Sermon of Your Life | 9:30 am | David Shivers

Good morning, church family, and welcome Good morning, church family, and welcome to Green Acres. We're so glad that you to Green Acres. We're so glad that you to Green Acres. We're so glad that you chose to worship with us this morning. chose to worship with us this morning. chose to worship with us this morning. Whether you're online or in person, Whether you're online or in person, Whether you're online or in person, we're glad that you're here. If this is we're glad that you're here. If this is we're glad that you're here. If this is your first time or you've been visiting your first time or you've been visiting your first time or you've been visiting for a little bit and haven't gotten for a little bit and haven't gotten for a little bit and haven't gotten connected yet, please do us the favor connected yet, please do us the favor connected yet, please do us the favor and text the [music] word connect to and text the [music] word connect to and text the [music] word connect to 903-5251100 903-5251100 903-5251100 so that one of our staff members can so that one of our staff members can so that one of our staff members can reach out, answer any questions you reach out, answer any questions you reach out, answer any questions you have, or pray for any prayer needs that have, or pray for any prayer needs that have, or pray for any prayer needs that you have going on. We'd love to help you have going on. We'd love to help you have going on. We'd love to help walk alongside you as you become part of walk alongside you as you become part of walk alongside you as you become part of this church. I want to tell you about this church. I want to tell you about this church. I want to tell you about something cool. Coming up just around something cool. Coming up just around something cool. Coming up just around the corner on August 9th is our Multiply the corner on August 9th is our Multiply the corner on August 9th is our Multiply Conference. At this conference, leaders Conference. At this conference, leaders Conference. At this conference, leaders from every campus will come together to from every campus will come together to from every campus will come together to connect, grow, and multiply, and to connect, grow, and multiply, and to connect, grow, and multiply, and to celebrate what God is doing across our celebrate what God is doing across our celebrate what God is doing across our church family. Whether you serve in kids church family. Whether you serve in kids church family. Whether you serve in kids ministry, students, women's, missions, ministry, students, women's, missions, ministry, students, women's, missions, safety, adults, or guest services, or safety, adults, or guest services, or safety, adults, or guest services, or any ministry across Green Acres, this any ministry across Green Acres, this any ministry across Green Acres, this night is designed with you in mind. Hey, night is designed with you in mind. Hey, night is designed with you in mind. Hey, college and young adults, we have college and young adults, we have college and young adults, we have something exciting for you coming up on something exciting for you coming up on something exciting for you coming up on August 29th. The summit is Greenacres's August 29th. The summit is Greenacres's August 29th. The summit is Greenacres's annual kickoff event for college annual kickoff event for college annual kickoff event for college students and young adults designed to students and young adults designed to students and young adults designed to unite our entire ministry as we step unite our entire ministry as we step unite our entire ministry as we step into a new season of following [music] into a new season of following [music] into a new season of following [music] Jesus together. Make plans to join us at Jesus together. Make plans to join us at Jesus together. Make plans to join us at the Greenacres Retreat Center starting the Greenacres Retreat Center starting the Greenacres Retreat Center starting at 10:00 a.m. for a one-day retreat at 10:00 a.m. for a one-day retreat at 10:00 a.m. for a one-day retreat [music] filled with community, worship, [music] filled with community, worship, [music] filled with community, worship, and purpose. The day will include main and purpose. The day will include main and purpose. The day will include main sessions, breakouts for different stages sessions, breakouts for different stages sessions, breakouts for different stages of life, [music] and an onboarding of life, [music] and an onboarding of life, [music] and an onboarding experience into our ministry vision for experience into our ministry vision for experience into our ministry vision for the new year as we launch together into the new year as we launch together into the new year as we launch together into all that God has for us this next all that God has for us this next all that God has for us this next season.

Church family, don't forget, every Church family, don't forget, every Wednesday night we're meeting in the Wednesday night we're meeting in the Wednesday night we're meeting in the worship center at 6:00 p.m. [music] for worship center at 6:00 p.m. [music] for worship center at 6:00 p.m. [music] for prayer and worship together. Make sure prayer and worship together. Make sure prayer and worship together. Make sure you make plans to join us with your you make plans to join us with your you make plans to join us with your family for this weekly rhythm of setting family for this weekly rhythm of setting family for this weekly rhythm of setting our hearts on Christ and praying our hearts on Christ and praying our hearts on Christ and praying together as a church. Thanks again for together as a church. Thanks again for together as a church. Thanks again for choosing to worship with us this choosing to worship with us this choosing to worship with us this morning. Make sure you say hello to morning. Make sure you say hello to morning. Make sure you say hello to someone around you. And if you're someone around you. And if you're someone around you. And if you're watching online, let us know where watching online, let us know where watching online, let us know where you're watching from in the comments. you're watching from in the comments. you're watching from in the comments. We'll get started with worship soon. [music]

[music] Heat. >> Good morning church family. So [music] >> Good morning church family. So [music] good to see you this morning. Would you good to see you this morning. Would you good to see you this morning. Would you stand to your feet? We have a God who is stand to your feet? We have a God who is stand to your feet? We have a God who is worthy of all praise this morning. We worthy of all praise this morning. We worthy of all praise this morning. We sing us together. I was buried [music] sing us together. I was buried [music] sing us together. I was buried [music] beneath beneath beneath my [singing] shame. And who could carry [music] And who could carry [music] that kind that kind that kind of weight? It was [music] my tomb It was [music] my tomb until I met you. [music] Hallelujah. until I met you. [music] Hallelujah. until I met you. [music] Hallelujah. I was breathing [music] but not I was breathing [music] but not I was breathing [music] but not alive. [singing] And all [music] my failures I tried And all [music] my failures I tried to hide. [singing] It was my dream It was my dream till I [music] met you. He called our till I [music] met you. He called our till I [music] met you. He called our name this morning. Come on. You called name this morning. Come on. You called name this morning. Come on. You called [music] my name [music] my name [music] my name and I ran out of that [music] grave.

and I ran out of that [music] grave. and I ran out of that [music] grave. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Out of the darkness Out of the darkness Out of the darkness into your [music] glorious day, you [music] call my name. you [music] call my name. And I ran out of that grave. [music] Out of the darkness Out of the darkness into your glorious day. >> It's the story of the gospel this >> It's the story of the gospel this morning. [music] We needed rescue and morning. [music] We needed rescue and morning. [music] We needed rescue and our savior came and rescued us. Amen. our savior came and rescued us. Amen. our savior came and rescued us. Amen. We've been made [music] alive. We sing. We've been made [music] alive. We sing. We've been made [music] alive. We sing. I needed rescue. My sin was heavy, but I needed rescue. My sin was heavy, but I needed rescue. My sin was heavy, but chains [music] break at the weight of chains [music] break at the weight of chains [music] break at the weight of your glory. your glory. your glory. I needed [music] shelter. I was I needed [music] shelter. I was I needed [music] shelter. I was [singing] an orphan. Now you [music] [singing] an orphan. Now you [music] [singing] an orphan. Now you [music] call me a citizen of heaven. When I was call me a citizen of heaven. When I was call me a citizen of heaven. When I was broken, you were my healing. Now your broken, you were my healing. Now your broken, you were my healing. Now your [music] love is the air [singing] that [music] love is the air [singing] that [music] love is the air [singing] that I'm breathing. I have a future. [music] I'm breathing. I have a future. [music] I'm breathing. I have a future. [music] My eyes are open. Cuz when you call my My eyes are open. Cuz when you call my My eyes are open. Cuz when you call my name, we say name, we say name, we say I ran [music] out of that grave.

Out of the darkness Out of the darkness into your [music] glorious day. into your [music] glorious day. into your [music] glorious day. We're alive. You call my name. We're alive. You call my name. We're alive. You call my name. And I [music] ran out of that grave, [music] out of the darkness [music] out of the darkness into your glorious [singing] day. Amen. We've been [music] made alive in Amen. We've been [music] made alive in Jesus name. How many are grateful this Jesus name. How many are grateful this Jesus name. How many are grateful this morning for that truth? morning for that truth? morning for that truth? [music] Amen. church. You can have a [music] Amen. church. You can have a [music] Amen. church. You can have a seat. seat. seat. >> Amen. Amen. Amen. And amen. Hey, good >> Amen. Amen. Amen. And amen. Hey, good >> Amen. Amen. Amen. And amen. Hey, good morning and welcome to Green Acres. We morning and welcome to Green Acres. We morning and welcome to Green Acres. We are so so glad that each and every one are so so glad that each and every one are so so glad that each and every one of y'all are here. And hey, if you are of y'all are here. And hey, if you are of y'all are here. And hey, if you are new, we want you to know that you are new, we want you to know that you are new, we want you to know that you are very welcome here. And not only are you very welcome here. And not only are you very welcome here. And not only are you welcome, but you are wanted. We would welcome, but you are wanted. We would welcome, but you are wanted. We would love love love to connect with you in love love love to connect with you in love love love to connect with you in the days to come. And hey, one way uh the days to come. And hey, one way uh the days to come. And hey, one way uh that we'd love for you to connect with that we'd love for you to connect with that we'd love for you to connect with us is by texting the word connect to us is by texting the word connect to us is by texting the word connect to 9035251100.

That just gives us an opportunity to get That just gives us an opportunity to get to know you, figure out how we can pray to know you, figure out how we can pray to know you, figure out how we can pray for you and serve you and plug you into for you and serve you and plug you into for you and serve you and plug you into ministry here. And so we'd love for you ministry here. And so we'd love for you ministry here. And so we'd love for you to do that. You can use that same number to do that. You can use that same number to do that. You can use that same number uh to give as well if you feel led to uh to give as well if you feel led to uh to give as well if you feel led to give today. Uh hey church, today is a give today. Uh hey church, today is a give today. Uh hey church, today is a special day. And man, I'm so grateful special day. And man, I'm so grateful special day. And man, I'm so grateful that each and every one of you are here that each and every one of you are here that each and every one of you are here because God is with us and he's speaking because God is with us and he's speaking because God is with us and he's speaking to us and he's going to work in our to us and he's going to work in our to us and he's going to work in our lives today. And so I'm very, very lives today. And so I'm very, very lives today. And so I'm very, very grateful and eager to hear what he does grateful and eager to hear what he does grateful and eager to hear what he does in our hearts and in our lives today. in our hearts and in our lives today. in our hearts and in our lives today. Hey, on August 9th, we have something Hey, on August 9th, we have something Hey, on August 9th, we have something called Multiply Conference. If you are a called Multiply Conference. If you are a called Multiply Conference. If you are a connect group teacher or a greeter or connect group teacher or a greeter or connect group teacher or a greeter or perhaps you drive a golf cart, you know perhaps you drive a golf cart, you know perhaps you drive a golf cart, you know what this night is about. This is a what this night is about. This is a what this night is about. This is a night where we come together. Uh we are night where we come together. Uh we are night where we come together. Uh we are enlisting, we're equipping, and we are enlisting, we're equipping, and we are enlisting, we're equipping, and we are empowering one another for the next empowering one another for the next empowering one another for the next season of ministry ahead. If you have season of ministry ahead. If you have season of ministry ahead. If you have not signed up for that, we would not signed up for that, we would not signed up for that, we would encourage you to do that. This is a encourage you to do that. This is a encourage you to do that. This is a great night for you to learn more about great night for you to learn more about great night for you to learn more about our ministry and how you can be plugged our ministry and how you can be plugged our ministry and how you can be plugged in. Perhaps you are here, by the way, in. Perhaps you are here, by the way, in. Perhaps you are here, by the way, and maybe you've been attending for some and maybe you've been attending for some and maybe you've been attending for some time, but maybe you haven't taken that time, but maybe you haven't taken that time, but maybe you haven't taken that next step to serve here at Greenacres.

next step to serve here at Greenacres. next step to serve here at Greenacres. Well, we want to encourage you to do Well, we want to encourage you to do Well, we want to encourage you to do that. And so if you would maybe check that. And so if you would maybe check that. And so if you would maybe check out gabc.org/serve. Perhaps the Lord has prompted you to Perhaps the Lord has prompted you to plug in a little bit more. You know, God plug in a little bit more. You know, God plug in a little bit more. You know, God has uniquely fashioned all of us to find has uniquely fashioned all of us to find has uniquely fashioned all of us to find ways to serve. He He has wired us all to ways to serve. He He has wired us all to ways to serve. He He has wired us all to serve uniquely in his church. And so we serve uniquely in his church. And so we serve uniquely in his church. And so we want to encourage you [music] to do that want to encourage you [music] to do that want to encourage you [music] to do that as well. So gabc.orgserve. as well. So gabc.orgserve. as well. So gabc.orgserve. We'd love for you to check that out. We'd love for you to check that out. We'd love for you to check that out. Hey, today we have an incredible guest Hey, today we have an incredible guest Hey, today we have an incredible guest preacher. His name is Pastor David preacher. His name is Pastor David preacher. His name is Pastor David Shivers. David [music] is coming uh to Shivers. David [music] is coming uh to Shivers. David [music] is coming uh to us from Prestonwood Baptist Church in us from Prestonwood Baptist Church in us from Prestonwood Baptist Church in Plano. This is one of Pastor Michael's Plano. This is one of Pastor Michael's Plano. This is one of Pastor Michael's best friends. [music] And man, I think best friends. [music] And man, I think best friends. [music] And man, I think the world of him. I know Pastor Michael the world of him. I know Pastor Michael the world of him. I know Pastor Michael does as well. David serves as the does as well. David serves as the does as well. David serves as the associate pastor of disciplehip at associate pastor of disciplehip at associate pastor of disciplehip at Prestonwood. And I will tell you, no one Prestonwood. And I will tell you, no one Prestonwood. And I will tell you, no one has more of a heart of the evangelist has more of a heart of the evangelist has more of a heart of the evangelist than David does. anytime I'm around than David does. anytime I'm around than David does. anytime I'm around David, he's going to win people and to David, he's going to win people and to David, he's going to win people and to point people to Christ. And so, I'm point people to Christ. And so, I'm point people to Christ. And so, I'm telling you, we're going to be blessed telling you, we're going to be blessed telling you, we're going to be blessed by him and the words that that God has by him and the words that that God has by him and the words that that God has given him today. And so, y'all look given him today. And so, y'all look given him today. And so, y'all look forward to that as well. Hey, we're forward to that as well. Hey, we're forward to that as well. Hey, we're going to continue on in worship. And so, going to continue on in worship. And so, going to continue on in worship. And so, we would encourage you uh in just a few we would encourage you uh in just a few we would encourage you uh in just a few moments to stand again and and to be moments to stand again and and to be moments to stand again and and to be ready to to give everything that you ready to to give everything that you ready to to give everything that you have to the Lord, to sing his praises have to the Lord, to sing his praises have to the Lord, to sing his praises along the way. And so, I'm going to along the way. And so, I'm going to along the way. And so, I'm going to begin praying. And as I pray, uh, if you begin praying. And as I pray, uh, if you begin praying. And as I pray, uh, if you ushers would like to come forward and ushers would like to come forward and ushers would like to come forward and get ready for the offering, that'd be get ready for the offering, that'd be get ready for the offering, that'd be great. Lord, we love you. And God, we're

great. Lord, we love you. And God, we're great. Lord, we love you. And God, we're grateful for today. And God, we do ask grateful for today. And God, we do ask grateful for today. And God, we do ask that you would speak to us mightily, that you would speak to us mightily, that you would speak to us mightily, Lord. [music] That you would use your Lord. [music] That you would use your Lord. [music] That you would use your word uh Lord, to speak into our hearts, word uh Lord, to speak into our hearts, word uh Lord, to speak into our hearts, to move us closer to you. Lord, we do to move us closer to you. Lord, we do to move us closer to you. Lord, we do pray for those who maybe don't know you pray for those who maybe don't know you pray for those who maybe don't know you today that today would be [music] the today that today would be [music] the today that today would be [music] the day of salvation. God, that you would day of salvation. God, that you would day of salvation. God, that you would move mightily. And God, we thank you move mightily. And God, we thank you move mightily. And God, we thank you that we can gather and hear from you and that we can gather and hear from you and that we can gather and hear from you and be with your people. And so we [music] be with your people. And so we [music] be with your people. And so we [music] love you, Lord. It's in Jesus name that love you, Lord. It's in Jesus name that love you, Lord. It's in Jesus name that we pray. Amen. >> [music] >> [music] >> This is the word >> This is the word >> This is the word here in [music] the flesh. here in [music] the flesh. here in [music] the flesh. Living among the [music] meek and Living among the [music] meek and Living among the [music] meek and lonely. [singing] lonely. [singing] lonely. [singing] The voice [music] of God The voice [music] of God The voice [music] of God is every breath.

is every breath. is every breath. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> Salvation of the world [singing] >> Salvation of the world [singing] >> Salvation of the world [singing] unfolding. unfolding. unfolding. [music] Behold him. [music] Behold him. [music] Behold him. Behold [singing] Behold [singing] Behold [singing] him. Lift up your eyes. [music] See the him. Lift up your eyes. [music] See the him. Lift up your eyes. [music] See the son of heaven. son of heaven. son of heaven. [music] [music] [music] Hosana. Hosana. [music] Hosana. [music] Pour out your praise. Sing the name of Pour out your praise. Sing the name of Pour out your praise. Sing the name of Jesus. Jesus. Jesus. [music] [music] [music] We stand and sing this morning. We sing. We stand and sing this morning. We sing. We stand and sing this morning. We sing. Oh, [music] Oh, [music] Oh, [music] this is his heart. this is his heart. this is his heart. Upon the cross. [music] Upon the cross. [music] Upon the cross. [music] And from his wounds his mercies And from his wounds his mercies And from his wounds his mercies flow. Come on. And now the dawn. flow. Come on. And now the dawn. flow. Come on. And now the dawn. [music and singing] from death to death. from death to death. [music] And [singing] ever since that [music] And [singing] ever since that [music] And [singing] ever since that grace been [music] in thee. So behold grace been [music] in thee. So behold grace been [music] in thee. So behold him. Say, behold him. Lift up your him. Say, behold him. Lift up your him. Say, behold him. Lift up your [music] eyes. See the son of heaven.

[music] eyes. See the son of heaven. [music] eyes. See the son of heaven. Hosanana. Roan, Roan, pour out [music] your praise in the name pour out [music] your praise in the name pour out [music] your praise in the name of Jesus. we sing. we sing. And this is his [music] home And this is his [music] home And this is his [music] home here in our chest. here in our chest. here in our chest. At every [music and singing] door our At every [music and singing] door our At every [music and singing] door our savior's savior's savior's knocking. knocking. knocking. Oh, let him in. Oh, let him in. Oh, let him in. Oh, [music] let him Oh, [music] let him Oh, [music] let him with every with every with every his kingom [music] his kingom [music] his kingom [music] coming. coming. coming. The sound of [music] every singjo. [music] [music] Oh Jesus Christ Oh Jesus Christ Oh Jesus Christ [music] [music] [music] Lift up your eyes. See the sun.

Hosana. Hosana. Pour out [music] your grace in the name Pour out [music] your grace in the name Pour out [music] your grace in the name of Jesus. of Jesus. of Jesus. Pour out your faith in the [music] name Pour out your faith in the [music] name Pour out your faith in the [music] name of Jesus. of Jesus. of Jesus. [music] [music] [music] Oh, thank you, Lord. Oh, thank you, Lord. Oh, thank you, Lord. Oh, Oh, Oh, amen. Amen. Amen. Church family, it's so good to gather Church family, it's so good to gather Church family, it's so good to gather this morning this morning this morning in that name [music] that we just sang in that name [music] that we just sang in that name [music] that we just sang about, the name of Jesus. about, the name of Jesus. about, the name of Jesus. If you would just for a moment, would If you would just for a moment, would If you would just for a moment, would you close your eyes as we continue in you close your eyes as we continue in you close your eyes as we continue in worship [music] today? worship [music] today? worship [music] today? It's so easy week after week to come It's so easy week after week to come It's so easy week after week to come into this room just on autopilot and as into this room just on autopilot and as into this room just on autopilot and as we gather together can [music] become we gather together can [music] become we gather together can [music] become normal normal normal to do this thing that we call church. That name that we sing about, hosana, is That name that we sing about, hosana, is the God who saves us, who rescued us the God who saves us, who rescued us the God who saves us, who rescued us from the [music] power of sin, who from the [music] power of sin, who from the [music] power of sin, who vanquished death itself, who is vanquished death itself, who is vanquished death itself, who is transcendently high above us, holy, transcendently high above us, holy, transcendently high above us, holy, holy, holy, but also intimately near to holy, holy, but also intimately near to holy, holy, but also intimately near to us. Emmanuel, God with us.

us. Emmanuel, God with us. us. Emmanuel, God with us. So this morning, we come before him with So this morning, we come before him with So this morning, we come before him with everything that we are. everything that we are. everything that we are. We don't even lay our problems at the We don't even lay our problems at the We don't even lay our problems at the door. We come in this morning worshiping door. We come in this morning worshiping door. We come in this morning worshiping him through what we're walking in. So Lord, would you forgive us for the So Lord, would you forgive us for the ways that we have made this about us? Lord, would [music] you recenter our Lord, would [music] you recenter our mind's attention right now? mind's attention right now? mind's attention right now? And Holy Spirit, would you light a fire And Holy Spirit, would you light a fire And Holy Spirit, would you light a fire on our affections this morning for Jesus on our affections this morning for Jesus on our affections this morning for Jesus alone? alone? alone? Would you rid us of self today? Would you rid us of self today? Would you rid us of self today? Would you cause us to see Jesus for Would you cause us to see Jesus for Would you cause us to see Jesus for [music] who he is, [music] who he is, [music] who he is, the worthy one who is crowned in glory, the worthy one who is crowned in glory, the worthy one who is crowned in glory, the son of man, the exalted name above the son of man, the exalted name above the son of man, the exalted name above all names. We worship you, Lord, as the all names. We worship you, Lord, as the all names. We worship you, Lord, as the king above all kings. [music] Today, king above all kings. [music] Today, king above all kings. [music] Today, would you cause us to sing with passion would you cause us to sing with passion would you cause us to sing with passion as we remember you? It's in Jesus name as we remember you? It's in Jesus name as we remember you? It's in Jesus name we pray.

we pray. we pray. Amen. When the music [singing and music] When the music [singing and music] fades, fades, fades, all is stripped away all is stripped away all is stripped away and I [music] simply come. longing [music] just to bring longing [music] just to bring [snorts] something that's worth [snorts] something that's worth [snorts] something that's worth that will bless your heart. that will bless your heart. that will bless your heart. Oh Lord, I'll bring you more than a Oh Lord, I'll bring you more than a Oh Lord, I'll bring you more than a song. [music] song. [music] song. [music] For a song in itself is not For a song in itself is not For a song in itself is not [music and singing] what you have [music and singing] what you have [music and singing] what you have required. required. required. Lord, you search us. You search [music] Lord, you search us. You search [music] Lord, you search us. You search [music] much deeper within much deeper within much deeper within through the [singing] way things appear.

through the [singing] way things appear. through the [singing] way things appear. You're [music] looking into my heart. You're [music] looking into my heart. You're [music] looking into my heart. >> Every voice we sing, we're coming back >> Every voice we sing, we're coming back >> Every voice we sing, we're coming back this morning. this morning. this morning. >> I'm [music and singing] coming back to >> I'm [music and singing] coming back to >> I'm [music and singing] coming back to the heart of worship. the heart of worship. the heart of worship. And it's all about [music and singing] And it's all about [music and singing] And it's all about [music and singing] you. you. you. It's all about you, Jesus. [singing] It's all about you, Jesus. [singing] It's all about you, Jesus. [singing] I'm sorry, [music] Lord, for the thing I'm sorry, [music] Lord, for the thing I'm sorry, [music] Lord, for the thing I've made. I've made. I've made. When it's all [music and singing] about When it's all [music and singing] about When it's all [music and singing] about you, you, you, it's all about you, Jesus. King of endless [music] worth. We sing. King of endless [music] worth. We sing. King of endless word. King of endless word. King of endless word. No [music] one could express No [music] one could express No [music] one could express how much you deserve.

Though I'm weak [music] and [singing] Though I'm weak [music] and [singing] pour. pour. pour. Oh, all I have is yours. Oh, all I have is yours. Oh, all I have is yours. Every single [music and singing] bread. Every single [music and singing] bread. Every single [music and singing] bread. Oh, I bring it to you. I'll bring you Oh, I bring it to you. I'll bring you Oh, I bring it to you. I'll bring you more than a song. more than a song. more than a song. for a song [music] in itself is not what for a song [music] in itself is not what for a song [music] in itself is not what you have required. Oh Lord, you search you have required. Oh Lord, you search you have required. Oh Lord, you search us. us. us. You [music] search much deeper within You [music] search much deeper within You [music] search much deeper within through the way things appear. [music] through the way things appear. [music] through the way things appear. [music] You're looking into my [singing] heart. You're looking into my [singing] heart. You're looking into my [singing] heart. [music] [music] [music] I'm coming back to a heart of worship. I'm coming back to a heart of worship. I'm coming back to a heart of worship. And it's all [music] about you. And it's all [music] about you. And it's all [music] about you. It's all about you, Jesus. It's all about you, Jesus. It's all about you, Jesus. I'm sorry, Lord, for the thing I [music] I'm sorry, Lord, for the thing I [music] I'm sorry, Lord, for the thing I [music] made made made when it's all about you. Oh, it's all when it's all about you. Oh, it's all when it's all about you. Oh, it's all coming [music] back to coming [music] back to coming [music] back to I'm coming back to the heart of [music] I'm coming back to the heart of [music] I'm coming back to the heart of [music] worship.

worship. worship. And it's all about [singing] And it's all about [singing] And it's all about [singing] >> It's all about you. [music] >> It's all about you. [music] >> It's all about you. [music] >> It's all about you, Jesus. >> It's all about you, Jesus. >> It's all about you, Jesus. I'm sorry, Lord, for the thing I made. I'm sorry, Lord, for the thing I made. I'm sorry, Lord, for the thing I made. [music] [music] [music] When it's all about you, When it's all about you, When it's all about you, it's all about you, [music] it's all about you, [music] it's all about you, [music] Jesus. Only about [music and singing] you, Only about [music and singing] you, Lord. So sorry, [music] Lord. So sorry, [music] Lord. We sing. I'm coming back. We sing. I'm coming back. We sing. I'm coming back. I'm coming [music] back to heart of I'm coming [music] back to heart of I'm coming [music] back to heart of worship. >> I'm sorry, Lord, for [music] the thing I >> I'm sorry, Lord, for [music] the thing I made [singing] it. It's all about you. made [singing] it. It's all about you. made [singing] it. It's all about you. It's all [music] about you, Jesus.

You chose to grace the world [music] You chose to grace the world [music] that you so love. The hands [music] that turn the The hands [music] that turn the [singing] universe surrender to the [singing] universe surrender to the [singing] universe surrender to the cross. cross. cross. Despite [music] the sins that parade in Despite [music] the sins that parade in Despite [music] the sins that parade in us, you took the fall [music] once and for you took the fall [music] once and for all. Salvation's in your blood. What [music] a worthy [singing] What [music] a worthy [singing] name. name. name. Jesus, son of [singing] God. Jesus, son of [singing] God. Jesus, son of [singing] God. High and lift it up. High and lift it up. High and lift it up. You [music and singing] deserve the You [music and singing] deserve the You [music and singing] deserve the praise. What a worthy name. praise. What a worthy name. praise. What a worthy name. Jesus, son of [music] God. Jesus, son of [music] God. Jesus, son of [music] God. High and lifted up. High and lifted up. High and lifted up. You [music and singing] deserve the You [music and singing] deserve the You [music and singing] deserve the praise. >> when hope [music] had grown too cold to >> when hope [music] had grown too cold to resurrect.

You [music] beat the grave [singing] as You [music] beat the grave [singing] as you were raised the first born from the you were raised the first born from the you were raised the first born from the dead. dead. dead. [music] Let everything you have pree. The first, the last, the great I am. The first, the last, the great I am. Beginning [music] Beginning [music] Beginning [music] and the end. What a worthy name. What a worthy name. Jesus, son of God, Jesus, son of God, Jesus, son of God, high and lifted [music and singing] up. high and lifted [music and singing] up. high and lifted [music and singing] up. You deserve the praise. What a worthy You deserve the praise. What a worthy You deserve the praise. What a worthy name. name. name. Jesus, son [music and singing] of God, Jesus, son [music and singing] of God, Jesus, son [music and singing] of God, higher lifted up. [music and singing] higher lifted up. [music and singing] higher lifted up. [music and singing] You deserve the praise. You deserve the praise. You deserve the praise. [music] [music] on your head. The victor's [music] on your head. The victor's [singing] crown. Hell retreats in [singing] crown. Hell retreats in [singing] crown. Hell retreats in [music] heaven. Shouts at the name.

[music] heaven. Shouts at the name. [music] heaven. Shouts at the name. The [music] name of [singing] Jesus. The [music] name of [singing] Jesus. The [music] name of [singing] Jesus. Rising. King of righteousness. Rising. King of righteousness. Rising. King of righteousness. Knees [singing] will bow and tongues Knees [singing] will bow and tongues Knees [singing] will bow and tongues [music] confess at the name [music] confess at the name [music] confess at the name the name [music] of Jesus. the name [music] of Jesus. the name [music] of Jesus. On this rock the church will stand. On this rock the church will stand. On this rock the church will stand. Songs of joy will rise again. [music] Songs of joy will rise again. [music] Songs of joy will rise again. [music] At the name, At the name, At the name, the name [music] of Jesus. the name [music] of Jesus. the name [music] of Jesus. Christ will reign forever more. All Christ will reign forever more. All Christ will reign forever more. All [music] the saints and angels [music] the saints and angels [music] the saints and angels at the name, [music] at the name, [music] at the name, [music] the name of Jesus. the name of Jesus. the name of Jesus. [music] [music] [music] What a worthy name. What a worthy name. What a worthy name. Jesus, [music] son of God, Jesus, [music] son of God, Jesus, [music] son of God, high lifted up. high lifted up. high lifted up. You deserve the praise. What a worthy You deserve the praise. What a worthy You deserve the praise. What a worthy name.

name. name. Jesus, [music] son [singing] of God. Jesus, [music] son [singing] of God. Jesus, [music] son [singing] of God. I lift him up. [music] I lift him up. [music] I lift him up. [music] You deserve on your head the victor's You deserve on your head the victor's You deserve on your head the victor's [music] crown. Hell retreats and heaven [music] crown. Hell retreats and heaven [music] crown. Hell retreats and heaven shout [music] at the name. shout [music] at the name. shout [music] at the name. The name of Jesus, The name of Jesus, The name of Jesus, risen king of righteousness. risen king of righteousness. risen king of righteousness. [music] He's will [music] He's will [music] He's will confess at the name confess at the name confess at the name the name of [music] Jesus the name of [music] Jesus the name of [music] Jesus on this rock. The [singing] church will on this rock. The [singing] church will on this rock. The [singing] church will stand. [music] Songs of joy will rise stand. [music] Songs of joy will rise stand. [music] Songs of joy will rise again at the name. again at the name. again at the name. The name of Jesus. [music] Christ will The name of Jesus. [music] Christ will The name of Jesus. [music] Christ will reign forever more. reign forever more. reign forever more. The savior angel The savior angel The savior angel the name [music] the name [music] the name [music] the name of Jesus the name of Jesus the name of Jesus at the name at the name at the name the name of [music] Jesus the name of [music] Jesus the name of [music] Jesus at the name at the name at the name the name [music] the name [music] the name [music] of Jesus. [singing] >> Amen. Father, we're so thankful this >> Amen. Father, we're so thankful this morning for that name, the name of morning for that name, the name of morning for that name, the name of Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, the one to whom every knee will bow,

the one to whom every knee will bow, the one to whom every knee will bow, every tongue will confess that Jesus every tongue will confess that Jesus every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord [music] to the glory of Christ is Lord [music] to the glory of Christ is Lord [music] to the glory of God the Father. Well, we're so grateful God the Father. Well, we're so grateful God the Father. Well, we're so grateful this morning to gather around that this morning to gather around that this morning to gather around that truth. truth. truth. We're to gather around the fact that you We're to gather around the fact that you We're to gather around the fact that you have redeemed us today. Not only are you have redeemed us today. Not only are you have redeemed us today. Not only are you the creator of the universe, but you are the creator of the universe, but you are the creator of the universe, but you are our great redeemer, the rock of our our great redeemer, the rock of our our great redeemer, the rock of our salvation. salvation. salvation. So Lord, thank you this morning that you So Lord, thank you this morning that you So Lord, thank you this morning that you reign, that you rule, and that we have reign, that you rule, and that we have reign, that you rule, and that we have access to your infallible, inherent access to your infallible, inherent access to your infallible, inherent word. We love you. We pray all these word. We love you. We pray all these word. We love you. We pray all these things in the name of Jesus. All God's things in the name of Jesus. All God's things in the name of Jesus. All God's people said, amen. You may be seated. Amen. Amen. Grab your copy of God's word Amen. Amen. Grab your copy of God's word and we're going to dive right in here to and we're going to dive right in here to and we're going to dive right in here to Luke chapter 15. Luke chapter 15. Luke chapter 15. Luke chapter 15 verses 1-7.

I'm in my uh early 50s and I just got a I'm in my uh early 50s and I just got a pair of glasses. pair of glasses. pair of glasses. Some of you guys will be there soon. A Some of you guys will be there soon. A Some of you guys will be there soon. A lot of you guys, but gosh, it gets lot of you guys, but gosh, it gets lot of you guys, but gosh, it gets harder to read this stuff time. Verse harder to read this stuff time. Verse harder to read this stuff time. Verse one, Luke 15. Now the tax collectors and one, Luke 15. Now the tax collectors and one, Luke 15. Now the tax collectors and sinners were all gathering around to sinners were all gathering around to sinners were all gathering around to hear him, but the Pharisees and the hear him, but the Pharisees and the hear him, but the Pharisees and the teachers of the law muttered or teachers of the law muttered or teachers of the law muttered or grumbled, "This man welcomes sinners and eats with "This man welcomes sinners and eats with them." Verse three. Then Jesus told them them." Verse three. Then Jesus told them them." Verse three. Then Jesus told them this parable. this parable. this parable. Suppose one of you has a hund sheep and Suppose one of you has a hund sheep and Suppose one of you has a hund sheep and loses one of them. Does he not leave the loses one of them. Does he not leave the loses one of them. Does he not leave the 99 in the open country and go? Everybody 99 in the open country and go? Everybody 99 in the open country and go? Everybody say go. say go. say go. Very good. Very good. You guys are Very good. Very good. You guys are Very good. Very good. You guys are awake. You've already had a cup of awake. You've already had a cup of awake. You've already had a cup of coffee. I love it. coffee. I love it. coffee. I love it. He goes after the lost sheep until he He goes after the lost sheep until he He goes after the lost sheep until he finds it. Everybody say finds. On three. finds it. Everybody say finds. On three. finds it. Everybody say finds. On three. 1 2 3. He goes until he finds it. Verse 1 2 3. He goes until he finds it. Verse 1 2 3. He goes until he finds it. Verse 5. And when he finds it, everybody say 5. And when he finds it, everybody say 5. And when he finds it, everybody say finds.

finds. finds. He joyfully puts it on his shoulders and He joyfully puts it on his shoulders and He joyfully puts it on his shoulders and goes home. And then he calls his friends goes home. And then he calls his friends goes home. And then he calls his friends and his neighbors together and says, and his neighbors together and says, and his neighbors together and says, "Rejoice with me." Everybody say, "Rejoice with me." Everybody say, "Rejoice with me." Everybody say, "Rejoice." On three. 1 2 3. "Rejoice." On three. 1 2 3. "Rejoice." On three. 1 2 3. >> Okay, pick it up, Eper. I need to hear >> Okay, pick it up, Eper. I need to hear >> Okay, pick it up, Eper. I need to hear you say, "Rejoice." I'm right here. you say, "Rejoice." I'm right here. you say, "Rejoice." I'm right here. Okay, louder. Rejoice with me. I have Okay, louder. Rejoice with me. I have Okay, louder. Rejoice with me. I have found my lost sheep. In verse 7, I tell found my lost sheep. In verse 7, I tell found my lost sheep. In verse 7, I tell you that in the same way, there will be you that in the same way, there will be you that in the same way, there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents who repents who repents than over 99 righteous persons who do than over 99 righteous persons who do than over 99 righteous persons who do not need to repent. not need to repent. not need to repent. This is a familiar text, a familiar This is a familiar text, a familiar This is a familiar text, a familiar parable, and some of you need to hear it parable, and some of you need to hear it parable, and some of you need to hear it again today in a new way with fresh again today in a new way with fresh again today in a new way with fresh eyes, with a fresh heart. Because it's eyes, with a fresh heart. Because it's eyes, with a fresh heart. Because it's easy to dismiss this parable. It's a easy to dismiss this parable. It's a easy to dismiss this parable. It's a Greek word parabo. It means to throw two Greek word parabo. It means to throw two Greek word parabo. It means to throw two truths together to to lay side by side truths together to to lay side by side truths together to to lay side by side in comparison. It's an earthly story in comparison. It's an earthly story in comparison. It's an earthly story with a heavenly meaning. And and it's with a heavenly meaning. And and it's with a heavenly meaning. And and it's easy to think this is just uh about one easy to think this is just uh about one easy to think this is just uh about one a shepherd who who has a a heart, a a shepherd who who has a a heart, a a shepherd who who has a a heart, a passionate heart for one lost person.

passionate heart for one lost person. passionate heart for one lost person. It's it's not just for the lost and for It's it's not just for the lost and for It's it's not just for the lost and for the broken. the broken. the broken. Yes, that is true. But there are two Yes, that is true. But there are two Yes, that is true. But there are two people groups here. Two people groups in people groups here. Two people groups in people groups here. Two people groups in this text that Jesus tells this parable this text that Jesus tells this parable this text that Jesus tells this parable in response to. Listen to verses 1 and in response to. Listen to verses 1 and in response to. Listen to verses 1 and two one more time. If I hold it a little two one more time. If I hold it a little two one more time. If I hold it a little further out, I can read it without the further out, I can read it without the further out, I can read it without the glasses. Now the tax collectors and glasses. Now the tax collectors and glasses. Now the tax collectors and sinners were gathering around to hear sinners were gathering around to hear sinners were gathering around to hear him. Two different people groups. We've him. Two different people groups. We've him. Two different people groups. We've got outcasts and religious elite. got outcasts and religious elite. got outcasts and religious elite. The ones that are gathering around to The ones that are gathering around to The ones that are gathering around to hear him are the outcasts, the sinners, hear him are the outcasts, the sinners, hear him are the outcasts, the sinners, the broken. the broken. the broken. But But But anytime there's a butt there, we even we anytime there's a butt there, we even we anytime there's a butt there, we even we hear the transition. It's very simple. hear the transition. It's very simple. hear the transition. It's very simple. Jesus said uh I mean Luke says the Jesus said uh I mean Luke says the Jesus said uh I mean Luke says the physician Luke as he observes and writes physician Luke as he observes and writes physician Luke as he observes and writes this gospel, "The Pharisees and the this gospel, "The Pharisees and the this gospel, "The Pharisees and the scribes muttered," this man welcomes scribes muttered," this man welcomes scribes muttered," this man welcomes sinners and eats with them. There were sinners and eats with them. There were sinners and eats with them. There were those that loved Jesus and wanted to be those that loved Jesus and wanted to be those that loved Jesus and wanted to be with him. Jesus loved all people with him. Jesus loved all people with him. Jesus loved all people unapologetically, unapologetically, unapologetically, unconditionally.

unconditionally. unconditionally. He loved people with everything he had He loved people with everything he had He loved people with everything he had and all that he was. [snorts] and all that he was. [snorts] and all that he was. [snorts] And then you have another group of And then you have another group of And then you have another group of people, the religious elite, that hated people, the religious elite, that hated people, the religious elite, that hated it when they saw people loving, it when they saw people loving, it when they saw people loving, following, following, following, coming alongside, touched, impacted by coming alongside, touched, impacted by coming alongside, touched, impacted by Jesus. So, two different people groups. Jesus. So, two different people groups. Jesus. So, two different people groups. You've got lost and broken people You've got lost and broken people You've got lost and broken people powerfully impacted by the unconditional powerfully impacted by the unconditional powerfully impacted by the unconditional love of Jesus. And then you've got love of Jesus. And then you've got love of Jesus. And then you've got churchgoers. churchgoers. churchgoers. You got people that followed rituals You got people that followed rituals You got people that followed rituals that checked boxes that were going that checked boxes that were going that checked boxes that were going through the motions that needed to come through the motions that needed to come through the motions that needed to come back to the heart of Jesus. And I'm back to the heart of Jesus. And I'm back to the heart of Jesus. And I'm coming back to the We just sang about coming back to the We just sang about coming back to the We just sang about it. Todd, it's the heart of Jesus. it. Todd, it's the heart of Jesus. it. Todd, it's the heart of Jesus. That's what this parable is written That's what this parable is written That's what this parable is written about. That's why Jesus told this story. about. That's why Jesus told this story. about. That's why Jesus told this story. He wanted the people He wanted the people He wanted the people that were gathered around to see a that were gathered around to see a that were gathered around to see a glimpse. It's a window into the heart of glimpse. It's a window into the heart of glimpse. It's a window into the heart of our God. It's the window into the heart our God. It's the window into the heart our God. It's the window into the heart of a shepherd of a shepherd of a shepherd who loved that one and left the 99 to go who loved that one and left the 99 to go who loved that one and left the 99 to go after after after that which he loved. It's a response to that which he loved. It's a response to that which he loved. It's a response to this criticism really first century this criticism really first century this criticism really first century Judea sheep shepherds and sheep his Judea sheep shepherds and sheep his Judea sheep shepherds and sheep his whole audience would have been very whole audience would have been very whole audience would have been very familiar with this picture and so rather familiar with this picture and so rather familiar with this picture and so rather than lecture them he tells them a story than lecture them he tells them a story than lecture them he tells them a story he paints a picture for their mind about he paints a picture for their mind about he paints a picture for their mind about sheep and shepherd there's also in Luke sheep and shepherd there's also in Luke sheep and shepherd there's also in Luke 15 a lost coin and then a prodigal son

15 a lost coin and then a prodigal son 15 a lost coin and then a prodigal son all in response to criticism those all in response to criticism those all in response to criticism those muttering and those grumbling and saying muttering and those grumbling and saying muttering and those grumbling and saying what is this Jesus doing. what is this Jesus doing. what is this Jesus doing. We only have time to look at the lost We only have time to look at the lost We only have time to look at the lost sheep this morning and so we're only sheep this morning and so we're only sheep this morning and so we're only going to look down through verse 7. But going to look down through verse 7. But going to look down through verse 7. But look at the condition of the lost sheep. look at the condition of the lost sheep. look at the condition of the lost sheep. We all like sheep. We naturally wander. We all like sheep. We naturally wander. We all like sheep. We naturally wander. The condition of the lost sheep. That's The condition of the lost sheep. That's The condition of the lost sheep. That's the first thing that I want you to see. the first thing that I want you to see. the first thing that I want you to see. Jesus says, "Suppose one of you has a Jesus says, "Suppose one of you has a Jesus says, "Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. hundred sheep and loses one of them. hundred sheep and loses one of them. Does he not leave the 99 in the open Does he not leave the 99 in the open Does he not leave the 99 in the open country and go after the lost sheep?" He country and go after the lost sheep?" He country and go after the lost sheep?" He goes until he finds goes until he finds goes until he finds this sheep that's uh misplaced in the t this sheep that's uh misplaced in the t this sheep that's uh misplaced in the t in the text. He's not attacked. He's not in the text. He's not attacked. He's not in the text. He's not attacked. He's not stolen. It's not robbers or bandits. He stolen. It's not robbers or bandits. He stolen. It's not robbers or bandits. He was just lost. And it's our same was just lost. And it's our same was just lost. And it's our same condition as human beings. We we condition as human beings. We we condition as human beings. We we naturally drift. We uh we we lose our naturally drift. We uh we we lose our naturally drift. We uh we we lose our way. Sheep are directionless and way. Sheep are directionless and way. Sheep are directionless and defenseless.

defenseless. defenseless. And and many times I know And and many times I know And and many times I know those of us who have walked with Jesus those of us who have walked with Jesus those of us who have walked with Jesus for for a period of time, sin is not for for a period of time, sin is not for for a period of time, sin is not just one huge leap. It's often a bunch just one huge leap. It's often a bunch just one huge leap. It's often a bunch of little steps, isn't it? just a drift, of little steps, isn't it? just a drift, of little steps, isn't it? just a drift, just a a little compromise here, uh a just a a little compromise here, uh a just a a little compromise here, uh a little decision there that at the time, little decision there that at the time, little decision there that at the time, in the moment, doesn't seem like a very in the moment, doesn't seem like a very in the moment, doesn't seem like a very big deal, big deal, big deal, but step after step after step, and then but step after step after step, and then but step after step after step, and then you turn around and you're lost. You're you turn around and you're lost. You're you turn around and you're lost. You're lost. Just like the sheep in the text, lost. Just like the sheep in the text, lost. Just like the sheep in the text, sheep are directionless, and sheep are sheep are directionless, and sheep are sheep are directionless, and sheep are defenseless. defenseless. defenseless. That's the condition of the sheep. They That's the condition of the sheep. They That's the condition of the sheep. They had poor eyesight. They had no sense of had poor eyesight. They had no sense of had poor eyesight. They had no sense of direction, easily distracted. They would direction, easily distracted. They would direction, easily distracted. They would follow the herd. follow the herd. follow the herd. That's the same condition that we find That's the same condition that we find That's the same condition that we find ourselves in day by day, moment by ourselves in day by day, moment by ourselves in day by day, moment by moment in this world in which we live. moment in this world in which we live. moment in this world in which we live. These sheep were dependent on the These sheep were dependent on the These sheep were dependent on the shepherd. They were unable to defend shepherd. They were unable to defend shepherd. They were unable to defend themselves. I love what David said in themselves. I love what David said in themselves. I love what David said in Psalm 27. He said, "I would fear no evil Psalm 27. He said, "I would fear no evil Psalm 27. He said, "I would fear no evil because thy rod and thy staff, they because thy rod and thy staff, they because thy rod and thy staff, they comfort me." It was a rod of discipline.

comfort me." It was a rod of discipline. comfort me." It was a rod of discipline. When we would get out of line, the sheep When we would get out of line, the sheep When we would get out of line, the sheep were brought back into the herd. He were brought back into the herd. He were brought back into the herd. He said, 'I fear no evil because your rod said, 'I fear no evil because your rod said, 'I fear no evil because your rod and your staff, they comfort me. They and your staff, they comfort me. They and your staff, they comfort me. They they guide me. We all need that just they guide me. We all need that just they guide me. We all need that just like the sheep needed it. Isaiah 53 like the sheep needed it. Isaiah 53 like the sheep needed it. Isaiah 53 says, "All we like sheep have gone says, "All we like sheep have gone says, "All we like sheep have gone astray. astray. astray. Each of us has turned to his own way. Each of us has turned to his own way. Each of us has turned to his own way. But God laid upon him there in Isaiah 53 But God laid upon him there in Isaiah 53 But God laid upon him there in Isaiah 53 the sin, the iniquity of us all. All of the sin, the iniquity of us all. All of the sin, the iniquity of us all. All of us like sheep. Psalm 51:5, David said us like sheep. Psalm 51:5, David said us like sheep. Psalm 51:5, David said that we were born in sin, conceived in that we were born in sin, conceived in that we were born in sin, conceived in iniquity. So we too like sheep are iniquity. So we too like sheep are iniquity. So we too like sheep are directionless and we are defenseless. directionless and we are defenseless. directionless and we are defenseless. one compromise, one bad decision, one compromise, one bad decision, one compromise, one bad decision, one or two Sundays missed in the summer. one or two Sundays missed in the summer. one or two Sundays missed in the summer. Thank you for being here. I know there's Thank you for being here. I know there's Thank you for being here. I know there's a a million other things you could a a million other things you could a a million other things you could probably do on a Sunday morning in the probably do on a Sunday morning in the probably do on a Sunday morning in the summertime with more time on your hands summertime with more time on your hands summertime with more time on your hands often than you do at other periods on often than you do at other periods on often than you do at other periods on the calendar year. And you're here on a the calendar year. And you're here on a the calendar year. And you're here on a Sunday morning, one sinful habit, one Sunday morning, one sinful habit, one Sunday morning, one sinful habit, one neglectful decision. And you too, like neglectful decision. And you too, like neglectful decision. And you too, like the sheep, can be lost in a moment.

the sheep, can be lost in a moment. the sheep, can be lost in a moment. Directionless, defenseless. Sin, it's Directionless, defenseless. Sin, it's Directionless, defenseless. Sin, it's been said, will cost you more than you been said, will cost you more than you been said, will cost you more than you want to pay. It'll take you further than want to pay. It'll take you further than want to pay. It'll take you further than you want to stay. And it will you want to stay. And it will you want to stay. And it will cost you more than you want to pay. cost you more than you want to pay. cost you more than you want to pay. Costs you. It keeps you, and it takes Costs you. It keeps you, and it takes Costs you. It keeps you, and it takes you further. you further. you further. So this morning, my encouragement from So this morning, my encouragement from So this morning, my encouragement from for you uh church family, we like the for you uh church family, we like the for you uh church family, we like the sheep have all gone astray. sheep have all gone astray. sheep have all gone astray. But here's the joy. Here's here's the But here's the joy. Here's here's the But here's the joy. Here's here's the character of the loving shepherd that in character of the loving shepherd that in character of the loving shepherd that in this parable Jesus tells us goes and this parable Jesus tells us goes and this parable Jesus tells us goes and finds. Here's the character of the finds. Here's the character of the finds. Here's the character of the loving shepherd. He was committed. He loving shepherd. He was committed. He loving shepherd. He was committed. He was passionate. He immediately notices. was passionate. He immediately notices. was passionate. He immediately notices. I don't know about you, but reading this I don't know about you, but reading this I don't know about you, but reading this passage uh throughout the week, I just passage uh throughout the week, I just passage uh throughout the week, I just thought about a hundred sheep on the thought about a hundred sheep on the thought about a hundred sheep on the side of a mountain out in open land. How side of a mountain out in open land. How side of a mountain out in open land. How would this shepherd even noticed that would this shepherd even noticed that would this shepherd even noticed that one was gone? It doesn't say there was one was gone? It doesn't say there was one was gone? It doesn't say there was any identifying mark. This points to a any identifying mark. This points to a any identifying mark. This points to a shepherd for him to notice and realize shepherd for him to notice and realize shepherd for him to notice and realize that there was one missing.

that there was one missing. that there was one missing. It's a personal He's a personal It's a personal He's a personal It's a personal He's a personal shepherd. He has a relationship. He's a shepherd. He has a relationship. He's a shepherd. He has a relationship. He's a He's a God and father who loves you, who He's a God and father who loves you, who He's a God and father who loves you, who desires intimacy with you. Day by day, desires intimacy with you. Day by day, desires intimacy with you. Day by day, hour by hour, moment by moment, he hour by hour, moment by moment, he hour by hour, moment by moment, he immediately notices. It's hard for us to immediately notices. It's hard for us to immediately notices. It's hard for us to imagine or understand other than he's a imagine or understand other than he's a imagine or understand other than he's a shepherd who is personal and who is shepherd who is personal and who is shepherd who is personal and who is loving. He's committed and he's loving. He's committed and he's loving. He's committed and he's compassionate. compassionate. compassionate. The text there in in Luke 15 in this The text there in in Luke 15 in this The text there in in Luke 15 in this parable, Jesus says until he finds it, parable, Jesus says until he finds it, parable, Jesus says until he finds it, the shepherd is committed. He doesn't the shepherd is committed. He doesn't the shepherd is committed. He doesn't search just until he's tired or until search just until he's tired or until search just until he's tired or until sunset. sunset. sunset. He doesn't search until He doesn't search until He doesn't search until the sheep desires to be rescued. The the sheep desires to be rescued. The the sheep desires to be rescued. The sheep has no clue. The sheep is sheep has no clue. The sheep is sheep has no clue. The sheep is directionless. The sheep has gone his directionless. The sheep has gone his directionless. The sheep has gone his own way. The sheep is defend defenseless own way. The sheep is defend defenseless own way. The sheep is defend defenseless out in this open country. out in this open country. out in this open country. The shepherd is committing to finding The shepherd is committing to finding The shepherd is committing to finding his lost sheep. And that's what grace his lost sheep. And that's what grace his lost sheep. And that's what grace does. Grace pursues us. I love what Paul does. Grace pursues us. I love what Paul does. Grace pursues us. I love what Paul said in in Romans 2:4. He says, "Do you said in in Romans 2:4. He says, "Do you said in in Romans 2:4. He says, "Do you show contempt show contempt show contempt for the riches of his kindness, for the riches of his kindness, for the riches of his kindness, tolerance, and patience, tolerance, and patience, tolerance, and patience, not realizing that God's kindness is not realizing that God's kindness is not realizing that God's kindness is what leads us toward repentance.

what leads us toward repentance. what leads us toward repentance. He is a good shepherd who seeks us, who He is a good shepherd who seeks us, who He is a good shepherd who seeks us, who comes after us, and he doesn't stop. comes after us, and he doesn't stop. comes after us, and he doesn't stop. Doesn't stop. That's the heart of God. Doesn't stop. That's the heart of God. Doesn't stop. That's the heart of God. It's his kindness. It's his goodness It's his kindness. It's his goodness It's his kindness. It's his goodness that leads us to repentance. It's his that leads us to repentance. It's his that leads us to repentance. It's his grace and his mercy that was running grace and his mercy that was running grace and his mercy that was running after from the very beginning that which after from the very beginning that which after from the very beginning that which he created. Adam and Eve in the garden. he created. Adam and Eve in the garden. he created. Adam and Eve in the garden. He gave them parameters. He said, "Here, He gave them parameters. He said, "Here, He gave them parameters. He said, "Here, just don't do this one thing." just don't do this one thing." just don't do this one thing." And still in their brokenness and And still in their brokenness and And still in their brokenness and rebellion, he made a way. He called rebellion, he made a way. He called rebellion, he made a way. He called Abraham by his grace Abraham by his grace Abraham by his grace and said,"I going to set you apart. and said,"I going to set you apart. and said,"I going to set you apart. You're going to be a people group unto You're going to be a people group unto You're going to be a people group unto myself, myself, myself, and I'm going to reveal myself to the and I'm going to reveal myself to the and I'm going to reveal myself to the world through your seed, Abraham." world through your seed, Abraham." world through your seed, Abraham." It's God's grace that called the It's God's grace that called the It's God's grace that called the disciples along those shores of Galilee disciples along those shores of Galilee disciples along those shores of Galilee and from those uh tax collector booths and from those uh tax collector booths and from those uh tax collector booths and off of uh those mundane dayby-day and off of uh those mundane dayby-day and off of uh those mundane dayby-day tasks that they had set their life upon.

tasks that they had set their life upon. tasks that they had set their life upon. It's God's grace It's God's grace It's God's grace that Jesus used in calling those that Jesus used in calling those that Jesus used in calling those disciples into himself. disciples into himself. disciples into himself. It's God's grace It's God's grace It's God's grace seeking unrelenting seeking unrelenting seeking unrelenting Saul of Tarsus on the road to dea Saul of Tarsus on the road to dea Saul of Tarsus on the road to dea Damascus Damascus Damascus powerfully supernaturally powerfully supernaturally powerfully supernaturally intersected the life of this one who was intersected the life of this one who was intersected the life of this one who was persecuting the church who was killing persecuting the church who was killing persecuting the church who was killing Christians who was there standing at in Christians who was there standing at in Christians who was there standing at in Acts chapter 7 at the feet of Steven who Acts chapter 7 at the feet of Steven who Acts chapter 7 at the feet of Steven who was throwing stones accomplice in the was throwing stones accomplice in the was throwing stones accomplice in the murder in the stoning of Steven, Saul of murder in the stoning of Steven, Saul of murder in the stoning of Steven, Saul of Tarsus, Tarsus, Tarsus, God's grace that changed and transformed God's grace that changed and transformed God's grace that changed and transformed him into Paul the Apostle, arguably the him into Paul the Apostle, arguably the him into Paul the Apostle, arguably the greatest greatest greatest follower of Christ that's ever lived, follower of Christ that's ever lived, follower of Christ that's ever lived, pinned half of the New Testament, the man who God used, the instrument the man who God used, the instrument to give us so much of what we build our to give us so much of what we build our to give us so much of what we build our life upon in God's word throughout the life upon in God's word throughout the life upon in God's word throughout the New Testament. It was God's grace in New Testament. It was God's grace in New Testament. It was God's grace in every instance. He's committed and he is every instance. He's committed and he is every instance. He's committed and he is compassionate.

compassionate. compassionate. In John 10:14 and 15, I think we've got In John 10:14 and 15, I think we've got In John 10:14 and 15, I think we've got that text right here. We Jesus talks that text right here. We Jesus talks that text right here. We Jesus talks about my sheep. He said, "I'm the good about my sheep. He said, "I'm the good about my sheep. He said, "I'm the good shepherd. I know my sheep and my sheep shepherd. I know my sheep and my sheep shepherd. I know my sheep and my sheep know me." Jesus said, "Just as the know me." Jesus said, "Just as the know me." Jesus said, "Just as the father knows me and I know the father father knows me and I know the father father knows me and I know the father and I lay down my life for the sheep." Is there one more verse behind that? Is there one more verse behind that? That's it. I'm the good shepherd. I know That's it. I'm the good shepherd. I know That's it. I'm the good shepherd. I know my sheep and they know me. I lay down my my sheep and they know me. I lay down my my sheep and they know me. I lay down my life for the sheep. life for the sheep. life for the sheep. Jesus knows your name. Jesus knows your name. Jesus knows your name. Jesus knows your struggles. Jesus knows your struggles. Jesus knows your struggles. Jesus knows that which you fear and that Jesus knows that which you fear and that Jesus knows that which you fear and that which you're anxious about. which you're anxious about. which you're anxious about. Jesus knows your victories and your Jesus knows your victories and your Jesus knows your victories and your triumphs. triumphs. triumphs. Jesus is familiar with your failures. He Jesus is familiar with your failures. He Jesus is familiar with your failures. He is the good shepherd. is the good shepherd. is the good shepherd. who knows your name, who knows who knows your name, who knows who knows your name, who knows everything that's going on in your everything that's going on in your everything that's going on in your heart. He's numbered the hairs on top of heart. He's numbered the hairs on top of heart. He's numbered the hairs on top of your head and the grains of sand on the your head and the grains of sand on the your head and the grains of sand on the bottom of your feet. He knows you inside bottom of your feet. He knows you inside bottom of your feet. He knows you inside and out and out and out and he loves you and he loves you and he loves you and he desires for us as men and women and he desires for us as men and women and he desires for us as men and women who walk with God, as followers of who walk with God, as followers of who walk with God, as followers of Christ, to live in repentance, to live Christ, to live in repentance, to live Christ, to live in repentance, to live daily in in a in a relationship with him daily in in a in a relationship with him daily in in a in a relationship with him by his grace and by his mercy. He knows by his grace and by his mercy. He knows by his grace and by his mercy. He knows us. He desires to walk with us and to us. He desires to walk with us and to us. He desires to walk with us and to use us for his glory.

use us for his glory. use us for his glory. He never loses sight of you. That's what He never loses sight of you. That's what He never loses sight of you. That's what he says right here. He finds it. He he says right here. He finds it. He he says right here. He finds it. He joyfully puts it on his shoulders and he joyfully puts it on his shoulders and he joyfully puts it on his shoulders and he goes home. He's looking. He's searching. goes home. He's looking. He's searching. goes home. He's looking. He's searching. And then he's celebrating. 2 Chronicles And then he's celebrating. 2 Chronicles And then he's celebrating. 2 Chronicles 16:9 says that the eyes of the Lord 16:9 says that the eyes of the Lord 16:9 says that the eyes of the Lord range to and fro throughout the earth to range to and fro throughout the earth to range to and fro throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully strengthen those whose hearts are fully strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him. Commit your heart to committed to him. Commit your heart to committed to him. Commit your heart to God today. God today. God today. We sang about it earlier. I'm coming We sang about it earlier. I'm coming We sang about it earlier. I'm coming back to the heart of worship. This is back to the heart of worship. This is back to the heart of worship. This is what this parable is all about. It's what this parable is all about. It's what this parable is all about. It's about the heart of our heavenly father about the heart of our heavenly father about the heart of our heavenly father revealed in Jesus who is a good good revealed in Jesus who is a good good revealed in Jesus who is a good good shepherd who desires the very best for shepherd who desires the very best for shepherd who desires the very best for us. You're not just a face in the crowd. us. You're not just a face in the crowd. us. You're not just a face in the crowd. Brothers and sisters, you are a delight Brothers and sisters, you are a delight Brothers and sisters, you are a delight to him and he rejoices over you. one to him and he rejoices over you. one to him and he rejoices over you. one lost sinner lost sinner lost sinner or one sinner saved by grace who repents or one sinner saved by grace who repents or one sinner saved by grace who repents and turns back to him.

and turns back to him. and turns back to him. That's who he is. That's who he is. That's who he is. That's what he's all about. That is the That's what he's all about. That is the That's what he's all about. That is the good shepherd. good shepherd. good shepherd. Who then calls his friends and his Who then calls his friends and his Who then calls his friends and his neighbors when he's found his sheep and neighbors when he's found his sheep and neighbors when he's found his sheep and says, "Come and rejoice with me." says, "Come and rejoice with me." says, "Come and rejoice with me." Everybody say again, "Rejoice." On Everybody say again, "Rejoice." On Everybody say again, "Rejoice." On three. One, two, three. three. One, two, three. three. One, two, three. Rejoice. Rejoice. Rejoice. There's joy in this journey, There's joy in this journey, There's joy in this journey, church family. There is joy in this church family. There is joy in this church family. There is joy in this journey with Jesus. journey with Jesus. journey with Jesus. And my encouragement for you this And my encouragement for you this And my encouragement for you this morning morning morning is I want to challenge you church is I want to challenge you church is I want to challenge you church family. I want to challenge you to think family. I want to challenge you to think family. I want to challenge you to think about who is that someone that you know about who is that someone that you know about who is that someone that you know who is lost? who is lost? who is lost? Who is that someone you know that is Who is that someone you know that is Who is that someone you know that is lost lost lost and what are you doing about it? Or and what are you doing about it? Or and what are you doing about it? Or maybe it's not even a a lost, maybe it's not even a a lost, maybe it's not even a a lost, rebellious, broken sinner, but it's a rebellious, broken sinner, but it's a rebellious, broken sinner, but it's a brother or sister in Christ who, you brother or sister in Christ who, you brother or sister in Christ who, you know, is not living and walking in know, is not living and walking in know, is not living and walking in fellowship. fellowship. fellowship. One of those who's named the name of One of those who's named the name of One of those who's named the name of Christ, but is not walking in repentance Christ, but is not walking in repentance Christ, but is not walking in repentance in their life. Matthew 3:8, Jesus said in their life. Matthew 3:8, Jesus said in their life. Matthew 3:8, Jesus said that you'll know them by their fruit, that you'll know them by their fruit, that you'll know them by their fruit, that to bear fruit in keeping with that to bear fruit in keeping with that to bear fruit in keeping with repentance.

repentance. repentance. Maybe there's a a a fellow believer. Who Maybe there's a a a fellow believer. Who Maybe there's a a a fellow believer. Who is it in your sphere of influence, is it in your sphere of influence, is it in your sphere of influence, Green Acres, in your neighborhood? Maybe Green Acres, in your neighborhood? Maybe Green Acres, in your neighborhood? Maybe it's in your family. Maybe it's in your it's in your family. Maybe it's in your it's in your family. Maybe it's in your company. Maybe it's in the places you company. Maybe it's in the places you company. Maybe it's in the places you hang out and do life. You're just your hang out and do life. You're just your hang out and do life. You're just your natural normal rhythms of life. natural normal rhythms of life. natural normal rhythms of life. Who is it and what are you doing about Who is it and what are you doing about Who is it and what are you doing about it? The heartbeat of God is relentless. It The heartbeat of God is relentless. It is a love that never stops. is a love that never stops. is a love that never stops. It's a love that is unrelenting. He is It's a love that is unrelenting. He is It's a love that is unrelenting. He is the good shepherd who we see here in the good shepherd who we see here in the good shepherd who we see here in this parable. this parable. this parable. Seeks, finds, carries, and rejoices. Seeks, finds, carries, and rejoices. Seeks, finds, carries, and rejoices. That's what our good good father does That's what our good good father does That's what our good good father does for us. We share that same joy. When a for us. We share that same joy. When a for us. We share that same joy. When a prodigal returns, when a marriage is prodigal returns, when a marriage is prodigal returns, when a marriage is restored, restored, restored, when a life is transformed, when a life is transformed, when a life is transformed, you fill in the blank. What is that joy?

you fill in the blank. What is that joy? you fill in the blank. What is that joy? Who is the one that God has placed in Who is the one that God has placed in Who is the one that God has placed in your life, in my life, that is lost? And your life, in my life, that is lost? And your life, in my life, that is lost? And what are we doing about it? This parable what are we doing about it? This parable what are we doing about it? This parable answers a big, big question. Verses one answers a big, big question. Verses one answers a big, big question. Verses one and two, there's grumbling. There's and two, there's grumbling. There's and two, there's grumbling. There's these two different people groups that these two different people groups that these two different people groups that are basically at odds with one another. are basically at odds with one another. are basically at odds with one another. People that are hungry and passionate to People that are hungry and passionate to People that are hungry and passionate to be with Jesus and people that are be with Jesus and people that are be with Jesus and people that are throwing stones and and are critical and throwing stones and and are critical and throwing stones and and are critical and and do not like at all the joy and the and do not like at all the joy and the and do not like at all the joy and the momentum and the power that they see God momentum and the power that they see God momentum and the power that they see God doing through Jesus's life. Two very doing through Jesus's life. Two very doing through Jesus's life. Two very vast different people groups. vast different people groups. vast different people groups. And Jesus says And Jesus says And Jesus says through this parable, here's a window through this parable, here's a window through this parable, here's a window into the heart of your father, my into the heart of your father, my into the heart of your father, my heavenly father. It's a heart into a heavenly father. It's a heart into a heavenly father. It's a heart into a window into the the heart of God. Why window into the the heart of God. Why window into the the heart of God. Why does Jesus the question answer? Why does does Jesus the question answer? Why does does Jesus the question answer? Why does Jesus spend time with sinners? Jesus spend time with sinners? Jesus spend time with sinners? Greenacres, why does Jesus spend time Greenacres, why does Jesus spend time Greenacres, why does Jesus spend time with sinners? Because that's what the with sinners? Because that's what the with sinners? Because that's what the good shepherd does. good shepherd does. good shepherd does. I wish there was something deeper, I wish there was something deeper, I wish there was something deeper, theological, something more that I could theological, something more that I could theological, something more that I could offer you. But I'm just looking at the offer you. But I'm just looking at the offer you. But I'm just looking at the text and I'm answering the question, why text and I'm answering the question, why text and I'm answering the question, why does Jesus spend time with sinners?

does Jesus spend time with sinners? does Jesus spend time with sinners? Because that's what the good shepherd Because that's what the good shepherd Because that's what the good shepherd does. does. does. That's just what he does. That's what That's just what he does. That's what That's just what he does. That's what he's all about. He leaves the 99 and he he's all about. He leaves the 99 and he he's all about. He leaves the 99 and he goes after the one. goes after the one. goes after the one. That's the heart of God our father. That's the heart of God our father. That's the heart of God our father. And that's the heart that should beat in And that's the heart that should beat in And that's the heart that should beat in every one of us. Our heart should beat every one of us. Our heart should beat every one of us. Our heart should beat for the lost, for the broken, for the for the lost, for the broken, for the for the lost, for the broken, for the rebellious sinner. rebellious sinner. rebellious sinner. Our heart should beat in similar fashion Our heart should beat in similar fashion Our heart should beat in similar fashion as this shepherd who left the 99 on the as this shepherd who left the 99 on the as this shepherd who left the 99 on the countryside and went after the one. Not countryside and went after the one. Not countryside and went after the one. Not because he felt like it, not because it because he felt like it, not because it because he felt like it, not because it needed rescue or it wanted rescue, but needed rescue or it wanted rescue, but needed rescue or it wanted rescue, but because his heart was for the lost and because his heart was for the lost and because his heart was for the lost and for the broken. Who is that person and for the broken. Who is that person and for the broken. Who is that person and what are you doing about it? There's a verse in Phileiman There's a verse in Phileiman verse 6 New Testament Paul is writing a verse 6 New Testament Paul is writing a verse 6 New Testament Paul is writing a letter uh to um in the restoration of letter uh to um in the restoration of letter uh to um in the restoration of Onimus to his buddy Phileiman and he Onimus to his buddy Phileiman and he Onimus to his buddy Phileiman and he says this statement here that that that says this statement here that that that says this statement here that that that I love in this verse Phileiman it's in I love in this verse Phileiman it's in I love in this verse Phileiman it's in the New Testament for those of you who the New Testament for those of you who the New Testament for those of you who hadn't been there recently. It's easily hadn't been there recently. It's easily hadn't been there recently. It's easily overlooked book. All right, one guy's overlooked book. All right, one guy's overlooked book. All right, one guy's laughing. Thank you. One guy got that laughing. Thank you. One guy got that laughing. Thank you. One guy got that supposed to be funny. But Phileiman, he supposed to be funny. But Phileiman, he supposed to be funny. But Phileiman, he says, Paul says, "I pray that you would says, Paul says, "I pray that you would says, Paul says, "I pray that you would be active and sharing your faith so that be active and sharing your faith so that be active and sharing your faith so that you will have a full understanding."

you will have a full understanding." you will have a full understanding." It's the word epigenosis in the Greek, It's the word epigenosis in the Greek, It's the word epigenosis in the Greek, and it it's a full it's a robust a and it it's a full it's a robust a and it it's a full it's a robust a deeper recognition. There's a revelation deeper recognition. There's a revelation deeper recognition. There's a revelation that happens, church family, when we that happens, church family, when we that happens, church family, when we share our faith of every good thing we share our faith of every good thing we share our faith of every good thing we have in Christ. And so, uh, the have in Christ. And so, uh, the have in Christ. And so, uh, the alternative would be true. Also, when we alternative would be true. Also, when we alternative would be true. Also, when we don't share our faith, we miss out on don't share our faith, we miss out on don't share our faith, we miss out on something that God has for us. something that God has for us. something that God has for us. And so, this exhortation is one that I And so, this exhortation is one that I And so, this exhortation is one that I live with every day. I pray three things live with every day. I pray three things live with every day. I pray three things every day. When I get up in the morning, every day. When I get up in the morning, every day. When I get up in the morning, before I even push the covers back in my before I even push the covers back in my before I even push the covers back in my bed, Lord, thank you for another day. I bed, Lord, thank you for another day. I bed, Lord, thank you for another day. I want to start every day with gratitude want to start every day with gratitude want to start every day with gratitude in my heart. I want to be a man. I want in my heart. I want to be a man. I want in my heart. I want to be a man. I want to be a son of God. I want to be a good to be a son of God. I want to be a good to be a son of God. I want to be a good son who walks in gratitude for what my son who walks in gratitude for what my son who walks in gratitude for what my heavenly father's done for me. None of heavenly father's done for me. None of heavenly father's done for me. None of us are promised tomorrow. The breath of us are promised tomorrow. The breath of us are promised tomorrow. The breath of life in your lungs. It's a gift. I thank life in your lungs. It's a gift. I thank life in your lungs. It's a gift. I thank God for today and then I thank him for God for today and then I thank him for God for today and then I thank him for Jesus. Thank you that I was that one. I Jesus. Thank you that I was that one. I Jesus. Thank you that I was that one. I was that sheep who ran away. That I was was that sheep who ran away. That I was was that sheep who ran away. That I was steeped in sin and brokenness and steeped in sin and brokenness and steeped in sin and brokenness and rebellion doing my own thing.

rebellion doing my own thing. rebellion doing my own thing. Master of my own ship. Thought I had Master of my own ship. Thought I had Master of my own ship. Thought I had everything under control. everything under control. everything under control. Thank you Jesus for your grace that Thank you Jesus for your grace that Thank you Jesus for your grace that pursued me and that rescued me. I thank pursued me and that rescued me. I thank pursued me and that rescued me. I thank him for today. I thank him for Jesus. him for today. I thank him for Jesus. him for today. I thank him for Jesus. And I pray one other thing. God, give me And I pray one other thing. God, give me And I pray one other thing. God, give me an opportunity to be active in sharing an opportunity to be active in sharing an opportunity to be active in sharing my faith today. Give me one person that my faith today. Give me one person that my faith today. Give me one person that I can share the gospel with, that I can I can share the gospel with, that I can I can share the gospel with, that I can encourage, that I can laugh with, that I encourage, that I can laugh with, that I encourage, that I can laugh with, that I can make smile, that I can just be a can make smile, that I can just be a can make smile, that I can just be a tangible witness, the hands and feet of tangible witness, the hands and feet of tangible witness, the hands and feet of Jesus somewhere somehow. So, this last Jesus somewhere somehow. So, this last Jesus somewhere somehow. So, this last week, uh, I'm I was on vacation with my week, uh, I'm I was on vacation with my week, uh, I'm I was on vacation with my family. Just came back middle of this family. Just came back middle of this family. Just came back middle of this week and two different guys. I I'll just week and two different guys. I I'll just week and two different guys. I I'll just share these stories really quickly, and share these stories really quickly, and share these stories really quickly, and I hope they encourage you. Praying that I hope they encourage you. Praying that I hope they encourage you. Praying that prayer every day I wake up. Thank you prayer every day I wake up. Thank you prayer every day I wake up. Thank you for today. Thank you for Jesus. Lord, for today. Thank you for Jesus. Lord, for today. Thank you for Jesus. Lord, give me one person to encourage. There give me one person to encourage. There give me one person to encourage. There was a guy that was taking care of us at was a guy that was taking care of us at was a guy that was taking care of us at this resort where we were staying down this resort where we were staying down this resort where we were staying down by the beach, and my daughter had to by the beach, and my daughter had to by the beach, and my daughter had to leave early to get back for something we leave early to get back for something we leave early to get back for something we had going on at church, this mission had going on at church, this mission had going on at church, this mission trip. she had to prepare for that. So, trip. she had to prepare for that. So, trip. she had to prepare for that. So, um, she had to leave a couple days um, she had to leave a couple days um, she had to leave a couple days early. So, I had to get her back to the early. So, I had to get her back to the early. So, I had to get her back to the airport and where we were staying, it airport and where we were staying, it airport and where we were staying, it was just hard to coordinate rides and was just hard to coordinate rides and was just hard to coordinate rides and Ubers and all this stuff. So, I'm just Ubers and all this stuff. So, I'm just Ubers and all this stuff. So, I'm just praying, God, figure this out. Like, praying, God, figure this out. Like, praying, God, figure this out. Like, you're bigger than all this. You can do you're bigger than all this. You can do you're bigger than all this. You can do this. I mean, truly, I can get an app this. I mean, truly, I can get an app this. I mean, truly, I can get an app and I can call a car and do all that, and I can call a car and do all that, and I can call a car and do all that, but Lord, I want to see you do but Lord, I want to see you do but Lord, I want to see you do something. So, this guy Eric is taking something. So, this guy Eric is taking something. So, this guy Eric is taking care of us. He was living back down care of us. He was living back down care of us. He was living back down there uh in Mexico where we were and uh there uh in Mexico where we were and uh there uh in Mexico where we were and uh we told him we were from Dallas. Super

we told him we were from Dallas. Super we told him we were from Dallas. Super friendly, spoke great English. And he friendly, spoke great English. And he friendly, spoke great English. And he said, "Man, I have a house in Dallas. I said, "Man, I have a house in Dallas. I said, "Man, I have a house in Dallas. I lived in Allen. I lived in Fris. Where lived in Allen. I lived in Fris. Where lived in Allen. I lived in Fris. Where do y'all live?" We lived just down the do y'all live?" We lived just down the do y'all live?" We lived just down the street from Frisco in Plano. We hit it street from Frisco in Plano. We hit it street from Frisco in Plano. We hit it off with Eric. Two days we're just off with Eric. Two days we're just off with Eric. Two days we're just hanging out with Eric, talking, hanging out with Eric, talking, hanging out with Eric, talking, chatting, loving on him, encouraging chatting, loving on him, encouraging chatting, loving on him, encouraging him. And then I'm like, "Eric, hey, are him. And then I'm like, "Eric, hey, are him. And then I'm like, "Eric, hey, are you working tomorrow?" you working tomorrow?" you working tomorrow?" Kind of a leading question. And by God's Kind of a leading question. And by God's Kind of a leading question. And by God's sovereignty and grace, Eric was off on sovereignty and grace, Eric was off on sovereignty and grace, Eric was off on that day. And I said, "Dude, I got to that day. And I said, "Dude, I got to that day. And I said, "Dude, I got to get my daughter to the airport. Eric, get my daughter to the airport. Eric, get my daughter to the airport. Eric, would you mind giving us a ride if I would you mind giving us a ride if I would you mind giving us a ride if I paid you?" And he was like, "That'd be paid you?" And he was like, "That'd be paid you?" And he was like, "That'd be great. That'd be awesome." So, I get up great. That'd be awesome." So, I get up great. That'd be awesome." So, I get up that morning. I get Audrey and her that morning. I get Audrey and her that morning. I get Audrey and her stuff. We get in the car with Eric. And stuff. We get in the car with Eric. And stuff. We get in the car with Eric. And I'm obviously praying, "Lord, open a I'm obviously praying, "Lord, open a I'm obviously praying, "Lord, open a door for me to share the gospel." Uh, door for me to share the gospel." Uh, door for me to share the gospel." Uh, I'm a little anxious. I'm a little I'm a little anxious. I'm a little I'm a little anxious. I'm a little nervous. I've known Eric two days. I was nervous. I've known Eric two days. I was nervous. I've known Eric two days. I was obviously not going to put my obviously not going to put my obviously not going to put my 18-year-old daughter in the car with him 18-year-old daughter in the car with him 18-year-old daughter in the car with him without me being there. And so we all without me being there. And so we all without me being there. And so we all get in the car. We're headed to the get in the car. We're headed to the get in the car. We're headed to the airport. We get her there. I get her up airport. We get her there. I get her up airport. We get her there. I get her up to my daughter at 18's never traveled by to my daughter at 18's never traveled by to my daughter at 18's never traveled by herself. So I got all that figured out herself. So I got all that figured out herself. So I got all that figured out at the airport. And then I get back in at the airport. And then I get back in at the airport. And then I get back in the car. And I'm like, "Okay, Lord. I the car. And I'm like, "Okay, Lord. I the car. And I'm like, "Okay, Lord. I need you to open a door. I'm here for a need you to open a door. I'm here for a need you to open a door. I'm here for a singular purpose now." Luke 19:10. Jesus singular purpose now." Luke 19:10. Jesus singular purpose now." Luke 19:10. Jesus came to seek and to save that which was came to seek and to save that which was came to seek and to save that which was lost. And Eric, lost. And Eric, lost. And Eric, I started asking him some questions I started asking him some questions I started asking him some questions about his background spiritually. Grew about his background spiritually. Grew about his background spiritually. Grew up Catholic, um, like a lot of people up Catholic, um, like a lot of people up Catholic, um, like a lot of people from Mexico. But he said, Uh, I don't from Mexico. But he said, Uh, I don't from Mexico. But he said, Uh, I don't practice it at all really anymore. I practice it at all really anymore. I practice it at all really anymore. I said, "Do you have a Bible?" He's like, said, "Do you have a Bible?" He's like, said, "Do you have a Bible?" He's like, "No, I don't have a Bible. Never read a "No, I don't have a Bible. Never read a "No, I don't have a Bible. Never read a Bible before in my life." And he said, Bible before in my life." And he said, Bible before in my life." And he said, "But you know what, David? I called this

"But you know what, David? I called this "But you know what, David? I called this old friend just recently that I run old friend just recently that I run old friend just recently that I run around with my whole life. We've been around with my whole life. We've been around with my whole life. We've been best friends since we were kids, getting best friends since we were kids, getting best friends since we were kids, getting into mischief, doing crazy stuff. And I into mischief, doing crazy stuff. And I into mischief, doing crazy stuff. And I called him three weeks ago, and I said, called him three weeks ago, and I said, called him three weeks ago, and I said, "Hey, let's go do this or that." And he "Hey, let's go do this or that." And he "Hey, let's go do this or that." And he just abruptly stopped him, his friend just abruptly stopped him, his friend just abruptly stopped him, his friend did, and said, "Eric, I'm not doing that did, and said, "Eric, I'm not doing that did, and said, "Eric, I'm not doing that anymore. God has changed my life." And anymore. God has changed my life." And anymore. God has changed my life." And he said in that moment, he didn't even he said in that moment, he didn't even he said in that moment, he didn't even believe him. And so he kept pestering believe him. And so he kept pestering believe him. And so he kept pestering his friend a couple more days. And sure his friend a couple more days. And sure his friend a couple more days. And sure enough, the friend was like, "Nope, I'm enough, the friend was like, "Nope, I'm enough, the friend was like, "Nope, I'm not doing that. I'm not going down that not doing that. I'm not going down that not doing that. I'm not going down that path." And he said, "That stuck with path." And he said, "That stuck with path." And he said, "That stuck with me." And here I am in the car with him, me." And here I am in the car with him, me." And here I am in the car with him, just some random tall, goofy pastor guy just some random tall, goofy pastor guy just some random tall, goofy pastor guy from Dallas. And I start telling him from Dallas. And I start telling him from Dallas. And I start telling him that, Eric, God did the same thing for that, Eric, God did the same thing for that, Eric, God did the same thing for me 30 years ago as a college student. He me 30 years ago as a college student. He me 30 years ago as a college student. He shared and I shared with him the gospel. shared and I shared with him the gospel. shared and I shared with him the gospel. And I said, Eric, what happened in your And I said, Eric, what happened in your And I said, Eric, what happened in your friend's life can happen for you right friend's life can happen for you right friend's life can happen for you right now. It's just a simple gift. The wages now. It's just a simple gift. The wages now. It's just a simple gift. The wages of our sin is death. The free gift of of our sin is death. The free gift of of our sin is death. The free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus. God is eternal life in Christ Jesus. God is eternal life in Christ Jesus. Romans 6:23. I showed him Romans 10:9 Romans 6:23. I showed him Romans 10:9 Romans 6:23. I showed him Romans 10:9 and 10. This is how you receive the and 10. This is how you receive the and 10. This is how you receive the gift. I've got my little app on my gift. I've got my little app on my gift. I've got my little app on my phone. He's reading. We're driving. I'm phone. He's reading. We're driving. I'm phone. He's reading. We're driving. I'm praying.

praying. praying. And before we got back to the hotel, as And before we got back to the hotel, as And before we got back to the hotel, as we're pulling up, I said, "Pull over we're pulling up, I said, "Pull over we're pulling up, I said, "Pull over right here. Do you want to receive this right here. Do you want to receive this right here. Do you want to receive this free gift of eternal life?" And he said, free gift of eternal life?" And he said, free gift of eternal life?" And he said, "Absolutely." That's exactly what I need "Absolutely." That's exactly what I need "Absolutely." That's exactly what I need to do. I'm telling you, God shows up to do. I'm telling you, God shows up to do. I'm telling you, God shows up when we are obedient and we take the when we are obedient and we take the when we are obedient and we take the life-changing message of the gospel. life-changing message of the gospel. life-changing message of the gospel. Yeah. Give God a clap, hand clap for Yeah. Give God a clap, hand clap for Yeah. Give God a clap, hand clap for that. When we are obedient and we share, that. When we are obedient and we share, that. When we are obedient and we share, we have no idea what God can do. And we have no idea what God can do. And we have no idea what God can do. And then we're going to the airport a couple then we're going to the airport a couple then we're going to the airport a couple of days later and Carlos, who had lived of days later and Carlos, who had lived of days later and Carlos, who had lived uh in in North Carolina, spoke great uh in in North Carolina, spoke great uh in in North Carolina, spoke great English. We're with Carlos in the car. English. We're with Carlos in the car. English. We're with Carlos in the car. He's also a summer 72 boy. We're same He's also a summer 72 boy. We're same He's also a summer 72 boy. We're same same exact age. He's got his glasses. I same exact age. He's got his glasses. I same exact age. He's got his glasses. I got my glasses. Carlos and I are just got my glasses. Carlos and I are just got my glasses. Carlos and I are just grooving down the road. And my whole grooving down the road. And my whole grooving down the road. And my whole family's in the van. It's early in the family's in the van. It's early in the family's in the van. It's early in the morning. The kids are barely asleep. And morning. The kids are barely asleep. And morning. The kids are barely asleep. And I start asking Carlos just about his I start asking Carlos just about his I start asking Carlos just about his faith journey. He said his wife wasn't faith journey. He said his wife wasn't faith journey. He said his wife wasn't real happy in North Carolina. God real happy in North Carolina. God real happy in North Carolina. God provided for them. He was a religious provided for them. He was a religious provided for them. He was a religious guy. But then I asked him, "What does it guy. But then I asked him, "What does it guy. But then I asked him, "What does it take to get to heaven?" And uh you know, take to get to heaven?" And uh you know, take to get to heaven?" And uh you know, your life is short. We're in our early your life is short. We're in our early your life is short. We're in our early 50s, Carlos. none of us are getting out 50s, Carlos. none of us are getting out 50s, Carlos. none of us are getting out of here alive. And he had no clue. Never of here alive. And he had no clue. Never of here alive. And he had no clue. Never had a conversation with anyone before. I had a conversation with anyone before. I had a conversation with anyone before. I said, "Jesus came and he lived the life said, "Jesus came and he lived the life said, "Jesus came and he lived the life we couldn't live. And he died the death we couldn't live. And he died the death we couldn't live. And he died the death that we deserve so we could have this that we deserve so we could have this that we deserve so we could have this free gift of eternal life." Carlos, God free gift of eternal life." Carlos, God free gift of eternal life." Carlos, God put me here in this van to tell you that put me here in this van to tell you that put me here in this van to tell you that simple message of the gospel.

simple message of the gospel. simple message of the gospel. Paul said, "Be active in sharing your Paul said, "Be active in sharing your Paul said, "Be active in sharing your faith so that you will have a fuller faith so that you will have a fuller faith so that you will have a fuller understanding." Epigenosis. You will understanding." Epigenosis. You will understanding." Epigenosis. You will have a deeper significant experiential. have a deeper significant experiential. have a deeper significant experiential. I don't know when the last time was that I don't know when the last time was that I don't know when the last time was that you shared your faith, young man, but you shared your faith, young man, but you shared your faith, young man, but you need to take that gospel. There's you need to take that gospel. There's you need to take that gospel. There's somebody in your life that's far from somebody in your life that's far from somebody in your life that's far from God that needs to hear about the God that needs to hear about the God that needs to hear about the goodness and the grace and the mercy of goodness and the grace and the mercy of goodness and the grace and the mercy of a good good shepherd, a good good father a good good shepherd, a good good father a good good shepherd, a good good father who doesn't stop. who doesn't stop. who doesn't stop. And I said, Carlos, you can have this And I said, Carlos, you can have this And I said, Carlos, you can have this free gift. Just pray a simple prayer. free gift. Just pray a simple prayer. free gift. Just pray a simple prayer. This is a prayer. Accept them. I believe This is a prayer. Accept them. I believe This is a prayer. Accept them. I believe Carlos prayed and received Jesus right Carlos prayed and received Jesus right Carlos prayed and received Jesus right there in the van as we took our bags out there in the van as we took our bags out there in the van as we took our bags out of the car and we headed back to the of the car and we headed back to the of the car and we headed back to the States. Evangelism and outreach church States. Evangelism and outreach church States. Evangelism and outreach church family, it's not a program. family, it's not a program. family, it's not a program. It's not a program of the church. It's It's not a program of the church. It's It's not a program of the church. It's not Michael Gossit's job. It's not Todd not Michael Gossit's job. It's not Todd not Michael Gossit's job. It's not Todd Haymon's job. It's not the job of the Haymon's job. It's not the job of the Haymon's job. It's not the job of the staff. staff. staff. I love Mike Gossip. That is his heart I love Mike Gossip. That is his heart I love Mike Gossip. That is his heart for the people. It's not. It is a for the people. It's not. It is a for the people. It's not. It is a reflection. But evangelism outreach, reflection. But evangelism outreach, reflection. But evangelism outreach, it's not the church leadership's job.

it's not the church leadership's job. it's not the church leadership's job. It's every one of us. Every one of us. It's every one of us. Every one of us. It's every one of us. Every one of us. It takes all of us. It's a reflection of It takes all of us. It's a reflection of It takes all of us. It's a reflection of the shepherd's heart. Our father's the shepherd's heart. Our father's the shepherd's heart. Our father's passion and pursuit is for that lost passion and pursuit is for that lost passion and pursuit is for that lost sheep. So my question for you this sheep. So my question for you this sheep. So my question for you this morning is, do you have the heart of morning is, do you have the heart of morning is, do you have the heart of Jesus? That's what this whole parable is Jesus? That's what this whole parable is Jesus? That's what this whole parable is about. It's just a window into the heart about. It's just a window into the heart about. It's just a window into the heart of God. Because when you have that heart of God. Because when you have that heart of God. Because when you have that heart of Jesus, when you do, you'll go after of Jesus, when you do, you'll go after of Jesus, when you do, you'll go after the lost. You'll go after that lost sheep just You'll go after that lost sheep just like he did. Luke 19:10. And I close like he did. Luke 19:10. And I close like he did. Luke 19:10. And I close with this. with this. with this. Jesus came with a singular mission. Jesus came with a singular mission. Jesus came with a singular mission. Son of man came to seek and save the Son of man came to seek and save the Son of man came to seek and save the lost. Make that be said, Greenacres lost. Make that be said, Greenacres lost. Make that be said, Greenacres Baptist Church is here in Tyler to seek Baptist Church is here in Tyler to seek Baptist Church is here in Tyler to seek and to save the lost. That's our and to save the lost. That's our and to save the lost. That's our mission. That's the foundation of what mission. That's the foundation of what mission. That's the foundation of what we do. We can mess up everything else as we do. We can mess up everything else as we do. We can mess up everything else as long as we're seeking and saving and long as we're seeking and saving and long as we're seeking and saving and going after the loss. God will take care going after the loss. God will take care going after the loss. God will take care of the details. Let's pray together.

of the details. Let's pray together. of the details. Let's pray together. Father God, we love you. We thank you, Father God, we love you. We thank you, Father God, we love you. We thank you, heavenly father, heavenly father, heavenly father, that you sent your one and only son to that you sent your one and only son to that you sent your one and only son to live the life we couldn't live, to die live the life we couldn't live, to die live the life we couldn't live, to die the death that we deserve so that we the death that we deserve so that we the death that we deserve so that we could have the free gift of eternal could have the free gift of eternal could have the free gift of eternal life. I thank you for my new brothers, life. I thank you for my new brothers, life. I thank you for my new brothers, Eric and Carlos, who chose by faith to Eric and Carlos, who chose by faith to Eric and Carlos, who chose by faith to trust you and invite you into their trust you and invite you into their trust you and invite you into their hearts and to make you the Lord of their hearts and to make you the Lord of their hearts and to make you the Lord of their lives. Father God, what an incredible lives. Father God, what an incredible lives. Father God, what an incredible blessing, the miracle of salvation. blessing, the miracle of salvation. blessing, the miracle of salvation. Father God, thank you for this parable Father God, thank you for this parable Father God, thank you for this parable that Jesus told these two unique groups that Jesus told these two unique groups that Jesus told these two unique groups of people of people of people about what your heart looks like about what your heart looks like about what your heart looks like and how brokenness and rebellion and sin and how brokenness and rebellion and sin and how brokenness and rebellion and sin and those who are far from you, Father and those who are far from you, Father and those who are far from you, Father God, can be healed, can be restored, can God, can be healed, can be restored, can God, can be healed, can be restored, can be made brand new. Father, I pray for be made brand new. Father, I pray for be made brand new. Father, I pray for one man, one woman, old or young here in worship this morning. Father, here in worship this morning. Father, they don't know you personally and have they don't know you personally and have they don't know you personally and have a relationship with you.

a relationship with you. a relationship with you. That Father, you would give them the That Father, you would give them the That Father, you would give them the gift of faith. That man, that woman, gift of faith. That man, that woman, gift of faith. That man, that woman, the desire to know you, draw them by the desire to know you, draw them by the desire to know you, draw them by your grace. your grace. your grace. Ephesians [music] 2:8:9 says, "It's by Ephesians [music] 2:8:9 says, "It's by Ephesians [music] 2:8:9 says, "It's by grace we're saved through faith." And grace we're saved through faith." And grace we're saved through faith." And this is not of ourselves. It's a free this is not of ourselves. It's a free this is not of ourselves. It's a free gift of God. gift of God. gift of God. I pray that gift of salvation would I pray that gift of salvation would I pray that gift of salvation would impact and touch a heart even now as we impact and touch a heart even now as we impact and touch a heart even now as we pray and as we close in worship. And pray and as we close in worship. And pray and as we close in worship. And would we as a church, would Greenacres would we as a church, would Greenacres would we as a church, would Greenacres Baptist Church make a mark in this city Baptist Church make a mark in this city Baptist Church make a mark in this city of Thailand? that they would be a church of Thailand? that they would be a church of Thailand? that they would be a church who came on that same mission that live who came on that same mission that live who came on that same mission that live and breathe and exist here to do that and breathe and exist here to do that and breathe and exist here to do that which Jesus modeled for us to seek and which Jesus modeled for us to seek and which Jesus modeled for us to seek and to save that which was lost. That's our to save that which was lost. That's our to save that which was lost. That's our hope. That's our prayer. And we ask it hope. That's our prayer. And we ask it hope. That's our prayer. And we ask it not in any ordinary name. We ask it in not in any ordinary name. We ask it in not in any ordinary name. We ask it in the mighty extraordinary powerful name the mighty extraordinary powerful name the mighty extraordinary powerful name of Jesus our savior. And all God's of Jesus our savior. And all God's of Jesus our savior. And all God's people said amen. people said amen. people said amen. >> Amen. Church, would you stand to your >> Amen. Church, would you stand to your >> Amen. Church, would you stand to your feet today? We're going to respond as we feet today? We're going to respond as we feet today? We're going to respond as we sing this [music] together. Let's sing sing this [music] together. Let's sing sing this [music] together. Let's sing it out.

[music] [music] >> Victor's crown. Hell retreats in heaven >> Victor's crown. Hell retreats in heaven >> Victor's crown. Hell retreats in heaven shouts at the [music] name. shouts at the [music] name. shouts at the [music] name. The name of Jesus. [music] The name of Jesus. [music] The name of Jesus. [music] Risen King of righteous men. Knees will Risen King of righteous men. Knees will Risen King of righteous men. Knees will bow and tongs confess [music] bow and tongs confess [music] bow and tongs confess [music] at the name. at the name. at the name. The name of Jesus. The name of Jesus. The name of Jesus. On this rock the church will [music] On this rock the church will [music] On this rock the church will [music] stand. Songs of joy will rise again at stand. Songs of joy will rise again at stand. Songs of joy will rise again at the name. the name. the name. The name of Jesus. The name of Jesus. The name of Jesus. [music] Christ will reign forever more. [music] Christ will reign forever more. [music] Christ will reign forever more. All the saints and angels of God at the All the saints and angels of God at the All the saints and angels of God at the name. name. name. The name [music] of Jesus. What a worthy name. What a worthy name. Jesus, [music] son of God.

Jesus, [music] son of God. Jesus, [music] son of God. I [singing] am lifted up. I [singing] am lifted up. I [singing] am lifted up. You deserve the [music] praise. What a You deserve the [music] praise. What a You deserve the [music] praise. What a worthy name. worthy name. worthy name. Jesus, [music and singing] son of God. Jesus, [music and singing] son of God. Jesus, [music and singing] son of God. I am lifted up. [music] You deserve. >> Amen. Church family, you [music] >> Amen. Church family, you [music] grateful together today. Amen. Well, grateful together today. Amen. Well, grateful together today. Amen. Well, church family, we have a connection church family, we have a connection church family, we have a connection suite that's available for you. If you suite that's available for you. If you suite that's available for you. If you have questions about our church or about have questions about our church or about have questions about our church or about Jesus, we'd love to talk to you and pray Jesus, we'd love to talk to you and pray Jesus, we'd love to talk to you and pray with you. God bless you, church family. with you. God bless you, church family. with you. God bless you, church family. You're dismissed.