Kingdom Vision | 11:00 am | Michael Gossett

You stole my heart. You stole my heart. King forevermore. I bow I bow down. down. down. Forsaking every treasure, every Forsaking every treasure, every Forsaking every treasure, every crown. crown. crown. No earthly No earthly No earthly ambitions here, ambitions here, ambitions here, I lay I lay I lay me down. me. So me. So So beautiful. [music] I desire I desire just to know just to know just to know you more.

I bow I bow down. down. down. Forsaking every treasure, every Forsaking every treasure, every Forsaking every treasure, every crown. crown. crown. No earthly No earthly No earthly ambitions here, ambitions here, ambitions here, I lay I lay I lay me down. Heart poured Heart poured out in Yeah, I'm ready. Yeah, I'm ready. Yeah, I'm ready.

>> I'm not sure if you're aware of this, >> I'm not sure if you're aware of this, but Green Acres has a ministry called but Green Acres has a ministry called but Green Acres has a ministry called the Green Acres Institute. We've the Green Acres Institute. We've the Green Acres Institute. We've partnered with East Texas Baptist partnered with East Texas Baptist partnered with East Texas Baptist University to offer undergraduate University to offer undergraduate University to offer undergraduate Christian ministry classes Christian ministry classes Christian ministry classes >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> that are designed to shape the followers >> that are designed to shape the followers >> that are designed to shape the followers of Jesus so that they can minister of Jesus so that they can minister of Jesus so that they can minister effectively. Each class allows for the effectively. Each class allows for the effectively. Each class allows for the student to gain one credit hour [music] student to gain one credit hour [music] student to gain one credit hour [music] over the course of 5 weeks that can be over the course of 5 weeks that can be over the course of 5 weeks that can be accredited towards an undergraduate accredited towards an undergraduate accredited towards an undergraduate degree or Christian ministry degree or Christian ministry degree or Christian ministry certificate. The sequence of classes is certificate. The sequence of classes is certificate. The sequence of classes is prepared in a way that a student can prepared in a way that a student can prepared in a way that a student can start at any 5-week interval. [music] start at any 5-week interval. [music] start at any 5-week interval. [music] The certificate is awarded upon the The certificate is awarded upon the The certificate is awarded upon the completion of 18 credit hours. Classes completion of 18 credit hours. Classes completion of 18 credit hours. Classes meet one night per week for up to three meet one night per week for up to three meet one night per week for up to three hours each occurrence. If you're at our hours each occurrence. If you're at our hours each occurrence. If you're at our Tyler campus, you can stop by the table Tyler campus, you can stop by the table Tyler campus, you can stop by the table in the foyer to get your questions in the foyer to get your questions in the foyer to get your questions answered and learn more about the answered and learn more about the answered and learn more about the institute. If you're at one of our other institute. If you're at one of our other institute. If you're at one of our other campuses or online, you can visit campuses or online, you can visit campuses or online, you can visit jbc.org/institute. Okay, ladies, this next one is just for Okay, ladies, this next one is just for you. We have our women's fall friendship you. We have our women's fall friendship you. We have our women's fall friendship dinner coming up this September. [music] dinner coming up this September. [music] dinner coming up this September. [music] Now, the dates are going to be on the Now, the dates are going to be on the Now, the dates are going to be on the screen, so depending on which campus screen, so depending on which campus screen, so depending on which campus you're a part of or what works best for you're a part of or what works best for you're a part of or what works best for your schedule, make plans to join us.

your schedule, make plans to join us. your schedule, make plans to join us. This is a great evening where we have a This is a great evening where we have a This is a great evening where we have a speaker come in, we'll enjoy a meal speaker come in, we'll enjoy a meal speaker come in, we'll enjoy a meal together, and the men in our church will together, and the men in our church will together, and the men in our church will actually be serving dinner to you that actually be serving dinner to you that actually be serving dinner to you that evening. So, make plans to join us as we evening. So, make plans to join us as we evening. So, make plans to join us as we partner with local mission organizations partner with local mission organizations partner with local mission organizations >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> and learn more about the truth that God >> and learn more about the truth that God >> and learn more about the truth that God has for us as women in his church. You has for us as women in his church. You has for us as women in his church. You can visit greenacreswomen.org can visit greenacreswomen.org can visit greenacreswomen.org for more information. [music] We've covered a lot of information here We've covered a lot of information here today because we want to kick off this today because we want to kick off this today because we want to kick off this fall strong for you and your family. You fall strong for you and your family. You fall strong for you and your family. You can always visit jbc.org can always visit jbc.org can always visit jbc.org or follow us on social media to make or follow us on social media to make or follow us on social media to make sure you're up-to-date with the latest sure you're up-to-date with the latest sure you're up-to-date with the latest information and that you don't miss out information and that you don't miss out information and that you don't miss out on what's coming [music] next. Thanks on what's coming [music] next. Thanks on what's coming [music] next. Thanks again for choosing to worship with us again for choosing to worship with us again for choosing to worship with us this morning. Say hello to someone this morning. Say hello to someone this morning. Say hello to someone around you and we're going to get around you and we're going to get around you and we're going to get started soon.

>> Well, hey good morning church family. >> Well, hey good morning church family. Stand to your feet with us today. Stand to your feet with us today. Stand to your feet with us today. We're here to worship the God of all We're here to worship the God of all We're here to worship the God of all creation. creation. creation. The one who created the heavens and the The one who created the heavens and the The one who created the heavens and the earth and everything in earth and everything in earth and everything in including you and me. including you and me. including you and me. He is worthy of all worship this He is worthy of all worship this He is worthy of all worship this morning. morning. morning. Let's lift our voices and sing to him. Let's lift our voices and sing to him. Let's lift our voices and sing to him. He's worthy. [music] Come on. >> All creatures [music] of our God and >> All creatures [music] of our God and king, lift up your voice. king, lift up your voice. king, lift up your voice. Lift up your [music and singing] voice Lift up your [music and singing] voice Lift up your [music and singing] voice and with us sing. We praise. Oh, praise and with us sing. We praise. Oh, praise and with us sing. We praise. Oh, praise Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. >> [music] >> Oh, thou >> Oh, thou burning sun with golden [music] burning sun with golden [music] burning sun with golden [music] beam. Oh, Oh, >> [singing] >> [singing] >> [singing] >> thou silver moon with softer gleam. Oh, praise him. Oh, praise him. Oh, praise [music and singing] Oh, praise [music and singing] Oh, praise [music and singing] him. him. him. Oh, hallelujah.

Hallelujah. Hallelujah. >> [singing] >> Amen. >> Amen. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> Lift up your voices this morning to the >> Lift up your voices this morning to the >> Lift up your voices this morning to the king. king. king. We sing >> Oh, >> Oh, thou rushing [music] wind that art so thou rushing [music] wind that art so thou rushing [music] wind that art so strong. strong. strong. >> [singing] >> Oh, >> Oh, ye clouds that sail [music] in heaven ye clouds that sail [music] in heaven ye clouds that sail [music] in heaven along. along. along. >> [singing] >> Oh, praise him. >> Oh, praise him. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. >> [music] >> Thou >> Thou rising morning, praise or rejoice. Ye Ye lights of evening, find [music] a voice. lights of evening, find [music] a voice. lights of evening, find [music] a voice. >> [singing] Oh, Oh, praise [music] him. Oh, sing praise [music] him. Oh, sing praise [music] him. Oh, sing Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> Hallelujah.

Hallelujah Hallelujah to [music] the >> Come on. >> Come on. >> And all ye saints of tender [music] >> And all ye saints of tender [music] >> And all ye saints of tender [music] heart. Forgiving Forgiving others, take your part. others, take your part. others, take your part. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> Oh, sing Hallelujah. [singing] Hallelujah. [singing] >> Sing to the Lord. >> Sing to the Lord. >> Sing to the Lord. >> Ye >> Ye >> Ye >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> who long pain and sorrow bear. Yes, praise bear. Yes, praise >> [music and singing] >> We sing. Come on. >> We sing. Come on. >> [music] [music] [music] [singing] [music] [music] [singing] >> How many are glad to be in the house of

>> How many are glad to be in the house of God today? God today? God today? Amen. It's good to be together. You can Amen. It's good to be together. You can Amen. It's good to be together. You can have a seat today. We have baptisms to have a seat today. We have baptisms to have a seat today. We have baptisms to celebrate. celebrate. celebrate. >> Hey, good morning church family. We are >> Hey, good morning church family. We are >> Hey, good morning church family. We are super excited to celebrate believers super excited to celebrate believers super excited to celebrate believers baptism. I have the closets family. We baptism. I have the closets family. We baptism. I have the closets family. We have a brother and a sister that are have a brother and a sister that are have a brother and a sister that are getting baptized today. This is my getting baptized today. This is my getting baptized today. This is my friend Miles. And Miles' God story is friend Miles. And Miles' God story is friend Miles. And Miles' God story is that he gave his life to Jesus at that he gave his life to Jesus at that he gave his life to Jesus at vacation Bible school. He was in this vacation Bible school. He was in this vacation Bible school. He was in this room right here in the center. Pastor room right here in the center. Pastor room right here in the center. Pastor Michael gave a powerful gospel message. Michael gave a powerful gospel message. Michael gave a powerful gospel message. He responded and invited Jesus in to be He responded and invited Jesus in to be He responded and invited Jesus in to be his Lord and his savior. All right, I'm his Lord and his savior. All right, I'm his Lord and his savior. All right, I'm going to see if you're here today to be going to see if you're here today to be going to see if you're here today to be baptized because Jesus is your Lord and baptized because Jesus is your Lord and baptized because Jesus is your Lord and savior. savior. savior. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> It gives your dad the greatest privilege >> It gives your dad the greatest privilege >> It gives your dad the greatest privilege and honor to baptize you in the name of and honor to baptize you in the name of and honor to baptize you in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy the Father, the Son, and the Holy the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. You're buried with Christ and raised to walk in newness of life. and raised to walk in newness of life. >> [music] >> We have sister right here, Blakely, who >> We have sister right here, Blakely, who comes for believers baptism. Her God comes for believers baptism. Her God comes for believers baptism. Her God story, she was at home. They were having story, she was at home. They were having story, she was at home. They were having family devotion around the table and she family devotion around the table and she family devotion around the table and she recognized her need for a savior. She recognized her need for a savior. She recognized her need for a savior. She shared that with her parents and they shared that with her parents and they shared that with her parents and they let her and walked with her as she chose let her and walked with her as she chose let her and walked with her as she chose to pray to receive Christ. Blakely, is to pray to receive Christ. Blakely, is to pray to receive Christ. Blakely, is Jesus your Lord and savior?

Jesus your Lord and savior? Jesus your Lord and savior? >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> It gives your dad the greatest privilege >> It gives your dad the greatest privilege >> It gives your dad the greatest privilege and honor to baptize you in the name of and honor to baptize you in the name of and honor to baptize you in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy the Father, the Son, and the Holy the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. You're buried with Christ Spirit. You're buried with Christ Spirit. You're buried with Christ and raised to walk in newness of life. >> Well, good morning, church. This is my >> Well, good morning, church. This is my friend Britney Crist and you know, it friend Britney Crist and you know, it friend Britney Crist and you know, it wasn't too long ago uh that she realized wasn't too long ago uh that she realized wasn't too long ago uh that she realized her need for Jesus and ended up her need for Jesus and ended up her need for Jesus and ended up surrendering her life to Jesus and knew surrendering her life to Jesus and knew surrendering her life to Jesus and knew that her next step was that she needed that her next step was that she needed that her next step was that she needed to be baptized. Um and so, to be baptized. Um and so, to be baptized. Um and so, are you coming today, Britney, because are you coming today, Britney, because are you coming today, Britney, because Jesus is the Lord of your life? Jesus is the Lord of your life? Jesus is the Lord of your life? >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> It is because of that public profession >> It is because of that public profession >> It is because of that public profession of faith that I get to baptize you in of faith that I get to baptize you in of faith that I get to baptize you in the name of the Father, in the name of the name of the Father, in the name of the name of the Father, in the name of the Son, and the Holy Spirit. You're the Son, and the Holy Spirit. You're the Son, and the Holy Spirit. You're buried with Christ in baptism, raised to buried with Christ in baptism, raised to buried with Christ in baptism, raised to walk in newness of life. >> And here is Lincoln >> And here is Lincoln Wayne Wayne Wayne Gossett Gossett Gossett coming before you today. Yeah.

Uh you know, Link- Lincoln has been Uh you know, Link- Lincoln has been asking questions I think for probably asking questions I think for probably asking questions I think for probably uh uh uh 5 years. He's only 8. Um so 5 years. He's only 8. Um so 5 years. He's only 8. Um so uh but to be honest with you, uh the uh but to be honest with you, uh the uh but to be honest with you, uh the this last year, I don't I don't know if this last year, I don't I don't know if this last year, I don't I don't know if many of you remember, uh but, you know, many of you remember, uh but, you know, many of you remember, uh but, you know, at one of our uh prayer gatherings, at one of our uh prayer gatherings, at one of our uh prayer gatherings, uh we wrote down uh names. Sorry, buddy. Sorry, buddy. >> [laughter] >> And I wrote down his name. >> And I wrote down his name. Uh and just started praying. and just started praying. God, open his eyes to your truth. God, open his eyes to your truth. God, open his eyes to your truth. And he did. And he did. And he did. At VBS, At VBS, At VBS, man, I was up here man, I was up here man, I was up here like I do every year, you know, but like I do every year, you know, but like I do every year, you know, but I was up here preaching and this joker I was up here preaching and this joker I was up here preaching and this joker right here, man, he locked eyes with me. right here, man, he locked eyes with me. right here, man, he locked eyes with me. And he was broken. And he was broken. And he was broken. He said, "I need Jesus." He said, "I need Jesus." He said, "I need Jesus." So, Lincoln, don't look at me.

don't look at me. All right. Are you being baptized today Are you being baptized today because Jesus is the Lord of your life? because Jesus is the Lord of your life? because Jesus is the Lord of your life? It is because of that public profession It is because of that public profession It is because of that public profession of faith of faith of faith that I get to baptize you as your dad that I get to baptize you as your dad that I get to baptize you as your dad and now my brother and now my brother and now my brother in the name of the Father, in the name of the Father, in the name of the Father, the Son, the Son, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. and the Holy Spirit. and the Holy Spirit. Buried with Christ in baptism, Buried with Christ in baptism, Buried with Christ in baptism, raised to walk raised to walk raised to walk in new life. >> I don't even know what to say. How about >> I don't even know what to say. How about that, church? There's a lot of you here today. Welcome There's a lot of you here today. Welcome back from the summer. Hope you had a back from the summer. Hope you had a back from the summer. Hope you had a great summer, but we're in full swing great summer, but we're in full swing great summer, but we're in full swing now. now. now. I'll tell you what makes that so I'll tell you what makes that so I'll tell you what makes that so special. special. special. Pastor baptizing his son Lincoln is how Pastor baptizing his son Lincoln is how Pastor baptizing his son Lincoln is how many of you stood cuz I know you've been many of you stood cuz I know you've been many of you stood cuz I know you've been praying for your pastor and his family.

praying for your pastor and his family. praying for your pastor and his family. And just to see that was pretty special. And just to see that was pretty special. And just to see that was pretty special. You didn't get to see it, but I got to You didn't get to see it, but I got to You didn't get to see it, but I got to see it and it was very very special. see it and it was very very special. see it and it was very very special. Listen, we're glad you're here. Listen, we're glad you're here. Listen, we're glad you're here. Very glad you're here. As I mentioned, Very glad you're here. As I mentioned, Very glad you're here. As I mentioned, we are Mach 5 with our hair on fire now. we are Mach 5 with our hair on fire now. we are Mach 5 with our hair on fire now. I mean, the fall is here. School is back I mean, the fall is here. School is back I mean, the fall is here. School is back in. Parents going to get an amen. in. Parents going to get an amen. in. Parents going to get an amen. I mean, it's great. Listen, if you're I mean, it's great. Listen, if you're I mean, it's great. Listen, if you're here, you're just checking things out. here, you're just checking things out. here, you're just checking things out. Maybe you're here, you came by yourself, Maybe you're here, you came by yourself, Maybe you're here, you came by yourself, you came with some friends. you came with some friends. you came with some friends. Whatever reason you are here, we're glad Whatever reason you are here, we're glad Whatever reason you are here, we're glad that you are. We want to get to know you that you are. We want to get to know you that you are. We want to get to know you better. So, simply take out your phone. better. So, simply take out your phone. better. So, simply take out your phone. Yep, in church and text the word connect Yep, in church and text the word connect Yep, in church and text the word connect to 903-525-1100. to 903-525-1100. to 903-525-1100. And you get to know us as we're getting And you get to know us as we're getting And you get to know us as we're getting to know you. You just follow the to know you. You just follow the to know you. You just follow the prompts. It's It's pretty simple. We try prompts. It's It's pretty simple. We try prompts. It's It's pretty simple. We try to make it easy. We also want to make it to make it easy. We also want to make it to make it easy. We also want to make it easy not just for you to connect, but easy not just for you to connect, but easy not just for you to connect, but for you to express a prayer need cuz you for you to express a prayer need cuz you for you to express a prayer need cuz you can use that very same number. And just can use that very same number. And just can use that very same number. And just text the word pray. text the word pray. text the word pray. Follow the prompts. We got a dedicated Follow the prompts. We got a dedicated Follow the prompts. We got a dedicated group of people that will pray group of people that will pray group of people that will pray confidentially if you ask confidentially if you ask confidentially if you ask confidentiality confidentiality confidentiality for whatever you share. So, you can do for whatever you share. So, you can do for whatever you share. So, you can do that. And then, of course, that. And then, of course, that. And then, of course, this is one of the most generous this is one of the most generous this is one of the most generous churches that I've ever been a part of churches that I've ever been a part of churches that I've ever been a part of and and and it's not just generous with finances, it's not just generous with finances, it's not just generous with finances, [music] [music] [music] but it's generous with time, with but it's generous with time, with but it's generous with time, with prayer, the whole thing. But, you can prayer, the whole thing. But, you can prayer, the whole thing. But, you can use that, you guessed it, that very same use that, you guessed it, that very same use that, you guessed it, that very same number. 903-525-1100.

number. 903-525-1100. number. 903-525-1100. Text the word give. Text the word give. Text the word give. And then, you can you can follow the And then, you can you can follow the And then, you can you can follow the prompts as well. Whatever you choose to prompts as well. Whatever you choose to prompts as well. Whatever you choose to do. We're just glad that you're in the do. We're just glad that you're in the do. We're just glad that you're in the room. And if you're watching online, we room. And if you're watching online, we room. And if you're watching online, we hope that at some point you will be in hope that at some point you will be in hope that at some point you will be in this room so we can shake your hand and this room so we can shake your hand and this room so we can shake your hand and and hug your neck as we say. All right. and hug your neck as we say. All right. and hug your neck as we say. All right. So listen, if you're part of I mean So listen, if you're part of I mean So listen, if you're part of I mean there's so much going on. We started there's so much going on. We started there's so much going on. We started today. Kids have the up up and away. today. Kids have the up up and away. today. Kids have the up up and away. That was today. That was today. That was today. Um yay. Um yay. Um yay. And uh And uh And uh we engaged our small group start this we engaged our small group start this we engaged our small group start this week. But listen, as you saw Pastor week. But listen, as you saw Pastor week. But listen, as you saw Pastor Michael is back. Finally. Michael is back. Finally. Michael is back. Finally. It was It was It was It was I we're all excited. We're real It was I we're all excited. We're real It was I we're all excited. We're real glad when he took had a 6-week glad when he took had a 6-week glad when he took had a 6-week sabbatical, but now okay, let's let's sabbatical, but now okay, let's let's sabbatical, but now okay, let's let's get going. Let's get going. And he's get going. Let's get going. And he's get going. Let's get going. And he's here in the pulpit uh today. We're glad. here in the pulpit uh today. We're glad. here in the pulpit uh today. We're glad. Listen, Listen, Listen, out in the foyer if you if you swung by out in the foyer if you if you swung by out in the foyer if you if you swung by there I see some of you are still there I see some of you are still there I see some of you are still chewing so you must have found the chewing so you must have found the chewing so you must have found the donuts. donuts. donuts. Right? That's for our connect group. Right? That's for our connect group. Right? That's for our connect group. Here's what we say, Here's what we say, Here's what we say, uh getting involved in Green Acres is uh getting involved in Green Acres is uh getting involved in Green Acres is pretty simple.

pretty simple. pretty simple. Uh you start with a connect group and Uh you start with a connect group and Uh you start with a connect group and worship. That's where you start. worship. That's where you start. worship. That's where you start. Those are not add-ons. Those are the Those are not add-ons. Those are the Those are not add-ons. Those are the core of what we do. So if you don't have core of what we do. So if you don't have core of what we do. So if you don't have a connect group, you're like, I don't a connect group, you're like, I don't a connect group, you're like, I don't I'm not so sure. Go out there, follow I'm not so sure. Go out there, follow I'm not so sure. Go out there, follow the donut scent. the donut scent. the donut scent. And uh just talk to them. Say, "Hey, I'm And uh just talk to them. Say, "Hey, I'm And uh just talk to them. Say, "Hey, I'm looking for a connect group." And looking for a connect group." And looking for a connect group." And they'll give you a connect group. Then they'll give you a connect group. Then they'll give you a connect group. Then go to it. go to it. go to it. And if you go to it and you're like, And if you go to it and you're like, And if you go to it and you're like, "These are not my people." I think we "These are not my people." I think we "These are not my people." I think we have 1 million other options for you. So have 1 million other options for you. So have 1 million other options for you. So don't give up. don't give up. don't give up. You can do this. Uh but we believe this, You can do this. Uh but we believe this, You can do this. Uh but we believe this, a church our size gets very small a church our size gets very small a church our size gets very small when you find a connect group and you when you find a connect group and you when you find a connect group and you find a group of people that you can do find a group of people that you can do find a group of people that you can do life with. So make sure that you do life with. So make sure that you do life with. So make sure that you do that. Wednesday night prayer gathering, that. Wednesday night prayer gathering, that. Wednesday night prayer gathering, many of you have been part of the prayer many of you have been part of the prayer many of you have been part of the prayer gathering. We're keeping going after gathering. We're keeping going after gathering. We're keeping going after prayer gathering though. Uh so much of prayer gathering though. Uh so much of prayer gathering though. Uh so much of the activity start up. I mean kids are the activity start up. I mean kids are the activity start up. I mean kids are going on, students are going on. And going on, students are going on. And going on, students are going on. And then uh a lot of the Bible studies kick then uh a lot of the Bible studies kick then uh a lot of the Bible studies kick back up. You can find all that back up. You can find all that back up. You can find all that information gabcs.org. information gabcs.org. information gabcs.org. Find out all of that information. Then Find out all of that information. Then Find out all of that information. Then lastly, lastly, lastly, if you if you if you uh are kind of checking us out or if you uh are kind of checking us out or if you uh are kind of checking us out or if you just joined the church recently, we have just joined the church recently, we have just joined the church recently, we have something called starting point. And it something called starting point. And it something called starting point. And it will feed you. It's next Sunday morning, will feed you. It's next Sunday morning, will feed you. It's next Sunday morning, 9:30. We'll feed you. We laugh a lot. We 9:30. We'll feed you. We laugh a lot. We 9:30. We'll feed you. We laugh a lot. We carry on, but you'll you'll find out carry on, but you'll you'll find out carry on, but you'll you'll find out about the life and ministries of Green about the life and ministries of Green about the life and ministries of Green Acres. And it's just it's an easy win.

Acres. And it's just it's an easy win. Acres. And it's just it's an easy win. Again, we we feed you. We'll get you Again, we we feed you. We'll get you Again, we we feed you. We'll get you done in time for this service. Uh but done in time for this service. Uh but done in time for this service. Uh but you got to sign up. So, just go online you got to sign up. So, just go online you got to sign up. So, just go online to uh gabc.org/events to uh gabc.org/events to uh gabc.org/events and uh and sign up. That's your and uh and sign up. That's your and uh and sign up. That's your invitation. It was so great to see you. invitation. It was so great to see you. invitation. It was so great to see you. Some of you came today uh because you Some of you came today uh because you Some of you came today uh because you just your your load is heavy. And we just your your load is heavy. And we just your your load is heavy. And we understand that. Uh you just need a shot understand that. Uh you just need a shot understand that. Uh you just need a shot of joy. I'm not suggesting that you just of joy. I'm not suggesting that you just of joy. I'm not suggesting that you just come here for that, but sometimes we come here for that, but sometimes we come here for that, but sometimes we just need a little bit of joy. Here's just need a little bit of joy. Here's just need a little bit of joy. Here's what the Bible says. Hey, don't grieve. what the Bible says. Hey, don't grieve. what the Bible says. Hey, don't grieve. This is Nehemiah 8:10, second part. This is Nehemiah 8:10, second part. This is Nehemiah 8:10, second part. Don't grieve Don't grieve Don't grieve because the joy of the Lord because the joy of the Lord because the joy of the Lord is our strength. We just need some is our strength. We just need some is our strength. We just need some strength sometimes. strength sometimes. strength sometimes. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> You might have come exhausted. You might >> You might have come exhausted. You might >> You might have come exhausted. You might have come with challenges. have come with challenges. have come with challenges. So, sit back and enjoy. Let's worship So, sit back and enjoy. Let's worship So, sit back and enjoy. Let's worship together. together. together. We'll pray together. We'll pray together. We'll pray together. Uh whatever Pastor Michael has to share, Uh whatever Pastor Michael has to share, Uh whatever Pastor Michael has to share, just receive it. And see if that doesn't just receive it. And see if that doesn't just receive it. And see if that doesn't bring a little bit of joy. Right, bring a little bit of joy. Right, bring a little bit of joy. Right, balcony?

balcony? balcony? Okay, you're with me. Good. Okay, you're with me. Good. Okay, you're with me. Good. Uh let me pray for us. Our ushers will Uh let me pray for us. Our ushers will Uh let me pray for us. Our ushers will come forward and take today's offering. come forward and take today's offering. come forward and take today's offering. Um let's pray together. Father, Um let's pray together. Father, Um let's pray together. Father, thank you so very much thank you so very much thank you so very much for what you're doing in the life of our for what you're doing in the life of our for what you're doing in the life of our church. church. church. Uh Father, the way we are not just Uh Father, the way we are not just Uh Father, the way we are not just growing numerically, that's all good and growing numerically, that's all good and growing numerically, that's all good and great. great. great. But Father, the stories But Father, the stories But Father, the stories of the people of the people of the people who are growing in their faith and who are growing in their faith and who are growing in their faith and they're just challenging us to grow in they're just challenging us to grow in they're just challenging us to grow in our faith as well. And so, would you our faith as well. And so, would you our faith as well. And so, would you make us a church that is faithful, that make us a church that is faithful, that make us a church that is faithful, that worships in spirit and in truth, that worships in spirit and in truth, that worships in spirit and in truth, that gives generously, but Father, that has a gives generously, but Father, that has a gives generously, but Father, that has a mind to reach a lost and dying world, mind to reach a lost and dying world, mind to reach a lost and dying world, not for Green Acres, not for Green Acres, not for Green Acres, but in the name of Jesus, take these but in the name of Jesus, take these but in the name of Jesus, take these gifts and tithes, offerings, use them to gifts and tithes, offerings, use them to gifts and tithes, offerings, use them to your glory your glory your glory and your honor. and your honor. and your honor. 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, everybody said, everybody said, amen. amen. amen. >> Continue to sing today to the Lamb of >> Continue to sing today to the Lamb of >> Continue to sing today to the Lamb of God who took away the sins of the world. God who took away the sins of the world. God who took away the sins of the world. The one we believe in, the Lord of the The one we believe in, the Lord of the The one we believe in, the Lord of the church. church. church. We sing together.

>> And you came from heaven's >> And you came from heaven's throne, acquainted acquainted with our sorrow, with our sorrow, with our sorrow, to trade the debt we owe. Your suffering Your suffering [music and singing] for [music and singing] for [music and singing] for our freedom. our freedom. our freedom. We sing, We sing, We sing, oh, the oh, the oh, the >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> Lamb of God >> Lamb of God >> Lamb of God in my place. in my place. in my place. Your blood poured out, my sin >> [music and singing] >> [music and singing] >> erased. It was my death you died. you died. I am raised to life. I am raised to life. I am raised to life. >> Sing. >> Sing. >> Sing. >> Hallelujah, >> Hallelujah, >> Hallelujah, the the the >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> Lamb of >> Lamb of >> Lamb of God. My [music] name My [music] name upon [singing] upon [singing] upon [singing] your your your heart, my shame [music] my shame [music] upon [singing] upon [singing] upon [singing] your shoulders, your shoulders, your shoulders, >> the power of sin, >> the power of sin, >> the power of sin, >> the >> the >> the >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> power of sin >> power of sin >> power of sin >> [singing] >> [singing] >> [singing] >> undone.

>> undone. >> undone. >> Come on, church. >> Come on, church. >> Come on, church. >> The cross [music] >> The cross [music] >> The cross [music] for my salvation. salvation. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> We sing. >> We sing. >> We sing. >> The >> The >> The Lamb of Lamb of Lamb of >> [singing] >> [singing] >> [singing] >> God >> God >> God in my place. in my place. in my place. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> Your blood poured out, >> Your blood poured out, >> Your blood poured out, my sin my sin my sin erased. [singing] It erased. [singing] It erased. [singing] It was my death was my death was my death you died. [music] you died. [music] you died. [music] I am raised I am raised I am raised to life. to life. to life. Hallelujah, the Lamb the Lamb of God. of God. of God. There is no greater No [music] greater love. No [music] greater love. There [singing] is no greater We [music] lift up Jesus, the savior We [music] lift up Jesus, the savior lifted >> [music] >> [music] >> We sing, >> We sing, >> We sing, "There is [singing] no greater "There is [singing] no greater "There is [singing] no greater Come on, church. [music] Every voice. Come on, church. [music] Every voice. Come on, church. [music] Every voice. No greater love.

No greater love. No greater love. There is no greater There is no greater There is no greater >> [music] >> Oh, there is no [singing] greater >> Oh, there is no [singing] greater >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> More than the >> More than the >> More than the love of Jesus, the savior lifted lifted >> [music] >> There is no greater >> There is no greater >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> Oh, the Lamb >> Oh, the Lamb >> Oh, the Lamb of God. of God. of God. We say, We say, We say, "The "The "The >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> Lamb of God." >> Lamb of God." >> Lamb of God." in my place. in my place. in my place. Your blood Your blood Your blood poured out, poured out, poured out, my sin [music] my sin [music] my sin [music] erased. It erased. It erased. It was my death was my death was my death you died. you died. you died. I am I am I am raised to raised to raised to life. Singing [music and singing] life. Singing [music and singing] life. Singing [music and singing] hallelujah, the Lamb the Lamb of God. Oh, [music] we say, of God. Oh, [music] we say, of God. Oh, [music] we say, "Come on." "Come on." "Come on." The The The Lamb of God. Oh, in my place.

Oh, in my place. Your blood poured out, Your blood poured out, Your blood poured out, my sin my sin my sin >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> erased. It was my >> erased. It was my >> erased. It was my death death death you died. you died. you died. I am >> How [music] many are grateful for the >> How [music] many are grateful for the Lamb of God this morning? We sing. Come on. We sing. Come on. >> [music] >> Come on. We sing it faster today. We >> Come on. We sing it faster today. We sing. sing. sing. >> [music] >> My living >> My living >> [music] [music]

[music] [singing] I'm [music] yours forever. I'm [music] yours forever. >> [singing] >> [singing] >> [singing] >> Jesus Christ, >> Jesus Christ, >> Jesus Christ, my living [music] my living [music] my living [music] hope. >> [music] >> [music] >> praise the >> praise the >> praise the one who set one who set one who set me free. >> [music] >> [music] >> Hallelujah, >> Hallelujah, >> Hallelujah, death death death has lost its grip has lost its grip has lost its grip on me. on me. on me. You have You have You have broken every [music] broken every [music] broken every [music] chain. chain. chain. There's There's There's salvation in your name. salvation in your name. salvation in your name. Jesus Christ, Jesus Christ, Jesus Christ, my my my living hope. Then came the [music and singing] Then came the [music and singing] morning morning morning that sealed the promise.

Your buried [music] body Your buried [music] body began to began to began to breathe. breathe. breathe. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> Out of [singing] the silence, the roaring lion the roaring lion >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> declared the grave has no claim >> declared the grave has no claim >> declared the grave has no claim >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> on me. >> on me. >> on me. >> That's right. >> That's right. >> That's right. >> Then came the >> Then came the >> Then came the >> [singing] >> [singing] >> [singing] >> morning >> morning >> morning that that that >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> sealed the promise. Your Your buried buried buried body body body >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> began >> began >> began to breathe. to breathe. to breathe. Out Out Out of the of the of the silence, silence, silence, >> [music and singing] >> [music and singing] >> [music and singing] >> the roaring >> the roaring >> the roaring lion lion lion declared the declared the declared the grave [music] grave [music] grave [music] has no has no has no claim claim claim on me. on me. on me. We sing We sing We sing >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> Jesus. >> Jesus. >> Jesus. Jesus, yours Jesus, yours Jesus, yours is the is the is the victory. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. >> [music] praise the praise the one who one who one who set me set me >> [music] >> free.

>> free. >> free. Hallelujah, death death has lost has lost has lost >> [music] >> Amen. We give [music] him praise today. >> Amen. We give [music] him praise today. The only one who defeated death itself The only one who defeated death itself The only one who defeated death itself receive all glory and honor and praise. receive all glory and honor and praise. receive all glory and honor and praise. Father, it is an incredible privilege Father, it is an incredible privilege Father, it is an incredible privilege this morning to gather together as the this morning to gather together as the this morning to gather together as the saints of almighty God to lift up the saints of almighty God to lift up the saints of almighty God to lift up the only name that is above every name. only name that is above every name. only name that is above every name. That at the name of Jesus every knee That at the name of Jesus every knee That at the name of Jesus every knee will bow, every tongue will confess that will bow, every tongue will confess that will bow, every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God our Father. our Father. our Father. Lord, it's so good to gather together Lord, it's so good to gather together Lord, it's so good to gather together and to remind ourselves of what is true and to remind ourselves of what is true and to remind ourselves of what is true today. Thank you that our our debt has today. Thank you that our our debt has today. Thank you that our our debt has been paid, our shame is no more. There been paid, our shame is no more. There been paid, our shame is no more. There is no more condemnation for those who is no more condemnation for those who is no more condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus. Thank you, Lord, belong to Christ Jesus. Thank you, Lord, belong to Christ Jesus. Thank you, Lord, for our gift of eternal freedom in his for our gift of eternal freedom in his for our gift of eternal freedom in his name.

name. name. It is so good to gather, Lord, and I'm I It is so good to gather, Lord, and I'm I It is so good to gather, Lord, and I'm I pray that as we continue to read your pray that as we continue to read your pray that as we continue to read your word today, your inerrant, infallible word today, your inerrant, infallible word today, your inerrant, infallible word, that you would change us from the word, that you would change us from the word, that you would change us from the inside out. inside out. inside out. We belong to you body, soul. We belong to you body, soul. We belong to you body, soul. So, teach us, Lord. Mold us and shape us So, teach us, Lord. Mold us and shape us So, teach us, Lord. Mold us and shape us in the name of Jesus we all pray. in the name of Jesus we all pray. in the name of Jesus we all pray. Everyone said, Everyone said, Everyone said, amen. You may be seated. >> Well, it is uh great to be home at Green >> Well, it is uh great to be home at Green Acres. I'm telling you Acres. I'm telling you Acres. I'm telling you uh the last uh the last uh the last uh 6 weeks um have been a privilege and uh 6 weeks um have been a privilege and uh 6 weeks um have been a privilege and honor and uh that I do not take lightly. honor and uh that I do not take lightly. honor and uh that I do not take lightly. But I want to tell you But I want to tell you But I want to tell you man that man that man that this was the gift from the Lord. this was the gift from the Lord. this was the gift from the Lord. Yes, I Yes, I Yes, I worked hard, played hard, all of it. But worked hard, played hard, all of it. But worked hard, played hard, all of it. But here here's what was incredible. here here's what was incredible. here here's what was incredible. The Lord really The Lord really The Lord really renewed my heart and my desire renewed my heart and my desire renewed my heart and my desire for this church.

for this church. for this church. I can only deepen my love for this I can only deepen my love for this I can only deepen my love for this church. church. church. And so I just want to say thank you And so I just want to say thank you And so I just want to say thank you for allowing me to do that. for allowing me to do that. for allowing me to do that. Because every single one of us all of Because every single one of us all of Because every single one of us all of us, you, me, us, you, me, us, you, me, our marriages, our families, our marriages, our families, our marriages, our families, our church, our church, our church, we all face the temptation to drift. we all face the temptation to drift. we all face the temptation to drift. And what I'm talking about is nothing And what I'm talking about is nothing And what I'm talking about is nothing major. major. major. Like that's the that's the danger of Like that's the that's the danger of Like that's the that's the danger of drift is that it's usually subtle. drift is that it's usually subtle. drift is that it's usually subtle. And it's usually underneath the surface And it's usually underneath the surface And it's usually underneath the surface where you can't really see it and you where you can't really see it and you where you can't really see it and you don't see the effects until you're too don't see the effects until you're too don't see the effects until you're too far down the road. far down the road. far down the road. That's what drift does. That's what drift does. That's what drift does. And usually there are no good or clear And usually there are no good or clear And usually there are no good or clear warning signs. It is only by God's grace warning signs. It is only by God's grace warning signs. It is only by God's grace that he would take any drifter and bring that he would take any drifter and bring that he would take any drifter and bring them back under his wing and that he them back under his wing and that he them back under his wing and that he would realign hearts, realign vision, would realign hearts, realign vision, would realign hearts, realign vision, realign desires all for the glory of realign desires all for the glory of realign desires all for the glory of God. And over the last 6 weeks that is God. And over the last 6 weeks that is God. And over the last 6 weeks that is exactly what God by his grace has done exactly what God by his grace has done exactly what God by his grace has done in my own heart.

in my own heart. in my own heart. Because there are things that are around Because there are things that are around Because there are things that are around us us us that you start paying attention to more that you start paying attention to more that you start paying attention to more than the thing that God has called you than the thing that God has called you than the thing that God has called you to. And I'm talking about good things. to. And I'm talking about good things. to. And I'm talking about good things. I'm not talking about evil things. Those I'm not talking about evil things. Those I'm not talking about evil things. Those are easy to identify. are easy to identify. are easy to identify. Sin is is easy at times to identify in Sin is is easy at times to identify in Sin is is easy at times to identify in your life. Like I'm I'm talking about your life. Like I'm I'm talking about your life. Like I'm I'm talking about those small things, right? those small things, right? those small things, right? The things that are good, but they can The things that are good, but they can The things that are good, but they can take you off course. You know, I was reading this article You know, I was reading this article this last week in out this last week in out this last week in out Outside magazine. Outside magazine. Outside magazine. And And And they don't really make magazines they don't really make magazines they don't really make magazines anymore, but I read it online. All anymore, but I read it online. All anymore, but I read it online. All right, but right, but right, but um um um and in this article that there was a and in this article that there was a and in this article that there was a skier, this extreme skier and I that skier, this extreme skier and I that skier, this extreme skier and I that automatically kind of caught my automatically kind of caught my automatically kind of caught my attention because I think of myself as attention because I think of myself as attention because I think of myself as an extreme skier. I mean, I'm just an extreme skier. I mean, I'm just an extreme skier. I mean, I'm just tearing up those blues, you know, I'm tearing up those blues, you know, I'm tearing up those blues, you know, I'm just like grinding. just like grinding. just like grinding. And and when I was like reading this, I And and when I was like reading this, I And and when I was like reading this, I was expecting that to be just about like was expecting that to be just about like was expecting that to be just about like the steepest slopes, right? If you think the steepest slopes, right? If you think the steepest slopes, right? If you think about danger in skiing, you're you're about danger in skiing, you're you're about danger in skiing, you're you're thinking about high altitude, steep thinking about high altitude, steep thinking about high altitude, steep slopes, lot of rocks, a lot of cliffs, slopes, lot of rocks, a lot of cliffs, slopes, lot of rocks, a lot of cliffs, like that you can die from, right? But like that you can die from, right? But like that you can die from, right? But this was about tree skiing.

this was about tree skiing. this was about tree skiing. Tree skiing. Tree skiing. Tree skiing. Y'all ever heard of that? Y'all ever heard of that? Y'all ever heard of that? All right, me neither. All right, so All right, me neither. All right, so All right, me neither. All right, so here's the idea. here's the idea. here's the idea. You ski through trees. Okay, that's it. You ski through trees. Okay, that's it. You ski through trees. Okay, that's it. I mean I mean I mean and this article was talking about the and this article was talking about the and this article was talking about the danger danger danger of tree skiing. That it's it's the most of tree skiing. That it's it's the most of tree skiing. That it's it's the most extreme because you have hardly any extreme because you have hardly any extreme because you have hardly any uh uh time to react to the next tree. uh uh time to react to the next tree. uh uh time to react to the next tree. And and what's amazing about this is I And and what's amazing about this is I And and what's amazing about this is I was thinking about it. I was like, man, was thinking about it. I was like, man, was thinking about it. I was like, man, I mean, how do you even like react that I mean, how do you even like react that I mean, how do you even like react that quick? I mean, how do you see? And one quick? I mean, how do you see? And one quick? I mean, how do you see? And one of this guy was talking about, listen, of this guy was talking about, listen, of this guy was talking about, listen, you move where your eyes are focused. you move where your eyes are focused. you move where your eyes are focused. I was just like, I was just like, I was just like, okay. okay. okay. I mean, my feet don't work like that, I mean, my feet don't work like that, I mean, my feet don't work like that, but maybe his does, you know? but maybe his does, you know? but maybe his does, you know? But this is actually common, but this is But this is actually common, but this is But this is actually common, but this is what he actually says. He says, "Don't what he actually says. He says, "Don't what he actually says. He says, "Don't stare stare stare at what you don't want to hit." at what you don't want to hit." at what you don't want to hit." Pretty good advice. Look at the spaces Pretty good advice. Look at the spaces Pretty good advice. Look at the spaces between the trees.

between the trees. between the trees. Focus on where you want to go. And immediately And immediately I mean, the Lord just got a hold of my I mean, the Lord just got a hold of my I mean, the Lord just got a hold of my heart and be like, "Man, this heart and be like, "Man, this heart and be like, "Man, this is the church." is the church." is the church." Like, this is what the church is called Like, this is what the church is called Like, this is what the church is called to. This is what individual followers of to. This is what individual followers of to. This is what individual followers of Jesus are called to. This is what Jesus are called to. This is what Jesus are called to. This is what families are called to and marriages are families are called to and marriages are families are called to and marriages are called to. Like, like, don't look at the called to. Like, like, don't look at the called to. Like, like, don't look at the obstacle. obstacle. obstacle. Look and focus on where God is calling Look and focus on where God is calling Look and focus on where God is calling you. Like, it's the same thing of a good you. Like, it's the same thing of a good you. Like, it's the same thing of a good quarterback. quarterback. quarterback. Like, don't look at the wrong jersey. Like, don't look at the wrong jersey. Like, don't look at the wrong jersey. You're going to throw the ball to that You're going to throw the ball to that You're going to throw the ball to that joker and he Like, that's not good. joker and he Like, that's not good. joker and he Like, that's not good. Look to where you want to throw, right? Look to where you want to throw, right? Look to where you want to throw, right? And that's the vision. That is the And that's the vision. That is the And that's the vision. That is the focus. And in the same way in their focus. And in the same way in their focus. And in the same way in their lives, like, how many times has has Paul lives, like, how many times has has Paul lives, like, how many times has has Paul said this? said this? said this? Over and over again. Over and over again. Over and over again. He's like, "Man, fight the good fight." He's like, "Man, fight the good fight." He's like, "Man, fight the good fight." Listen, there's a reward at the end.

Listen, there's a reward at the end. Listen, there's a reward at the end. The prize is Christ Jesus himself. And The prize is Christ Jesus himself. And The prize is Christ Jesus himself. And then in Colossians chapter 3, verses 1 then in Colossians chapter 3, verses 1 then in Colossians chapter 3, verses 1 and 2, he actually says it twice. and 2, he actually says it twice. and 2, he actually says it twice. He says, "Seek the things above." He says, "Seek the things above." He says, "Seek the things above." He Then he says again, "Set your minds He Then he says again, "Set your minds He Then he says again, "Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things." on things above, not on earthly things." on things above, not on earthly things." Like, it is a clear calling from Paul, Like, it is a clear calling from Paul, Like, it is a clear calling from Paul, even the author of Hebrews. even the author of Hebrews. even the author of Hebrews. In Hebrews chapter 12, verses 1 and 2, In Hebrews chapter 12, verses 1 and 2, In Hebrews chapter 12, verses 1 and 2, when he says, "Listen, when he says, "Listen, when he says, "Listen, run the race that has been set before run the race that has been set before run the race that has been set before you with endurance. Keeping your eyes Keeping your eyes on Jesus." on Jesus." on Jesus." Paul, Paul, Paul, Jesus, the apostles Jesus, the apostles Jesus, the apostles author of Hebrews author of Hebrews author of Hebrews They realize and they understand that They realize and they understand that They realize and they understand that where your eyes are fixed where your eyes are fixed where your eyes are fixed is where you will go.

This is a warning This is a warning and a calling and a calling and a calling to God's people. to God's people. to God's people. And this is exactly what Jesus does for And this is exactly what Jesus does for And this is exactly what Jesus does for us. us. us. In Luke chapter 14 In Luke chapter 14 In Luke chapter 14 verses 1 through 24 and it doesn't verses 1 through 24 and it doesn't verses 1 through 24 and it doesn't on the surface seem like it. It's like, on the surface seem like it. It's like, on the surface seem like it. It's like, man, no, this is about a couple of man, no, this is about a couple of man, no, this is about a couple of parables and a banquet. parables and a banquet. parables and a banquet. How are we talking about vision? Because How are we talking about vision? Because How are we talking about vision? Because it's right here it's right here it's right here in this passage in this passage in this passage that you see a collision that you see a collision that you see a collision of vision. of vision. of vision. A collision of two competing kingdoms A collision of two competing kingdoms A collision of two competing kingdoms that Jesus exposes and he's calling his that Jesus exposes and he's calling his that Jesus exposes and he's calling his disciples, he's calling the Pharisees, disciples, he's calling the Pharisees, disciples, he's calling the Pharisees, he's calling everybody who would hear he's calling everybody who would hear he's calling everybody who would hear and he's calling you and he's calling you and he's calling you to a kingdom vision. to a kingdom vision. to a kingdom vision. So, I want to invite you right here in So, I want to invite you right here in So, I want to invite you right here in Tyler, down at Flint if you are willing Tyler, down at Flint if you are willing Tyler, down at Flint if you are willing and able, would you stand with me as we and able, would you stand with me as we and able, would you stand with me as we read this passage together?

Luke chapter 14 Luke chapter 14 verses 1 through 24. It says this, starting in verse 1, it It says this, starting in verse 1, it says, "One Sabbath says, "One Sabbath says, "One Sabbath when he went in to eat at the house of when he went in to eat at the house of when he went in to eat at the house of one of the leading Pharisees, they were one of the leading Pharisees, they were one of the leading Pharisees, they were watching him closely. watching him closely. watching him closely. There in front of him was a man whose There in front of him was a man whose There in front of him was a man whose body was swollen with fluid. body was swollen with fluid. body was swollen with fluid. In response, Jesus asked the law experts In response, Jesus asked the law experts In response, Jesus asked the law experts and the Pharisees, 'Is it lawful to heal and the Pharisees, 'Is it lawful to heal and the Pharisees, 'Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath or not?' on the Sabbath or not?' on the Sabbath or not?' But they kept silent. But they kept silent. But they kept silent. He took the man, He took the man, He took the man, healed him, healed him, healed him, and sent him away. and sent him away. and sent him away. And to them he said, "Which of And to them he said, "Which of And to them he said, "Which of you, whose son or ox falls into a well, you, whose son or ox falls into a well, you, whose son or ox falls into a well, will not immediately pull him out on the will not immediately pull him out on the will not immediately pull him out on the Sabbath day?" Sabbath day?" Sabbath day?" And they could find no answer to these And they could find no answer to these And they could find no answer to these things. things. things. So, he told a parable to those who were So, he told a parable to those who were So, he told a parable to those who were invited when he noticed how they would invited when he noticed how they would invited when he noticed how they would choose the best places for themselves. choose the best places for themselves. choose the best places for themselves. When you are invited by someone to a When you are invited by someone to a When you are invited by someone to a wedding banquet, don't sit in the place wedding banquet, don't sit in the place wedding banquet, don't sit in the place of honor of honor of honor because a more distinguished person than because a more distinguished person than because a more distinguished person than you may have been invited by your host.

you may have been invited by your host. you may have been invited by your host. The one who invited both of you may come The one who invited both of you may come The one who invited both of you may come and say to you, "Give your place to this and say to you, "Give your place to this and say to you, "Give your place to this man." And then in humiliation, you will man." And then in humiliation, you will man." And then in humiliation, you will proceed to take the lowest place. proceed to take the lowest place. proceed to take the lowest place. But when you are invited, go and sit in But when you are invited, go and sit in But when you are invited, go and sit in the lowest place so that when the one the lowest place so that when the one the lowest place so that when the one who invited you comes, he will say to who invited you comes, he will say to who invited you comes, he will say to you, "Friend, move up higher." you, "Friend, move up higher." you, "Friend, move up higher." You will then be honored in the presence You will then be honored in the presence You will then be honored in the presence of all the other guests. of all the other guests. of all the other guests. For everyone who exalts himself will be For everyone who exalts himself will be For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and the one who humbles himself humbled, and the one who humbles himself humbled, and the one who humbles himself will be exalted. will be exalted. will be exalted. He also said to the one who had invited He also said to the one who had invited He also said to the one who had invited him, him, him, "When you give a lunch or a dinner, "When you give a lunch or a dinner, "When you give a lunch or a dinner, don't invite your friends, your brothers don't invite your friends, your brothers don't invite your friends, your brothers or sisters, your relatives, your rich or sisters, your relatives, your rich or sisters, your relatives, your rich neighbors, because they might invite you neighbors, because they might invite you neighbors, because they might invite you back and you would be repaid. back and you would be repaid. back and you would be repaid. On the contrary, On the contrary, On the contrary, when you host a banquet, when you host a banquet, when you host a banquet, invite those who are poor, invite those who are poor, invite those who are poor, maimed, maimed, maimed, lame, or blind. lame, or blind. lame, or blind. And you will be blessed because they And you will be blessed because they And you will be blessed because they cannot repay you. cannot repay you. cannot repay you. For you will be repaid at the For you will be repaid at the For you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous." resurrection of the righteous." resurrection of the righteous." When one of those reclined at the table When one of those reclined at the table When one of those reclined at the table with him heard these things, he said to with him heard these things, he said to with him heard these things, he said to him, "Blessed is the one who will eat him, "Blessed is the one who will eat him, "Blessed is the one who will eat bread in the kingdom of God."

bread in the kingdom of God." bread in the kingdom of God." Then he told him, "A man was giving a Then he told him, "A man was giving a Then he told him, "A man was giving a large banquet large banquet large banquet and invited many. and invited many. and invited many. At the time of the banquet, he sent his At the time of the banquet, he sent his At the time of the banquet, he sent his servant to the to tell those who were servant to the to tell those who were servant to the to tell those who were invited, "Come, because everything is invited, "Come, because everything is invited, "Come, because everything is now ready. But without exception, they now ready. But without exception, they now ready. But without exception, they all began to make excuses." all began to make excuses." all began to make excuses." The first one said to him, "I have The first one said to him, "I have The first one said to him, "I have bought a field and I must go out and see bought a field and I must go out and see bought a field and I must go out and see it. it. it. I ask you to excuse me." Another said, I ask you to excuse me." Another said, I ask you to excuse me." Another said, "I have bought five yoke of oxen and I'm "I have bought five yoke of oxen and I'm "I have bought five yoke of oxen and I'm going to try them out. I ask you to going to try them out. I ask you to going to try them out. I ask you to excuse me." And another said, "I just excuse me." And another said, "I just excuse me." And another said, "I just got married and therefore I'm unable to got married and therefore I'm unable to got married and therefore I'm unable to come." come." come." So, the servant came back and reported So, the servant came back and reported So, the servant came back and reported these things to his master. these things to his master. these things to his master. Then in anger, Then in anger, Then in anger, the master of the house the master of the house the master of the house told his servant, "Go told his servant, "Go told his servant, "Go out quickly into the streets and alleys out quickly into the streets and alleys out quickly into the streets and alleys of the city and bring of the city and bring of the city and bring in here the poor, maimed, blind, and in here the poor, maimed, blind, and in here the poor, maimed, blind, and lame." lame." lame." "Master," the servant said, "what you "Master," the servant said, "what you "Master," the servant said, "what you ordered has been done and there's still ordered has been done and there's still ordered has been done and there's still room." room." room." Then the master told the servant, Then the master told the servant, Then the master told the servant, "Go out into the highways and hedges "Go out into the highways and hedges "Go out into the highways and hedges and make them come in and make them come in and make them come in so that my house may be filled.

so that my house may be filled. so that my house may be filled. For I tell you not one of those people For I tell you not one of those people For I tell you not one of those people who were invited who were invited who were invited will enjoy my banquet." will enjoy my banquet." will enjoy my banquet." Let's pray. God, would you help us? God, that there's no way God, that there's no way God, that we can be transformed by your God, that we can be transformed by your God, that we can be transformed by your word word word or conformed to the image of your son or conformed to the image of your son or conformed to the image of your son apart from the work of your spirit. apart from the work of your spirit. apart from the work of your spirit. And so, Lord, we are just begging you And so, Lord, we are just begging you And so, Lord, we are just begging you right now. God, would you, by your right now. God, would you, by your right now. God, would you, by your grace, open our eyes to your truth, grace, open our eyes to your truth, grace, open our eyes to your truth, Lord, that there would be nothing of the Lord, that there would be nothing of the Lord, that there would be nothing of the flesh among us in preaching or in flesh among us in preaching or in flesh among us in preaching or in hearing or applying. hearing or applying. hearing or applying. But everything But everything But everything that is said is of you. that is said is of you. that is said is of you. Everything that is heard is for you. Everything that is heard is for you. Everything that is heard is for you. And so, let it be among us today. And so, let it be among us today. And so, let it be among us today. And it's in the name of Jesus we pray. And it's in the name of Jesus we pray. And it's in the name of Jesus we pray. Amen. Amen. Amen. You may be seated once again. You may be seated once again. You may be seated once again. You know, this is an interesting scene.

You know, this is an interesting scene. You know, this is an interesting scene. From the very beginning, From the very beginning, From the very beginning, Jesus knows what is going on. Shocker. But it's strange because you have one of But it's strange because you have one of the leading Pharisees inviting Jesus the leading Pharisees inviting Jesus the leading Pharisees inviting Jesus to come to a dinner at his house. to come to a dinner at his house. to come to a dinner at his house. You may be thinking to yourself, well, You may be thinking to yourself, well, You may be thinking to yourself, well, that's very kind. Well, it is kind that's very kind. Well, it is kind that's very kind. Well, it is kind except it has a terrible motivation except it has a terrible motivation except it has a terrible motivation because verse one from the from the because verse one from the from the because verse one from the from the start gives us an idea, an indication of start gives us an idea, an indication of start gives us an idea, an indication of what it's all about. what it's all about. what it's all about. The whole thing is a setup. The whole thing is a setup. The whole thing is a setup. The whole thing is so that, according to The whole thing is so that, according to The whole thing is so that, according to verse one, they can watch him closely. Do you see what they're trying to do? Do you see what they're trying to do? They're just trying to trap Jesus. They're just trying to trap Jesus. They're just trying to trap Jesus. They even They even They even are using are using are using this poor dude that is literally this poor dude that is literally this poor dude that is literally drowning in his own fluid, and they're drowning in his own fluid, and they're drowning in his own fluid, and they're using him to manipulate the entire party using him to manipulate the entire party using him to manipulate the entire party so that they could try to trap Jesus.

so that they could try to trap Jesus. so that they could try to trap Jesus. But the tables are turned, obviously, But the tables are turned, obviously, But the tables are turned, obviously, against them. against them. against them. And from the beginning, this entire And from the beginning, this entire And from the beginning, this entire setup, by God's grace, is to expose the setup, by God's grace, is to expose the setup, by God's grace, is to expose the competing values of two different competing values of two different competing values of two different kingdoms. One is the kingdom of self, kingdoms. One is the kingdom of self, kingdoms. One is the kingdom of self, the other is the kingdom of God. And he tells us exactly. And he tells us exactly. Like Like Like if you want to be if you want to be if you want to be about the kingdom of God, about the kingdom of God, about the kingdom of God, then you need to understand that that then you need to understand that that then you need to understand that that this kingdom vision, listen, this kingdom vision, listen, this kingdom vision, listen, it rejects pride. Like there's no way Like there's no way that you can that you can that you can keep pride as a pet. Feed it accordingly, but you know, try Feed it accordingly, but you know, try to keep it at bay, and hopefully to keep it at bay, and hopefully to keep it at bay, and hopefully hopefully it will do what you say at the hopefully it will do what you say at the hopefully it will do what you say at the right time.

right time. right time. No, the calling for No, the calling for No, the calling for this parable that Jesus gives us, the this parable that Jesus gives us, the this parable that Jesus gives us, the calling to these Pharisees, and the calling to these Pharisees, and the calling to these Pharisees, and the calling to us is that you have to reject calling to us is that you have to reject calling to us is that you have to reject pride completely. pride completely. pride completely. Because it is pride that is the emperor Because it is pride that is the emperor Because it is pride that is the emperor of your own kingdom. of your own kingdom. of your own kingdom. Because here's the truth. Because here's the truth. Because here's the truth. Man, you and I wake up every morning Man, you and I wake up every morning Man, you and I wake up every morning with a tyrant with a tyrant with a tyrant on the throne. on the throne. on the throne. That tyrant That tyrant That tyrant is me. is me. is me. That tyrant is you. It's self. That tyrant is you. It's self. That tyrant is you. It's self. Self is always competing for the throne Self is always competing for the throne Self is always competing for the throne of your heart. of your heart. of your heart. And it causes us, if we allow it without And it causes us, if we allow it without And it causes us, if we allow it without rejecting pride, what it does in turn is rejecting pride, what it does in turn is rejecting pride, what it does in turn is it actually allows us to start competing it actually allows us to start competing it actually allows us to start competing for things with our own special interest for things with our own special interest for things with our own special interest or self-interest.

or self-interest. or self-interest. This is the way of the Pharisees. This is the way of the Pharisees. This is the way of the Pharisees. They functioned in a system of They functioned in a system of They functioned in a system of reciprocity. reciprocity. reciprocity. They're like, "Hey, man, They're like, "Hey, man, They're like, "Hey, man, I'll invite you I'll invite you I'll invite you if you invite me." if you invite me." if you invite me." This is why Jesus corrects them. This is why Jesus corrects them. This is why Jesus corrects them. This is why he tells them this parable. This is why he tells them this parable. This is why he tells them this parable. And so, as they are watching closely, And so, as they are watching closely, And so, as they are watching closely, look at the competing vision already. look at the competing vision already. look at the competing vision already. The Pharisees, what are they looking at? The Pharisees, what are they looking at? The Pharisees, what are they looking at? Jesus. Jesus. Jesus. But they're looking at how to trap But they're looking at how to trap But they're looking at how to trap It's not that they have their gaze fixed It's not that they have their gaze fixed It's not that they have their gaze fixed upon the Lord that he may direct their upon the Lord that he may direct their upon the Lord that he may direct their steps. No, no, no. They're trying to steps. No, no, no. They're trying to steps. No, no, no. They're trying to figure out how to manipulate Jesus into figure out how to manipulate Jesus into figure out how to manipulate Jesus into a corner so that they could turn him in a corner so that they could turn him in a corner so that they could turn him in to the leaders and have him crucified. to the leaders and have him crucified. to the leaders and have him crucified. That's their motivation. That's their motivation. That's their motivation. And so their eyes are fixed for their And so their eyes are fixed for their And so their eyes are fixed for their personal gain. Their vision is all about personal gain. Their vision is all about personal gain. Their vision is all about their own interest. Their vision is all their own interest. Their vision is all their own interest. Their vision is all about how can we protect what is ours so about how can we protect what is ours so about how can we protect what is ours so that no one else can get in. Like that that no one else can get in. Like that that no one else can get in. Like that is the pharisaical way.

And when all eyes And when all eyes are on that, are on that, are on that, look at where Jesus fixes his eyes. that probably wasn't really invited. that probably wasn't really invited. Because as soon as Jesus heals him, he Because as soon as Jesus heals him, he Because as soon as Jesus heals him, he sends him away. That tells us that he sends him away. That tells us that he sends him away. That tells us that he didn't have a seat at their table. didn't have a seat at their table. didn't have a seat at their table. This man is just here to be used. The lowest of society. The lowest of society. An outcast. An outcast. An outcast. And his eyes And his eyes And his eyes were fixed were fixed were fixed on him. See, the question of See, the question of vision is vision is vision is who you are fixed on and why you are who you are fixed on and why you are who you are fixed on and why you are fixed. fixed. fixed. For Jesus, it's his mission. His kingdom vision, as we will see later His kingdom vision, as we will see later in Luke chapter 18, when he makes an in Luke chapter 18, when he makes an in Luke chapter 18, when he makes an explicit, clear claim. He says, "I have explicit, clear claim. He says, "I have explicit, clear claim. He says, "I have come to seek and save the lost."

But the Pharisees, they had a different But the Pharisees, they had a different understanding of what they should be understanding of what they should be understanding of what they should be about and their vision was centered about and their vision was centered about and their vision was centered on self. on self. on self. Self-preservation, Self-preservation, Self-preservation, self-power, authority, self-power, authority, self-power, authority, all of it was all of it was all of it was what they were trying to protect. And what they were trying to protect. And what they were trying to protect. And Jesus says this Jesus says this Jesus says this in response. in response. in response. You know, You know, You know, Jesus asked the law Jesus asked the law Jesus asked the law experts and the Pharisees, "Notice, experts and the Pharisees, "Notice, experts and the Pharisees, "Notice, nobody said anything." Jesus understood the intentions of their Jesus understood the intentions of their heart and spoke to that. heart and spoke to that. heart and spoke to that. And then he asked this question. He And then he asked this question. He And then he asked this question. He asked the experts of the law, the asked the experts of the law, the asked the experts of the law, the Pharisees, he says, "Is it lawful to Pharisees, he says, "Is it lawful to Pharisees, he says, "Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath or not? Somebody heal on the Sabbath or not? Somebody heal on the Sabbath or not? Somebody just give it to me plain." Jesus is just give it to me plain." Jesus is just give it to me plain." Jesus is asking for for this. He's saying, "Look, asking for for this. He's saying, "Look, asking for for this. He's saying, "Look, just talk to me plain. Is it lawful or just talk to me plain. Is it lawful or just talk to me plain. Is it lawful or not?

not? not? Should I help this dude or not? Like I Should I help this dude or not? Like I Should I help this dude or not? Like I know you guys got a lot of man-made know you guys got a lot of man-made know you guys got a lot of man-made rules, and I don't want to break them. rules, and I don't want to break them. rules, and I don't want to break them. Is it lawful or not?" Well, Jesus obviously in their silence Well, Jesus obviously in their silence acts. Because they were speechless. How acts. Because they were speechless. How acts. Because they were speechless. How are you supposed to answer that? They are you supposed to answer that? They are you supposed to answer that? They can't. Because if they were to say it out loud, Because if they were to say it out loud, "Yes, it is unlawful," then everybody "Yes, it is unlawful," then everybody "Yes, it is unlawful," then everybody else who's kind of gathered around on else who's kind of gathered around on else who's kind of gathered around on the fence post to see what's going on at the fence post to see what's going on at the fence post to see what's going on at this dinner, kind of eavesdropping a this dinner, kind of eavesdropping a this dinner, kind of eavesdropping a little bit, little bit, little bit, all of those people would have known all of those people would have known all of those people would have known immediately how wicked the Pharisees immediately how wicked the Pharisees immediately how wicked the Pharisees are. They can't say, "No, no, no, don't are. They can't say, "No, no, no, don't are. They can't say, "No, no, no, don't do not help this man." do not help this man." do not help this man." Obviously wicked ex- the the wickedness Obviously wicked ex- the the wickedness Obviously wicked ex- the the wickedness is exposed. is exposed. is exposed. But if they stay silent, But if they stay silent, But if they stay silent, maybe they can finagle their way out of maybe they can finagle their way out of maybe they can finagle their way out of this. this. this. And Jesus acts and he heals the man. And Jesus acts and he heals the man. And Jesus acts and he heals the man. And then he follows up with this And then he follows up with this And then he follows up with this question.

question. question. He says, "Which one of you, like He says, "Which one of you, like He says, "Which one of you, like if your son if your son if your son or your ox or your ox or your ox falls into a ditch, which one of you falls into a ditch, which one of you falls into a ditch, which one of you are not going to get him out?" are not going to get him out?" are not going to get him out?" Who wants to admit to that? Obviously, they were silenced again. Obviously, they were silenced again. You see what Jesus is doing is he is he You see what Jesus is doing is he is he You see what Jesus is doing is he is he is realigning to a kingdom-centered to a kingdom-centered vision. vision. vision. And then he answers the silence with And then he answers the silence with And then he answers the silence with this parable. He says, "But when you are this parable. He says, "But when you are this parable. He says, "But when you are invited, go and sit in the lowest place invited, go and sit in the lowest place invited, go and sit in the lowest place so that when the when the one who so that when the when the one who so that when the when the one who invited you comes, he'll say, 'Friend, invited you comes, he'll say, 'Friend, invited you comes, he'll say, 'Friend, move up.'" move up.'" move up.'" Like, what are you Hey, man, what are Like, what are you Hey, man, what are Like, what are you Hey, man, what are you doing back there, dude? Come sit up you doing back there, dude? Come sit up you doing back there, dude? Come sit up with me. with me. with me. That's what Jesus is talking about. That's what Jesus is talking about. That's what Jesus is talking about. And then you'll be honored in the And then you'll be honored in the And then you'll be honored in the presence of all the other guests. For presence of all the other guests. For presence of all the other guests. For everyone who exalts exalts himself will everyone who exalts exalts himself will everyone who exalts exalts himself will be humbled. The one who humbles himself be humbled. The one who humbles himself be humbled. The one who humbles himself will be will be uh exalted. Listen, will be will be uh exalted. Listen, will be will be uh exalted. Listen, Jesus is not teaching wedding etiquette, Jesus is not teaching wedding etiquette, Jesus is not teaching wedding etiquette, by the way.

by the way. by the way. Like, that's not what the parable is Like, that's not what the parable is Like, that's not what the parable is about. about. about. This parable is pointing toward This parable is pointing toward This parable is pointing toward something greater. And the underneath something greater. And the underneath something greater. And the underneath this parable is this understanding of this parable is this understanding of this parable is this understanding of how you are to interact with a kingdom how you are to interact with a kingdom how you are to interact with a kingdom vision. vision. vision. Like, how are you to see yourself in Like, how are you to see yourself in Like, how are you to see yourself in kingdom vision? What is the purpose kingdom vision? What is the purpose kingdom vision? What is the purpose in your life with a kingdom vision? in your life with a kingdom vision? in your life with a kingdom vision? Because the Pharisees have been consumed Because the Pharisees have been consumed Because the Pharisees have been consumed with themselves. with themselves. with themselves. They have lost They have lost They have lost their kingdom vision, and they have their kingdom vision, and they have their kingdom vision, and they have swapped it for a kingdom of self. And swapped it for a kingdom of self. And swapped it for a kingdom of self. And this is the danger of pride, that every this is the danger of pride, that every this is the danger of pride, that every single one of us, that if we are not single one of us, that if we are not single one of us, that if we are not careful, that we will easily drift careful, that we will easily drift careful, that we will easily drift and drift and drift into. I mean, you cannot coexist in the church I mean, you cannot coexist in the church with competing visions.

with competing visions. with competing visions. You can't do it. You see, pride You can't do it. You see, pride You can't do it. You see, pride or the rejection of pride is choosing or the rejection of pride is choosing or the rejection of pride is choosing others others others for the good of others and for the glory for the good of others and for the glory for the good of others and for the glory of Christ. of Christ. of Christ. Do you realize it? There is no other Do you realize it? There is no other Do you realize it? There is no other place on earth place on earth place on earth where you can gather every generation, where you can gather every generation, where you can gather every generation, every socioeconomic status, every socioeconomic status, every socioeconomic status, every background, every color into one room into one room and be united. This is the one place on earth. It's This is the one place on earth. It's called the church. You may think to yourself, "Well, well, You may think to yourself, "Well, well, how is this even possible?" Well, the how is this even possible?" Well, the how is this even possible?" Well, the Guess what? The disciples also struggled Guess what? The disciples also struggled Guess what? The disciples also struggled with this understanding this thought. And then Paul reminds us, like, "No, no, And then Paul reminds us, like, "No, no, no, listen, man. There's no Jew, there's no, listen, man. There's no Jew, there's no, listen, man. There's no Jew, there's no Greek. no Greek. no Greek. There's no slave, there's no free.

There's no slave, there's no free. There's no slave, there's no free. There's no male, female. There's no male, female. There's no male, female. We are all one in Christ." You see, this is why kingdom vision is You see, this is why kingdom vision is so important because without kingdom so important because without kingdom so important because without kingdom vision, guess what will happen? vision, guess what will happen? vision, guess what will happen? We will We will We will start competing for our own preferences. start competing for our own preferences. start competing for our own preferences. We will compete for our own comfort, for We will compete for our own comfort, for We will compete for our own comfort, for our own conveniences. But when you our own conveniences. But when you our own conveniences. But when you reject pride, you're choosing Christ reject pride, you're choosing Christ reject pride, you're choosing Christ over everything. over everything. over everything. You're choosing to You're choosing to You're choosing to live under the authority and banner of live under the authority and banner of live under the authority and banner of Christ Jesus himself and nothing else. Christ Jesus himself and nothing else. Christ Jesus himself and nothing else. This is how we can come together as one This is how we can come together as one This is how we can come together as one church. This is how we can come together church. This is how we can come together church. This is how we can come together as one body because we don't agree on as one body because we don't agree on as one body because we don't agree on everything. We agree on the one thing everything. We agree on the one thing everything. We agree on the one thing and that Jesus Christ is Lord and that and that Jesus Christ is Lord and that and that Jesus Christ is Lord and that is it. You see, this is kingdom vision. is it. You see, this is kingdom vision. is it. You see, this is kingdom vision. This is what keeps us moving forward This is what keeps us moving forward This is what keeps us moving forward together as a body of believers.

together as a body of believers. together as a body of believers. Yes, this is the kingdom vision for our Yes, this is the kingdom vision for our Yes, this is the kingdom vision for our church, but is it your vision for church, but is it your vision for church, but is it your vision for yourself? We must as the people of God We must as the people of God do everything possible to connect people do everything possible to connect people do everything possible to connect people to Jesus to Jesus to Jesus so that they may grow in the likeness of so that they may grow in the likeness of so that they may grow in the likeness of Jesus and multiply for the purpose of Jesus and multiply for the purpose of Jesus and multiply for the purpose of Jesus because when you Jesus because when you Jesus because when you commit to this, you are committing to commit to this, you are committing to commit to this, you are committing to the kingdom vision. the kingdom vision. the kingdom vision. Kingdom vision. Kingdom vision. Kingdom vision. And it's this kingdom vision that And it's this kingdom vision that And it's this kingdom vision that rejects pride in order to pursue the rejects pride in order to pursue the rejects pride in order to pursue the forgotten. forgotten. forgotten. You see, this is exactly what Jesus does You see, this is exactly what Jesus does You see, this is exactly what Jesus does because he's because he's because he's fixed on this man first of all. fixed on this man first of all. fixed on this man first of all. The outcast, the marginalized, the down The outcast, the marginalized, the down The outcast, the marginalized, the down and out, the guy who can't repay, the and out, the guy who can't repay, the and out, the guy who can't repay, the poor obviously because he probably can't poor obviously because he probably can't poor obviously because he probably can't hold a job, he can't help himself.

hold a job, he can't help himself. hold a job, he can't help himself. And it's Jesus that steps in. Do you And it's Jesus that steps in. Do you And it's Jesus that steps in. Do you realize like when you look through the realize like when you look through the realize like when you look through the Gospel of Luke, man, over and over Gospel of Luke, man, over and over Gospel of Luke, man, over and over there's like this hidden theme. there's like this hidden theme. there's like this hidden theme. And it's Jesus moving toward the And it's Jesus moving toward the And it's Jesus moving toward the marginalized. marginalized. marginalized. It's Jesus moving toward people who can It's Jesus moving toward people who can It's Jesus moving toward people who can never repay. And praise be to Jesus. never repay. And praise be to Jesus. never repay. And praise be to Jesus. Praise be to God for that because Praise be to God for that because Praise be to God for that because unless that is true, listen, Jesus would unless that is true, listen, Jesus would unless that is true, listen, Jesus would have never moved toward you. have never moved toward you. have never moved toward you. He would have never moved toward me He would have never moved toward me He would have never moved toward me because I know that I certainly cannot because I know that I certainly cannot because I know that I certainly cannot repay Christ. repay Christ. repay Christ. And this is what Jesus does, man. He And this is what Jesus does, man. He And this is what Jesus does, man. He says, "Listen, when you have a kingdom says, "Listen, when you have a kingdom says, "Listen, when you have a kingdom vision, you're going to pursue the vision, you're going to pursue the vision, you're going to pursue the forgotten." forgotten." forgotten." Those who don't feel like they have a Those who don't feel like they have a Those who don't feel like they have a place. place. place. Those who don't feel like that they Those who don't feel like that they Those who don't feel like that they belong anywhere. Listen, we want to be a belong anywhere. Listen, we want to be a belong anywhere. Listen, we want to be a church family that every person knows church family that every person knows church family that every person knows that they belong.

that they belong. that they belong. There is an opportunity There is an opportunity There is an opportunity right here for every generation. right here for every generation. right here for every generation. There's an opportunity for every There's an opportunity for every There's an opportunity for every background that you can belong to this background that you can belong to this background that you can belong to this body. Why? Because if you belong to body. Why? Because if you belong to body. Why? Because if you belong to Christ, Christ, Christ, then you belong here. then you belong here. then you belong here. With us, committed together to one With us, committed together to one With us, committed together to one kingdom vision. kingdom vision. kingdom vision. This is what Jesus says. He also said to This is what Jesus says. He also said to This is what Jesus says. He also said to them in verses 12 through 14. Look at them in verses 12 through 14. Look at them in verses 12 through 14. Look at how he teased us up. When you give a lunch or a dinner, When you give a lunch or a dinner, don't invite your friends, your brothers don't invite your friends, your brothers don't invite your friends, your brothers or sisters, your relatives, your rich or sisters, your relatives, your rich or sisters, your relatives, your rich neighbors, because they might invite you neighbors, because they might invite you neighbors, because they might invite you back and you would be repaid. back and you would be repaid. back and you would be repaid. On the contrary, On the contrary, On the contrary, when you host a banquet, when you host a banquet, when you host a banquet, invite those who are poor, invite those who are poor, invite those who are poor, maimed, lame, or blind. maimed, lame, or blind. maimed, lame, or blind. And you will be blessed And you will be blessed And you will be blessed because they cannot repay you, for you because they cannot repay you, for you because they cannot repay you, for you will re- be repaid at the resurrection will re- be repaid at the resurrection will re- be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous. Do you see how Jesus of the righteous. Do you see how Jesus of the righteous. Do you see how Jesus turns their attention? He turns their turns their attention? He turns their turns their attention? He turns their vision, turns where their eyes are. He's vision, turns where their eyes are. He's vision, turns where their eyes are. He's like, "No, no, no. Look, don't worry like, "No, no, no. Look, don't worry like, "No, no, no. Look, don't worry about being repaid here.

Don't worry about your own personal gain Don't worry about your own personal gain on earth, man. Give that up. Surrender on earth, man. Give that up. Surrender on earth, man. Give that up. Surrender it. As Paul would say, man, I consider it. As Paul would say, man, I consider it. As Paul would say, man, I consider everything I gained as rubbish in everything I gained as rubbish in everything I gained as rubbish in comparison to what I have in the riches comparison to what I have in the riches comparison to what I have in the riches of Christ Jesus our Lord. Like that's of Christ Jesus our Lord. Like that's of Christ Jesus our Lord. Like that's Paul's understanding. Paul's understanding. Paul's understanding. That's what Jesus is saying here. He's That's what Jesus is saying here. He's That's what Jesus is saying here. He's like, "Listen, don't worry about the like, "Listen, don't worry about the like, "Listen, don't worry about the system of reciprocity and getting system of reciprocity and getting system of reciprocity and getting repaid. repaid. repaid. Do what pleases the Father. Do what pleases the Father. Do what pleases the Father. Don't worry about inviting your rich Don't worry about inviting your rich Don't worry about inviting your rich friends. friends. friends. Don't worry about inviting your brothers Don't worry about inviting your brothers Don't worry about inviting your brothers or sisters and those that can repay you. or sisters and those that can repay you. or sisters and those that can repay you. Now, now understand this. Now, now understand this. Now, now understand this. When Jesus makes this claim, he's not When Jesus makes this claim, he's not When Jesus makes this claim, he's not saying forget about them. saying forget about them. saying forget about them. He's not saying you shouldn't care about He's not saying you shouldn't care about He's not saying you shouldn't care about them. them. them. What he is correcting is the motivation What he is correcting is the motivation What he is correcting is the motivation of your invitation. of your invitation. of your invitation. That's what he is correcting. That's what he is correcting. That's what he is correcting. He's saying, "Don't act He's saying, "Don't act He's saying, "Don't act so that you can receive in return.

so that you can receive in return. so that you can receive in return. Act Act Act in pleasing your Father who sees in in pleasing your Father who sees in in pleasing your Father who sees in secret. secret. secret. That's the idea here. That's the idea here. That's the idea here. And man, this makes us think about all And man, this makes us think about all And man, this makes us think about all sorts of things in our own lives, right? sorts of things in our own lives, right? sorts of things in our own lives, right? I mean, this is correcting our behavior. Like how many of us choose friends based Like how many of us choose friends based on on on what will help us. You choose groups on what would be most You choose groups on what would be most helpful to you. helpful to you. helpful to you. What would be helpful to me? Like this What would be helpful to me? Like this What would be helpful to me? Like this happens all the time. happens all the time. happens all the time. And what Jesus is cautioning here is And what Jesus is cautioning here is And what Jesus is cautioning here is don't do this with the motivation of don't do this with the motivation of don't do this with the motivation of personal gain and exclude those who personal gain and exclude those who personal gain and exclude those who cannot. You know they're not going to cannot. You know they're not going to cannot. You know they're not going to help you. They may even drag you down. help you. They may even drag you down. help you. They may even drag you down. They might be dead weight. They might be dead weight. They might be dead weight. But he says, "Don't exclude them because But he says, "Don't exclude them because But he says, "Don't exclude them because listen, pursue those who are forgotten." listen, pursue those who are forgotten." listen, pursue those who are forgotten." And man, that's why I am so proud And man, that's why I am so proud And man, that's why I am so proud of our church family.

of our church family. of our church family. Like we we are committed to pursue the Like we we are committed to pursue the Like we we are committed to pursue the forgotten. forgotten. forgotten. That's why we have That's why we have That's why we have uh ministries with every age in mind. uh ministries with every age in mind. uh ministries with every age in mind. With every season in mind. With every season in mind. With every season in mind. This is why we have a brand new widows This is why we have a brand new widows This is why we have a brand new widows ministry that because listen, widows, ministry that because listen, widows, ministry that because listen, widows, they feel forgotten. they feel forgotten. they feel forgotten. We want to step in that gap. This is why We want to step in that gap. This is why We want to step in that gap. This is why we have a thriving prison ministry. we have a thriving prison ministry. we have a thriving prison ministry. Listen, you're talking about the lowest Listen, you're talking about the lowest Listen, you're talking about the lowest peg on the societal totem pole? peg on the societal totem pole? peg on the societal totem pole? Those in prison, man, they feel Those in prison, man, they feel Those in prison, man, they feel forgotten. And guess what? We have forgotten. And guess what? We have forgotten. And guess what? We have people going every single week to people going every single week to people going every single week to minister to them in the name of Jesus minister to them in the name of Jesus minister to them in the name of Jesus Christ. Christ. Christ. Salvation's over and over and over Salvation's over and over and over Salvation's over and over and over again. People growing in the likeness of again. People growing in the likeness of again. People growing in the likeness of Jesus over and over and over again to Jesus over and over and over again to Jesus over and over and over again to the marginalized. the marginalized. the marginalized. This is why we have an incredible This is why we have an incredible This is why we have an incredible Celebrate Recovery ministry. Celebrate Recovery ministry. Celebrate Recovery ministry. For everybody that with hurts, habits, For everybody that with hurts, habits, For everybody that with hurts, habits, and hang-ups, man, they can come and and hang-ups, man, they can come and and hang-ups, man, they can come and have a place that they can get rid of have a place that they can get rid of have a place that they can get rid of addiction.

addiction. addiction. That they can thrive in Christ's That they can thrive in Christ's That they can thrive in Christ's likeness. likeness. likeness. It's because we as a church are It's because we as a church are It's because we as a church are committed to stepping in to that gap. committed to stepping in to that gap. committed to stepping in to that gap. It's the gap of heaven and hell that we It's the gap of heaven and hell that we It's the gap of heaven and hell that we want to link arms with people so that we want to link arms with people so that we want to link arms with people so that we can help them understand who Christ is can help them understand who Christ is can help them understand who Christ is and that there is freedom in Jesus. and that there is freedom in Jesus. and that there is freedom in Jesus. There is a a life of abundance in Christ There is a a life of abundance in Christ There is a a life of abundance in Christ Jesus. Jesus. Jesus. And by the way, just in Celebrate And by the way, just in Celebrate And by the way, just in Celebrate Recovery up to this point this year, 199 Recovery up to this point this year, 199 Recovery up to this point this year, 199 professions of faith. Like just this professions of faith. Like just this professions of faith. Like just this year. Like that's incredible. Is it strange we couldn't find one more Is it strange we couldn't find one more to say 200? But, you know what? Look. Do you realize that as a church family Do you realize that as a church family just up to this point that we are now just up to this point that we are now just up to this point that we are now celebrating celebrating celebrating 220 220 220 baptisms. baptisms. baptisms. Like, just this year. Like, just this year. Like, just this year. Like, this is stuff that only God can Like, this is stuff that only God can Like, this is stuff that only God can accomplish through you, through his accomplish through you, through his accomplish through you, through his people.

people. people. We have a an incredible men's ministry, We have a an incredible men's ministry, We have a an incredible men's ministry, women's ministry, adult ministries for women's ministry, adult ministries for women's ministry, adult ministries for marrieds, for singles, for college, for marrieds, for singles, for college, for marrieds, for singles, for college, for older singles, younger singles, and you older singles, younger singles, and you older singles, younger singles, and you can decide where you are. All right, I can decide where you are. All right, I can decide where you are. All right, I don't care. But, the point is is that, don't care. But, the point is is that, don't care. But, the point is is that, man, we have thriving ministries. We man, we have thriving ministries. We man, we have thriving ministries. We have a sports ministry that is maxed out have a sports ministry that is maxed out have a sports ministry that is maxed out in almost every single sport. Like, in almost every single sport. Like, in almost every single sport. Like, volleyball is the biggest it's ever been volleyball is the biggest it's ever been volleyball is the biggest it's ever been this year. And and here's the truth this year. And and here's the truth this year. And and here's the truth about this because it's like, well, about this because it's like, well, about this because it's like, well, okay, great. People are playing sports. okay, great. People are playing sports. okay, great. People are playing sports. No, every single kid hears the gospel of No, every single kid hears the gospel of No, every single kid hears the gospel of Jesus Christ. And so, when you hear Jesus Christ. And so, when you hear Jesus Christ. And so, when you hear 1,500 athletes, that's not just 1,500 1,500 athletes, that's not just 1,500 1,500 athletes, that's not just 1,500 people learning how to play football or people learning how to play football or people learning how to play football or soccer or volleyball, it's 1,500 kids soccer or volleyball, it's 1,500 kids soccer or volleyball, it's 1,500 kids hearing about Jesus Christ who will save hearing about Jesus Christ who will save hearing about Jesus Christ who will save them if they trust in him. And this is them if they trust in him. And this is them if they trust in him. And this is why we do everything that we do at Green why we do everything that we do at Green why we do everything that we do at Green Acres, man. There is no hidden agenda. Acres, man. There is no hidden agenda. Acres, man. There is no hidden agenda. Here is the agenda. It is for the Here is the agenda. It is for the Here is the agenda. It is for the kingdom vision of Christ himself. There kingdom vision of Christ himself. There kingdom vision of Christ himself. There is no other agenda. It is to pursue the is no other agenda. It is to pursue the is no other agenda. It is to pursue the forgotten. It's to reject all pride and forgotten. It's to reject all pride and forgotten. It's to reject all pride and lay our lives down for the gospel of lay our lives down for the gospel of lay our lives down for the gospel of Jesus Christ and say unto him who Jesus Christ and say unto him who Jesus Christ and say unto him who deserves all things, Jesus, I am yours.

deserves all things, Jesus, I am yours. deserves all things, Jesus, I am yours. Use me however you want, man. If you Use me however you want, man. If you Use me however you want, man. If you want me to be HUMILIATED FOR CHRIST, want me to be HUMILIATED FOR CHRIST, want me to be HUMILIATED FOR CHRIST, THEN DO IT. If you want me to be THEN DO IT. If you want me to be THEN DO IT. If you want me to be persecuted for Christ, then do it. But, persecuted for Christ, then do it. But, persecuted for Christ, then do it. But, here is my life because there is a here is my life because there is a here is my life because there is a greater purpose, there's a greater greater purpose, there's a greater greater purpose, there's a greater blessing, there's a greater blessing, there's a greater blessing, there's a greater point to your life. point to your life. point to your life. And it is all And it is all And it is all Jesus. Jesus. Jesus. And as soon And as soon And as soon as we start to drift, to believe that it as we start to drift, to believe that it as we start to drift, to believe that it is about anything else, you talk about is about anything else, you talk about is about anything else, you talk about division in a church. When we have competing ideas, When we have competing ideas, Jesus says, "No. Jesus says, "No. Jesus says, "No. This is it. This is it. This is it. Reject your pride. Reject your pride. Reject your pride. Pursue the forgotten. Pursue the forgotten. Pursue the forgotten. And expand the table." He tells them, He tells them, because because because in verse 15, there's this there's this in verse 15, there's this there's this in verse 15, there's this there's this moment that happens that appears good, moment that happens that appears good, moment that happens that appears good, but it's not.

but it's not. but it's not. You know how you always at every You know how you always at every You know how you always at every wedding, you got like crazy Uncle Larry wedding, you got like crazy Uncle Larry wedding, you got like crazy Uncle Larry that always wants to give a toast? If your name is Larry, I don't mean you, If your name is Larry, I don't mean you, all right? But this is what happens in verse 15. But this is what happens in verse 15. When one of those When one of those When one of those who was there, who was there, who was there, who reclined at the table with him, who reclined at the table with him, who reclined at the table with him, heard these things, listen, this is what heard these things, listen, this is what heard these things, listen, this is what he said. He says, "Blessed is the one he said. He says, "Blessed is the one he said. He says, "Blessed is the one who will eat bread in the kingdom of who will eat bread in the kingdom of who will eat bread in the kingdom of God." God." God." Sounds good, doesn't it? This joker, you Sounds good, doesn't it? This joker, you Sounds good, doesn't it? This joker, you know what he's doing? He's toasting know what he's doing? He's toasting know what he's doing? He's toasting himself. himself. himself. He's like, "Man, He's like, "Man, He's like, "Man, good to be us. good to be us. good to be us. Good to be me. Good to be me. Good to be me. Because obviously, because of everything Because obviously, because of everything Because obviously, because of everything that I've done, Lord, I mean, I am a that I've done, Lord, I mean, I am a that I've done, Lord, I mean, I am a Pharisee, after all. Pharisee, after all. Pharisee, after all. Like I keep the law. I don't even want Like I keep the law. I don't even want Like I keep the law. I don't even want you to heal this poor poor guy on the you to heal this poor poor guy on the you to heal this poor poor guy on the Sabbath. I mean, I'm even against that. Sabbath. I mean, I'm even against that. Sabbath. I mean, I'm even against that. That's how committed to the law I am. That's how committed to the law I am. That's how committed to the law I am. Look at me. Blessed are those who keep Look at me. Blessed are those who keep Look at me. Blessed are those who keep the law like the Pharisees. This is what the law like the Pharisees. This is what the law like the Pharisees. This is what he is saying. Hey, here's to us.

he is saying. Hey, here's to us. he is saying. Hey, here's to us. And Jesus is like, you have missed it. And Jesus is like, you have missed it. And Jesus is like, you have missed it. Completely. Completely. Completely. They've turned it on themselves again They've turned it on themselves again They've turned it on themselves again because here's the truth, there is no because here's the truth, there is no because here's the truth, there is no salvation apart from Christ. salvation apart from Christ. salvation apart from Christ. Acts chapter 4:12 makes this abundantly Acts chapter 4:12 makes this abundantly Acts chapter 4:12 makes this abundantly clear. clear. clear. There is no other name. There is There is no other name. There is There is no other name. There is salvation in no one else, for there is salvation in no one else, for there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to no other name under heaven given to no other name under heaven given to people by which we must be saved. people by which we must be saved. people by which we must be saved. This is what we see throughout the New This is what we see throughout the New This is what we see throughout the New Testament. Jesus is the only name that Testament. Jesus is the only name that Testament. Jesus is the only name that can save. And so these Pharisees who are can save. And so these Pharisees who are can save. And so these Pharisees who are pretending that they're going to have a pretending that they're going to have a pretending that they're going to have a seat at the king's table are being seat at the king's table are being seat at the king's table are being misled. And so Jesus has to hit them misled. And so Jesus has to hit them misled. And so Jesus has to hit them with this with this truth between the with this with this truth between the with this with this truth between the eyes because Jesus is not going to let eyes because Jesus is not going to let eyes because Jesus is not going to let them just continue them just continue them just continue in this false security and false hope of in this false security and false hope of in this false security and false hope of a false religion. a false religion. a false religion. Instead, he calls them back to the Instead, he calls them back to the Instead, he calls them back to the kingdom vision.

He says in He says in verse 23, then the master, because he verse 23, then the master, because he verse 23, then the master, because he tells him, he's like, look, this is tells him, he's like, look, this is tells him, he's like, look, this is what's going to happen. I'm going to what's going to happen. I'm going to what's going to happen. I'm going to have this banquet and I'm going to give have this banquet and I'm going to give have this banquet and I'm going to give out invitations. out invitations. out invitations. And then everybody started giving And then everybody started giving And then everybody started giving excuses. excuses. excuses. Everybody Everybody Everybody started giving excuses. started giving excuses. started giving excuses. One dude said, man, I got some land. I One dude said, man, I got some land. I One dude said, man, I got some land. I got to go figure this out. I got some got to go figure this out. I got some got to go figure this out. I got some ox. I got to go figure this out. ox. I got to go figure this out. ox. I got to go figure this out. I got a new wife. I got to go figure I got a new wife. I got to go figure I got a new wife. I got to go figure that out. Poor guy. I mean, he's that out. Poor guy. I mean, he's that out. Poor guy. I mean, he's helpless. They're all excuses They're all excuses of why they can't go and be present at of why they can't go and be present at of why they can't go and be present at the table. You realize, right? Like You realize, right? Like that's us. every time God re-aligns you every time God re-aligns you every time he makes this vision for his every time he makes this vision for his every time he makes this vision for his kingdom clear, it's it's automatically kingdom clear, it's it's automatically kingdom clear, it's it's automatically like, "Well, well, well, I mean, look, I like, "Well, well, well, I mean, look, I like, "Well, well, well, I mean, look, I will, man. Just let me graduate high will, man. Just let me graduate high will, man. Just let me graduate high school.

school. school. I'll start living for Jesus. Let me just I'll start living for Jesus. Let me just I'll start living for Jesus. Let me just graduate. graduate. graduate. I mean, this is the time that I'm I mean, this is the time that I'm I mean, this is the time that I'm supposed to have freedom. supposed to have freedom. supposed to have freedom. I can do whatever I want. I can do whatever I want. I can do whatever I want. But you just let me get out of college. But you just let me get out of college. But you just let me get out of college. And then I'll and then and then I'll And then I'll and then and then I'll And then I'll and then and then I'll start living for Jesus. And then then start living for Jesus. And then then start living for Jesus. And then then you get out of college and you get you get out of college and you get you get out of college and you get married and you're like, "Well, we're married and you're like, "Well, we're married and you're like, "Well, we're we're just so busy right now." Listen, we're just so busy right now." Listen, we're just so busy right now." Listen, the devil does not have to destroy your the devil does not have to destroy your the devil does not have to destroy your life to be ineffective for the kingdom. Busy with excuses. Busy with excuses. Busy with looking at the obstacles and Busy with looking at the obstacles and Busy with looking at the obstacles and looking at the trees. looking at the trees. looking at the trees. Naming everything that is going wrong. Naming everything that is going wrong. Naming everything that is going wrong. Naming just all of the different things Naming just all of the different things Naming just all of the different things that's going on in your life of why you that's going on in your life of why you that's going on in your life of why you can't participate in the kingdom and why can't participate in the kingdom and why can't participate in the kingdom and why why the kingdom will wait. You cannot pursue You cannot pursue Jesus and another kingdom.

Jesus and another kingdom. Jesus and another kingdom. You cannot pursue Christ and the kingdom You cannot pursue Christ and the kingdom You cannot pursue Christ and the kingdom of self. of self. of self. You can't put your self at the center of You can't put your self at the center of You can't put your self at the center of your decision-making process your decision-making process your decision-making process and have Jesus as Lord reigning over and have Jesus as Lord reigning over and have Jesus as Lord reigning over your heart. It doesn't work that way. your heart. It doesn't work that way. your heart. It doesn't work that way. And so, what will you do with the time? And so, what will you do with the time? And so, what will you do with the time? What will you do with the friends? What What will you do with the friends? What What will you do with the friends? What will you do with your influence? What will you do with your influence? What will you do with your influence? What will you do with your money? What will will you do with your money? What will will you do with your money? What will you do with your job? What will you do you do with your job? What will you do you do with your job? What will you do with your school? What will you do with with your school? What will you do with with your school? What will you do with your life? your life? your life? Will it be a life of excuses? Will it be a life of excuses? Will it be a life of excuses? Or will it be a life surrendered to the Or will it be a life surrendered to the Or will it be a life surrendered to the King of Kings? King of Kings? King of Kings? You know, in 1939, on the eve of World You know, in 1939, on the eve of World You know, in 1939, on the eve of World War II, War II, War II, there was a man named Nicholas Winton, who just happened to be at the right who just happened to be at the right place at the right time, in his own place at the right time, in his own place at the right time, in his own words. And he arranged for 669, mostly Jewish, And he arranged for 669, mostly Jewish, kids Nobody even knew about it.

Nobody even knew about it. He was just quietly serving, He was just quietly serving, He was just quietly serving, quietly arranging for the freedom of quietly arranging for the freedom of quietly arranging for the freedom of these kids. And And then, his wife, 50 these kids. And And then, his wife, 50 these kids. And And then, his wife, 50 years later, just found this scrapbook. years later, just found this scrapbook. years later, just found this scrapbook. And she sees all these faces And she sees all these faces And she sees all these faces of kids and stories with kids of how of kids and stories with kids of how of kids and stories with kids of how they were saved and brought from death they were saved and brought from death they were saved and brought from death to life, from imprisonment to freedom. to life, from imprisonment to freedom. to life, from imprisonment to freedom. And she confronts him. She says, like And she confronts him. She says, like And she confronts him. She says, like like what what is this about? And so, he like what what is this about? And so, he like what what is this about? And so, he comes clean. He says, like like yeah, comes clean. He says, like like yeah, comes clean. He says, like like yeah, man, I did this. man, I did this. man, I did this. I did that. I did that. I did that. And so, she arranged this huge And so, she arranged this huge And so, she arranged this huge celebration without him knowing. And celebration without him knowing. And celebration without him knowing. And there's hundreds of people here. I mean, there's hundreds of people here. I mean, there's hundreds of people here. I mean, probably like a room almost this size. probably like a room almost this size. probably like a room almost this size. And And just people all over the place. And And just people all over the place. And And just people all over the place. And And then, in the middle of this, I And And then, in the middle of this, I And And then, in the middle of this, I mean, I watched this video. In the mean, I watched this video. In the mean, I watched this video. In the middle of this, and they they're they're middle of this, and they they're they're middle of this, and they they're they're sharing stories. And this girl that was sharing stories. And this girl that was sharing stories. And this girl that was little now in her 60s and 70s, she looks little now in her 60s and 70s, she looks little now in her 60s and 70s, she looks at this man and says, "I was one of at this man and says, "I was one of at this man and says, "I was one of those girls."

She starts hugging him and kissing him. She starts hugging him and kissing him. She said, "Thank you. Thank you for She said, "Thank you. Thank you for She said, "Thank you. Thank you for giving me life." And then to his right, giving me life." And then to his right, giving me life." And then to his right, there's this other little girl, and there's this other little girl, and there's this other little girl, and she's like, "You saved me." she's like, "You saved me." she's like, "You saved me." And now she's in her 70s, her 80s, and And now she's in her 70s, her 80s, and And now she's in her 70s, her 80s, and she starts hugging him and kissing him, she starts hugging him and kissing him, she starts hugging him and kissing him, and there's this celebration, and and there's this celebration, and and there's this celebration, and everybody is cheering. They're like, everybody is cheering. They're like, everybody is cheering. They're like, "YES, YOU WOULD have been dead, but "YES, YOU WOULD have been dead, but "YES, YOU WOULD have been dead, but you're alive, and you grew, and and look you're alive, and you grew, and and look you're alive, and you grew, and and look at you." And then all of the sudden this at you." And then all of the sudden this at you." And then all of the sudden this lady gets to the microphone, and she's lady gets to the microphone, and she's lady gets to the microphone, and she's like, "Hey, anybody in the room, anybody in the room, if you if you if you owe your life owe your life owe your life to this man, to this man, to this man, stand up." And hundreds And hundreds of people, they stand up in this room, of people, they stand up in this room, of people, they stand up in this room, and you're looking across, and he just and you're looking across, and he just and you're looking across, and he just starts weeping and uncontrollably. He's starts weeping and uncontrollably. He's starts weeping and uncontrollably. He's He's looking into the face of people He's looking into the face of people He's looking into the face of people that should have been dead, but now that should have been dead, but now that should have been dead, but now they're alive, and they're well, and they're alive, and they're well, and they're alive, and they're well, and they see each other face-to-face, and they see each other face-to-face, and they see each other face-to-face, and all I could think to myself is, "Jesus, all I could think to myself is, "Jesus, all I could think to myself is, "Jesus, let this be my story when I get to let this be my story when I get to let this be my story when I get to heaven."

heaven." heaven." And we're gathered around the Lord's And we're gathered around the Lord's And we're gathered around the Lord's table, that I could see people that by God's that I could see people that by God's grace, that he would just simply use me grace, that he would just simply use me grace, that he would just simply use me for whatever reason. for whatever reason. for whatever reason. Not because I have anything to give, but Not because I have anything to give, but Not because I have anything to give, but I'm willing, God. I'm I'm able, God, to I'm willing, God. I'm I'm able, God, to I'm willing, God. I'm I'm able, God, to do whatever you want me to do. What if do whatever you want me to do. What if do whatever you want me to do. What if that was every single one of us? We had that was every single one of us? We had that was every single one of us? We had this type of kingdom vision, that we this type of kingdom vision, that we this type of kingdom vision, that we just rejected our pride, that we pursued just rejected our pride, that we pursued just rejected our pride, that we pursued the forgotten, and we expanded the table the forgotten, and we expanded the table the forgotten, and we expanded the table of God, because we would use all of our of God, because we would use all of our of God, because we would use all of our resources, all of our life, the little resources, all of our life, the little resources, all of our life, the little time that we have for the glory and for time that we have for the glory and for time that we have for the glory and for the purpose, for the kingdom of Christ the purpose, for the kingdom of Christ the purpose, for the kingdom of Christ alone. Like, let that be known of this alone. Like, let that be known of this alone. Like, let that be known of this church family. Let that be known of this church family. Let that be known of this church family. Let that be known of this man. Let that be known of you and your man. Let that be known of you and your man. Let that be known of you and your family. That everything we have, God, family. That everything we have, God, family. That everything we have, God, you just use at your disposal. you just use at your disposal. you just use at your disposal. Because I don't want to get anywhere.

Like, can you imagine Like, can you imagine sitting at the banquet table with the sitting at the banquet table with the sitting at the banquet table with the Lord? And then just And then just people come to mind people come to mind people come to mind that you had a chance Instead, we should do exactly what he Instead, we should do exactly what he says. says. says. Man, don't stare at the trees Man, don't stare at the trees Man, don't stare at the trees of every excuse and obstacle that you of every excuse and obstacle that you of every excuse and obstacle that you have around you. Fix your eyes Fix your eyes on Christ on Christ on Christ and let him move you and let him move you and let him move you in the way you should go. That's what this Lord's Supper table is That's what this Lord's Supper table is all about. all about. all about. It is a reminder that you did nothing It is a reminder that you did nothing It is a reminder that you did nothing to receive a seat at his table. to receive a seat at his table. to receive a seat at his table. And then it should also remind you who And then it should also remind you who And then it should also remind you who is not here with me.

And let us pray. And let us pray. As God's people, Lord, would you give us As God's people, Lord, would you give us As God's people, Lord, would you give us that kingdom vision? Let's pray together. Heavenly Father, Let's pray together. Heavenly Father, we ask you we ask you we ask you that right now Lord, that Lord, that you just remind us, Lord, through the you just remind us, Lord, through the you just remind us, Lord, through the symbolism of these elements And so now, God And so now, God as your servant, let me be faithful as your servant, let me be faithful as your servant, let me be faithful to reject pride in my life to reject pride in my life to reject pride in my life to pursue the forgotten to pursue the forgotten to pursue the forgotten and do everything possible to expand and do everything possible to expand and do everything possible to expand your table for your purpose, by your your table for your purpose, by your your table for your purpose, by your design design design and for your glory. and for your glory. and for your glory. And it's in the name of Jesus we pray. And it's in the name of Jesus we pray. And it's in the name of Jesus we pray. Amen.

>> I >> I was a wretch. was a wretch. was a wretch. I remember who I was. I remember who I was. I remember who I was. I was lost. I was blind. I was lost. I was blind. I was lost. I was blind. I was running out of time. Sin [music] Sin [music] separated [singing] separated [singing] separated [singing] the breach was far too wide. the breach was far too wide. the breach was far too wide. From the far side of the chasm From the far side of the chasm From the far side of the chasm you held me in [singing] your sight. you held me in [singing] your sight. you held me in [singing] your sight. So you [music] So you [music] So you [music] made a way made a way made a way across the great divide. across the great divide. across the great divide. Left behind Left behind Left behind heaven's throne heaven's throne heaven's throne to build a here inside. to build a here inside. to build a here inside. And there [music] And there [music] And there [music] at the cross at the cross at the cross you paid the debt I owed. you paid the debt I owed. you paid the debt I owed. Broke my Broke my Broke my freed [music] my soul for the first freed [music] my soul for the first freed [music] my soul for the first time. [singing] time. [singing] time. [singing] Come on, let's sing together.

Come on, let's sing together. Come on, let's sing together. >> Thank [music] you, Jesus, for >> Thank [music] you, Jesus, for >> Thank [music] you, Jesus, for the blood the blood the blood applied. Thank you, Thank you, Jesus, it has washed Jesus, it has washed Jesus, it has washed me white. me white. me white. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you, >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> Jesus, you have saved >> Jesus, you have saved >> Jesus, you have saved my life. Brought me from life. Brought me from [music and singing] [music and singing] [music and singing] darkness darkness darkness into the glorious into the glorious into the glorious light. >> [bell] >> [bell] >> We sing it today. >> You >> You took my place, took my place, took my place, >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> made inside my tomb >> made inside my tomb >> made inside my tomb to sing. to sing. to sing. You were buried [music] for three days, You were buried [music] for three days, You were buried [music] for three days, but then you rose right [singing] out of but then you rose right [singing] out of but then you rose right [singing] out of the the the grave. grave. grave. And now And now And now death has no sting. death has no sting. death has no sting. Yes, [music] and life Yes, [music] and life Yes, [music] and life has no has no has no end.

end. end. Oh, for Oh, for Oh, for I have I have I have >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> been transformed >> been transformed >> been transformed by the blood by the blood by the blood of the Lamb. of the Lamb. of the Lamb. >> Thank you, Jesus. Thank you, >> Thank you, Jesus. Thank you, >> Thank you, Jesus. Thank you, >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> Jesus, for the blood >> Jesus, for the blood >> Jesus, for the blood applied. Thank [music] you, Thank [music] you, Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, it has it has it has washed washed washed >> [singing] >> [singing] >> [singing] >> me white. Oh, thank Oh, thank you, Jesus, you have saved you, Jesus, you have saved you, Jesus, you have saved >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> my life. >> my life. >> my life. Brought me [singing] from darkness into Brought me [singing] from darkness into Brought me [singing] from darkness into the glorious the glorious the glorious light. light. light. >> We sing it again. Oh, thank you, Jesus. >> We sing it again. Oh, thank you, Jesus. >> We sing it again. Oh, thank you, Jesus. We join our voices and sing. We join our voices and sing. We join our voices and sing. >> Oh, thank [music] >> Oh, thank [music] >> Oh, thank [music] you, Jesus, for you, Jesus, for you, Jesus, for the blood applied. Thank you, Jesus, it has washed Thank you, Jesus, it has washed >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> me white.

>> me white. >> me white. Oh, thank you, Jesus, Oh, thank you, Jesus, Oh, thank you, Jesus, >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> you have saved >> you have saved >> you have saved >> [singing] >> [singing] >> [singing] >> my life. Brought me from the darkness Brought me from the darkness [music and singing] [music and singing] [music and singing] into glorious light. into glorious light. into glorious light. Brought me from the darkness. Oh, you Brought me from the darkness. Oh, you Brought me from the darkness. Oh, you brought me from the darkness brought me from the darkness brought me from the darkness into glorious [singing] into glorious [singing] into glorious [singing] >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> light. Oh, glory Oh, glory to his name. We sing glory We sing glory to [music and singing] There in my heart was the blood There in my heart was the blood applied. We sing glory. applied. We sing glory. applied. We sing glory. Glory Glory Glory to [music and singing] to [music and singing] to [music and singing] his his his name.

>> On the night that Jesus was betrayed, he >> On the night that Jesus was betrayed, he took his disciples. took his disciples. took his disciples. They went to the upper room and he They went to the upper room and he They went to the upper room and he explained to them, he said, as he explained to them, he said, as he explained to them, he said, as he blessed and he broke the bread, he blessed and he broke the bread, he blessed and he broke the bread, he passed it around and he said, "This is passed it around and he said, "This is passed it around and he said, "This is my body my body my body that is broken for you. that is broken for you. that is broken for you. As often as you eat of it, As often as you eat of it, As often as you eat of it, do so in remembrance of me." Likewise, he took the cup that was Likewise, he took the cup that was filled filled filled with the fruit of the vine and he told with the fruit of the vine and he told with the fruit of the vine and he told them he said, "This is my blood them he said, "This is my blood them he said, "This is my blood that was poured out for you that was poured out for you that was poured out for you for a new covenant." for a new covenant." for a new covenant." He said, "As often as you drink of this, He said, "As often as you drink of this, He said, "As often as you drink of this, do so in remembrance of me." Lord Jesus, today we bless your name. Lord Jesus, today we bless your name. God, we praise you, Father, because it God, we praise you, Father, because it God, we praise you, Father, because it was you that went to the cross on our was you that went to the cross on our was you that went to the cross on our behalf. Father, that we get to gather behalf. Father, that we get to gather behalf. Father, that we get to gather together today because of you who knew together today because of you who knew together today because of you who knew no sin became sin on our behalf so that no sin became sin on our behalf so that no sin became sin on our behalf so that we might become the righteousness of God we might become the righteousness of God we might become the righteousness of God by faith, Lord.

by faith, Lord. by faith, Lord. It is all about the grace of God, Lord, It is all about the grace of God, Lord, It is all about the grace of God, Lord, that you poured out on us, the that you poured out on us, the that you poured out on us, the undeserving, [music] the forgotten, undeserving, [music] the forgotten, undeserving, [music] the forgotten, the ones who are are prideful and the ones who are are prideful and the ones who are are prideful and stiff-necked. And yet, Jesus, you still stiff-necked. And yet, Jesus, you still stiff-necked. And yet, Jesus, you still went to the cross, you endured the pain, went to the cross, you endured the pain, went to the cross, you endured the pain, the suffering for us so that we may have the suffering for us so that we may have the suffering for us so that we may have life everlasting. And so, Father, today life everlasting. And so, Father, today life everlasting. And so, Father, today we recognize that it is only because of we recognize that it is only because of we recognize that it is only because of you you you that we have a seat at your table. that we have a seat at your table. that we have a seat at your table. That you gave us a chair with our That you gave us a chair with our That you gave us a chair with our [music] name on it written down in [music] name on it written down in [music] name on it written down in glory, written down for all eternity glory, written down for all eternity glory, written down for all eternity because there will be a day, Father, because there will be a day, Father, because there will be a day, Father, that that we will experience another that that we will experience another that that we will experience another banquet of the marriage supper of the banquet of the marriage supper of the banquet of the marriage supper of the Lamb. And Father, we will gather Lamb. And Father, we will gather Lamb. And Father, we will gather together under your wings as you together under your wings as you together under your wings as you promised when you make all things new. promised when you make all things new. promised when you make all things new. And we will give you glory and honor And we will give you glory and honor And we will give you glory and honor forever and ever. We will join in with forever and ever. We will join in with forever and ever. We will join in with the heaven that is declaring right now, the heaven that is declaring right now, the heaven that is declaring right now, "Holy, holy, holy [music] is the Lord "Holy, holy, holy [music] is the Lord "Holy, holy, holy [music] is the Lord God Almighty." Father, it is all about God Almighty." Father, it is all about God Almighty." Father, it is all about you. So, Jesus, fix us. Fix our eyes.

you. So, Jesus, fix us. Fix our eyes. you. So, Jesus, fix us. Fix our eyes. Fix our vision on you alone. It's in the Fix our vision on you alone. It's in the Fix our vision on you alone. It's in the name of Jesus we pray. Amen. As you look name of Jesus we pray. Amen. As you look name of Jesus we pray. Amen. As you look up, hey, let's stand up and let's sing up, hey, let's stand up and let's sing up, hey, let's stand up and let's sing together one more time. together one more time. together one more time. >> Come on, we sing this out. We sing there >> Come on, we sing this out. We sing there >> Come on, we sing this out. We sing there is nothing stronger. [music] Come on. is nothing stronger. [music] Come on. is nothing stronger. [music] Come on. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> There is nothing stronger >> There is nothing stronger >> There is nothing stronger than the than the than the wonder [music] working power wonder [music] working power wonder [music] working power of the blood. blood. Oh, the blood. >> [music] >> [music] >> That causes >> That causes >> That causes sands to rise. sands to rise. sands to rise. We are [music] ransomed [singing] by We are [music] ransomed [singing] by We are [music] ransomed [singing] by the Father through the the Father through the the Father through the blood. And through the And through the blood. >> [music] >> [music] >> Sing it. >> Sing it. >> Sing it. Thank you, Jesus, for Thank you, Jesus, for Thank you, Jesus, for the blood. the blood. the blood. >> [music] >> Come on, we sing. >> Come on, we sing. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you, Jesus. It has washed [music] me.

Jesus. It has washed [music] me. Jesus. It has washed [music] me. Washed me. Yes. Yes. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you, Jesus. You Jesus. You Jesus. You >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> have saved >> have saved >> have saved my life. [singing] And you brought me from the darkness And you brought me from the darkness into the glorious light. Jesus, you have brought me from light. Jesus, you have brought me from the darkness into glorious [music] light. light. >> Hallelujah, church. >> Hallelujah, church. >> Hallelujah, church. He is worthy to be [music] praised. you. He is worthy to be [music] praised. you. He is worthy to be [music] praised. you. There's a connection suite for you. You There's a connection suite for you. You There's a connection suite for you. You need anything today. We love you. You need anything today. We love you. You need anything today. We love you. You are dismissed. >> Great >> Great and all they and all they and all they see eternity. Oh, he eternity. Oh, he is good. is good. is good. His love His love His love endures. endures. endures. Our history our history and our and our legacy.

He has been faithful. He has been faithful. Yes, he has been good. Yes, he has been good. Yes, he has been good. Sing hallelujah. Sing hallelujah. Sing hallelujah. Sing Sing Sing hallelujah.