“Close Encounters” by Pastor Jonathan Laurie

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 raised me from aes You raised me from aes You raised me from aes from death into light. from death into light. from death into light. You raised me from aes You raised me from aes You raised me from aes 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. >> Let's clap like this. >> Let's clap like this. Say hallelujah. You get all the praise. We say You get all the praise. We say hallelujah. You get all the I think you got it. Try You get all the I think you got it. Try it right here. Hallelujah. You get all the praise always. You get all the praise always. I've got a God who is for me and he's I've got a God who is for me and he's I've got a God who is for me and he's known for making way. known for making way. known for making way. He fought the battle so I wouldn't have He fought the battle so I wouldn't have He fought the battle so I wouldn't have to. All glory belongs to his name. to. All glory belongs to his name. to. All glory belongs to his name. And I've got a God who's been faithful.

And I've got a God who's been faithful. And I've got a God who's been faithful. Yes, he has. Far more than I could Yes, he has. Far more than I could Yes, he has. Far more than I could explain. explain. explain. through every season. It's light up my through every season. It's light up my through every season. It's light up my weakness. He gave me a song I could weakness. He gave me a song I could weakness. He gave me a song I could sing. And I came to pray. I came to pray. Come on. That's why I I came to pray. Come on. That's why I woke up today. I came to pray. Let's go, y'all. We say I came to pray. Let's go, y'all. We say hallelujah. You give all the praise. We say You give all the praise. We say hallelujah. You give all the praise. Oh, You give all the praise. Oh, I got a king who is risen. I got a king who is risen. I got a king who is risen. He put my shame in the grave. He put my shame in the grave. He put my shame in the grave. We will back and now I never have to. We will back and now I never have to. We will back and now I never have to. And he did it all in three days. Let's And he did it all in three days. Let's And he did it all in three days. Let's go. go. go. >> I came to pray.

I came to pray. That's why I woke up I came to pray. That's why I woke up today. That's why I woke up today. Oh, today. That's why I woke up today. Oh, today. That's why I woke up today. Oh, I came to praise. Oh, we say hallelujah. You give all the praise. We say You give all the praise. We say hallelujah. You give all the praise. You give all the praise. Let's go. I'll sing. Let's go. I'll sing. Let's go. I'll sing. I'm sing I'm sing I'm sing I'll see I'll see I'll see that sound that sound that sound I'm holy I'm sing I'm holy I'm sing I'm holy I'm sing I'll sing I'll sing I'll sing I'll sing the morning I'll sing the morning I'll sing the morning I'm sing I'm sing I'm sing I'm sing I'm sing I'm sing I'll sing I'll sing I'll sing I'll sing it twice I'll sing the rest of I'll sing it twice I'll sing the rest of I'll sing it twice I'll sing the rest of my life he's holy Halle Halle Hallelujah.

Hallelujah. Hallelujah. You give all the praise. We say you give all the praise. One more time. you give all the praise. One more time. I I see I see I see I see I see I see this I see this I see this Hallelujah. >> Tell me what you I came to pray. Tell me >> Tell me what you I came to pray. Tell me what you call me to do today. what you call me to do today. what you call me to do today. >> I came to pray. Get out of my way. Get >> I came to pray. Get out of my way. Get >> I came to pray. Get out of my way. Get out of my way.

out of my way. out of my way. >> Hey, last time. Come on. I came to pray. for lies beyond the stars. for lies beyond the stars. Those dazzling hearts too fast to climb. Those dazzling hearts too fast to climb. Those dazzling hearts too fast to climb. I got so hard to fall so far. I got so hard to fall so far. I got so hard to fall so far. But I found heaven as love. But I found heaven as love. But I found heaven as love. My heart beating, my soul breathing. I My heart beating, my soul breathing. I My heart beating, my soul breathing. I found my life when I laid it down. My found my life when I laid it down. My found my life when I laid it down. My wood falling spirit soaring. I touch the wood falling spirit soaring. I touch the wood falling spirit soaring. I touch the sky when my knees hit the ground.

What treasure waits within your skies? What treasure waits within your skies? The gift of freedom gold can't buy. The gift of freedom gold can't buy. The gift of freedom gold can't buy. I bought the world and sold my heart. I bought the world and sold my heart. I bought the world and sold my heart. You traded heaven to have me again. My You traded heaven to have me again. My You traded heaven to have me again. My heart beating, my soul breathing. I heart beating, my soul breathing. I heart beating, my soul breathing. I found my life when I laid it down of found my life when I laid it down of found my life when I laid it down of wood falling spirit soaring. I touch the wood falling spirit soaring. I touch the wood falling spirit soaring. I touch the sky when my knees hit the ground. I'm here to feel I'm here to feel everything everything everything reaching out in your in your soul.

here here again. again. again. Everything I am reaching out. Sweep me up in your love again. Sweep me up in your love again. And my soul And my soul And my soul on the wings of my on the wings of my on the wings of my heart beating, my soul breathing. We lay it down up We lay it down up spirit. So I search the sky spirit. So I search the sky spirit. So I search the sky when racing when racing when racing with my heart. falling spirit falling spirit I touch the sky

I touch the sky I touch the sky beneath it the Raise a victory banner Raise a victory banner for the War is won. for the War is won. for the War is won. Come and celebrate Come and celebrate Come and celebrate what the Lord has done for the joy before him. He endured the for the joy before him. He endured the cross. cross. cross. He was thinking of everyone of us. He was thinking of everyone of us. He was thinking of everyone of us. Let's hear a shout.

All praise to his holy name. All praise to his holy name. All honor forever All honor forever All honor forever to the lamb, the Christ, the king. Even for our failures, Even for our failures, bled for all our shame. bled for all our shame. bled for all our shame. Then he left it there in that far away Then he left it there in that far away Then he left it there in that far away grave. Playing the gates wide open. Playing the gates wide open. Let the lost return. Let the lost return. Let the lost return. For the veil was torn between men and For the veil was torn between men and For the veil was torn between men and earth. All glory. All glory. All glory to Jesus. All praise to his holy name. All praise to his holy name. All forever All forever All forever to the lamb. The Christ the King. Come to the lamb. The Christ the King. Come to the lamb. The Christ the King. Come on, sing to him.

on, sing to him. on, sing to him. All glory Jesus. All praise to his holy name. All praise to his holy name. All to to the Christ, the king. the King of Kings. the King of Kings. Oh, we love you. Sing hallelujah. Oh, we love you. Sing hallelujah. Oh, we love you. Sing hallelujah. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Heat. Hallelujah.

Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Will we hear the trumpet? Will we hear the trumpet? What a glorious sound. What a glorious sound. What a glorious sound. We'll see Jesus riding We'll see Jesus riding We'll see Jesus riding on the cross. Join the great process. Join the great process. Praise has no Praise has no Praise has no for the key is coming back again. for the key is coming back again. for the key is coming back again. Yes, the key is coming back again. Christ. The king

Christ. The king to the lamb. The Christ the king. to the lamb. The Christ the king. to the lamb. The Christ the king. To the lamb. The Christ To the lamb. The Christ To the lamb. The Christ the king broken soul like me. I've been a sinner. broken soul like me. I've been a sinner. I've seen the world and I've seen I've seen the world and I've seen I've seen the world and I've seen darkness. I've been down and darkness. I've been down and darkness. I've been down and brokenhearted. Yeah. I've been kicked brokenhearted. Yeah. I've been kicked brokenhearted. Yeah. I've been kicked around. I've been broke. around. I've been broke. around. I've been broke. I've had holes in all my jeans from I've had holes in all my jeans from I've had holes in all my jeans from praying on my knees until he pulled me praying on my knees until he pulled me praying on my knees until he pulled me out. Just a boy with some brimstone out. Just a boy with some brimstone out. Just a boy with some brimstone baggage with some metaphor kind of baggage with some metaphor kind of baggage with some metaphor kind of habits. If you're breaking, need some habits. If you're breaking, need some habits. If you're breaking, need some saving. Take a tip from me. Don't you saving. Take a tip from me. Don't you saving. Take a tip from me. Don't you give up. 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 Francies, thank on my podcast. Michael Francies, thank on my podcast. Michael Francies, 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 spiked spiked >> at the local level. No one is beyond the >> at the local level. No one is beyond the >> at the local level. No one is beyond the reach of God. I mean, if God can reach reach of God. I mean, if God can reach reach of God. I mean, if God can reach Michael Frances, 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 plan gifts to organizations of your plan gifts to organizations of your plan 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 gathered together to worship the people gathered together to worship the people gathered 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 800 Pirates Cove where we witnessed over 800 Pirates Cove where we witnessed over 800 people make their public declaration of people make their public declaration of people make their public declaration of faith through baptism at this historic faith through baptism at this historic faith through baptism at this historic site. What an incredible month of seeing site. What an incredible month of seeing site. What an incredible month of seeing the Lord's work. Walking with Christ is the Lord's work. Walking with Christ is the Lord's work. Walking with Christ is a daily commitment, which is why we have a daily commitment, which is why we have a daily commitment, which is why we have some amazing resources available online some amazing resources available online some amazing resources available online that can help and guide you in that that can help and guide you in that that can help and guide you in that journey. If you head over to our website journey. If you head over to our website journey. If you head over to our website after service, you will have access to after service, you will have access to after service, you will have access to free ebooks written by Pastor Greg free ebooks written by Pastor Greg free ebooks written by Pastor Greg Lorie, Bible study courses that are Lorie, Bible study courses that are Lorie, 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 Welcome to church today.

Welcome to church today. You are the well-slept children of God, You are the well-slept children of God, You are the well-slept children of God, right? If I was one of you, I'd be right? If I was one of you, I'd be right? If I was one of you, I'd be coming in at in noon as well. I'm so coming in at in noon as well. I'm so coming in at in noon as well. I'm so excited to be here in the house of God. excited to be here in the house of God. excited to be here in the house of God. We're here to serve and to worship the We're here to serve and to worship the We're here to serve and to worship the one true real God, right? Who's here one true real God, right? Who's here one true real God, right? Who's here with us is not far away in the sky or with us is not far away in the sky or with us is not far away in the sky or distant. is here in the room with us distant. is here in the room with us distant. is here in the room with us right now. And we read in the scripture right now. And we read in the scripture right now. And we read in the scripture that we the the people would enter that we the the people would enter that we the the people would enter through the gates with thanksgiving and through the gates with thanksgiving and through the gates with thanksgiving and they would get as they get closer to the they would get as they get closer to the they would get as they get closer to the Holy of Holies. Would you guys read this Holy of Holies. Would you guys read this Holy of Holies. Would you guys read this verse with me really quick? It says verse with me really quick? It says verse with me really quick? It says Psalms 104. Enter into his gates with Psalms 104. Enter into his gates with Psalms 104. Enter into his gates with thanksgiving and enter his courts with thanksgiving and enter his courts with thanksgiving and enter his courts with praise. Be thankful to him and bless his praise. Be thankful to him and bless his praise. Be thankful to him and bless his name. You know, another word you can name. You know, another word you can name. You know, another word you can clap for that for uh thankfulness is clap for that for uh thankfulness is clap for that for uh thankfulness is gratitude, right? We have so much to be gratitude, right? We have so much to be gratitude, right? We have so much to be thankful for. Maybe you're someone that thankful for. Maybe you're someone that thankful for. Maybe you're someone that has just been counting your blessings or has just been counting your blessings or has just been counting your blessings or maybe you're someone that's going maybe you're someone that's going maybe you're someone that's going through one of the darkest times of your through one of the darkest times of your through one of the darkest times of your life. But no matter what, we all woke up life. But no matter what, we all woke up life. But no matter what, we all woke up this morning and we have things that we this morning and we have things that we this morning and we have things that we can be grateful for. So, we're going to can be grateful for. So, we're going to can be grateful for. So, we're going to sing this song, gratitude. But as we sing this song, gratitude. But as we sing this song, gratitude. But as we sing this chorus, would someone here sing this chorus, would someone here sing this chorus, would someone here lift their hands to God and sing this?

lift their hands to God and sing this? lift their hands to God and sing this? We're going to sing. So I throw up my We're going to sing. So I throw up my We're going to sing. So I throw up my hands and praise you again and again. hands and praise you again and again. hands and praise you again and again. Come on. Cuz all that I have is a Come on. Cuz all that I have is a Come on. Cuz all that I have is a hallelujah. And I know it's not much. Nothing else And I know it's not much. Nothing else fit for king fit for king fit for king except for a heart single. All my words fall short. Y'all sing this All my words fall short. Y'all sing this with us. with us. with us. I've got nothing new. and you never do.

and you never do. So I throw my hand and praise you again So I throw my hand and praise you again So I throw my hand and praise you again and again. and again. and again. Sorry. So we got to respond. So we got to respond. I got one response. How can we not give you our heart?

How can we not give you our heart? Come on, y'all. Take over. Don't be shy. Come on, somebody get up and praise the Come on, somebody get up and praise the Lord. Let's hear you sing. Come on, even Lord. Let's hear you sing. Come on, even Lord. Let's hear you sing. Come on, even louder. Here we go. >> Lord, I come. Y'all sing it. I confess

>> Lord, I come. Y'all sing it. I confess how we here. how we here. how we here. I find it. I find it. I find it. And without you, And without you, And without you, I fall apart. I fall apart. I fall apart. You're the one You're the one You're the one who guides me. who guides me. who guides me. You'll know this one. You'll know this one. You'll know this one. Heat. Heat. Heat. Yeah. Yeah. Heat. where you are.

where you are. Where you are. when temptation comes my way when temptation comes my way and when I cannot stand or follow on me.

My one defense, My one defense, my rightousness. my rightousness. my rightousness. Oh God, how I need Oh God, how I need Oh God, how I need you. I believe there is one salvation, I believe there is one salvation, one doorway that leads to life, one one doorway that leads to life, one one doorway that leads to life, one redemption, one confession. I believe in redemption, one confession. I believe in redemption, one confession. I believe in the name of Jesus Christ. The crucifixion. The crucifixion. I believe in crucifixion. I believe in crucifixion. I believe in crucifixion. By his blood, I have been set free. I By his blood, I have been set free. I By his blood, I have been set free. I believe in the resurrection.

believe in the resurrection. believe in the resurrection. Hallelujah. His life is dest. All praise to Christ the son. All praise to Christ the son. All praise to the Holy Spirit. All praise to the Holy Spirit. All praise to the Holy Spirit. Our God has overcome Our God has overcome Our God has overcome the king. I believe in the hope of heaven. He's I believe in the hope of heaven. He's preparing a place for me far beyond what preparing a place for me far beyond what preparing a place for me far beyond what hearts imagine. Ears have heard or eyes hearts imagine. Ears have heard or eyes hearts imagine. Ears have heard or eyes have seen. I believe that a day is have seen. I believe that a day is have seen. I believe that a day is coming. He's returning to claim his coming. He's returning to claim his coming. He's returning to claim his pride. Heat.

pride. Heat. pride. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. If you believe today, would you sing If you believe today, would you sing with us? Never be ashamed. with us? Never be ashamed. with us? Never be ashamed. No, I'll never be ashamed of the gospel No, I'll never be ashamed of the gospel No, I'll never be ashamed of the gospel of Jesus Christ. of Jesus Christ. of Jesus Christ. How could I ever walk away from the one How could I ever walk away from the one How could I ever walk away from the one who save my life? Sing that. I'll never who save my life? Sing that. I'll never who save my life? Sing that. I'll never be ashamed of the gospel of Jesus be ashamed of the gospel of Jesus be ashamed of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Heat. Heat.

Jesus Jesus Christ. All All praise to God the Father. All praise to praise to God the Father. All praise to praise to God the Father. All praise to Christ the Son. Christ the Son. Christ the Son. All praise to the Holy Spirit. Our God All praise to the Holy Spirit. Our God All praise to the Holy Spirit. Our God has overcome. Throughout the years, we've had the

Throughout the years, we've had the privilege and the honor of reaching privilege and the honor of reaching privilege and the honor of reaching people from across the country and the people from across the country and the people from across the country and the world with the lifesaving message of the world with the lifesaving message of the world with the lifesaving message of the gospel through Harvest Crusades with the gospel through Harvest Crusades with the gospel through Harvest Crusades with the power of modern-day technology. We have power of modern-day technology. We have power of modern-day technology. We have been able to not only host people in been able to not only host people in been able to not only host people in person at these stadium events, but also person at these stadium events, but also person at these stadium events, but also stream the event live across the world. stream the event live across the world. stream the event live across the world. A Harvest Crusade attendee shared this. A Harvest Crusade attendee shared this. A Harvest Crusade attendee shared this. A friend I brought went onto the field A friend I brought went onto the field A friend I brought went onto the field to invite Jesus into her heart for the to invite Jesus into her heart for the to invite Jesus into her heart for the first time and she got baptized at the first time and she got baptized at the first time and she got baptized at the Jesus Revolution baptism. To God be the Jesus Revolution baptism. To God be the Jesus Revolution baptism. To God be the glory. You know, how amazing is that? glory. You know, how amazing is that? glory. You know, how amazing is that? That the gospel can touch the hearts of That the gospel can touch the hearts of That the gospel can touch the hearts of so many people through these events. God so many people through these events. God so many people through these events. God bless everyone who attended this event bless everyone who attended this event bless everyone who attended this event in person and online who committed or in person and online who committed or in person and online who committed or recommitted their lives to Christ. You recommitted their lives to Christ. You recommitted their lives to Christ. You know, the truth is this. What is know, the truth is this. What is know, the truth is this. What is happening through Harvest Ministries is happening through Harvest Ministries is happening through Harvest Ministries is happening all over our country. And happening all over our country. And happening all over our country. And people are hungry for the good news. And people are hungry for the good news. And people are hungry for the good news. And we believe America is primed for we believe America is primed for we believe America is primed for revival. But we believe it takes God's revival. But we believe it takes God's revival. But we believe it takes God's people to feed that revival. And it people to feed that revival. And it people to feed that revival. And it takes your generosity to enable the work takes your generosity to enable the work takes your generosity to enable the work that God is doing through Harvest that God is doing through Harvest that God is doing through Harvest Ministries. Will you partake in the Ministries. Will you partake in the Ministries. Will you partake in the blessing of this ministry by making a blessing of this ministry by making a blessing of this ministry by making a generous gift today? Your support will generous gift today? Your support will generous gift today? Your support will continue the broadcast of Harvest at continue the broadcast of Harvest at continue the broadcast of Harvest at Home, but it will go even further than Home, but it will go even further than Home, but it will go even further than that in creating these events, these that in creating these events, these that in creating these events, these moments, these films for people to be moments, these films for people to be moments, these films for people to be transformed forever. And as a thank you transformed forever. And as a thank you transformed forever. And as a thank you for your support, we would love to send for your support, we would love to send for your support, we would love to send you Pastor Greg's new book, What Every you Pastor Greg's new book, What Every you Pastor Greg's new book, What Every Growing Christian Needs to Know. In this Growing Christian Needs to Know. In this Growing Christian Needs to Know. In this book, Pastor Greg Lori explores the book, Pastor Greg Lori explores the book, Pastor Greg Lori explores the foundational practices that help foundational practices that help foundational practices that help believers grow spiritually and stay believers grow spiritually and stay believers grow spiritually and stay strong in their faith. Whether you're a

strong in their faith. Whether you're a strong in their faith. Whether you're a new believer or have followed Christ for new believer or have followed Christ for new believer or have followed Christ for decades, this practical guide will help decades, this practical guide will help decades, this practical guide will help you focus on the things that matter you focus on the things that matter you focus on the things that matter most. When you give a gift to Harvest most. When you give a gift to Harvest most. When you give a gift to Harvest Ministries this month, we'll send you Ministries this month, we'll send you Ministries this month, we'll send you what every growing Christian needs to what every growing Christian needs to what every growing Christian needs to know as our thank you. Just go to know as our thank you. Just go to know as our thank you. Just go to harvest.org/donate harvest.org/donate harvest.org/donate and make your gift today. That's and make your gift today. That's and make your gift today. That's harvest.orgdonate. org/donate. harvest.orgdonate. org/donate. harvest.orgdonate. org/donate. Thank you so much for your generosity Thank you so much for your generosity Thank you so much for your generosity and your support in sharing the gospel and your support in sharing the gospel and your support in sharing the gospel through harvest. Your donations goes through harvest. Your donations goes through harvest. Your donations goes towards fulfilling our mission and towards fulfilling our mission and towards fulfilling our mission and that's to know God and to make him that's to know God and to make him that's to know God and to make him known, impacting the world for Christ. known, impacting the world for Christ. known, impacting the world for Christ. So with that, would you pray with me as So with that, would you pray with me as So with that, would you pray with me as we just commit this time of worship to we just commit this time of worship to we just commit this time of worship to the Lord? Father, we just thank you so the Lord? Father, we just thank you so the Lord? Father, we just thank you so much for what you're doing here at much for what you're doing here at much for what you're doing here at Harvest at Home. God, I pray Lord that Harvest at Home. God, I pray Lord that Harvest at Home. God, I pray Lord that in this moment as we give to you, God, I in this moment as we give to you, God, I in this moment as we give to you, God, I pray Lord that you would multiply these pray Lord that you would multiply these pray Lord that you would multiply these gifts in a way that would allow us to gifts in a way that would allow us to gifts in a way that would allow us to continue to do the work that you've continue to do the work that you've continue to do the work that you've called us to do here. So God, we just called us to do here. So God, we just called us to do here. So God, we just want to say we love you and we praise want to say we love you and we praise want to say we love you and we praise you and we commit this time of worship you and we commit this time of worship you and we commit this time of worship to you now in Jesus name. Amen.

It was my cross you bore It was my cross you bore so I could live in the freedom you died so I could live in the freedom you died so I could live in the freedom you died for. And now my life is yours. And now my life is yours. and I will sing and I will sing and I will sing of your goodness forever more. of your goodness forever more. of your goodness forever more. We sing worthy, We sing worthy, We sing worthy, worthy is your name, worthy is your name, worthy is your name, Jesus, you deserve the praise. you deserve the praise. Worthy is your name Worthy is your name Worthy is your name and worthy is your name. and worthy is your name. and worthy is your name. Jesus, you deserve the praise. you deserve the praise. Worthy is your name.

And now my shame is gone. And now my shame is gone. I stand amazed I stand amazed I stand amazed in your love. Undeniable. Your grace goes on and on. Your grace goes on and on. Now we'll see Now we'll see Now we'll see your goodness forever more. Worthy is your goodness forever more. Worthy is your goodness forever more. Worthy is your name, your name, your name, Jesus. You deserve the praise. You deserve the praise. Worthy is your name. Worthy is your name. Worthy is your name. Worthy is your name. Worthy is your name. Worthy is your name. Jesus. You deserve the praise. You deserve the praise. Worthy is your name. Receive. Worthy is your name. Receive. Worthy is your name. Receive. Worthy is your name. Worthy is your name. Worthy is your name. Jesus. You deserve the praise.

You deserve the praise. Worthy is your name. Worthy is your name. Worthy is your name. Worthy is your name. Worthy is your name. Worthy is your name. Jesus. You deserve the praise. You deserve the praise. Worthy is your name. Worthy is your name. Worthy is your name. Oh, worthy is your name, Jesus. worthy is your name, Jesus. On high On high On high to be exalted now in the heavens. As to be exalted now in the heavens. As to be exalted now in the heavens. As your glory fills this place, you alone your glory fills this place, you alone your glory fills this place, you alone deserve our praise. You're the name deserve our praise. You're the name deserve our praise. You're the name above all names. Be exalted now in above all names. Be exalted now in above all names. Be exalted now in heaven as your glory fills this place. heaven as your glory fills this place. heaven as your glory fills this place. You alone deserve our praise. You're the You alone deserve our praise. You're the You alone deserve our praise. You're the name above all names. to be exalted now name above all names. to be exalted now name above all names. to be exalted now in the heavens as your glory fills this in the heavens as your glory fills this in the heavens as your glory fills this place. You alone deserve our praise.

place. You alone deserve our praise. place. You alone deserve our praise. You're the name above our name. We You're the name above our name. We You're the name above our name. We exalted now we live as your glory fills exalted now we live as your glory fills exalted now we live as your glory fills this place. You alone deserve our this place. You alone deserve our this place. You alone deserve our praise. You're the praise. You're the praise. You're the exalt up up here.

Amen. Let's all pray together. Jesus, Amen. Let's all pray together. Jesus, your name is the name above every other your name is the name above every other your name is the name above every other name. Lord, it's above the name of name. Lord, it's above the name of name. Lord, it's above the name of disease, the name of of death. Lord, disease, the name of of death. Lord, disease, the name of of death. Lord, it's more powerful than the grave. it's more powerful than the grave. it's more powerful than the grave. Jesus, your name is able to restore and Jesus, your name is able to restore and Jesus, your name is able to restore and heal and deliver. It's over addiction. heal and deliver. It's over addiction. heal and deliver. It's over addiction. It's over disease. It's over anything It's over disease. It's over anything It's over disease. It's over anything that could possibly plague us, Lord. that could possibly plague us, Lord. that could possibly plague us, Lord. Mental illness, God. It's over all of Mental illness, God. It's over all of Mental illness, God. It's over all of these things. suicide. God, Jesus, your these things. suicide. God, Jesus, your these things. suicide. God, Jesus, your name is above every name. It is name is above every name. It is name is above every name. It is powerful. It is it is able to deliver powerful. It is it is able to deliver powerful. It is it is able to deliver us. And Jesus, it's because of you and us. And Jesus, it's because of you and us. And Jesus, it's because of you and what you have done for us that we what you have done for us that we what you have done for us that we worship you. You died on the cross on worship you. You died on the cross on worship you. You died on the cross on our behalf. And ultimately, you gave us our behalf. And ultimately, you gave us our behalf. And ultimately, you gave us the life that you came to give and the the life that you came to give and the the life that you came to give and the life that you lived. And it lives inside life that you lived. And it lives inside life that you lived. And it lives inside of us now as your sons, as your brothers of us now as your sons, as your brothers of us now as your sons, as your brothers and sisters. Lord, we are children of and sisters. Lord, we are children of and sisters. Lord, we are children of God. And we say thank you. It's because God. And we say thank you. It's because God. And we say thank you. It's because of that that 2,000 years later, we of that that 2,000 years later, we of that that 2,000 years later, we worship you and we proclaim your name worship you and we proclaim your name worship you and we proclaim your name and we talk about you and Jesus, we say, and we talk about you and Jesus, we say, and we talk about you and Jesus, we say, "Come quickly. We want you to return. We "Come quickly. We want you to return. We "Come quickly. We want you to return. We look forward to it. We anticipate it."

look forward to it. We anticipate it." look forward to it. We anticipate it." But Lord, until then, we live lives in But Lord, until then, we live lives in But Lord, until then, we live lives in anticipation of you returning. We look anticipation of you returning. We look anticipation of you returning. We look up, God. We want to live lives that up, God. We want to live lives that up, God. We want to live lives that honor you and bless you. So, Father, we honor you and bless you. So, Father, we honor you and bless you. So, Father, we pray now that as we look at your word pray now that as we look at your word pray now that as we look at your word and we look at these characters, the the and we look at these characters, the the and we look at these characters, the the the moments that are really preceding the moments that are really preceding the moments that are really preceding right before Jesus crucifixion, Lord, right before Jesus crucifixion, Lord, right before Jesus crucifixion, Lord, that we would um we would see where we that we would um we would see where we that we would um we would see where we are in the story, which character we are in the story, which character we are in the story, which character we relate to and God, ultimately who we relate to and God, ultimately who we relate to and God, ultimately who we need to be. So, we ask you speak to us need to be. So, we ask you speak to us need to be. So, we ask you speak to us through your word in Jesus name we pray. through your word in Jesus name we pray. through your word in Jesus name we pray. Amen. Amen. You guys can be seated. Amen. Amen. You guys can be seated. Amen. Amen. You guys can be seated. Welcome to church everybody. Amen. Hey, Welcome to church everybody. Amen. Hey, Welcome to church everybody. Amen. Hey, a couple of quick announcements before a couple of quick announcements before a couple of quick announcements before we jump in. And you can turn in your we jump in. And you can turn in your we jump in. And you can turn in your Bibles to Luke chapter 23. First of all, Bibles to Luke chapter 23. First of all, Bibles to Luke chapter 23. First of all, I want to let you know that today uh Oh, I want to let you know that today uh Oh, I want to let you know that today uh Oh, I lost. Yep. Okay, I disappeared. I had I lost. Yep. Okay, I disappeared. I had I lost. Yep. Okay, I disappeared. I had like a little note scribbled at the top like a little note scribbled at the top like a little note scribbled at the top there, but I'll go I remember them. The there, but I'll go I remember them. The there, but I'll go I remember them. The first thing is number one, right after first thing is number one, right after first thing is number one, right after service, we have our small group open service, we have our small group open service, we have our small group open house. We're excited for our small house. We're excited for our small house. We're excited for our small groups to kick back off. How many of you groups to kick back off. How many of you groups to kick back off. How many of you are in a small group? Let me see you are in a small group? Let me see you are in a small group? Let me see you guys. Awesome. That's a lot of you. That guys. Awesome. That's a lot of you. That guys. Awesome. That's a lot of you. That is that's a great turnout. uh great is that's a great turnout. uh great is that's a great turnout. uh great response, but there's a lot of you that response, but there's a lot of you that response, but there's a lot of you that haven't joined a small group yet. And I haven't joined a small group yet. And I haven't joined a small group yet. And I will tell you what, they are so will tell you what, they are so will tell you what, they are so encouraging. It's a great place to take encouraging. It's a great place to take encouraging. It's a great place to take uh your next step in your relationship uh your next step in your relationship uh your next step in your relationship with God, finding friends, finding with God, finding friends, finding with God, finding friends, finding community. And we all know that old community. And we all know that old community. And we all know that old adage, right? Show me your friends and adage, right? Show me your friends and adage, right? Show me your friends and I'll show you your future. Uh you want I'll show you your future. Uh you want I'll show you your future. Uh you want to surround yourself with believers, to surround yourself with believers, to surround yourself with believers, people that are going to encourage you.

people that are going to encourage you. people that are going to encourage you. And so after service, we have an open And so after service, we have an open And so after service, we have an open house so you can see what it's like to house so you can see what it's like to house so you can see what it's like to be in a small group. you could meet your be in a small group. you could meet your be in a small group. you could meet your potential small group leader. A lot of potential small group leader. A lot of potential small group leader. A lot of our leaders will be around and so that's our leaders will be around and so that's our leaders will be around and so that's happening right after service. And so go happening right after service. And so go happening right after service. And so go check that out. All of our campuses. check that out. All of our campuses. check that out. All of our campuses. Also want to let you know that tonight Also want to let you know that tonight Also want to let you know that tonight is uh 6:30 p.m. we have a worship night. is uh 6:30 p.m. we have a worship night. is uh 6:30 p.m. we have a worship night. That is going to be great. How good does That is going to be great. How good does That is going to be great. How good does our worship team do leading us? They our worship team do leading us? They our worship team do leading us? They prepare so well. They put these songs prepare so well. They put these songs prepare so well. They put these songs together. together. together. They're up here early soundchecking. And They're up here early soundchecking. And They're up here early soundchecking. And so join us tonight at Harvest Orange so join us tonight at Harvest Orange so join us tonight at Harvest Orange County at 6:30 p.m. and Harvest County at 6:30 p.m. and Harvest County at 6:30 p.m. and Harvest Riverside at 6:30 p.m. and Maui at 6 on Riverside at 6:30 p.m. and Maui at 6 on Riverside at 6:30 p.m. and Maui at 6 on 6:30 p.m. 6:30 p.m. And uh it's going to 6:30 p.m. 6:30 p.m. And uh it's going to 6:30 p.m. 6:30 p.m. And uh it's going to be a blast. And so we're excited for be a blast. And so we're excited for be a blast. And so we're excited for that. Join us for that. And then also as that. Join us for that. And then also as that. Join us for that. And then also as you came in today, you should have you came in today, you should have you came in today, you should have received one of these bulletins right received one of these bulletins right received one of these bulletins right here that kind of shows you different here that kind of shows you different here that kind of shows you different things going on. But there's a really things going on. But there's a really things going on. But there's a really cool thing on the first page, which is cool thing on the first page, which is cool thing on the first page, which is the back to church challenge. This is a the back to church challenge. This is a the back to church challenge. This is a great thing to try and strive for uh for great thing to try and strive for uh for great thing to try and strive for uh for the month, maybe for some of you, the the month, maybe for some of you, the the month, maybe for some of you, the rest of the year. Uh and it has a bunch rest of the year. Uh and it has a bunch rest of the year. Uh and it has a bunch of bullet points that you can uh check of bullet points that you can uh check of bullet points that you can uh check off as you go through them. The first off as you go through them. The first off as you go through them. The first one is attend four Sundays, I would say, one is attend four Sundays, I would say, one is attend four Sundays, I would say, consecutively is a good thing to do.

consecutively is a good thing to do. consecutively is a good thing to do. Four Sundays in a month is great. Not Four Sundays in a month is great. Not Four Sundays in a month is great. Not for the rest of the year, but like for for the rest of the year, but like for for the rest of the year, but like for the month, let's say the month. Uh then the month, let's say the month. Uh then the month, let's say the month. Uh then there's get connected, get plugged in at there's get connected, get plugged in at there's get connected, get plugged in at harvest, read your Bible, join a harvest harvest, read your Bible, join a harvest harvest, read your Bible, join a harvest group, get baptized, and celebrate bapti group, get baptized, and celebrate bapti group, get baptized, and celebrate bapti baptism. Sign up to serve, give, baptism. Sign up to serve, give, baptism. Sign up to serve, give, participate in a ministry event, invite participate in a ministry event, invite participate in a ministry event, invite and bring someone back to church. This and bring someone back to church. This and bring someone back to church. This is a really great little template for is a really great little template for is a really great little template for you to help take the next steps in your you to help take the next steps in your you to help take the next steps in your faith. And so, uh, check that out. Check faith. And so, uh, check that out. Check faith. And so, uh, check that out. Check those things off, put it on your those things off, put it on your those things off, put it on your refrigerator. Great things to help you. refrigerator. Great things to help you. refrigerator. Great things to help you. Really, this is, um, things that we just Really, this is, um, things that we just Really, this is, um, things that we just want to help you do so you can grow want to help you do so you can grow want to help you do so you can grow deeper in your faith. That's what we're deeper in your faith. That's what we're deeper in your faith. That's what we're all about here is edifying and seeing all about here is edifying and seeing all about here is edifying and seeing you grow in your relationship with you grow in your relationship with you grow in your relationship with Jesus. Amen. Jesus. Amen. Jesus. Amen. >> Amen. Okay. Well, that's all the time >> Amen. Okay. Well, that's all the time >> Amen. Okay. Well, that's all the time that I have today. God bless you. And uh that I have today. God bless you. And uh that I have today. God bless you. And uh No. Well, hey, why don't you turn in No. Well, hey, why don't you turn in No. Well, hey, why don't you turn in your Bible to Luke chapter 23? Luke your Bible to Luke chapter 23? Luke your Bible to Luke chapter 23? Luke chapter 23. So, this last week, I was chapter 23. So, this last week, I was chapter 23. So, this last week, I was laying in bed early morning. My wife laying in bed early morning. My wife laying in bed early morning. My wife heard a scratch at the door. It was the heard a scratch at the door. It was the heard a scratch at the door. It was the dog. She wanted to go out. So, she woke dog. She wanted to go out. So, she woke dog. She wanted to go out. So, she woke up 5:00, you know, dark outside still.

up 5:00, you know, dark outside still. up 5:00, you know, dark outside still. She goes, lets the dog out. Open, you She goes, lets the dog out. Open, you She goes, lets the dog out. Open, you know, she sleeps in my son's room. And know, she sleeps in my son's room. And know, she sleeps in my son's room. And so, uh, she goes and lets the dog out so, uh, she goes and lets the dog out so, uh, she goes and lets the dog out out the back door of the house. And we out the back door of the house. And we out the back door of the house. And we realized the dog wasn't scratching to realized the dog wasn't scratching to realized the dog wasn't scratching to get out the door because she had to go get out the door because she had to go get out the door because she had to go to the bathroom because it was really to the bathroom because it was really to the bathroom because it was really early for her. It's because she heard early for her. It's because she heard early for her. It's because she heard something in the backyard. And as we something in the backyard. And as we something in the backyard. And as we open up the back door, Britney opens up open up the back door, Britney opens up open up the back door, Britney opens up the back door. I'm laying in bed back to the back door. I'm laying in bed back to the back door. I'm laying in bed back to sleep quickly. And I hear my wife sleep quickly. And I hear my wife sleep quickly. And I hear my wife screaming in terror. No, Biscuit. No. screaming in terror. No, Biscuit. No. screaming in terror. No, Biscuit. No. No. No. No. No Biscuit. No. No. And this No. No. No. No Biscuit. No. No. And this No. No. No. No Biscuit. No. No. And this is a picture of Biscuit. Let's see if we is a picture of Biscuit. Let's see if we is a picture of Biscuit. Let's see if we got that image up there. There's little got that image up there. There's little got that image up there. There's little Biscuit. There she is. Look how cute she Biscuit. There she is. Look how cute she Biscuit. There she is. Look how cute she is. She's a good little dog. No, is. She's a good little dog. No, is. She's a good little dog. No, Biscuit. No, no. And in my mind, I awake Biscuit. No, no. And in my mind, I awake Biscuit. No, no. And in my mind, I awake from, you know, mym mode sleep. I fly from, you know, mym mode sleep. I fly from, you know, mym mode sleep. I fly out of bed. I think it's a coyote that's out of bed. I think it's a coyote that's out of bed. I think it's a coyote that's eating my dog, you know, tearing it eating my dog, you know, tearing it eating my dog, you know, tearing it apart. And I'm I'm running towards the apart. And I'm I'm running towards the apart. And I'm I'm running towards the door to go put a coyote in a rear naked door to go put a coyote in a rear naked door to go put a coyote in a rear naked choke, right? I'm ready for it. And I choke, right? I'm ready for it. And I choke, right? I'm ready for it. And I get to the door and my wife says, "No, get to the door and my wife says, "No, get to the door and my wife says, "No, what are you doing? There's a skunk." what are you doing? There's a skunk." what are you doing? There's a skunk." Oh, Oh, Oh, do not let the dog in the house. She can do not let the dog in the house. She can do not let the dog in the house. She can fare with that herself. And so sure fare with that herself. And so sure fare with that herself. And so sure enough, Biscuit got a little tussle with enough, Biscuit got a little tussle with enough, Biscuit got a little tussle with the skunk. And uh you know what what is the skunk. And uh you know what what is the skunk. And uh you know what what is the joke? I don't know. You never get in the joke? I don't know. You never get in the joke? I don't know. You never get in a skunk. You never get in a fight with a a skunk. You never get in a fight with a a skunk. You never get in a fight with a skunk like you always lose. I don't skunk like you always lose. I don't skunk like you always lose. I don't know. There's there's some there's a know. There's there's some there's a know. There's there's some there's a joke there somewhere. I should have joke there somewhere. I should have joke there somewhere. I should have known it. But she got not a direct hit, known it. But she got not a direct hit, known it. But she got not a direct hit, but almost a direct hit. The skunk but almost a direct hit. The skunk but almost a direct hit. The skunk sprayed and it was just it's the worst.

sprayed and it was just it's the worst. sprayed and it was just it's the worst. It is the worst. That smell has a way of It is the worst. That smell has a way of It is the worst. That smell has a way of like un anything else nothing else of like un anything else nothing else of like un anything else nothing else of permeating everything and sticking in permeating everything and sticking in permeating everything and sticking in your head too. It's just like uh it just your head too. It's just like uh it just your head too. It's just like uh it just lives there. I don't know what the what lives there. I don't know what the what lives there. I don't know what the what it looks like under a microscope, but it looks like under a microscope, but it looks like under a microscope, but it's like it's oil and it just gets it's like it's oil and it just gets it's like it's oil and it just gets everywhere, all over everything. And so everywhere, all over everything. And so everywhere, all over everything. And so our dog still smells. We've washed her our dog still smells. We've washed her our dog still smells. We've washed her probably 30 different ways. She's had probably 30 different ways. She's had probably 30 different ways. She's had five baths. You know, we asked Chat GPT five baths. You know, we asked Chat GPT five baths. You know, we asked Chat GPT what's the best remedy and we're what's the best remedy and we're what's the best remedy and we're confirming that online and then we're confirming that online and then we're confirming that online and then we're ordering dog sprays and things to try ordering dog sprays and things to try ordering dog sprays and things to try and neutralize it. And I still smell it and neutralize it. And I still smell it and neutralize it. And I still smell it everywhere. It's so bad. And uh it's everywhere. It's so bad. And uh it's everywhere. It's so bad. And uh it's even now in our backyard. This is only even now in our backyard. This is only even now in our backyard. This is only on Thursday, so hopefully some time goes on Thursday, so hopefully some time goes on Thursday, so hopefully some time goes by, but on Thursday and so it's still it by, but on Thursday and so it's still it by, but on Thursday and so it's still it still smells in our backyard and so still smells in our backyard and so still smells in our backyard and so don't come over for a little while if don't come over for a little while if don't come over for a little while if you're one of our friends. Um, pretty you're one of our friends. Um, pretty you're one of our friends. Um, pretty nasty, but it's just one of those things nasty, but it's just one of those things nasty, but it's just one of those things that it just is not fun. The dog got too that it just is not fun. The dog got too that it just is not fun. The dog got too close. Here's a video of the skunk in my close. Here's a video of the skunk in my close. Here's a video of the skunk in my backyard. The skunk would not leave. backyard. The skunk would not leave. backyard. The skunk would not leave. What the heck? Why is it sideways? Oh What the heck? Why is it sideways? Oh What the heck? Why is it sideways? Oh well. Well, that's it. That's the stupid well. Well, that's it. That's the stupid well. Well, that's it. That's the stupid skunk. This skunk was so just brazen. It skunk. This skunk was so just brazen. It skunk. This skunk was so just brazen. It wouldn't leave. I was yelling at it. I wouldn't leave. I was yelling at it. I wouldn't leave. I was yelling at it. I was throwing things at it. It did not was throwing things at it. It did not was throwing things at it. It did not respond. It did not care. Finally, the respond. It did not care. Finally, the respond. It did not care. Finally, the skunk left after like an hour. And uh skunk left after like an hour. And uh skunk left after like an hour. And uh yeah, that was crazy. But you know, my yeah, that was crazy. But you know, my yeah, that was crazy. But you know, my dog, it got close to that skunk, didn't dog, it got close to that skunk, didn't dog, it got close to that skunk, didn't it? Too close. Definitely too close. Too it? Too close. Definitely too close. Too it? Too close. Definitely too close. Too close for comfort. Close enough to that close for comfort. Close enough to that close for comfort. Close enough to that skunk to be marked by it, right? To be skunk to be marked by it, right? To be skunk to be marked by it, right? To be marked by it, to smell like it, even to marked by it, to smell like it, even to marked by it, to smell like it, even to be treated like it. I treated that dog

be treated like it. I treated that dog be treated like it. I treated that dog like it was the skunk itself. because like it was the skunk itself. because like it was the skunk itself. because this the dog came in the house for just this the dog came in the house for just this the dog came in the house for just a minute and literally the whole house a minute and literally the whole house a minute and literally the whole house it just stunk the entire house up. Just it just stunk the entire house up. Just it just stunk the entire house up. Just walking through the house for a moment. walking through the house for a moment. walking through the house for a moment. She got too close. Now, proximity isn't She got too close. Now, proximity isn't She got too close. Now, proximity isn't always a good thing, isn't it? Right. always a good thing, isn't it? Right. always a good thing, isn't it? Right. Proximity isn't always a good thing. It Proximity isn't always a good thing. It Proximity isn't always a good thing. It depends on what you're getting close to. depends on what you're getting close to. depends on what you're getting close to. If you're cold, getting close to a fire, If you're cold, getting close to a fire, If you're cold, getting close to a fire, oh, that's a great thing. It's an oh, that's a great thing. It's an oh, that's a great thing. It's an amazing thing. If you get too close to amazing thing. If you get too close to amazing thing. If you get too close to the fire, that could be a very bad the fire, that could be a very bad the fire, that could be a very bad thing. You can burn yourself, right? Uh thing. You can burn yourself, right? Uh thing. You can burn yourself, right? Uh if you get close to the wrong group of if you get close to the wrong group of if you get close to the wrong group of friends, that could be a bad thing. Hey, friends, that could be a bad thing. Hey, friends, that could be a bad thing. Hey, another plug for small groups. Make sure another plug for small groups. Make sure another plug for small groups. Make sure you get right close to the right group you get right close to the right group you get right close to the right group of friends. You want to have good of friends. You want to have good of friends. You want to have good proximity to the right group of friends. proximity to the right group of friends. proximity to the right group of friends. Now, close and proximity to Jesus. I Now, close and proximity to Jesus. I Now, close and proximity to Jesus. I think we'd all agree that's a good think we'd all agree that's a good think we'd all agree that's a good thing. Spending time with Jesus, thing. Spending time with Jesus, thing. Spending time with Jesus, spending time around him, that is a good spending time around him, that is a good spending time around him, that is a good thing. But yeah, you can applaud for thing. But yeah, you can applaud for thing. But yeah, you can applaud for that. But it's really important to note that But it's really important to note that being close in proximity to Jesus being close in proximity to Jesus being close in proximity to Jesus doesn't necessarily mean transformation.

doesn't necessarily mean transformation. doesn't necessarily mean transformation. And let me say that again. It is And let me say that again. It is And let me say that again. It is possible to be close in proximity to possible to be close in proximity to possible to be close in proximity to Jesus and remain unchanged. It doesn't Jesus and remain unchanged. It doesn't Jesus and remain unchanged. It doesn't necessarily mean transformation. I think necessarily mean transformation. I think necessarily mean transformation. I think case in point for that is who we looked case in point for that is who we looked case in point for that is who we looked at last week when my dad my dad talked at last week when my dad my dad talked at last week when my dad my dad talked to us about Judas. What did Judas do? to us about Judas. What did Judas do? to us about Judas. What did Judas do? man. He ate with Jesus. He slept with man. He ate with Jesus. He slept with man. He ate with Jesus. He slept with Jesus in the camp. He, you know, was Jesus in the camp. He, you know, was Jesus in the camp. He, you know, was everywhere with Jesus. He saw the everywhere with Jesus. He saw the everywhere with Jesus. He saw the miracles. He heard the teachings. He was miracles. He heard the teachings. He was miracles. He heard the teachings. He was with him all the time. And what did he with him all the time. And what did he with him all the time. And what did he do? He betrayed Jesus for 30 pieces of do? He betrayed Jesus for 30 pieces of do? He betrayed Jesus for 30 pieces of silver. Betrayed him to the Pharisees silver. Betrayed him to the Pharisees silver. Betrayed him to the Pharisees ultimately knowing it would end in his ultimately knowing it would end in his ultimately knowing it would end in his crucifixion. No. Proximity to Jesus. It crucifixion. No. Proximity to Jesus. It crucifixion. No. Proximity to Jesus. It really depends on what our heart is. Why really depends on what our heart is. Why really depends on what our heart is. Why are you drawing near to him? Proximity are you drawing near to him? Proximity are you drawing near to him? Proximity to Jesus, church attendance, it does not to Jesus, church attendance, it does not to Jesus, church attendance, it does not mean you are a Christian. In fact, it mean you are a Christian. In fact, it mean you are a Christian. In fact, it could mean inoculation. It could mean could mean inoculation. It could mean could mean inoculation. It could mean inoculation. You know what I mean by inoculation. You know what I mean by inoculation. You know what I mean by that? One of the ways our bodies develop that? One of the ways our bodies develop that? One of the ways our bodies develop immunities is uh by being exposed to immunities is uh by being exposed to immunities is uh by being exposed to that virus. Now back in the 1800s and that virus. Now back in the 1800s and that virus. Now back in the 1800s and 1900s people were being killed by the 1900s people were being killed by the 1900s people were being killed by the thousands by all kinds of diseases like thousands by all kinds of diseases like thousands by all kinds of diseases like smallpox, diptheria, malaria, chalera.

smallpox, diptheria, malaria, chalera. smallpox, diptheria, malaria, chalera. In the last 250 years, well over a In the last 250 years, well over a In the last 250 years, well over a million people have died on record from million people have died on record from million people have died on record from those diseases. But in the last 100 those diseases. But in the last 100 those diseases. But in the last 100 years, it's been pretty much zero years, it's been pretty much zero years, it's been pretty much zero because we created these things called because we created these things called because we created these things called vaccinations. Now, I'm I'm not going to vaccinations. Now, I'm I'm not going to vaccinations. Now, I'm I'm not going to go down that trail right now and talk go down that trail right now and talk go down that trail right now and talk about vaccinations. It's not that kind about vaccinations. It's not that kind about vaccinations. It's not that kind of message. Uh that's another topic for of message. Uh that's another topic for of message. Uh that's another topic for another time. But in their best version, another time. But in their best version, another time. But in their best version, a vaccination introduces to your body a a vaccination introduces to your body a a vaccination introduces to your body a small dose of that disease of that virus small dose of that disease of that virus small dose of that disease of that virus that you want to have a resistance to, that you want to have a resistance to, that you want to have a resistance to, right? And your body learns how to fight right? And your body learns how to fight right? And your body learns how to fight it and how to combat it and ultimately it and how to combat it and ultimately it and how to combat it and ultimately have the, you know, the antibodies to be have the, you know, the antibodies to be have the, you know, the antibodies to be able to take care of it when you're able to take care of it when you're able to take care of it when you're exposed in a large inh to a larger exposed in a large inh to a larger exposed in a large inh to a larger dosage of that virus whether it's dosage of that virus whether it's dosage of that virus whether it's through bacteria or sharing food with through bacteria or sharing food with through bacteria or sharing food with somebody. And so you're able to develop somebody. And so you're able to develop somebody. And so you're able to develop your inoculated to you have a resistance your inoculated to you have a resistance your inoculated to you have a resistance to it spiritually. This is Judas. This to it spiritually. This is Judas. This to it spiritually. This is Judas. This is what happened with Judas. He is what happened with Judas. He is what happened with Judas. He developed uh a resistance to the son of developed uh a resistance to the son of developed uh a resistance to the son of God. Again, he saw the miracles, heard God. Again, he saw the miracles, heard God. Again, he saw the miracles, heard the teachings, knew the prophecies, and the teachings, knew the prophecies, and the teachings, knew the prophecies, and yet he was not transformed by Jesus. He yet he was not transformed by Jesus. He yet he was not transformed by Jesus. He instead developed a spiritual instead developed a spiritual instead developed a spiritual inoculation, a spiritual resistance to inoculation, a spiritual resistance to inoculation, a spiritual resistance to the son of God. That's a scary thought.

the son of God. That's a scary thought. the son of God. That's a scary thought. That's a scary thought. sitting in the That's a scary thought. sitting in the That's a scary thought. sitting in the pew at church, silently excusing herself pew at church, silently excusing herself pew at church, silently excusing herself from every spiritual mandate we read in from every spiritual mandate we read in from every spiritual mandate we read in the Bible and you hear taught on Sunday the Bible and you hear taught on Sunday the Bible and you hear taught on Sunday morning from my dad and me and whoever morning from my dad and me and whoever morning from my dad and me and whoever else talking about sexual purity or else talking about sexual purity or else talking about sexual purity or talking about don't hate people in your talking about don't hate people in your talking about don't hate people in your heart. Uh you know, don't harbor heart. Uh you know, don't harbor heart. Uh you know, don't harbor unforgiveness. Make sure you don't steal unforgiveness. Make sure you don't steal unforgiveness. Make sure you don't steal and all these principles we find in and all these principles we find in and all these principles we find in scripture. Um, if you find yourself scripture. Um, if you find yourself scripture. Um, if you find yourself constantly excusing yourself, well, that constantly excusing yourself, well, that constantly excusing yourself, well, that doesn't apply to me and God knows my doesn't apply to me and God knows my doesn't apply to me and God knows my heart and it's actually okay if I heart and it's actually okay if I heart and it's actually okay if I indulge in this a little bit. It's not indulge in this a little bit. It's not indulge in this a little bit. It's not that big of a deal, you better be that big of a deal, you better be that big of a deal, you better be careful because you could end up like careful because you could end up like careful because you could end up like Judas where you have a full-blown Judas where you have a full-blown Judas where you have a full-blown resistance up to the son of God. I would resistance up to the son of God. I would resistance up to the son of God. I would know. I sat in the front row for many know. I sat in the front row for many know. I sat in the front row for many years sitting in service listening to my years sitting in service listening to my years sitting in service listening to my dad preach, listening to amazing dad preach, listening to amazing dad preach, listening to amazing preachers, being convicted of the things preachers, being convicted of the things preachers, being convicted of the things that I knew that I was still going to go that I knew that I was still going to go that I knew that I was still going to go out and do that night. I was ultimately out and do that night. I was ultimately out and do that night. I was ultimately living in a very dangerous place.

living in a very dangerous place. living in a very dangerous place. Proximity does not mean transformation. Proximity does not mean transformation. Proximity does not mean transformation. It does not mean transformation. G. It does not mean transformation. G. It does not mean transformation. G. Campbell Morgan put it this way. He's a Campbell Morgan put it this way. He's a Campbell Morgan put it this way. He's a famous uh Bible uh commentator and who famous uh Bible uh commentator and who famous uh Bible uh commentator and who is now with the Lord. He said, "There is is now with the Lord. He said, "There is is now with the Lord. He said, "There is more hope for the man outside the church more hope for the man outside the church more hope for the man outside the church and all of its coldness than for the man and all of its coldness than for the man and all of its coldness than for the man within the church who is near enough its within the church who is near enough its within the church who is near enough its warmth to appreciate it and far enough warmth to appreciate it and far enough warmth to appreciate it and far enough from its burning heat to be both useless from its burning heat to be both useless from its burning heat to be both useless to God and man. There is a greater to God and man. There is a greater to God and man. There is a greater chance for the non-believer who has not chance for the non-believer who has not chance for the non-believer who has not heard the gospel than for the man who heard the gospel than for the man who heard the gospel than for the man who has become an evangelized non-believer." has become an evangelized non-believer." has become an evangelized non-believer." Wow. Wow. I think you could summarize Wow. Wow. I think you could summarize Wow. Wow. I think you could summarize and say that there is a person who is and say that there is a person who is and say that there is a person who is sitting in a bar right now who is sitting in a bar right now who is sitting in a bar right now who is hitting rock bottom and they may be hitting rock bottom and they may be hitting rock bottom and they may be closer to coming to God than the person closer to coming to God than the person closer to coming to God than the person who is sitting in the church pew. That who is sitting in the church pew. That who is sitting in the church pew. That is a possibility. And so today in our is a possibility. And so today in our is a possibility. And so today in our text we are going to look at three men text we are going to look at three men text we are going to look at three men and their interactions with Jesus. Three and their interactions with Jesus. Three and their interactions with Jesus. Three men who ultimately got so close to Jesus men who ultimately got so close to Jesus men who ultimately got so close to Jesus that they could reach out and touch him.

that they could reach out and touch him. that they could reach out and touch him. They could stand face to face with him. They could stand face to face with him. They could stand face to face with him. They saw him with their own eyes and They saw him with their own eyes and They saw him with their own eyes and ultimately their lives were known for ultimately their lives were known for ultimately their lives were known for the rest of history because of these the rest of history because of these the rest of history because of these brief encounters. And so let's look brief encounters. And so let's look brief encounters. And so let's look together at Luke chapter 23 starting in together at Luke chapter 23 starting in together at Luke chapter 23 starting in verse one. I've titled this message verse one. I've titled this message verse one. I've titled this message close encounters. close encounters. close encounters. Let's read together in verse one. Let's read together in verse one. Let's read together in verse one. Then the whole multitude of them arose Then the whole multitude of them arose Then the whole multitude of them arose and went to Pilate. Led Jesus to Pilate. and went to Pilate. Led Jesus to Pilate. and went to Pilate. Led Jesus to Pilate. And they began to accuse him, saying, And they began to accuse him, saying, And they began to accuse him, saying, "We found this fellow," speaking of "We found this fellow," speaking of "We found this fellow," speaking of Jesus, "Perverting the nation and Jesus, "Perverting the nation and Jesus, "Perverting the nation and forbidding to pay taxes to Caesar, forbidding to pay taxes to Caesar, forbidding to pay taxes to Caesar, saying that he himself is Christ a saying that he himself is Christ a saying that he himself is Christ a king." And then Pilate asked him, king." And then Pilate asked him, king." And then Pilate asked him, saying, "Are you the king of the Jews?" saying, "Are you the king of the Jews?" saying, "Are you the king of the Jews?" And Jesus answered him and said, "It is And Jesus answered him and said, "It is And Jesus answered him and said, "It is as you say." So Pilate said to the chief as you say." So Pilate said to the chief as you say." So Pilate said to the chief priests and the crowd, I find no fault priests and the crowd, I find no fault priests and the crowd, I find no fault in this man. But they were the more in this man. But they were the more in this man. But they were the more fierce, saying, "He stirs up the people, fierce, saying, "He stirs up the people, fierce, saying, "He stirs up the people, teaching throughout all Judea, beginning teaching throughout all Judea, beginning teaching throughout all Judea, beginning from Galilee to this place." Now when from Galilee to this place." Now when from Galilee to this place." Now when Pilate heard of Galilee, he asked Jesus Pilate heard of Galilee, he asked Jesus Pilate heard of Galilee, he asked Jesus if he were a Galilean. And as soon as he if he were a Galilean. And as soon as he if he were a Galilean. And as soon as he knew he belonged to Herod's knew he belonged to Herod's knew he belonged to Herod's jurisdiction, he sent him to Herod, who jurisdiction, he sent him to Herod, who jurisdiction, he sent him to Herod, who was also in Jerusalem at that time. So was also in Jerusalem at that time. So was also in Jerusalem at that time. So let's look at this first character. Our let's look at this first character. Our let's look at this first character. Our point number one, the prefect meets the point number one, the prefect meets the point number one, the prefect meets the perfect. The prefect meets the perfect.

perfect. The prefect meets the perfect. perfect. The prefect meets the perfect. Pontius Pilate, prefect of Judea. He's a Pontius Pilate, prefect of Judea. He's a Pontius Pilate, prefect of Judea. He's a very interesting character for sure. We very interesting character for sure. We very interesting character for sure. We don't know a ton about him. History don't know a ton about him. History don't know a ton about him. History actually doesn't mark him really at all actually doesn't mark him really at all actually doesn't mark him really at all except in the pages of scripture. There except in the pages of scripture. There except in the pages of scripture. There is a inscription on a stone that was is a inscription on a stone that was is a inscription on a stone that was found at Cesaria Maritime in Israel that found at Cesaria Maritime in Israel that found at Cesaria Maritime in Israel that confirms his existence uh and validates confirms his existence uh and validates confirms his existence uh and validates of course what we read in the Bible that of course what we read in the Bible that of course what we read in the Bible that he did in fact exist and he was the he did in fact exist and he was the he did in fact exist and he was the prefect, the governor of Judea. But as prefect, the governor of Judea. But as prefect, the governor of Judea. But as we read this passage and we read about we read this passage and we read about we read this passage and we read about Pontius Pilot, we can find ourselves Pontius Pilot, we can find ourselves Pontius Pilot, we can find ourselves actually becoming sympathetic to him. actually becoming sympathetic to him. actually becoming sympathetic to him. You know, he was in a sticky situation You know, he was in a sticky situation You know, he was in a sticky situation for sure, clearly he's put in the middle for sure, clearly he's put in the middle for sure, clearly he's put in the middle of a very difficult decision that he had of a very difficult decision that he had of a very difficult decision that he had to make. One hand, he has Jesus, who he to make. One hand, he has Jesus, who he to make. One hand, he has Jesus, who he believes to be innocent, being charged believes to be innocent, being charged believes to be innocent, being charged with uh saying, "Don't pay taxes to with uh saying, "Don't pay taxes to with uh saying, "Don't pay taxes to Caesar," which we all know for sure Caesar," which we all know for sure Caesar," which we all know for sure wasn't true. Jesus said, "Render unto wasn't true. Jesus said, "Render unto wasn't true. Jesus said, "Render unto Caesar the things that are Caesar, and Caesar the things that are Caesar, and Caesar the things that are Caesar, and render unto God the things that are render unto God the things that are render unto God the things that are God." Jesus affirmed paying taxes. So on God." Jesus affirmed paying taxes. So on God." Jesus affirmed paying taxes. So on one hand he knows he has an innocent man one hand he knows he has an innocent man one hand he knows he has an innocent man Jesus who he has declared innocent. But Jesus who he has declared innocent. But Jesus who he has declared innocent. But then on the other hand he has the then on the other hand he has the then on the other hand he has the religious leaders and he has his primary religious leaders and he has his primary religious leaders and he has his primary job as the Romanappointed prefect of job as the Romanappointed prefect of job as the Romanappointed prefect of Judea and that was to keep the peace pax Judea and that was to keep the peace pax Judea and that was to keep the peace pax Romana right which meant negotiating Romana right which meant negotiating Romana right which meant negotiating with the same corrupt local leaders who with the same corrupt local leaders who with the same corrupt local leaders who were wrongfully uh charging Jesus with were wrongfully uh charging Jesus with were wrongfully uh charging Jesus with this crime. So, he's in the two places.

this crime. So, he's in the two places. this crime. So, he's in the two places. What do I do here? Declare this man What do I do here? Declare this man What do I do here? Declare this man innocent. He knew that if he declared innocent. He knew that if he declared innocent. He knew that if he declared Jesus innocent and if he didn't give the Jesus innocent and if he didn't give the Jesus innocent and if he didn't give the Pharisees and religious leaders what Pharisees and religious leaders what Pharisees and religious leaders what they wanted, uh, they would stir up a they wanted, uh, they would stir up a they wanted, uh, they would stir up a riot and that would put him in very hot riot and that would put him in very hot riot and that would put him in very hot water with Caesar back in Rome. So, he water with Caesar back in Rome. So, he water with Caesar back in Rome. So, he does declare Jesus innocent, but then he does declare Jesus innocent, but then he does declare Jesus innocent, but then he tells this to the chief priests. I find tells this to the chief priests. I find tells this to the chief priests. I find no fault in this man. But they were the no fault in this man. But they were the no fault in this man. But they were the more fierce, saying, "He stirs up the more fierce, saying, "He stirs up the more fierce, saying, "He stirs up the people, teaching throughout all Judea, people, teaching throughout all Judea, people, teaching throughout all Judea, beginning from Galilee to this place." beginning from Galilee to this place." beginning from Galilee to this place." Oh, when Pilate heard that, "Oh, Oh, when Pilate heard that, "Oh, Oh, when Pilate heard that, "Oh, Galilee, sweet, sweet Galilee." Galilee, sweet, sweet Galilee." Galilee, sweet, sweet Galilee." Well, gentlemen, I'm so sorry to tell Well, gentlemen, I'm so sorry to tell Well, gentlemen, I'm so sorry to tell you, but that is outside of my you, but that is outside of my you, but that is outside of my jurisdiction. You're going to have to go jurisdiction. You're going to have to go jurisdiction. You're going to have to go and talk to my friend, my friend Herod and talk to my friend, my friend Herod and talk to my friend, my friend Herod Antipus, who just so happens to be Antipus, who just so happens to be Antipus, who just so happens to be staying, you know, over in the home down staying, you know, over in the home down staying, you know, over in the home down the street. He was in town because of the street. He was in town because of the street. He was in town because of course this was the Passover weekend, course this was the Passover weekend, course this was the Passover weekend, the high holy day for the Jewish people. the high holy day for the Jewish people. the high holy day for the Jewish people. And so he was in town for that. And so And so he was in town for that. And so And so he was in town for that. And so he marches Jesus off to go see Herod.

he marches Jesus off to go see Herod. he marches Jesus off to go see Herod. And like a hot potato, he tries to And like a hot potato, he tries to And like a hot potato, he tries to offload this responsibility. offload this responsibility. offload this responsibility. People still do this with Jesus today. People still do this with Jesus today. People still do this with Jesus today. They still do this with Jesus today. They still do this with Jesus today. They still do this with Jesus today. They are confronted with Jesus. Oh, I They are confronted with Jesus. Oh, I They are confronted with Jesus. Oh, I believe that Jesus is true. I believe he believe that Jesus is true. I believe he believe that Jesus is true. I believe he was a good guy. Where do you stand with was a good guy. Where do you stand with was a good guy. Where do you stand with Jesus? Well, that's where people start Jesus? Well, that's where people start Jesus? Well, that's where people start to vacasillate, right? Well, you I'm not to vacasillate, right? Well, you I'm not to vacasillate, right? Well, you I'm not really a religious type. Or they say, really a religious type. Or they say, really a religious type. Or they say, you know, I I I'm still doing you know, I I I'm still doing you know, I I I'm still doing investigation. I haven't arrived at a investigation. I haven't arrived at a investigation. I haven't arrived at a verdict yet, but I'm thinking about it. verdict yet, but I'm thinking about it. verdict yet, but I'm thinking about it. Yeah, I'm I'm pursuing it. No, you're Yeah, I'm I'm pursuing it. No, you're Yeah, I'm I'm pursuing it. No, you're not. You're just trying to buy yourself not. You're just trying to buy yourself not. You're just trying to buy yourself time. Uh you might say, "I'm not against time. Uh you might say, "I'm not against time. Uh you might say, "I'm not against Jesus. I just, you know, I haven't Jesus. I just, you know, I haven't Jesus. I just, you know, I haven't really put that much thought into it." really put that much thought into it." really put that much thought into it." Or you might say, you know, my spouse is Or you might say, you know, my spouse is Or you might say, you know, my spouse is the religious one. My my husband, my the religious one. My my husband, my the religious one. My my husband, my wife, my kids. Oh, you should talk to my wife, my kids. Oh, you should talk to my wife, my kids. Oh, you should talk to my grandma. She was so religious. You know, grandma. She was so religious. You know, grandma. She was so religious. You know, she prayed every morning. Okay, great. she prayed every morning. Okay, great. she prayed every morning. Okay, great. What does that have to do with you? What What does that have to do with you? What What does that have to do with you? What decision have you made regarding Jesus? decision have you made regarding Jesus? decision have you made regarding Jesus? Now, people do that because it feels Now, people do that because it feels Now, people do that because it feels like neutrality. It feels like safety, like neutrality. It feels like safety, like neutrality. It feels like safety, but the reality is it just postpones the but the reality is it just postpones the but the reality is it just postpones the decision and it keeps the status quo. It decision and it keeps the status quo. It decision and it keeps the status quo. It doesn't actually land on a decision. But doesn't actually land on a decision. But doesn't actually land on a decision. But Jesus demands an answer. He said in Jesus demands an answer. He said in Jesus demands an answer. He said in Matthew chapter 10, "Therefore, whoever Matthew chapter 10, "Therefore, whoever Matthew chapter 10, "Therefore, whoever confesses me before men, I will confess confesses me before men, I will confess confesses me before men, I will confess before my father who is in heaven.

before my father who is in heaven. before my father who is in heaven. Whoever denies me before men, him I will Whoever denies me before men, him I will Whoever denies me before men, him I will also deny before my father who is in also deny before my father who is in also deny before my father who is in heaven. Do not think that I came to heaven. Do not think that I came to heaven. Do not think that I came to bring peace on earth. I did not come to bring peace on earth. I did not come to bring peace on earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword. For I have bring peace, but a sword. For I have bring peace, but a sword. For I have come to set man against his father, a come to set man against his father, a come to set man against his father, a daughter against her mother, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her daughter-in-law against her daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law. And a man's enemies will mother-in-law. And a man's enemies will mother-in-law. And a man's enemies will be those of his own household. be those of his own household. be those of his own household. This is one of those passages of This is one of those passages of This is one of those passages of scripture that is a hard saying of scripture that is a hard saying of scripture that is a hard saying of Jesus. Right? What? What? He didn't come Jesus. Right? What? What? He didn't come Jesus. Right? What? What? He didn't come to bring peace, but a sword. What Jesus to bring peace, but a sword. What Jesus to bring peace, but a sword. What Jesus is saying here in context, he is saying is saying here in context, he is saying is saying here in context, he is saying the decision you make regarding me is the decision you make regarding me is the decision you make regarding me is black or white. It's yes or no. It's on black or white. It's yes or no. It's on black or white. It's yes or no. It's on or off. You are either for Jesus or or off. You are either for Jesus or or off. You are either for Jesus or against him. There is no middle ground. against him. There is no middle ground. against him. There is no middle ground. There is no middle ground. Sometimes uh There is no middle ground. Sometimes uh There is no middle ground. Sometimes uh my family and I when we're sitting down my family and I when we're sitting down my family and I when we're sitting down at dinner after work uh and there's a at dinner after work uh and there's a at dinner after work uh and there's a knock on the door, right? And you know knock on the door, right? And you know knock on the door, right? And you know it's only like one of two people, right?

it's only like one of two people, right? it's only like one of two people, right? Either there's a package you need to Either there's a package you need to Either there's a package you need to sign for and it's usually not that or sign for and it's usually not that or sign for and it's usually not that or it's a solicitor, right? A solicitor. Do it's a solicitor, right? A solicitor. Do it's a solicitor, right? A solicitor. Do we have any solicitors in the audience we have any solicitors in the audience we have any solicitors in the audience today? Can I ask you why? No, just today? Can I ask you why? No, just today? Can I ask you why? No, just kidding. Uh kidding. Uh kidding. Uh but they they knock on the door and but they they knock on the door and but they they knock on the door and usually they're selling solar or usually they're selling solar or usually they're selling solar or something like that and that's great. something like that and that's great. something like that and that's great. You got to make a living and obviously You got to make a living and obviously You got to make a living and obviously there's some success to it but often there's some success to it but often there's some success to it but often times they knock at the worst possible times they knock at the worst possible times they knock at the worst possible time, right? It's because that's when time, right? It's because that's when time, right? It's because that's when they know you're going to be there. And they know you're going to be there. And they know you're going to be there. And so I used to open up the door and engage so I used to open up the door and engage so I used to open up the door and engage them in conversation and and try and them in conversation and and try and them in conversation and and try and even like share the gospel with them uh even like share the gospel with them uh even like share the gospel with them uh and take all their brochures and let and take all their brochures and let and take all their brochures and let them take my name down and get a them take my name down and get a them take my name down and get a follow-up appointment. I never had any follow-up appointment. I never had any follow-up appointment. I never had any business of buying the product they were business of buying the product they were business of buying the product they were trying to sell. I was just being polite. trying to sell. I was just being polite. trying to sell. I was just being polite. Now I get so many that yes, I am the guy Now I get so many that yes, I am the guy Now I get so many that yes, I am the guy that slams the door in their face. Okay, that slams the door in their face. Okay, that slams the door in their face. Okay, not really. I don't slam the door in not really. I don't slam the door in not really. I don't slam the door in their face. Don't worry. But it's their face. Don't worry. But it's their face. Don't worry. But it's usually like, "Oh, hey, how's it going? usually like, "Oh, hey, how's it going? usually like, "Oh, hey, how's it going? We're just sitting down. Okay, I got I We're just sitting down. Okay, I got I We're just sitting down. Okay, I got I got to go to go. Bye-bye." You know, got to go to go. Bye-bye." You know, got to go to go. Bye-bye." You know, they're like, "What in the world was they're like, "What in the world was they're like, "What in the world was that?" So, I try not to answer the door.

that?" So, I try not to answer the door. that?" So, I try not to answer the door. So, what I do now is I either look at my So, what I do now is I either look at my So, what I do now is I either look at my cameras, right? I look at my cameras or cameras, right? I look at my cameras or cameras, right? I look at my cameras or I peek out my window and it's like, "No, I peek out my window and it's like, "No, I peek out my window and it's like, "No, I'm I'm okay. I'm not going to open the I'm I'm okay. I'm not going to open the I'm I'm okay. I'm not going to open the door right now. We're going to sit down door right now. We're going to sit down door right now. We're going to sit down and have our meal with our family. Uh and have our meal with our family. Uh and have our meal with our family. Uh sometimes they knock for a long time. sometimes they knock for a long time. sometimes they knock for a long time. Sometimes it's not very long. It's a Sometimes it's not very long. It's a Sometimes it's not very long. It's a short time. It just depends. But Jesus short time. It just depends. But Jesus short time. It just depends. But Jesus said, "Behold, I stand at the door and said, "Behold, I stand at the door and said, "Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If any man hears my voice and knock. If any man hears my voice and knock. If any man hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and dine opens the door, I will come in and dine opens the door, I will come in and dine with him and him with me." Listen, when with him and him with me." Listen, when with him and him with me." Listen, when it comes to Jesus, you either answer the it comes to Jesus, you either answer the it comes to Jesus, you either answer the door and welcome him in or you leave him door and welcome him in or you leave him door and welcome him in or you leave him outside. There is no third option. You outside. There is no third option. You outside. There is no third option. You do not leave Jesus knocking at the door. do not leave Jesus knocking at the door. do not leave Jesus knocking at the door. You either answer it or you do not. To You either answer it or you do not. To You either answer it or you do not. To be undecided is to be decided. Each of be undecided is to be decided. Each of be undecided is to be decided. Each of us must choose what to do with Jesus us must choose what to do with Jesus us must choose what to do with Jesus when he knocks. We either accept him as when he knocks. We either accept him as when he knocks. We either accept him as savior and make him Lord or we reject savior and make him Lord or we reject savior and make him Lord or we reject him. And so Pilate thinks that there's a him. And so Pilate thinks that there's a him. And so Pilate thinks that there's a third option and he decides to delegate third option and he decides to delegate third option and he decides to delegate this decision about Jesus to Herod. And this decision about Jesus to Herod. And this decision about Jesus to Herod. And that brings us to verse number seven.

that brings us to verse number seven. that brings us to verse number seven. Now, as we look at Herod's interaction Now, as we look at Herod's interaction Now, as we look at Herod's interaction with Jesus, with Jesus, with Jesus, as soon as Pilate knew that he belonged as soon as Pilate knew that he belonged as soon as Pilate knew that he belonged to Herod's jurisdiction, he sent him to to Herod's jurisdiction, he sent him to to Herod's jurisdiction, he sent him to Herod, who was also in Jerusalem at that Herod, who was also in Jerusalem at that Herod, who was also in Jerusalem at that time. Now, when Herod saw Jesus, he was time. Now, when Herod saw Jesus, he was time. Now, when Herod saw Jesus, he was exceedingly glad, for he had desired for exceedingly glad, for he had desired for exceedingly glad, for he had desired for a long time to see him, because he had a long time to see him, because he had a long time to see him, because he had heard many things about him and had heard many things about him and had heard many things about him and had hoped to see some miracle done by him. hoped to see some miracle done by him. hoped to see some miracle done by him. And then he questioned him with many And then he questioned him with many And then he questioned him with many words. But Jesus answered him nothing. words. But Jesus answered him nothing. words. But Jesus answered him nothing. And the chief priests and the scribes And the chief priests and the scribes And the chief priests and the scribes stood and vehematly accused him. And stood and vehematly accused him. And stood and vehematly accused him. And then Herod with his men of war treated then Herod with his men of war treated then Herod with his men of war treated him with contempt and mocked him and him with contempt and mocked him and him with contempt and mocked him and arrayed him in a gorgeous robe and sent arrayed him in a gorgeous robe and sent arrayed him in a gorgeous robe and sent him back to Pilate. That very day Pilate him back to Pilate. That very day Pilate him back to Pilate. That very day Pilate and Herod became friends with each and Herod became friends with each and Herod became friends with each other. For previously they had been at other. For previously they had been at other. For previously they had been at enmity with each other. Let's pause enmity with each other. Let's pause enmity with each other. Let's pause there. That brings us to point number there. That brings us to point number there. That brings us to point number two. The tetrarch meets the king. The two. The tetrarch meets the king. The two. The tetrarch meets the king. The tetrarch meets the king. Now, the tetrarch meets the king. Now, the tetrarch meets the king. Now, the Herods, they were as creepy as they Herods, they were as creepy as they Herods, they were as creepy as they come. They were absolute creeps. They come. They were absolute creeps. They come. They were absolute creeps. They engaged in behavior that would even make engaged in behavior that would even make engaged in behavior that would even make our modern-day politicians blush. Uh, our modern-day politicians blush. Uh, our modern-day politicians blush. Uh, the first Herod, Antipator, the First, the first Herod, Antipator, the First, the first Herod, Antipator, the First, the Idom, was an influential man in the Idom, was an influential man in the Idom, was an influential man in Julius Caesar's administration. That was Julius Caesar's administration. That was Julius Caesar's administration. That was the first emperor of Rome. And Herod the first emperor of Rome. And Herod the first emperor of Rome. And Herod ultimately became a title, very much ultimately became a title, very much ultimately became a title, very much like Caesar. And Herod I was entrusted like Caesar. And Herod I was entrusted like Caesar. And Herod I was entrusted with Judea to rule as a Romanbacked with Judea to rule as a Romanbacked with Judea to rule as a Romanbacked chief minister, a client king, sort of chief minister, a client king, sort of chief minister, a client king, sort of like a governor of the area. There he

like a governor of the area. There he like a governor of the area. There he would collect taxes. He'd keep things in would collect taxes. He'd keep things in would collect taxes. He'd keep things in order and do the bidding of Rome. Now order and do the bidding of Rome. Now order and do the bidding of Rome. Now Herod I was poisoned by a rival Herod I was poisoned by a rival Herod I was poisoned by a rival politician and died and his son took his politician and died and his son took his politician and died and his son took his place. We know him as Herod the Great. place. We know him as Herod the Great. place. We know him as Herod the Great. And so on it went and finally Herod the And so on it went and finally Herod the And so on it went and finally Herod the Great. when he died, he handed off his Great. when he died, he handed off his Great. when he died, he handed off his kingdom and they broke it up into parts kingdom and they broke it up into parts kingdom and they broke it up into parts uh to his three sons and one of those uh to his three sons and one of those uh to his three sons and one of those sons was Herod Antipus. Now, of course, sons was Herod Antipus. Now, of course, sons was Herod Antipus. Now, of course, we know Herod the Great, Herod was in we know Herod the Great, Herod was in we know Herod the Great, Herod was in charge of building the temple. He charge of building the temple. He charge of building the temple. He rebuilt the temple was called Herod's rebuilt the temple was called Herod's rebuilt the temple was called Herod's temple. This is the backdrop to much of temple. This is the backdrop to much of temple. This is the backdrop to much of our uh scriptures that we're reading our uh scriptures that we're reading our uh scriptures that we're reading with Jesus uh in the New Testament. That with Jesus uh in the New Testament. That with Jesus uh in the New Testament. That was the temple they were talking about. was the temple they were talking about. was the temple they were talking about. It was beautiful. It was amazing, It was beautiful. It was amazing, It was beautiful. It was amazing, ornate, filled with gold. Um and so now ornate, filled with gold. Um and so now ornate, filled with gold. Um and so now we see Herod Antipus. this was his son. we see Herod Antipus. this was his son. we see Herod Antipus. this was his son. He was cut from the same cloth as his He was cut from the same cloth as his He was cut from the same cloth as his dad, who also was the one that was in dad, who also was the one that was in dad, who also was the one that was in charge of the slaughter of the charge of the slaughter of the charge of the slaughter of the innocents. You've probably heard of that innocents. You've probably heard of that innocents. You've probably heard of that uh in Luke chapter 2. When the wise men uh in Luke chapter 2. When the wise men uh in Luke chapter 2. When the wise men came to Jesus, or excuse me, when the came to Jesus, or excuse me, when the came to Jesus, or excuse me, when the wise men came to Herod looking for Jesus wise men came to Herod looking for Jesus wise men came to Herod looking for Jesus and what do they call him? The newborn and what do they call him? The newborn and what do they call him? The newborn king of the Jews. That was Herod's king of the Jews. That was Herod's king of the Jews. That was Herod's title. He was an egoomaniac. And so, he title. He was an egoomaniac. And so, he title. He was an egoomaniac. And so, he went crazy trying to find this newborn went crazy trying to find this newborn went crazy trying to find this newborn king of the Jews. And anybody that was king of the Jews. And anybody that was king of the Jews. And anybody that was under the age of two, he had them under the age of two, he had them under the age of two, he had them murdered. This is why Jesus and his murdered. This is why Jesus and his murdered. This is why Jesus and his family fled to Egypt. And so Herod family fled to Egypt. And so Herod family fled to Egypt. And so Herod Antipus was Herod the great son again Antipus was Herod the great son again Antipus was Herod the great son again cut from the same cloth. Because if you cut from the same cloth. Because if you cut from the same cloth. Because if you turn back a couple pages in scripture, turn back a couple pages in scripture, turn back a couple pages in scripture, you see what kind of man he is. He you see what kind of man he is. He you see what kind of man he is. He marries a woman named Herodiius.

marries a woman named Herodiius. marries a woman named Herodiius. Herodiius was his brother's wife, Herodiius was his brother's wife, Herodiius was his brother's wife, Philillip, right? Philip's wife. Philip Philillip, right? Philip's wife. Philip Philillip, right? Philip's wife. Philip was still alive, right? That's pretty was still alive, right? That's pretty was still alive, right? That's pretty crazy to marry your brother's wife, crazy to marry your brother's wife, crazy to marry your brother's wife, especially when he's still alive. And so especially when he's still alive. And so especially when he's still alive. And so John the Baptist ultimately called Herod John the Baptist ultimately called Herod John the Baptist ultimately called Herod Antipus out for this and said actually Antipus out for this and said actually Antipus out for this and said actually publicly, "It is not lawful for you to publicly, "It is not lawful for you to publicly, "It is not lawful for you to have your brother's wife." Now Herodiius have your brother's wife." Now Herodiius have your brother's wife." Now Herodiius hated Herod for that. Excuse me. hated Herod for that. Excuse me. hated Herod for that. Excuse me. Herodius hated John for that. I think Herodius hated John for that. I think Herodius hated John for that. I think she hated Herod, too. But she hated John she hated Herod, too. But she hated John she hated Herod, too. But she hated John for that. But Herod, for some crazy for that. But Herod, for some crazy for that. But Herod, for some crazy reason, he actually respected reason, he actually respected reason, he actually respected uh John the Baptist for this. I think uh John the Baptist for this. I think uh John the Baptist for this. I think because John the Baptist was a prophet. because John the Baptist was a prophet. because John the Baptist was a prophet. He was unafraid of Herod. He didn't He was unafraid of Herod. He didn't He was unafraid of Herod. He didn't really care what Herod thought of him. really care what Herod thought of him. really care what Herod thought of him. And Herod even said that John was a just And Herod even said that John was a just And Herod even said that John was a just and holy man. So fast forward a little and holy man. So fast forward a little and holy man. So fast forward a little bit of time. Herod Antipus is throwing a bit of time. Herod Antipus is throwing a bit of time. Herod Antipus is throwing a big birthday party for himself. Alcohol big birthday party for himself. Alcohol big birthday party for himself. Alcohol and food and everything. And Herodiius's and food and everything. And Herodiius's and food and everything. And Herodiius's daughter Salom, which is his niece daughter Salom, which is his niece daughter Salom, which is his niece sldaughter, sldaughter, sldaughter, comes out and does a little dance for comes out and does a little dance for comes out and does a little dance for everybody. And Herod is so pleased with everybody. And Herod is so pleased with everybody. And Herod is so pleased with her dance. I think you might say aroused her dance. I think you might say aroused her dance. I think you might say aroused that he told her, "I will give you that he told her, "I will give you that he told her, "I will give you anything you want up to half my anything you want up to half my anything you want up to half my kingdom." And so Salom went to her mom, kingdom." And so Salom went to her mom, kingdom." And so Salom went to her mom, Herodiius, who had a vendetta against Herodiius, who had a vendetta against Herodiius, who had a vendetta against John the Baptist and said, "Mom, what do John the Baptist and said, "Mom, what do John the Baptist and said, "Mom, what do I ask for?" And what did she say? Ask I ask for?" And what did she say? Ask I ask for?" And what did she say? Ask for the head of John the Baptist on a for the head of John the Baptist on a for the head of John the Baptist on a platter. And so Herod was obligated. He

platter. And so Herod was obligated. He platter. And so Herod was obligated. He had to do it. And so he had John the had to do it. And so he had John the had to do it. And so he had John the Baptist, who is currently in prison, Baptist, who is currently in prison, Baptist, who is currently in prison, decapitated and murdered. and they decapitated and murdered. and they decapitated and murdered. and they brought the head of John the Baptist to brought the head of John the Baptist to brought the head of John the Baptist to her. Wicked, despicable, just an her. Wicked, despicable, just an her. Wicked, despicable, just an absolute creep. And so this is the same absolute creep. And so this is the same absolute creep. And so this is the same Herod that Jesus now stands before. You Herod that Jesus now stands before. You Herod that Jesus now stands before. You remember last chapter when we read about remember last chapter when we read about remember last chapter when we read about how Peter unshathed his sword and sliced how Peter unshathed his sword and sliced how Peter unshathed his sword and sliced off the ear of Malchus, the high priest off the ear of Malchus, the high priest off the ear of Malchus, the high priest servant, right? And then Jesus picked up servant, right? And then Jesus picked up servant, right? And then Jesus picked up the ear and put it back on Malchus. the ear and put it back on Malchus. the ear and put it back on Malchus. Jesus is probably like, "I wish Peter Jesus is probably like, "I wish Peter Jesus is probably like, "I wish Peter were here right now to slice off Herod were here right now to slice off Herod were here right now to slice off Herod Antipus's head, right? Antipus's head, right? Antipus's head, right? But it says that Herod was exceedingly But it says that Herod was exceedingly But it says that Herod was exceedingly glad to see Jesus and he asked him many glad to see Jesus and he asked him many glad to see Jesus and he asked him many questions, poking, proddding like a new questions, poking, proddding like a new questions, poking, proddding like a new kid with or like a kid with a new kid with or like a kid with a new kid with or like a kid with a new hamster, right? He's just excited to see hamster, right? He's just excited to see hamster, right? He's just excited to see what it was all about, asking Jesus for what it was all about, asking Jesus for what it was all about, asking Jesus for magic tricks and asking him for magic tricks and asking him for magic tricks and asking him for explanations. But Jesus gave him explanations. But Jesus gave him explanations. But Jesus gave him nothing. He didn't say one word because nothing. He didn't say one word because nothing. He didn't say one word because Herod um he didn't want the truth. He Herod um he didn't want the truth. He Herod um he didn't want the truth. He didn't care. He wanted a magic trick. He didn't care. He wanted a magic trick. He didn't care. He wanted a magic trick. He wanted a party favor. But Jesus doesn't wanted a party favor. But Jesus doesn't wanted a party favor. But Jesus doesn't hand over the sacred things of God to hand over the sacred things of God to hand over the sacred things of God to someone treating them as entertainment.

someone treating them as entertainment. someone treating them as entertainment. And silence is the sermon. Herod treats And silence is the sermon. Herod treats And silence is the sermon. Herod treats Jesus like a court gesture, someone to Jesus like a court gesture, someone to Jesus like a court gesture, someone to perform and entertain him. And there's a perform and entertain him. And there's a perform and entertain him. And there's a lesson here for us as well. You can be lesson here for us as well. You can be lesson here for us as well. You can be close enough to Jesus and be comfortable close enough to Jesus and be comfortable close enough to Jesus and be comfortable enough with Jesus to ask him for enough with Jesus to ask him for enough with Jesus to ask him for miracles in your life to ask him for miracles in your life to ask him for miracles in your life to ask him for favors to, you know, deliver you from favors to, you know, deliver you from favors to, you know, deliver you from things. You're comfortable enough to things. You're comfortable enough to things. You're comfortable enough to sing to him and even feel something in a sing to him and even feel something in a sing to him and even feel something in a worship service and still not know him worship service and still not know him worship service and still not know him because you never wanted him. You wanted because you never wanted him. You wanted because you never wanted him. You wanted his blessings. You never wanted the his blessings. You never wanted the his blessings. You never wanted the giver of the gift. You only wanted the giver of the gift. You only wanted the giver of the gift. You only wanted the gift itself. You wanted a feeling, a gift itself. You wanted a feeling, a gift itself. You wanted a feeling, a moment, a genie in a bottle. And so moment, a genie in a bottle. And so moment, a genie in a bottle. And so Pilate got close to Jesus Pilate got close to Jesus Pilate got close to Jesus and ultimately he delegated his and ultimately he delegated his and ultimately he delegated his decision, didn't he? Herod got close to decision, didn't he? Herod got close to decision, didn't he? Herod got close to Jesus and he wanted entertainment. Both Jesus and he wanted entertainment. Both Jesus and he wanted entertainment. Both men had real face-to-face encounters men had real face-to-face encounters men had real face-to-face encounters with the son of God. And both men are with the son of God. And both men are with the son of God. And both men are remembered for ultimately what they remembered for ultimately what they remembered for ultimately what they refused to do with that time. Could you refused to do with that time. Could you refused to do with that time. Could you imagine what would you do if you had a imagine what would you do if you had a imagine what would you do if you had a few minutes alone with Jesus? Would you few minutes alone with Jesus? Would you few minutes alone with Jesus? Would you fall down at his feet and worship him fall down at his feet and worship him fall down at his feet and worship him and embrace him? Would you ask him and embrace him? Would you ask him and embrace him? Would you ask him questions? Would you ask him why he questions? Would you ask him why he questions? Would you ask him why he allowed that thing in your life? Jesus, allowed that thing in your life? Jesus, allowed that thing in your life? Jesus, help me understand this. What happened?

help me understand this. What happened? help me understand this. What happened? Those are all good things to do. Those are all good things to do. Those are all good things to do. Ultimately, uh Herod and Pilate didn't Ultimately, uh Herod and Pilate didn't Ultimately, uh Herod and Pilate didn't do that. And the fact is with Herod, the do that. And the fact is with Herod, the do that. And the fact is with Herod, the Herodian dynasty had far more influence Herodian dynasty had far more influence Herodian dynasty had far more influence with the Pharisees uh than Rome did. with the Pharisees uh than Rome did. with the Pharisees uh than Rome did. Herod himself right there could have Herod himself right there could have Herod himself right there could have held court. He knew the hypocrisy of the held court. He knew the hypocrisy of the held court. He knew the hypocrisy of the Pharisees better than anybody else. Uh Pharisees better than anybody else. Uh Pharisees better than anybody else. Uh and he could have actually objected to and he could have actually objected to and he could have actually objected to it and said, "No, guys, we all know the it and said, "No, guys, we all know the it and said, "No, guys, we all know the reason you don't want Jesus to be reason you don't want Jesus to be reason you don't want Jesus to be teaching out there. It's cuz he's making teaching out there. It's cuz he's making teaching out there. It's cuz he's making you look bad." And you know what? You you look bad." And you know what? You you look bad." And you know what? You should look bad. Herod could have done should look bad. Herod could have done should look bad. Herod could have done that. He could have done that right then that. He could have done that right then that. He could have done that right then and there, but he didn't. All he did was and there, but he didn't. All he did was and there, but he didn't. All he did was say, "Yeah, I declare him innocent and say, "Yeah, I declare him innocent and say, "Yeah, I declare him innocent and you know, let let Pilate decide what to you know, let let Pilate decide what to you know, let let Pilate decide what to do with him." And so he sends him back do with him." And so he sends him back do with him." And so he sends him back to Pilate. Both of these guys were to Pilate. Both of these guys were to Pilate. Both of these guys were cowards. Pilate and Herod, they were cowards. Pilate and Herod, they were cowards. Pilate and Herod, they were cowards. They were both appointed by cowards. They were both appointed by cowards. They were both appointed by Rome to rule and judge and pursue Rome to rule and judge and pursue Rome to rule and judge and pursue justice. But both men just wanted to justice. But both men just wanted to justice. But both men just wanted to maintain the status quo. They wanted to maintain the status quo. They wanted to maintain the status quo. They wanted to delegate their decision. They didn't delegate their decision. They didn't delegate their decision. They didn't want to actually make a choice about want to actually make a choice about want to actually make a choice about Jesus. They just passed him back and Jesus. They just passed him back and Jesus. They just passed him back and forth. Neither man willing to stand for forth. Neither man willing to stand for forth. Neither man willing to stand for the innocent. neither man willing to be the innocent. neither man willing to be the innocent. neither man willing to be changed by Jesus. But there was a third changed by Jesus. But there was a third changed by Jesus. But there was a third man, and we're going to read about him man, and we're going to read about him man, and we're going to read about him now in verse 11.

now in verse 11. now in verse 11. And then Herod with his men of war And then Herod with his men of war And then Herod with his men of war treated Jesus with contempt and mocked treated Jesus with contempt and mocked treated Jesus with contempt and mocked him, arraying him in a gorgeous robe, him, arraying him in a gorgeous robe, him, arraying him in a gorgeous robe, and they sent him back to Pilate. Now and they sent him back to Pilate. Now and they sent him back to Pilate. Now that very day, Pilate and Herod became that very day, Pilate and Herod became that very day, Pilate and Herod became friends with each other, for previously friends with each other, for previously friends with each other, for previously they had been at enmity with each other. they had been at enmity with each other. they had been at enmity with each other. And then Pilate, when he had called And then Pilate, when he had called And then Pilate, when he had called together the chief priests, the rulers, together the chief priests, the rulers, together the chief priests, the rulers, and the people, said to them, "You have and the people, said to them, "You have and the people, said to them, "You have brought this man to me as one who brought this man to me as one who brought this man to me as one who misleads the people. And indeed, having misleads the people. And indeed, having misleads the people. And indeed, having examined him in your presence, I have examined him in your presence, I have examined him in your presence, I have found no fault in this man concerning found no fault in this man concerning found no fault in this man concerning those things of which you accuse him." those things of which you accuse him." those things of which you accuse him." No, neither did Herod, for I sent you No, neither did Herod, for I sent you No, neither did Herod, for I sent you back to him, and indeed nothing back to him, and indeed nothing back to him, and indeed nothing deserving of death has been done by him. deserving of death has been done by him. deserving of death has been done by him. I will therefore chastise him and I will therefore chastise him and I will therefore chastise him and release him. For it was necessary for release him. For it was necessary for release him. For it was necessary for him to release one of them uh one to him to release one of them uh one to him to release one of them uh one to them at the feast. Verse 18. And they them at the feast. Verse 18. And they them at the feast. Verse 18. And they all cried out at once, saying, "Away all cried out at once, saying, "Away all cried out at once, saying, "Away with this man, and release to us with this man, and release to us with this man, and release to us Barabbus. Barabbus who had been thrown Barabbus. Barabbus who had been thrown Barabbus. Barabbus who had been thrown into prison for a certain rebellion made into prison for a certain rebellion made into prison for a certain rebellion made in the city and for murder." Pilate in the city and for murder." Pilate in the city and for murder." Pilate therefore wishing to release Jesus again therefore wishing to release Jesus again therefore wishing to release Jesus again called out to them. But they shouted, called out to them. But they shouted, called out to them. But they shouted, saying, "Crucify him! Crucify him!" And saying, "Crucify him! Crucify him!" And saying, "Crucify him! Crucify him!" And he said to them a third time, "Why? What he said to them a third time, "Why? What he said to them a third time, "Why? What evil has he done? I have found no reason evil has he done? I have found no reason evil has he done? I have found no reason for death in him. I will therefore for death in him. I will therefore for death in him. I will therefore chastise him and let him go." But they chastise him and let him go." But they chastise him and let him go." But they were insistent, demanding with loud were insistent, demanding with loud were insistent, demanding with loud voices that he be crucified, and the voices that he be crucified, and the voices that he be crucified, and the voices of these men and of the chief voices of these men and of the chief voices of these men and of the chief priests prevailed. So Pilate gave the

priests prevailed. So Pilate gave the priests prevailed. So Pilate gave the sentence that it should be as they sentence that it should be as they sentence that it should be as they requested and he released to the uh and requested and he released to the uh and requested and he released to the uh and he released to them the one they he released to them the one they he released to them the one they requested who for rebellion and murder requested who for rebellion and murder requested who for rebellion and murder had been thrown into prison but he had been thrown into prison but he had been thrown into prison but he delivered Jesus to their will. That delivered Jesus to their will. That delivered Jesus to their will. That brings us to point number three. The brings us to point number three. The brings us to point number three. The third person in the story that we're third person in the story that we're third person in the story that we're looking at Barabus and that is the title looking at Barabus and that is the title looking at Barabus and that is the title of this point. The guilty meets the of this point. The guilty meets the of this point. The guilty meets the innocent. The guilty meets the innocent. innocent. The guilty meets the innocent. innocent. The guilty meets the innocent. Now again, Pilate, he calls everybody Now again, Pilate, he calls everybody Now again, Pilate, he calls everybody together for his final verdict that together for his final verdict that together for his final verdict that neither he nor Herod found any fault in neither he nor Herod found any fault in neither he nor Herod found any fault in Jesus. Both of these guys had every Jesus. Both of these guys had every Jesus. Both of these guys had every opportunity uh to condemn him and to, opportunity uh to condemn him and to, opportunity uh to condemn him and to, you know, just eliminate the problem of you know, just eliminate the problem of you know, just eliminate the problem of Jesus and say, "Oh, yeah, you know, and Jesus and say, "Oh, yeah, you know, and Jesus and say, "Oh, yeah, you know, and just lie and and say whatever they just lie and and say whatever they just lie and and say whatever they needed to to make it seem like it was a needed to to make it seem like it was a needed to to make it seem like it was a squeaky clean situation and they were squeaky clean situation and they were squeaky clean situation and they were not corrupt themselves and caving to not corrupt themselves and caving to not corrupt themselves and caving to pure pressure." But they didn't. They pure pressure." But they didn't. They pure pressure." But they didn't. They both declared Jesus innocent. Two both declared Jesus innocent. Two both declared Jesus innocent. Two rulers, two independent investigations, rulers, two independent investigations, rulers, two independent investigations, one unanimous verdict. Innocent. Jesus one unanimous verdict. Innocent. Jesus one unanimous verdict. Innocent. Jesus was innocent. And so what was Pilate's was innocent. And so what was Pilate's was innocent. And so what was Pilate's response to Jesus innocence? He said, "I response to Jesus innocence? He said, "I response to Jesus innocence? He said, "I will therefore chastise him and release will therefore chastise him and release will therefore chastise him and release him." What he meant by that was, "I will him." What he meant by that was, "I will him." What he meant by that was, "I will therefore scourge him. I will have him therefore scourge him. I will have him therefore scourge him. I will have him beaten with a Roman cat of ninetails. I beaten with a Roman cat of ninetails. I beaten with a Roman cat of ninetails. I will have the flesh ripped off his back.

will have the flesh ripped off his back. will have the flesh ripped off his back. I will beat him to the point of death I will beat him to the point of death I will beat him to the point of death and then I will release him. Pilate, and then I will release him. Pilate, and then I will release him. Pilate, this was his way of trying to appease this was his way of trying to appease this was his way of trying to appease the bloodthirsty mob. But they weren't the bloodthirsty mob. But they weren't the bloodthirsty mob. But they weren't even satisfied with that. They wanted even satisfied with that. They wanted even satisfied with that. They wanted crucifixion. So Pilate did both. Oh crucifixion. So Pilate did both. Oh crucifixion. So Pilate did both. Oh yeah, poor Pilate. What a difficult yeah, poor Pilate. What a difficult yeah, poor Pilate. What a difficult situation. He was a coward. He was a situation. He was a coward. He was a situation. He was a coward. He was a coward and he was a corrupt politician. coward and he was a corrupt politician. coward and he was a corrupt politician. And so he sentences Jesus to death. And so he sentences Jesus to death. And so he sentences Jesus to death. That's not justice. That's negotiation That's not justice. That's negotiation That's not justice. That's negotiation with a mob using somebody else as the with a mob using somebody else as the with a mob using somebody else as the bargaining chip. And so they ultimately bargaining chip. And so they ultimately bargaining chip. And so they ultimately before that happened, Pilate gave them before that happened, Pilate gave them before that happened, Pilate gave them kind of an option. Hey, there's one that kind of an option. Hey, there's one that kind of an option. Hey, there's one that I need to release to you. This is, you I need to release to you. This is, you I need to release to you. This is, you know, the tradition of the Sabbath know, the tradition of the Sabbath know, the tradition of the Sabbath Passover celebration that one guilty Passover celebration that one guilty Passover celebration that one guilty prisoner is released to you. Who would prisoner is released to you. Who would prisoner is released to you. Who would you like that to be? And uh they all you like that to be? And uh they all you like that to be? And uh they all said, "Babbus, Barabbus." Now, unlike said, "Babbus, Barabbus." Now, unlike said, "Babbus, Barabbus." Now, unlike Jesus, Barabbus was actually guilty. He Jesus, Barabbus was actually guilty. He Jesus, Barabbus was actually guilty. He wasn't framed. He wasn't falsely wasn't framed. He wasn't falsely wasn't framed. He wasn't falsely accused. He was guilty of murder and accused. He was guilty of murder and accused. He was guilty of murder and insurrection. Now you remember when insurrection. Now you remember when insurrection. Now you remember when Barabus um or rather excuse me when Barabus um or rather excuse me when Barabus um or rather excuse me when Jesus hung on the cross he was in the Jesus hung on the cross he was in the Jesus hung on the cross he was in the middle cross right and on the left and middle cross right and on the left and middle cross right and on the left and his right were two what we call thieves his right were two what we call thieves his right were two what we call thieves these men were far worse than thieves these men were far worse than thieves these men were far worse than thieves and it's very likely that Barabus was and it's very likely that Barabus was and it's very likely that Barabus was the ring leader and these guys were all the ring leader and these guys were all the ring leader and these guys were all in cahoots together doing something that in cahoots together doing something that in cahoots together doing something that was so evil that they were all sentenced was so evil that they were all sentenced was so evil that they were all sentenced to death for it. It's not likely that to death for it. It's not likely that to death for it. It's not likely that they were just uh you know Jewish they were just uh you know Jewish they were just uh you know Jewish zealots and they were trying to zealots and they were trying to zealots and they were trying to overthrow the Roman government. There overthrow the Roman government. There overthrow the Roman government. There was a large Jewish sect of zealots like was a large Jewish sect of zealots like was a large Jewish sect of zealots like Simon the Zealot, one of Jesus disciples

Simon the Zealot, one of Jesus disciples Simon the Zealot, one of Jesus disciples that were trying to overthrow the that were trying to overthrow the that were trying to overthrow the government, restore Jerusalem. And government, restore Jerusalem. And government, restore Jerusalem. And ultimately, no, that's not what they ultimately, no, that's not what they ultimately, no, that's not what they were doing because these men were were doing because these men were were doing because these men were thieves. They were murderers. Luke thieves. They were murderers. Luke thieves. They were murderers. Luke wouldn't call him a murderer if he was wouldn't call him a murderer if he was wouldn't call him a murderer if he was just a man fighting a battle. That's he just a man fighting a battle. That's he just a man fighting a battle. That's he he'd killed people. No, he says he is a he'd killed people. No, he says he is a he'd killed people. No, he says he is a murderer. And so these these men were murderer. And so these these men were murderer. And so these these men were bad dudes, right? They were bad dudes bad dudes, right? They were bad dudes bad dudes, right? They were bad dudes likely committing acts of terrorism and likely committing acts of terrorism and likely committing acts of terrorism and and just crazy stuff. And yet he walked and just crazy stuff. And yet he walked and just crazy stuff. And yet he walked away a free man moments before being away a free man moments before being away a free man moments before being crucified because Jesus took his place. crucified because Jesus took his place. crucified because Jesus took his place. The guilty man Barabus was able to walk The guilty man Barabus was able to walk The guilty man Barabus was able to walk free because Jesus took his literal free because Jesus took his literal free because Jesus took his literal place on a cross. 2 Corinthians 5:21 place on a cross. 2 Corinthians 5:21 place on a cross. 2 Corinthians 5:21 says, "For he made him who knew no sin says, "For he made him who knew no sin says, "For he made him who knew no sin to be sin for us that we might become to be sin for us that we might become to be sin for us that we might become the righteousness of God in him." the righteousness of God in him." the righteousness of God in him." Theologians for thousands of years have Theologians for thousands of years have Theologians for thousands of years have pointed to this very story of Jesus and pointed to this very story of Jesus and pointed to this very story of Jesus and Barabus trading places as a perfect Barabus trading places as a perfect Barabus trading places as a perfect picture of the gospel. You and I are picture of the gospel. You and I are picture of the gospel. You and I are Barabbus. We are guilty. We have gotten Barabbus. We are guilty. We have gotten Barabbus. We are guilty. We have gotten ourselves a sentence of death. We have ourselves a sentence of death. We have ourselves a sentence of death. We have sinned. We have fallen short of God's sinned. We have fallen short of God's sinned. We have fallen short of God's standard. We are ultimately headed for standard. We are ultimately headed for standard. We are ultimately headed for hell. But what did Jesus do? He steps in hell. But what did Jesus do? He steps in hell. But what did Jesus do? He steps in our place and he dies on the cross with our place and he dies on the cross with our place and he dies on the cross with our name on it. That's what Jesus did our name on it. That's what Jesus did our name on it. That's what Jesus did for you. That's what Jesus did for you.

Now notice Barabus, he doesn't get a Now notice Barabus, he doesn't get a face to face time with Jesus. He doesn't face to face time with Jesus. He doesn't face to face time with Jesus. He doesn't get to investigate Jesus claims. He get to investigate Jesus claims. He get to investigate Jesus claims. He doesn't get to have a dialogue with him. doesn't get to have a dialogue with him. doesn't get to have a dialogue with him. He doesn't ask him for a miracle or a He doesn't ask him for a miracle or a He doesn't ask him for a miracle or a magic trick or anything like that. All magic trick or anything like that. All magic trick or anything like that. All Barabbus knew was if he was going to not Barabbus knew was if he was going to not Barabbus knew was if he was going to not die that day, he needed someone to die that day, he needed someone to die that day, he needed someone to intervene on his behalf. It's intervene on his behalf. It's intervene on his behalf. It's interesting. Barabbus, his name interesting. Barabbus, his name interesting. Barabbus, his name translated bar means son of and Abbas translated bar means son of and Abbas translated bar means son of and Abbas means father. This was somebody's little means father. This was somebody's little means father. This was somebody's little boy at some point. And we don't know boy at some point. And we don't know boy at some point. And we don't know what Barabus' story was like as a young what Barabus' story was like as a young what Barabus' story was like as a young boy. We don't know much about him at all boy. We don't know much about him at all boy. We don't know much about him at all except what we see here in the pages of except what we see here in the pages of except what we see here in the pages of scripture. But he grew up and he made scripture. But he grew up and he made scripture. But he grew up and he made choices and he set his path and that choices and he set his path and that choices and he set his path and that path ultimately led him to crucifixion. path ultimately led him to crucifixion. path ultimately led him to crucifixion. But God had a plan for Barabus even back But God had a plan for Barabus even back But God had a plan for Barabus even back then. God was going to spare Barabus then. God was going to spare Barabus then. God was going to spare Barabus from crucifixion. Now the real question from crucifixion. Now the real question from crucifixion. Now the real question is what happened with Barabus? What did is what happened with Barabus? What did is what happened with Barabus? What did he do after he was spared from he do after he was spared from he do after he was spared from crucifixion? Did he ultimately make crucifixion? Did he ultimately make crucifixion? Did he ultimately make Jesus not only his literal physical Jesus not only his literal physical Jesus not only his literal physical savior but also his spiritual savior? I savior but also his spiritual savior? I savior but also his spiritual savior? I would sure hope so. Because if Barabus would sure hope so. Because if Barabus would sure hope so. Because if Barabus didn't make Jesus his Lord, he would didn't make Jesus his Lord, he would didn't make Jesus his Lord, he would have indulged in the same activity, in have indulged in the same activity, in have indulged in the same activity, in the same behavior if he didn't repent the same behavior if he didn't repent the same behavior if he didn't repent and he ultimately would have led right and he ultimately would have led right and he ultimately would have led right back where he started, back in the place back where he started, back in the place back where he started, back in the place of being crucified once again. That's of being crucified once again. That's of being crucified once again. That's the question for us today. What is Jesus the question for us today. What is Jesus the question for us today. What is Jesus to you? To Pontius Pilate, he was a true to you? To Pontius Pilate, he was a true to you? To Pontius Pilate, he was a true man. He was somebody to be respected,

man. He was somebody to be respected, man. He was somebody to be respected, somebody to be investigated. But he somebody to be investigated. But he somebody to be investigated. But he delegated his decision. He put it off, delegated his decision. He put it off, delegated his decision. He put it off, right? He put it off. People do that right? He put it off. People do that right? He put it off. People do that today. They put their decisions about today. They put their decisions about today. They put their decisions about Jesus off. They want to make him maybe Jesus off. They want to make him maybe Jesus off. They want to make him maybe their savior, right? But not their lord. their savior, right? But not their lord. their savior, right? But not their lord. Oh man, to be to be my lord, to be my Oh man, to be to be my lord, to be my Oh man, to be to be my lord, to be my master. And then how about Herod? Oh master. And then how about Herod? Oh master. And then how about Herod? Oh man, he he enjoyed Jesus presence. He man, he he enjoyed Jesus presence. He man, he he enjoyed Jesus presence. He enjoyed Jesus' company. He wanted him to enjoyed Jesus' company. He wanted him to enjoyed Jesus' company. He wanted him to do a magic trick for him, perform some do a magic trick for him, perform some do a magic trick for him, perform some kind of miracle. He asked him all kinds kind of miracle. He asked him all kinds kind of miracle. He asked him all kinds of questions. He decapitated Jesus' of questions. He decapitated Jesus' of questions. He decapitated Jesus' cousin, John the Baptist. Had some level cousin, John the Baptist. Had some level cousin, John the Baptist. Had some level of respect for him. I don't know, not of respect for him. I don't know, not of respect for him. I don't know, not much. Uh, and what was Herod? He was much. Uh, and what was Herod? He was much. Uh, and what was Herod? He was ultimately someone that maybe felt ultimately someone that maybe felt ultimately someone that maybe felt something when he was around Jesus. That something when he was around Jesus. That something when he was around Jesus. That could be us, too. We can come to church could be us, too. We can come to church could be us, too. We can come to church to get something from church, right? We to get something from church, right? We to get something from church, right? We want the gift, but we don't want the want the gift, but we don't want the want the gift, but we don't want the giver of the gift. But Barabus, Barabus, giver of the gift. But Barabus, Barabus, giver of the gift. But Barabus, Barabus, if he made Jesus his Lord, he certainly if he made Jesus his Lord, he certainly if he made Jesus his Lord, he certainly would not have ended up back in this would not have ended up back in this would not have ended up back in this situation. And that is the question for situation. And that is the question for situation. And that is the question for all of us today. Have you made Jesus the all of us today. Have you made Jesus the all of us today. Have you made Jesus the Lord of your life? We a lot of times in Lord of your life? We a lot of times in Lord of your life? We a lot of times in our our sermons, we close the Bible our our sermons, we close the Bible our our sermons, we close the Bible study with an evangelistic appeal and we study with an evangelistic appeal and we study with an evangelistic appeal and we invite people to receive Jesus Christ as invite people to receive Jesus Christ as invite people to receive Jesus Christ as their savior, right? And their Lord.

their savior, right? And their Lord. their savior, right? And their Lord. Now, if we're not careful, we can miss Now, if we're not careful, we can miss Now, if we're not careful, we can miss those two things. They're very distinct those two things. They're very distinct those two things. They're very distinct things. Jesus being your savior means he things. Jesus being your savior means he things. Jesus being your savior means he delivers you. He forgives you. He brings delivers you. He forgives you. He brings delivers you. He forgives you. He brings you out of ultimately away from hell. you out of ultimately away from hell. you out of ultimately away from hell. Delivers you from hell. But to be your Delivers you from hell. But to be your Delivers you from hell. But to be your Lord is something completely different. Lord is something completely different. Lord is something completely different. That means that he is your master, That means that he is your master, That means that he is your master, right? He is your master. You see Jesus, right? He is your master. You see Jesus, right? He is your master. You see Jesus, he's a good master. You might object to he's a good master. You might object to he's a good master. You might object to the idea of Jesus being a master and us the idea of Jesus being a master and us the idea of Jesus being a master and us being like slaves, things that he being like slaves, things that he being like slaves, things that he purchased. Well, the fact is he did purchased. Well, the fact is he did purchased. Well, the fact is he did purchase us with his own blood. And the purchase us with his own blood. And the purchase us with his own blood. And the fact is all of us here today are slaves fact is all of us here today are slaves fact is all of us here today are slaves to something. We can all be a slave to to something. We can all be a slave to to something. We can all be a slave to something. You can be a slave to something. You can be a slave to something. You can be a slave to success. You can be a a slave to success. You can be a a slave to success. You can be a a slave to fitness. You can be a slave to money. fitness. You can be a slave to money. fitness. You can be a slave to money. You can be a slave to addiction and You can be a slave to addiction and You can be a slave to addiction and drugs and alcohol and whatever else. You drugs and alcohol and whatever else. You drugs and alcohol and whatever else. You can be a slave to those things. Only can be a slave to those things. Only can be a slave to those things. Only Jesus is a good master. Only he is a Jesus is a good master. Only he is a Jesus is a good master. Only he is a master who lays down his life for his master who lays down his life for his master who lays down his life for his slaves and adopts them and brings them slaves and adopts them and brings them slaves and adopts them and brings them into his family and calls them son and into his family and calls them son and into his family and calls them son and daughter. And he did that for you and he daughter. And he did that for you and he daughter. And he did that for you and he did that for me. And so in closing, did that for me. And so in closing, did that for me. And so in closing, have you made that decision yet to make have you made that decision yet to make have you made that decision yet to make Jesus your savior? Have you accepted him Jesus your savior? Have you accepted him Jesus your savior? Have you accepted him as your savior? Maybe it's your first as your savior? Maybe it's your first as your savior? Maybe it's your first time at church today. You haven't been time at church today. You haven't been time at church today. You haven't been before. Listen, Jesus died for you. He before. Listen, Jesus died for you. He before. Listen, Jesus died for you. He has a plan for your life that is more has a plan for your life that is more has a plan for your life that is more beautiful than you could ever imagine.

beautiful than you could ever imagine. beautiful than you could ever imagine. But first, you must receive the gift But first, you must receive the gift But first, you must receive the gift that he extends to you. You must be that he extends to you. You must be that he extends to you. You must be delivered ultimately from where you are delivered ultimately from where you are delivered ultimately from where you are headed, which is hell. Every person headed, which is hell. Every person headed, which is hell. Every person here, every person on the face of the here, every person on the face of the here, every person on the face of the earth has committed sin. And one sin is earth has committed sin. And one sin is earth has committed sin. And one sin is enough to keep us out of heaven. That's enough to keep us out of heaven. That's enough to keep us out of heaven. That's why Jesus came. That's why he died so we why Jesus came. That's why he died so we why Jesus came. That's why he died so we could be delivered. But the place where could be delivered. But the place where could be delivered. But the place where you are going to find the life and the you are going to find the life and the you are going to find the life and the life more abundantly and the amazing life more abundantly and the amazing life more abundantly and the amazing privilege of being called his his privilege of being called his his privilege of being called his his follower, his disciple is when you make follower, his disciple is when you make follower, his disciple is when you make him his Lord. You can you can have him his Lord. You can you can have him his Lord. You can you can have prayed that prayer and again come to prayed that prayer and again come to prayed that prayer and again come to church your entire life, but if you church your entire life, but if you church your entire life, but if you haven't made Jesus your Lord, that's haven't made Jesus your Lord, that's haven't made Jesus your Lord, that's more a question of disciplehip. You need more a question of disciplehip. You need more a question of disciplehip. You need to do that as well. Let's pray together. to do that as well. Let's pray together. to do that as well. Let's pray together. Lord, we thank you for your word. We Lord, we thank you for your word. We Lord, we thank you for your word. We thank you for these three men. We thank thank you for these three men. We thank thank you for these three men. We thank you, Father, ultimately just for their you, Father, ultimately just for their you, Father, ultimately just for their examples and seeing what not to do, examples and seeing what not to do, examples and seeing what not to do, process of elimination. Jesus, we don't process of elimination. Jesus, we don't process of elimination. Jesus, we don't want to just keep you in the front room want to just keep you in the front room want to just keep you in the front room of our house. We want to allow you to of our house. We want to allow you to of our house. We want to allow you to come in and change every aspect of our come in and change every aspect of our come in and change every aspect of our lives. We want to be surrendered to you, lives. We want to be surrendered to you, lives. We want to be surrendered to you, Jesus. You paid for us with your blood.

Jesus. You paid for us with your blood. Jesus. You paid for us with your blood. We belong to you, but you don't force us We belong to you, but you don't force us We belong to you, but you don't force us to do anything. You don't put us in a to do anything. You don't put us in a to do anything. You don't put us in a labor camp or anything like that. No, labor camp or anything like that. No, labor camp or anything like that. No, Jesus, you bless us. You love us. You Jesus, you bless us. You love us. You Jesus, you bless us. You love us. You give us amazing gifts, God. And we want give us amazing gifts, God. And we want give us amazing gifts, God. And we want to honor you with those things. And so, to honor you with those things. And so, to honor you with those things. And so, there may be some today who have not yet there may be some today who have not yet there may be some today who have not yet made that decision, who have not yet put made that decision, who have not yet put made that decision, who have not yet put their faith in Christ. And while our their faith in Christ. And while our their faith in Christ. And while our heads are bowed and our eyes are closed heads are bowed and our eyes are closed heads are bowed and our eyes are closed and we're praying together, if that's and we're praying together, if that's and we're praying together, if that's you and you would like to put your faith you and you would like to put your faith you and you would like to put your faith in Christ and you'd like to know that in Christ and you'd like to know that in Christ and you'd like to know that when you die, you'll go to heaven, you when you die, you'll go to heaven, you when you die, you'll go to heaven, you can do that right here, right now, you can do that right here, right now, you can do that right here, right now, you can be transformed. can be transformed. can be transformed. You can take that burden of guilt and You can take that burden of guilt and You can take that burden of guilt and shame that you've been walking around shame that you've been walking around shame that you've been walking around with and you can lay it at the feet of with and you can lay it at the feet of with and you can lay it at the feet of Jesus and he will take that from you. If Jesus and he will take that from you. If Jesus and he will take that from you. If you'd like to do that, I want to invite you'd like to do that, I want to invite you'd like to do that, I want to invite you to just pray this prayer out loud you to just pray this prayer out loud you to just pray this prayer out loud after me that you would mean it in your after me that you would mean it in your after me that you would mean it in your heart. Pray this now. Dear God, I know heart. Pray this now. Dear God, I know heart. Pray this now. Dear God, I know that I'm a sinner, but I know Jesus is that I'm a sinner, but I know Jesus is that I'm a sinner, but I know Jesus is the savior who died on the cross for my the savior who died on the cross for my the savior who died on the cross for my sin. And I turn from my sin now from sin. And I turn from my sin now from sin. And I turn from my sin now from this moment forward. Help me to walk this moment forward. Help me to walk this moment forward. Help me to walk with you. Help me to know your heart, with you. Help me to know your heart, with you. Help me to know your heart, Lord. In Jesus name I pray. Amen. Amen.

Lord. In Jesus name I pray. Amen. Amen. Lord. In Jesus name I pray. Amen. Amen. God bless you. That prayed that prayer God bless you. That prayed that prayer God bless you. That prayed that prayer just now. Congratulations. God bless just now. Congratulations. God bless just now. Congratulations. God bless 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, org/bible harvest.org/bible, org/bible harvest.org/bible, 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, offer join discussions, share resources, offer join discussions, share resources, offer prayers, and you can share personal prayers, and you can share personal prayers, and you can share personal experiences and testimonies. Sign up and experiences and testimonies. Sign up and experiences and testimonies. Sign up and join the community today by going to join the community today by going to join the community today by going to discipleh.harvest.org.

discipleh.harvest.org. discipleh.harvest.org. org. Well, family, we are so glad that org. Well, family, we are so glad that org. Well, family, we are so glad that you were able to tune in with us. Have a you were able to tune in with us. Have a you 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.