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

of grace of grace flow deep and where all the love where all the love I've ever found I've ever found I've ever found comes like a flood comes like a flood comes like a flood flow At the cross, at the cross, I surrender At the cross, at the cross, I surrender my life. I'm in all of you. my life. I'm in all of you. my life. I'm in all of you. I'm in all of you. I'm in all of you. I'm in all of you. Where your love ran red and my sin Where your love ran red and my sin Where your love ran red and my sin washed white. I hold to you. washed white. I hold to you. washed white. I hold to you. I hold I hold I hold you Jesus.

in shame in shame powerless. powerless. powerless. Yes. where my heart where my heart has peace with God has peace with God has peace with God and forgiveness where all the love where all the love I've ever found I've ever found I've ever found comes like a flood comes flowing comes like a flood comes flowing comes like a flood comes flowing down down down at the cross. At the cross, I surrender at the cross. At the cross, I surrender at the cross. At the cross, I surrender my life. I'm in all of you. my life. I'm in all of you. my life. I'm in all of you. I'm in all of you. I'm in all of you. I'm in all of you. Where your love, Where your love, Where your love, my sin washed white. I to my hope is found my hope is found here. My hope is found here on holy here. My hope is found here on holy here. My hope is found here on holy ground. Here I bow down. Here I bow.

ground. Here I bow down. Here I bow. ground. Here I bow down. Here I bow. And here arms open wide. Here you save And here arms open wide. Here you save And here arms open wide. Here you save my life. Here I bow. Now here at the my life. Here I bow. Now here at the my life. Here I bow. Now here at the cross. At the cross. At the cross I cross. At the cross. At the cross I cross. At the cross. At the cross I surrender my life. I'm in all of you surrender my life. I'm in all of you surrender my life. I'm in all of you know I'm in all of you. know I'm in all of you. know I'm in all of you. Where your love r away and my sin washed Where your love r away and my sin washed Where your love r away and my sin washed away. I to you. Yes I know I to you. away. I to you. Yes I know I to you. away. I to you. Yes I know I to you. You're my hope and here my hope is found You're my hope and here my hope is found You're my hope and here my hope is found here on holy ground. Here I bow down. here on holy ground. Here I bow down. here on holy ground. Here I bow down. Here I bow. Arms open here. Arms open Here I bow. Arms open here. Arms open Here I bow. Arms open here. Arms open wide here. Who saved my life? Here I bow wide here. Who saved my life? Here I bow wide here. Who saved my life? Here I bow down here. Come on, let's sing it again.

down here. Come on, let's sing it again. down here. Come on, let's sing it again. My hope is found in here. My hope is My hope is found in here. My hope is My hope is found in here. My hope is found here on a holy ground. Here I bow. found here on a holy ground. Here I bow. found here on a holy ground. Here I bow. Now here I bow. Now here I bow. Now here I bow. And here on open wide here you save my And here on open wide here you save my And here on open wide here you save my life. Here I bow down. Here I bow. At the cross At the cross I in all of you in all of you where your love red I to you. I to you. I to you I to you I to you Jesus.

Who breaks the power Who breaks the power of sin in darkness? of sin in darkness? of sin in darkness? Whose love is mighty Whose love is mighty Whose love is mighty and so much stronger. The king of glory. and so much stronger. The king of glory. and so much stronger. The king of glory. The king above all kings. The king above all kings. The king above all kings. Who shakes the whole earth. Who shakes the whole earth. Who shakes the whole earth. Who shakes the holer with holy thunder. Who shakes the holer with holy thunder. Who shakes the holer with holy thunder. Who leaves us breathless Who leaves us breathless Who leaves us breathless in awe and wonder. in awe and wonder. in awe and wonder. The king of glory, The king of glory, The king of glory, the king above all. >> The basics aren't just for beginners. >> The basics aren't just for beginners. Bible reading, prayer, fellowship, and Bible reading, prayer, fellowship, and Bible reading, prayer, fellowship, and sharing your faith are essentials for a sharing your faith are essentials for a sharing your faith are essentials for a healthy Christian life. Whether you've healthy Christian life. Whether you've healthy Christian life. Whether you've known Jesus for 30 days or 30 years, for known Jesus for 30 days or 30 years, for known Jesus for 30 days or 30 years, for a limited time, you can receive what a limited time, you can receive what a limited time, you can receive what every growing Christian needs to know by every growing Christian needs to know by every growing Christian needs to know by Pastor Greg Lorie with your gift of any Pastor Greg Lorie with your gift of any Pastor Greg Lorie with your gift of any size to harvest ministries. In this size to harvest ministries. In this size to harvest ministries. In this practical book, Pastor Greg explores the practical book, Pastor Greg explores the practical book, Pastor Greg explores the key habits that help believers grow key habits that help believers grow key habits that help believers grow spiritually and stay strong in their spiritually and stay strong in their spiritually and stay strong in their faith. You'll learn how to read and faith. You'll learn how to read and faith. You'll learn how to read and understand God's word more effectively.

understand God's word more effectively. understand God's word more effectively. Develop a meaningful prayer life and Develop a meaningful prayer life and Develop a meaningful prayer life and share your faith with confidence and share your faith with confidence and share your faith with confidence and compassion. No matter where you are in compassion. No matter where you are in compassion. No matter where you are in your walk with Christ, this resource your walk with Christ, this resource your walk with Christ, this resource will help you focus on what matters will help you focus on what matters will help you focus on what matters most. Request your copy of What Every most. Request your copy of What Every most. Request your copy of What Every Growing Christian Needs to Know Today at Growing Christian Needs to Know Today at Growing Christian Needs to Know Today at harvest.org/donate. Hey, Greg Lori here. Welcome to my Hey, Greg Lori here. Welcome to my podcast. I have a very special guest, podcast. I have a very special guest, podcast. I have a very special guest, Joel Rosenberg. Levi, thanks for being Joel Rosenberg. Levi, thanks for being Joel Rosenberg. Levi, thanks for being on my podcast. Michael Franies, thank on my podcast. Michael Franies, thank on my podcast. Michael Franies, thank you for making time for me cuz you deal you for making time for me cuz you deal you for making time for me cuz you deal with some very weighty, heavy subjects. with some very weighty, heavy subjects. with some very weighty, heavy subjects. And I think when you can bring humor in And I think when you can bring humor in And I think when you can bring humor in is it actually helps the viewer to take is it actually helps the viewer to take is it actually helps the viewer to take in all that information. Is it hard to be a man of faith in what Is it hard to be a man of faith in what you do? you do? you do? >> Uh, it's not. In fact, it's the only way >> Uh, it's not. In fact, it's the only way >> Uh, it's not. In fact, it's the only way I'm allowed and enabled to do this job.

I'm allowed and enabled to do this job. I'm allowed and enabled to do this job. >> Hollywood's not the hope of the world. >> Hollywood's not the hope of the world. >> Hollywood's not the hope of the world. The local church is the hope of the The local church is the hope of the The local church is the hope of the world. And I've always felt like it's my world. And I've always felt like it's my world. And I've always felt like it's my job to set a volleyball that can be job to set a volleyball that can be job to set a volleyball that can be spiked 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.hharvest.org. You know, the Bible says a good person You know, the Bible says a good person leaves an inheritance for their leaves an inheritance for their leaves an inheritance for their children's children. God encourages all children's children. God encourages all children's children. God encourages all of us as Christians to manage our money of us as Christians to manage our money of us as Christians to manage our money well so we can be a blessing to our well so we can be a blessing to our well so we can be a blessing to our families and to others. Harvest has a families and to others. Harvest has a families and to others. Harvest has a special gift for you today. an special gift for you today. an special gift for you today. an opportunity to set up a will or a living opportunity to set up a will or a living opportunity to set up a will or a living trust completely free of charge. Here's trust completely free of charge. Here's trust completely free of charge. Here's how you can learn more. I'm excited to how you can learn more. I'm excited to how you can learn more. I'm excited to announce that here at Harvest, we've announce that here at Harvest, we've announce that here at Harvest, we've partnered with our friends at Free Will.

partnered with our friends at Free Will. partnered with our friends at Free Will. Free Will is an easytouse estate Free Will is an easytouse estate Free Will is an easytouse estate planning tool that allows you to make planning tool that allows you to make planning tool that allows you to make planned gifts to organizations of your planned gifts to organizations of your planned gifts to organizations of your choice. It's a creative opportunity to choice. It's a creative opportunity to choice. It's a creative opportunity to support the work we're doing here at support the work we're doing here at support the work we're doing here at Harvest Ministries. So, as you make your Harvest Ministries. So, as you make your Harvest Ministries. So, as you make your plans, I hope you'll consider investing plans, I hope you'll consider investing plans, I hope you'll consider investing in this ministry so we can continue to in this ministry so we can continue to in this ministry so we can continue to preach the gospel and teach the word of preach the gospel and teach the word of preach the gospel and teach the word of God for years to come. You can learn God for years to come. You can learn God for years to come. You can learn more at freewill.com/harvest. Hey everyone, welcome to Harvest at Hey everyone, welcome to Harvest at Home. If you are new here, we are so Home. If you are new here, we are so Home. If you are new here, we are so glad that you decided to join us. We glad that you decided to join us. We glad that you decided to join us. We meet here every Sunday to learn biblical meet here every Sunday to learn biblical meet here every Sunday to learn biblical truth from God's word. Join us in truth from God's word. Join us in truth from God's word. Join us in fellowship in the live chat room that we fellowship in the live chat room that we fellowship in the live chat room that we have online to connect with others have online to connect with others have online to connect with others across the country and around the world. across the country and around the world. across the country and around the world. Today we'll be continuing in our study Today we'll be continuing in our study Today we'll be continuing in our study through the book of Luke called the through the book of Luke called the through the book of Luke called the Gospel for everyone. And we are looking Gospel for everyone. And we are looking Gospel for everyone. And we are looking forward to hearing from the Lord today. forward to hearing from the Lord today. forward to hearing from the Lord today. Before we dig into the word today, I'd Before we dig into the word today, I'd Before we dig into the word today, I'd like to share about a few events that we like to share about a few events that we like to share about a few events that we hosted this last month. Starting with hosted this last month. Starting with hosted this last month. Starting with the harvest crusade, we saw over 30,000 the harvest crusade, we saw over 30,000 the harvest crusade, we saw over 30,000 people 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 Heat.

Heat. Heat. Good morning. Welcome to church. Can we Good morning. Welcome to church. Can we all stand together? all stand together? all stand together? There's only a few of us on stage today, There's only a few of us on stage today, There's only a few of us on stage today, but we want to reassure you that it was but we want to reassure you that it was but we want to reassure you that it was not an accident. It's not that we not an accident. It's not that we not an accident. It's not that we couldn't find a band this morning or couldn't find a band this morning or couldn't find a band this morning or there wasn't people that wanted to be there wasn't people that wanted to be there wasn't people that wanted to be here ministering through music, but we here ministering through music, but we here ministering through music, but we wanted the loudest thing in the room wanted the loudest thing in the room wanted the loudest thing in the room this morning to be the people of God this morning to be the people of God this morning to be the people of God lifting up his praises. So, we rolled lifting up his praises. So, we rolled lifting up his praises. So, we rolled out this piano from the back that we out this piano from the back that we out this piano from the back that we haven't used in goodness, I think like haven't used in goodness, I think like haven't used in goodness, I think like seven years is what our production team seven years is what our production team seven years is what our production team said. And we just want to sing songs said. And we just want to sing songs said. And we just want to sing songs unto our king who is worthy. Let's sing. Oh come Oh come now is the time to worship.

now is the time to worship. now is the time to worship. Sing it again. Oh come Sing it again. Oh come Sing it again. Oh come now is the time to worship. Oh come. Oh come. Now is the time to give your heart. Now is the time to give your heart. Now is the time to give your heart. will come will come will come just as you are to worship and come and come just as you are before just as you are before just as you are before your God. your God. your God. Oh come Oh come Oh come if you know it. Sing it out. if you know it. Sing it out. if you know it. Sing it out. One day every tongue will confess your One day every tongue will confess your One day every tongue will confess your God. One day every knee will bow. God. One day every knee will bow. God. One day every knee will bow. But still there is treasure remains for But still there is treasure remains for But still there is treasure remains for those who gladly choose you now.

those who gladly choose you now. those who gladly choose you now. Oh come. Oh come. Oh come. Now is the time to worship. Come. Come. Now is the time to kill Now is the time to kill Now is the time to kill your heart. your heart. your heart. Come Come Come just as you are to worship. Come Come just as you are before just as you are before just as you are before your God. your God. your God. Come. One day every tongue will confess you One day every tongue will confess you are God. One day every name will are God. One day every name will are God. One day every name will still treasure remains for those who still treasure remains for those who still treasure remains for those who valley choose you. Now valley choose you. Now valley choose you. Now one day every tongue will confess you one day every tongue will confess you one day every tongue will confess you are God. One day every knee you will are God. One day every knee you will are God. One day every knee you will bow.

bow. bow. Still the greatest treasure remains for Still the greatest treasure remains for Still the greatest treasure remains for those who gladly choose you. Oh come Oh come now is the time to worship. Come. Come. Now is the time to kill your heart. Now is the time to kill your heart. Now is the time to kill your heart. Oh, come. Everyone needs compassion.

Everyone needs compassion. Love that's never failing. Let mercy Let mercy fall on me. fall on me. fall on me. Everyone needs forgiveness. Everyone needs forgiveness. Everyone needs forgiveness. The kindness of a savior. The kindness of a savior. The kindness of a savior. The hope of nations. Sing. Savior. Savior. Sing. Savior. Savior. He can move the mountains. He can move the mountains. He can move the mountains. My God is mighty to save. He is mighty My God is mighty to save. He is mighty My God is mighty to save. He is mighty to save to save to save forever. forever. forever. Author of salvation. Author of salvation. Author of salvation. He rose and conquered the grave. Jesus He rose and conquered the grave. Jesus He rose and conquered the grave. Jesus conquered the grave. Oh, you conered the grave Oh, you conered the grave Jesus.

So take me as you find me. All my fears So take me as you find me. All my fears and failures and failures and failures will fill my life again. will fill my life again. will fill my life again. I give my life to follow. I give my life to follow. I give my life to follow. everything I believe in everything I believe in everything I believe in and I surrender. Savior, Savior, he can move the mountains. he can move the mountains. he can move the mountains. My God is mighty to save. He is mighty My God is mighty to save. He is mighty My God is mighty to save. He is mighty to say to say to say forever. forever. forever. Author of salvation. Author of salvation. Author of salvation. He rose and conquered the grave. Jesus He rose and conquered the grave. Jesus He rose and conquered the grave. Jesus conquered the grave. Shine your light and let the whole world Shine your light and let the whole world see see see the sing for the glory of the risen the sing for the glory of the risen the sing for the glory of the risen king.

king. king. Jesus shine your light and let the whole Jesus shine your light and let the whole Jesus shine your light and let the whole world see for the glory of the risen king. for the glory of the risen king. Jesus shine your light and let the whole Jesus shine your light and let the whole Jesus shine your light and let the whole world see. world see. world see. Sing it for the glory of the risen king. Sing it for the glory of the risen king. Sing it for the glory of the risen king. Oh Jesus, shine your light and let the Oh Jesus, shine your light and let the Oh Jesus, shine your light and let the whole world see. whole world see. whole world see. We're singing for the glory of the risen We're singing for the glory of the risen We're singing for the glory of the risen king. Savior. Savior. He can move the mountains. Sing church. He can move the mountains. Sing church. He can move the mountains. Sing church. Our God is mighty to save. Our God is mighty to save. Our God is mighty to save. He is >> forever. >> forever. Author of salvation.

Author of salvation. Author of salvation. He rose and conered the grave. He rose and conered the grave. He rose and conered the grave. Jesus conquered the grave. He rose and Jesus conquered the grave. He rose and Jesus conquered the grave. He rose and conquered the grave. conquered the grave. conquered the grave. Jesus conquered the grave. Oh, he conered. Oh, he conered. Death could not hold you. The veil tore Death could not hold you. The veil tore Death could not hold you. The veil tore before you. You silenced the b of sin before you. You silenced the b of sin before you. You silenced the b of sin and gra. and gra. and gra. The heavens are roaring. The heavens are roaring. The heavens are roaring. The praise of your glory The praise of your glory The praise of your glory for you are raised to life for you are raised to life for you are raised to life against captured. And you have no rival. against captured. And you have no rival. against captured. And you have no rival. You have no and forever. and forever. got you.

got you. got you. And yours is the kingom. And yours is the kingom. And yours is the kingom. Yours is the glory. Yours is the glory. Yours is the glory. Yours is the name Yours is the name Yours is the name above all names. above all names. above all names. What a powerful name it is. What a What a powerful name it is. What a What a powerful name it is. What a powerful name it is. powerful name it is. powerful name it is. The name of Jesus The name of Jesus The name of Jesus Christ like King. Christ like King. Christ like King. What a powerful name it is. What a powerful name it is. What a powerful name it is. Nothing can stand against. Nothing can stand against. Nothing can stand against. What a powerful name it is. The name of What a powerful name it is. The name of What a powerful name it is. The name of Jesus. Jesus. Jesus. And you have no rival. And you have no rival. And you have no rival. And you have no people. And you have no people. And you have no people. Now and forever, Now and forever, Now and forever, God, you reign. God, you reign. God, you reign. Yours is the kingom.

Yours is the kingom. Yours is the kingom. Yours is the glory. Yours is the glory. Yours is the glory. Yours is the name Yours is the name Yours is the name above all name. above all name. above all name. What a powerful name it is. What a What a powerful name it is. What a What a powerful name it is. What a powerful name it is. powerful name it is. powerful name it is. The name of Jesus The name of Jesus The name of Jesus Christ. >> What a powerful name it is. >> What a powerful name it is. Nothing can stand against. Nothing can stand against. Nothing can stand against. What a powerful name it is. The name of What a powerful name it is. The name of What a powerful name it is. The name of Jesus. Jesus. Jesus. What a powerful name it is. The name of What a powerful name it is. The name of What a powerful name it is. The name of Jesus. Jesus. Jesus. What a powerful name it is. The name of What a powerful name it is. The name of What a powerful name it is. The name of Jesus.

So fun. Just a quick little recap of all So fun. Just a quick little recap of all the cool stuff that happened at Harvest the cool stuff that happened at Harvest the cool stuff that happened at Harvest this summer with all of our NextGen this summer with all of our NextGen this summer with all of our NextGen ministries. We've got uh children's ministries. We've got uh children's ministries. We've got uh children's ministry and then youth. And then I also ministry and then youth. And then I also ministry and then youth. And then I also want to tell you got an exciting want to tell you got an exciting want to tell you got an exciting announcements uh for our young adult announcements uh for our young adult announcements uh for our young adult ministry. We're going to be launching in ministry. We're going to be launching in ministry. We're going to be launching in September 10th here in Riverside and September 10th here in Riverside and September 10th here in Riverside and September 11th in Orange County. And so, September 11th in Orange County. And so, September 11th in Orange County. And so, uh, that is going to be a really fun uh, that is going to be a really fun uh, that is going to be a really fun thing that we're going to give you some thing that we're going to give you some thing that we're going to give you some more information on later in the more information on later in the more information on later in the service. And so, you're going to want to service. And so, you're going to want to service. And so, you're going to want to make sure you, uh, are signed up to get make sure you, uh, are signed up to get make sure you, uh, are signed up to get more info on that. But, man, what a a more info on that. But, man, what a a more info on that. But, man, what a a great time with our kids. How many of great time with our kids. How many of great time with our kids. How many of you had a student that went to one of you had a student that went to one of you had a student that went to one of these things? You had a a kid that went these things? You had a a kid that went these things? You had a a kid that went to VBS or a kid that went up to high to VBS or a kid that went up to high to VBS or a kid that went up to high school camp or youth camp, bridge camp. school camp or youth camp, bridge camp. school camp or youth camp, bridge camp. Let me see. Okay, it's really dark, so I Let me see. Okay, it's really dark, so I Let me see. Okay, it's really dark, so I don't see that many hands, but I'm don't see that many hands, but I'm don't see that many hands, but I'm hoping that it's most of you. Also, hoping that it's most of you. Also, hoping that it's most of you. Also, welcome to all of our campuses joining welcome to all of our campuses joining welcome to all of our campuses joining us right now, Orange County and Maui and us right now, Orange County and Maui and us right now, Orange County and Maui and and online. Great to be with you all. and online. Great to be with you all. and online. Great to be with you all. Just really incredible. Seriously, and Just really incredible. Seriously, and Just really incredible. Seriously, and our team did such a good job. This was a our team did such a good job. This was a our team did such a good job. This was a busy summer for Harvest again with busy summer for Harvest again with busy summer for Harvest again with Vacation Bible School, with Bridge Camp, Vacation Bible School, with Bridge Camp, Vacation Bible School, with Bridge Camp, with youth camp. And I just want to go with youth camp. And I just want to go with youth camp. And I just want to go over these numbers one more time. VBS over these numbers one more time. VBS over these numbers one more time. VBS 1,219 1,219 1,219 kids that were on our campuses.

kids that were on our campuses. kids that were on our campuses. Incredible. And I love 238 of them made Incredible. And I love 238 of them made Incredible. And I love 238 of them made a profession of faith praying to receive a profession of faith praying to receive a profession of faith praying to receive Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. And then we had Bridge Camp with a And then we had Bridge Camp with a And then we had Bridge Camp with a hundred kids going up to Bridge Camp. hundred kids going up to Bridge Camp. hundred kids going up to Bridge Camp. That's our fifth and sixth grade That's our fifth and sixth grade That's our fifth and sixth grade ministry. And uh we had nine of them ministry. And uh we had nine of them ministry. And uh we had nine of them make a profession of faith, which is make a profession of faith, which is make a profession of faith, which is great. Praise the Lord. great. Praise the Lord. great. Praise the Lord. And then for our youth ministry, that's And then for our youth ministry, that's And then for our youth ministry, that's junior high up to high school. We had junior high up to high school. We had junior high up to high school. We had 337 337 337 go up to Lake Hume for a week-l long go up to Lake Hume for a week-l long go up to Lake Hume for a week-l long trip and 52 made a profession of faith. trip and 52 made a profession of faith. trip and 52 made a profession of faith. And so absolutely incredible. And so absolutely incredible. And so absolutely incredible. And we want to tell you thank you And we want to tell you thank you And we want to tell you thank you Harvest because we couldn't do that Harvest because we couldn't do that Harvest because we couldn't do that without you. Many of you volunteered without you. Many of you volunteered without you. Many of you volunteered man. Our vacation Bible school alone man. Our vacation Bible school alone man. Our vacation Bible school alone requires hundreds of volunteers. People requires hundreds of volunteers. People requires hundreds of volunteers. People take off vaca uh take vacation time from take off vaca uh take vacation time from take off vaca uh take vacation time from work so they could come and serve. And work so they could come and serve. And work so they could come and serve. And so we couldn't do it without our so we couldn't do it without our so we couldn't do it without our volunteers. Can we thank our volunteers volunteers. Can we thank our volunteers volunteers. Can we thank our volunteers also for making this happen?

also for making this happen? also for making this happen? And we couldn't do it without your And we couldn't do it without your And we couldn't do it without your generosity because, you know, we charged generosity because, you know, we charged generosity because, you know, we charged to send the kids up to camp and the to send the kids up to camp and the to send the kids up to camp and the parents have to pay and we have parents have to pay and we have parents have to pay and we have scholarships that we did, tons of scholarships that we did, tons of scholarships that we did, tons of scholarships that we did for families scholarships that we did for families scholarships that we did for families that weren't able to afford it. We did that weren't able to afford it. We did that weren't able to afford it. We did fundraisers and all of that. But even fundraisers and all of that. But even fundraisers and all of that. But even those things don't cover the full cost those things don't cover the full cost those things don't cover the full cost of what it takes to get those kids up to of what it takes to get those kids up to of what it takes to get those kids up to camp, putting them in the buses, getting camp, putting them in the buses, getting camp, putting them in the buses, getting them up there. our staff that goes up them up there. our staff that goes up them up there. our staff that goes up and facilitates these things. And and facilitates these things. And and facilitates these things. And listen, we just want to say thank you, listen, we just want to say thank you, listen, we just want to say thank you, Harvest, and let's continue to do it. Harvest, and let's continue to do it. Harvest, and let's continue to do it. Amen. Let's continue to reach this next Amen. Let's continue to reach this next Amen. Let's continue to reach this next generation. Let's continue to see them generation. Let's continue to see them generation. Let's continue to see them impacted with the gospel. Our mission impacted with the gospel. Our mission impacted with the gospel. Our mission statement here is knowing God and making statement here is knowing God and making statement here is knowing God and making him known. And we are doing that with him known. And we are doing that with him known. And we are doing that with this next generation through all of this next generation through all of this next generation through all of these outreaches. And so, now that the these outreaches. And so, now that the these outreaches. And so, now that the kids are back in school, they're back to kids are back in school, they're back to kids are back in school, they're back to the normal routine. Praise the Lord uh the normal routine. Praise the Lord uh the normal routine. Praise the Lord uh for that. I got my life back. No, for that. I got my life back. No, for that. I got my life back. No, but we believe that they are going to be but we believe that they are going to be but we believe that they are going to be equipped with what they need so that equipped with what they need so that equipped with what they need so that they can go and thrive in their school they can go and thrive in their school they can go and thrive in their school with their peers, with their friends, in with their peers, with their friends, in with their peers, with their friends, in their sports. And so, we're going to their sports. And so, we're going to their sports. And so, we're going to continue to see the Lord do that. And we continue to see the Lord do that. And we continue to see the Lord do that. And we just want to say thank you, Harvest, just want to say thank you, Harvest, just want to say thank you, Harvest, again, for supporting us. And we want to again, for supporting us. And we want to again, for supporting us. And we want to continue to do it. I mentioned the young continue to do it. I mentioned the young continue to do it. I mentioned the young adult ministry. That's something we're adult ministry. That's something we're adult ministry. That's something we're going to be relaunching. We're excited going to be relaunching. We're excited going to be relaunching. We're excited about. We have vision for the future.

about. We have vision for the future. about. We have vision for the future. And so, please, please continue to support. Please please continue to support. Please continue to pray. Please continue to continue to pray. Please continue to continue to pray. Please continue to serve. And one of the ways that we're serve. And one of the ways that we're serve. And one of the ways that we're going to continue worshiping the Lord going to continue worshiping the Lord going to continue worshiping the Lord right now is through the giving of our right now is through the giving of our right now is through the giving of our tithe and offering. And so, up on the tithe and offering. And so, up on the tithe and offering. And so, up on the screen, there should be a QR code and a screen, there should be a QR code and a screen, there should be a QR code and a website that you can go to, website that you can go to, website that you can go to, harvest.urch/give, harvest.urch/give, harvest.urch/give, and you could do it that way. Or as the and you could do it that way. Or as the and you could do it that way. Or as the ushers come forward, you could drop your ushers come forward, you could drop your ushers come forward, you could drop your tithe or offering uh in the basket as it tithe or offering uh in the basket as it tithe or offering uh in the basket as it comes by. But again, we can't do this comes by. But again, we can't do this comes by. But again, we can't do this without you. We want to continue to see without you. We want to continue to see without you. We want to continue to see our communities transformed by the our communities transformed by the our communities transformed by the gospel. Our children, our kids, our gospel. Our children, our kids, our gospel. Our children, our kids, our young adults transformed by the gospel. young adults transformed by the gospel. young adults transformed by the gospel. So, it becomes their faith, not just the So, it becomes their faith, not just the So, it becomes their faith, not just the faith of their parents, not just the faith of their parents, not just the faith of their parents, not just the faith of their church or their faith of their church or their faith of their church or their grandparents, but their own personal grandparents, but their own personal grandparents, but their own personal relationship with Jesus. And so, let's relationship with Jesus. And so, let's relationship with Jesus. And so, let's uh let's continue worshiping now and uh let's continue worshiping now and uh let's continue worshiping now and give to the Lord as we know he will be give to the Lord as we know he will be give to the Lord as we know he will be faithful to do that. Father, we thank faithful to do that. Father, we thank faithful to do that. Father, we thank you for the amazing fruit that we saw you for the amazing fruit that we saw you for the amazing fruit that we saw this summer, just in the last couple of this summer, just in the last couple of this summer, just in the last couple of months in our our ministries, in our months in our our ministries, in our months in our our ministries, in our NextGen ministries with our students and NextGen ministries with our students and NextGen ministries with our students and our our high school kids and our little our our high school kids and our little our our high school kids and our little kids, Lord, with VBS, God. We are so kids, Lord, with VBS, God. We are so kids, Lord, with VBS, God. We are so thankful, Lord. We're so thankful for thankful, Lord. We're so thankful for thankful, Lord. We're so thankful for what you did. And we bless your name, what you did. And we bless your name, what you did. And we bless your name, God. And we say, "Do it again. Continue God. And we say, "Do it again. Continue God. And we say, "Do it again. Continue to do it, Lord. pour into these kids.

to do it, Lord. pour into these kids. to do it, Lord. pour into these kids. The pressures that they're facing, the The pressures that they're facing, the The pressures that they're facing, the things that they're seeing on their things that they're seeing on their things that they're seeing on their phones and devices, the stuff that they phones and devices, the stuff that they phones and devices, the stuff that they have to deal with at school is unlike have to deal with at school is unlike have to deal with at school is unlike anything we've even seen. God, it's anything we've even seen. God, it's anything we've even seen. God, it's unprecedented. It's heavy. Lord, they unprecedented. It's heavy. Lord, they unprecedented. It's heavy. Lord, they need to depend on you just as we as need to depend on you just as we as need to depend on you just as we as their parents and grandparents and aunts their parents and grandparents and aunts their parents and grandparents and aunts and uncles have learned to depend on and uncles have learned to depend on and uncles have learned to depend on you, God. We need these kids to learn you, God. We need these kids to learn you, God. We need these kids to learn that. So, help us, Lord. Help this that. So, help us, Lord. Help this that. So, help us, Lord. Help this church be that tool that you use to church be that tool that you use to church be that tool that you use to reach them. We thank you Lord. It's in reach them. We thank you Lord. It's in reach them. We thank you Lord. It's in Jesus name we pray. Amen.

as Have you seen this next song? as Have you seen this next song? There's a lot of you out here. I think There's a lot of you out here. I think There's a lot of you out here. I think y'all can sing it louder than we do, y'all can sing it louder than we do, y'all can sing it louder than we do, right? Would y'all lead this with us? He's been my fourth man in the fire time He's been my fourth man in the fire time after time. and what he's in for me on Calvary is and what he's in for me on Calvary is more than enough. Sounds amazing. Come more than enough. Sounds amazing. Come more than enough. Sounds amazing. Come on. And I trust in God, on. And I trust in God, on. And I trust in God, my savior, my savior, my savior, the one the one the one who will never who will never who will never fail.

And I trust in God, And I trust in God, my savior, my savior, my savior, the one the one the one who will never who will never who will never fail. I know the ar of tomorrow I know the ar of tomorrow at my stand. Yes. at my stand. Yes. at my stand. Yes. This is my story. I'm praising my rising king and savior I'm praising my rising king and savior all the day. I trust in God, I trust in God, my savior, my savior, my savior, the one the one the one who will never who will never who will never fail.

He will never fail. He will never fail. He will never fail. My trust in God, He will never fail. My trust in God, He will never fail. My trust in God, my savior, my savior, my savior, the one the one the one who will never who will never who will never fail. I sought the Lord. I sought the Lord. I sought the Lord. And he I sought the Lord. And he I sought the Lord. And he answer answer answer the Lord. And he the Lord. And he the Lord. And he answer answer answer the Lord. And he heard any answer. the Lord. And he heard any answer. the Lord. And he heard any answer. That's why That's why That's why >> cuz he's perfect. Yeah. But I sought the >> cuz he's perfect. Yeah. But I sought the >> cuz he's perfect. Yeah. But I sought the Lord and he heard and he answered. I Lord and he heard and he answered. I Lord and he heard and he answered. I sought the Lord and he heard and he sought the Lord and he heard and he sought the Lord and he heard and he answered. I sought the Lord and he heard answered. I sought the Lord and he heard answered. I sought the Lord and he heard and he answered. That's why every and he answered. That's why every and he answered. That's why every generation generation generation >> That's why I trusted.

>> That's why I trusted. >> That's why I trusted. >> I sought the Lord. Come on. And he heard >> I sought the Lord. Come on. And he heard >> I sought the Lord. Come on. And he heard and he answered. I saw the Lord. I saw and he answered. I saw the Lord. I saw and he answered. I saw the Lord. I saw the heard and he answered. I saw the the heard and he answered. I saw the the heard and he answered. I saw the Lord. And he Lord. And he Lord. And he answered. answered. answered. That's why. Come on. One more time. That's why. Come on. One more time. That's why. Come on. One more time. >> That's why. >> That's why. >> That's why. I saw the Lord and heard. I saw the Lord and heard. I saw the Lord and heard. I saw the Lord and he heard and he I saw the Lord and he heard and he I saw the Lord and he heard and he answered. I saw the Lord and he heard answered. I saw the Lord and he heard answered. I saw the Lord and he heard and he answered. and he answered. and he answered. That's why I trust in you. That's why I That's why I trust in you. That's why I That's why I trust in you. That's why I trust in God. trust in God. trust in God. I say you're the one I say you're the one I say you're the one who will never He will never fail. He will never fail. He will never fail. He will never fail. Come on, let's keep going. I trust in Come on, let's keep going. I trust in Come on, let's keep going. I trust in God, God, God, my savior, my savior, my savior, the one the one the one who will never.

And he heard and he answered. I saw the And he heard and he answered. I saw the Lord. And he heard and he answered. I Lord. And he heard and he answered. I Lord. And he heard and he answered. I sought the Lord and he heard and he sought the Lord and he heard and he sought the Lord and he heard and he answered. answered. answered. That's why I trusted. That's why I trusted. That's why I trusted. That's why I trust him. I sought the That's why I trust him. I sought the That's why I trust him. I sought the Lord and he heard and he answered. I Lord and he heard and he answered. I Lord and he heard and he answered. I sought the Lord and he heard and he sought the Lord and he heard and he sought the Lord and he heard and he answered. I sought the Lord and he heard answered. I sought the Lord and he heard answered. I sought the Lord and he heard and he answered. and he answered. and he answered. That's why I trust him. That's why I trust him. That's why I trust him. >> That's why >> That's why >> That's why >> I trust in God. >> I trust in God. >> I trust in God. >> My savior. You're the one >> My savior. You're the one >> My savior. You're the one who will never who will never who will never fail. >> He will never fail.

>> He will never fail. Yeah. Haven't you found that to be true? Haven't you found that to be true? >> Amen. Let's pray. Lord, as we have just sung Let's pray. Lord, as we have just sung and really prayed, and really prayed, and really prayed, you will never fail us. And we're so you will never fail us. And we're so you will never fail us. And we're so thankful for that because we fail you. thankful for that because we fail you. thankful for that because we fail you. We fall short of your glory, but you We fall short of your glory, but you We fall short of your glory, but you continue to be faithful to us. continue to be faithful to us. continue to be faithful to us. >> And we know you want to speak to us >> And we know you want to speak to us >> And we know you want to speak to us right now. And you want to speak to us right now. And you want to speak to us right now. And you want to speak to us through your word. And we're going to through your word. And we're going to through your word. And we're going to look at the death of Jesus, the price he look at the death of Jesus, the price he look at the death of Jesus, the price he paid, the sacrifice he made. Help us, paid, the sacrifice he made. Help us, paid, the sacrifice he made. Help us, Lord, for those who have heard this Lord, for those who have heard this Lord, for those who have heard this story many times to see it with new story many times to see it with new story many times to see it with new eyes. For those that are maybe really eyes. For those that are maybe really eyes. For those that are maybe really hearing this for the first time, let it hearing this for the first time, let it hearing this for the first time, let it resonate with them so they can see how resonate with them so they can see how resonate with them so they can see how deeply you love them. If we see nothing deeply you love them. If we see nothing deeply you love them. If we see nothing else from the cross, we see this your else from the cross, we see this your else from the cross, we see this your love on display. So speak to us as we love on display. So speak to us as we love on display. So speak to us as we open your word and we ask all of this in open your word and we ask all of this in open your word and we ask all of this in Jesus' name. Amen. You can all be Jesus' name. Amen. You can all be Jesus' name. Amen. You can all be seated. Well, good morning to you on seated. Well, good morning to you on seated. Well, good morning to you on this very hot morning this very hot morning this very hot morning in Southern California. What a heat wave in Southern California. What a heat wave in Southern California. What a heat wave this has been. And we have Labor Day this has been. And we have Labor Day this has been. And we have Labor Day weekend coming up, of course, next uh weekend coming up, of course, next uh weekend coming up, of course, next uh Sunday. And we have a very special guest

Sunday. And we have a very special guest Sunday. And we have a very special guest speaker. Our good friend Levi Lusco is speaker. Our good friend Levi Lusco is speaker. Our good friend Levi Lusco is going to be with us next Sunday. going to be with us next Sunday. going to be with us next Sunday. It's been quite a while since Levi has It's been quite a while since Levi has It's been quite a while since Levi has been here. So, we're going to all be been here. So, we're going to all be been here. So, we're going to all be really looking forward to the message really looking forward to the message really looking forward to the message that the Lord gives him. We're still in that the Lord gives him. We're still in that the Lord gives him. We're still in the Gospel of Luke that we're calling the Gospel of Luke that we're calling the Gospel of Luke that we're calling the Gospel for everyone. We're getting the Gospel for everyone. We're getting the Gospel for everyone. We're getting close to the end of it, the crescendo. close to the end of it, the crescendo. close to the end of it, the crescendo. It's all building. And we're going to It's all building. And we're going to It's all building. And we're going to look today at the death of Jesus. The look today at the death of Jesus. The look today at the death of Jesus. The title of my message is, "It wasn't the title of my message is, "It wasn't the title of my message is, "It wasn't the nails that held him." And I want you to nails that held him." And I want you to nails that held him." And I want you to turn to Luke chapter 23. Luke chapter turn to Luke chapter 23. Luke chapter turn to Luke chapter 23. Luke chapter 23. So, I heard about a woman who walked 23. So, I heard about a woman who walked 23. So, I heard about a woman who walked into a jewelry store in Denver, into a jewelry store in Denver, into a jewelry store in Denver, Colorado, and she wanted to buy a cross. Colorado, and she wanted to buy a cross. Colorado, and she wanted to buy a cross. So she was looking at all the crosses So she was looking at all the crosses So she was looking at all the crosses and the display cases, crucifixes, and the display cases, crucifixes, and the display cases, crucifixes, ornate crosses, plain crosses, and after ornate crosses, plain crosses, and after ornate crosses, plain crosses, and after looking at a lot of them, she finally looking at a lot of them, she finally looking at a lot of them, she finally said to the man behind the counter, "Do said to the man behind the counter, "Do said to the man behind the counter, "Do you have any crosses without that little you have any crosses without that little you have any crosses without that little man on them?"

man on them?" man on them?" See, that's what people want. They want See, that's what people want. They want See, that's what people want. They want a cross without Jesus. a cross without Jesus. a cross without Jesus. I'm reminded of a story I heard about I'm reminded of a story I heard about I'm reminded of a story I heard about Elvis Presley. And as the story is told, Elvis Presley. And as the story is told, Elvis Presley. And as the story is told, Elvis was wearing a cross and a Star of Elvis was wearing a cross and a Star of Elvis was wearing a cross and a Star of David and other religious symbols. And David and other religious symbols. And David and other religious symbols. And someone asked Elvis, Elvis, why are you someone asked Elvis, Elvis, why are you someone asked Elvis, Elvis, why are you wearing all of those symbols at the same wearing all of those symbols at the same wearing all of those symbols at the same time? And Elvis responded by saying, "I time? And Elvis responded by saying, "I time? And Elvis responded by saying, "I don't want to miss getting into heaven don't want to miss getting into heaven don't want to miss getting into heaven on a technicality." on a technicality." on a technicality." Or he probably said it more like, "I Or he probably said it more like, "I Or he probably said it more like, "I don't want to miss getting into heaven don't want to miss getting into heaven don't want to miss getting into heaven on a technology." on a technology." on a technology." Thank you very much. Thank you very much. Thank you very much. Uhhuh. That's You know, that's a funny line, but but You know, that's a funny line, but but it really brings up something because it really brings up something because it really brings up something because there are people that literally think there are people that literally think there are people that literally think that way. We have taken the cross and that way. We have taken the cross and that way. We have taken the cross and we've sanitized it. We've turned it into we've sanitized it. We've turned it into we've sanitized it. We've turned it into a piece of jewelry. We've It's something a piece of jewelry. We've It's something a piece of jewelry. We've It's something we get tatted on our arm. It's a fashion we get tatted on our arm. It's a fashion we get tatted on our arm. It's a fashion accessory.

accessory. accessory. But the cross in the day of Jesus was But the cross in the day of Jesus was But the cross in the day of Jesus was far from that. In fact, it was far from that. In fact, it was far from that. In fact, it was scandalous. One of the most horrifying scandalous. One of the most horrifying scandalous. One of the most horrifying symbols imaginable. Uh because it was symbols imaginable. Uh because it was symbols imaginable. Uh because it was one of the worst ways that a person one of the worst ways that a person one of the worst ways that a person could die. If you walked down a street could die. If you walked down a street could die. If you walked down a street in Rome and you saw a cross with a man in Rome and you saw a cross with a man in Rome and you saw a cross with a man hanging on it, trust me, you would turn hanging on it, trust me, you would turn hanging on it, trust me, you would turn away in disgust and horror. And yet that away in disgust and horror. And yet that away in disgust and horror. And yet that that death sits at the very that death sits at the very that death sits at the very center of our faith as Christians. The center of our faith as Christians. The center of our faith as Christians. The crucifixion of Jesus Christ next only to crucifixion of Jesus Christ next only to crucifixion of Jesus Christ next only to his birth in Bethlehem is the most his birth in Bethlehem is the most his birth in Bethlehem is the most important event in all of human history. important event in all of human history. important event in all of human history. So why is the cross so important? If So why is the cross so important? If So why is the cross so important? If you're taking notes, here's number one. you're taking notes, here's number one. you're taking notes, here's number one. At the cross, God and man were At the cross, God and man were At the cross, God and man were reconciled. At the cross, God and man reconciled. At the cross, God and man reconciled. At the cross, God and man were reconciled. God's righteous demands were reconciled. God's righteous demands were reconciled. God's righteous demands were satisfied. That which was lost in were satisfied. That which was lost in were satisfied. That which was lost in the Garden of Eden by our first parents, the Garden of Eden by our first parents, the Garden of Eden by our first parents, Adam and Eve, was regained again. A Adam and Eve, was regained again. A Adam and Eve, was regained again. A crushing, decisive blow was dealt to crushing, decisive blow was dealt to crushing, decisive blow was dealt to Satan and his kingdom, and our salvation Satan and his kingdom, and our salvation Satan and his kingdom, and our salvation was purchased in full. So, we cannot was purchased in full. So, we cannot was purchased in full. So, we cannot exhaust this subject. We can't talk exhaust this subject. We can't talk exhaust this subject. We can't talk about it too much. We can't sing about about it too much. We can't sing about about it too much. We can't sing about it too much because it's at the very it too much because it's at the very it too much because it's at the very center of everything that we believe. In center of everything that we believe. In center of everything that we believe. In fact, in the Lord's supper, also called fact, in the Lord's supper, also called fact, in the Lord's supper, also called communion, which we will observe communion, which we will observe communion, which we will observe together at the end of this message, uh together at the end of this message, uh together at the end of this message, uh Jesus said, "Do this in remembrance of

Jesus said, "Do this in remembrance of Jesus said, "Do this in remembrance of me." He he gave a cup and he drank from me." He he gave a cup and he drank from me." He he gave a cup and he drank from the cup of the disciples in the upper the cup of the disciples in the upper the cup of the disciples in the upper room. He took also of the bread and he room. He took also of the bread and he room. He took also of the bread and he broke it. Why? He says, "I want you to broke it. Why? He says, "I want you to broke it. Why? He says, "I want you to think about this over and over again. It think about this over and over again. It think about this over and over again. It could better be translated constantly be could better be translated constantly be could better be translated constantly be remembering me and never let this get remembering me and never let this get remembering me and never let this get out of your thinking what Jesus out of your thinking what Jesus out of your thinking what Jesus accomplished for us at the cross." It's accomplished for us at the cross." It's accomplished for us at the cross." It's such an important thing and that's why such an important thing and that's why such an important thing and that's why we need reminding. Paul told us in 1 we need reminding. Paul told us in 1 we need reminding. Paul told us in 1 Corinthians 15, "If Christ is not Corinthians 15, "If Christ is not Corinthians 15, "If Christ is not raised, our preaching is youth useless. raised, our preaching is youth useless. raised, our preaching is youth useless. And your trust in God is also useless." And your trust in God is also useless." And your trust in God is also useless." And we apostles, we've all been lying And we apostles, we've all been lying And we apostles, we've all been lying about God. For we said God raised him about God. For we said God raised him about God. For we said God raised him from the grave. But that can't be true from the grave. But that can't be true from the grave. But that can't be true if there's no resurrection of the dead. if there's no resurrection of the dead. if there's no resurrection of the dead. And if there's no resurrection of the And if there's no resurrection of the And if there's no resurrection of the dead and Christ has not been raised, uh, dead and Christ has not been raised, uh, dead and Christ has not been raised, uh, then your faith is useless and you're then your faith is useless and you're then your faith is useless and you're under condemnation for your sins. Okay, under condemnation for your sins. Okay, under condemnation for your sins. Okay, if it's not true, but the good news is if it's not true, but the good news is if it's not true, but the good news is it is true. He was crucified. He rose it is true. He was crucified. He rose it is true. He was crucified. He rose again from the dead.

again from the dead. again from the dead. And that's at the very foundation of And that's at the very foundation of And that's at the very foundation of everything that we believe. This is what everything that we believe. This is what everything that we believe. This is what sets the Christian faith apart from any sets the Christian faith apart from any sets the Christian faith apart from any every other belief system out there. You every other belief system out there. You every other belief system out there. You can go to the tomb of Muhammad. You can can go to the tomb of Muhammad. You can can go to the tomb of Muhammad. You can go to the tomb of Buddha and pay your go to the tomb of Buddha and pay your go to the tomb of Buddha and pay your respects. You can go to the tombs of respects. You can go to the tombs of respects. You can go to the tombs of other reli religious leaders, but if you other reli religious leaders, but if you other reli religious leaders, but if you go to the tomb of Jesus, it's empty go to the tomb of Jesus, it's empty go to the tomb of Jesus, it's empty because he's risen again. There's a story told about a man who There's a story told about a man who wanted to start a new religion. Problem wanted to start a new religion. Problem wanted to start a new religion. Problem was, he wasn't being very successful. He was, he wasn't being very successful. He was, he wasn't being very successful. He had no converts at all. So, he went to had no converts at all. So, he went to had no converts at all. So, he went to the great French statesman Telly and he the great French statesman Telly and he the great French statesman Telly and he asked him, "What do you suggest I do?" asked him, "What do you suggest I do?" asked him, "What do you suggest I do?" Tellyan said, 'Well, I should recommend Tellyan said, 'Well, I should recommend Tellyan said, 'Well, I should recommend you get yourself crucified, then die and you get yourself crucified, then die and you get yourself crucified, then die and be sure to rise again on the third day. be sure to rise again on the third day. be sure to rise again on the third day. I mean that. So, it's at the foundation I mean that. So, it's at the foundation I mean that. So, it's at the foundation of all that we believe. So, number two, of all that we believe. So, number two, of all that we believe. So, number two, the cross was not an accident. It was the cross was not an accident. It was the cross was not an accident. It was part of a plan. God's plan. The cross part of a plan. God's plan. The cross part of a plan. God's plan. The cross was not an accident. It was part of a was not an accident. It was part of a was not an accident. It was part of a plan. God's plan. In Acts 2:23, Peter plan. God's plan. In Acts 2:23, Peter plan. God's plan. In Acts 2:23, Peter speaking of the crucifixion speaking of the crucifixion speaking of the crucifixion said, "God knew this would happen in his said, "God knew this would happen in his said, "God knew this would happen in his pre-arranged plan which was carried out pre-arranged plan which was carried out pre-arranged plan which was carried out when Jesus was betrayed." And then he when Jesus was betrayed." And then he when Jesus was betrayed." And then he said to the crowd, "You nailed him to a said to the crowd, "You nailed him to a said to the crowd, "You nailed him to a cross and killed him." And I bring this cross and killed him." And I bring this cross and killed him." And I bring this up because sometimes people think that up because sometimes people think that up because sometimes people think that perhaps the cross was an interruption to

perhaps the cross was an interruption to perhaps the cross was an interruption to another plan that Jesus was going to another plan that Jesus was going to another plan that Jesus was going to come and bring world peace and and come and bring world peace and and come and bring world peace and and everything was going to be wonderful and everything was going to be wonderful and everything was going to be wonderful and the Roman government would be the Roman government would be the Roman government would be overthrown. But he came to this earth overthrown. But he came to this earth overthrown. But he came to this earth with the express purpose of dying on the with the express purpose of dying on the with the express purpose of dying on the cross, fulfilling all of those Old cross, fulfilling all of those Old cross, fulfilling all of those Old Testament types and sacrifices that Testament types and sacrifices that Testament types and sacrifices that pointed to him, the lamb of God who pointed to him, the lamb of God who pointed to him, the lamb of God who would take away the sin of the world. So would take away the sin of the world. So would take away the sin of the world. So it was all part of God's plan. Even it was all part of God's plan. Even it was all part of God's plan. Even after his birth, remember those wise men after his birth, remember those wise men after his birth, remember those wise men came from the east and what were the came from the east and what were the came from the east and what were the gifts that they brought him? Gold, gifts that they brought him? Gold, gifts that they brought him? Gold, frankincense, and myrr. gold because he frankincense, and myrr. gold because he frankincense, and myrr. gold because he was a king. Frankincense used in the was a king. Frankincense used in the was a king. Frankincense used in the offerings in the temple because he would offerings in the temple because he would offerings in the temple because he would be our high priest. Myrr an inbombing be our high priest. Myrr an inbombing be our high priest. Myrr an inbombing element because he was coming to die for element because he was coming to die for element because he was coming to die for our sins. So before there was a our sins. So before there was a our sins. So before there was a Bethlehem, before there was a Calvary, Bethlehem, before there was a Calvary, Bethlehem, before there was a Calvary, before there was a crown of thorns, a before there was a crown of thorns, a before there was a crown of thorns, a decision was made in the councils of decision was made in the councils of decision was made in the councils of eternity that the son of God would leave eternity that the son of God would leave eternity that the son of God would leave heaven and come to this earth and die heaven and come to this earth and die heaven and come to this earth and die for all of us. That's what the Bible for all of us. That's what the Bible for all of us. That's what the Bible says. He's the lamb slain from the says. He's the lamb slain from the says. He's the lamb slain from the foundation of the world. The Bible says foundation of the world. The Bible says foundation of the world. The Bible says while we were yet sinners, Christ died while we were yet sinners, Christ died while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. And Jesus said, "No one takes my for us. And Jesus said, "No one takes my for us. And Jesus said, "No one takes my life, but I lay it down of my own life, but I lay it down of my own life, but I lay it down of my own accord." So, this is something that the accord." So, this is something that the accord." So, this is something that the scripture reinforces again and again.

scripture reinforces again and again. scripture reinforces again and again. So, let's sort of pick up where we left So, let's sort of pick up where we left So, let's sort of pick up where we left off left off last time with Jonathan and off left off last time with Jonathan and off left off last time with Jonathan and what he was sharing with us. Of course, what he was sharing with us. Of course, what he was sharing with us. Of course, Jesus appears before Pontius Pilate. Jesus appears before Pontius Pilate. Jesus appears before Pontius Pilate. They have an extended conversation. They have an extended conversation. They have an extended conversation. He is then sent to Herod He is then sent to Herod He is then sent to Herod and they have no conversation. Jesus and they have no conversation. Jesus and they have no conversation. Jesus said absolutely nothing to this man. said absolutely nothing to this man. said absolutely nothing to this man. Then he said back to Pilate. Pilate Then he said back to Pilate. Pilate Then he said back to Pilate. Pilate hoping to elicit sympathy from the crowd hoping to elicit sympathy from the crowd hoping to elicit sympathy from the crowd has Jesus scourged which was brutal in has Jesus scourged which was brutal in has Jesus scourged which was brutal in and of itself. And in fact there were and of itself. And in fact there were and of itself. And in fact there were many men that did not survive the many men that did not survive the many men that did not survive the scourging or the whipping. The Romans scourging or the whipping. The Romans scourging or the whipping. The Romans were barbaric in what they did. Uh they were barbaric in what they did. Uh they were barbaric in what they did. Uh they would use tools that were designed to would use tools that were designed to would use tools that were designed to rip flesh off the back, even cutting rip flesh off the back, even cutting rip flesh off the back, even cutting into the skeletal tissue and exposing into the skeletal tissue and exposing into the skeletal tissue and exposing vital organs. And Jesus took 39 lashes vital organs. And Jesus took 39 lashes vital organs. And Jesus took 39 lashes on his back, causing Pilate to bring on his back, causing Pilate to bring on his back, causing Pilate to bring Christ out before the people and say, Christ out before the people and say, Christ out before the people and say, "Behold the man." In other words, have "Behold the man." In other words, have "Behold the man." In other words, have you had enough? Are you satisfied?

you had enough? Are you satisfied? you had enough? Are you satisfied? Pilate really didn't want to send him to Pilate really didn't want to send him to Pilate really didn't want to send him to the cross, but he was going to the cross, but he was going to the cross, but he was going to ultimately capitulate to the wishes of ultimately capitulate to the wishes of ultimately capitulate to the wishes of the crowd. And the people said, "Crucify the crowd. And the people said, "Crucify the crowd. And the people said, "Crucify him and let his blood be on us and upon him and let his blood be on us and upon him and let his blood be on us and upon our children." So that's where we pick our children." So that's where we pick our children." So that's where we pick the story up. They're leading Jesus now the story up. They're leading Jesus now the story up. They're leading Jesus now to the crucifixion. Luke 23 26. As they to the crucifixion. Luke 23 26. As they to the crucifixion. Luke 23 26. As they led Jesus away, a man named Simeon, who led Jesus away, a man named Simeon, who led Jesus away, a man named Simeon, who was from Sirene, happened to be coming was from Sirene, happened to be coming was from Sirene, happened to be coming in from the countryside. the soldiers in from the countryside. the soldiers in from the countryside. the soldiers seized him and put the cross on him and seized him and put the cross on him and seized him and put the cross on him and made him carry it behind Jesus. Drop made him carry it behind Jesus. Drop made him carry it behind Jesus. Drop down to verse 32. Two other criminals uh down to verse 32. Two other criminals uh down to verse 32. Two other criminals uh were left uh were led out to be executed were left uh were led out to be executed were left uh were led out to be executed with him and when they came to the place with him and when they came to the place with him and when they came to the place called the skull. They nailed him to the called the skull. They nailed him to the called the skull. They nailed him to the cross and the criminals were also cross and the criminals were also cross and the criminals were also crucified, one on the right and one on crucified, one on the right and one on crucified, one on the right and one on the left. So here is Jesus now being the left. So here is Jesus now being the left. So here is Jesus now being taken to be crucified. The fact that he taken to be crucified. The fact that he taken to be crucified. The fact that he could even carry uh that cross or at could even carry uh that cross or at could even carry uh that cross or at least the cross beam is unbelievable least the cross beam is unbelievable least the cross beam is unbelievable because of the weight of it. Now Jesus, because of the weight of it. Now Jesus, because of the weight of it. Now Jesus, I believe, was a very strong man I believe, was a very strong man I believe, was a very strong man physically. You know, he was a carpenter physically. You know, he was a carpenter physically. You know, he was a carpenter by trade. He would chop trees down. He by trade. He would chop trees down. He by trade. He would chop trees down. He would build homes. He would build would build homes. He would build would build homes. He would build furniture. He put his back to the task.

furniture. He put his back to the task. furniture. He put his back to the task. He walked everywhere. No Uber back in He walked everywhere. No Uber back in He walked everywhere. No Uber back in that day, right? You walk everywhere. that day, right? You walk everywhere. that day, right? You walk everywhere. And so we see a man who would be at the And so we see a man who would be at the And so we see a man who would be at the peak of his physical ability, age 33, peak of his physical ability, age 33, peak of his physical ability, age 33, very strong. And it's amazing. He could very strong. And it's amazing. He could very strong. And it's amazing. He could even carry this cross. And this guy even carry this cross. And this guy even carry this cross. And this guy Simon fromSirene is just grabbed from Simon fromSirene is just grabbed from Simon fromSirene is just grabbed from the crowd. So that makes me think he was the crowd. So that makes me think he was the crowd. So that makes me think he was probably a pretty big dude, right? I probably a pretty big dude, right? I probably a pretty big dude, right? I mean, whoa, this thing's so heavy. Grab mean, whoa, this thing's so heavy. Grab mean, whoa, this thing's so heavy. Grab that big guy over there. Pick that thing that big guy over there. Pick that thing that big guy over there. Pick that thing up. And Simon's now carrying the cross up. And Simon's now carrying the cross up. And Simon's now carrying the cross behind Jesus for him. And Christ is behind Jesus for him. And Christ is behind Jesus for him. And Christ is surrounded by what is called a garrison surrounded by what is called a garrison surrounded by what is called a garrison of Roman soldiers. Now, by the way, a of Roman soldiers. Now, by the way, a of Roman soldiers. Now, by the way, a garrison, these were the elite Roman garrison, these were the elite Roman garrison, these were the elite Roman legionnaires, kind of the cream of the legionnaires, kind of the cream of the legionnaires, kind of the cream of the crop of the Roman military, uh the green crop of the Roman military, uh the green crop of the Roman military, uh the green berets, the Delta Force, the Army berets, the Delta Force, the Army berets, the Delta Force, the Army Rangers of their day. You would think Rangers of their day. You would think Rangers of their day. You would think that they would have a certain decorum that they would have a certain decorum that they would have a certain decorum or respect for Christ, but they behaved or respect for Christ, but they behaved or respect for Christ, but they behaved like animals and treated him horribly.

like animals and treated him horribly. like animals and treated him horribly. They made a reed as a mock scepter and They made a reed as a mock scepter and They made a reed as a mock scepter and they used it to beat him as if to say, they used it to beat him as if to say, they used it to beat him as if to say, "Well, where's your royal army now, "Well, where's your royal army now, "Well, where's your royal army now, Jesus? Why don't you get yourself out of Jesus? Why don't you get yourself out of Jesus? Why don't you get yourself out of the mess you find yourself in?" But here the mess you find yourself in?" But here the mess you find yourself in?" But here is the reality. Jesus could have gotten is the reality. Jesus could have gotten is the reality. Jesus could have gotten out of this so easily because actually out of this so easily because actually out of this so easily because actually after Peter took out the sword and tried after Peter took out the sword and tried after Peter took out the sword and tried to protect Christ and actually made to protect Christ and actually made to protect Christ and actually made things worse, Jesus turned to Peter in things worse, Jesus turned to Peter in things worse, Jesus turned to Peter in Matthew 26 and said, "Don't you think I Matthew 26 and said, "Don't you think I Matthew 26 and said, "Don't you think I could call on my father and he would at could call on my father and he would at could call on my father and he would at once put at my disposal 12 legions of once put at my disposal 12 legions of once put at my disposal 12 legions of angels?" Now, he's using military terms. angels?" Now, he's using military terms. angels?" Now, he's using military terms. A Roman legion was made up of 6,000 men. A Roman legion was made up of 6,000 men. A Roman legion was made up of 6,000 men. So Jesus is basically saying, "Peter, So Jesus is basically saying, "Peter, So Jesus is basically saying, "Peter, put the sword away. I could snap my put the sword away. I could snap my put the sword away. I could snap my fingers and have 70,000 angels on fingers and have 70,000 angels on fingers and have 70,000 angels on command ready to get me out of this command ready to get me out of this command ready to get me out of this mess, right? But I have not exercised mess, right? But I have not exercised mess, right? But I have not exercised that authority because I must go through that authority because I must go through that authority because I must go through with this." But uh we know in the Old with this." But uh we know in the Old with this." But uh we know in the Old Testament a single angel wiped out Testament a single angel wiped out Testament a single angel wiped out 185,000 enemy soldiers. Oh. So if that's 185,000 enemy soldiers. Oh. So if that's 185,000 enemy soldiers. Oh. So if that's true, and it is true, of course, then true, and it is true, of course, then true, and it is true, of course, then what could 70,000 angels do? But but what could 70,000 angels do? But but what could 70,000 angels do? But but here's where you see Christ was in here's where you see Christ was in here's where you see Christ was in command when they came to arrest him. In command when they came to arrest him. In command when they came to arrest him. In John's gospel, we read that he turned to John's gospel, we read that he turned to John's gospel, we read that he turned to the crowd and said, first of all, who the crowd and said, first of all, who the crowd and said, first of all, who are you seeking? They said Jesus of are you seeking? They said Jesus of are you seeking? They said Jesus of Nazareth. Nazareth. And he said, I am.

Nazareth. Nazareth. And he said, I am. Nazareth. Nazareth. And he said, I am. Just I am. Now in the translation it Just I am. Now in the translation it Just I am. Now in the translation it says, I am he. But the word he is not says, I am he. But the word he is not says, I am he. But the word he is not the original language. So he literally the original language. So he literally the original language. So he literally said I am. Where have we heard that said I am. Where have we heard that said I am. Where have we heard that before? When Moses was at the burning before? When Moses was at the burning before? When Moses was at the burning bush, he says, "Who has sent me? Who bush, he says, "Who has sent me? Who bush, he says, "Who has sent me? Who shall I say has sent me?" And God says, shall I say has sent me?" And God says, shall I say has sent me?" And God says, "I am that I am." And when Christ said, "I am that I am." And when Christ said, "I am that I am." And when Christ said, "I am." The Bible says all fell "I am." The Bible says all fell "I am." The Bible says all fell backwards. Maybe hundreds of them all backwards. Maybe hundreds of them all backwards. Maybe hundreds of them all falling backwards. Shields and swords falling backwards. Shields and swords falling backwards. Shields and swords and torches. There's collapsing one on and torches. There's collapsing one on and torches. There's collapsing one on top of another. He could have said, "I top of another. He could have said, "I top of another. He could have said, "I am." And you were by the end. am." And you were by the end. am." And you were by the end. But of course he did not get himself out But of course he did not get himself out But of course he did not get himself out of this. He had to go through with it. of this. He had to go through with it. of this. He had to go through with it. And we see him making this great And we see him making this great And we see him making this great sacrifice. sacrifice. sacrifice. And uh this guy Simon coming back to And uh this guy Simon coming back to And uh this guy Simon coming back to him. What an interesting character. uh him. What an interesting character. uh him. What an interesting character. uh we don't read that he was specifically we don't read that he was specifically we don't read that he was specifically converted but later we have the apostle converted but later we have the apostle converted but later we have the apostle Paul writing uh to the church in Rome Paul writing uh to the church in Rome Paul writing uh to the church in Rome and he says sends greetings to Rufus and he says sends greetings to Rufus and he says sends greetings to Rufus whom the Lord picked out to be his very whom the Lord picked out to be his very whom the Lord picked out to be his very own and his dear mother who was a mother own and his dear mother who was a mother own and his dear mother who was a mother to me Rufus and Alexander who were the to me Rufus and Alexander who were the to me Rufus and Alexander who were the sons of Simon. So I think we can piece sons of Simon. So I think we can piece sons of Simon. So I think we can piece these things together and say Simon these things together and say Simon these things together and say Simon became a believer that day. How could he became a believer that day. How could he became a believer that day. How could he not become a believer to look into the not become a believer to look into the not become a believer to look into the face of Christ? I mean, what a testimony face of Christ? I mean, what a testimony face of Christ? I mean, what a testimony he would have. Today, we're going to he would have. Today, we're going to he would have. Today, we're going to have Simon who carried the cross for

have Simon who carried the cross for have Simon who carried the cross for Jesus. What a testimony that would have Jesus. What a testimony that would have Jesus. What a testimony that would have been to hear. So, clearly, he was been to hear. So, clearly, he was been to hear. So, clearly, he was changed. He raised his sons in the way changed. He raised his sons in the way changed. He raised his sons in the way of the Lord and they were believers as of the Lord and they were believers as of the Lord and they were believers as well. So, now we come to the actual well. So, now we come to the actual well. So, now we come to the actual crucifixion moment. Luke 23:33. crucifixion moment. Luke 23:33. crucifixion moment. Luke 23:33. When they came to a place called the When they came to a place called the When they came to a place called the skull. Why do they call it the skull? skull. Why do they call it the skull? skull. Why do they call it the skull? Because in the rock is what appears to Because in the rock is what appears to Because in the rock is what appears to be the face of a skull. Uh there is a be the face of a skull. Uh there is a be the face of a skull. Uh there is a place in Israel today, and we're going place in Israel today, and we're going place in Israel today, and we're going to Israel next year, by the way. Uh to Israel next year, by the way. Uh to Israel next year, by the way. Uh maybe you'd be interested in joining us. maybe you'd be interested in joining us. maybe you'd be interested in joining us. But um we go to this place called the But um we go to this place called the But um we go to this place called the place of the skull where they have a place of the skull where they have a place of the skull where they have a tomb that they found nearby. Uh, and tomb that they found nearby. Uh, and tomb that they found nearby. Uh, and they think this could be the actual they think this could be the actual they think this could be the actual place where Christ was crucified. You place where Christ was crucified. You place where Christ was crucified. You can sort of see that face of the skull. can sort of see that face of the skull. can sort of see that face of the skull. It's changed a lot over the years, but It's changed a lot over the years, but It's changed a lot over the years, but this is a well-known location, the place this is a well-known location, the place this is a well-known location, the place of the skull. And they nailed him to the of the skull. And they nailed him to the of the skull. And they nailed him to the cross. Now, I have a a reproduction here cross. Now, I have a a reproduction here cross. Now, I have a a reproduction here of a nail about the size of the nail of a nail about the size of the nail of a nail about the size of the nail that would have been pressed into the that would have been pressed into the that would have been pressed into the hands of Jesus.

hands of Jesus. hands of Jesus. You can imagine the pain something like You can imagine the pain something like You can imagine the pain something like this would cause. So they nailed him to this would cause. So they nailed him to this would cause. So they nailed him to the cross. The criminals were also the cross. The criminals were also the cross. The criminals were also crucified, one to the right, the other crucified, one to the right, the other crucified, one to the right, the other to the left. And Jesus said, "Father, to the left. And Jesus said, "Father, to the left. And Jesus said, "Father, forgive them for they don't know what forgive them for they don't know what forgive them for they don't know what they're doing." And the soldiers gambled they're doing." And the soldiers gambled they're doing." And the soldiers gambled for his clothes by throwing dice. The for his clothes by throwing dice. The for his clothes by throwing dice. The crowds watched and the leaders scoffed. crowds watched and the leaders scoffed. crowds watched and the leaders scoffed. He saved others. Let him save himself if He saved others. Let him save himself if He saved others. Let him save himself if he's really God's Messiah, the chosen he's really God's Messiah, the chosen he's really God's Messiah, the chosen one. The soldiers mocked him too by one. The soldiers mocked him too by one. The soldiers mocked him too by offering him a drink of sour wine and offering him a drink of sour wine and offering him a drink of sour wine and calling out to him, "If you're the king calling out to him, "If you're the king calling out to him, "If you're the king of the Jews, save yourself." A sign was of the Jews, save yourself." A sign was of the Jews, save yourself." A sign was fastened above the cross with these fastened above the cross with these fastened above the cross with these words, "This is the King of the Jews." words, "This is the King of the Jews." words, "This is the King of the Jews." One of the criminals hanging beside him One of the criminals hanging beside him One of the criminals hanging beside him scoffed, "So you're the Messiah, are scoffed, "So you're the Messiah, are scoffed, "So you're the Messiah, are you? Prove it by saving yourself and us, you? Prove it by saving yourself and us, you? Prove it by saving yourself and us, too, while you're at it." But the other too, while you're at it." But the other too, while you're at it." But the other criminal protested, "Don't you fear God? criminal protested, "Don't you fear God? criminal protested, "Don't you fear God? Even you when you have been sentenced to Even you when you have been sentenced to Even you when you have been sentenced to die. We deserve to die for our crimes.

die. We deserve to die for our crimes. die. We deserve to die for our crimes. But this man hasn't done anything But this man hasn't done anything But this man hasn't done anything wrong." And then he turns to Jesus and wrong." And then he turns to Jesus and wrong." And then he turns to Jesus and says, "Remember me when you come into says, "Remember me when you come into says, "Remember me when you come into your kingdom." And Jesus said, "I assure your kingdom." And Jesus said, "I assure your kingdom." And Jesus said, "I assure you today you will be with me in you today you will be with me in you today you will be with me in paradise." We'll stop there. So the paradise." We'll stop there. So the paradise." We'll stop there. So the Romans did not invent crucifixion, but Romans did not invent crucifixion, but Romans did not invent crucifixion, but they did take it to another level. they did take it to another level. they did take it to another level. Crucifixion has roots in the ancient Crucifixion has roots in the ancient Crucifixion has roots in the ancient near east. The Persians and others used near east. The Persians and others used near east. The Persians and others used it centuries before it reached Rome. But it centuries before it reached Rome. But it centuries before it reached Rome. But we might say in a way Rome perfected it we might say in a way Rome perfected it we might say in a way Rome perfected it in quotes into a science of suffering. in quotes into a science of suffering. in quotes into a science of suffering. It was a punishment designed to bring a It was a punishment designed to bring a It was a punishment designed to bring a slow death. There were far more slow death. There were far more slow death. There were far more efficient ways to kill a man like efficient ways to kill a man like efficient ways to kill a man like beheading. But crucifixion was designed beheading. But crucifixion was designed beheading. But crucifixion was designed to prolong the process of pain. And the to prolong the process of pain. And the to prolong the process of pain. And the Romans crucified thousands of people. Romans crucified thousands of people. Romans crucified thousands of people. There was the rebellion of a slave named There was the rebellion of a slave named There was the rebellion of a slave named Spartacus. Spartacus. Spartacus. And uh and 6,000 slaves joined him and And uh and 6,000 slaves joined him and And uh and 6,000 slaves joined him and Rome crucified all of them. 6,000 men Rome crucified all of them. 6,000 men Rome crucified all of them. 6,000 men were crucified along the Aion way there were crucified along the Aion way there were crucified along the Aion way there in Rome. So you would walk down this in Rome. So you would walk down this in Rome. So you would walk down this Roman road and on your right and on your Roman road and on your right and on your Roman road and on your right and on your left would be crucified man after left would be crucified man after left would be crucified man after crucified man. So people were very crucified man. So people were very crucified man. So people were very familiar with crucifixion in this time familiar with crucifixion in this time familiar with crucifixion in this time in in this area. And so Jesus now is in in this area. And so Jesus now is in in this area. And so Jesus now is laid down on the cross. And by the way, laid down on the cross. And by the way, laid down on the cross. And by the way, not every man who was crucified had been

not every man who was crucified had been not every man who was crucified had been scourged first. So this was unique to scourged first. So this was unique to scourged first. So this was unique to Christ. But God allowed this because Christ. But God allowed this because Christ. But God allowed this because there was a purpose in it. Why? Because there was a purpose in it. Why? Because there was a purpose in it. Why? Because Isaiah 53 says, "By his stripes we are Isaiah 53 says, "By his stripes we are Isaiah 53 says, "By his stripes we are healed." The Bible prophesied the healed." The Bible prophesied the healed." The Bible prophesied the Messiah would not only be crucified, Messiah would not only be crucified, Messiah would not only be crucified, Psalm 22 verse one, they pierced my Psalm 22 verse one, they pierced my Psalm 22 verse one, they pierced my hands and my feet. By the way, that was hands and my feet. By the way, that was hands and my feet. By the way, that was spoken hundreds of years before spoken hundreds of years before spoken hundreds of years before crucifixion existed, but also Isaiah crucifixion existed, but also Isaiah crucifixion existed, but also Isaiah reminds us that Messiah would be reminds us that Messiah would be reminds us that Messiah would be scourged or whipped. And so the torn scourged or whipped. And so the torn scourged or whipped. And so the torn open back of Jesus is laid against the open back of Jesus is laid against the open back of Jesus is laid against the rough wood. and his feet have been rough wood. and his feet have been rough wood. and his feet have been crossed and pinned through with a spike. crossed and pinned through with a spike. crossed and pinned through with a spike. Bringing me to point number four. Bringing me to point number four. Bringing me to point number four. Crucifixion was actually death by Crucifixion was actually death by Crucifixion was actually death by suffocation. suffocation. suffocation. A crucified person could actually live A crucified person could actually live A crucified person could actually live for hours, even days after they nailed for hours, even days after they nailed for hours, even days after they nailed him to the cross. It was cru it was him to the cross. It was cru it was him to the cross. It was cru it was suffocation because there was a little suffocation because there was a little suffocation because there was a little base at the foot of the cross where one base at the foot of the cross where one base at the foot of the cross where one would push themsel up to get a gulp of would push themsel up to get a gulp of would push themsel up to get a gulp of air. So you're not dying from the wounds air. So you're not dying from the wounds air. So you're not dying from the wounds in your hands and your feet. You're in your hands and your feet. You're in your hands and your feet. You're dying from your inability to draw a dying from your inability to draw a dying from your inability to draw a breath in your lungs. So these precious breath in your lungs. So these precious breath in your lungs. So these precious hands that had been used by God to heal hands that had been used by God to heal hands that had been used by God to heal people to put be put on the head of a people to put be put on the head of a people to put be put on the head of a child and bless them. These precious child and bless them. These precious child and bless them. These precious feet that carried him from place to feet that carried him from place to feet that carried him from place to place were now pierced through with

place were now pierced through with place were now pierced through with these spikes. And Jesus gives seven these spikes. And Jesus gives seven these spikes. And Jesus gives seven statements from the cross. These are statements from the cross. These are statements from the cross. These are very important because we always talk very important because we always talk very important because we always talk about people's last words. What were about people's last words. What were about people's last words. What were their last words? These effectively were their last words? These effectively were their last words? These effectively were the last words of Jesus before he died. the last words of Jesus before he died. the last words of Jesus before he died. Seven statements. Here they are on the Seven statements. Here they are on the Seven statements. Here they are on the screen in their correct order drawing screen in their correct order drawing screen in their correct order drawing from all of the gospels. His first from all of the gospels. His first from all of the gospels. His first statement from the cross was, "Father, statement from the cross was, "Father, statement from the cross was, "Father, forgive them for they know not what they forgive them for they know not what they forgive them for they know not what they do." Then he said, "Today you will be do." Then he said, "Today you will be do." Then he said, "Today you will be with me in paradise." Then looking at with me in paradise." Then looking at with me in paradise." Then looking at his mother Mary who stood at the foot of his mother Mary who stood at the foot of his mother Mary who stood at the foot of the cross, he said,"Woman, behold your the cross, he said,"Woman, behold your the cross, he said,"Woman, behold your son." Looking then at the Apostle John, son." Looking then at the Apostle John, son." Looking then at the Apostle John, he said, "Behold your mother." he said, "Behold your mother." he said, "Behold your mother." Effectively entrusting the care of his Effectively entrusting the care of his Effectively entrusting the care of his mother to the Apostle John. Then he mother to the Apostle John. Then he mother to the Apostle John. Then he cries out, "My God, my God, why have you cries out, "My God, my God, why have you cries out, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" It's believed by many forsaken me?" It's believed by many forsaken me?" It's believed by many scholars that that is the moment when scholars that that is the moment when scholars that that is the moment when the sin of the world was placed upon the sin of the world was placed upon the sin of the world was placed upon Christ. Then he says,"I thirst." Then he Christ. Then he says,"I thirst." Then he Christ. Then he says,"I thirst." Then he says, "To tellsty," one word translated, says, "To tellsty," one word translated, says, "To tellsty," one word translated, it is finished. In his final statement, it is finished. In his final statement, it is finished. In his final statement, "Father, into your hands I commit my "Father, into your hands I commit my "Father, into your hands I commit my spirit." So statement number one, father spirit." So statement number one, father spirit." So statement number one, father forgive them for they know not what they forgive them for they know not what they forgive them for they know not what they do. It would have made more sense to us do. It would have made more sense to us do. It would have made more sense to us perhaps if his first statement was, I perhaps if his first statement was, I perhaps if his first statement was, I thirst. Or perhaps, my God, my God, why thirst. Or perhaps, my God, my God, why thirst. Or perhaps, my God, my God, why have you forsaken me? But his first have you forsaken me? But his first have you forsaken me? But his first statement was a prayer. It was a prayer

statement was a prayer. It was a prayer statement was a prayer. It was a prayer for the people that had done this evil for the people that had done this evil for the people that had done this evil act against him. Father, forgive them act against him. Father, forgive them act against him. Father, forgive them for they know not what they do. He was for they know not what they do. He was for they know not what they do. He was living out what he always taught. After living out what he always taught. After living out what he always taught. After all, on a different day at the sermon on all, on a different day at the sermon on all, on a different day at the sermon on the mount, Jesus said, "Love your the mount, Jesus said, "Love your the mount, Jesus said, "Love your enemies, bless those that curse you, do enemies, bless those that curse you, do enemies, bless those that curse you, do good to those that hate you, and pray good to those that hate you, and pray good to those that hate you, and pray for those who mistreat you." That's for those who mistreat you." That's for those who mistreat you." That's exactly what Jesus was doing. He was exactly what Jesus was doing. He was exactly what Jesus was doing. He was praying for those who who were praying for those who who were praying for those who who were mistreating him as he hung there on the mistreating him as he hung there on the mistreating him as he hung there on the cross. Next point, our sins put Jesus on cross. Next point, our sins put Jesus on cross. Next point, our sins put Jesus on the cross. Our sins put Jesus on the the cross. Our sins put Jesus on the the cross. Our sins put Jesus on the cross. Later, Simon Peter on the day of cross. Later, Simon Peter on the day of cross. Later, Simon Peter on the day of Pentecost in Acts chapter 2 speaks to a Pentecost in Acts chapter 2 speaks to a Pentecost in Acts chapter 2 speaks to a crowd that is gathered. Some of the crowd that is gathered. Some of the crowd that is gathered. Some of the people present actually played a hand in people present actually played a hand in people present actually played a hand in the crucifixion of Christ. And he says the crucifixion of Christ. And he says the crucifixion of Christ. And he says to them, "God has made this Jesus whom to them, "God has made this Jesus whom to them, "God has made this Jesus whom you crucified." And I wonder if Peter you crucified." And I wonder if Peter you crucified." And I wonder if Peter actually looked at someone in that crowd actually looked at someone in that crowd actually looked at someone in that crowd and said, "Whom you I remember you. You and said, "Whom you I remember you. You and said, "Whom you I remember you. You did it. You did it, too. I remember you did it. You did it, too. I remember you did it. You did it, too. I remember you as well. You were there. Wow. Whom you as well. You were there. Wow. Whom you as well. You were there. Wow. Whom you crucified both Lord and Christ." I'm crucified both Lord and Christ." I'm crucified both Lord and Christ." I'm sorry if I traumatized anyone I just sorry if I traumatized anyone I just sorry if I traumatized anyone I just pointed to. It wasn't me. I didn't do pointed to. It wasn't me. I didn't do pointed to. It wasn't me. I didn't do it. Actually, you did do it.

it. Actually, you did do it. it. Actually, you did do it. You're all responsible. You're all responsible. You're all responsible. We're all responsible. Our sins put We're all responsible. Our sins put We're all responsible. Our sins put Christ on the cross. That's the truth of Christ on the cross. That's the truth of Christ on the cross. That's the truth of the matter. Oh, people say, "Well, you the matter. Oh, people say, "Well, you the matter. Oh, people say, "Well, you the Romans did it." Well, certainly in a the Romans did it." Well, certainly in a the Romans did it." Well, certainly in a technical sense, the Romans did it. technical sense, the Romans did it. technical sense, the Romans did it. Others trying to justify their evil Others trying to justify their evil Others trying to justify their evil anti-semitism would say, "The Jews did anti-semitism would say, "The Jews did anti-semitism would say, "The Jews did it." Well, the Jewish leaders did play a it." Well, the Jewish leaders did play a it." Well, the Jewish leaders did play a role in this as well. But the Jews role in this as well. But the Jews role in this as well. But the Jews didn't send Christ to the cross. The didn't send Christ to the cross. The didn't send Christ to the cross. The Romans didn't send Christ to the cross. Romans didn't send Christ to the cross. Romans didn't send Christ to the cross. Our sin sent Christ to the cross. That's Our sin sent Christ to the cross. That's Our sin sent Christ to the cross. That's why he died there for each of us. He why he died there for each of us. He why he died there for each of us. He voluntarily went and it is said in voluntarily went and it is said in voluntarily went and it is said in scripture, it pleased the father to scripture, it pleased the father to scripture, it pleased the father to bruise him. How could an act this bruise him. How could an act this bruise him. How could an act this horrific possibly please God? It pleased horrific possibly please God? It pleased horrific possibly please God? It pleased the father to bruise him. Meaning God the father to bruise him. Meaning God the father to bruise him. Meaning God was pleased by the result of what it was pleased by the result of what it was pleased by the result of what it accomplished, which was the purchase of accomplished, which was the purchase of accomplished, which was the purchase of your salvation in mind. But I love what your salvation in mind. But I love what your salvation in mind. But I love what Jesus said there when he says, "Father, Jesus said there when he says, "Father, Jesus said there when he says, "Father, forgive them for they know not what they forgive them for they know not what they forgive them for they know not what they do." Bringing me to my next point. No do." Bringing me to my next point. No do." Bringing me to my next point. No one is beyond the reach of prayer. Can one is beyond the reach of prayer. Can one is beyond the reach of prayer. Can you think of somebody right now you you think of somebody right now you you think of somebody right now you cannot imagine ever becoming a cannot imagine ever becoming a cannot imagine ever becoming a Christian? Or maybe you have a prodigal Christian? Or maybe you have a prodigal Christian? Or maybe you have a prodigal son or daughter or husband or wife or son or daughter or husband or wife or son or daughter or husband or wife or friend or somebody else that you know friend or somebody else that you know friend or somebody else that you know and you've been sharing the gospel with and you've been sharing the gospel with and you've been sharing the gospel with them for years. You've been praying them them for years. You've been praying them them for years. You've been praying them it seems like forever and they just it seems like forever and they just it seems like forever and they just don't respond. Seems like they'll never

don't respond. Seems like they'll never don't respond. Seems like they'll never come around. Well, this shows us no one come around. Well, this shows us no one come around. Well, this shows us no one is beyond the reach of prayer. Here's is beyond the reach of prayer. Here's is beyond the reach of prayer. Here's Jesus hanging there. On each side of him Jesus hanging there. On each side of him Jesus hanging there. On each side of him is we call them the thieves on the is we call them the thieves on the is we call them the thieves on the cross. Let's not continue to call them cross. Let's not continue to call them cross. Let's not continue to call them that because that's how we know them. that because that's how we know them. that because that's how we know them. But they they were guilty of a far worse But they they were guilty of a far worse But they they were guilty of a far worse crime than mere theft. They were crime than mere theft. They were crime than mere theft. They were probably revolutionaries, probably revolutionaries, probably revolutionaries, murderers, but guilty of capital crimes. murderers, but guilty of capital crimes. murderers, but guilty of capital crimes. So we have these two hardened criminals So we have these two hardened criminals So we have these two hardened criminals on each side of Christ. They were there on each side of Christ. They were there on each side of Christ. They were there because of what they had done. Jesus was because of what they had done. Jesus was because of what they had done. Jesus was there because of what we had done. They there because of what we had done. They there because of what we had done. They could not have escaped their crosses. He could not have escaped their crosses. He could not have escaped their crosses. He could have with a single word to heaven. could have with a single word to heaven. could have with a single word to heaven. And initially both of these criminals And initially both of these criminals And initially both of these criminals joined the crowd in mocking Christ. Hey, joined the crowd in mocking Christ. Hey, joined the crowd in mocking Christ. Hey, you saved others. Save yourself. If you saved others. Save yourself. If you saved others. Save yourself. If you're really the son of God, but you're really the son of God, but you're really the son of God, but something happened that changed the something happened that changed the something happened that changed the heart of one of those men. And that heart of one of those men. And that heart of one of those men. And that something was statement number one from something was statement number one from something was statement number one from Calvary, which was, "Father, forgive Calvary, which was, "Father, forgive Calvary, which was, "Father, forgive them for they know not what they do."

them for they know not what they do." them for they know not what they do." And right there, he believes. He And right there, he believes. He And right there, he believes. He believes right there because and a believes right there because and a believes right there because and a moment later he says, 'Lord, remember me moment later he says, 'Lord, remember me moment later he says, 'Lord, remember me when you come into your kingdom. Lord, when you come into your kingdom. Lord, when you come into your kingdom. Lord, what do you mean Lord? You were just what do you mean Lord? You were just what do you mean Lord? You were just mocking him. Now you're calling him mocking him. Now you're calling him mocking him. Now you're calling him Lord. And what does that tell us? It Lord. And what does that tell us? It Lord. And what does that tell us? It tells us conversion doesn't take years. tells us conversion doesn't take years. tells us conversion doesn't take years. It doesn't take months. It doesn't take It doesn't take months. It doesn't take It doesn't take months. It doesn't take weeks. It doesn't take hours. It can weeks. It doesn't take hours. It can weeks. It doesn't take hours. It can happen just like that in a flash. Boom. happen just like that in a flash. Boom. happen just like that in a flash. Boom. Just like that. We all remember the day we believed in We all remember the day we believed in Jesus. Now, for some it is that happens Jesus. Now, for some it is that happens Jesus. Now, for some it is that happens over a period of time and they slowly over a period of time and they slowly over a period of time and they slowly begin to understand, but for others it's begin to understand, but for others it's begin to understand, but for others it's just like boom. And that's how it was just like boom. And that's how it was just like boom. And that's how it was for me. I don't know about you, but I for me. I don't know about you, but I for me. I don't know about you, but I went to this little Christian meeting. went to this little Christian meeting. went to this little Christian meeting. I've told you this story like one I've told you this story like one I've told you this story like one million times, but um here's a million million times, but um here's a million million times, but um here's a million and one. And the last thing I intended and one. And the last thing I intended and one. And the last thing I intended on doing was becoming a Christian. I on doing was becoming a Christian. I on doing was becoming a Christian. I didn't get up that morning. I think that didn't get up that morning. I think that didn't get up that morning. I think that I'll become a Christian today. I'll become a Christian today. I'll become a Christian today. completely change the course of my life. completely change the course of my life. completely change the course of my life. And one day, I might even become a And one day, I might even become a And one day, I might even become a preacher and lose all of my hair. That's preacher and lose all of my hair. That's preacher and lose all of my hair. That's my planet. That's the last thing a my planet. That's the last thing a my planet. That's the last thing a 17-year-old Greg Lori was thinking on 17-year-old Greg Lori was thinking on 17-year-old Greg Lori was thinking on the day that Christ came into my life.

the day that Christ came into my life. the day that Christ came into my life. And I saw these Christians on the front And I saw these Christians on the front And I saw these Christians on the front lawn of my high school. And I sat there lawn of my high school. And I sat there lawn of my high school. And I sat there like initially laughing inside at them. like initially laughing inside at them. like initially laughing inside at them. Look at these pathetic people. Look at Look at these pathetic people. Look at Look at these pathetic people. Look at these stupid smiles on their face. Look these stupid smiles on their face. Look these stupid smiles on their face. Look at how happy they are. And then I at how happy they are. And then I at how happy they are. And then I thought just this thought came to me. thought just this thought came to me. thought just this thought came to me. What if it's true? I thought it can't be What if it's true? I thought it can't be What if it's true? I thought it can't be true. No way is it true. But I thought true. No way is it true. But I thought true. No way is it true. But I thought again, but what if it's true? No way again, but what if it's true? No way again, but what if it's true? No way could it be true. And if it was true, it could it be true. And if it was true, it could it be true. And if it was true, it would never be true for me. Maybe for would never be true for me. Maybe for would never be true for me. Maybe for them, but I'm not the religious type. them, but I'm not the religious type. them, but I'm not the religious type. I'm too cynical. I'm too hard. It's not I'm too cynical. I'm too hard. It's not I'm too cynical. I'm too hard. It's not true. But what if it's true? And then true. But what if it's true? And then true. But what if it's true? And then you know Lonnie Frisbee, the guy who got you know Lonnie Frisbee, the guy who got you know Lonnie Frisbee, the guy who got up and preached, I don't remember his up and preached, I don't remember his up and preached, I don't remember his sermon, one statement stuck with me. sermon, one statement stuck with me. sermon, one statement stuck with me. Jesus said, "You're for me or against Jesus said, "You're for me or against Jesus said, "You're for me or against me." And I looked at the Christians and me." And I looked at the Christians and me." And I looked at the Christians and I thought, "I'm not one of them. Does I thought, "I'm not one of them. Does I thought, "I'm not one of them. Does that mean I'm against them? I don't want that mean I'm against them? I don't want that mean I'm against them? I don't want to be against him." And right there, I to be against him." And right there, I to be against him." And right there, I believed. Just boom, in a flash, just I believed. Just boom, in a flash, just I believed. Just boom, in a flash, just I believed. And next thing I knew, he believed. And next thing I knew, he believed. And next thing I knew, he calls people up to pray. Next thing I calls people up to pray. Next thing I calls people up to pray. Next thing I know, I'm standing there. I thought, know, I'm standing there. I thought, know, I'm standing there. I thought, "How did I even get here? I don't even "How did I even get here? I don't even "How did I even get here? I don't even remember walking to here." But there I remember walking to here." But there I remember walking to here." But there I was. That's how it can happen for some was. That's how it can happen for some was. That's how it can happen for some people. And that's what happened to the people. And that's what happened to the people. And that's what happened to the thief on the cross. It's interesting.

thief on the cross. It's interesting. thief on the cross. It's interesting. Both thieves heard the same words, but Both thieves heard the same words, but Both thieves heard the same words, but one hardened his heart and the other one hardened his heart and the other one hardened his heart and the other opened his heart and believed right opened his heart and believed right opened his heart and believed right there on the spot, even correcting the there on the spot, even correcting the there on the spot, even correcting the other thief, saying, "Don't you fear other thief, saying, "Don't you fear other thief, saying, "Don't you fear God? Seeing we're under the same God? Seeing we're under the same God? Seeing we're under the same judgment." But I love this statement. judgment." But I love this statement. judgment." But I love this statement. Lord, remember me when you come into Lord, remember me when you come into Lord, remember me when you come into your kingdom. Jesus was going to answer your kingdom. Jesus was going to answer your kingdom. Jesus was going to answer that prayer far beyond his expectations. that prayer far beyond his expectations. that prayer far beyond his expectations. Uh he just said, "Hey, when you get to Uh he just said, "Hey, when you get to Uh he just said, "Hey, when you get to your kingdom, remember me." He didn't your kingdom, remember me." He didn't your kingdom, remember me." He didn't say, "Take me to heaven. Hey, when you say, "Take me to heaven. Hey, when you say, "Take me to heaven. Hey, when you get to your kingdom, wherever that is, get to your kingdom, wherever that is, get to your kingdom, wherever that is, whatever that is, just remember me." whatever that is, just remember me." whatever that is, just remember me." That that's all he asked. Just just That that's all he asked. Just just That that's all he asked. Just just remember me. A and then Jesus said, remember me. A and then Jesus said, remember me. A and then Jesus said, "Today you will be with me in paradise." "Today you will be with me in paradise." "Today you will be with me in paradise." I love this because it reminds us that I love this because it reminds us that I love this because it reminds us that God is able to do exceedingly above and God is able to do exceedingly above and God is able to do exceedingly above and beyond that which we could ask or think.

beyond that which we could ask or think. beyond that which we could ask or think. God can do more than you even pray for. God can do more than you even pray for. God can do more than you even pray for. So pray for big things. So pray for big things. So pray for big things. >> Pray big. Pray boldly. Lord, would you >> Pray big. Pray boldly. Lord, would you >> Pray big. Pray boldly. Lord, would you do this? He may say no. He may say yes. do this? He may say no. He may say yes. do this? He may say no. He may say yes. He may then say, "I'm going to do that He may then say, "I'm going to do that He may then say, "I'm going to do that and do a bunch of other things on top of and do a bunch of other things on top of and do a bunch of other things on top of that." This guy ju just remember me when that." This guy ju just remember me when that." This guy ju just remember me when you go to your kingdom today. You'll be you go to your kingdom today. You'll be you go to your kingdom today. You'll be with me in paradise. And and by the way, with me in paradise. And and by the way, with me in paradise. And and by the way, this man was not baptized. And I bring this man was not baptized. And I bring this man was not baptized. And I bring this up because some people say, "You this up because some people say, "You this up because some people say, "You have to be baptized to be a Christian." have to be baptized to be a Christian." have to be baptized to be a Christian." No, he wasn't baptized. Lord, No, he wasn't baptized. Lord, No, he wasn't baptized. Lord, remembering when you come into your remembering when you come into your remembering when you come into your kingdom, buddy, we have a problem. kingdom, buddy, we have a problem. kingdom, buddy, we have a problem. Somehow you have to get down off this Somehow you have to get down off this Somehow you have to get down off this cross and go find a body of water and cross and go find a body of water and cross and go find a body of water and get immersed in today. And this is the get immersed in today. And this is the get immersed in today. And this is the thing also we must learn from the thing also we must learn from the thing also we must learn from the statement of Christ today. When a statement of Christ today. When a statement of Christ today. When a Christian dies, they go immediately into Christian dies, they go immediately into Christian dies, they go immediately into the presence of God immediately. The Bible says to be absent from the The Bible says to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord.

body is to be present with the Lord. body is to be present with the Lord. Paul said, "I have a desire to depart Paul said, "I have a desire to depart Paul said, "I have a desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far and be with Christ, which is far and be with Christ, which is far better." Well, wait, what about the better." Well, wait, what about the better." Well, wait, what about the bodily resurrection? That happens later. bodily resurrection? That happens later. bodily resurrection? That happens later. It happens at the rapture. Your body, if It happens at the rapture. Your body, if It happens at the rapture. Your body, if you died, is in the grave. Your spirit, you died, is in the grave. Your spirit, you died, is in the grave. Your spirit, your soul goes into God's presence. your soul goes into God's presence. your soul goes into God's presence. Well, do we have another body up there? Well, do we have another body up there? Well, do we have another body up there? Bible doesn't tell us, so we don't know. Bible doesn't tell us, so we don't know. Bible doesn't tell us, so we don't know. But we're in heaven. And then when But we're in heaven. And then when But we're in heaven. And then when Christ comes for his church, the dead in Christ comes for his church, the dead in Christ comes for his church, the dead in Christ rise, there's a bodily Christ rise, there's a bodily Christ rise, there's a bodily resurrection, and that's when we get our resurrection, and that's when we get our resurrection, and that's when we get our new bodies. Okay. But when you die, when new bodies. Okay. But when you die, when new bodies. Okay. But when you die, when a Christian dies, they go straight to a Christian dies, they go straight to a Christian dies, they go straight to heaven. Do not pass go. Do not collect heaven. Do not pass go. Do not collect heaven. Do not pass go. Do not collect $200. $200. $200. Do you know what that's a reference to? Do you know what that's a reference to? Do you know what that's a reference to? Monopoly. Monopoly. Monopoly. Okay. Okay. Okay. So, this man hears these beautiful So, this man hears these beautiful So, this man hears these beautiful words. Man, talk about being at the words. Man, talk about being at the words. Man, talk about being at the right place at the right time. What a right place at the right time. What a right place at the right time. What a wonderful day that was for him. wonderful day that was for him. wonderful day that was for him. Now, it's I'm going to come back to Now, it's I'm going to come back to Now, it's I'm going to come back to Simon for a moment. the guy who carried Simon for a moment. the guy who carried Simon for a moment. the guy who carried the cross of Jesus. You know, I want you the cross of Jesus. You know, I want you the cross of Jesus. You know, I want you to think about this for a moment.

to think about this for a moment. to think about this for a moment. If you could trade places with anyone in If you could trade places with anyone in If you could trade places with anyone in history for one day, who would it be and history for one day, who would it be and history for one day, who would it be and why? Who would you like to trade places why? Who would you like to trade places why? Who would you like to trade places with? Be them for a day. And I've with? Be them for a day. And I've with? Be them for a day. And I've thought about that and I don't know, thought about that and I don't know, thought about that and I don't know, I've had different answers that have I've had different answers that have I've had different answers that have come into my mind, but when I was come into my mind, but when I was come into my mind, but when I was studying this, I thought maybe it'd be studying this, I thought maybe it'd be studying this, I thought maybe it'd be Simon. I mean, it'd be a horrible day. Simon. I mean, it'd be a horrible day. Simon. I mean, it'd be a horrible day. You have to carry the cross. It's a But You have to carry the cross. It's a But You have to carry the cross. It's a But wow, what a privilege. What a privilege wow, what a privilege. What a privilege wow, what a privilege. What a privilege to momentarily alleviate the suffering to momentarily alleviate the suffering to momentarily alleviate the suffering of Jesus in a small way as you carried of Jesus in a small way as you carried of Jesus in a small way as you carried the cross of Christ. You say, "Yeah, I the cross of Christ. You say, "Yeah, I the cross of Christ. You say, "Yeah, I would you have done it if you were would you have done it if you were would you have done it if you were Simon?" They said, "Pick the cross up." Simon?" They said, "Pick the cross up." Simon?" They said, "Pick the cross up." Would you have said, "Okay." Or would Would you have said, "Okay." Or would Would you have said, "Okay." Or would you have ran? you have ran? you have ran? Well, in a way, we're all called to pick Well, in a way, we're all called to pick Well, in a way, we're all called to pick the cross up, aren't we? Jesus said, "If the cross up, aren't we? Jesus said, "If the cross up, aren't we? Jesus said, "If any man would come after me, let him any man would come after me, let him any man would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily deny himself and take up his cross daily deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me." What does that even and follow me." What does that even and follow me." What does that even mean? Oh, you got to take up the cross mean? Oh, you got to take up the cross mean? Oh, you got to take up the cross and follow Jesus. Great. What does it and follow Jesus. Great. What does it and follow Jesus. Great. What does it mean? A lot of people don't know.

mean? A lot of people don't know. mean? A lot of people don't know. Sometimes people misuse that idea and Sometimes people misuse that idea and Sometimes people misuse that idea and they'll say, "My cross to carry is my they'll say, "My cross to carry is my they'll say, "My cross to carry is my mother-in-law." And your mother-in-law says, "My cross And your mother-in-law says, "My cross to carry is my son-in-law." or my cross to carry is my son-in-law." or my cross to carry is my son-in-law." or my cross to carry is this problem or my cross to to carry is this problem or my cross to to carry is this problem or my cross to carry is something else. No, I'll tell carry is something else. No, I'll tell carry is something else. No, I'll tell you what it means to carry the cross you what it means to carry the cross you what it means to carry the cross because it's the same for every person. because it's the same for every person. because it's the same for every person. It means to die to yourself. You say, "I It means to die to yourself. You say, "I It means to die to yourself. You say, "I don't know what that means." It means don't know what that means." It means don't know what that means." It means resisting what everyone around you resisting what everyone around you resisting what everyone around you perhaps say would say is normal. perhaps say would say is normal. perhaps say would say is normal. Example, it means being faithful to your Example, it means being faithful to your Example, it means being faithful to your spouse that you're married to for a spouse that you're married to for a spouse that you're married to for a lifetime. It means forgiving people who lifetime. It means forgiving people who lifetime. It means forgiving people who have genuinely wronged you. It means have genuinely wronged you. It means have genuinely wronged you. It means asking forgiveness from people that you asking forgiveness from people that you asking forgiveness from people that you have wronged. It means leaving your have wronged. It means leaving your have wronged. It means leaving your comfort zone long enough to tell comfort zone long enough to tell comfort zone long enough to tell somebody about Jesus Christ. It means somebody about Jesus Christ. It means somebody about Jesus Christ. It means doing what God wants over what you want doing what God wants over what you want doing what God wants over what you want every single day. Take up the cross.

every single day. Take up the cross. every single day. Take up the cross. That's what it means. And a lot more. That's what it means. And a lot more. That's what it means. And a lot more. Right? You say that sounds like a depressing You say that sounds like a depressing life. A contant, life. A contant, life. A contant, which is French for snails with garlic. which is French for snails with garlic. which is French for snails with garlic. No, that's escargo. Okay. A contant. To No, that's escargo. Okay. A contant. To No, that's escargo. Okay. A contant. To the contrary, to take up the cross is the contrary, to take up the cross is the contrary, to take up the cross is the most lifegiving thing you can do. the most lifegiving thing you can do. the most lifegiving thing you can do. Because Paul said, I am crucified with Because Paul said, I am crucified with Because Paul said, I am crucified with Christ. Nevertheless, I live. Yet not I, Christ. Nevertheless, I live. Yet not I, Christ. Nevertheless, I live. Yet not I, but Christ lives in me. Now Jesus but Christ lives in me. Now Jesus but Christ lives in me. Now Jesus continues on, take up your cross daily continues on, take up your cross daily continues on, take up your cross daily and follow me. And then he says in Luke and follow me. And then he says in Luke and follow me. And then he says in Luke 9:24, 9:24, 9:24, "Whoever wants to save their life will "Whoever wants to save their life will "Whoever wants to save their life will lose it. Whoever loses their life for my lose it. Whoever loses their life for my lose it. Whoever loses their life for my sake will find it." Ah, how how sake will find it." Ah, how how sake will find it." Ah, how how different that is from culture. Culture different that is from culture. Culture different that is from culture. Culture says, "Find yourself. Love yourself. says, "Find yourself. Love yourself. says, "Find yourself. Love yourself. Protect your peace. Follow your heart. Protect your peace. Follow your heart. Protect your peace. Follow your heart. Live your truth. Your happiness comes Live your truth. Your happiness comes Live your truth. Your happiness comes first. main character energy first. main character energy first. main character energy and one of the big ones, you do you. And and one of the big ones, you do you. And and one of the big ones, you do you. And to that I say, oh shut up.

to that I say, oh shut up. to that I say, oh shut up. Just shut up. Seriously, Just shut up. Seriously, Just shut up. Seriously, you do you. You do you. It's not all about you. It's all about It's not all about you. It's all about him. The very opposite. The world says find yourself. Jesus says The world says find yourself. Jesus says love yourself. The world says you do love yourself. The world says you do love yourself. The world says you do you. Jesus says you follow me. But you. Jesus says you follow me. But you. Jesus says you follow me. But here's the cool thing. When you lose here's the cool thing. When you lose here's the cool thing. When you lose yourself you actually find yourself. yourself you actually find yourself. yourself you actually find yourself. Losing your life for his sake isn't the Losing your life for his sake isn't the Losing your life for his sake isn't the loss of everything. It's the discovery loss of everything. It's the discovery loss of everything. It's the discovery of everything that actually matters. of everything that actually matters. of everything that actually matters. >> Let me say that again. Losing your life >> Let me say that again. Losing your life >> Let me say that again. Losing your life is not the loss of everything. It's the is not the loss of everything. It's the is not the loss of everything. It's the discovery of everything that actually discovery of everything that actually discovery of everything that actually matters. Now to conclude. Now to conclude. Were you clapping when Now to conclude. Were you clapping when I said to conclude? Is that what that I said to conclude? Is that what that I said to conclude? Is that what that applause said? Finally, it's over.

applause said? Finally, it's over. applause said? Finally, it's over. Now to conclude. Yeah. Amen. And sadly, it's my wife. I don't know And sadly, it's my wife. I don't know why. No. why. No. why. No. Why? Why did this have to happen? Wasn't Why? Why did this have to happen? Wasn't Why? Why did this have to happen? Wasn't there another way God could have there another way God could have there another way God could have accomplished his plan? I mean, to see accomplished his plan? I mean, to see accomplished his plan? I mean, to see his own suffer son suffer and die like his own suffer son suffer and die like his own suffer son suffer and die like this. Why? Well, as I said, it was all this. Why? Well, as I said, it was all this. Why? Well, as I said, it was all part of God's big plan. And here's why part of God's big plan. And here's why part of God's big plan. And here's why it happened. Jesus died to show his love it happened. Jesus died to show his love it happened. Jesus died to show his love for us. Jesus died to show his love for for us. Jesus died to show his love for for us. Jesus died to show his love for us. Jesus said, we know this verse. us. Jesus said, we know this verse. us. Jesus said, we know this verse. Well, let's say it together. For God so Well, let's say it together. For God so Well, let's say it together. For God so loved the world that he gave his only loved the world that he gave his only loved the world that he gave his only begotten son that whosoever believes in begotten son that whosoever believes in begotten son that whosoever believes in him should not perish but have him should not perish but have him should not perish but have everlasting life. Paul said in the book everlasting life. Paul said in the book everlasting life. Paul said in the book of Ephesians, Christ loved the church of Ephesians, Christ loved the church of Ephesians, Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her. Paul said and gave himself up for her. Paul said and gave himself up for her. Paul said he loved me and he gave himself for me.

he loved me and he gave himself for me. he loved me and he gave himself for me. So, if you're ever tempted to doubt So, if you're ever tempted to doubt So, if you're ever tempted to doubt God's love, take a long look at the God's love, take a long look at the God's love, take a long look at the cross and think about what Jesus went cross and think about what Jesus went cross and think about what Jesus went through there and remember this. It through there and remember this. It through there and remember this. It wasn't nails that held him to the cross. wasn't nails that held him to the cross. wasn't nails that held him to the cross. It was his love for you. That's why he It was his love for you. That's why he It was his love for you. That's why he did it. To prove God's love. Jesus also died to absorb the wrath of Jesus also died to absorb the wrath of God. You see, God plays by his own God. You see, God plays by his own God. You see, God plays by his own rules. And he has said, "The soul that rules. And he has said, "The soul that rules. And he has said, "The soul that sins shall surely die." And he has also sins shall surely die." And he has also sins shall surely die." And he has also said, "Without the shedding of blood, said, "Without the shedding of blood, said, "Without the shedding of blood, there is no forgiveness of sins." God is there is no forgiveness of sins." God is there is no forgiveness of sins." God is holy. His holy demands must be holy. His holy demands must be holy. His holy demands must be satisfied. You, I, us, we have all satisfied. You, I, us, we have all satisfied. You, I, us, we have all sinned against God. So there has to be a sinned against God. So there has to be a sinned against God. So there has to be a sacrifice. So God sent his son to be sacrifice. So God sent his son to be sacrifice. So God sent his son to be that sacrifice. And Christ absorbed the that sacrifice. And Christ absorbed the that sacrifice. And Christ absorbed the wrath of God. Coming back to that moment wrath of God. Coming back to that moment wrath of God. Coming back to that moment when he said, "Eli, Eli, lama sabakani when he said, "Eli, Eli, lama sabakani when he said, "Eli, Eli, lama sabakani or my god, my god, why have you forsaken or my god, my god, why have you forsaken or my god, my god, why have you forsaken me?" It is believed by many that at that me?" It is believed by many that at that me?" It is believed by many that at that moment the father turned his face away moment the father turned his face away moment the father turned his face away from the sun as Christ bore all the sin from the sun as Christ bore all the sin from the sun as Christ bore all the sin of the world and absorbed the wrath of of the world and absorbed the wrath of of the world and absorbed the wrath of God. And as I pointed out earlier, that God. And as I pointed out earlier, that God. And as I pointed out earlier, that is what Christ was recoiling from, in my is what Christ was recoiling from, in my is what Christ was recoiling from, in my opinion, in the garden of Gethsemane, opinion, in the garden of Gethsemane, opinion, in the garden of Gethsemane, causing him to literally sweat blood.

causing him to literally sweat blood. causing him to literally sweat blood. As horrible as it was, I don't think it As horrible as it was, I don't think it As horrible as it was, I don't think it was the fornowledge of the torturous was the fornowledge of the torturous was the fornowledge of the torturous things he would have to endure, things he would have to endure, things he would have to endure, including the scourging and the including the scourging and the including the scourging and the crucifixion. I think the thing he crucifixion. I think the thing he crucifixion. I think the thing he recoiled from causing him to say, recoiled from causing him to say, recoiled from causing him to say, "Father, if there's any other way, let "Father, if there's any other way, let "Father, if there's any other way, let this cup pass from me. Nevertheless, not this cup pass from me. Nevertheless, not this cup pass from me. Nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will." The thing as I will, but as you will." The thing as I will, but as you will." The thing he was recoiling from was absorbing he was recoiling from was absorbing he was recoiling from was absorbing God's wrath of being separated from the God's wrath of being separated from the God's wrath of being separated from the father as he bore the sin of the world. father as he bore the sin of the world. father as he bore the sin of the world. But he did it. He died to absorb the But he did it. He died to absorb the But he did it. He died to absorb the wrath of God. wrath of God. wrath of God. So, and this is because all the good So, and this is because all the good So, and this is because all the good works in the world will not get you to works in the world will not get you to works in the world will not get you to heaven. The story is told of a man who heaven. The story is told of a man who heaven. The story is told of a man who died and went to heaven. Peter met him died and went to heaven. Peter met him died and went to heaven. Peter met him at the pearly gates. Said, "Okay, buddy. at the pearly gates. Said, "Okay, buddy. at the pearly gates. Said, "Okay, buddy. This is how it works. You need a This is how it works. You need a This is how it works. You need a thousand points to get into heaven." thousand points to get into heaven." thousand points to get into heaven." This is a true story. This is a true story. This is a true story. Guy said, "Okay, 1,000 points. All Guy said, "Okay, 1,000 points. All Guy said, "Okay, 1,000 points. All right. So if you did good things, you right. So if you did good things, you right. So if you did good things, you get points for every good thing you did.

get points for every good thing you did. get points for every good thing you did. The guy says, "Oh, really?" Okay. Well, The guy says, "Oh, really?" Okay. Well, The guy says, "Oh, really?" Okay. Well, I've been married to the same wife for I've been married to the same wife for I've been married to the same wife for 50 years. Peter said, "That's good." 50 years. Peter said, "That's good." 50 years. Peter said, "That's good." Three points. Wait, Three points. Wait, Three points. Wait, how many points do I need to get in? A how many points do I need to get in? A how many points do I need to get in? A thousand. Well, three points. Uh the guy thousand. Well, three points. Uh the guy thousand. Well, three points. Uh the guy says, "Ah, I went to church every says, "Ah, I went to church every says, "Ah, I went to church every Sunday. I never missed." And we tithe Sunday. I never missed." And we tithe Sunday. I never missed." And we tithe faithfully faithfully faithfully uh to the church. That's good. That's uh to the church. That's good. That's uh to the church. That's good. That's worth two points. Two. Wait, two points? worth two points. Two. Wait, two points? worth two points. Two. Wait, two points? The guy says, "Well, I I I opened up a a The guy says, "Well, I I I opened up a a The guy says, "Well, I I I opened up a a soup kitchen and and helped the homeless soup kitchen and and helped the homeless soup kitchen and and helped the homeless out. That's good for two more points." out. That's good for two more points." out. That's good for two more points." You know, exasperated, the guy says, You know, exasperated, the guy says, You know, exasperated, the guy says, "This is insane. The only way I'm going "This is insane. The only way I'm going "This is insane. The only way I'm going to get into heaven is by the grace of to get into heaven is by the grace of to get into heaven is by the grace of God." Peter says, "That's worth a God." Peter says, "That's worth a God." Peter says, "That's worth a thousand points. Come on, Nancy. See, now that's a silly illustration, but it now that's a silly illustration, but it makes a point. We're not going to get makes a point. We're not going to get makes a point. We're not going to get into heaven by our good works. That's into heaven by our good works. That's into heaven by our good works. That's why Christ had to die. There had to be a why Christ had to die. There had to be a why Christ had to die. There had to be a sacrifice, and he was that sacrifice.

sacrifice, and he was that sacrifice. sacrifice, and he was that sacrifice. Jesus suffered and died to provide your Jesus suffered and died to provide your Jesus suffered and died to provide your forgiveness and justification. Now forgiveness and justification. Now forgiveness and justification. Now listen, forgiveness is when God removes listen, forgiveness is when God removes listen, forgiveness is when God removes your sin. Justification is when God puts your sin. Justification is when God puts your sin. Justification is when God puts his righteousness into your spiritual his righteousness into your spiritual his righteousness into your spiritual bank account. Uh the Bible says we've bank account. Uh the Bible says we've bank account. Uh the Bible says we've been justified by his blood. One way to been justified by his blood. One way to been justified by his blood. One way to translate the word justify is just as if translate the word justify is just as if translate the word justify is just as if it never had happened. it never had happened. it never had happened. So it's great to know my sin is So it's great to know my sin is So it's great to know my sin is forgiven, but God has wiped the record forgiven, but God has wiped the record forgiven, but God has wiped the record clean. He's cast your sins as far away clean. He's cast your sins as far away clean. He's cast your sins as far away from you as the east is from the west. from you as the east is from the west. from you as the east is from the west. And so he died for your forgiveness and And so he died for your forgiveness and And so he died for your forgiveness and your justification. And this is your justification. And this is your justification. And this is important to remember because you know, important to remember because you know, important to remember because you know, I don't know if you're aware of this, I don't know if you're aware of this, I don't know if you're aware of this, but we sin all the time. but we sin all the time. but we sin all the time. And we need forgiveness. And when we And we need forgiveness. And when we And we need forgiveness. And when we repent of our sin and ask God to forgive repent of our sin and ask God to forgive repent of our sin and ask God to forgive us and we apply the blood of Jesus in us and we apply the blood of Jesus in us and we apply the blood of Jesus in our life, you need to know that you are our life, you need to know that you are our life, you need to know that you are forgiven and you need to live that way forgiven and you need to live that way forgiven and you need to live that way because sometimes we beat ourselves up, because sometimes we beat ourselves up, because sometimes we beat ourselves up, you know. Okay. You should not choose to you know. Okay. You should not choose to you know. Okay. You should not choose to remember what God has chosen to forget.

remember what God has chosen to forget. remember what God has chosen to forget. >> Right? So God says their sins and iniquities will God says their sins and iniquities will I remember no more. That doesn't mean I remember no more. That doesn't mean I remember no more. That doesn't mean God is a lapse in memory like you and I God is a lapse in memory like you and I God is a lapse in memory like you and I do. Oh, was that who is that? No. No. He do. Oh, was that who is that? No. No. He do. Oh, was that who is that? No. No. He He chooses to not remember. Or another He chooses to not remember. Or another He chooses to not remember. Or another way to put it, he chooses to not hold it way to put it, he chooses to not hold it way to put it, he chooses to not hold it against you. Sometimes you get in an against you. Sometimes you get in an against you. Sometimes you get in an argument with your spouse and they'll argument with your spouse and they'll argument with your spouse and they'll bring up something. I won't say if it's bring up something. I won't say if it's bring up something. I won't say if it's a man or woman. Woman. Uh a man or woman. Woman. Uh a man or woman. Woman. Uh 15 years ago you said this to me. You're 15 years ago you said this to me. You're 15 years ago you said this to me. You're like what? Yes, I remember 15 years ago like what? Yes, I remember 15 years ago like what? Yes, I remember 15 years ago you literally you're remembering what I you literally you're remembering what I you literally you're remembering what I said 15 years. Sorry girls to throw you said 15 years. Sorry girls to throw you said 15 years. Sorry girls to throw you under the bus here. But I guess there's under the bus here. But I guess there's under the bus here. But I guess there's guys that do it too. Maybe one guys that do it too. Maybe one guys that do it too. Maybe one somewhere. No, I'm kidding. I know guys somewhere. No, I'm kidding. I know guys somewhere. No, I'm kidding. I know guys do it as well. But the point is God do it as well. But the point is God do it as well. But the point is God would never do that. I remember when you would never do that. I remember when you would never do that. I remember when you did that. He's chosen to not remember did that. He's chosen to not remember did that. He's chosen to not remember your sin. That's a beautiful thing. You your sin. That's a beautiful thing. You your sin. That's a beautiful thing. You know, people love to say, "Oh, the know, people love to say, "Oh, the know, people love to say, "Oh, the religions of the world teach the same religions of the world teach the same religions of the world teach the same thing." Which is another way of saying, thing." Which is another way of saying, thing." Which is another way of saying, "I don't know what I'm talking about."

"I don't know what I'm talking about." "I don't know what I'm talking about." Right? And if I had other religious Right? And if I had other religious Right? And if I had other religious leaders here to join me, we would all leaders here to join me, we would all leaders here to join me, we would all agree on this one point. All of our agree on this one point. All of our agree on this one point. All of our religions do not teach the same thing. religions do not teach the same thing. religions do not teach the same thing. If you were to sum up all the religions If you were to sum up all the religions If you were to sum up all the religions of the world, you could sum it up in a of the world, you could sum it up in a of the world, you could sum it up in a simple word. Do you must do this. Do simple word. Do you must do this. Do simple word. Do you must do this. Do this and you'll go to heaven. Maybe, this and you'll go to heaven. Maybe, this and you'll go to heaven. Maybe, maybe. Do that and you'll reach nirvana. maybe. Do that and you'll reach nirvana. maybe. Do that and you'll reach nirvana. Do this other thing and you'll find Do this other thing and you'll find Do this other thing and you'll find inner peace. Christianity summed up in inner peace. Christianity summed up in inner peace. Christianity summed up in one word is done. Done. paid for by the one word is done. Done. paid for by the one word is done. Done. paid for by the son of God on the cross. So the title of this message is it So the title of this message is it wasn't the nails that held him again. It wasn't the nails that held him again. It wasn't the nails that held him again. It was his love for you and me. Now here's was his love for you and me. Now here's was his love for you and me. Now here's my choice. What am I going to do with my choice. What am I going to do with my choice. What am I going to do with that? It's like getting a call on your that? It's like getting a call on your that? It's like getting a call on your smartphone. Call comes up. I don't know smartphone. Call comes up. I don't know smartphone. Call comes up. I don't know about you, but I I get spam calls all about you, but I I get spam calls all about you, but I I get spam calls all the time. And now on my phone, it tells the time. And now on my phone, it tells the time. And now on my phone, it tells me if it's a spam call. And I answer me if it's a spam call. And I answer me if it's a spam call. And I answer sometimes on purpose for my own sometimes on purpose for my own sometimes on purpose for my own entertainment.

I answer with a weird voice. I prolong I answer with a weird voice. I prolong the conversation. And every time they the conversation. And every time they the conversation. And every time they hang up on me, I guess it's my personal hang up on me, I guess it's my personal hang up on me, I guess it's my personal way of spamming the spammers. way of spamming the spammers. way of spamming the spammers. Who knows? I'm probably just talking to Who knows? I'm probably just talking to Who knows? I'm probably just talking to some AI bot anyway. But so you get a some AI bot anyway. But so you get a some AI bot anyway. But so you get a call. Okay. So I have a call and I have call. Okay. So I have a call and I have call. Okay. So I have a call and I have a choice. I can accept or decline. Now, a choice. I can accept or decline. Now, a choice. I can accept or decline. Now, let's all be honest. There are times let's all be honest. There are times let's all be honest. There are times someone will call us and we don't accept someone will call us and we don't accept someone will call us and we don't accept it because we don't have an hour. it because we don't have an hour. it because we don't have an hour. These are the one hour people. You know These are the one hour people. You know These are the one hour people. You know who you are. You're one the the lady who you are. You're one the the lady who you are. You're one the the lady that's laughing. You're the one. No, I'm that's laughing. You're the one. No, I'm that's laughing. You're the one. No, I'm joking. I don't even We haven't even joking. I don't even We haven't even joking. I don't even We haven't even met. But you know, they're great people, met. But you know, they're great people, met. But you know, they're great people, but they talk long and they don't get to but they talk long and they don't get to but they talk long and they don't get to the point. One hour. Oh, don't have an the point. One hour. Oh, don't have an the point. One hour. Oh, don't have an hour. I'll call them when I'm driving hour. I'll call them when I'm driving hour. I'll call them when I'm driving somewhere, you know. So, you decline. somewhere, you know. So, you decline. somewhere, you know. So, you decline. you don't accept. Or I'll get a call you don't accept. Or I'll get a call you don't accept. Or I'll get a call from my wife. Whenever Kathy Lori calls, from my wife. Whenever Kathy Lori calls, from my wife. Whenever Kathy Lori calls, I answer. I'm not so sure whenever Greg I answer. I'm not so sure whenever Greg I answer. I'm not so sure whenever Greg Lori calls her, she answers. Lori calls her, she answers. Lori calls her, she answers. But I I answer. Oh, it's my wife. Got to But I I answer. Oh, it's my wife. Got to But I I answer. Oh, it's my wife. Got to answer. Imagine for a moment you get a answer. Imagine for a moment you get a answer. Imagine for a moment you get a call in your phone. Jesus Christ. Whoa.

call in your phone. Jesus Christ. Whoa. call in your phone. Jesus Christ. Whoa. Wow. Now, what are you going to do? Wow. Now, what are you going to do? Wow. Now, what are you going to do? You're going to accept or decline? You're going to accept or decline? You're going to accept or decline? You're going to ignore it, which is You're going to ignore it, which is You're going to ignore it, which is decline, decline, decline, or you're going to say yes. open it and or you're going to say yes. open it and or you're going to say yes. open it and talk to him. Jesus, that's exactly talk to him. Jesus, that's exactly talk to him. Jesus, that's exactly what's before us. He did all of this for what's before us. He did all of this for what's before us. He did all of this for us on the cross. Here's your choice. us on the cross. Here's your choice. us on the cross. Here's your choice. Accept or decline. Believe or reject. Accept or decline. Believe or reject. Accept or decline. Believe or reject. Well, I don't like those choices. I I'm Well, I don't like those choices. I I'm Well, I don't like those choices. I I'm passive. I'm neutral. No, you can't be passive. I'm neutral. No, you can't be passive. I'm neutral. No, you can't be neutral about Christ. neutral about Christ. neutral about Christ. As I said, the thing that changed my As I said, the thing that changed my As I said, the thing that changed my life is when I heard that statement of life is when I heard that statement of life is when I heard that statement of Christ when he said, "You're for me or Christ when he said, "You're for me or Christ when he said, "You're for me or against me." So I want to close now in against me." So I want to close now in against me." So I want to close now in prayer and ask anyone who has joined us prayer and ask anyone who has joined us prayer and ask anyone who has joined us here. If you have never asked Christ to here. If you have never asked Christ to here. If you have never asked Christ to come into your life, you can do it right come into your life, you can do it right come into your life, you can do it right here, right now, and everything can here, right now, and everything can here, right now, and everything can change for you. change for you. change for you. Your eternal address can be transferred Your eternal address can be transferred Your eternal address can be transferred from hell to heaven. You accept or from hell to heaven. You accept or from hell to heaven. You accept or decline. Let's pray. Father, I pray now decline. Let's pray. Father, I pray now decline. Let's pray. Father, I pray now that you'll speak to anybody here and that you'll speak to anybody here and that you'll speak to anybody here and anyone watching, listening, wherever anyone watching, listening, wherever anyone watching, listening, wherever they may be. If they don't know you yet, they may be. If they don't know you yet, they may be. If they don't know you yet, let this be the moment they believe. Let let this be the moment they believe. Let let this be the moment they believe. Let this be the moment they come to faith in this be the moment they come to faith in this be the moment they come to faith in you and have their sins forgiven. Now, you and have their sins forgiven. Now, you and have their sins forgiven. Now, while our heads are bowed and our eyes while our heads are bowed and our eyes while our heads are bowed and our eyes are closed, if you want Jesus Christ to are closed, if you want Jesus Christ to are closed, if you want Jesus Christ to come into your life, if you want him to come into your life, if you want him to come into your life, if you want him to forgive you of your sin, if you want to forgive you of your sin, if you want to forgive you of your sin, if you want to know that you will go to heaven when you know that you will go to heaven when you know that you will go to heaven when you die, die, die, I want you to raise your hand up I want you to raise your hand up I want you to raise your hand up wherever you are. And I'm going to pray

wherever you are. And I'm going to pray wherever you are. And I'm going to pray for you. Just raise your hand up saying, for you. Just raise your hand up saying, for you. Just raise your hand up saying, "I need Jesus today." Wherever you are, "I need Jesus today." Wherever you are, "I need Jesus today." Wherever you are, again, it's accept or decline. It's yes again, it's accept or decline. It's yes again, it's accept or decline. It's yes or no. Let me pray for you today. Just or no. Let me pray for you today. Just or no. Let me pray for you today. Just raise your hand. I'll pray for you. God raise your hand. I'll pray for you. God raise your hand. I'll pray for you. God bless you. God bless you. bless you. God bless you. bless you. God bless you. God bless you that are raising your God bless you that are raising your God bless you that are raising your hand. Now, I want you that have raised hand. Now, I want you that have raised hand. Now, I want you that have raised your can, even if you haven't, but you your can, even if you haven't, but you your can, even if you haven't, but you want Christ to come into your life to want Christ to come into your life to want Christ to come into your life to pray this prayer right now. Just pray. pray this prayer right now. Just pray. pray this prayer right now. Just pray. Lord Jesus, I know that I'm a sinner, Lord Jesus, I know that I'm a sinner, Lord Jesus, I know that I'm a sinner, but I believe you're the savior who died but I believe you're the savior who died but I believe you're the savior who died on the cross for my sin. I turn from my on the cross for my sin. I turn from my on the cross for my sin. I turn from my sin now, and I choose to believe in you. sin now, and I choose to believe in you. sin now, and I choose to believe in you. Thank you for hearing this prayer and Thank you for hearing this prayer and Thank you for hearing this prayer and answering this prayer. In Jesus name I answering this prayer. In Jesus name I answering this prayer. In Jesus name I pray. Amen. pray. Amen. pray. Amen. Now, I have no idea why these guys are Now, I have no idea why these guys are Now, I have no idea why these guys are standing here and I wish they would sit standing here and I wish they would sit standing here and I wish they would sit down. It makes me really uncomfortable. down. It makes me really uncomfortable. down. It makes me really uncomfortable. No. Uh these are leaders from our No. Uh these are leaders from our No. Uh these are leaders from our church, pastors and deacons who are church, pastors and deacons who are church, pastors and deacons who are going to serve the elements of communion going to serve the elements of communion going to serve the elements of communion to you in a moment. You'll love the to you in a moment. You'll love the to you in a moment. You'll love the bread and the cup. Take each. Don't bread and the cup. Take each. Don't bread and the cup. Take each. Don't partake, please, and wait till we're all partake, please, and wait till we're all partake, please, and wait till we're all served and we'll partake together. Why served and we'll partake together. Why served and we'll partake together. Why do we do this? Jesus said, "Do it in do we do this? Jesus said, "Do it in do we do this? Jesus said, "Do it in remembrance of me." Communion is for remembrance of me." Communion is for remembrance of me." Communion is for Christians only.

Christians only. Christians only. And when we receive communion, the Bible And when we receive communion, the Bible And when we receive communion, the Bible says we should examine ourselves. says we should examine ourselves. says we should examine ourselves. So, it's a good time to do a spiritual So, it's a good time to do a spiritual So, it's a good time to do a spiritual checkup and say, "Am I walking with the checkup and say, "Am I walking with the checkup and say, "Am I walking with the Lord as I ought to be? Is my Lord as I ought to be? Is my Lord as I ought to be? Is my relationship right with him?" And if it relationship right with him?" And if it relationship right with him?" And if it isn't, then repent and ask God to isn't, then repent and ask God to isn't, then repent and ask God to forgive you and make a recommmitment to forgive you and make a recommmitment to forgive you and make a recommmitment to him. So, we're going to continue to him. So, we're going to continue to him. So, we're going to continue to worship the Lord as we distribute the worship the Lord as we distribute the worship the Lord as we distribute the elements. elements. elements. Let's do that now. Light of the world, you step down into Light of the world, you step down into darkness. darkness. darkness. Open mind. Y'all can see this one. Y'all can see this one. Beauty and Beauty and Beauty and this heart. So here I am to worship.

So here I am to worship. Here I am to bow. Here I am to bow. Here I am to bow. Here I am to say that you're my God. Here I am to say that you're my God. Here I am to say that you're my God. You're all together lovey. You're all together lovey. You're all together lovey. Allto together worthy. Allto together worthy. Allto together worthy. All together wonderful All together wonderful All together wonderful to me. King of all days. Oh, so highly exalted. King of all days. Oh, so highly exalted. Glorious in heaven above. Only you came to the earth. You created Only you came to the earth. You created all for sake became.

>> Here I am. Here I am to worship. >> Here I am. Here I am to worship. Here I am to bow. Here I am to say that Here I am to bow. Here I am to say that Here I am to bow. Here I am to say that you're my God. you're my God. you're my God. >> You're all together lovely, >> You're all together lovely, >> You're all together lovely, all together worthy, all together worthy, all together worthy, all together wonderful all together wonderful all together wonderful to me. Here I am and here I am to to me. Here I am and here I am to to me. Here I am and here I am to worship. worship. worship. Here I am to bow out. Here I am to say Here I am to bow out. Here I am to say Here I am to bow out. Here I am to say that you're my God. that you're my God. that you're my God. >> You're all together lovely. >> You're all together lovely. >> You're all together lovely. All together worthy. All together worthy. All together worthy. All together All together All together wonderful wonderful wonderful to me.

And I'll never know And I'll never know how much it cost to see my sin upon that how much it cost to see my sin upon that how much it cost to see my sin upon that cross. And I'll never cross. And I'll never cross. And I'll never know know know how much it costs to see my sin how much it costs to see my sin how much it costs to see my sin upon. One more time. upon. One more time. upon. One more time. And I'll never And I'll never And I'll never know know know how much it cost to see my how much it cost to see my how much it cost to see my upon that cross. I'll never upon that cross. I'll never upon that cross. I'll never know know know how much she how much she how much she to see my to see my to see my upon that cross. You hold in your hands this bread that You hold in your hands this bread that symbolizes the broken body of Jesus symbolizes the broken body of Jesus symbolizes the broken body of Jesus Christ. Again, the Lord said, "Do this Christ. Again, the Lord said, "Do this Christ. Again, the Lord said, "Do this in remembrance of me. Remember in remembrance of me. Remember in remembrance of me. Remember his sacrifice. Remember his sacrifice. Remember his sacrifice. Remember his suffering. Remember the scourging."

his suffering. Remember the scourging." his suffering. Remember the scourging." The Bible says, "By his stripes, you are The Bible says, "By his stripes, you are The Bible says, "By his stripes, you are healed." healed." healed." So, as we take of this bread, we So, as we take of this bread, we So, as we take of this bread, we remember what Jesus did for us. Let's remember what Jesus did for us. Let's remember what Jesus did for us. Let's pray now. Lord, pray now. Lord, pray now. Lord, we do this in remembrance of you. Thank we do this in remembrance of you. Thank we do this in remembrance of you. Thank you for all that you did. Thank you, you for all that you did. Thank you, you for all that you did. Thank you, Jesus, for the suffering you endured for Jesus, for the suffering you endured for Jesus, for the suffering you endured for us because you love us. us because you love us. us because you love us. And I pray also, Lord, for anyone who And I pray also, Lord, for anyone who And I pray also, Lord, for anyone who might need a physical touch today. And might need a physical touch today. And might need a physical touch today. And we think of that promise that by your we think of that promise that by your we think of that promise that by your stripes were healed. Reach out and touch stripes were healed. Reach out and touch stripes were healed. Reach out and touch that person in need that person in need that person in need as we partake together. as we partake together. as we partake together. Let's all partake now. We hold the cup now.

We hold the cup now. And this symbolizes the blood of Jesus. And this symbolizes the blood of Jesus. And this symbolizes the blood of Jesus. the precious blood of Christ that flowed the precious blood of Christ that flowed the precious blood of Christ that flowed from his hands and his feet and his body from his hands and his feet and his body from his hands and his feet and his body as he hung on the cross of Calvary for as he hung on the cross of Calvary for as he hung on the cross of Calvary for each of us. The blood of Jesus that each of us. The blood of Jesus that each of us. The blood of Jesus that helps us to overcome sin. In Revelation helps us to overcome sin. In Revelation helps us to overcome sin. In Revelation it says they overcame him by the blood it says they overcame him by the blood it says they overcame him by the blood of the lamb. The blood of Jesus that of the lamb. The blood of Jesus that of the lamb. The blood of Jesus that forgives us of our sin. The Bible says forgives us of our sin. The Bible says forgives us of our sin. The Bible says if we will confess our sin, he's if we will confess our sin, he's if we will confess our sin, he's faithful and just to forgive us our sin faithful and just to forgive us our sin faithful and just to forgive us our sin and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. Let's pray now. Lord, Let's pray now. Lord, Let's pray now. Lord, we hold this cup and we do this in we hold this cup and we do this in we hold this cup and we do this in remembrance of me. Thank you remembrance remembrance of me. Thank you remembrance remembrance of me. Thank you remembrance of you. Thank you for shedding your of you. Thank you for shedding your of you. Thank you for shedding your blood for us. Words cannot express our gratitude. Words cannot express our gratitude. We pray this in Jesus' name. Let's We pray this in Jesus' name. Let's We pray this in Jesus' name. Let's partake together.

>> Thank you, Pastor Craig. And amen. What >> Thank you, Pastor Craig. And amen. What a wonderful recounting of what Jesus did a wonderful recounting of what Jesus did a wonderful recounting of what Jesus did for us and a remembrance time that is so for us and a remembrance time that is so for us and a remembrance time that is so personal as we receive communion personal as we receive communion personal as we receive communion together. Hey, we went a little long, together. Hey, we went a little long, together. Hey, we went a little long, but that's great because man, God has but that's great because man, God has but that's great because man, God has blessed us and visit us here. If you blessed us and visit us here. If you blessed us and visit us here. If you receive Christ, stop by the back room. receive Christ, stop by the back room. receive Christ, stop by the back room. If you're new to Harvest, stop by the If you're new to Harvest, stop by the If you're new to Harvest, stop by the booth on the patio on the way out. And booth on the patio on the way out. And booth on the patio on the way out. And lastly, if you are not in a small group lastly, if you are not in a small group lastly, if you are not in a small group and you want to be, you can go into the and you want to be, you can go into the and you want to be, you can go into the space. I will be there. Casey is going space. I will be there. Casey is going space. I will be there. Casey is going to be there. Look for our friendly faces to be there. Look for our friendly faces to be there. Look for our friendly faces and we will get you plugged in. men's, and we will get you plugged in. men's, and we will get you plugged in. men's, women's, small groups across the board. women's, small groups across the board. women's, small groups across the board. Please, if you don't want to be in a Please, if you don't want to be in a Please, if you don't want to be in a small group, change your mind and want small group, change your mind and want small group, change your mind and want to be in a small group. Let's stand to to be in a small group. Let's stand to to be in a small group. Let's stand to pray as we go on out. Thank you, worship pray as we go on out. Thank you, worship pray as we go on out. Thank you, worship team. We'll play them out, but I'm going team. We'll play them out, but I'm going team. We'll play them out, but I'm going to dismiss them. And what a wonderful to dismiss them. And what a wonderful to dismiss them. And what a wonderful morning this morning. Amen. Lord, thank morning this morning. Amen. Lord, thank morning this morning. Amen. Lord, thank you for your love for us. Thank you for you for your love for us. Thank you for you for your love for us. Thank you for your great blessing in our lives. Thank your great blessing in our lives. Thank your great blessing in our lives. Thank you for what you did for us. Done. It is you for what you did for us. Done. It is you for what you did for us. Done. It is done and we stand on the rock of our done and we stand on the rock of our done and we stand on the rock of our salvation who is Jesus Christ.

salvation who is Jesus Christ. salvation who is Jesus Christ. Amen. Amen. Amen. God bless you guys. Thank you. Who breaks the power Who breaks the power of sin? of sin? of sin? Whose love is mighty Whose love is mighty Whose love is mighty and so much stronger. The king of glory. and so much stronger. The king of glory. and so much stronger. The king of glory. The king above all kings. The king above all kings. The king above all kings. Who shakes the whole earth. Who shakes the whole earth. Who shakes the whole earth. Who shakes the holer with holy thunder. Who shakes the holer with holy thunder. Who shakes the holer with holy thunder. Who leaves us breathless Who leaves us breathless Who leaves us breathless in awe and wonder. The king of glory. in awe and wonder. The king of glory. in awe and wonder. The king of glory. The king above all kings. Come on, sing The king above all kings. Come on, sing The king above all kings. Come on, sing this with us. This is amazing grace.

brings our chaos. Who brings our chaos brings our chaos. Who brings our chaos back into order? Who makes the orphan a back into order? Who makes the orphan a back into order? Who makes the orphan a son and daughter? son and daughter? son and daughter? The king of glory. The king of glory. The king of glory. The king of glory. The king of glory. The king of glory. who rules the nation who rules the nation who rules the nation with truth and justice shines like the with truth and justice shines like the with truth and justice shines like the sun in all of his brilliance. The king sun in all of his brilliance. The king sun in all of his brilliance. The king of glory, of glory, of glory, the king above all kings. This is This is all praise to the one who saved my life. all praise to the one who saved my life. all praise to the one who saved my life. All praise to Jesus Christ, our king of All praise to Jesus Christ, our king of All praise to Jesus Christ, our king of heaven, my king forever.

Lift my hands up, lay my life down, my Lift my hands up, lay my life down, my life down. I lift my hands up, lay my life down. My I lift my hands up, lay my life down. My life now for you. life now for you. life now for you. And I lift my hands up, lay my life And I lift my hands up, lay my life And I lift my hands up, lay my life down, my life down for you. down, my life down for you. down, my life down for you. I lift my heads up, lay my life down. My I lift my heads up, lay my life down. My I lift my heads up, lay my life down. My whole life now is for you. whole life now is for you. whole life now is for you. And I lift my hands up, lay my life And I lift my hands up, lay my life And I lift my hands up, lay my life down, my life down for you. down, my life down for you. down, my life down for you. IS And all praise to the Lord most high.

And all praise to the Lord most high. All praise to the one who saved my life. All praise to the one who saved my life. All praise to the one who saved my life. All praise to Jesus Christ. All praise to Jesus Christ. All praise to Jesus Christ. King of heaven. King of heaven. King of heaven. I came forever. I came forever. I came forever. All praise to the Lord most high. All praise to the Lord most high. All praise to the Lord most high. All praise to the wonder save my life. All praise to the wonder save my life. All praise to the wonder save my life. All praise to Jesus Christ my king of All praise to Jesus Christ my king of All praise to Jesus Christ my king of heaven. My king forever I