“It Wasn’t Nails That Held Him” by Pastor Greg Laurie

Armies of heaven always around. When I Armies of heaven always around. When I start remembering start remembering start remembering how you carry my cross, you call me my how you carry my cross, you call me my how you carry my cross, you call me my name. Love me like I was, but you didn't name. Love me like I was, but you didn't name. Love me like I was, but you didn't leave me that way. Was there now I live. leave me that way. Was there now I live. leave me that way. Was there now I live. Yeah, that's what you did. You been so so so so You been so so so so good. good. good. to me. to me. to me. You've been so so so so You've been so so so so You've been so so so so good to me good to me good to me from morning tonight. The lows in the from morning tonight. The lows in the from morning tonight. The lows in the high. I look back on my life and all high. I look back on my life and all high. I look back on my life and all that I see is you that I see is you that I see is you so so so so so so so so so good to me. Yeah. Yeah. If God's been good to you, can you lift If God's been good to you, can you lift If God's been good to you, can you lift up a shout of praise in this place?

>> God is good >> God is good all the time. all the time. all the time. Oh, Oh, Oh, >> when I say God is good, you say all the >> when I say God is good, you say all the >> when I say God is good, you say all the time. When I say all the time, you say time. When I say all the time, you say time. When I say all the time, you say God is good. When I say God is good, you God is good. When I say God is good, you God is good. When I say God is good, you say all the time. When I say all the say all the time. When I say all the say all the time. When I say all the time, you say God is good. When I say time, you say God is good. When I say time, you say God is good. When I say God is good, you say all the time. When God is good, you say all the time. When God is good, you say all the time. When I say all the time, you say God is good. I say all the time, you say God is good. I say all the time, you say God is good. When you say God is good, you say all When you say God is good, you say all When you say God is good, you say all the time. I say all the time. You say the time. I say all the time. You say the time. I say all the time. You say God is so so so so God is so so so so God is so so so so good to me. So good. good to me. So good. good to me. So good. >> Yeah. You been so so so so >> Yeah. You been so so so so >> Yeah. You been so so so so good. So good. So good. So good. I look back on my life and all I see I look back on my life and all I see from tonight.

I look back on my life and all I see. I look back on my life and all I see. You been so so so so You been so so so so You been so so so so good. How good how good How good how good you been so so so so so you been so so so so so you been so so so so so good to be so so so so be so so so so good. you you so so so so so so so so so good to me.

M M treasures of fame treasures of fame treasures of fame never enough. And every desire is now satisfied And every desire is now satisfied hearing your love. Oh, there's nothing Oh, there's nothing better than you. There's nothing better than you. There's nothing better than you. There's nothing better than you. Lord, there's nothing better than you. Lord, there's nothing better than you. Lord, there's nothing nothing is better than you. nothing is better than you. nothing is better than you. Oh Oh Oh yes, I know it's true. yes, I know it's true. yes, I know it's true. Come on, tell them. Come on, tell them. Come on, tell them. I'm not afraid My failures are faults. Lord, you seen My failures are faults. Lord, you seen them all and you still call me friend.

There's not a place your mercy and grace There's not a place your mercy and grace won't find me again. Oh, more than nothing Oh, more than nothing better than you. There's nothing Lord there's nothing Lord there's nothing nothing is better than you nothing is better than you nothing is better than you I know it's true. I know it's true. I know it's true. is nothing. Somebody testify. >> There's nothing nothing >> There's nothing nothing you He's ever made a way for you. I want you He's ever made a way for you. I want you to sing this. Come on. Set the roof up. to sing this. Come on. Set the roof up. to sing this. Come on. Set the roof up. You turn morning to dances. You give beauty for ashes.

You give beauty for ashes. You turn shame into glory. You turn shame into glory. You turn shame into glory. You're the only one who cares. You're the only one who cares. You're the only one who cares. Come on. You turn morning to dancing. You give beauty for our sins. You give beauty for our sins. You turn into glory. Oh, you're the only You turn into glory. Oh, you're the only You turn into glory. Oh, you're the only one who cares. Turn gra. one who cares. Turn gra. one who cares. Turn gra. You turn gra into garden. You turn seas into highways. You turn seas into highways. You're the only one who can the only You're the only one who can the only You're the only one who can the only only. nothing.

nothing. Love is nothing. Love is nothing. Love is nothing. Nothing is better than you. Nothing is better than you. Nothing is better than you. Your bra say Your bra say Your bra say you turn ra. You turn se into highway. You turn se into highway. Heat. Heat. You're the only one. You're the only You're the only one. You're the only one. You're the only one who I don't think we're finished yet. Come I don't think we're finished yet. Come on. I think he's turning some things on. I think he's turning some things on. I think he's turning some things over tonight.

You turn my morning into this. Come on. You turn my morning into this. Come on. You turn morning. one one until Jesus, Jesus, you're the only way.

you're the only way. you're the only way. Come on, give him one more shout of Come on, give him one more shout of Come on, give him one more shout of praise. and all the things I tried to be will and all the things I tried to be will never be enough. never be enough. never be enough. I've hidden all my secrets and my scars, I've hidden all my secrets and my scars, I've hidden all my secrets and my scars, but you see me as I am but you see me as I am but you see me as I am and welcome me with open arms. Even at my worst, Even at my worst, you love me you love me you love me when I lose myself. when I lose myself. when I lose myself. You stay the same.

You stay the same. You stay the same. When I'm weak, you're strong. When I'm weak, you're strong. When I'm weak, you're strong. God, lead me to believe. God, lead me to believe. God, lead me to believe. Even at my worst, Even at my worst, Even at my worst, even at my worst, even at my worst, even at my worst, you love you love you love me. You love You love me. No hide or damn or anything No hide or damn or anything come between your love. Your mercy's not come between your love. Your mercy's not come between your love. Your mercy's not a secret. It's proven in your scars. So a secret. It's proven in your scars. So a secret. It's proven in your scars. So why do I keep running why do I keep running why do I keep running when my home is in your heart? So why do when my home is in your heart? So why do when my home is in your heart? So why do I keep running I keep running I keep running when my home is yours? Even at my worst, when my home is yours? Even at my worst, when my home is yours? Even at my worst, you love me.

you love me. you love me. When I lose myself, When I lose myself, When I lose myself, you stay the same. you stay the same. you stay the same. When I'm weak, you're strong. When I'm weak, you're strong. When I'm weak, you're strong. Guide me to believe. Guide me to believe. Guide me to believe. Even at my worst, Even at my worst, Even at my worst, even at my worst, even at my worst, even at my worst, you love you love you love me. You love You love me. Cuz your love is perfect. Cuz your love is perfect. Your heart is kind. Your heart is kind. Your heart is kind. It knows no boundaries. It knows no boundaries. It knows no boundaries. It shows up every time. It shows up every time. It shows up every time. From shame into dancing, From shame into dancing, From shame into dancing, from darkness to light. from darkness to light. from darkness to light. You raise me from ashes, You raise me from ashes, You raise me from ashes, from death into life.

cuz your love is perfect. cuz your love is perfect. Your heart is kind. Your heart is kind. Your heart is kind. It knows no boundaries. It knows no boundaries. It knows no boundaries. It shows up every time. It shows up every time. It shows up every time. From shame into dancing, From shame into dancing, From shame into dancing, from darkness to light. from darkness to light. from darkness to light. You raise me from aes, You raise me from aes, You raise me from aes, from death into light. from death into light. from death into light. You raised me from ashes, You raised me from ashes, You raised me from ashes, from death into life. from death into life. from death into life. Even at my worst, Even at my worst, Even at my worst, you love me. you love me. you love me. When I lose myself, When I lose myself, When I lose myself, you stay the same. you stay the same. you stay the same. When I'm weak, you're strong. When I'm weak, you're strong. When I'm weak, you're strong. God, lead me to believe. God, lead me to believe. God, lead me to believe. Even at my worst, Even at my worst, Even at my worst, even at my worst, even at my worst, even at my worst, you love you love you love me.

You love You love me. The basics aren't just for beginners. The basics aren't just for beginners. Bible reading, prayer, fellowship, and Bible reading, prayer, fellowship, and Bible reading, prayer, fellowship, and sharing your faith are essentials for a sharing your faith are essentials for a sharing your faith are essentials for a healthy Christian life. Whether you've healthy Christian life. Whether you've healthy Christian life. Whether you've known Jesus for 30 days or 30 years, for known Jesus for 30 days or 30 years, for known Jesus for 30 days or 30 years, for a limited time, you can receive what a limited time, you can receive what a limited time, you can receive what every growing Christian needs to know by every growing Christian needs to know by every growing Christian needs to know by Pastor Greg Lorie. with your gift of any Pastor Greg Lorie. with your gift of any Pastor Greg Lorie. with your gift of any size to Harvest Ministries. In this size to Harvest Ministries. In this size to Harvest Ministries. In this practical book, Pastor Greg explores the practical book, Pastor Greg explores the practical book, Pastor Greg explores the key habits that help believers grow key habits that help believers grow key habits that help believers grow spiritually and stay strong in their spiritually and stay strong in their spiritually and stay strong in their faith. You'll learn how to read and faith. You'll learn how to read and faith. You'll learn how to read and understand God's word more effectively, understand God's word more effectively, understand God's word more effectively, develop a meaningful prayer life, and develop a meaningful prayer life, and develop a meaningful prayer life, and share your faith with confidence and share your faith with confidence and share your faith with confidence and compassion. No matter where you are in compassion. No matter where you are in compassion. No matter where you are in your walk with Christ, this resource your walk with Christ, this resource your walk with Christ, this resource will help you focus on what matters will help you focus on what matters will help you focus on what matters most. Request your copy of What Every most. Request your copy of What Every most. Request your copy of What Every Growing Christian Needs to Know today at Growing Christian Needs to Know today at Growing Christian Needs to Know today at harvest.org/donate.

Hey, Greg Lori here. Welcome to my Hey, Greg Lori here. Welcome to my podcast. I have a very special guest, podcast. I have a very special guest, podcast. I have a very special guest, Joel Rosenberg. Levi, thanks for being Joel Rosenberg. Levi, thanks for being Joel Rosenberg. Levi, thanks for being on my podcast. Michael Franies, thank on my podcast. Michael Franies, thank on my podcast. Michael Franies, thank you for making time for me cuz you deal you for making time for me cuz you deal you for making time for me cuz you deal with some very weighty, heavy subjects. with some very weighty, heavy subjects. with some very weighty, heavy subjects. And I think when you can bring humor in And I think when you can bring humor in And I think when you can bring humor in is it actually helps the viewer to take is it actually helps the viewer to take is it actually helps the viewer to take in all that information. Is it hard to be a man of faith in what Is it hard to be a man of faith in what you do? you do? you do? >> Uh it's not. In fact, it's the only way >> Uh it's not. In fact, it's the only way >> Uh it's not. In fact, it's the only way I'm allowed and enabled to do this job. I'm allowed and enabled to do this job. I'm allowed and enabled to do this job. >> Hollywood's not the hope of the world. >> Hollywood's not the hope of the world. >> Hollywood's not the hope of the world. The local church is the hope of the The local church is the hope of the The local church is the hope of the world. And I've always felt like it's my world. And I've always felt like it's my world. And I've always felt like it's my job to set a volleyball that can be job to set a volleyball that can be job to set a volleyball that can be spiked at the local level. No one is spiked at the local level. No one is spiked at the local level. No one is beyond the reach of God. I mean, if God beyond the reach of God. I mean, if God beyond the reach of God. I mean, if God can reach Michael Franes, who can God can reach Michael Franes, who can God can reach Michael Franes, who can God not reach? You know, I've heard people describe a You know, I've heard people describe a trip to Israel as seeing the Bible trip to Israel as seeing the Bible trip to Israel as seeing the Bible actually come to life. And having been actually come to life. And having been actually come to life. And having been to Israel many times, I can say that's to Israel many times, I can say that's to Israel many times, I can say that's absolutely true. Listen, when you're absolutely true. Listen, when you're absolutely true. Listen, when you're walking on the same stones that Jesus walking on the same stones that Jesus walking on the same stones that Jesus walked on, there's something that's walked on, there's something that's walked on, there's something that's enriching to your faith. It's not just a enriching to your faith. It's not just a enriching to your faith. It's not just a travel experience. It actually energizes travel experience. It actually energizes travel experience. It actually energizes your study of the Bible. Think of it your study of the Bible. Think of it your study of the Bible. Think of it this way. It's a vacation with a this way. It's a vacation with a this way. It's a vacation with a purpose. And you can find out more at purpose. And you can find out more at purpose. And you can find out more at israel.harvest.org.

You know, the Bible says, "A good person You know, the Bible says, "A good person leaves an inheritance for their leaves an inheritance for their leaves an inheritance for their children's children." God encourages all children's children." God encourages all children's children." God encourages all of us as Christians to manage our money of us as Christians to manage our money of us as Christians to manage our money well so we can be a blessing to our well so we can be a blessing to our well so we can be a blessing to our families and to others. Harvest has a families and to others. Harvest has a families and to others. Harvest has a special gift for you today. An special gift for you today. An special gift for you today. An opportunity to set up a will or a living opportunity to set up a will or a living opportunity to set up a will or a living trust completely free of charge. Here's trust completely free of charge. Here's trust completely free of charge. Here's how you can learn more. I'm excited to how you can learn more. I'm excited to how you can learn more. I'm excited to announce that here at Harvest, we've announce that here at Harvest, we've announce that here at Harvest, we've partnered with our friends at Free Will. partnered with our friends at Free Will. partnered with our friends at Free Will. Free Will is an easytouse estate Free Will is an easytouse estate Free Will is an easytouse estate planning tool that allows you to make planning tool that allows you to make planning tool that allows you to make planned gifts to organizations of your planned gifts to organizations of your planned gifts to organizations of your choice. It's a creative opportunity to choice. It's a creative opportunity to choice. It's a creative opportunity to support the work we're doing here at support the work we're doing here at support the work we're doing here at Harvest Ministries. So, as you make your Harvest Ministries. So, as you make your Harvest Ministries. So, as you make your plans, I hope you'll consider investing plans, I hope you'll consider investing plans, I hope you'll consider investing in this ministry so we can continue to in this ministry so we can continue to in this ministry so we can continue to preach the gospel and teach the word of preach the gospel and teach the word of preach the gospel and teach the word of God for years to come. You can learn God for years to come. You can learn God for years to come. You can learn more at freewill.com/harvest.

Hey everyone, welcome to Harvest at Hey everyone, welcome to Harvest at Home. If you are new here, we are so Home. If you are new here, we are so Home. If you are new here, we are so glad that you decided to join us. We glad that you decided to join us. We glad that you decided to join us. We meet here every Sunday to learn biblical meet here every Sunday to learn biblical meet here every Sunday to learn biblical truth from God's word. Join us in truth from God's word. Join us in truth from God's word. Join us in fellowship in the live chat room that we fellowship in the live chat room that we fellowship in the live chat room that we have online to connect with others have online to connect with others have online to connect with others across the country and around the world. across the country and around the world. across the country and around the world. Today, we'll be continuing in our study Today, we'll be continuing in our study Today, we'll be continuing in our study through the book of Luke called the through the book of Luke called the through the book of Luke called the Gospel for Everyone. And we are looking Gospel for Everyone. And we are looking Gospel for Everyone. And we are looking forward to hearing from the Lord today. forward to hearing from the Lord today. forward to hearing from the Lord today. Before we dig into the word today, I'd Before we dig into the word today, I'd Before we dig into the word today, I'd like to share about a few events that we like to share about a few events that we like to share about a few events that we hosted this last month, starting with hosted this last month, starting with hosted this last month, starting with the harvest crusade. We saw over 30,000 the harvest crusade. We saw over 30,000 the harvest crusade. We saw over 30,000 people gather together to worship the people gather together to worship the people gather together to worship the Lord and hear the good news. And the Lord and hear the good news. And the Lord and hear the good news. And the best part of it is thousands gave their best part of it is thousands gave their best part of it is thousands gave their lives to Christ. We also hosted the 4th lives to Christ. We also hosted the 4th lives to Christ. We also hosted the 4th annual Jesus Revolution baptism at annual Jesus Revolution baptism at annual Jesus Revolution baptism at Pirates Cove, where we witnessed over Pirates Cove, where we witnessed over Pirates Cove, where we witnessed over 800 people make their public declaration 800 people make their public declaration 800 people make their public declaration of faith through baptism at this of faith through baptism at this of faith through baptism at this historic site. What an incredible month historic site. What an incredible month historic site. What an incredible month of seeing the Lord's work. Walking with of seeing the Lord's work. Walking with of seeing the Lord's work. Walking with Christ is a daily commitment, which is Christ is a daily commitment, which is Christ is a daily commitment, which is why we have some amazing resources why we have some amazing resources why we have some amazing resources available online that can help and guide available online that can help and guide available online that can help and guide you in that journey. If you head over to you in that journey. If you head over to you in that journey. If you head over to our website after service, you will have our website after service, you will have our website after service, you will have access to free ebooks written by Pastor access to free ebooks written by Pastor access to free ebooks written by Pastor Greg Lori, Bible study courses that are Greg Lori, Bible study courses that are Greg Lori, Bible study courses that are designed to meet you where you're at, designed to meet you where you're at, designed to meet you where you're at, and designed for you to go at your own and designed for you to go at your own and designed for you to go at your own pace, among many other sources of daily pace, among many other sources of daily pace, among many other sources of daily encouragement, like Pastor Greg's blog encouragement, like Pastor Greg's blog encouragement, like Pastor Greg's blog and daily devotionals. You will also and daily devotionals. You will also and daily devotionals. You will also find our streaming platform called find our streaming platform called find our streaming platform called Harvest Plus. On there you will find Harvest Plus. On there you will find Harvest Plus. On there you will find Harvest Films, classic and recent Harvest Films, classic and recent Harvest Films, classic and recent crusade events, the Harvest Plus, Greg crusade events, the Harvest Plus, Greg crusade events, the Harvest Plus, Greg Glory TV program, new episodes of The Glory TV program, new episodes of The Glory TV program, new episodes of The Adventures of Ben, Bourne and Yellow Adventures of Ben, Bourne and Yellow Adventures of Ben, Bourne and Yellow Dog, and so much more. We also want to

Dog, and so much more. We also want to Dog, and so much more. We also want to invite you to join our online invite you to join our online invite you to join our online disciplehip community. This is a space disciplehip community. This is a space disciplehip community. This is a space where you can further your understanding where you can further your understanding where you can further your understanding of Christ through groupled Bible study of Christ through groupled Bible study of Christ through groupled Bible study and exclusive learning resources, and exclusive learning resources, and exclusive learning resources, participate in chats with fellow participate in chats with fellow participate in chats with fellow believers across the world, and connect believers across the world, and connect believers across the world, and connect with the ministry and people on a deeper with the ministry and people on a deeper with the ministry and people on a deeper level throughout the week. At this time, level throughout the week. At this time, level throughout the week. At this time, I invite you to worship with your online I invite you to worship with your online I invite you to worship with your online church family. God bless you guys. We'll church family. God bless you guys. We'll church family. God bless you guys. We'll see you in just a few Well, good afternoon. Welcome to church.

Well, good afternoon. Welcome to church. How's everybody doing today? How's everybody doing today? How's everybody doing today? All right. Well, you could stand with All right. Well, you could stand with All right. Well, you could stand with us. We're going to worship the Lord us. We're going to worship the Lord us. We're going to worship the Lord together. Today is acoustic Sunday. And together. Today is acoustic Sunday. And together. Today is acoustic Sunday. And so, we don't do that just to be so, we don't do that just to be so, we don't do that just to be different, although it is nice to do different, although it is nice to do different, although it is nice to do something a little different. But we do something a little different. But we do something a little different. But we do acoustic Sunday because we want to hear acoustic Sunday because we want to hear acoustic Sunday because we want to hear you guys sing. And so, you know, you you guys sing. And so, you know, you you guys sing. And so, you know, you guys have these great voices. We hear guys have these great voices. We hear guys have these great voices. We hear you every week, but you also have these you every week, but you also have these you every week, but you also have these great percussion instruments. So, sing great percussion instruments. So, sing great percussion instruments. So, sing with us today. Clap with us. We're going with us today. Clap with us. We're going with us today. Clap with us. We're going to worship the Lord together. We're to worship the Lord together. We're to worship the Lord together. We're going to do some old songs and some going to do some old songs and some going to do some old songs and some newer ones. And and so, let's have a newer ones. And and so, let's have a newer ones. And and so, let's have a great time. You guys ready? Come Come now is the time to worship. Come Come now is the time to give your heart.

now is the time to give your heart. now is the time to give your heart. Come Come Come just as you are to worship. Come Come just as you are before just as you are before just as you are before your God. your God. your God. Come see. One day, Come see. One day, Come see. One day, one day every tongue will confess you one day every tongue will confess you one day every tongue will confess you are God. are God. are God. One day every knee will bow. One day every knee will bow. One day every knee will bow. Still the greatest treasure remains for Still the greatest treasure remains for Still the greatest treasure remains for those who gladly choose you. Now those who gladly choose you. Now those who gladly choose you. Now come. come. come. Now is the time to worship. Come. Come. Now is the time to give your heart. Now is the time to give your heart. Now is the time to give your heart. You can come You can come You can come just as you are to worship.

Come Come just as you are before just as you are before just as you are before your God. your God. your God. Come. Come. Come. Sing it out. One day. Sing it out. One day. Sing it out. One day. One day every tongue will confess you One day every tongue will confess you One day every tongue will confess you are God. are God. are God. One day every knee will bow. One day every knee will bow. One day every knee will bow. Still the greatest treasure remains for Still the greatest treasure remains for Still the greatest treasure remains for those who gladly choose you. Now those who gladly choose you. Now those who gladly choose you. Now one day every tongue will confess you one day every tongue will confess you one day every tongue will confess you are God. One day every knee will bow. are God. One day every knee will bow. are God. One day every knee will bow. Still the greatest treasure remains for Still the greatest treasure remains for Still the greatest treasure remains for those who gladly choose you. Now come come now is the time to worship. Come Come now is the time to give your heart.

now is the time to give your heart. now is the time to give your heart. Come, Can we sing that chorus? Just our voices Can we sing that chorus? Just our voices together. You guys know it. One day together. You guys know it. One day together. You guys know it. One day every tongue will confess you are God. every tongue will confess you are God. every tongue will confess you are God. >> One day. >> One day. >> One day. That's it. We'll gladly choose you now. We'll gladly choose you now. Oh, one day every tongue will confess. Come.

Come. Now is the time. Oh, come. Oh, come. Now is the time. Won't you come? Won't you come? You guys sound good today. Everyone needs compassion. Everyone needs compassion. A love that's never failing. Let mercy Let mercy fall on me. fall on me. fall on me. Everyone needs forgiveness, Everyone needs forgiveness, Everyone needs forgiveness, kindness of a savior, kindness of a savior, kindness of a savior, the hope of nations.

Savior, Savior, he can move the mountains. he can move the mountains. he can move the mountains. My God is mighty to save. He is mighty My God is mighty to save. He is mighty My God is mighty to save. He is mighty to save to save to save forever. forever. forever. Author of salvation. Author of salvation. Author of salvation. He rules and conquered the grave. Jesus He rules and conquered the grave. Jesus He rules and conquered the grave. Jesus conquered the grave. So take me as you find me all my fears So take me as you find me all my fears and failures. and failures. and failures. Lord fill my life again. Lord fill my life again. Lord fill my life again. I give my life to follow I give my life to follow I give my life to follow everything I believe in. everything I believe in. everything I believe in. And now I surrender.

He can move mountain. He can move mountain. My God is mighty to save. He is mighty My God is mighty to save. He is mighty My God is mighty to save. He is mighty to save to save to save forever. forever. forever. Author of salvation. Author of salvation. Author of salvation. He rose and conquer the grave. Jesus He rose and conquer the grave. Jesus He rose and conquer the grave. Jesus conquered the grave. shell shell and the whole world seeking for the glory of a risen king. for the glory of a risen king. Jesus shine your light in. Let the whole Jesus shine your light in. Let the whole Jesus shine your light in. Let the whole world see. world see. world see. We're singing for the glory of our risen We're singing for the glory of our risen We're singing for the glory of our risen king. Come on, we sing. Shine, shine king. Come on, we sing. Shine, shine king. Come on, we sing. Shine, shine your light. Let the whole world see.

your light. Let the whole world see. your light. Let the whole world see. We're singing for the glory of the risen We're singing for the glory of the risen We're singing for the glory of the risen king. king. king. Jesus Jesus Jesus lion. Let the whole see. lion. Let the whole see. lion. Let the whole see. We're singing for the glory of our risen We're singing for the glory of our risen We're singing for the glory of our risen king. He can move the mountains. Come on, you He can move the mountains. Come on, you sing. God >> forever. >> forever. The author of salvation. The author of salvation. The author of salvation. He rose and conquered the grave. He rose and conquered the grave. He rose and conquered the grave. Jesus conquered the grave. He rose and Jesus conquered the grave. He rose and Jesus conquered the grave. He rose and conquered the grave. conquered the grave. conquered the grave. Jesus conquered the grave.

And death could not hold. And death could not hold. The veils are before The veils are before The veils are before you silence the bones of sin and grave. you silence the bones of sin and grave. you silence the bones of sin and grave. The heavens are roaring The heavens are roaring The heavens are roaring the praise of your glory. the praise of your glory. the praise of your glory. For you are raised to life again. For you are raised to life again. For you are raised to life again. And you have no rival. And you have no rival. And you have no rival. And you have no equal And you have no equal And you have no equal now and forever. now and forever. now and forever. God, you reign. God, you reign. God, you reign. And yours is the kingom. And yours is the kingom. And yours is the kingom. And yours is the glory. And yours is the glory. And yours is the glory. And yours is the name above all names. And yours is the name above all names. And yours is the name above all names. What a powerful name it is. What a powerful name it is. What a powerful name it is. What a powerful name it is. What a powerful name it is. What a powerful name it is. The name of Jesus The name of Jesus The name of Jesus Christ might.

Christ might. Christ might. What a powerful name it is. What a powerful name it is. What a powerful name it is. Nothing. What a powerful name it is. The name of What a powerful name it is. The name of Jes. Jes. Jes. You have no right. You have no right. You have no right. You have no You have no You have no heat now and forever heat now and forever heat now and forever you is the kingom. is the kingom. Yours is the glory Yours is the glory Yours is the glory and yours is the name of all. and yours is the name of all. and yours is the name of all. What a powerful name it is. What a powerful name it is. What a powerful name it is. What a powerful name it is. What a powerful name it is. What a powerful name it is. The name of Jesus The name of Jesus The name of Jesus Christ. What a powerful name What a powerful name that nothing can stand against.

that nothing can stand against. that nothing can stand against. What a powerful name it is. The name of What a powerful name it is. The name of What a powerful name it is. The name of Jesus. Jesus. Jesus. What a powerful name it is. The name of What a powerful name it is. The name of What a powerful name it is. The name of Jesus. Jesus. Jesus. What a powerful name. What a powerful name. What a powerful name. The name of Jesus. What a great summer we had here at

What a great summer we had here at Harvest. Hey everybody, good to see you Harvest. Hey everybody, good to see you Harvest. Hey everybody, good to see you all. I'm Pastor Jonathan Lori. Welcome all. I'm Pastor Jonathan Lori. Welcome all. I'm Pastor Jonathan Lori. Welcome to our third service here at Harvest. to our third service here at Harvest. to our third service here at Harvest. Welcome to Harvest Riverside as well. Welcome to Harvest Riverside as well. Welcome to Harvest Riverside as well. Harvest on the island of Maui. And Harvest on the island of Maui. And Harvest on the island of Maui. And people watching online, can we welcome people watching online, can we welcome people watching online, can we welcome everybody joining us right now for our everybody joining us right now for our everybody joining us right now for our service? Well, as you guys just saw in that Well, as you guys just saw in that video, we had a pretty action-packed video, we had a pretty action-packed video, we had a pretty action-packed summer. A lot of great stuff happening summer. A lot of great stuff happening summer. A lot of great stuff happening for the kids from vacation bible school for the kids from vacation bible school for the kids from vacation bible school to bridge camp to uh our youth camp up to bridge camp to uh our youth camp up to bridge camp to uh our youth camp up at Lake Hume. And I was just so stoked at Lake Hume. And I was just so stoked at Lake Hume. And I was just so stoked about those numbers. Can I just share about those numbers. Can I just share about those numbers. Can I just share again VBS? We had,219 again VBS? We had,219 again VBS? We had,219 kids coming onto our campus to come and kids coming onto our campus to come and kids coming onto our campus to come and learn about Jesus for a 5-day program. learn about Jesus for a 5-day program. learn about Jesus for a 5-day program. 238 professions of faith, which is just 238 professions of faith, which is just 238 professions of faith, which is just so cool to think of all those little so cool to think of all those little so cool to think of all those little kids, children kids, children kids, children putting their faith in Jesus, inviting putting their faith in Jesus, inviting putting their faith in Jesus, inviting him into their hearts. Then we saw at him into their hearts. Then we saw at him into their hearts. Then we saw at Bridge Camp 100 kids go up to that. Bridge Camp 100 kids go up to that. Bridge Camp 100 kids go up to that. That's fifth and sixth grade. And then That's fifth and sixth grade. And then That's fifth and sixth grade. And then we had nine of those kids make a we had nine of those kids make a we had nine of those kids make a profession of faith. And so that was profession of faith. And so that was profession of faith. And so that was incredible. And we also had our students incredible. And we also had our students incredible. And we also had our students go up to Lake Hume Junior High and High go up to Lake Hume Junior High and High go up to Lake Hume Junior High and High School. And we had 337 go up for an School. And we had 337 go up for an School. And we had 337 go up for an entire week. That was a long time, entire week. That was a long time, entire week. That was a long time, wasn't it, parents? felt like a long wasn't it, parents? felt like a long wasn't it, parents? felt like a long time. 337 go up and 52 make a profession time. 337 go up and 52 make a profession time. 337 go up and 52 make a profession of faith, making the grand total 299 of faith, making the grand total 299 of faith, making the grand total 299 professions of faith in our NextGen professions of faith in our NextGen professions of faith in our NextGen ministry just this last summer. And we ministry just this last summer. And we ministry just this last summer. And we are so thankful for that. We're thankful are so thankful for that. We're thankful are so thankful for that. We're thankful for what God has done. And um you know, for what God has done. And um you know, for what God has done. And um you know, the summer is officially uh over. I

the summer is officially uh over. I the summer is officially uh over. I think it's officially over. Well, this think it's officially over. Well, this think it's officially over. Well, this coming Labor Day, it'll be officially coming Labor Day, it'll be officially coming Labor Day, it'll be officially over. And all of us say, "Thank you, over. And all of us say, "Thank you, over. And all of us say, "Thank you, God. I'm ready to get back to my normal God. I'm ready to get back to my normal God. I'm ready to get back to my normal routine. Get my kids back into school. routine. Get my kids back into school. routine. Get my kids back into school. Uh, which is great. But, you know, the Uh, which is great. But, you know, the Uh, which is great. But, you know, the summer's not over because we actually summer's not over because we actually summer's not over because we actually are doing one big thing that we're are doing one big thing that we're are doing one big thing that we're really excited about. That's going to be really excited about. That's going to be really excited about. That's going to be the relaunch of our young adult the relaunch of our young adult the relaunch of our young adult ministry. A lot of you have been asking ministry. A lot of you have been asking ministry. A lot of you have been asking about it and praying about it and are about it and praying about it and are about it and praying about it and are hungry for it. We're excited to announce hungry for it. We're excited to announce hungry for it. We're excited to announce September 10th and September 11th, we September 10th and September 11th, we September 10th and September 11th, we are going to be having our young adult are going to be having our young adult are going to be having our young adult service. 10th in Riverside, 11th here at service. 10th in Riverside, 11th here at service. 10th in Riverside, 11th here at Harvest Orange County. It is going to be Harvest Orange County. It is going to be Harvest Orange County. It is going to be incredible. Make sure you're signed up incredible. Make sure you're signed up incredible. Make sure you're signed up to get more information on that. You can to get more information on that. You can to get more information on that. You can follow young adults on social media and follow young adults on social media and follow young adults on social media and and go to harvest.urch/events to get and go to harvest.urch/events to get and go to harvest.urch/events to get more information. But really, you know, more information. But really, you know, more information. But really, you know, here at Harvest, we're all about the here at Harvest, we're all about the here at Harvest, we're all about the next generation. We want to know God and next generation. We want to know God and next generation. We want to know God and make him known in every generation to make him known in every generation to make him known in every generation to every age, young, old, married, single, every age, young, old, married, single, every age, young, old, married, single, widowed, whatever you might be going widowed, whatever you might be going widowed, whatever you might be going through. We believe the gospel has the through. We believe the gospel has the through. We believe the gospel has the answer for what you are going through. answer for what you are going through. answer for what you are going through. Jesus is the answer to all of life's Jesus is the answer to all of life's Jesus is the answer to all of life's ailments. And as we think about these ailments. And as we think about these ailments. And as we think about these students and what they're facing in high students and what they're facing in high students and what they're facing in high school and junior high and with online, school and junior high and with online, school and junior high and with online, the things they have access to, it is the things they have access to, it is the things they have access to, it is unprecedented. The dangers that they are unprecedented. The dangers that they are unprecedented. The dangers that they are facing, the peer pressure that they have facing, the peer pressure that they have facing, the peer pressure that they have to go through when they go to school, to go through when they go to school, to go through when they go to school, the things that they have to decide at the things that they have to decide at the things that they have to decide at such a young age. It is it is crazy.

such a young age. It is it is crazy. such a young age. It is it is crazy. I've got three kids 21, 15, and 14. And I've got three kids 21, 15, and 14. And I've got three kids 21, 15, and 14. And the things they come home and talk to me the things they come home and talk to me the things they come home and talk to me about, man, these are heavy things, about, man, these are heavy things, about, man, these are heavy things, heavy topics. And that is why we need to heavy topics. And that is why we need to heavy topics. And that is why we need to equip them with the gospel to know what equip them with the gospel to know what equip them with the gospel to know what their identity is. It's not in what they their identity is. It's not in what they their identity is. It's not in what they have. It's not in their possessions. have. It's not in their possessions. have. It's not in their possessions. It's not even in their appearance. It's It's not even in their appearance. It's It's not even in their appearance. It's in who has them. It's in who has them. in who has them. It's in who has them. in who has them. It's in who has them. And that is in Jesus Christ. And so And that is in Jesus Christ. And so And that is in Jesus Christ. And so that's really what we're all about. that's really what we're all about. that's really what we're all about. That's what we're all so stoked and That's what we're all so stoked and That's what we're all so stoked and thankful for what happened this summer. thankful for what happened this summer. thankful for what happened this summer. The Apostle John said in 3R John verse The Apostle John said in 3R John verse The Apostle John said in 3R John verse 4, I have no greater joy than to see 4, I have no greater joy than to see 4, I have no greater joy than to see that my children walk in truth. And that that my children walk in truth. And that that my children walk in truth. And that is true as parents. And that is true is true as parents. And that is true is true as parents. And that is true here at Harvest. And so we are investing here at Harvest. And so we are investing here at Harvest. And so we are investing in the next generation from young adults in the next generation from young adults in the next generation from young adults all the way down to our babies. I think all the way down to our babies. I think all the way down to our babies. I think you could say from cradle to career. Uh you could say from cradle to career. Uh you could say from cradle to career. Uh we are making an investment. And uh we we are making an investment. And uh we we are making an investment. And uh we want to tell you we couldn't do that want to tell you we couldn't do that want to tell you we couldn't do that without you, without your prayers. We without you, without your prayers. We without you, without your prayers. We couldn't do that without you, your couldn't do that without you, your couldn't do that without you, your volunteering, and your support. We had volunteering, and your support. We had volunteering, and your support. We had so many people volunteer their time, so many people volunteer their time, so many people volunteer their time, take vacation time, and go to these take vacation time, and go to these take vacation time, and go to these different events, camp, VBS, and different events, camp, VBS, and different events, camp, VBS, and everything else. And we couldn't do it everything else. And we couldn't do it everything else. And we couldn't do it without your financial support either without your financial support either without your financial support either because all of these things cost money.

because all of these things cost money. because all of these things cost money. All these things cost money. We raised All these things cost money. We raised All these things cost money. We raised money. We we did uh, you know, money. We we did uh, you know, money. We we did uh, you know, fundraisers and we did scholarships for fundraisers and we did scholarships for fundraisers and we did scholarships for some of these kids. You had to pay for some of these kids. You had to pay for some of these kids. You had to pay for some of it when you sent your kid up to some of it when you sent your kid up to some of it when you sent your kid up to camp. But ultimately to to cover the camp. But ultimately to to cover the camp. But ultimately to to cover the cost of what it takes to pay our staff cost of what it takes to pay our staff cost of what it takes to pay our staff to be able to be up there and to make to be able to be up there and to make to be able to be up there and to make everything happen, it's not cheap. But everything happen, it's not cheap. But everything happen, it's not cheap. But listen, this is fruit to your account. listen, this is fruit to your account. listen, this is fruit to your account. When we think of those 299 kids praying, When we think of those 299 kids praying, When we think of those 299 kids praying, asking Jesus Christ to come into their asking Jesus Christ to come into their asking Jesus Christ to come into their life, that's what it's all about. Amen, life, that's what it's all about. Amen, life, that's what it's all about. Amen, church. church. church. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. So, thank you for your support and we So, thank you for your support and we So, thank you for your support and we ask for your continued support as we now ask for your continued support as we now ask for your continued support as we now look to the future and pray for God's look to the future and pray for God's look to the future and pray for God's hand of blessing. And you can do that hand of blessing. And you can do that hand of blessing. And you can do that today by uh giving your tithe and today by uh giving your tithe and today by uh giving your tithe and offering and sending it on ahead and offering and sending it on ahead and offering and sending it on ahead and ultimately to the Lord as he blesses it ultimately to the Lord as he blesses it ultimately to the Lord as he blesses it and uses it for his purpose here at and uses it for his purpose here at and uses it for his purpose here at Harvest. We're thankful to be a tool in Harvest. We're thankful to be a tool in Harvest. We're thankful to be a tool in God's hands. And so one way you can do God's hands. And so one way you can do God's hands. And so one way you can do that, there's uh info up on the screen, that, there's uh info up on the screen, that, there's uh info up on the screen, a website you can go to, which is a website you can go to, which is a website you can go to, which is harvest.urch/events harvest.urch/events harvest.urch/events or our ushers are going to come forward or our ushers are going to come forward or our ushers are going to come forward in a moment and pass the offering in a moment and pass the offering in a moment and pass the offering baskets through the aisles and you can baskets through the aisles and you can baskets through the aisles and you can drop your physical tithe or offering in drop your physical tithe or offering in drop your physical tithe or offering in that as well. But now let's uh let's that as well. But now let's uh let's that as well. But now let's uh let's pray and commit the rest of the service pray and commit the rest of the service pray and commit the rest of the service to the Lord. Father, we give back to to the Lord. Father, we give back to to the Lord. Father, we give back to you. We thank you Lord for the work that you. We thank you Lord for the work that you. We thank you Lord for the work that you did in these students lives. Lord, you did in these students lives. Lord, you did in these students lives. Lord, what a privilege it is to be used by you what a privilege it is to be used by you what a privilege it is to be used by you for this church to be ministers of the for this church to be ministers of the for this church to be ministers of the gospel. God to know that literally these gospel. God to know that literally these gospel. God to know that literally these kids, they will think back in their life kids, they will think back in their life kids, they will think back in their life and when they're drawing that line, when and when they're drawing that line, when and when they're drawing that line, when was the moment I I became a Christian was the moment I I became a Christian was the moment I I became a Christian when I was saved? And for many of them,

when I was saved? And for many of them, when I was saved? And for many of them, they're going to look back to that this they're going to look back to that this they're going to look back to that this summer, that camp, that VBS. They're summer, that camp, that VBS. They're summer, that camp, that VBS. They're going to say, "I prayed a prayer, and going to say, "I prayed a prayer, and going to say, "I prayed a prayer, and from that moment on, my my life changed. from that moment on, my my life changed. from that moment on, my my life changed. I I really had real faith from that I I really had real faith from that I I really had real faith from that young age. Lord, thank you for that. young age. Lord, thank you for that. young age. Lord, thank you for that. Thank you, Lord, for using us. Thank you Thank you, Lord, for using us. Thank you Thank you, Lord, for using us. Thank you for using this church." And we ask now for using this church." And we ask now for using this church." And we ask now that you would bless this time of giving that you would bless this time of giving that you would bless this time of giving as we give back to you. And we bless as we give back to you. And we bless as we give back to you. And we bless you. In Jesus name we pray. Amen. He's been my fourth man in the fire time

He's been my fourth man in the fire time after time. And what he did for me on Calvary is And what he did for me on Calvary is more than it. more than it. more than it. Say I trust and I trust in God Say I trust and I trust in God Say I trust and I trust in God my savior my savior my savior the one the one the one who will never who will never who will never fail. He will never fail. He will never fail. I try. I try. I try. Oh I trust you. Oh I trust you. Oh I trust you. You're my savior. You're my savior. You're my savior. The one The one The one who will never who will never who will never fail. Cuz I know the author of tomorrow has Cuz I know the author of tomorrow has ordered my steps.

ordered my steps. ordered my steps. Oh, so this is my story I'm praising my ris king and savior all I'm praising my ris king and savior all the day long. So I trust in God, So I trust in God, my savior, my savior, my savior, the one the one the one who will never who will never who will never f In God, In God, you're my savior. you're my savior. you're my savior. The one The one The one who will never who will never who will never fail. fail. fail. Never fail. He will never fail.

And I sought the Lord and he heard and And I sought the Lord and he heard and he answered. I sought the Lord and he he answered. I sought the Lord and he he answered. I sought the Lord and he heard one. heard one. heard one. And I sought the Lord and he heard and And I sought the Lord and he heard and And I sought the Lord and he heard and he lifted up. Oh, that's why I trust he lifted up. Oh, that's why I trust he lifted up. Oh, that's why I trust him. That's why I trust him. I sought him. That's why I trust him. I sought him. That's why I trust him. I sought the Lord and he heard and he answered. I the Lord and he heard and he answered. I the Lord and he heard and he answered. I sought the Lord and he heard and he sought the Lord and he heard and he sought the Lord and he heard and he answered. I sought the Lord and he heard answered. I sought the Lord and he heard answered. I sought the Lord and he heard and he answered. That's why I trust him. and he answered. That's why I trust him. and he answered. That's why I trust him. That's why I trust him. I sought the That's why I trust him. I sought the That's why I trust him. I sought the Lord and he heard and he answered. I Lord and he heard and he answered. I Lord and he heard and he answered. I sought the Lord and heard and he sought the Lord and heard and he sought the Lord and heard and he answered. I sought the Lord and heard. That's why I trust him. That's why I That's why I trust him. That's why I trust. I sought the Lord and heard and trust. I sought the Lord and heard and trust. I sought the Lord and heard and he sought the Lord and he heard and he sought the Lord and he heard and he answered. That's why I trust him. That's answered. That's why I trust him. That's answered. That's why I trust him. That's why I trust in God, why I trust in God, why I trust in God, my savior, my savior, my savior, the one the one the one who will never who will never who will never fail.

He will never fail. He will never fail. I trust. Oh, I trust in God. I trust. Oh, I trust in God. I trust. Oh, I trust in God. My savior, My savior, My savior, the one the one the one who never Haven't you found that to be true as Haven't you found that to be true as well? He'll never fail you. That's true. well? He'll never fail you. That's true. well? He'll never fail you. That's true. Let's pray together. And Lord, as we Let's pray together. And Lord, as we Let's pray together. And Lord, as we have just sung and really it was a have just sung and really it was a have just sung and really it was a prayer that you will never fail us. And prayer that you will never fail us. And prayer that you will never fail us. And for that we are so thankful. You are for that we are so thankful. You are for that we are so thankful. You are faithful and sometimes far too often faithful and sometimes far too often faithful and sometimes far too often we're faithless. But thank you for your we're faithless. But thank you for your we're faithless. But thank you for your love for us and for the work you do in love for us and for the work you do in love for us and for the work you do in our lives each and every day. And now we our lives each and every day. And now we our lives each and every day. And now we pray that you will speak to us as we pray that you will speak to us as we pray that you will speak to us as we open your word and learn more about the open your word and learn more about the open your word and learn more about the death of Jesus and the sacrifice he made death of Jesus and the sacrifice he made death of Jesus and the sacrifice he made for each of us. In fact, this is the for each of us. In fact, this is the for each of us. In fact, this is the reason we can even talk to you right now reason we can even talk to you right now reason we can even talk to you right now because of the death and resurrection of because of the death and resurrection of because of the death and resurrection of Christ, because of the blood he shed for Christ, because of the blood he shed for Christ, because of the blood he shed for us on the cross of Calvary. So Lord, us on the cross of Calvary. So Lord, us on the cross of Calvary. So Lord, we're thankful because it's given us we're thankful because it's given us we're thankful because it's given us access to you. Bless this time of Bible access to you. Bless this time of Bible access to you. Bless this time of Bible study. We pray in Jesus' name we ask study. We pray in Jesus' name we ask study. We pray in Jesus' name we ask this. Amen. You can all be seated. Well,

this. Amen. You can all be seated. Well, this. Amen. You can all be seated. Well, good afternoon. Welcome to church on good afternoon. Welcome to church on good afternoon. Welcome to church on this very hot this very hot this very hot hot Sunday. One of the hottest I can hot Sunday. One of the hottest I can hot Sunday. One of the hottest I can remember. Wanted to mention before we remember. Wanted to mention before we remember. Wanted to mention before we dive in and you might turn in your Bible dive in and you might turn in your Bible dive in and you might turn in your Bible to Luke 23. We're going to end up there to Luke 23. We're going to end up there to Luke 23. We're going to end up there in a few moments. But next Sunday, Labor in a few moments. But next Sunday, Labor in a few moments. But next Sunday, Labor Day weekend, we have a very special Day weekend, we have a very special Day weekend, we have a very special guest speaker. Levi Lusco will be with guest speaker. Levi Lusco will be with guest speaker. Levi Lusco will be with us. remember Levi. us. remember Levi. us. remember Levi. And it's been a while since Levi has And it's been a while since Levi has And it's been a while since Levi has been here. So, we're looking forward to been here. So, we're looking forward to been here. So, we're looking forward to hearing the message that the Lord will hearing the message that the Lord will hearing the message that the Lord will give to him. But the title of this give to him. But the title of this give to him. But the title of this message, and by the way, this is part of message, and by the way, this is part of message, and by the way, this is part of our Luke series that we're calling the our Luke series that we're calling the our Luke series that we're calling the Gospel for everyone. And we're coming Gospel for everyone. And we're coming Gospel for everyone. And we're coming toward the end of it. But today's toward the end of it. But today's toward the end of it. But today's message is titled, "It wasn't the nails message is titled, "It wasn't the nails message is titled, "It wasn't the nails that held him." I heard a story about a that held him." I heard a story about a that held him." I heard a story about a woman that walked into a jewelry store woman that walked into a jewelry store woman that walked into a jewelry store looking for a cross to purchase. So, she looking for a cross to purchase. So, she looking for a cross to purchase. So, she looked at all the cases at all the looked at all the cases at all the looked at all the cases at all the crosses she could buy, crucifixes, plain crosses she could buy, crucifixes, plain crosses she could buy, crucifixes, plain crosses. And after searching carefully, crosses. And after searching carefully, crosses. And after searching carefully, she went to the man behind the counter she went to the man behind the counter she went to the man behind the counter and asked, "Do you have any crosses and asked, "Do you have any crosses and asked, "Do you have any crosses without the little man on them?"

without the little man on them?" without the little man on them?" See, she didn't know what the cross was See, she didn't know what the cross was See, she didn't know what the cross was all about. And that's what people want, all about. And that's what people want, all about. And that's what people want, a cross without Jesus. The story is told a cross without Jesus. The story is told a cross without Jesus. The story is told of Elvis Presley who would wear a cross, of Elvis Presley who would wear a cross, of Elvis Presley who would wear a cross, a star of David, and other religious a star of David, and other religious a star of David, and other religious symbols around his neck. And someone symbols around his neck. And someone symbols around his neck. And someone asked Elvis, "Elvis, why do you wear all asked Elvis, "Elvis, why do you wear all asked Elvis, "Elvis, why do you wear all of those religious medals?" And he said, of those religious medals?" And he said, of those religious medals?" And he said, "I don't want to miss getting out of "I don't want to miss getting out of "I don't want to miss getting out of heaven on a technicality." heaven on a technicality." heaven on a technicality." Or the way he probably said it was, "I Or the way he probably said it was, "I Or the way he probably said it was, "I don't want to miss getting into heaven don't want to miss getting into heaven don't want to miss getting into heaven on technicality." on technicality." on technicality." Thank you very much. Uhhuh. You know, Thank you very much. Uhhuh. You know, Thank you very much. Uhhuh. You know, it's kind of a funny statement, but it's kind of a funny statement, but it's kind of a funny statement, but there's some truth in it. And we have there's some truth in it. And we have there's some truth in it. And we have taken the cross and completely missed taken the cross and completely missed taken the cross and completely missed what it's all about. We've sanitized the what it's all about. We've sanitized the what it's all about. We've sanitized the cross. It's an item of jewelry. It's a cross. It's an item of jewelry. It's a cross. It's an item of jewelry. It's a tattoo to put on our arm, some other tattoo to put on our arm, some other tattoo to put on our arm, some other fashion accessory. But the real cross, fashion accessory. But the real cross, fashion accessory. But the real cross, the cross of 2,000 years ago, was the cross of 2,000 years ago, was the cross of 2,000 years ago, was clearly not a fashion statement. In clearly not a fashion statement. In clearly not a fashion statement. In fact, it was something that was fact, it was something that was fact, it was something that was considered scandalous, one of the most considered scandalous, one of the most considered scandalous, one of the most horrifying symbols imaginable because horrifying symbols imaginable because horrifying symbols imaginable because basically it represented the worst way basically it represented the worst way basically it represented the worst way that a man could die. And if you were that a man could die. And if you were that a man could die. And if you were walking down a Roman street and you saw walking down a Roman street and you saw walking down a Roman street and you saw a cross and a man hanging on that cross, a cross and a man hanging on that cross, a cross and a man hanging on that cross, you would turn your face away. It would you would turn your face away. It would you would turn your face away. It would be too awful to look at. And it was a be too awful to look at. And it was a be too awful to look at. And it was a common occurrence uh under Roman rule.

common occurrence uh under Roman rule. common occurrence uh under Roman rule. crucified men lining the streets. Yet crucified men lining the streets. Yet crucified men lining the streets. Yet that cross and the one who hung on it, that cross and the one who hung on it, that cross and the one who hung on it, Jesus, that was the most important event Jesus, that was the most important event Jesus, that was the most important event of all human history next only to his of all human history next only to his of all human history next only to his birth at Bethlehem, his death on the birth at Bethlehem, his death on the birth at Bethlehem, his death on the cross and of course his resurrection. So cross and of course his resurrection. So cross and of course his resurrection. So why is the cross so important? Number why is the cross so important? Number why is the cross so important? Number one, at the cross, God and man were one, at the cross, God and man were one, at the cross, God and man were reconciled. At the cross, man and God reconciled. At the cross, man and God reconciled. At the cross, man and God were reconciled. God's righteous demands were reconciled. God's righteous demands were reconciled. God's righteous demands were satisfied. That which was lost by were satisfied. That which was lost by were satisfied. That which was lost by our first parents, Adam and Eve, in the our first parents, Adam and Eve, in the our first parents, Adam and Eve, in the Garden of Eden was regained again. A Garden of Eden was regained again. A Garden of Eden was regained again. A crushing, decisive blow was dealt to crushing, decisive blow was dealt to crushing, decisive blow was dealt to Satan and his followers at the cross. Satan and his followers at the cross. Satan and his followers at the cross. Also, our salvation was purchased in Also, our salvation was purchased in Also, our salvation was purchased in full at the cross. So, we can't really full at the cross. So, we can't really full at the cross. So, we can't really ever talk about it too much or sing ever talk about it too much or sing ever talk about it too much or sing about it too often. This is why in what about it too often. This is why in what about it too often. This is why in what we call the Lord's supper, communion, we call the Lord's supper, communion, we call the Lord's supper, communion, which we're going to observe at the end which we're going to observe at the end which we're going to observe at the end of this message is given. What did Jesus of this message is given. What did Jesus of this message is given. What did Jesus say? This do in remembrance of me. And say? This do in remembrance of me. And say? This do in remembrance of me. And what was he asking us to do? He was what was he asking us to do? He was what was he asking us to do? He was asking us to take bread and a cup and to asking us to take bread and a cup and to asking us to take bread and a cup and to remember his body and his blood. And remember his body and his blood. And remember his body and his blood. And that phrase in remembrance could be that phrase in remembrance could be that phrase in remembrance could be translated to keep on remembering me. In translated to keep on remembering me. In translated to keep on remembering me. In other words, Jesus is saying, I want you other words, Jesus is saying, I want you other words, Jesus is saying, I want you to reflect on this a lot. I want you to to reflect on this a lot. I want you to to reflect on this a lot. I want you to think about this a lot. I want you to think about this a lot. I want you to think about this a lot. I want you to talk about this a lot. I want you to

talk about this a lot. I want you to talk about this a lot. I want you to keep on remembering. And so, we're going keep on remembering. And so, we're going keep on remembering. And so, we're going to look now at a passage of scripture to look now at a passage of scripture to look now at a passage of scripture that deals with what happened on the day that deals with what happened on the day that deals with what happened on the day that Jesus died. What happened when he that Jesus died. What happened when he that Jesus died. What happened when he gave his life for us at the cross? gave his life for us at the cross? gave his life for us at the cross? Because the cross was not an accident. Because the cross was not an accident. Because the cross was not an accident. It was a plan. God's plan. This was It was a plan. God's plan. This was It was a plan. God's plan. This was always a plan from the very beginning. always a plan from the very beginning. always a plan from the very beginning. Acts 2:23, Simon Peter on the day of Acts 2:23, Simon Peter on the day of Acts 2:23, Simon Peter on the day of Pentecost, speaking of the crucifixion Pentecost, speaking of the crucifixion Pentecost, speaking of the crucifixion said, "God knew this would happen and it said, "God knew this would happen and it said, "God knew this would happen and it was part of his pre-arranged plan that was part of his pre-arranged plan that was part of his pre-arranged plan that was carried out when Jesus was betrayed. was carried out when Jesus was betrayed. was carried out when Jesus was betrayed. You nailed him to the cross and you You nailed him to the cross and you You nailed him to the cross and you killed him." And I wonder if some of the killed him." And I wonder if some of the killed him." And I wonder if some of the people who actually played a role in the people who actually played a role in the people who actually played a role in the crucifixion of Christ were present when crucifixion of Christ were present when crucifixion of Christ were present when he said that. And I wonder if Peter he said that. And I wonder if Peter he said that. And I wonder if Peter personalized it. You nailed him to the personalized it. You nailed him to the personalized it. You nailed him to the cross. You were there. He would remember cross. You were there. He would remember cross. You were there. He would remember them. Wow, that would have been them. Wow, that would have been them. Wow, that would have been convicting if you're one of the people convicting if you're one of the people convicting if you're one of the people that played a role in the actual death that played a role in the actual death that played a role in the actual death of Jesus. But sometimes people see the of Jesus. But sometimes people see the of Jesus. But sometimes people see the crucifixion as an interruption. You crucifixion as an interruption. You crucifixion as an interruption. You know, they think Jesus was coming to uh know, they think Jesus was coming to uh know, they think Jesus was coming to uh establish his kingdom and overthrow the establish his kingdom and overthrow the establish his kingdom and overthrow the rule of Rome and and everything was rule of Rome and and everything was rule of Rome and and everything was going to be wonderful. But no, he was going to be wonderful. But no, he was going to be wonderful. But no, he was coming with the express purpose of dying coming with the express purpose of dying coming with the express purpose of dying on the cross. All of those Old Testament on the cross. All of those Old Testament on the cross. All of those Old Testament sacrifices. All of those Old Testament sacrifices. All of those Old Testament sacrifices. All of those Old Testament types were all pointing to Jesus who types were all pointing to Jesus who types were all pointing to Jesus who would be the lamb of God who would take

would be the lamb of God who would take would be the lamb of God who would take away the sin of the world. And add to away the sin of the world. And add to away the sin of the world. And add to that the fact that Christ himself spoke that the fact that Christ himself spoke that the fact that Christ himself spoke of it often clearly. He would say, "I'm of it often clearly. He would say, "I'm of it often clearly. He would say, "I'm going to be crucified going to be crucified going to be crucified and then I'm going to rise again from and then I'm going to rise again from and then I'm going to rise again from the dead three days later." and and that the dead three days later." and and that the dead three days later." and and that just went right over their heads. But he just went right over their heads. But he just went right over their heads. But he knew it was coming and he told them it knew it was coming and he told them it knew it was coming and he told them it was coming. That decision was made for was coming. That decision was made for was coming. That decision was made for each and every one of us. So now I want each and every one of us. So now I want each and every one of us. So now I want to come to what happened on the day that to come to what happened on the day that to come to what happened on the day that Jesus died. So sort of to set the stage Jesus died. So sort of to set the stage Jesus died. So sort of to set the stage here, Jonathan talked to us about this here, Jonathan talked to us about this here, Jonathan talked to us about this last time. So Jesus has been sent to last time. So Jesus has been sent to last time. So Jesus has been sent to Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor. Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor. Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor. He knows Jesus is innocent. His own wife He knows Jesus is innocent. His own wife He knows Jesus is innocent. His own wife said, "Have nothing to do with this man. said, "Have nothing to do with this man. said, "Have nothing to do with this man. I had a dream about him. Don't don't I had a dream about him. Don't don't I had a dream about him. Don't don't don't get involved." Well, Pet Pilate don't get involved." Well, Pet Pilate don't get involved." Well, Pet Pilate has to get involved. He's the governor. has to get involved. He's the governor. has to get involved. He's the governor. Here stands Jesus. They have an extended Here stands Jesus. They have an extended Here stands Jesus. They have an extended conversation. And and then it's conversation. And and then it's conversation. And and then it's mentioned that Jesus was ministering in mentioned that Jesus was ministering in mentioned that Jesus was ministering in Galilee. Oh, that's the jurisdiction of Galilee. Oh, that's the jurisdiction of Galilee. Oh, that's the jurisdiction of Herod. I can pass the buck. So, he sends Herod. I can pass the buck. So, he sends Herod. I can pass the buck. So, he sends Jesus over to Herod. And Jesus had Jesus over to Herod. And Jesus had Jesus over to Herod. And Jesus had nothing to say to Herod. Interesting.

nothing to say to Herod. Interesting. nothing to say to Herod. Interesting. Jesus had a lot to say to Pilate. He had Jesus had a lot to say to Pilate. He had Jesus had a lot to say to Pilate. He had nothing to say to Herod. Now he's nothing to say to Herod. Now he's nothing to say to Herod. Now he's brought back to Pilate. So Pilate has brought back to Pilate. So Pilate has brought back to Pilate. So Pilate has Christ scourged. The scourging was Christ scourged. The scourging was Christ scourged. The scourging was barbaric. The Romans used many tools of barbaric. The Romans used many tools of barbaric. The Romans used many tools of torture to elicit the worst kind of pain torture to elicit the worst kind of pain torture to elicit the worst kind of pain from the person they were whipping, from the person they were whipping, from the person they were whipping, including the Roman cat of Ninetales, including the Roman cat of Ninetales, including the Roman cat of Ninetales, which had extended strands of leather which had extended strands of leather which had extended strands of leather with bits of glass and metal in it. So with bits of glass and metal in it. So with bits of glass and metal in it. So when it came down on the back of the when it came down on the back of the when it came down on the back of the person being scourged, it would rip person being scourged, it would rip person being scourged, it would rip first into the skin, then into the first into the skin, then into the first into the skin, then into the skeletal tissue, even exposing vital skeletal tissue, even exposing vital skeletal tissue, even exposing vital organs. It was not uncommon for a man organs. It was not uncommon for a man organs. It was not uncommon for a man who had been scourged to die. And the who had been scourged to die. And the who had been scourged to die. And the reason Pilate did this was he hoped it reason Pilate did this was he hoped it reason Pilate did this was he hoped it would satisfy the bloodthirsty crowd. So would satisfy the bloodthirsty crowd. So would satisfy the bloodthirsty crowd. So he brings out the whipped Jesus, he brings out the whipped Jesus, he brings out the whipped Jesus, just horribly disfigured from this just horribly disfigured from this just horribly disfigured from this whipping, and he says, "Behold the man." whipping, and he says, "Behold the man." whipping, and he says, "Behold the man." In other words, okay, are you satisfied? In other words, okay, are you satisfied? In other words, okay, are you satisfied? Can we be done with this? They said, let Can we be done with this? They said, let Can we be done with this? They said, let him be crucified and let his blood be him be crucified and let his blood be him be crucified and let his blood be upon us and upon our children. And even upon us and upon our children. And even upon us and upon our children. And even when given a choice between Jesus the when given a choice between Jesus the when given a choice between Jesus the innocent and Barabus the guilty, they innocent and Barabus the guilty, they innocent and Barabus the guilty, they chose to release Barabus. So here's what chose to release Barabus. So here's what chose to release Barabus. So here's what happened next. Luke 23 26, they led happened next. Luke 23 26, they led happened next. Luke 23 26, they led Jesus away. A man named Simon who was Jesus away. A man named Simon who was Jesus away. A man named Simon who was from Ssirene happened to be coming in from Ssirene happened to be coming in from Ssirene happened to be coming in from the countryside. A soldier seized from the countryside. A soldier seized from the countryside. A soldier seized him and put the cross in him and made

him and put the cross in him and made him and put the cross in him and made him carry it behind Jesus. Drop down to him carry it behind Jesus. Drop down to him carry it behind Jesus. Drop down to verse 32. Two others, both criminals, verse 32. Two others, both criminals, verse 32. Two others, both criminals, were led out to be executed with him. were led out to be executed with him. were led out to be executed with him. And when they came to a place called the And when they came to a place called the And when they came to a place called the skull, they nailed him to the cross. And skull, they nailed him to the cross. And skull, they nailed him to the cross. And the criminals were also crucified, one the criminals were also crucified, one the criminals were also crucified, one on the right and the other left. So now on the right and the other left. So now on the right and the other left. So now here is Jesus uh badly beaten from the here is Jesus uh badly beaten from the here is Jesus uh badly beaten from the scourging carrying his own cross which scourging carrying his own cross which scourging carrying his own cross which was a very heavy thing. By the way I was a very heavy thing. By the way I was a very heavy thing. By the way I believe Jesus was very fit physically. believe Jesus was very fit physically. believe Jesus was very fit physically. He was a carpenter. He would chop down He was a carpenter. He would chop down He was a carpenter. He would chop down trees and frame houses and build trees and frame houses and build trees and frame houses and build furniture. So he wasn't that scrawny furniture. So he wasn't that scrawny furniture. So he wasn't that scrawny anemic Jesus you see in some religious anemic Jesus you see in some religious anemic Jesus you see in some religious art. I think you could safely say he was art. I think you could safely say he was art. I think you could safely say he was a man's man, a real man. So he had a man's man, a real man. So he had a man's man, a real man. So he had certain physical strength but yet even certain physical strength but yet even certain physical strength but yet even he is falling beneath the weight of this he is falling beneath the weight of this he is falling beneath the weight of this cross probably through the loss of blood cross probably through the loss of blood cross probably through the loss of blood through the scourging and some dude through the scourging and some dude through the scourging and some dude named Simon shows up and he was probably named Simon shows up and he was probably named Simon shows up and he was probably a big guy I would think cuz they they a big guy I would think cuz they they a big guy I would think cuz they they said he needs help. Grab that big guy said he needs help. Grab that big guy said he needs help. Grab that big guy over there. Hey you come here and pick over there. Hey you come here and pick over there. Hey you come here and pick up this cross and carry it for Jesus.

up this cross and carry it for Jesus. up this cross and carry it for Jesus. And Simon picks up that cross and now he And Simon picks up that cross and now he And Simon picks up that cross and now he is walking behind Jesus carrying it uh is walking behind Jesus carrying it uh is walking behind Jesus carrying it uh with him. And Jesus is surrounded by a with him. And Jesus is surrounded by a with him. And Jesus is surrounded by a garrison of Roman soldiers. Now a garrison of Roman soldiers. Now a garrison of Roman soldiers. Now a garrison is actually um a description of garrison is actually um a description of garrison is actually um a description of the elite Roman legionnaires. These are the elite Roman legionnaires. These are the elite Roman legionnaires. These are sort of the cream of the crop of the sort of the cream of the crop of the sort of the cream of the crop of the Roman military and uh our modern Roman military and uh our modern Roman military and uh our modern equivalent would be Navy Seals or Army equivalent would be Navy Seals or Army equivalent would be Navy Seals or Army Rangers or Delta Force. They're the best Rangers or Delta Force. They're the best Rangers or Delta Force. They're the best of the best. But they were heartless the of the best. But they were heartless the of the best. But they were heartless the way they treated him. And they even way they treated him. And they even way they treated him. And they even handed him a reed as a mock scepter and handed him a reed as a mock scepter and handed him a reed as a mock scepter and used it to beat him as if to say, "Hey, used it to beat him as if to say, "Hey, used it to beat him as if to say, "Hey, where's your royal army, Jesus, to get where's your royal army, Jesus, to get where's your royal army, Jesus, to get you out of this?" And you think about you out of this?" And you think about you out of this?" And you think about how easily Christ could have got out of how easily Christ could have got out of how easily Christ could have got out of this. In fact, when Peter was trying to this. In fact, when Peter was trying to this. In fact, when Peter was trying to defend him in the garden when they came defend him in the garden when they came defend him in the garden when they came to arrest him, Jesus said to him, "Don't to arrest him, Jesus said to him, "Don't to arrest him, Jesus said to him, "Don't you realize I could call on my father you realize I could call on my father you realize I could call on my father and he would at once put at my disposal and he would at once put at my disposal and he would at once put at my disposal 12 legions of angels?" Okay, so he's 12 legions of angels?" Okay, so he's 12 legions of angels?" Okay, so he's human using Roman language, 12 legions.

human using Roman language, 12 legions. human using Roman language, 12 legions. A legion is 6,000 men. Basically, Jesus A legion is 6,000 men. Basically, Jesus A legion is 6,000 men. Basically, Jesus is saying to Peter, I can summon 70,000 is saying to Peter, I can summon 70,000 is saying to Peter, I can summon 70,000 angels right now, so I don't need a angels right now, so I don't need a angels right now, so I don't need a fisherman who doesn't know how to use a fisherman who doesn't know how to use a fisherman who doesn't know how to use a sword. Thanks. Anyway, sword. Thanks. Anyway, sword. Thanks. Anyway, he could have got out of this situation he could have got out of this situation he could have got out of this situation quite easily, but of course, he did not quite easily, but of course, he did not quite easily, but of course, he did not do it. The best illustration of how he do it. The best illustration of how he do it. The best illustration of how he could have got out of it is when they could have got out of it is when they could have got out of it is when they came to arrest him in the garden of came to arrest him in the garden of came to arrest him in the garden of Eden. He said, "Who are you seeking?" Eden. He said, "Who are you seeking?" Eden. He said, "Who are you seeking?" They said, "Jesus of Nazareth." And They said, "Jesus of Nazareth." And They said, "Jesus of Nazareth." And Jesus said, "I am he." Now, in most Jesus said, "I am he." Now, in most Jesus said, "I am he." Now, in most translations, it says he. But the word translations, it says he. But the word translations, it says he. But the word he is not the original language. So, he is not the original language. So, he is not the original language. So, what he actually said was, "I am." Who what he actually said was, "I am." Who what he actually said was, "I am." Who are you looking for? Jesus. I am. Not are you looking for? Jesus. I am. Not are you looking for? Jesus. I am. Not just I am he, but I am. Where have we just I am he, but I am. Where have we just I am he, but I am. Where have we heard that before? Remember when Moses heard that before? Remember when Moses heard that before? Remember when Moses stood before the burning bush and God stood before the burning bush and God stood before the burning bush and God spoke to him through it and Moses says spoke to him through it and Moses says spoke to him through it and Moses says who shall I say sent me to do all of who shall I say sent me to do all of who shall I say sent me to do all of this stuff and God says I am that I am. this stuff and God says I am that I am. this stuff and God says I am that I am. So the great I am was speaking Jesus So the great I am was speaking Jesus So the great I am was speaking Jesus could have said I am and you were by could have said I am and you were by could have said I am and you were by cuz the moment he said I am they all cuz the moment he said I am they all cuz the moment he said I am they all fell backwards. That's how much power fell backwards. That's how much power fell backwards. That's how much power verbally he had at that moment. But he verbally he had at that moment. But he verbally he had at that moment. But he laid that all aside because he had to go laid that all aside because he had to go laid that all aside because he had to go through this horrible act of through this horrible act of through this horrible act of crucifixion.

crucifixion. crucifixion. And um so Simon, thinking about him for And um so Simon, thinking about him for And um so Simon, thinking about him for a moment, what a what a blessing that a moment, what a what a blessing that a moment, what a what a blessing that was to carry the cross for Jesus? Uh you was to carry the cross for Jesus? Uh you was to carry the cross for Jesus? Uh you know, I've thought about this question know, I've thought about this question know, I've thought about this question before. If you could trade places with before. If you could trade places with before. If you could trade places with any person for one day, who would you any person for one day, who would you any person for one day, who would you choose? Have you ever thought about choose? Have you ever thought about choose? Have you ever thought about that? I could be this person or have that? I could be this person or have that? I could be this person or have their job or or live their life for one their job or or live their life for one their job or or live their life for one day. And I thought, well, you could pick day. And I thought, well, you could pick day. And I thought, well, you could pick Simon. It wouldn't be a happy day, but Simon. It wouldn't be a happy day, but Simon. It wouldn't be a happy day, but it would be a significant one to it would be a significant one to it would be a significant one to momentarily ease the suffering of the momentarily ease the suffering of the momentarily ease the suffering of the son of God as you carried his cross son of God as you carried his cross son of God as you carried his cross behind him. That would be the greatest behind him. That would be the greatest behind him. That would be the greatest of privileges. It appears that Simon of privileges. It appears that Simon of privileges. It appears that Simon became a believer as a result of this. became a believer as a result of this. became a believer as a result of this. How could he not become a believer? How could he not become a believer? How could he not become a believer? Because later Paul addresses the sons of Because later Paul addresses the sons of Because later Paul addresses the sons of Simon, Rufus and Alexander, and talks Simon, Rufus and Alexander, and talks Simon, Rufus and Alexander, and talks about their deep faith. So, we can about their deep faith. So, we can about their deep faith. So, we can safely assume that their dad became a safely assume that their dad became a safely assume that their dad became a believer. Well, what a killer testimony believer. Well, what a killer testimony believer. Well, what a killer testimony he would have. Today, we're going to he would have. Today, we're going to he would have. Today, we're going to hear from Simon, the man who carried the hear from Simon, the man who carried the hear from Simon, the man who carried the cross of Jesus. I'd want to hear that cross of Jesus. I'd want to hear that cross of Jesus. I'd want to hear that story. So, his man was his life was story. So, his man was his life was story. So, his man was his life was dramatically impacted by this event. So, dramatically impacted by this event. So, dramatically impacted by this event. So, let's see what happened next. Luke let's see what happened next. Luke let's see what happened next. Luke 23:33.

And when they came to a place called the And when they came to a place called the skull, they nailed him to the cross. And skull, they nailed him to the cross. And skull, they nailed him to the cross. And the criminals were also crucified, one the criminals were also crucified, one the criminals were also crucified, one on his right and the other on his left. on his right and the other on his left. on his right and the other on his left. Jesus said, "Father, forgive them for Jesus said, "Father, forgive them for Jesus said, "Father, forgive them for they don't know what they're doing." And they don't know what they're doing." And they don't know what they're doing." And the soldiers gambled for his clothes by the soldiers gambled for his clothes by the soldiers gambled for his clothes by throwing dice. The crowds watched and throwing dice. The crowds watched and throwing dice. The crowds watched and the leaders scoffed. "He saved others. the leaders scoffed. "He saved others. the leaders scoffed. "He saved others. Let him save himself. If he really is Let him save himself. If he really is Let him save himself. If he really is the Messiah, the chosen one." The the Messiah, the chosen one." The the Messiah, the chosen one." The soldiers mocked him too by offering him soldiers mocked him too by offering him soldiers mocked him too by offering him a drink of sour wine. They called out to a drink of sour wine. They called out to a drink of sour wine. They called out to him, "If you're the king of the Jews, him, "If you're the king of the Jews, him, "If you're the king of the Jews, save yourself." And a sign was posted save yourself." And a sign was posted save yourself." And a sign was posted above him with these words, "This is the above him with these words, "This is the above him with these words, "This is the King of the Jews." One of the criminals King of the Jews." One of the criminals King of the Jews." One of the criminals hanging beside him scoffed, "So, you're hanging beside him scoffed, "So, you're hanging beside him scoffed, "So, you're the Messiah, are you? Prove it by saving the Messiah, are you? Prove it by saving the Messiah, are you? Prove it by saving yourself and us, too, while you're at yourself and us, too, while you're at yourself and us, too, while you're at it." and the other criminal protested. it." and the other criminal protested. it." and the other criminal protested. Don't you fear God? Even when you and I Don't you fear God? Even when you and I Don't you fear God? Even when you and I have been sentenced to death, we deserve have been sentenced to death, we deserve have been sentenced to death, we deserve to die for our crimes, but this man to die for our crimes, but this man to die for our crimes, but this man hasn't done anything wrong. Then he hasn't done anything wrong. Then he hasn't done anything wrong. Then he said, Jesus, remember me when you come said, Jesus, remember me when you come said, Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom. And Jesus replied, I into your kingdom. And Jesus replied, I into your kingdom. And Jesus replied, I assure you today you will be with me in assure you today you will be with me in assure you today you will be with me in paradise. My next point is the Romans paradise. My next point is the Romans paradise. My next point is the Romans did not invent crucifixion, but they did not invent crucifixion, but they did not invent crucifixion, but they took it to another level. They didn't took it to another level. They didn't took it to another level. They didn't invent it. Crucifixion invent it. Crucifixion invent it. Crucifixion uh basically began with the Persians and uh basically began with the Persians and uh basically began with the Persians and the Romans perfected it into what we the Romans perfected it into what we the Romans perfected it into what we might describe as a science of might describe as a science of might describe as a science of suffering. Uh crucifixion was reserved

suffering. Uh crucifixion was reserved suffering. Uh crucifixion was reserved for the worst criminals of all for for the worst criminals of all for for the worst criminals of all for revolutionaries and those that had revolutionaries and those that had revolutionaries and those that had committed capital crimes. And really committed capital crimes. And really committed capital crimes. And really when you get down to it, crucifixion was when you get down to it, crucifixion was when you get down to it, crucifixion was not designed to kill a person. It was not designed to kill a person. It was not designed to kill a person. It was designed to torture a person. There were designed to torture a person. There were designed to torture a person. There were far more efficient ways to end a man's far more efficient ways to end a man's far more efficient ways to end a man's life like beheading him. The crucifixion life like beheading him. The crucifixion life like beheading him. The crucifixion was designed to bring maximum pain and was designed to bring maximum pain and was designed to bring maximum pain and Rome used it as a tool against her Rome used it as a tool against her Rome used it as a tool against her enemies. For instance, uh there was a a enemies. For instance, uh there was a a enemies. For instance, uh there was a a slave named Spartacus that led a revolt. slave named Spartacus that led a revolt. slave named Spartacus that led a revolt. There's a movie about him and other There's a movie about him and other There's a movie about him and other series out there, real guy, real series out there, real guy, real series out there, real guy, real historical figure. and 6,000 of his historical figure. and 6,000 of his historical figure. and 6,000 of his followers were crucified along the Aian followers were crucified along the Aian followers were crucified along the Aian way. So you'd be walking down a Roman way. So you'd be walking down a Roman way. So you'd be walking down a Roman road and you would see cross after cross road and you would see cross after cross road and you would see cross after cross with crucified men hanging on it. So with crucified men hanging on it. So with crucified men hanging on it. So when you watched a person being when you watched a person being when you watched a person being crucified, it was not death through the crucified, it was not death through the crucified, it was not death through the pounding of the spikes and their hands pounding of the spikes and their hands pounding of the spikes and their hands and feet. It was actually death by and feet. It was actually death by and feet. It was actually death by suffocation, you see.

suffocation, you see. suffocation, you see. And so they had a little step at the And so they had a little step at the And so they had a little step at the foot of the cross and you would push foot of the cross and you would push foot of the cross and you would push yourself up to get uh a breath and so it yourself up to get uh a breath and so it yourself up to get uh a breath and so it was very hard to breathe much less was very hard to breathe much less was very hard to breathe much less speak. And yet from the cross Christ speak. And yet from the cross Christ speak. And yet from the cross Christ gave seven significant statements. The gave seven significant statements. The gave seven significant statements. The order of them is important. Of course order of them is important. Of course order of them is important. Of course the content of them is so important the content of them is so important the content of them is so important because when a person dies we always are because when a person dies we always are because when a person dies we always are curious what were their last words? What curious what were their last words? What curious what were their last words? What was the last thing they said? These was the last thing they said? These was the last thing they said? These effectively are the last words of Jesus effectively are the last words of Jesus effectively are the last words of Jesus before he died. I'll put them up on the before he died. I'll put them up on the before he died. I'll put them up on the screen so you have them in order. The screen so you have them in order. The screen so you have them in order. The first thing he said from the cross was, first thing he said from the cross was, first thing he said from the cross was, "Father, forgive them for they know not "Father, forgive them for they know not "Father, forgive them for they know not what they do." Turning to the thief what they do." Turning to the thief what they do." Turning to the thief crucified next to him, he said, "Today crucified next to him, he said, "Today crucified next to him, he said, "Today you'll be with me in paradise." you'll be with me in paradise." you'll be with me in paradise." Statement number three, seeing his Statement number three, seeing his Statement number three, seeing his mother Mary standing at the foot of the mother Mary standing at the foot of the mother Mary standing at the foot of the cross, he said,"Woman, behold your son. cross, he said,"Woman, behold your son. cross, he said,"Woman, behold your son. Son, behold your mother. No doubt Son, behold your mother. No doubt Son, behold your mother. No doubt referring to John, the Apostle John who referring to John, the Apostle John who referring to John, the Apostle John who was standing next to Mary. In effect, he was standing next to Mary. In effect, he was standing next to Mary. In effect, he was entrusting the care of his mother to was entrusting the care of his mother to was entrusting the care of his mother to the Apostle John at that point. Then he the Apostle John at that point. Then he the Apostle John at that point. Then he bears the sin of the world. No doubt.

bears the sin of the world. No doubt. bears the sin of the world. No doubt. And cries out, "Eli, Eli, lama, or my And cries out, "Eli, Eli, lama, or my And cries out, "Eli, Eli, lama, or my God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" Then he says, "I thirst." Then he says, Then he says, "I thirst." Then he says, Then he says, "I thirst." Then he says, "It is finished." That was one word in "It is finished." That was one word in "It is finished." That was one word in the original language. Tatelisty, the original language. Tatelisty, the original language. Tatelisty, a commonly used word to describe the a commonly used word to describe the a commonly used word to describe the completion of something. You would build completion of something. You would build completion of something. You would build a table and you would say to tell us a table and you would say to tell us a table and you would say to tell us cook a fine meal. Say the same thing. cook a fine meal. Say the same thing. cook a fine meal. Say the same thing. Jesus is saying it's finished. It's Jesus is saying it's finished. It's Jesus is saying it's finished. It's accomplished. It's done. It's fulfilled. accomplished. It's done. It's fulfilled. accomplished. It's done. It's fulfilled. To tell us it is finished. And his last To tell us it is finished. And his last To tell us it is finished. And his last statement was, "Father, into your hands statement was, "Father, into your hands statement was, "Father, into your hands I commit my spirit." But the first I commit my spirit." But the first I commit my spirit." But the first statement, father forgive them for they statement, father forgive them for they statement, father forgive them for they know not what they do. Maybe it would know not what they do. Maybe it would know not what they do. Maybe it would have made more sense if his first have made more sense if his first have made more sense if his first statement was, "My God, my God, why have statement was, "My God, my God, why have statement was, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" Or perhaps, "I you forsaken me?" Or perhaps, "I you forsaken me?" Or perhaps, "I thirst." But the first thing he thinks thirst." But the first thing he thinks thirst." But the first thing he thinks about is not his own personal thirst or about is not his own personal thirst or about is not his own personal thirst or needs. The first thing he thinks about needs. The first thing he thinks about needs. The first thing he thinks about is the people who have done this to him.

is the people who have done this to him. is the people who have done this to him. Father, forgive them for they know not Father, forgive them for they know not Father, forgive them for they know not what they do. Jesus was simply what they do. Jesus was simply what they do. Jesus was simply practicing what he preached because on practicing what he preached because on practicing what he preached because on the sermon on the mount, you remember the sermon on the mount, you remember the sermon on the mount, you remember that he said, "Love your enemies, bless that he said, "Love your enemies, bless that he said, "Love your enemies, bless those that curse you, do good to those those that curse you, do good to those those that curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who who hate you, and pray for those who who hate you, and pray for those who mistreat you." So, here are the men mistreat you." So, here are the men mistreat you." So, here are the men mistreating him in the worst way mistreating him in the worst way mistreating him in the worst way imaginable. And he's praying for them. imaginable. And he's praying for them. imaginable. And he's praying for them. Father, forgive them for they know not Father, forgive them for they know not Father, forgive them for they know not what they do. And that brings us to our what they do. And that brings us to our what they do. And that brings us to our next point. Our sins put Jesus on the next point. Our sins put Jesus on the next point. Our sins put Jesus on the cross. Our sins put Jesus on the cross. cross. Our sins put Jesus on the cross. cross. Our sins put Jesus on the cross. Peter on the day of Pentecost said, "God Peter on the day of Pentecost said, "God Peter on the day of Pentecost said, "God made this Jesus whom you crucified both made this Jesus whom you crucified both made this Jesus whom you crucified both Lord and Christ." And it says, "After Lord and Christ." And it says, "After Lord and Christ." And it says, "After they heard that, they were cut to the they heard that, they were cut to the they heard that, they were cut to the heart." And they said to Peter and the heart." And they said to Peter and the heart." And they said to Peter and the other apostles, "What should we do?" other apostles, "What should we do?" other apostles, "What should we do?" This phrase cut to the heart is an This phrase cut to the heart is an This phrase cut to the heart is an unusual phrase that appears nowhere else unusual phrase that appears nowhere else unusual phrase that appears nowhere else in the New Testament. It describes in the New Testament. It describes in the New Testament. It describes sudden something sudden piercing and sudden something sudden piercing and sudden something sudden piercing and unexpected almost like just out of unexpected almost like just out of unexpected almost like just out of nowhere a sword pierces your heart and nowhere a sword pierces your heart and nowhere a sword pierces your heart and and that's how they felt. They came and that's how they felt. They came and that's how they felt. They came under the conviction of the Holy Spirit under the conviction of the Holy Spirit under the conviction of the Holy Spirit but it was our sin that put Christ on but it was our sin that put Christ on but it was our sin that put Christ on that cross. People want to blame groups that cross. People want to blame groups that cross. People want to blame groups of people. Oh, you know the Romans are of people. Oh, you know the Romans are of people. Oh, you know the Romans are responsible. Oh, the Romans played a responsible. Oh, the Romans played a responsible. Oh, the Romans played a role but they're not responsible. Oh, role but they're not responsible. Oh, role but they're not responsible. Oh, the Jews killed Jesus. It's sometimes the Jews killed Jesus. It's sometimes the Jews killed Jesus. It's sometimes said to justify anti-semitism.

said to justify anti-semitism. said to justify anti-semitism. Well, it's true. The Jewish religious Well, it's true. The Jewish religious Well, it's true. The Jewish religious leaders also played a role in the death leaders also played a role in the death leaders also played a role in the death of Jesus. But I want to tell you who put of Jesus. But I want to tell you who put of Jesus. But I want to tell you who put Jesus on the cross. You put Jesus on the Jesus on the cross. You put Jesus on the Jesus on the cross. You put Jesus on the cross. I put Jesus on the cross. We put cross. I put Jesus on the cross. We put cross. I put Jesus on the cross. We put Jesus on the cross. Our sins put him on Jesus on the cross. Our sins put him on Jesus on the cross. Our sins put him on the cross. That's why he went there and the cross. That's why he went there and the cross. That's why he went there and died voluntarily for each and every one died voluntarily for each and every one died voluntarily for each and every one of us. And what does he do is he hangs of us. And what does he do is he hangs of us. And what does he do is he hangs on that cross. He prays to the people on that cross. He prays to the people on that cross. He prays to the people that did it. Which brings me to my next that did it. Which brings me to my next that did it. Which brings me to my next point. No one is beyond the reach of point. No one is beyond the reach of point. No one is beyond the reach of prayer. prayer. prayer. We all know people that we can't imagine We all know people that we can't imagine We all know people that we can't imagine becoming a Christian, right? Oh, they'll becoming a Christian, right? Oh, they'll becoming a Christian, right? Oh, they'll never come around. Maybe you have a never come around. Maybe you have a never come around. Maybe you have a prodigal son or a prodigal daughter or a prodigal son or a prodigal daughter or a prodigal son or a prodigal daughter or a prodigal mother or father. Or maybe it's prodigal mother or father. Or maybe it's prodigal mother or father. Or maybe it's someone else you know and they're always someone else you know and they're always someone else you know and they're always argumentative and resistant and and argumentative and resistant and and argumentative and resistant and and you've given up praying for them. Well, you've given up praying for them. Well, you've given up praying for them. Well, you should never give up praying because you should never give up praying because you should never give up praying because here is Jesus hanging on the cross. His here is Jesus hanging on the cross. His here is Jesus hanging on the cross. His first name and his father forgive them. first name and his father forgive them. first name and his father forgive them. Understand? In the beginning, both Understand? In the beginning, both Understand? In the beginning, both thieves, both criminals join the people thieves, both criminals join the people thieves, both criminals join the people in mocking him. Let him save his others.

in mocking him. Let him save his others. in mocking him. Let him save his others. Let him save others and himself if he's Let him save others and himself if he's Let him save others and himself if he's a son of God. Jesus says, "Father, a son of God. Jesus says, "Father, a son of God. Jesus says, "Father, forgive them for they know not what they forgive them for they know not what they forgive them for they know not what they do." And right there, one of those do." And right there, one of those do." And right there, one of those thieves believes. Just boom, he thieves believes. Just boom, he thieves believes. Just boom, he believes. and then turns to Jesus and believes. and then turns to Jesus and believes. and then turns to Jesus and says,"Lord, remember me when you're come says,"Lord, remember me when you're come says,"Lord, remember me when you're come when you come into your kingdom." After when you come into your kingdom." After when you come into your kingdom." After correcting the other thief, what are you correcting the other thief, what are you correcting the other thief, what are you doing, man? We deserve this. This guy doing, man? We deserve this. This guy doing, man? We deserve this. This guy hasn't done anything wrong. Incredible. hasn't done anything wrong. Incredible. hasn't done anything wrong. Incredible. That's how fast conversion can happen. That's how fast conversion can happen. That's how fast conversion can happen. It doesn't take years to become a It doesn't take years to become a It doesn't take years to become a Christian. It doesn't take months. It Christian. It doesn't take months. It Christian. It doesn't take months. It doesn't take weeks. It doesn't even take doesn't take weeks. It doesn't even take doesn't take weeks. It doesn't even take hours. You can believe just like that. hours. You can believe just like that. hours. You can believe just like that. That's what happened to me. The last That's what happened to me. The last That's what happened to me. The last thing I ever planned on doing the day I thing I ever planned on doing the day I thing I ever planned on doing the day I became a Christian was giving my life to became a Christian was giving my life to became a Christian was giving my life to the Lord. But there I was on my high the Lord. But there I was on my high the Lord. But there I was on my high school campus walking along right into school campus walking along right into school campus walking along right into the will of God. And there was a group the will of God. And there was a group the will of God. And there was a group of Christians singing their songs and I of Christians singing their songs and I of Christians singing their songs and I sat down far enough away where I could sat down far enough away where I could sat down far enough away where I could observe them but not so close that observe them but not so close that observe them but not so close that people would think I was joining them. people would think I was joining them. people would think I was joining them. And my initial reaction to them was, And my initial reaction to them was, And my initial reaction to them was, "Look at these poor, pathetic people.

"Look at these poor, pathetic people. "Look at these poor, pathetic people. Look at their stupid smiles on their Look at their stupid smiles on their Look at their stupid smiles on their face. Look at how happy they are. And face. Look at how happy they are. And face. Look at how happy they are. And then this thought occurred to me. What then this thought occurred to me. What then this thought occurred to me. What if it's all true and they're right? No if it's all true and they're right? No if it's all true and they're right? No way. No way. There's no way they way. No way. There's no way they way. No way. There's no way they couldn't be tr it couldn't be true. And couldn't be tr it couldn't be true. And couldn't be tr it couldn't be true. And then the thought came back to me. But then the thought came back to me. But then the thought came back to me. But what if it is true? And I thought, well, what if it is true? And I thought, well, what if it is true? And I thought, well, if it is true, it couldn't be true for if it is true, it couldn't be true for if it is true, it couldn't be true for me. Maybe it could be true for them. And me. Maybe it could be true for them. And me. Maybe it could be true for them. And then the preacher stood up, Lonnie then the preacher stood up, Lonnie then the preacher stood up, Lonnie Frisbee. If you saw the Jesus Revolution Frisbee. If you saw the Jesus Revolution Frisbee. If you saw the Jesus Revolution film, you know, oh, by the way, I met film, you know, oh, by the way, I met film, you know, oh, by the way, I met the greatest couple uh the other night. the greatest couple uh the other night. the greatest couple uh the other night. Uh they're from Italy. I posted it on my Uh they're from Italy. I posted it on my Uh they're from Italy. I posted it on my social media. So, they're from Italy and social media. So, they're from Italy and social media. So, they're from Italy and they come to church because they saw the they come to church because they saw the they come to church because they saw the Jesus Revolution film in Italy and it Jesus Revolution film in Italy and it Jesus Revolution film in Italy and it impacted them so much and they said, "We impacted them so much and they said, "We impacted them so much and they said, "We watched the movie and immediately went watched the movie and immediately went watched the movie and immediately went out into the streets and started sharing out into the streets and started sharing out into the streets and started sharing the gospel." I thought, "That's the gospel." I thought, "That's the gospel." I thought, "That's amazing." All the way in Italy. Isn't amazing." All the way in Italy. Isn't amazing." All the way in Italy. Isn't that great? They also said American pizza sucks.

They also said American pizza sucks. Okay, just they didn't use that Okay, just they didn't use that Okay, just they didn't use that verbiage, but they said it. They the verbiage, but they said it. They the verbiage, but they said it. They the girl says all you do is order the girl says all you do is order the girl says all you do is order the pepperoni, you know. But Italy, that's pepperoni, you know. But Italy, that's pepperoni, you know. But Italy, that's the best place to get it. And they the best place to get it. And they the best place to get it. And they they're right. It it's much better in they're right. It it's much better in they're right. It it's much better in Italy than America. But uh I don't know. Italy than America. But uh I don't know. Italy than America. But uh I don't know. I kind of like any kind of pizza almost. I kind of like any kind of pizza almost. I kind of like any kind of pizza almost. If you mess up pizza, something's wrong. If you mess up pizza, something's wrong. If you mess up pizza, something's wrong. Boy, I really got off the subject, Boy, I really got off the subject, Boy, I really got off the subject, didn't I? Okay, let's see. To Italy. I didn't I? Okay, let's see. To Italy. I didn't I? Okay, let's see. To Italy. I was I was oh yeah the conversion was I was oh yeah the conversion was I was oh yeah the conversion happening quickly. I didn't get up that happening quickly. I didn't get up that happening quickly. I didn't get up that morning and and say today I'm going to morning and and say today I'm going to morning and and say today I'm going to become a Christian change the course of become a Christian change the course of become a Christian change the course of my entire life. Who knows maybe one day my entire life. Who knows maybe one day my entire life. Who knows maybe one day I'll become a preacher and lose my hair. I'll become a preacher and lose my hair. I'll become a preacher and lose my hair. I don't know these thoughts did not I don't know these thoughts did not I don't know these thoughts did not cross my mind but it happened that cross my mind but it happened that cross my mind but it happened that quickly. And that's how fast it can quickly. And that's how fast it can quickly. And that's how fast it can happen for you. You come I'm not a happen for you. You come I'm not a happen for you. You come I'm not a believer. I don't believe in any of believer. I don't believe in any of believer. I don't believe in any of this. And all of a sudden you believe this. And all of a sudden you believe this. And all of a sudden you believe why? I don't I can't explain it. But why? I don't I can't explain it. But why? I don't I can't explain it. But God's Holy Spirit touches your heart and God's Holy Spirit touches your heart and God's Holy Spirit touches your heart and you come under the conviction of the you come under the conviction of the you come under the conviction of the spirit where you realize you need Jesus.

spirit where you realize you need Jesus. spirit where you realize you need Jesus. Now you still play a part in this Now you still play a part in this Now you still play a part in this because though you see your need for because though you see your need for because though you see your need for Jesus, you have a choice. You can say I Jesus, you have a choice. You can say I Jesus, you have a choice. You can say I choose to believe or you can say I choose to believe or you can say I choose to believe or you can say I choose to not believe. But the statement choose to not believe. But the statement choose to not believe. But the statement that got hold of me on that day was when that got hold of me on that day was when that got hold of me on that day was when Lonnie said Jesus said you're for me or Lonnie said Jesus said you're for me or Lonnie said Jesus said you're for me or against me. and I didn't want to be against me. and I didn't want to be against me. and I didn't want to be against Christ. This thief believes on against Christ. This thief believes on against Christ. This thief believes on the spot and believes in Jesus and the spot and believes in Jesus and the spot and believes in Jesus and says,"Lord, remember me when you come says,"Lord, remember me when you come says,"Lord, remember me when you come into your kingdom." I love this because into your kingdom." I love this because into your kingdom." I love this because Jesus did above and beyond that which Jesus did above and beyond that which Jesus did above and beyond that which this guy asked for. What did he say? this guy asked for. What did he say? this guy asked for. What did he say? Just remember me. He didn't know where Just remember me. He didn't know where Just remember me. He didn't know where Jesus was going. He didn't know anything Jesus was going. He didn't know anything Jesus was going. He didn't know anything about his kingdom. Lord, when you go to about his kingdom. Lord, when you go to about his kingdom. Lord, when you go to this kingdom, wherever it is, whatever this kingdom, wherever it is, whatever this kingdom, wherever it is, whatever it is, just remember me. And Jesus says, it is, just remember me. And Jesus says, it is, just remember me. And Jesus says, "Today, you will be with me in "Today, you will be with me in "Today, you will be with me in paradise." Wow. Hey, I'm going to that paradise." Wow. Hey, I'm going to that paradise." Wow. Hey, I'm going to that kingdom. Guess what, buddy? You're kingdom. Guess what, buddy? You're kingdom. Guess what, buddy? You're coming with me. Wow. Talk about being in coming with me. Wow. Talk about being in coming with me. Wow. Talk about being in the right place at the right time.

the right place at the right time. the right place at the right time. And the Bible tells us that God is able And the Bible tells us that God is able And the Bible tells us that God is able to do exceedingly above and beyond that to do exceedingly above and beyond that to do exceedingly above and beyond that which you could ask or think. When you which you could ask or think. When you which you could ask or think. When you pray, pray big. pray, pray big. pray, pray big. Pray for big things from God. Worst Pray for big things from God. Worst Pray for big things from God. Worst thing he can do is say, "H, no." thing he can do is say, "H, no." thing he can do is say, "H, no." But he might say yes. And he might say, But he might say yes. And he might say, But he might say yes. And he might say, "Yeah, you know, I'm going to do even "Yeah, you know, I'm going to do even "Yeah, you know, I'm going to do even more than you just asked for." That's more than you just asked for." That's more than you just asked for." That's what he did for this man. Today, you what he did for this man. Today, you what he did for this man. Today, you will be with me in paradise. And it's will be with me in paradise. And it's will be with me in paradise. And it's also a reminder that when a person also a reminder that when a person also a reminder that when a person believes in Jesus, they go straight into believes in Jesus, they go straight into believes in Jesus, they go straight into God's presence. Today, you'll be with me God's presence. Today, you'll be with me God's presence. Today, you'll be with me in paradise. What happens to a Christian in paradise. What happens to a Christian in paradise. What happens to a Christian when they die? they go straight to when they die? they go straight to when they die? they go straight to heaven. Oh, what about the body? Well, heaven. Oh, what about the body? Well, heaven. Oh, what about the body? Well, the body will be resurrected later at the body will be resurrected later at the body will be resurrected later at the rapture. So, when a Christian dies, the rapture. So, when a Christian dies, the rapture. So, when a Christian dies, we go into God's presence because the we go into God's presence because the we go into God's presence because the Bible says to be absent from the body is Bible says to be absent from the body is Bible says to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord. Paul said, to be present with the Lord. Paul said, to be present with the Lord. Paul said, "I have a desire to depart and be with "I have a desire to depart and be with "I have a desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better." Well, when Christ, which is far better." Well, when Christ, which is far better." Well, when we have a body in heaven, we don't know. we have a body in heaven, we don't know. we have a body in heaven, we don't know. The Bible doesn't tell us. Who cares?

The Bible doesn't tell us. Who cares? The Bible doesn't tell us. Who cares? I'm in heaven. I'm in paradise. I'll be I'm in heaven. I'm in paradise. I'll be I'm in heaven. I'm in paradise. I'll be good. I know I'll have a bodily good. I know I'll have a bodily good. I know I'll have a bodily resurrection later, but we go straight resurrection later, but we go straight resurrection later, but we go straight into God's presence. What an amazing into God's presence. What an amazing into God's presence. What an amazing moment this was. Coming back to Simon moment this was. Coming back to Simon moment this was. Coming back to Simon for a moment. He carried the cross for for a moment. He carried the cross for for a moment. He carried the cross for Jesus. What a privilege that was. We Jesus. What a privilege that was. We Jesus. What a privilege that was. We might say, "Man, I wish I could have might say, "Man, I wish I could have might say, "Man, I wish I could have done that." Well, you can do that done that." Well, you can do that done that." Well, you can do that because we're all told to pick up the because we're all told to pick up the because we're all told to pick up the cross and carry it. Jesus said over in cross and carry it. Jesus said over in cross and carry it. Jesus said over in Luke 9:23, "If any man would come after Luke 9:23, "If any man would come after Luke 9:23, "If any man would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his me, let him deny himself and take up his me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me." So, we can cross daily and follow me." So, we can cross daily and follow me." So, we can all pick up the cross and carry it for all pick up the cross and carry it for all pick up the cross and carry it for Jesus. But what does it mean to carry Jesus. But what does it mean to carry Jesus. But what does it mean to carry the cross? You know, sometimes we the cross? You know, sometimes we the cross? You know, sometimes we misunderstand. We'll say, "My cross to misunderstand. We'll say, "My cross to misunderstand. We'll say, "My cross to bear is my mother-in-law." and your mother-in-law says, "My cross and your mother-in-law says, "My cross to bear is my son-in-law." to bear is my son-in-law." to bear is my son-in-law." Or you might say, "My cross to bear is Or you might say, "My cross to bear is Or you might say, "My cross to bear is this physical problem I have," or or my this physical problem I have," or or my this physical problem I have," or or my cross to bear is something else. No, cross to bear is something else. No, cross to bear is something else. No, your cross to bear, so to speak, is your cross to bear, so to speak, is your cross to bear, so to speak, is dying to yourself. That's what it means.

dying to yourself. That's what it means. dying to yourself. That's what it means. Take the cross, to die to yourself. I Take the cross, to die to yourself. I Take the cross, to die to yourself. I don't even know what that means. Okay, don't even know what that means. Okay, don't even know what that means. Okay, let me illustrate. To bear the cross let me illustrate. To bear the cross let me illustrate. To bear the cross is to honor your vows. When you marry a is to honor your vows. When you marry a is to honor your vows. When you marry a man or a woman for life, you do what you man or a woman for life, you do what you man or a woman for life, you do what you need to do. Bearing your cross is need to do. Bearing your cross is need to do. Bearing your cross is resisting what everyone around you says resisting what everyone around you says resisting what everyone around you says is normal. Resisting temptation. is normal. Resisting temptation. is normal. Resisting temptation. Bearing the cross is forgiving people Bearing the cross is forgiving people Bearing the cross is forgiving people who have genuinely wronged you. Burying who have genuinely wronged you. Burying who have genuinely wronged you. Burying the cross is asking forgiveness from the cross is asking forgiveness from the cross is asking forgiveness from people you've wronged. Bearing your people you've wronged. Bearing your people you've wronged. Bearing your cross is leaving your comfort zone and cross is leaving your comfort zone and cross is leaving your comfort zone and telling someone about Jesus. Bearing telling someone about Jesus. Bearing telling someone about Jesus. Bearing your cross means you choose what God your cross means you choose what God your cross means you choose what God wants over what you want every single wants over what you want every single wants over what you want every single day. And whatever sacrifice you make, day. And whatever sacrifice you make, day. And whatever sacrifice you make, whatever thing you give up will be more whatever thing you give up will be more whatever thing you give up will be more than made up to you by God himself. Take than made up to you by God himself. Take than made up to you by God himself. Take up the cross. We say, "Ah, it sounds up the cross. We say, "Ah, it sounds up the cross. We say, "Ah, it sounds miserable. I don't want to carry some miserable. I don't want to carry some miserable. I don't want to carry some cross." No, this is where you find life.

cross." No, this is where you find life. cross." No, this is where you find life. The apostle Paul said, "I am crucified The apostle Paul said, "I am crucified The apostle Paul said, "I am crucified with Christ. Nevertheless, I live and with Christ. Nevertheless, I live and with Christ. Nevertheless, I live and yet not I, but Christ lives in me." For yet not I, but Christ lives in me." For yet not I, but Christ lives in me." For the next statement Jesus makes after the next statement Jesus makes after the next statement Jesus makes after saying, "Take up your cross daily is saying, "Take up your cross daily is saying, "Take up your cross daily is whoever wants to save their life will whoever wants to save their life will whoever wants to save their life will lose it. And whoever loses their life lose it. And whoever loses their life lose it. And whoever loses their life for my sake will find it." How different for my sake will find it." How different for my sake will find it." How different that is from culture today. Today we're that is from culture today. Today we're that is from culture today. Today we're told, you know, you need to find told, you know, you need to find told, you know, you need to find yourself. You you need to love yourself. yourself. You you need to love yourself. yourself. You you need to love yourself. Protect your peace. Follow your heart. Protect your peace. Follow your heart. Protect your peace. Follow your heart. Live your truth. Your happiness comes Live your truth. Your happiness comes Live your truth. Your happiness comes first, main character energy. And my first, main character energy. And my first, main character energy. And my favorite, you do you. favorite, you do you. favorite, you do you. To which I say in response, shut up. To which I say in response, shut up. To which I say in response, shut up. Really? Don't ever say that. Really? Don't ever say that. Really? Don't ever say that. Oh, you do you. What does Jesus say in Oh, you do you. What does Jesus say in Oh, you do you. What does Jesus say in response to that? The world says find response to that? The world says find response to that? The world says find yourself. He says lose yourself. The yourself. He says lose yourself. The yourself. He says lose yourself. The world says you do you. Jesus says you world says you do you. Jesus says you world says you do you. Jesus says you follow me. It's not about you. It's follow me. It's not about you. It's follow me. It's not about you. It's about him. And when you put God first about him. And when you put God first about him. And when you put God first and you put God's will above your own and you put God's will above your own and you put God's will above your own will and his plan above your plans, you will and his plan above your plans, you will and his plan above your plans, you will find the life you are looking for.

will find the life you are looking for. will find the life you are looking for. Listen, losing your life for his sake Listen, losing your life for his sake Listen, losing your life for his sake isn't the loss of everything. It's a isn't the loss of everything. It's a isn't the loss of everything. It's a discovery of everything that actually discovery of everything that actually discovery of everything that actually matters. Let me say that again. Losing matters. Let me say that again. Losing matters. Let me say that again. Losing your life for his sake isn't the loss of your life for his sake isn't the loss of your life for his sake isn't the loss of everything. It's a discovery of everything. It's a discovery of everything. It's a discovery of everything that matters. If you lose everything that matters. If you lose everything that matters. If you lose your life, you will find it. Now, to your life, you will find it. Now, to your life, you will find it. Now, to conclude, as we look at this sacrifice conclude, as we look at this sacrifice conclude, as we look at this sacrifice Jesus made, we ask why? I mean, couldn't Jesus made, we ask why? I mean, couldn't Jesus made, we ask why? I mean, couldn't God have accomplished this some other God have accomplished this some other God have accomplished this some other way? Well, this is the way God chose to way? Well, this is the way God chose to way? Well, this is the way God chose to do it. And what was that? It was to do it. And what was that? It was to do it. And what was that? It was to accomplish his purposes. Why did Jesus accomplish his purposes. Why did Jesus accomplish his purposes. Why did Jesus die on the cross? He died to show his die on the cross? He died to show his die on the cross? He died to show his love for us. He died to show his love love for us. He died to show his love love for us. He died to show his love for us. So the next time you're tempted for us. So the next time you're tempted for us. So the next time you're tempted to doubt the love of God, take a long to doubt the love of God, take a long to doubt the love of God, take a long look at the cross. Jesus said in John look at the cross. Jesus said in John look at the cross. Jesus said in John 3:16, we all know it. Let's say it 3:16, we all know it. Let's say it 3:16, we all know it. Let's say it together. For God so loved the world together. For God so loved the world together. For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son that that he gave his only begotten son that that he gave his only begotten son that whosoever believes in him should not whosoever believes in him should not whosoever believes in him should not perish but have everlasting life. Paul perish but have everlasting life. Paul perish but have everlasting life. Paul wrote in the book of Ephesians, "Christ wrote in the book of Ephesians, "Christ wrote in the book of Ephesians, "Christ loved the church and gave himself up for loved the church and gave himself up for loved the church and gave himself up for her." Paul also said, "He loved me and her." Paul also said, "He loved me and her." Paul also said, "He loved me and he gave himself for me." Jesus said, he gave himself for me." Jesus said, he gave himself for me." Jesus said, "Greater love has no man than this." And "Greater love has no man than this." And "Greater love has no man than this." And he laid down his own life for his he laid down his own life for his he laid down his own life for his friends. So Jesus died on the cross to friends. So Jesus died on the cross to friends. So Jesus died on the cross to show you the love of God. Number two, show you the love of God. Number two, show you the love of God. Number two, Jesus died to absorb the wrath of God.

Jesus died to absorb the wrath of God. Jesus died to absorb the wrath of God. He died to absorb the wrath of God He died to absorb the wrath of God He died to absorb the wrath of God because there was no other way to because there was no other way to because there was no other way to satisfy the righteous demands of God. satisfy the righteous demands of God. satisfy the righteous demands of God. God plays by his own rules. And he has God plays by his own rules. And he has God plays by his own rules. And he has said the soul that sins shall surely said the soul that sins shall surely said the soul that sins shall surely die. He has said without the shedding of die. He has said without the shedding of die. He has said without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sins. A blood there is no forgiveness of sins. A blood there is no forgiveness of sins. A sacrifice had to be made. atonement had sacrifice had to be made. atonement had sacrifice had to be made. atonement had to take place. So Jesus as a son of God, to take place. So Jesus as a son of God, to take place. So Jesus as a son of God, as I said earlier, all those Old as I said earlier, all those Old as I said earlier, all those Old Testament types when they would take the Testament types when they would take the Testament types when they would take the lamb and kill it. Well, what was that lamb and kill it. Well, what was that lamb and kill it. Well, what was that all about? It was a symbol of what would all about? It was a symbol of what would all about? It was a symbol of what would come to be ultimately fulfilled at the come to be ultimately fulfilled at the come to be ultimately fulfilled at the cross of Calvary. Jesus would be the cross of Calvary. Jesus would be the cross of Calvary. Jesus would be the lamb of God, as John the Baptist said, lamb of God, as John the Baptist said, lamb of God, as John the Baptist said, who would take away the sin of the who would take away the sin of the who would take away the sin of the world. Remember in the Passover, they world. Remember in the Passover, they world. Remember in the Passover, they were to take the blood of the lamb and were to take the blood of the lamb and were to take the blood of the lamb and they were to put it at the top of their they were to put it at the top of their they were to put it at the top of their door and on the right and on the left. door and on the right and on the left. door and on the right and on the left. Oh wait, that looks just like the cross. Oh wait, that looks just like the cross. Oh wait, that looks just like the cross. On the top, on the right, the left, On the top, on the right, the left, On the top, on the right, the left, everything was pointing to Calvary. everything was pointing to Calvary. everything was pointing to Calvary. Psalm 22, opening words, they pierced my Psalm 22, opening words, they pierced my Psalm 22, opening words, they pierced my hands and feet. Isaiah 53, he is led as hands and feet. Isaiah 53, he is led as hands and feet. Isaiah 53, he is led as a lamb to the slaughter. He was so a lamb to the slaughter. He was so a lamb to the slaughter. He was so beaten you could not even tell he was a beaten you could not even tell he was a beaten you could not even tell he was a man. All pointing to the cross. Abraham man. All pointing to the cross. Abraham man. All pointing to the cross. Abraham offering his son Isaac prepared to bring offering his son Isaac prepared to bring offering his son Isaac prepared to bring the sacrificial knife on him and he the sacrificial knife on him and he the sacrificial knife on him and he spared at the last minute. God sent his spared at the last minute. God sent his spared at the last minute. God sent his own son just as Abraham was willing to own son just as Abraham was willing to own son just as Abraham was willing to give up his son. God sent his son to die give up his son. God sent his son to die give up his son. God sent his son to die on the cross. So Jesus absorbed God's on the cross. So Jesus absorbed God's on the cross. So Jesus absorbed God's wrath. And this is what I believe Christ

wrath. And this is what I believe Christ wrath. And this is what I believe Christ recoiled from in the garden of recoiled from in the garden of recoiled from in the garden of Gethsemane where he literally sweat Gethsemane where he literally sweat Gethsemane where he literally sweat blood being God. He knew what was to blood being God. He knew what was to blood being God. He knew what was to come. And he knew that he would be come. And he knew that he would be come. And he knew that he would be beaten and scourged and crucified. But beaten and scourged and crucified. But beaten and scourged and crucified. But the thing that was so hard for Jesus was the thing that was so hard for Jesus was the thing that was so hard for Jesus was knowing that he who was sinless would knowing that he who was sinless would knowing that he who was sinless would bear all that was sinful. He who was bear all that was sinful. He who was bear all that was sinful. He who was pure would bear all that was impure. And pure would bear all that was impure. And pure would bear all that was impure. And he would take the sin of the world upon he would take the sin of the world upon he would take the sin of the world upon himself. And that's why he prayed, himself. And that's why he prayed, himself. And that's why he prayed, "Father, if it's possible, let this cup "Father, if it's possible, let this cup "Father, if it's possible, let this cup pass from me. Nevertheless, not my will, pass from me. Nevertheless, not my will, pass from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours be done. but yours be done. but yours be done. Some people think, "Oh, no. I I'll get Some people think, "Oh, no. I I'll get Some people think, "Oh, no. I I'll get to heaven by living a good life." to heaven by living a good life." to heaven by living a good life." Really? Do you think Jesus would have Really? Do you think Jesus would have Really? Do you think Jesus would have died on a cross and suffered the way he died on a cross and suffered the way he died on a cross and suffered the way he did if you could just get to heaven by did if you could just get to heaven by did if you could just get to heaven by living a good life? The story is told of living a good life? The story is told of living a good life? The story is told of a guy who died and went to heaven, came a guy who died and went to heaven, came a guy who died and went to heaven, came to the pearly gates, and Peter was to the pearly gates, and Peter was to the pearly gates, and Peter was there. And Peter said, "Hey, welcome to there. And Peter said, "Hey, welcome to there. And Peter said, "Hey, welcome to heaven. Okay, this is how it works. You heaven. Okay, this is how it works. You heaven. Okay, this is how it works. You need a thousand points to get in. It's a need a thousand points to get in. It's a need a thousand points to get in. It's a true story.

true story. true story. Thousand points. Okay. How's it work? Thousand points. Okay. How's it work? Thousand points. Okay. How's it work? For every good deed you did, you get a For every good deed you did, you get a For every good deed you did, you get a certain amount of points. Guy says, "Oh, certain amount of points. Guy says, "Oh, certain amount of points. Guy says, "Oh, all right. Yeah, I'm feeling pretty all right. Yeah, I'm feeling pretty all right. Yeah, I'm feeling pretty good." Says, "I was married to the same good." Says, "I was married to the same good." Says, "I was married to the same woman for 50 years." Peter says, woman for 50 years." Peter says, woman for 50 years." Peter says, "Impressive. Three points." Wait, three? "Impressive. Three points." Wait, three? "Impressive. Three points." Wait, three? How many do I need? You need a thousand. How many do I need? You need a thousand. How many do I need? You need a thousand. Oh, well, I went to church every Sunday. Oh, well, I went to church every Sunday. Oh, well, I went to church every Sunday. never miss. I tithed faithfully. never miss. I tithed faithfully. never miss. I tithed faithfully. That's worth two points. Two points. That's worth two points. Two points. That's worth two points. Two points. Well, I opened up a soup kitchen and I Well, I opened up a soup kitchen and I Well, I opened up a soup kitchen and I fed the homeless. And Peter says, "That fed the homeless. And Peter says, "That fed the homeless. And Peter says, "That that's worth two points." And the guy that's worth two points." And the guy that's worth two points." And the guy says, "This is crazy. The only way I'm says, "This is crazy. The only way I'm says, "This is crazy. The only way I'm going to get into heaven is by the grace going to get into heaven is by the grace going to get into heaven is by the grace of God." Peter says, "Good answer. of God." Peter says, "Good answer. of God." Peter says, "Good answer. That's a thousand points. Come on in." That's a thousand points. Come on in." That's a thousand points. Come on in." Now, it's a silly illustration, but you Now, it's a silly illustration, but you Now, it's a silly illustration, but you get you see what I'm saying. It's not in get you see what I'm saying. It's not in get you see what I'm saying. It's not in a point system. And if it was, that'd be a point system. And if it was, that'd be a point system. And if it was, that'd be the worst thing for all of us. Do you the worst thing for all of us. Do you the worst thing for all of us. Do you really think you've lived a good life? really think you've lived a good life? really think you've lived a good life? Come on. Really? Good enough to get you Come on. Really? Good enough to get you Come on. Really? Good enough to get you into heaven? God demands absolute into heaven? God demands absolute into heaven? God demands absolute perfection. Thank God we don't get to perfection. Thank God we don't get to perfection. Thank God we don't get to heaven by human merit.

heaven by human merit. heaven by human merit. >> Thank God we get to heaven because of >> Thank God we get to heaven because of >> Thank God we get to heaven because of the sacrifice of Jesus which paid our the sacrifice of Jesus which paid our the sacrifice of Jesus which paid our debt. That brings me to my next point. That brings me to my next point. Jesus That brings me to my next point. Jesus suffered and died to provide our suffered and died to provide our suffered and died to provide our forgiveness and justification. forgiveness and justification. forgiveness and justification. Forgiveness and justification. Romans Forgiveness and justification. Romans Forgiveness and justification. Romans 5:9 says, "We've been justified by his 5:9 says, "We've been justified by his 5:9 says, "We've been justified by his blood." So forgiveness, that's when God blood." So forgiveness, that's when God blood." So forgiveness, that's when God forgives you of your sin, pardoned you. forgives you of your sin, pardoned you. forgives you of your sin, pardoned you. You know, you if you confess your sin, You know, you if you confess your sin, You know, you if you confess your sin, he's faithful and just to forgive you he's faithful and just to forgive you he's faithful and just to forgive you your sin, the Bible says, and cleanse your sin, the Bible says, and cleanse your sin, the Bible says, and cleanse you from all unrighteousness. But you from all unrighteousness. But you from all unrighteousness. But justification is different. Forgiveness justification is different. Forgiveness justification is different. Forgiveness removing the debt. Justification is removing the debt. Justification is removing the debt. Justification is putting the righteousness of Christ into putting the righteousness of Christ into putting the righteousness of Christ into your account. One way the word justified your account. One way the word justified your account. One way the word justified is translated is just as if it never had is translated is just as if it never had is translated is just as if it never had happened. So God doesn't just forgive happened. So God doesn't just forgive happened. So God doesn't just forgive you of your sins, he forgets your sin. you of your sins, he forgets your sin. you of your sins, he forgets your sin. He says, "Their sins and iniquities will He says, "Their sins and iniquities will He says, "Their sins and iniquities will I remember no more. And as far as the I remember no more. And as far as the I remember no more. And as far as the east is from the west is as far as I east is from the west is as far as I east is from the west is as far as I will put their sins away from them. That will put their sins away from them. That will put their sins away from them. That doesn't mean God is having a lapse of doesn't mean God is having a lapse of doesn't mean God is having a lapse of memory. It means he's choosing to not memory. It means he's choosing to not memory. It means he's choosing to not hold your sin against you. Sometimes hold your sin against you. Sometimes hold your sin against you. Sometimes married couples will get into arguments married couples will get into arguments married couples will get into arguments and one of them will bring up something and one of them will bring up something and one of them will bring up something that happened a long time ago. I'm not that happened a long time ago. I'm not that happened a long time ago. I'm not going to say if it's the wife more often going to say if it's the wife more often going to say if it's the wife more often or the husband wife, but

or the husband wife, but or the husband wife, but it goes like this. You're having a it goes like this. You're having a it goes like this. You're having a disagreement. She says, "I remember 20 disagreement. She says, "I remember 20 disagreement. She says, "I remember 20 years ago years ago years ago when you said this." Wait, seriously? 20 when you said this." Wait, seriously? 20 when you said this." Wait, seriously? 20 years ago? Yes, I remember it verbatim. years ago? Yes, I remember it verbatim. years ago? Yes, I remember it verbatim. I have a recording right here. I have a recording right here. I have a recording right here. Now, guys do this, too. Rarely, but they Now, guys do this, too. Rarely, but they Now, guys do this, too. Rarely, but they do. No, but the fact is is God doesn't do. No, but the fact is is God doesn't do. No, but the fact is is God doesn't do that. Can you imagin you commit? He do that. Can you imagin you commit? He do that. Can you imagin you commit? He remembers everything. He knows remembers everything. He knows remembers everything. He knows everything, but he says, "I've chosen to everything, but he says, "I've chosen to everything, but he says, "I've chosen to not remember those things." Because of not remember those things." Because of not remember those things." Because of the death of Jesus, you're forgiven. the death of Jesus, you're forgiven. the death of Jesus, you're forgiven. So, after you've sinned and after you've So, after you've sinned and after you've So, after you've sinned and after you've asked God to forgive you, accept his asked God to forgive you, accept his asked God to forgive you, accept his forgiveness. We should not choose to forgiveness. We should not choose to forgiveness. We should not choose to remember what God has chosen to forget. remember what God has chosen to forget. remember what God has chosen to forget. Let it go. Put it behind you and live Let it go. Put it behind you and live Let it go. Put it behind you and live like a forgiven person. This is all done through Christ. You This is all done through Christ. You know, sometimes people say, "Well, you know, sometimes people say, "Well, you know, sometimes people say, "Well, you know, all the religions of the world know, all the religions of the world know, all the religions of the world teach the same thing." Which is another teach the same thing." Which is another teach the same thing." Which is another way of saying I have no idea what I'm way of saying I have no idea what I'm way of saying I have no idea what I'm talking about. If I were to get other talking about. If I were to get other talking about. If I were to get other religious leaders up here representing religious leaders up here representing religious leaders up here representing different faiths, even we would agree on different faiths, even we would agree on different faiths, even we would agree on that one point. Our religions don't all that one point. Our religions don't all that one point. Our religions don't all teach the same thing. If you were to sum teach the same thing. If you were to sum teach the same thing. If you were to sum up every religion in the world, you up every religion in the world, you up every religion in the world, you could use the word do.

could use the word do. could use the word do. Do this and you'll go to heaven. Maybe Do this and you'll go to heaven. Maybe Do this and you'll go to heaven. Maybe do that and you'll find inner peace. Do do that and you'll find inner peace. Do do that and you'll find inner peace. Do this other thing and you'll reach this other thing and you'll reach this other thing and you'll reach nirvana. It's do. Do do. If you were to nirvana. It's do. Do do. If you were to nirvana. It's do. Do do. If you were to sum up Christianity in one word, it's sum up Christianity in one word, it's sum up Christianity in one word, it's done. It's done for you by God. That's done. It's done for you by God. That's done. It's done for you by God. That's what it is. Back to the statement of Christ on the Back to the statement of Christ on the cross. It is finished from the single cross. It is finished from the single cross. It is finished from the single word to telly which means it's paid for word to telly which means it's paid for word to telly which means it's paid for it's completed. It is accomplished. It's it's completed. It is accomplished. It's it's completed. It is accomplished. It's done for you. done for you. done for you. The title of this message has been it The title of this message has been it The title of this message has been it wasn't the nails that held him. It was wasn't the nails that held him. It was wasn't the nails that held him. It was his love for you and his love for me. his love for you and his love for me. his love for you and his love for me. Now I have a choice. What am I going to Now I have a choice. What am I going to Now I have a choice. What am I going to do with this? You know I get a call on do with this? You know I get a call on do with this? You know I get a call on my phone and I can choose to accept or my phone and I can choose to accept or my phone and I can choose to accept or decline the call. And on my I get spam decline the call. And on my I get spam decline the call. And on my I get spam calls all the time. Am I the only one? calls all the time. Am I the only one? calls all the time. Am I the only one? And I pock them and I get more spam And I pock them and I get more spam And I pock them and I get more spam calls. And on my phone it even says spam calls. And on my phone it even says spam calls. And on my phone it even says spam call and I answer them. I do cuz it's call and I answer them. I do cuz it's call and I answer them. I do cuz it's entertaining entertaining entertaining because I I use weird voices and prolong because I I use weird voices and prolong because I I use weird voices and prolong the conversation. I guess I like to spam the conversation. I guess I like to spam the conversation. I guess I like to spam spammers, you know.

spammers, you know. spammers, you know. Uh and I'm probably just talking to some Uh and I'm probably just talking to some Uh and I'm probably just talking to some AI bot, so what's the point? I don't AI bot, so what's the point? I don't AI bot, so what's the point? I don't know. But so I get a call and I can know. But so I get a call and I can know. But so I get a call and I can accept or decline. Now sometimes I'll be accept or decline. Now sometimes I'll be accept or decline. Now sometimes I'll be honest, I get calls from certain people honest, I get calls from certain people honest, I get calls from certain people that I would describe as 1-hour people. that I would describe as 1-hour people. that I would describe as 1-hour people. In other words, you cannot talk with In other words, you cannot talk with In other words, you cannot talk with them on the phone for less than an hour. them on the phone for less than an hour. them on the phone for less than an hour. You know these people? Are you one of You know these people? Are you one of You know these people? Are you one of these people? Why can't you just get to these people? Why can't you just get to these people? Why can't you just get to the point? Really seriously one hour. the point? Really seriously one hour. the point? Really seriously one hour. Now you may like that person. You may Now you may like that person. You may Now you may like that person. You may like to talk with them. You just don't like to talk with them. You just don't like to talk with them. You just don't have an hour. You're doing something. So have an hour. You're doing something. So have an hour. You're doing something. So you say, "I'll call him back when I'm you say, "I'll call him back when I'm you say, "I'll call him back when I'm driving to a place really far away." And driving to a place really far away." And driving to a place really far away." And that'll be the perfect time to have the that'll be the perfect time to have the that'll be the perfect time to have the 1-hour call. But when I get a call on my 1-hour call. But when I get a call on my 1-hour call. But when I get a call on my phone, it pops right up the name Kathy phone, it pops right up the name Kathy phone, it pops right up the name Kathy Lori. Accept or decline. I always Lori. Accept or decline. I always Lori. Accept or decline. I always accept. It's my wife calling. I'm not so accept. It's my wife calling. I'm not so accept. It's my wife calling. I'm not so sure that when Greg Lori pops up on her sure that when Greg Lori pops up on her sure that when Greg Lori pops up on her phone, she always accepts. phone, she always accepts. phone, she always accepts. See, by not swiping and accepting, I am See, by not swiping and accepting, I am See, by not swiping and accepting, I am in effect declining the call. Imagine in effect declining the call. Imagine in effect declining the call. Imagine now for a moment you get a call on your now for a moment you get a call on your now for a moment you get a call on your phone. Jesus Christ. This isn't spam.

phone. Jesus Christ. This isn't spam. phone. Jesus Christ. This isn't spam. Jesus Christ. Oo, look who's calling. Jesus Christ. Oo, look who's calling. Jesus Christ. Oo, look who's calling. Jesus Christ. Do a screen check. Yeah. Jesus Christ. Do a screen check. Yeah. Jesus Christ. Do a screen check. Yeah. Nice. Are you going to answer it? Still Nice. Are you going to answer it? Still Nice. Are you going to answer it? Still calling. Gee, look who's calling me. If calling. Gee, look who's calling me. If calling. Gee, look who's calling me. If I don't accept that call, I am declining I don't accept that call, I am declining I don't accept that call, I am declining the call. the call. the call. So Jesus is standing at the door of your So Jesus is standing at the door of your So Jesus is standing at the door of your life and he's knocking and I can either life and he's knocking and I can either life and he's knocking and I can either say come in or or go away. Well, I'm not say come in or or go away. Well, I'm not say come in or or go away. Well, I'm not saying go away. I'm just not answering. saying go away. I'm just not answering. saying go away. I'm just not answering. But if that person knows your home and But if that person knows your home and But if that person knows your home and you don't answer your door when they you don't answer your door when they you don't answer your door when they knock, is that not a rejection? knock, is that not a rejection? knock, is that not a rejection? They looking in the window. Hi, can see They looking in the window. Hi, can see They looking in the window. Hi, can see you. Are you going to answer the door? you. Are you going to answer the door? you. Are you going to answer the door? No. You talk like he's not there. No. You talk like he's not there. No. You talk like he's not there. So Jesus is knocking at the door of your So Jesus is knocking at the door of your So Jesus is knocking at the door of your life right now. Are you going to invite life right now. Are you going to invite life right now. Are you going to invite him in or reject him? Are you going to him in or reject him? Are you going to him in or reject him? Are you going to accept or decline his call? The ball's accept or decline his call? The ball's accept or decline his call? The ball's in your cart. And we're going to close in your cart. And we're going to close in your cart. And we're going to close in prayer right now. For me, the thing in prayer right now. For me, the thing in prayer right now. For me, the thing that really got my attention, I that really got my attention, I that really got my attention, I mentioned mentioned mentioned when I heard the preacher say, "Jesus when I heard the preacher say, "Jesus when I heard the preacher say, "Jesus said, "You're for me or against me." And said, "You're for me or against me." And said, "You're for me or against me." And I looked at the Christians and I I looked at the Christians and I I looked at the Christians and I thought, "Well, they're for them and I'm thought, "Well, they're for them and I'm thought, "Well, they're for them and I'm not one of them. Does that mean I'm not one of them. Does that mean I'm not one of them. Does that mean I'm against them? I don't want to be against against them? I don't want to be against against them? I don't want to be against him. And that was the day I believed.

him. And that was the day I believed. him. And that was the day I believed. Maybe this will be the day you believe. Maybe this will be the day you believe. Maybe this will be the day you believe. He's just a prayer away. Maybe as I'm He's just a prayer away. Maybe as I'm He's just a prayer away. Maybe as I'm speaking, there's something happening speaking, there's something happening speaking, there's something happening inside of you. You're saying, "This is inside of you. You're saying, "This is inside of you. You're saying, "This is true. I know this is true. I know I need true. I know this is true. I know I need true. I know this is true. I know I need to respond. I know I need to follow to respond. I know I need to follow to respond. I know I need to follow Christ." Okay, here's an opportunity to Christ." Okay, here's an opportunity to Christ." Okay, here's an opportunity to do that. Let's all pray. Father, I pray do that. Let's all pray. Father, I pray do that. Let's all pray. Father, I pray for every person who has joined us, for every person who has joined us, for every person who has joined us, every person who's watching and every person who's watching and every person who's watching and listening, wherever they may be. If they listening, wherever they may be. If they listening, wherever they may be. If they don't know you yet, let this be the don't know you yet, let this be the don't know you yet, let this be the moment they believe in you and ask Jesus moment they believe in you and ask Jesus moment they believe in you and ask Jesus into their life. Now, while our heads into their life. Now, while our heads into their life. Now, while our heads are bowed and our eyes are closed and are bowed and our eyes are closed and are bowed and our eyes are closed and we're praying, we're praying, we're praying, if you would like Jesus to come into if you would like Jesus to come into if you would like Jesus to come into your life, if you would like him to your life, if you would like him to your life, if you would like him to forgive you of every sin you have ever forgive you of every sin you have ever forgive you of every sin you have ever committed, if you would like to know committed, if you would like to know committed, if you would like to know that when you die, you will go to that when you die, you will go to that when you die, you will go to heaven. heaven. heaven. If you're ready to say yes to Jesus If you're ready to say yes to Jesus If you're ready to say yes to Jesus right now, wherever you are, would you right now, wherever you are, would you right now, wherever you are, would you just lift up your hand and let me pray just lift up your hand and let me pray just lift up your hand and let me pray for you? Just raise your hand up. Let me for you? Just raise your hand up. Let me for you? Just raise your hand up. Let me pray for you right now. Wherever you pray for you right now. Wherever you pray for you right now. Wherever you are, are, are, raise your hand up. God bless you. God raise your hand up. God bless you. God raise your hand up. God bless you. God bless you. Anybody else raise your hand bless you. Anybody else raise your hand bless you. Anybody else raise your hand up. I want to pray for you today and up. I want to pray for you today and up. I want to pray for you today and lead you in a prayer to accept Christ lead you in a prayer to accept Christ lead you in a prayer to accept Christ into your life. Anybody else raise your into your life. Anybody else raise your into your life. Anybody else raise your hand now. God bless you.

hand now. God bless you. hand now. God bless you. Anybody else? Anybody else? Anybody else? All right. You that have raised your All right. You that have raised your All right. You that have raised your hand, I want you to pray this prayer hand, I want you to pray this prayer hand, I want you to pray this prayer after me. You could pray it out loud. after me. You could pray it out loud. after me. You could pray it out loud. Pray it quietly in your heart. Pray Pray it quietly in your heart. Pray Pray it quietly in your heart. Pray these words. Lord Jesus, I know that I'm these words. Lord Jesus, I know that I'm these words. Lord Jesus, I know that I'm a sinner, but I know you're the Savior a sinner, but I know you're the Savior a sinner, but I know you're the Savior who died on the cross for my sin. I turn who died on the cross for my sin. I turn who died on the cross for my sin. I turn from my sin now. I repent of it, and I from my sin now. I repent of it, and I from my sin now. I repent of it, and I ask you to come into my life to be my ask you to come into my life to be my ask you to come into my life to be my Lord and Savior. I choose to follow you Lord and Savior. I choose to follow you Lord and Savior. I choose to follow you now. In Jesus name I pray. Amen. God now. In Jesus name I pray. Amen. God now. In Jesus name I pray. Amen. God bless you that prayed that prayer. God bless you that prayed that prayer. God bless you that prayed that prayer. God bless you. At the end of the service, we're going At the end of the service, we're going to tell you about a Bible that looks to tell you about a Bible that looks to tell you about a Bible that looks like the one I'm holding here, the New like the one I'm holding here, the New like the one I'm holding here, the New Believers Bible. That is a New Testament Believers Bible. That is a New Testament Believers Bible. That is a New Testament in a friendly translation that you'll in a friendly translation that you'll in a friendly translation that you'll understand along with hundreds of notes understand along with hundreds of notes understand along with hundreds of notes that I wrote to encourage you in this that I wrote to encourage you in this that I wrote to encourage you in this commitment, a recommitment you've made commitment, a recommitment you've made commitment, a recommitment you've made to Christ. So, at the end, we'll tell to Christ. So, at the end, we'll tell to Christ. So, at the end, we'll tell you to get a new believer's Bible. So, you to get a new believer's Bible. So, you to get a new believer's Bible. So, we're going to have a communion service we're going to have a communion service we're going to have a communion service here to remember what Jesus did for us here to remember what Jesus did for us here to remember what Jesus did for us on the cross. Remember in the upper on the cross. Remember in the upper on the cross. Remember in the upper room, he took the bread and he said, room, he took the bread and he said, room, he took the bread and he said, "This is my body which is broken for "This is my body which is broken for "This is my body which is broken for you." He took a cup with the fruit of you." He took a cup with the fruit of you." He took a cup with the fruit of the vine. He said, "This is my blood.

the vine. He said, "This is my blood. the vine. He said, "This is my blood. Drink it." So, this is a symbol we're Drink it." So, this is a symbol we're Drink it." So, this is a symbol we're going to give to you. The bread, the going to give to you. The bread, the going to give to you. The bread, the cup, a symbol of the body and blood of cup, a symbol of the body and blood of cup, a symbol of the body and blood of Jesus. By the way, communion or the Jesus. By the way, communion or the Jesus. By the way, communion or the Lord's supper as it's called is for Lord's supper as it's called is for Lord's supper as it's called is for Christians only. You see, because the Christians only. You see, because the Christians only. You see, because the Bible tells us that when we do this, we Bible tells us that when we do this, we Bible tells us that when we do this, we should examine oursel. It's a good time should examine oursel. It's a good time should examine oursel. It's a good time to do a spiritual self-exam. to do a spiritual self-exam. to do a spiritual self-exam. Hey, am I right with God? Is there Hey, am I right with God? Is there Hey, am I right with God? Is there anything in my life that I should not be anything in my life that I should not be anything in my life that I should not be doing? Maybe something I should be doing? Maybe something I should be doing? Maybe something I should be doing. It's a good time to make a doing. It's a good time to make a doing. It's a good time to make a recommmitment to the Lord. So, if you're recommmitment to the Lord. So, if you're recommmitment to the Lord. So, if you're not a believer and you're uh you're just not a believer and you're uh you're just not a believer and you're uh you're just visiting us, thank you for coming. visiting us, thank you for coming. visiting us, thank you for coming. Please come back. But you might just let Please come back. But you might just let Please come back. But you might just let these elements pass you by today. You these elements pass you by today. You these elements pass you by today. You want to believe in the one they want to believe in the one they want to believe in the one they represent. But for everybody else that represent. But for everybody else that represent. But for everybody else that believes in Jesus, you're more than believes in Jesus, you're more than believes in Jesus, you're more than welcome to join us. We'll serve you and welcome to join us. We'll serve you and welcome to join us. We'll serve you and you take the bread, you take the cup, you take the bread, you take the cup, you take the bread, you take the cup, hold on to it till we're all served, and hold on to it till we're all served, and hold on to it till we're all served, and then we will partake together. So, let's then we will partake together. So, let's then we will partake together. So, let's worship the Lord.

Light of the world, you step down into Light of the world, you step down into darkness. darkness. darkness. Open my eyes. Let me see. Beauty that made this heart adore you. Beauty that made this heart adore you. Hope of a life spent with you. Here I am to worship. Here I am to worship. Here I am to bow down. Here I am to say Here I am to bow down. Here I am to say Here I am to bow down. Here I am to say that you're my God. that you're my God. that you're my God. You're all together lovely, You're all together lovely, You're all together lovely, allto together worthy, allto together worthy, allto together worthy, allto together wonderful allto together wonderful allto together wonderful to me. King of all things. Oh, so highly King of all things. Oh, so highly exalted.

exalted. exalted. Glorious in heaven above. Only you came to the earth you ced. Only you came to the earth you ced. All for the sake became. All for the sake became. All for the sake became. So here I am to worship. Here I am to So here I am to worship. Here I am to So here I am to worship. Here I am to bow down. Here I am to say that you're bow down. Here I am to say that you're bow down. Here I am to say that you're my God. my God. my God. You're all together. You're all together. You're all together. All together worthy. All together worthy. All together worthy. All together wonderful All together wonderful All together wonderful to me. to me. to me. Oh here I am to worship. Oh here I am to worship. Oh here I am to worship. Here I am to bow down. Here I am to say Here I am to bow down. Here I am to say Here I am to bow down. Here I am to say that you're my God. that you're my God. that you're my God. You're all together love. You're all together love. You're all together love. All together worthy.

All together worthy. All together worthy. All together wonderful All together wonderful All together wonderful to me. You hold in your hand the bread, a You hold in your hand the bread, a symbol of the body of Jesus. symbol of the body of Jesus. symbol of the body of Jesus. Isaiah, speaking of what Christ would Isaiah, speaking of what Christ would Isaiah, speaking of what Christ would accomplish, accomplish, accomplish, said, "By his stripes we are healed." said, "By his stripes we are healed." said, "By his stripes we are healed." Interesting Interesting Interesting that Isaiah mentioned stripes or the that Isaiah mentioned stripes or the that Isaiah mentioned stripes or the results of being whipped in particular. results of being whipped in particular. results of being whipped in particular. And I believe that God can touch and And I believe that God can touch and And I believe that God can touch and heal our bodies. He can work through heal our bodies. He can work through heal our bodies. He can work through doctors and medicine and he can also doctors and medicine and he can also doctors and medicine and he can also work in miraculous ways. So this is a work in miraculous ways. So this is a work in miraculous ways. So this is a good time to say Lord I could use your good time to say Lord I could use your good time to say Lord I could use your healing touch. healing touch. healing touch. But as we hold the bread we remember the But as we hold the bread we remember the But as we hold the bread we remember the sacrifice of Jesus for each of us. Let's sacrifice of Jesus for each of us. Let's sacrifice of Jesus for each of us. Let's pray now. Lord as we hold this bread we pray now. Lord as we hold this bread we pray now. Lord as we hold this bread we are thankful for what Jesus did. are thankful for what Jesus did. are thankful for what Jesus did. The sacrifice he made. The whipping he The sacrifice he made. The whipping he The sacrifice he made. The whipping he received. the suffering he endured. And received. the suffering he endured. And received. the suffering he endured. And now, Lord, as you've asked us, now, Lord, as you've asked us, now, Lord, as you've asked us, we will do in remembrance of you. Let's we will do in remembrance of you. Let's we will do in remembrance of you. Let's partake together.

Jesus took the cup. Jesus took the cup. And he asked us to do this in And he asked us to do this in And he asked us to do this in remembrance of him as well. A symbol of remembrance of him as well. A symbol of remembrance of him as well. A symbol of the blood that would be shed. Without the blood that would be shed. Without the blood that would be shed. Without the shedding of blood, as I mentioned the shedding of blood, as I mentioned the shedding of blood, as I mentioned earlier, there's no forgiveness of sins. earlier, there's no forgiveness of sins. earlier, there's no forgiveness of sins. The blood of Jesus helps us to overcome The blood of Jesus helps us to overcome The blood of Jesus helps us to overcome sin. In the book of Revelation, we read sin. In the book of Revelation, we read sin. In the book of Revelation, we read of those who overcame the devil by the of those who overcame the devil by the of those who overcame the devil by the blood of the lamb. The blood of Jesus blood of the lamb. The blood of Jesus blood of the lamb. The blood of Jesus cleanses us from all sin. The Bible cleanses us from all sin. The Bible cleanses us from all sin. The Bible says, "If we walk in the light as he is says, "If we walk in the light as he is says, "If we walk in the light as he is in the light, we have fellowship one in the light, we have fellowship one in the light, we have fellowship one with another and the blood of Jesus with another and the blood of Jesus with another and the blood of Jesus Christ cleanses us of all sin." Christ cleanses us of all sin." Christ cleanses us of all sin." So we drink this now in remembrance of So we drink this now in remembrance of So we drink this now in remembrance of him. You know, it's a funny thing. him. You know, it's a funny thing. him. You know, it's a funny thing. People will go out and drink and get People will go out and drink and get People will go out and drink and get drunk to forget. The world drinks to drunk to forget. The world drinks to drunk to forget. The world drinks to forget. The Christian drinks to forget. The Christian drinks to forget. The Christian drinks to remember. to remember the sacrifice of remember. to remember the sacrifice of remember. to remember the sacrifice of Jesus. Let's pray now. Lord, as we hold Jesus. Let's pray now. Lord, as we hold Jesus. Let's pray now. Lord, as we hold this cup, we remember your sacrifice for this cup, we remember your sacrifice for this cup, we remember your sacrifice for us. Thank you for shedding your blood.

us. Thank you for shedding your blood. us. Thank you for shedding your blood. Cleanse us now of all sin. Sing this together. Sing this together. And I'll never know how much it costs to And I'll never know how much it costs to And I'll never know how much it costs to see my sin upon that cross. I'll never see my sin upon that cross. I'll never see my sin upon that cross. I'll never know how much it means to see my sin know how much it means to see my sin know how much it means to see my sin upon that cross. I'll never upon that cross. I'll never upon that cross. I'll never know how much it cost to see my sin know how much it cost to see my sin know how much it cost to see my sin upon that cross.

upon that cross. upon that cross. I I I know how much it cost to see my s know how much it cost to see my s know how much it cost to see my s upon that cross. So here I am to So here I am to >> What a great message. You know, if you >> What a great message. You know, if you >> What a great message. You know, if you prayed to receive Christ into your prayed to receive Christ into your prayed to receive Christ into your heart, we want to welcome you to the heart, we want to welcome you to the heart, we want to welcome you to the family of God. We are so incredibly family of God. We are so incredibly family of God. We are so incredibly happy that you made this decision to happy that you made this decision to happy that you made this decision to help you get started or restarted in help you get started or restarted in help you get started or restarted in your walk with Christ. We want to send your walk with Christ. We want to send your walk with Christ. We want to send you a New Believer's Bible which you a New Believer's Bible which you a New Believer's Bible which presents the New Testament in a very presents the New Testament in a very presents the New Testament in a very understandable translation and it has understandable translation and it has understandable translation and it has hundreds of notes from Pastor Greg Lori. hundreds of notes from Pastor Greg Lori. hundreds of notes from Pastor Greg Lori. Let us know that you prayed by clicking Let us know that you prayed by clicking Let us know that you prayed by clicking the link or you can go to the link or you can go to the link or you can go to harvest.org/bible harvest.org/bible harvest.org/bible and we would love to send you the New and we would love to send you the New and we would love to send you the New Believers Bible for free. An important Believers Bible for free. An important Believers Bible for free. An important part of your walk with Christ is to also part of your walk with Christ is to also part of your walk with Christ is to also walk with his people. We want to walk with his people. We want to walk with his people. We want to encourage you to join Harvest online encourage you to join Harvest online encourage you to join Harvest online disciplehip. This is a group of people disciplehip. This is a group of people disciplehip. This is a group of people who are seeking to grow in their faith who are seeking to grow in their faith who are seeking to grow in their faith and deepen their relationship with God and deepen their relationship with God and deepen their relationship with God among like-minded believers. You can among like-minded believers. You can among like-minded believers. You can join discussions, share resources, join discussions, share resources, join discussions, share resources, offered prayers, and you can share offered prayers, and you can share offered prayers, and you can share personal experiences and testimonies.

personal experiences and testimonies. personal experiences and testimonies. Sign up and join the community today by Sign up and join the community today by Sign up and join the community today by going to disciple.harvest.org. going to disciple.harvest.org. going to disciple.harvest.org. Well, family, we are so glad that you Well, family, we are so glad that you Well, family, we are so glad that you were able to tune in with us. Have a were able to tune in with us. Have a were able to tune in with us. Have a great week. God bless you guys and we'll great week. God bless you guys and we'll great week. God bless you guys and we'll see you soon.