And he is showing us the true character of the of who Christ is. He is character of the of who Christ is. He is character of the of who Christ is. He is showing us the reality of what he does showing us the reality of what he does showing us the reality of what he does and what he's about. And when you think and what he's about. And when you think and what he's about. And when you think about it, because we started on this uh about it, because we started on this uh about it, because we started on this uh in the past two weeks, we've been in the past two weeks, we've been in the past two weeks, we've been talking about kingdom vision, which is talking about kingdom vision, which is talking about kingdom vision, which is our purpose according to the kingdom of our purpose according to the kingdom of our purpose according to the kingdom of Christ. We've been talk we've talked Christ. We've been talk we've talked Christ. We've been talk we've talked about kingdom disciplehip that if that about kingdom disciplehip that if that about kingdom disciplehip that if that is our purpose, then how is that is our purpose, then how is that is our purpose, then how is that accomplished? And now we see that it is accomplished? And now we see that it is accomplished? And now we see that it is all based on this kingdom shepherd who all based on this kingdom shepherd who all based on this kingdom shepherd who is the initiator of all things for the is the initiator of all things for the is the initiator of all things for the kingdom. And what Jesus shows us about kingdom. And what Jesus shows us about kingdom. And what Jesus shows us about himself as the kingdom shepherd is that himself as the kingdom shepherd is that himself as the kingdom shepherd is that he will do anything and go to any

he will do anything and go to any he will do anything and go to any measure to make sure that everyone who measure to make sure that everyone who measure to make sure that everyone who belongs to him are safe with him. belongs to him are safe with him. belongs to him are safe with him. It is the ultimate rescue mission that It is the ultimate rescue mission that It is the ultimate rescue mission that we see about Jesus in Luke 15:es 1-7. we see about Jesus in Luke 15:es 1-7. we see about Jesus in Luke 15:es 1-7. And so I want to invite you, if you're And so I want to invite you, if you're And so I want to invite you, if you're willing and able to stand with me as we willing and able to stand with me as we willing and able to stand with me as we read God's word together. And it says this starting in verse one. And it says this starting in verse one. All the tax collectors and sinners were All the tax collectors and sinners were All the tax collectors and sinners were approaching to listen to him. approaching to listen to him. approaching to listen to him. And the Pharisees and scribes were And the Pharisees and scribes were And the Pharisees and scribes were complaining. This man welcomes sinners complaining. This man welcomes sinners complaining. This man welcomes sinners and eats with them. So he told them this and eats with them. So he told them this and eats with them. So he told them this parable. parable. parable. What man among you who has a hund sheep What man among you who has a hund sheep What man among you who has a hund sheep and loses one of them does not leave the and loses one of them does not leave the and loses one of them does not leave the 99 in the open field and go after the 99 in the open field and go after the 99 in the open field and go after the lost one until he finds it? When he has lost one until he finds it? When he has lost one until he finds it? When he has found it, he joyfully puts it on his found it, he joyfully puts it on his found it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders. And coming home, he calls his shoulders. And coming home, he calls his shoulders. And coming home, he calls his friends and neighbors together, saying friends and neighbors together, saying friends and neighbors together, saying to them, "Rejoice with me because I have to them, "Rejoice with me because I have to them, "Rejoice with me because I have found my lost sheep." I tell you, in the found my lost sheep." I tell you, in the found my lost sheep." I tell you, in the same way, there will be more joy in same way, there will be more joy in same way, there will be more joy in heaven over sinner who repents than over heaven over sinner who repents than over heaven over sinner who repents than over 99 righteous people who don't need 99 righteous people who don't need 99 righteous people who don't need repentance.

repentance. repentance. Heavenly Father, we ask you. Heavenly Father, we ask you. Heavenly Father, we ask you. Lord, that you would help us Lord, that you would help us Lord, that you would help us uh based on your word uh based on your word uh based on your word and by your grace come to a greater and and by your grace come to a greater and and by your grace come to a greater and deeper deeper deeper and maybe even more meaningful and maybe even more meaningful and maybe even more meaningful understanding of what it means that you understanding of what it means that you understanding of what it means that you are the kingdom shepherd. are the kingdom shepherd. are the kingdom shepherd. that we are your sheep. And so, Father, that we are your sheep. And so, Father, that we are your sheep. And so, Father, help us as we study. Help us to hear. help us as we study. Help us to hear. help us as we study. Help us to hear. Help us to see you. And I pray that we Help us to see you. And I pray that we Help us to see you. And I pray that we will be transformed by your spirit today will be transformed by your spirit today will be transformed by your spirit today in Jesus name. Amen. You may be seated in Jesus name. Amen. You may be seated in Jesus name. Amen. You may be seated once again. once again. once again. You know, it's interesting because you You know, it's interesting because you You know, it's interesting because you have once again have once again have once again very clear contrasting elements. very clear contrasting elements. very clear contrasting elements. contrasting groups of people. And if you contrasting groups of people. And if you contrasting groups of people. And if you remember in chapter 14 verse 35, how we remember in chapter 14 verse 35, how we remember in chapter 14 verse 35, how we ended last week, Jesus says, "Let anyone ended last week, Jesus says, "Let anyone ended last week, Jesus says, "Let anyone who has ears hear.

who has ears hear. who has ears hear. Let anybody who has ears to listen. Let Let anybody who has ears to listen. Let Let anybody who has ears to listen. Let them hear these words." It was Jesus's them hear these words." It was Jesus's them hear these words." It was Jesus's way of saying, "Hey, listen. This is a way of saying, "Hey, listen. This is a way of saying, "Hey, listen. This is a truth for every person. truth for every person. truth for every person. This is for everybody to know, everybody This is for everybody to know, everybody This is for everybody to know, everybody to hear, everybody to see. And then it to hear, everybody to see. And then it to hear, everybody to see. And then it opens up in verse one of Luke chapter opens up in verse one of Luke chapter opens up in verse one of Luke chapter 15. All the tax collectors 15. All the tax collectors 15. All the tax collectors and sinners were approaching to listen and sinners were approaching to listen and sinners were approaching to listen to him. to him. to him. So Jesus says, "Let anybody who has ears So Jesus says, "Let anybody who has ears So Jesus says, "Let anybody who has ears to hear listen." And then he tells us in to hear listen." And then he tells us in to hear listen." And then he tells us in verse one, this is who is listening. verse one, this is who is listening. verse one, this is who is listening. They're approaching Jesus. They're approaching Jesus. They're approaching Jesus. They're eagerly asking to hear him and They're eagerly asking to hear him and They're eagerly asking to hear him and see him. And then in verse two, you have see him. And then in verse two, you have see him. And then in verse two, you have a different situation taking place. It a different situation taking place. It a different situation taking place. It says that the Pharisees and the scribes says that the Pharisees and the scribes says that the Pharisees and the scribes were complaining. were complaining. were complaining. So you have people who are eager to hear So you have people who are eager to hear So you have people who are eager to hear the words of Christ and then you have a the words of Christ and then you have a the words of Christ and then you have a different group who are pushing away the different group who are pushing away the different group who are pushing away the words of Christ. And this is the reality words of Christ. And this is the reality words of Christ. And this is the reality uh for every single one of us. You're uh for every single one of us. You're uh for every single one of us. You're either in one of those two groups, either in one of those two groups, either in one of those two groups, right? You're either eager to hear the right? You're either eager to hear the right? You're either eager to hear the word of God. You want to cling to the word of God. You want to cling to the word of God. You want to cling to the word of God. You want to hear Christ, word of God. You want to hear Christ, word of God. You want to hear Christ, you want to see Christ, you want to be you want to see Christ, you want to be you want to see Christ, you want to be transformed by him, and you want to transformed by him, and you want to transformed by him, and you want to abide in him. And so, you're begging for abide in him. And so, you're begging for abide in him. And so, you're begging for the spirit of God to work in your life.

the spirit of God to work in your life. the spirit of God to work in your life. And then you have others And then you have others And then you have others who may know about the word but are who may know about the word but are who may know about the word but are pushing it away. pushing it away. pushing it away. And Jesus is making this point clear And Jesus is making this point clear And Jesus is making this point clear because everyone who should have because everyone who should have because everyone who should have recognized the words of Jesus and who recognized the words of Jesus and who recognized the words of Jesus and who should have been been able to should have been been able to should have been been able to effectively apply the principles and the effectively apply the principles and the effectively apply the principles and the applications of these parables. It would applications of these parables. It would applications of these parables. It would be the Pharisees. be the Pharisees. be the Pharisees. They should know. It should be the They should know. It should be the They should know. It should be the scribes. They should know. scribes. They should know. scribes. They should know. But again, they missed it. But again, they missed it. But again, they missed it. And as they are complaining, And as they are complaining, And as they are complaining, Jesus goes on a discourse of three Jesus goes on a discourse of three Jesus goes on a discourse of three parables. Now, obviously, we're only at parables. Now, obviously, we're only at parables. Now, obviously, we're only at one parable today of the lost sheep. one parable today of the lost sheep. one parable today of the lost sheep. Then you have the lost coin, and then Then you have the lost coin, and then Then you have the lost coin, and then you have the prodigal son. Back to back you have the prodigal son. Back to back you have the prodigal son. Back to back to back, Jesus is expressing and showing to back, Jesus is expressing and showing to back, Jesus is expressing and showing principally the same thing, principally the same thing, principally the same thing, but fundamentally it applies differently but fundamentally it applies differently but fundamentally it applies differently in how we understand it. And so the next in how we understand it. And so the next in how we understand it. And so the next three weeks we're going to be taking three weeks we're going to be taking three weeks we're going to be taking those three parables those three parables those three parables and it starts with Jesus helping them and it starts with Jesus helping them and it starts with Jesus helping them understand who the shepherd really is.

understand who the shepherd really is. understand who the shepherd really is. And he starts by saying the shepherd And he starts by saying the shepherd And he starts by saying the shepherd pursues the lost. pursues the lost. pursues the lost. Now think about that. Now think about that. Now think about that. Throughout the Old Testament, Throughout the Old Testament, Throughout the Old Testament, God has described himself God has described himself God has described himself as a shepherd. as a shepherd. as a shepherd. You see it in Isaiah 40:1. You see it in Isaiah 40:1. You see it in Isaiah 40:1. It says that It says that It says that he protects being God. He protects his he protects being God. He protects his he protects being God. He protects his flocks. His flock. Do you see how flocks. His flock. Do you see how flocks. His flock. Do you see how personal this is? It's possessive. personal this is? It's possessive. personal this is? It's possessive. The Lord says, "I protect my flock." He The Lord says, "I protect my flock." He The Lord says, "I protect my flock." He protects his flock. And then he says, protects his flock. And then he says, protects his flock. And then he says, "He gathers the lambs in his arms and "He gathers the lambs in his arms and "He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them in the fold of his carries them in the fold of his carries them in the fold of his garment." Does the parable now sound a garment." Does the parable now sound a garment." Does the parable now sound a little familiar? I mean, it's a little familiar? I mean, it's a little familiar? I mean, it's a mimicking and almost repeating the the mimicking and almost repeating the the mimicking and almost repeating the the words of the prophecy of Isaiah talking words of the prophecy of Isaiah talking words of the prophecy of Isaiah talking about who God is.

about who God is. about who God is. Even the prophet Ezekiel Even the prophet Ezekiel Even the prophet Ezekiel at the very beginning of Ezekiel chapter at the very beginning of Ezekiel chapter at the very beginning of Ezekiel chapter 34 there's this rebuke to the 34 there's this rebuke to the 34 there's this rebuke to the undersheperds undersheperds undersheperds the prophets the leaders of Israel the prophets the leaders of Israel the prophets the leaders of Israel there's this rebuke he's saying man why there's this rebuke he's saying man why there's this rebuke he's saying man why do you guys keep feeding yourselves and do you guys keep feeding yourselves and do you guys keep feeding yourselves and the sheep are starving the sheep are starving the sheep are starving meaning like just the words you're meaning like just the words you're meaning like just the words you're keeping for yourself and you're not keeping for yourself and you're not keeping for yourself and you're not feeding the people of Israel you're not feeding the people of Israel you're not feeding the people of Israel you're not serving them in the way that I have serving them in the way that I have serving them in the way that I have called you and then gives them an called you and then gives them an called you and then gives them an example. Instead of just operating for example. Instead of just operating for example. Instead of just operating for yourself, this is how you're supposed to yourself, this is how you're supposed to yourself, this is how you're supposed to operate. And he says in verses 11 and operate. And he says in verses 11 and operate. And he says in verses 11 and 12, it says, "For this is what the Lord 12, it says, "For this is what the Lord 12, it says, "For this is what the Lord God says." God says." God says." See, I myself will search for my flock See, I myself will search for my flock See, I myself will search for my flock and look for them. As a shepherd looks and look for them. As a shepherd looks and look for them. As a shepherd looks for his sheep on the day he is among his for his sheep on the day he is among his for his sheep on the day he is among his scattered flock, so I will look for my scattered flock, so I will look for my scattered flock, so I will look for my flock. I will rescue them from all the flock. I will rescue them from all the flock. I will rescue them from all the places where they have been scattered on places where they have been scattered on places where they have been scattered on a day of clouds and total darkness.

a day of clouds and total darkness. a day of clouds and total darkness. Well, the Lord says in this day of Well, the Lord says in this day of Well, the Lord says in this day of clouds and total darkness, nothing clouds and total darkness, nothing clouds and total darkness, nothing is going to stop me from gathering my is going to stop me from gathering my is going to stop me from gathering my sheep. sheep. sheep. I will look for them. I will go after I will look for them. I will go after I will look for them. I will go after them. Even if they are scattered, I will them. Even if they are scattered, I will them. Even if they are scattered, I will collect all of them. This has been the collect all of them. This has been the collect all of them. This has been the character of God since the beginning of character of God since the beginning of character of God since the beginning of the redemptive story in Genesis chapter the redemptive story in Genesis chapter the redemptive story in Genesis chapter 3. 3. 3. As soon as Adam and Eve sinned and they As soon as Adam and Eve sinned and they As soon as Adam and Eve sinned and they hid in the Garden of Eden, they even hid in the Garden of Eden, they even hid in the Garden of Eden, they even tried to cover themselves with fig tried to cover themselves with fig tried to cover themselves with fig leaves and and it was God himself who leaves and and it was God himself who leaves and and it was God himself who went after them. It was God who called went after them. It was God who called went after them. It was God who called to them. Adam, where are you? to them. Adam, where are you? to them. Adam, where are you? God has always been the one to pursue God has always been the one to pursue God has always been the one to pursue the lost. the lost. the lost. He has always been the one that pursues He has always been the one that pursues He has always been the one that pursues the sinner, pursues the wicked, pursues the sinner, pursues the wicked, pursues the sinner, pursues the wicked, pursues the undeserved, pursues the outcast. And the undeserved, pursues the outcast. And the undeserved, pursues the outcast. And Jesus is bringing it all to fruition.

Jesus is bringing it all to fruition. Jesus is bringing it all to fruition. This is what God does. He pursues the This is what God does. He pursues the This is what God does. He pursues the lost. lost. lost. And the leaders and the religious elite And the leaders and the religious elite And the leaders and the religious elite of Israel have completely missed the of Israel have completely missed the of Israel have completely missed the point. How could somebody know the law that How could somebody know the law that well, well, well, live their life just strictly according live their life just strictly according live their life just strictly according to the law and miss the fact that God is to the law and miss the fact that God is to the law and miss the fact that God is their shepherd? How could they miss this their shepherd? How could they miss this their shepherd? How could they miss this understanding? understanding? understanding? And I actually just had this And I actually just had this And I actually just had this conversation with Rowan, our conversation with Rowan, our conversation with Rowan, our 10-year-old. She's in fifth grade. And 10-year-old. She's in fifth grade. And 10-year-old. She's in fifth grade. And she came to me and she told me, and by she came to me and she told me, and by she came to me and she told me, and by the way, I have permission for this, but the way, I have permission for this, but the way, I have permission for this, but she came to me and she told me, she she came to me and she told me, she she came to me and she told me, she said, "Dad, said, "Dad, said, "Dad, I am going to read the entire Bible from I am going to read the entire Bible from I am going to read the entire Bible from Genesis to Revelation from cover to Genesis to Revelation from cover to Genesis to Revelation from cover to cover. I'm going to read the entire cover. I'm going to read the entire cover. I'm going to read the entire Bible." And then she tells me, she's Bible." And then she tells me, she's Bible." And then she tells me, she's like, "I'm going to read uh three like, "I'm going to read uh three like, "I'm going to read uh three chapters a day and I'm gonna I'm gonna chapters a day and I'm gonna I'm gonna chapters a day and I'm gonna I'm gonna do it no matter what. I'm going to get do it no matter what. I'm going to get do it no matter what. I'm going to get through it. I'm going to do it."

through it. I'm going to do it." through it. I'm going to do it." And I just obviously I want to pour fuel And I just obviously I want to pour fuel And I just obviously I want to pour fuel on this. on this. on this. Everybody should be reading God's word. Everybody should be reading God's word. Everybody should be reading God's word. Everyone should be ingesting God's word. Everyone should be ingesting God's word. Everyone should be ingesting God's word. But there is a difference though because But there is a difference though because But there is a difference though because I warned her in the same way that I have I warned her in the same way that I have I warned her in the same way that I have to warn my own heart and caution my own to warn my own heart and caution my own to warn my own heart and caution my own habits. habits. habits. And I told Rowan, I said, "Listen, And I told Rowan, I said, "Listen, And I told Rowan, I said, "Listen, this is great and you should do it, this is great and you should do it, this is great and you should do it, but the point is not to get through the but the point is not to get through the but the point is not to get through the Bible. Bible. Bible. The point is for the Bible to get The point is for the Bible to get The point is for the Bible to get through to you." through to you." through to you." Like there is a unique difference. Like there is a unique difference. Like there is a unique difference. There is a difference in reading for There is a difference in reading for There is a difference in reading for efficiency and reading for intimacy. efficiency and reading for intimacy. efficiency and reading for intimacy. And God doesn't want us to be just And God doesn't want us to be just And God doesn't want us to be just efficiently rushing through his word efficiently rushing through his word efficiently rushing through his word because then you miss the point. It then because then you miss the point. It then because then you miss the point. It then stops transforming you and then you are stops transforming you and then you are stops transforming you and then you are no longer conformed uh to the image of no longer conformed uh to the image of no longer conformed uh to the image of Christ but rather to the patterns of Christ but rather to the patterns of Christ but rather to the patterns of this world. That is the caution this world. That is the caution this world. That is the caution and it's not to stop reading because and it's not to stop reading because and it's not to stop reading because well I don't want to rush through it.

well I don't want to rush through it. well I don't want to rush through it. No, the point is so that the word of God No, the point is so that the word of God No, the point is so that the word of God will shape you into his likeness. You will shape you into his likeness. You will shape you into his likeness. You see that's what is missing in the see that's what is missing in the see that's what is missing in the Pharisees and the scribes. Pharisees and the scribes. Pharisees and the scribes. Think about that. The scribes know every Think about that. The scribes know every Think about that. The scribes know every single letter. They know where it starts single letter. They know where it starts single letter. They know where it starts on this page, where it ends on this on this page, where it ends on this on this page, where it ends on this page. They know how it what letter it page. They know how it what letter it page. They know how it what letter it should begin with on line seven. And should begin with on line seven. And should begin with on line seven. And they know what letter should uh end with they know what letter should uh end with they know what letter should uh end with on line eight. They know it all. It is on line eight. They know it all. It is on line eight. They know it all. It is measured measured measured and yet they missed it. and yet they missed it. and yet they missed it. And this can happen to every single one And this can happen to every single one And this can happen to every single one of us of us of us that we would read through it that we would read through it that we would read through it and it would never read through us. and it would never read through us. and it would never read through us. And this is what the Lord is cautioning And this is what the Lord is cautioning And this is what the Lord is cautioning them. And so then he tells these them. And so then he tells these them. And so then he tells these parables so that whatever is missed in parables so that whatever is missed in parables so that whatever is missed in their mind can come alive in their their mind can come alive in their their mind can come alive in their hearts hearts hearts and he tells them this parable. what man and he tells them this parable. what man and he tells them this parable. what man among you among you among you like like literally he's saying hey like like literally he's saying hey like like literally he's saying hey nobody would do this nobody would do this nobody would do this like obviously like obviously like obviously no one would that's this parable what no one would that's this parable what no one would that's this parable what man among you who has a hund sheep and man among you who has a hund sheep and man among you who has a hund sheep and loses one of them does not leave the 99 loses one of them does not leave the 99 loses one of them does not leave the 99 in the open field and go after the lost

in the open field and go after the lost in the open field and go after the lost one until he finds it one until he finds it one until he finds it of Of course, of Of course, of Of course, the shepherd should go after it. Now, on the shepherd should go after it. Now, on the shepherd should go after it. Now, on the surface, this seems like a very poor the surface, this seems like a very poor the surface, this seems like a very poor business decision. I mean, statistically business decision. I mean, statistically business decision. I mean, statistically speaking, if you have a hundred sheep speaking, if you have a hundred sheep speaking, if you have a hundred sheep and you only lost one of them, and you only lost one of them, and you only lost one of them, I'm just going to tell you that's a I'm just going to tell you that's a I'm just going to tell you that's a better grade than I ever received in better grade than I ever received in better grade than I ever received in school. All right? school. All right? school. All right? 99% 99% 99% is pretty good. But can you imagine for is pretty good. But can you imagine for is pretty good. But can you imagine for a second? Because here's what happens on a second? Because here's what happens on a second? Because here's what happens on that that that How do you know if somebody is missing? How do you know if somebody is missing? How do you know if somebody is missing? Well, every 10 minutes Well, every 10 minutes Well, every 10 minutes the dispatcher gets on and he reminds the dispatcher gets on and he reminds the dispatcher gets on and he reminds battalian chief, hey, it's time for par. battalian chief, hey, it's time for par. battalian chief, hey, it's time for par. Now, that's not just in golf. Okay. But Now, that's not just in golf. Okay. But Now, that's not just in golf. Okay. But what it stands for is personnel what it stands for is personnel what it stands for is personnel accountability report. And so, every 10 accountability report. And so, every 10 accountability report. And so, every 10 minutes, the battalion chief would go minutes, the battalion chief would go minutes, the battalion chief would go through every single crew, every single through every single crew, every single through every single crew, every single person on the scene and he would ask for person on the scene and he would ask for person on the scene and he would ask for par and basically saying are you still par and basically saying are you still par and basically saying are you still with us? Okay. And if he did not hear with us? Okay. And if he did not hear with us? Okay. And if he did not hear from you, that is when the RIT team is from you, that is when the RIT team is from you, that is when the RIT team is deployed.

deployed. deployed. And so everybody had to come back. And And so everybody had to come back. And And so everybody had to come back. And and if you missed the par, like if you and if you missed the par, like if you and if you missed the par, like if you didn't hear it on the radio, you had didn't hear it on the radio, you had didn't hear it on the radio, you had your radio off or it's turned down too your radio off or it's turned down too your radio off or it's turned down too low or you were doing something else low or you were doing something else low or you were doing something else that you weren't supposed to do and you that you weren't supposed to do and you that you weren't supposed to do and you don't respond back to the battalion don't respond back to the battalion don't respond back to the battalion chief, you better hope that you're in chief, you better hope that you're in chief, you better hope that you're in trouble. All right? And that you need trouble. All right? And that you need trouble. All right? And that you need the RIP team because they're coming the RIP team because they're coming the RIP team because they're coming after you. And it's a big deal because after you. And it's a big deal because after you. And it's a big deal because every single piss uh excuse me, missing every single piss uh excuse me, missing every single piss uh excuse me, missing person, Lord have mercy. it was awkward in our house because it was awkward in our house because you could say certain things, you could say certain things, you could say certain things, but that was a no. No. All right. if if there is a missing person, okay, we did there is a missing person, okay, we did there is a missing person, okay, we did it.

it. it. Like, nobody's going to look at the Like, nobody's going to look at the Like, nobody's going to look at the clipboard. clipboard. clipboard. It's just like, all right, hey, there It's just like, all right, hey, there It's just like, all right, hey, there are 20 guys that we started with. We are 20 guys that we started with. We are 20 guys that we started with. We came back with 19. That's a pretty good came back with 19. That's a pretty good came back with 19. That's a pretty good day. Nobody's going to say that. Nobody's going to say that. Because you're not making a business Because you're not making a business Because you're not making a business decision based on statistics. decision based on statistics. decision based on statistics. It's a decision of people, It's a decision of people, It's a decision of people, real souls, real souls, real souls, people who are lost, people who are lost, people who are lost, people who need a rescuer. And it people who need a rescuer. And it people who need a rescuer. And it doesn't matter if it's one or three. doesn't matter if it's one or three. doesn't matter if it's one or three. Listen, our job is to do exactly what Listen, our job is to do exactly what Listen, our job is to do exactly what Jesus did for you. Jesus did for you. Jesus did for you. That no matter what the cost is, no That no matter what the cost is, no That no matter what the cost is, no matter what we need to build, no matter matter what we need to build, no matter matter what we need to build, no matter what we need to raise, no matter what what we need to raise, no matter what what we need to raise, no matter what leaders need to be developed, no matter leaders need to be developed, no matter leaders need to be developed, no matter if we need to start more groups, if we if we need to start more groups, if we if we need to start more groups, if we need to start new ministries, no matter need to start new ministries, no matter need to start new ministries, no matter if we need to do better in outreach and if we need to do better in outreach and if we need to do better in outreach and evangelism or whatever it may be.

evangelism or whatever it may be. evangelism or whatever it may be. Listen, you and I, we have to be a Listen, you and I, we have to be a Listen, you and I, we have to be a church family that we look at the one church family that we look at the one church family that we look at the one and say, "All right, there is still one and say, "All right, there is still one and say, "All right, there is still one more missing and we're going to do more missing and we're going to do more missing and we're going to do whatever it takes to go after that one. whatever it takes to go after that one. whatever it takes to go after that one. Why? Because Jesus thought of you in Why? Because Jesus thought of you in Why? Because Jesus thought of you in that way. He thought of me in that way. that way. He thought of me in that way. that way. He thought of me in that way. And before we think, okay, well, why And before we think, okay, well, why And before we think, okay, well, why would he just ignore the 99? would he just ignore the 99? would he just ignore the 99? Like, what about those that stayed Like, what about those that stayed Like, what about those that stayed just going to leave and go after the one just going to leave and go after the one just going to leave and go after the one knucklehead that wandered off? knucklehead that wandered off? knucklehead that wandered off? I think that's valid, I think that's valid, I think that's valid, but it's not entirely true. but it's not entirely true. but it's not entirely true. Jesus never is saying, "Hey, ignore the Jesus never is saying, "Hey, ignore the Jesus never is saying, "Hey, ignore the 99. 99. 99. Who cares about them? Go after the one." Who cares about them? Go after the one." Who cares about them? Go after the one." No, he is leaving it in the security of No, he is leaving it in the security of No, he is leaving it in the security of the fold. the fold. the fold. In the safety of the fold. And this is In the safety of the fold. And this is In the safety of the fold. And this is actually where we get great security and actually where we get great security and actually where we get great security and our sense of safety from. If Jesus is our sense of safety from. If Jesus is our sense of safety from. If Jesus is willing to go after just one, what that willing to go after just one, what that willing to go after just one, what that means is that he is willing to make sure means is that he is willing to make sure means is that he is willing to make sure that you stay, that you stay, that you stay, that he's got you that he's got you that he's got you at whatever the cost. And the cost was at whatever the cost. And the cost was at whatever the cost. And the cost was great. We've already talked about that.

great. We've already talked about that. great. We've already talked about that. And the cost of disciplehip, it's not And the cost of disciplehip, it's not And the cost of disciplehip, it's not what it costs you, it's what it costs what it costs you, it's what it costs what it costs you, it's what it costs Jesus. Jesus. Jesus. And Jesus says, "I'll do anything And Jesus says, "I'll do anything And Jesus says, "I'll do anything for that one that belongs to me. for that one that belongs to me. for that one that belongs to me. they're going to stay. they're going to stay. they're going to stay. And I think that this is incredible And I think that this is incredible And I think that this is incredible because when he gets there, because when he gets there, because when he gets there, he doesn't just look at it, he doesn't just look at it, he doesn't just look at it, man. He carries it. man. He carries it. man. He carries it. You see this kingdom shepherd? He You see this kingdom shepherd? He You see this kingdom shepherd? He carries the found. I have another piece of I have another piece of wickedness in my heart obviously that is wickedness in my heart obviously that is wickedness in my heart obviously that is being exposed today. But being exposed today. But being exposed today. But we just got a new dog. we just got a new dog. we just got a new dog. Yeah. And And my wife taught me into it. my wife taught me into it. my wife taught me into it. It's a golden doodle, It's a golden doodle, It's a golden doodle, but not even a masculine one. It's a but not even a masculine one. It's a but not even a masculine one. It's a miniature.

And my wife came to me. I was like, And my wife came to me. I was like, "Hey, I got the perfect name. Her name "Hey, I got the perfect name. Her name "Hey, I got the perfect name. Her name is Lahi." is Lahi." is Lahi." And I was like, "Seriously?" Like, "You And I was like, "Seriously?" Like, "You And I was like, "Seriously?" Like, "You named her after Lahi Moon?" named her after Lahi Moon?" named her after Lahi Moon?" And those of you that don't know who And those of you that don't know who And those of you that don't know who Lyon is because you're not a Baptist Lyon is because you're not a Baptist Lyon is because you're not a Baptist historical nerd like me, historical nerd like me, historical nerd like me, but she is but she is but she is all that. I mean, this lady, I mean, she all that. I mean, this lady, I mean, she all that. I mean, this lady, I mean, she sustained missions and kind of created sustained missions and kind of created sustained missions and kind of created what we now know of missions in uh the what we now know of missions in uh the what we now know of missions in uh the Southern Baptist Convention. And so I Southern Baptist Convention. And so I Southern Baptist Convention. And so I immediately thought, I was like, Katie, immediately thought, I was like, Katie, immediately thought, I was like, Katie, thank you. I mean, Ly Moon, that's thank you. I mean, Ly Moon, that's thank you. I mean, Ly Moon, that's incredible. And she looks at me, she's incredible. And she looks at me, she's incredible. And she looks at me, she's like, hey, whatever you need for this to like, hey, whatever you need for this to like, hey, whatever you need for this to work. All right. But the dog is But the dog is a tyrant. a tyrant. a tyrant. and very disobedient. She has the sin of and very disobedient. She has the sin of and very disobedient. She has the sin of Satan inside of her Satan inside of her Satan inside of her and it always comes out when I'm in a and it always comes out when I'm in a and it always comes out when I'm in a hurry hurry hurry cuz this dog does not come back to you.

cuz this dog does not come back to you. cuz this dog does not come back to you. And so I let her out and do her thing And so I let her out and do her thing And so I let her out and do her thing and then when it's time to come in, she and then when it's time to come in, she and then when it's time to come in, she just lays in the grass. just lays in the grass. just lays in the grass. And it doesn't matter what I do. I can And it doesn't matter what I do. I can And it doesn't matter what I do. I can use a feminine some masculine voice. It use a feminine some masculine voice. It use a feminine some masculine voice. It doesn't matter. That dog will not come. doesn't matter. That dog will not come. doesn't matter. That dog will not come. So every time, so I'm like, "Okay, I'm So every time, so I'm like, "Okay, I'm So every time, so I'm like, "Okay, I'm gonna have to go get this thing." All gonna have to go get this thing." All gonna have to go get this thing." All right. And so every time that I get to right. And so every time that I get to right. And so every time that I get to it about right here, man, that joker is it about right here, man, that joker is it about right here, man, that joker is quick and she takes off running. All quick and she takes off running. All quick and she takes off running. All right? And then it's like turns into right? And then it's like turns into right? And then it's like turns into this game and I'm like, "It's not a this game and I'm like, "It's not a this game and I'm like, "It's not a game. All right, I have to go." She game. All right, I have to go." She game. All right, I have to go." She doesn't understand English or anything. doesn't understand English or anything. doesn't understand English or anything. And so I just keep chasing her and she And so I just keep chasing her and she And so I just keep chasing her and she just keeps taking off. And I think to just keeps taking off. And I think to just keeps taking off. And I think to myself in all of the wickedness, I get myself in all of the wickedness, I get myself in all of the wickedness, I get it. But I think to myself, if I get my it. But I think to myself, if I get my it. But I think to myself, if I get my hands on you, today will be the last day hands on you, today will be the last day hands on you, today will be the last day of your life. I don't care if you're of your life. I don't care if you're of your life. I don't care if you're named after Lahi Moon. Okay? And I think to myself, no joke, I think And I think to myself, no joke, I think to myself, man, man, so often I I think, man, that is how God so often I I think, man, that is how God so often I I think, man, that is how God must look at me.

must look at me. must look at me. Like because I wonder we are all like sheep who go astray and we are all like sheep who go astray and you have somebody who is trying to take you have somebody who is trying to take you have somebody who is trying to take care of you and feed you and nourish you care of you and feed you and nourish you care of you and feed you and nourish you and not punch you across the the yard and not punch you across the the yard and not punch you across the the yard and and you have somebody who's coming and and you have somebody who's coming and and you have somebody who's coming to you and he's he's pursuing you. to you and he's he's pursuing you. to you and he's he's pursuing you. And so many times like instead of just And so many times like instead of just And so many times like instead of just like taking this and we we run even like taking this and we we run even like taking this and we we run even further and we we get further and further and we we get further and further and we we get further and further away and then we have in the further away and then we have in the further away and then we have in the back of our mind this kind of this this back of our mind this kind of this this back of our mind this kind of this this guilt that man God must be really guilt that man God must be really guilt that man God must be really frustrated with me frustrated with me frustrated with me and he of all people could really think that way like if I could really think that way like if I could just get my hands on you right could just get my hands on you right could just get my hands on you right that kind of that attitude. that kind of that attitude. that kind of that attitude. Do you know that that is absolutely Do you know that that is absolutely Do you know that that is absolutely untrue untrue untrue of who God is? of who God is? of who God is? He is not thinking, "Oh, you just wait He is not thinking, "Oh, you just wait He is not thinking, "Oh, you just wait until I get my hands on you." He's not until I get my hands on you." He's not until I get my hands on you." He's not thinking, "Are you serious?" Like, "Do thinking, "Are you serious?" Like, "Do thinking, "Are you serious?" Like, "Do you do you seriously you do you seriously you do you seriously not understand that I'm trying to help not understand that I'm trying to help not understand that I'm trying to help you?"

you?" you?" Like Jesus is not frustrated in the Like Jesus is not frustrated in the Like Jesus is not frustrated in the pursuit of your heart. pursuit of your heart. pursuit of your heart. Instead, when he gets there, he's not Instead, when he gets there, he's not Instead, when he gets there, he's not like looking to teach you a lesson. like looking to teach you a lesson. like looking to teach you a lesson. He's overwhelming you with his grace. He's overwhelming you with his grace. He's overwhelming you with his grace. And what it says in Luke right here in And what it says in Luke right here in And what it says in Luke right here in Luke 15:es 5 and 6, look, it says, "When Luke 15:es 5 and 6, look, it says, "When Luke 15:es 5 and 6, look, it says, "When he has found it, not painfully, not painfully, not angrily, not angrily, not angrily, he joyfully he joyfully he joyfully puts it on his shoulders. puts it on his shoulders. puts it on his shoulders. And coming home, he calls his friends And coming home, he calls his friends And coming home, he calls his friends and neighbors together, saying to them, and neighbors together, saying to them, and neighbors together, saying to them, "Rejoice with me because I have found my "Rejoice with me because I have found my "Rejoice with me because I have found my lost sheep." You see, this is the lost sheep." You see, this is the lost sheep." You see, this is the picture of who Christ is for us, that he picture of who Christ is for us, that he picture of who Christ is for us, that he joyfully takes you. joyfully takes you. joyfully takes you. He places all of you on his shoulders.

He places all of you on his shoulders. He places all of you on his shoulders. And not only that, but he carries you And not only that, but he carries you And not only that, but he carries you all the way back to the fold, all the all the way back to the fold, all the all the way back to the fold, all the way back to the pasture. And here's the way back to the pasture. And here's the way back to the pasture. And here's the here's the idea here. Because listen, here's the idea here. Because listen, here's the idea here. Because listen, this is not an easy task. this is not an easy task. this is not an easy task. If you ever been to Israel, you know If you ever been to Israel, you know If you ever been to Israel, you know that terrain is mountainous. that terrain is mountainous. that terrain is mountainous. It's hard to to get around. It's hard to to get around. It's hard to to get around. Those sheep, man, they can get up to Those sheep, man, they can get up to Those sheep, man, they can get up to like a 100 pounds. like a 100 pounds. like a 100 pounds. And so you think about that. This And so you think about that. This And so you think about that. This shepherd is picking up this sheep right shepherd is picking up this sheep right shepherd is picking up this sheep right here who has ran off, here who has ran off, here who has ran off, wandered away, and he picks it up and he wandered away, and he picks it up and he wandered away, and he picks it up and he puts it on his shoulder and he doesn't puts it on his shoulder and he doesn't puts it on his shoulder and he doesn't put it down ever until they are home. put it down ever until they are home. put it down ever until they are home. He's saying, "I carry all the way home." He's saying, "I carry all the way home." He's saying, "I carry all the way home." And this is exactly what Jesus does for And this is exactly what Jesus does for And this is exactly what Jesus does for you. Listen to the way that Peter you. Listen to the way that Peter you. Listen to the way that Peter describes it in 1 Peter chapter 2 verse describes it in 1 Peter chapter 2 verse describes it in 1 Peter chapter 2 verse 24 and 25. It says, "He himself 24 and 25. It says, "He himself 24 and 25. It says, "He himself bore our sins bore our sins bore our sins in his body on the tree so that having in his body on the tree so that having in his body on the tree so that having died to sins we might live for died to sins we might live for died to sins we might live for righteousness. By his wounds you have righteousness. By his wounds you have righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed for you were like sheep been healed for you were like sheep been healed for you were like sheep going astray but you have now returned going astray but you have now returned going astray but you have now returned to the shepherd and overseer of your to the shepherd and overseer of your to the shepherd and overseer of your souls. You see so many times we think of souls. You see so many times we think of souls. You see so many times we think of Jesus that he is frustrated with us. He Jesus that he is frustrated with us. He Jesus that he is frustrated with us. He is done with us. You don't know what is done with us. You don't know what is done with us. You don't know what I've done. You don't know my past.

I've done. You don't know my past. I've done. You don't know my past. Listen, you may be going through a messy Listen, you may be going through a messy Listen, you may be going through a messy divorce. This may be your fourth wife. divorce. This may be your fourth wife. divorce. This may be your fourth wife. Listen, you may have made a mess of your Listen, you may have made a mess of your Listen, you may have made a mess of your life. And you may be thinking to life. And you may be thinking to life. And you may be thinking to yourself, I am way too far gone. Listen, yourself, I am way too far gone. Listen, yourself, I am way too far gone. Listen, you are never too far from the grace of you are never too far from the grace of you are never too far from the grace of God's pursuit. Your sin and your past God's pursuit. Your sin and your past God's pursuit. Your sin and your past and all of your baggage and everything and all of your baggage and everything and all of your baggage and everything with it is never too heavy for the grace with it is never too heavy for the grace with it is never too heavy for the grace of God to carry. And you are never, of God to carry. And you are never, of God to carry. And you are never, listen to me, you are never too far. listen to me, you are never too far. listen to me, you are never too far. Remember that. Remember that. Remember that. Like there's never a moment that Jesus Like there's never a moment that Jesus Like there's never a moment that Jesus grows tired of pursuing your heart. He grows tired of pursuing your heart. He grows tired of pursuing your heart. He does it joyfully. Now does that just does it joyfully. Now does that just does it joyfully. Now does that just give us freedom to wander and sin? Paul give us freedom to wander and sin? Paul give us freedom to wander and sin? Paul says absolutely not. Because when you says absolutely not. Because when you says absolutely not. Because when you think about the grace of the shepherd, think about the grace of the shepherd, think about the grace of the shepherd, it draws you in. And you want more of it draws you in. And you want more of it draws you in. And you want more of him. You don't want to go against him. him. You don't want to go against him. him. You don't want to go against him. You don't want to rebel against this You don't want to rebel against this You don't want to rebel against this savior just so you may see his grace savior just so you may see his grace savior just so you may see his grace once more. You know his grace. You have once more. You know his grace. You have once more. You know his grace. You have his grace. You live in his grace. And he his grace. You live in his grace. And he his grace. You live in his grace. And he sustains you and carries you by his sustains you and carries you by his sustains you and carries you by his grace. And he rejoices over repentance.

All of this, All of this, it draws us to a life of repentance. it draws us to a life of repentance. it draws us to a life of repentance. And this is what Jesus is doing. He's And this is what Jesus is doing. He's And this is what Jesus is doing. He's saying, "Listen, saying, "Listen, saying, "Listen, I'm telling you in verse seven, I'm telling you in verse seven, I'm telling you in verse seven, in the same way, in the same way, heaven rejoices in the same way, heaven rejoices over one repentant person. over one repentant person. over one repentant person. In the same way, there will be more joy In the same way, there will be more joy In the same way, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents in heaven over one sinner who repents in heaven over one sinner who repents than over 99 righteous people who think than over 99 righteous people who think than over 99 righteous people who think they don't need a savior. they don't need a savior. they don't need a savior. This is what Jesus is describing because This is what Jesus is describing because This is what Jesus is describing because obviously Romans 3:12 is clear. We see obviously Romans 3:12 is clear. We see obviously Romans 3:12 is clear. We see this that all have turned away. All have this that all have turned away. All have this that all have turned away. All have become worthless. There's no one who do become worthless. There's no one who do become worthless. There's no one who do does what is good. Not even one. No one does what is good. Not even one. No one does what is good. Not even one. No one is righteous. No one can gain is righteous. No one can gain is righteous. No one can gain righteousness. No one can create righteousness. No one can create righteousness. No one can create righteousness. No one can manufacture righteousness. No one can manufacture righteousness. No one can manufacture righteousness in their life. And what righteousness in their life. And what righteousness in their life. And what this does is it explains why verse two this does is it explains why verse two this does is it explains why verse two helped our beginning.

helped our beginning. helped our beginning. The Pharisees and the scribes complained The Pharisees and the scribes complained The Pharisees and the scribes complained because of spiritual pride and because of spiritual pride and because of spiritual pride and arrogance. arrogance. arrogance. Because let me let me ask you this. Because let me let me ask you this. Because let me let me ask you this. If you have to maintain and sustain your If you have to maintain and sustain your If you have to maintain and sustain your righteousness righteousness righteousness in your own life and in your own heart, in your own life and in your own heart, in your own life and in your own heart, wouldn't you be frustrated at the sinner wouldn't you be frustrated at the sinner wouldn't you be frustrated at the sinner who doesn't care about God that they are who doesn't care about God that they are who doesn't care about God that they are freely given grace? freely given grace? freely given grace? That's the way that the scribes and That's the way that the scribes and That's the way that the scribes and Pharisees are looking at this scenario. Pharisees are looking at this scenario. Pharisees are looking at this scenario. Like, what do like what do you mean? Why Like, what do like what do you mean? Why Like, what do like what do you mean? Why are you eating with sinners and tax are you eating with sinners and tax are you eating with sinners and tax collectors, people who don't care about collectors, people who don't care about collectors, people who don't care about the God of Israel? the God of Israel? the God of Israel? because in their mind that unless they because in their mind that unless they because in their mind that unless they keep going and unless they keep it up keep going and unless they keep it up keep going and unless they keep it up and unless they keep the law and unless and unless they keep the law and unless and unless they keep the law and unless they they make sure they're keeping the they they make sure they're keeping the they they make sure they're keeping the Sabbath, they make sure that never are Sabbath, they make sure that never are Sabbath, they make sure that never are they breaking any part of the law of they breaking any part of the law of they breaking any part of the law of God. Okay? Then maybe we will be counted God. Okay? Then maybe we will be counted God. Okay? Then maybe we will be counted as righteous. But the problem is is that as righteous. But the problem is is that as righteous. But the problem is is that you cannot keep it and you cannot create you cannot keep it and you cannot create you cannot keep it and you cannot create it or manufacture it. That's why they it or manufacture it. That's why they it or manufacture it. That's why they are frustrated here. Jesus is coming on are frustrated here. Jesus is coming on are frustrated here. Jesus is coming on the scene. He's like, "Hey, hey, whoever the scene. He's like, "Hey, hey, whoever the scene. He's like, "Hey, hey, whoever wants this grace, you can have it.

wants this grace, you can have it. wants this grace, you can have it. Whoever has ears to hear, let him hear Whoever has ears to hear, let him hear Whoever has ears to hear, let him hear it. it. it. And it's free." And it's free." And it's free." And it causes frustration. And it causes frustration. And it causes frustration. But here is what Jesus is getting at But here is what Jesus is getting at But here is what Jesus is getting at too. too. too. It's like every single person It's like every single person It's like every single person who has been given this grace and you who has been given this grace and you who has been given this grace and you are partakers of the grace of God, you are partakers of the grace of God, you are partakers of the grace of God, you have now become givers of the grace of have now become givers of the grace of have now become givers of the grace of God. God. God. Right? This is what Jesus is describing. Right? This is what Jesus is describing. Right? This is what Jesus is describing. Instead of being like the scribes and Instead of being like the scribes and Instead of being like the scribes and the Pharisees who are trying to hold on the Pharisees who are trying to hold on the Pharisees who are trying to hold on to the grace and they're trying to to the grace and they're trying to to the grace and they're trying to create their own grace, create their own grace, create their own grace, we are called to live in it and give it. we are called to live in it and give it. we are called to live in it and give it. This is why Paul says in 2 Corinthians This is why Paul says in 2 Corinthians This is why Paul says in 2 Corinthians 5:20, "Therefore, we are ambassadors for 5:20, "Therefore, we are ambassadors for 5:20, "Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ." Since God is making his appeal Christ." Since God is making his appeal Christ." Since God is making his appeal through us, we plead. through us, we plead. through us, we plead. You hear that? We plead on Christ's You hear that? We plead on Christ's You hear that? We plead on Christ's behalf. Be reconciled to God. He's behalf. Be reconciled to God. He's behalf. Be reconciled to God. He's saying, "This is your job."

saying, "This is your job." saying, "This is your job." I mean, can you imagine for one moment I mean, can you imagine for one moment I mean, can you imagine for one moment that on that fire scene, Mayday is that on that fire scene, Mayday is that on that fire scene, Mayday is called, called, called, the RIP team is responding, but before the RIP team is responding, but before the RIP team is responding, but before they do, they do, they do, they just kind of sit there and they they just kind of sit there and they they just kind of sit there and they start to try. They they kind of talk start to try. They they kind of talk start to try. They they kind of talk among themselves. Well, well, why did among themselves. Well, well, why did among themselves. Well, well, why did they get themselves in this position in they get themselves in this position in they get themselves in this position in the first place? the first place? the first place? Like, obviously, they ignored their Like, obviously, they ignored their Like, obviously, they ignored their training. Did they not check the floor training. Did they not check the floor training. Did they not check the floor before they stepped on it and fell before they stepped on it and fell before they stepped on it and fell through? Did they not understand the through? Did they not understand the through? Did they not understand the conditions? conditions? conditions? No. None of that happened. Instead, No. None of that happened. Instead, No. None of that happened. Instead, as soon as they are called, they as soon as they are called, they as soon as they are called, they responded responded responded because there is one person who is down because there is one person who is down because there is one person who is down who needs to be rescued. who needs to be rescued. who needs to be rescued. So, which category are you in? So, which category are you in? So, which category are you in? Are you the one Are you the one Are you the one that needs to be rescued that needs to be rescued that needs to be rescued or are you participating with the rescue or are you participating with the rescue or are you participating with the rescue team?

team? team? We can't stand around those of us who We can't stand around those of us who We can't stand around those of us who have been saved have been saved have been saved full gear full gear full gear and listening to the mayday on the radio and listening to the mayday on the radio and listening to the mayday on the radio and ignoring the call. and ignoring the call. and ignoring the call. Every single one of us as members of Every single one of us as members of Every single one of us as members of God's household, you have a job. God's household, you have a job. God's household, you have a job. But here is what is pretty cool. But here is what is pretty cool. But here is what is pretty cool. You get to participate You get to participate You get to participate in the joy of heaven. in the joy of heaven. in the joy of heaven. You want to rejoice with heaven. Pursue Jesus. Pursue Jesus. Let him carry you and sustain you Let him carry you and sustain you Let him carry you and sustain you through life through life through life and take part in the rescue team that he and take part in the rescue team that he and take part in the rescue team that he has now enlisted you in. has now enlisted you in. has now enlisted you in. Let's pray together. Heavenly Father, Let's pray together. Heavenly Father, Let's pray together. Heavenly Father, will you help us to have this joy, will you help us to have this joy, will you help us to have this joy, the same joy of heaven, the joy of one the same joy of heaven, the joy of one the same joy of heaven, the joy of one sinner sinner sinner repenting, one person coming to know repenting, one person coming to know repenting, one person coming to know Jesus.

Jesus. Jesus. And father, I pray Lord that as we even And father, I pray Lord that as we even And father, I pray Lord that as we even consider our own lives before you, Lord, consider our own lives before you, Lord, consider our own lives before you, Lord, I pray for the one that right now it is I pray for the one that right now it is I pray for the one that right now it is clear they need to be rescued. I pray clear they need to be rescued. I pray clear they need to be rescued. I pray that today is a day of salvation for that today is a day of salvation for that today is a day of salvation for them. God, you would open their eyes to them. God, you would open their eyes to them. God, you would open their eyes to your truth. Open their hearts your truth. Open their hearts your truth. Open their hearts to understand. to understand. to understand. God, don't let this day go by without us God, don't let this day go by without us God, don't let this day go by without us surrendering to you. surrendering to you. surrendering to you. And I pray, Father, that you would help And I pray, Father, that you would help And I pray, Father, that you would help us. us. us. Help us in the fight. Help us in the Help us in the fight. Help us in the Help us in the fight. Help us in the battle. battle. battle. Help us as we pursue you Help us as we pursue you Help us as we pursue you and are sustained by you. And I pray, and are sustained by you. And I pray, and are sustained by you. And I pray, Father, that you would give us your same Father, that you would give us your same Father, that you would give us your same joy as we participate in the rescue work joy as we participate in the rescue work joy as we participate in the rescue work that you're calling us to. And it's in that you're calling us to. And it's in that you're calling us to. And it's in the name of Jesus we pray. Amen. As you the name of Jesus we pray. Amen. As you the name of Jesus we pray. Amen. As you look up, will you stand up with us as we look up, will you stand up with us as we look up, will you stand up with us as we sing together? And I wanted to invite sing together? And I wanted to invite sing together? And I wanted to invite you. Listen, if you know that you need you. Listen, if you know that you need you. Listen, if you know that you need to take that step of faith, we want to to take that step of faith, we want to to take that step of faith, we want to talk with you right outside these doors talk with you right outside these doors talk with you right outside these doors about what that means. We want to pray about what that means. We want to pray about what that means. We want to pray with you, help you any way we can. Join with you, help you any way we can. Join with you, help you any way we can. Join our church family, be baptized, whatever our church family, be baptized, whatever our church family, be baptized, whatever God's calling you to do, we want to help God's calling you to do, we want to help God's calling you to do, we want to help you. Let's worship together.

you. Let's worship together. you. Let's worship together. >> Come on, let's sing this together, >> Come on, let's sing this together, >> Come on, let's sing this together, church. to grace to grace a a a daily Ira. Let thy goodness Let thy goodness like a feathering heart heart to to to Lord I feel Lord I feel Lord I feel to leave the God I love. to leave the God I love. to leave the God I love. Here's my heart. Oh, take and seal it. Here's my heart. Oh, take and seal it. Here's my heart. Oh, take and seal it. Seal it for thy courts above. Seal it for thy courts above. Seal it for thy courts above. I'm to I'm to I'm to Lord I feel it >> Amen. Search family. We love you. You're >> Amen. Search family. We love you. You're dismissed today.