Prestonwood Baptist Church August 17, 2026 1h 18m

North Campus | Jonathan Teague | The Way Forward | Prestonwood Baptist Church

Name: North Campus | Jonathan Teague | The Way Forward | Prestonwood Baptist Church
Uploaded: 2026-08-17T04:08:49+00:00
Duration: 1 h 18 min 33 s
Description: The sermon's theme is the freedom and transformation found through salvation in Jesus Christ. It references the deliverance from sin and the new life received through calling on Jesus, echoing themes of redemption and being born again. The practical takeaway is that through Christ's sacrifice, we are forgiven, cleansed, and no longer defined by our past but by a new identity in Him.

Read full transcript 69 segments

Hey everyone, welcome to Prestonwood. Hey everyone, welcome to Prestonwood. We're so glad you chose to worship with We're so glad you chose to worship with We're so glad you chose to worship with us today right here [music] at our North us today right here [music] at our North us today right here [music] at our North Campus. Whether you're watching from Campus. Whether you're watching from Campus. Whether you're watching from home, traveling, or joining us for the home, traveling, or joining us for the home, traveling, or joining us for the very first time, [music] you're a part very first time, [music] you're a part very first time, [music] you're a part of what God is doing here, and we're of what God is doing here, and we're of what God is doing here, and we're truly grateful you're with us. Our hope truly grateful you're with us. Our hope truly grateful you're with us. Our hope is that today's service encourages you, is that today's service encourages you, is that today's service encourages you, strengthens your faith, [music] and strengthens your faith, [music] and strengthens your faith, [music] and helps you take the next step in your helps you take the next step in your helps you take the next step in your walk with Christ. To follow along and walk with Christ. To follow along and walk with Christ. To follow along and stay engaged, [music] you can text the stay engaged, [music] you can text the stay engaged, [music] you can text the word connect to 55125, word connect to 55125, word connect to 55125, and you'll receive a link to a broadcast and you'll receive a link to a broadcast and you'll receive a link to a broadcast registration [music] registration [music] registration [music] form where we can get to know you form where we can get to know you form where we can get to know you better. Wherever you are joining us better. Wherever you are joining us better. Wherever you are joining us from, we believe God has something from, we believe God has something from, we believe God has something meaningful [music] for you today. And meaningful [music] for you today. And meaningful [music] for you today. And from right where you are, our service from right where you are, our service from right where you are, our service begins now. >> Morning.
>> Morning. Welcome to church. Let's stand and Welcome to church. Let's stand and Welcome to church. Let's stand and worship together. We'll sing this. [music] We'll sing this. [music] I was bound in [singing] sin, but now I was bound in [singing] sin, but now I was bound in [singing] sin, but now I'm free. My savior broke those chains right off My savior broke those chains right off of me. My new life can't [music and singing] My new life can't [music and singing] fit in my old dreams. Ever since the day that Ever since the day that [singing and music] I got saved, [singing and music] I got saved, [singing and music] I got saved, saved, saved, saved, free and delivered, washed clean, my free and delivered, washed clean, my free and delivered, washed clean, my sins [music and singing] forgiven, sins [music and singing] forgiven, sins [music and singing] forgiven, and glory to His holy [singing] name. and glory to His holy [singing] name. and glory to His holy [singing] name. When I called on Jesus, [music] When I called on Jesus, [music] When I called on Jesus, [music] I got saved.
>> [music] >> [music] >> I was born with [singing] blood on >> I was born with [singing] blood on >> I was born with [singing] blood on Calvary. Calvary. Calvary. So, what? God God >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> wrote this story >> wrote this story >> wrote this story in victory. >> [music] >> [music] >> Burying with Him, with Him, [singing] I >> Burying with Him, with Him, [singing] I >> Burying with Him, with Him, [singing] I am raised. am raised. am raised. >> [music] >> Ever since [music] >> Ever since [music] the day that I got saved, the day that I got saved, the day that I got saved, saved, saved, saved, >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> free and delivered, washed clean, my >> free and delivered, washed clean, my >> free and delivered, washed clean, my sins [music] forgiven, sins [music] forgiven, sins [music] forgiven, and glory [singing] and glory [singing] and glory [singing] to His holy to His holy to His holy name. name. name. When [music and singing] I called on When [music and singing] I called on When [music and singing] I called on Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, I got saved. I got saved. I got saved. >> [music] Hallelujah Hallelujah [music] since that day. When I called on [music] since that day. When I called on [music] since that day. When I called on [music] Jesus, I got [singing] saved.
[music] Jesus, I got [singing] saved. [music] Jesus, I got [singing] saved. Yeah, Hey. Hey. >> I'm not who >> I'm not who >> I'm not who >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> I used >> I used >> I used to be. I got the to be. I got the to be. I got the Holy Holy Holy Spirit down inside of me. My God calls Spirit down inside of me. My God calls Spirit down inside of me. My God calls me by a brand new name. me by a brand new name. me by a brand new name. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> That's how I know that >> That's how I know that >> That's how I know that I am chosen, spoken for and born again. I am chosen, spoken for and born again. I am chosen, spoken for and born again. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> Not by >> Not by >> Not by my might, my might, my might, but because of him. but because of him. but because of him. He said He said He said >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> it's done. Every debt is >> it's done. Every debt is >> it's done. Every debt is paid. That's [music] how I know that paid. That's [music] how I know that paid. That's [music] how I know that I am I am I am not who not who not who I used [music] to be. I got the I used [music] to be. I got the I used [music] to be. I got the Holy Spirit Holy Spirit Holy Spirit >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> down inside >> down inside >> down inside of me. of me. of me. My God calls me by a brand new name. My God calls me by a brand new name. My God calls me by a brand new name. That's [music] how I know that That's [music] how I know that That's [music] how I know that I am I am I am chosen, chosen, chosen, spoken spoken spoken >> [music and singing] >> [music and singing] >> [music and singing] >> for and born again.
>> for and born again. >> for and born again. Not by Not by Not by my might, my might, my might, but because of but because of but because of him. He said him. He said him. He said it's done. it's done. >> [music and singing] >> Every debt >> Every debt >> Every debt is paid. is paid. is paid. That's how I know that I am That's how I know that I am That's how I know that I am >> [music and singing] >> [music and singing] >> [music and singing] >> saved, >> saved, >> saved, saved, saved, saved, free free free and delivered, and delivered, and delivered, washed washed washed clean. clean. clean. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> My sin forgiven. >> My sin forgiven. >> My sin forgiven. Glory Glory Glory to his holy to his holy to his holy name. name. name. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> When >> When >> When >> [singing] >> [singing] >> [singing] >> I called >> I called >> I called on Jesus, on Jesus, on Jesus, I got [music] saved, I got [music] saved, I got [music] saved, saved, free and delivered, saved, free and delivered, saved, free and delivered, washed washed washed clean. clean. clean. My sin forgiven. My sin forgiven. My sin forgiven. Glory [music] Glory [music] Glory [music] to to to his holy his holy his holy name. name. name. When When When I called I called I called >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> on Jesus, >> on Jesus, >> on Jesus, I got saved. >> Come on, church.
>> Come on, church. Are you thankful to be saved? Are you thankful to be saved? Are you thankful to be saved? Are you grateful to have your soul paid Are you grateful to have your soul paid Are you grateful to have your soul paid for by the blood of Jesus? I know I am for by the blood of Jesus? I know I am for by the blood of Jesus? I know I am today. today. today. It's time to worship. [music] It's time to worship. [music] It's time to worship. [music] Let's lift a song. Let's lift a song. Let's lift a song. >> I count on one thing. >> I count on one thing. >> I count on one thing. The same God that never fails The same God that never fails The same God that never fails [singing and music] [singing and music] [singing and music] will not fail me now. You won't fail me will not fail me now. You won't fail me will not fail me now. You won't fail me now now now in the waiting. [music and singing] The same God who's never late is working The same God who's never late is working all [music and singing] things out. all [music and singing] things out. all [music and singing] things out. You're working all things out. You're working all things out. You're working all things out. Oh, yes, I [music and singing] will lift Oh, yes, I [music and singing] will lift Oh, yes, I [music and singing] will lift you high you high you high in the lowest valley. in the lowest valley. in the lowest valley. [singing and music] Yes, I [singing and music] Yes, I [singing and music] Yes, I will bless your name. >> [music] >> [music] >> Oh, yes, I will sing for joy when my >> Oh, yes, I will sing for joy when my >> Oh, yes, I will sing for joy when my heart is heavy all heart is heavy all heart is heavy all my my my >> [music and singing] >> [music and singing] >> [music and singing] >> days.
>> days. >> days. Oh, yes, I Oh, yes, I Oh, yes, I will. will. will. >> [music] >> Oh, yes, I will. >> Oh, yes, I will. >> [singing] >> Hey, I know you know this song. Let's >> Hey, I know you know this song. Let's sing it together. [music] I count on one sing it together. [music] I count on one sing it together. [music] I count on one thing. thing. thing. >> I count on one thing. [singing] The same >> I count on one thing. [singing] The same >> I count on one thing. [singing] The same God. God. God. The same God that never fails will not The same God that never fails will not The same God that never fails will not fail [music and singing] me now. fail [music and singing] me now. fail [music and singing] me now. You won't fail me now. You won't fail me now. You won't fail me now. >> [music and singing] >> [music and singing] >> [music and singing] >> In the waiting. >> In the waiting. >> In the waiting. The same God [music] who's never late The same God [music] who's never late The same God [music] who's never late is working all things out. is working all things out. is working all things out. You're working [music] all things out. You're working [music] all things out. You're working [music] all things out. Come on. Come on. Come on. Oh, yes, Oh, yes, Oh, yes, >> [singing and music] >> [singing and music] >> [singing and music] >> I will >> I will >> I will lift you high lift you high lift you high in the in the in the lowest valley. Yes, lowest valley. Yes, lowest valley. Yes, >> [singing] >> [singing] >> [singing] >> I will >> I will >> I will bless your name. bless your name. bless your name. >> [music] >> Oh, yes, >> Oh, yes, I will I will I will sing for [music] joy sing for [music] joy sing for [music] joy when my heart is heavy when my heart is heavy when my heart is heavy >> [singing] >> [singing] >> [singing] >> all my [music] days.
>> all my [music] days. >> all my [music] days. Oh, yes, Oh, yes, Oh, yes, I will I will I will for all for all for all my days. my days. my days. >> [singing] >> [singing] >> [singing] >> Oh, yes, [music] >> Oh, yes, [music] >> Oh, yes, [music] I will I will I will and I choose to praise. and I choose to praise. and I choose to praise. Come on, lift your hands to glorify, Come on, lift your hands to glorify, Come on, lift your hands to glorify, glorify [music] glorify [music] glorify [music] the name of all that nothing can stand against that nothing can stand against and I choose [music] to praise. and I choose [music] to praise. and I choose [music] to praise. Yes, I do Yes, I do Yes, I do to glorify, to glorify, to glorify, glorify [singing] glorify [singing] glorify [singing] the name of all the name of all the name of all names. names. names. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> That nothing can stand against. Here we >> That nothing can stand against. Here we >> That nothing can stand against. Here we go. I choose to praise. go. I choose to praise. go. I choose to praise. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> Let's glorify. To glorify, glorify the >> Let's glorify. To glorify, glorify the >> Let's glorify. To glorify, glorify the name of all name of all name of all >> [music and singing] >> [music and singing] >> [music and singing] >> names. That nothing can stand against and I That nothing can stand against and I choose to praise. choose to praise. choose to praise. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> Oh, >> Oh, >> Oh, to glorify, to glorify, to glorify, glorify the name glorify the name >> [music] >> the name of Jesus. >> the name of Jesus. >> the name of Jesus. That nothing can stand against.
That nothing can stand against. That nothing can stand against. Oh, [music] yes, Oh, [music] yes, Oh, [music] yes, I will lift you high in the lowest valley. in the lowest valley. Bless your name. Oh, yes, Oh, yes, >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> I will >> I will >> I will Sing for joy Sing for joy Sing for joy when my heart [music] is heavy when my heart [music] is heavy when my heart [music] is heavy all my all my all my days. days. days. Oh, yes, Oh, yes, Oh, yes, yes, I will [music] yes, I will [music] yes, I will [music] for for for all my all my all my days. days. days. Oh, yes, Oh, yes, Oh, yes, >> [music and singing] >> [music and singing] >> [music and singing] >> I will >> I will >> I will for all my for all my for all my days. days. days. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> Oh, yes, I >> [music] >> [music] >> You know, I hope that's your declaration >> You know, I hope that's your declaration >> You know, I hope that's your declaration in this place today. No matter what, no in this place today. No matter what, no in this place today. No matter what, no matter the season, no matter [music] the matter the season, no matter [music] the matter the season, no matter [music] the circumstance, circumstance, circumstance, I choose to praise the Lord. I hope I choose to praise the Lord. I hope I choose to praise the Lord. I hope that's your prayer. Before you're that's your prayer. Before you're that's your prayer. Before you're seated, turn to someone right now you're seated, turn to someone right now you're seated, turn to someone right now you're standing right next [music] to.
standing right next [music] to. standing right next [music] to. Let's warm up God's house today by a Let's warm up God's house today by a Let's warm up God's house today by a friendly smile, a warm handshake. friendly smile, a warm handshake. friendly smile, a warm handshake. Introduce [music] yourself to someone Introduce [music] yourself to someone Introduce [music] yourself to someone you don't already know. Amen. Amen. And we are [music] very excited this And we are [music] very excited this And we are [music] very excited this morning. We have one coming to be morning. We have one coming to be morning. We have one coming to be baptized in this service. So, turn your baptized in this service. So, turn your baptized in this service. So, turn your attention now to the baptistery. And attention now to the baptistery. And attention now to the baptistery. And church, can we celebrate this morning church, can we celebrate this morning church, can we celebrate this morning together this changed life to the glory together this changed life to the glory together this changed life to the glory of God? of God? of God? Well, good morning, church. This is my Well, good morning, church. This is my Well, good morning, church. This is my friend Tinley Lutchford. Tinley, I'm so friend Tinley Lutchford. Tinley, I'm so friend Tinley Lutchford. Tinley, I'm so proud of the decision you made to follow proud of the decision you made to follow proud of the decision you made to follow Jesus. I've got one question. Are you Jesus. I've got one question. Are you Jesus. I've got one question. Are you following Christ today because you've following Christ today because you've following Christ today because you've accepted as your personal Lord and accepted as your personal Lord and accepted as your personal Lord and Savior? Savior? Savior? >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Amen. Well, based on that public >> Amen. Well, based on that public >> Amen. Well, based on that public profession of faith in him and obedience profession of faith in him and obedience profession of faith in him and obedience to Christ's command, it's my privilege to Christ's command, it's my privilege to Christ's command, it's my privilege to baptize you, my sister, in the name to baptize you, my sister, in the name to baptize you, my sister, in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy of the Father, the Son, and the Holy of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Buried with Christ in baptism, Spirit. Buried with Christ in baptism, Spirit. Buried with Christ in baptism, raised to walk in new life.
raised to walk in new life. raised to walk in new life. >> [applause and music] >> Oh, man, isn't that good? Tinley, we're >> Oh, man, isn't that good? Tinley, we're so proud of you. And Adam Cox, thank you so proud of you. And Adam Cox, thank you so proud of you. And Adam Cox, thank you for leading in that baptism and good for leading in that baptism and good for leading in that baptism and good morning and welcome to launch Sunday. morning and welcome to launch Sunday. morning and welcome to launch Sunday. Are you glad to be in the house of the Are you glad to be in the house of the Are you glad to be in the house of the Lord today? Let me hear from you 9:15. Lord today? Let me hear from you 9:15. Lord today? Let me hear from you 9:15. Come on. Come on. Come on. >> [applause] >> [applause] >> [applause] >> It is great to see you today and if >> It is great to see you today and if >> It is great to see you today and if you're a guest here this morning, you're a guest here this morning, you're a guest here this morning, whether it's your very first time or whether it's your very first time or whether it's your very first time or you've been visiting with us for a you've been visiting with us for a you've been visiting with us for a little while and you're finding your way little while and you're finding your way little while and you're finding your way into a a new schedule and a new Sunday into a a new schedule and a new Sunday into a a new schedule and a new Sunday morning rhythm with us. I'm so glad that morning rhythm with us. I'm so glad that morning rhythm with us. I'm so glad that you are here. My name is Jonathan. I you are here. My name is Jonathan. I you are here. My name is Jonathan. I have the joy of serving here as our have the joy of serving here as our have the joy of serving here as our pastor here at our North Campus at pastor here at our North Campus at pastor here at our North Campus at Prestonwood and whether you're in the Prestonwood and whether you're in the Prestonwood and whether you're in the room or online with us this morning, room or online with us this morning, room or online with us this morning, both of our services both of our services both of our services connecting with our online community connecting with our online community connecting with our online community today and every Sunday going forward and today and every Sunday going forward and today and every Sunday going forward and so all of our online community thank you so all of our online community thank you so all of our online community thank you for being a part of our worship today. for being a part of our worship today. for being a part of our worship today. You are welcome in this place from You are welcome in this place from You are welcome in this place from wherever you are joining us and it is a wherever you are joining us and it is a wherever you are joining us and it is a joy and a blessing to be together. So joy and a blessing to be together. So joy and a blessing to be together. So guests, I want to just say guests, I want to just say guests, I want to just say that as you get to know us better today, that as you get to know us better today, that as you get to know us better today, we would love to get to know you and we would love to get to know you and we would love to get to know you and here's how that can happen. Sometime here's how that can happen. Sometime here's how that can happen. Sometime during this service, if you would take during this service, if you would take during this service, if you would take out your mobile device and just text the out your mobile device and just text the out your mobile device and just text the word connect to the number 55125.
word connect to the number 55125. word connect to the number 55125. When you do, some information will pop When you do, some information will pop When you do, some information will pop up right there on your screen. Fill that up right there on your screen. Fill that up right there on your screen. Fill that out for us. That is your gift back to us out for us. That is your gift back to us out for us. That is your gift back to us just to let us know that you were here just to let us know that you were here just to let us know that you were here and how we can connect with you and and how we can connect with you and and how we can connect with you and follow up to encourage you about all follow up to encourage you about all follow up to encourage you about all that God's doing in the life of our that God's doing in the life of our that God's doing in the life of our church. And guests, we would love to church. And guests, we would love to church. And guests, we would love to meet you in person after this service. meet you in person after this service. meet you in person after this service. Head right out to our atrium to guest Head right out to our atrium to guest Head right out to our atrium to guest central right there in the middle of our central right there in the middle of our central right there in the middle of our atrium and Camille Ramsey and her team atrium and Camille Ramsey and her team atrium and Camille Ramsey and her team would love to meet you and talk with you would love to meet you and talk with you would love to meet you and talk with you and get to know you better and share and get to know you better and share and get to know you better and share information with you about our church. information with you about our church. information with you about our church. We also have a gift that I would love to We also have a gift that I would love to We also have a gift that I would love to give you today. It's a book by our give you today. It's a book by our give you today. It's a book by our senior pastor Dr. Jack Graham called senior pastor Dr. Jack Graham called senior pastor Dr. Jack Graham called Visible Faith and I'd love to put that Visible Faith and I'd love to put that Visible Faith and I'd love to put that in your hand today on the way out before in your hand today on the way out before in your hand today on the way out before you go today. I also want to make sure you go today. I also want to make sure you go today. I also want to make sure you know about some exciting things you know about some exciting things you know about some exciting things happening in the life of our church. happening in the life of our church. happening in the life of our church. This Wednesday night, we are kicking off This Wednesday night, we are kicking off This Wednesday night, we are kicking off our Wednesday night midweek ministries. our Wednesday night midweek ministries. our Wednesday night midweek ministries. All of our programming for kids and for All of our programming for kids and for All of our programming for kids and for students and adults for us as well. Our students and adults for us as well. Our students and adults for us as well. Our midweek conversations are coming back midweek conversations are coming back midweek conversations are coming back and we've got an incredible plan for you and we've got an incredible plan for you and we've got an incredible plan for you this fall for moms and dads, husbands this fall for moms and dads, husbands this fall for moms and dads, husbands and wives to come and be discipled. and wives to come and be discipled. and wives to come and be discipled. We're going to talk more about that in We're going to talk more about that in We're going to talk more about that in the message. We've got kids choir, so the message. We've got kids choir, so the message. We've got kids choir, so many wonderful opportunities for you and many wonderful opportunities for you and many wonderful opportunities for you and your family to engage. I hope you will your family to engage. I hope you will your family to engage. I hope you will take advantage of those beginning this take advantage of those beginning this take advantage of those beginning this Wednesday night. We serve a meal at 5:30 Wednesday night. We serve a meal at 5:30 Wednesday night. We serve a meal at 5:30 along with our kids choir starting then along with our kids choir starting then along with our kids choir starting then and all of our programming at 6:30. I and all of our programming at 6:30. I and all of our programming at 6:30. I hope that you will come and be a part of hope that you will come and be a part of hope that you will come and be a part of that. And fellas, one more thing I want that. And fellas, one more thing I want that. And fellas, one more thing I want to say to you. We have an amazing event to say to you. We have an amazing event to say to you. We have an amazing event planned for you men on Saturday, August planned for you men on Saturday, August planned for you men on Saturday, August 29th. It's our Brisket 101. Whether you 29th. It's our Brisket 101. Whether you 29th. It's our Brisket 101. Whether you are a professional brisket maker in your are a professional brisket maker in your are a professional brisket maker in your own mind, all right, or you've never
own mind, all right, or you've never own mind, all right, or you've never done it before and everything in done it before and everything in done it before and everything in between, guys, we'd love to have you between, guys, we'd love to have you between, guys, we'd love to have you come out with us that morning. We're come out with us that morning. We're come out with us that morning. We're going to have some great testimonies of going to have some great testimonies of going to have some great testimonies of faith and we're going to teach you how faith and we're going to teach you how faith and we're going to teach you how to smoke a good brisket, but the biggest to smoke a good brisket, but the biggest to smoke a good brisket, but the biggest thing is we're going to get together as thing is we're going to get together as thing is we're going to get together as men and encourage one another. So, guys, men and encourage one another. So, guys, men and encourage one another. So, guys, I hope you'll mark that date and bring I hope you'll mark that date and bring I hope you'll mark that date and bring somebody with you that needs to know somebody with you that needs to know somebody with you that needs to know about Jesus and meet some incredible about Jesus and meet some incredible about Jesus and meet some incredible guys in the life of our church. Well, in guys in the life of our church. Well, in guys in the life of our church. Well, in just a moment our ushers are going to just a moment our ushers are going to just a moment our ushers are going to come forward, but I want to do something come forward, but I want to do something come forward, but I want to do something special in this service. special in this service. special in this service. You know, it's back to school. Uh our my You know, it's back to school. Uh our my You know, it's back to school. Uh our my kids are back. Many of your kids, I'm kids are back. Many of your kids, I'm kids are back. Many of your kids, I'm sure by now are all back in school and sure by now are all back in school and sure by now are all back in school and we wanted to take an opportunity to do we wanted to take an opportunity to do we wanted to take an opportunity to do something to recognize a very special something to recognize a very special something to recognize a very special group of people and so I want to do group of people and so I want to do group of people and so I want to do something. If you are an educator in the something. If you are an educator in the something. If you are an educator in the house today, you're a teacher, a coach, house today, you're a teacher, a coach, house today, you're a teacher, a coach, an administrator, you're a part of our an administrator, you're a part of our an administrator, you're a part of our PCA community, we love you so much. All PCA community, we love you so much. All PCA community, we love you so much. All of you are educators, would you do of you are educators, would you do of you are educators, would you do something for me? If you are in that something for me? If you are in that something for me? If you are in that space and anywhere in our community, space and anywhere in our community, space and anywhere in our community, would you stand up for me so we can see would you stand up for me so we can see would you stand up for me so we can see you and acknowledge you? Come on. Look you and acknowledge you? Come on. Look you and acknowledge you? Come on. Look around there in church. Let these folks around there in church. Let these folks around there in church. Let these folks know. See you guys in the back. Come on, know. See you guys in the back. Come on, know. See you guys in the back. Come on, right here, PCA. [applause] Love you.
right here, PCA. [applause] Love you. right here, PCA. [applause] Love you. God bless you guys. So, stay standing God bless you guys. So, stay standing God bless you guys. So, stay standing for me. for me. for me. Stay standing. You know, just a moment, we're going to You know, just a moment, we're going to we're going to take our offering, but we're going to take our offering, but we're going to take our offering, but before we do, I want to just say to each before we do, I want to just say to each before we do, I want to just say to each and every one of you that are standing, and every one of you that are standing, and every one of you that are standing, educators, teachers, coaches, leaders, educators, teachers, coaches, leaders, educators, teachers, coaches, leaders, administrators, I want you to hear us administrators, I want you to hear us administrators, I want you to hear us say as a church family that you are say as a church family that you are say as a church family that you are difference makers, difference makers, difference makers, and we love you. Can you say amen to and we love you. Can you say amen to and we love you. Can you say amen to that, church? that, church? that, church? That the work that you do, the That the work that you do, the That the work that you do, the investment that you make in the lives of investment that you make in the lives of investment that you make in the lives of kids here at PCA, across our community, kids here at PCA, across our community, kids here at PCA, across our community, in all of our schools, you are making an in all of our schools, you are making an in all of our schools, you are making an eternal impact. And when you, as a eternal impact. And when you, as a eternal impact. And when you, as a follower of Jesus, shine your light and follower of Jesus, shine your light and follower of Jesus, shine your light and give your life and your love into the give your life and your love into the give your life and your love into the lives of these kids, I'm telling you it lives of these kids, I'm telling you it lives of these kids, I'm telling you it makes an eternal impact in their lives. makes an eternal impact in their lives. makes an eternal impact in their lives. So, family, can we tell these folks one So, family, can we tell these folks one So, family, can we tell these folks one more time how much we love them? Let more time how much we love them? Let more time how much we love them? Let them be seen. Let them be encouraged them be seen. Let them be encouraged them be seen. Let them be encouraged today. God bless [applause] you. God bless [applause] you. All right, I want our ushers to come All right, I want our ushers to come All right, I want our ushers to come forward at this time. And as we forward at this time. And as we forward at this time. And as we continue, believe it or not, even with continue, believe it or not, even with continue, believe it or not, even with back to school, we're still going back to school, we're still going back to school, we're still going through our summertime giving emphasis through our summertime giving emphasis through our summertime giving emphasis all the way through Labor Day weekend.
all the way through Labor Day weekend. all the way through Labor Day weekend. Church, thank you for your faithfulness Church, thank you for your faithfulness Church, thank you for your faithfulness as you continue to give and support the as you continue to give and support the as you continue to give and support the work of the ministries of our church as work of the ministries of our church as work of the ministries of our church as we go forward with the mission that God we go forward with the mission that God we go forward with the mission that God has given us. So, ushers, you come has given us. So, ushers, you come has given us. So, ushers, you come forward now. I want us to pray. We'll forward now. I want us to pray. We'll forward now. I want us to pray. We'll have our time of giving, and then we'll have our time of giving, and then we'll have our time of giving, and then we'll continue to worship together. Lord continue to worship together. Lord continue to worship together. Lord Jesus, thank you for today. Jesus, thank you for today. Jesus, thank you for today. Father, we are grateful. Father, we are grateful. Father, we are grateful. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> We are mindful of your blessings and >> We are mindful of your blessings and >> We are mindful of your blessings and your goodness in our lives. Lord, I your goodness in our lives. Lord, I your goodness in our lives. Lord, I I want to join in the applause and the I want to join in the applause and the I want to join in the applause and the affirmation that we've given to all of affirmation that we've given to all of affirmation that we've given to all of these incredible servant leaders who these incredible servant leaders who these incredible servant leaders who stood [music] today to be recognized. stood [music] today to be recognized. stood [music] today to be recognized. Let them know, Father, that they don't Let them know, Father, that they don't Let them know, Father, that they don't walk alone, that they're loved, that walk alone, that they're loved, that walk alone, that they're loved, that they're prayed for, and that the work they're prayed for, and that the work they're prayed for, and that the work that they do in the lives of kids is that they do in the lives of kids is that they do in the lives of kids is helping to shape a generation. helping to shape a generation. helping to shape a generation. Would you bless them? Would you bless them? Would you bless them? The ministry that you've given them, The ministry that you've given them, The ministry that you've given them, Father, both here at PCA and all Father, both here at PCA and all Father, both here at PCA and all throughout our communities. Folks that throughout our communities. Folks that throughout our communities. Folks that serve day in and day out. Bless them, serve day in and day out. Bless them, serve day in and day out. Bless them, Lord, and encourage them. And now, Lord, and encourage them. And now, Lord, and encourage them. And now, Father, take take our tithes, take our Father, take take our tithes, take our Father, take take our tithes, take our offerings from a place of gratitude. As offerings from a place of gratitude. As offerings from a place of gratitude. As Rick said just a moment ago, from a Rick said just a moment ago, from a Rick said just a moment ago, from a place of thanksgiving for what you've place of thanksgiving for what you've place of thanksgiving for what you've done for us, Jesus.
done for us, Jesus. done for us, Jesus. We don't just give of our finances and We don't just give of our finances and We don't just give of our finances and our stewardship of our home, but we give our stewardship of our home, but we give our stewardship of our home, but we give all of ourselves to you today. all of ourselves to you today. all of ourselves to you today. And let this moment of giving, Father And let this moment of giving, Father And let this moment of giving, Father Lord, just be a Lord, just be a Lord, just be a a portion of our way of saying thank a portion of our way of saying thank a portion of our way of saying thank you, Jesus, you, Jesus, you, Jesus, for what you've done in our lives. And for what you've done in our lives. And for what you've done in our lives. And Lord, we know as we give, Lord, we know as we give, Lord, we know as we give, you'll use [music] it to do amazing you'll use [music] it to do amazing you'll use [music] it to do amazing things for your glory. So, Father, things for your glory. So, Father, things for your glory. So, Father, receive our offering, receive our receive our offering, receive our receive our offering, receive our worship today. Do something special in worship today. Do something special in worship today. Do something special in the lives of people in this place as we the lives of people in this place as we the lives of people in this place as we gather together in your name. And we ask gather together in your name. And we ask gather together in your name. And we ask all this, Jesus, in your mighty name. all this, Jesus, in your mighty name. all this, Jesus, in your mighty name. And all God's people said, And all God's people said, And all God's people said, amen. Let's continue to worship. >> You give life. >> You give life. You are love. You are love. You are love. You bring light You bring light You bring light to the [singing] darkness.
to the [singing] darkness. to the [singing] darkness. You [music] give hope. You [music] give hope. You [music] give hope. You restore You restore You restore every heart that [singing] is broken. Great are [singing] you, Lord. Great are [singing] you, Lord. >> It's your breath. >> It's your breath. >> It's your breath. >> It's your breath >> It's your breath >> It's your breath >> [singing] >> [singing] >> [singing] >> in our lungs. >> in our lungs. >> in our lungs. So, [music] we pour [singing] out our So, [music] we pour [singing] out our So, [music] we pour [singing] out our praise. We pour out our praise. It's praise. We pour out our praise. It's praise. We pour out our praise. It's [music] your breath [music] your breath [music] your breath in our lungs. [singing] in our lungs. [singing] in our lungs. [singing] So, we pour [music] out our praise to So, we pour [music] out our praise to So, we pour [music] out our praise to you [singing] only. >> Great [singing] are you, Lord. >> Great [singing] are you, Lord. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> You give life. >> You give life. >> You give life. >> You give [singing] life. >> You give [singing] life. >> You give [singing] life. You are love. You are love. You are love. You [music] bring [singing] light You [music] bring [singing] light You [music] bring [singing] light to to to the darkness.
the darkness. the darkness. You give hope. You give hope. You give hope. >> You restore >> You restore >> You restore >> restore >> restore >> restore >> every [music and singing] heart. >> every [music and singing] heart. >> every [music and singing] heart. >> every heart >> every heart >> every heart that is broken. that is broken. that is broken. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> We sing >> We sing >> We sing >> Great are you, >> Great are you, >> Great are you, Lord. Lord. Lord. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> It's your breath >> It's your breath >> It's your breath in our lungs, [music and singing] in our lungs, [music and singing] in our lungs, [music and singing] so we pour out our praise. We pour so we pour out our praise. We pour so we pour out our praise. We pour [music] out [singing] our praise. It's [music] out [singing] our praise. It's [music] out [singing] our praise. It's your breath your breath your breath in our lungs, in our lungs, in our lungs, so we [music] pour [singing] out our so we [music] pour [singing] out our so we [music] pour [singing] out our praise. You praise. You praise. You holy. holy. holy. It's your breath It's your breath It's your breath in [music and singing] our lungs, in [music and singing] our lungs, in [music and singing] our lungs, so we pour out our praise. We pour so we pour out our praise. We pour so we pour out our praise. We pour [music and singing] out our praise. It's [music and singing] out our praise. It's [music and singing] out our praise. It's your breath your breath your breath in our lungs, [music and singing] in our lungs, [music and singing] in our lungs, [music and singing] so we pour out our praise. You only. so we pour out our praise. You only. so we pour out our praise. You only. >> [music] >> And only for [music and singing] you, >> And only for [music and singing] you, Lord.
Come on, we declare this [music] Come on, we declare this [music] together. All the earth. together. All the earth. together. All the earth. >> And all the [singing] >> And all the [singing] >> And all the [singing] earth will shout your praise. Our hearts earth will shout your praise. Our hearts earth will shout your praise. Our hearts will cry. These [music and singing] will cry. These [music and singing] will cry. These [music and singing] bones will sing. bones will sing. bones will sing. >> We sing great. >> We sing great. >> We sing great. >> Great All the [music] earth. All the [music] earth. And all the [singing] earth will shout And all the [singing] earth will shout And all the [singing] earth will shout your praise. Our [music] hearts will your praise. Our [music] hearts will your praise. Our [music] hearts will cry. these bones will [singing] sing. cry. these bones will [singing] sing. cry. these bones will [singing] sing. Great Great Great >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] [singing] [singing] [singing] >> are you, Lord. Lord. All the All the All the >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> earth >> earth >> earth will shout your [music and singing] will shout your [music and singing] will shout your [music and singing] praise. Our hearts will cry, these bones praise. Our hearts will cry, these bones praise. Our hearts will cry, these bones will sing. Great will sing. Great will sing. Great >> [music] [singing] [singing] >> are >> are >> are you, Lord. you, Lord. you, Lord. >> [music] >> It's your breath >> It's your breath in our lungs, in our lungs, in our lungs, >> [singing] >> [singing] >> [singing] >> so we [music] pour out our praise.
>> so we [music] pour out our praise. >> so we [music] pour out our praise. We pour We pour We pour out our praise. It's your breath out our praise. It's your breath out our praise. It's your breath in our in our in our >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> lungs, so we [singing] pour out our >> lungs, so we [singing] pour out our >> lungs, so we [singing] pour out our praise [music] to you, Lord. It's praise [music] to you, Lord. It's praise [music] to you, Lord. It's your breath. your breath. your breath. It's your breath in in our lungs, our lungs, our lungs, so so so >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> we pour out >> we pour out >> we pour out our praise. our praise. our praise. We pour out our praise. It's your breath We pour out our praise. It's your breath We pour out our praise. It's your breath in our [music and singing] lungs, in our [music and singing] lungs, in our [music and singing] lungs, so we pour out so we pour out so we pour out our praise to you, Lord. >> [music] >> [music] >> And great are >> And great are >> And great are you, Lord. Church, that's That's powerful worship. Church, that's That's powerful worship. You know, there is power [music] in a You know, there is power [music] in a You know, there is power [music] in a life of gratitude.
life of gratitude. life of gratitude. I'm learning that myself. I'm learning that myself. I'm learning that myself. There's always something to be thankful There's always something to be thankful There's always something to be thankful for. for. for. This hymn This hymn This hymn we've sung it [music] for centuries. It's a great [music] song of gratitude It's a great [music] song of gratitude to sing to the Lord. to sing to the Lord. to sing to the Lord. How great thou art. How great thou art. How great thou art. So, as we sing it, as So, as we sing it, as So, as we sing it, as >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> as we worship our great God today, I >> as we worship our great God today, I >> as we worship our great God today, I want to invite you to step into his want to invite you to step into his want to invite you to step into his presence, [music] to lift your hands in presence, [music] to lift your hands in presence, [music] to lift your hands in adoration, adoration, adoration, and sing unto him. and sing unto him. and sing unto him. >> O Lord my God, [singing] when I in awesome wonder when I in awesome wonder consider [snorts] consider [snorts] consider [snorts] [singing] [singing] [singing] all all all the worlds thy hands have made. I [music] see the stars, I [music] see the stars, and I hear [music and singing] and I hear [music and singing] and I hear [music and singing] the rolling thunder, the rolling thunder, the rolling thunder, thy power through all thy power through all thy power through all the universe the universe the universe displayed.
Then sings my soul, Then sings my soul, >> [music and singing] >> [music and singing] >> [music and singing] >> my Savior >> my Savior >> my Savior God, God, God, to [music and singing] thee. to [music and singing] thee. to [music and singing] thee. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> How great thou art. Then sings [music and singing] Then sings [music and singing] my soul, my soul, my soul, my Savior my Savior my Savior God, God, God, to thee. >> [music] >> [music] >> How great thou art. [singing] >> [music] >> [music] >> How great thou art. How great [music and singing] How great [music and singing] you are. How great How great you are. [music] And when [singing] And when [singing] I think that [music and singing] God his Son not that [music and singing] God his Son not sent Him [music and singing] sent Him [music and singing] sent Him [music and singing] to die.
to die. to die. I scarce can take [singing] I scarce can take [singing] I scarce can take [singing] it in. That [music] on That [music] on the cross my burden gladly [singing] my burden gladly [singing] bearing, [music] bearing, [music] bearing, [music] He bled and died He bled and died He bled and died >> [singing] >> [singing] >> [singing] >> to take >> to take >> to take >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> away my >> away my >> away my sin. sin. sin. >> [singing] >> [singing] >> [singing] >> Then sings [music] >> Then sings [music] >> Then sings [music] my soul, my soul, my soul, my [singing] Savior my [singing] Savior my [singing] Savior God, God, God, >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> to Thee. >> to Thee. >> to Thee. Lift your voices sing. Lift your voices sing. Lift your voices sing. How great [singing] How great [singing] How great [singing] Thou art. [music] Thou art. [music] Thou art. [music] >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> How [singing] great Thou >> How [singing] great Thou >> How [singing] great Thou art. Then sings my [music] soul, Then sings my [music] soul, >> [singing] >> [singing] >> [singing] >> my Savior >> my Savior >> my Savior God, God, God, to Thee. >> [music] >> [music] >> How great [singing] >> How great [singing] >> How great [singing] You are.
How great How great >> [singing] >> [singing] >> [singing] >> You [music] are. How great How great You [music] are. You [music] are. You [music] are. >> One day we'll see Him face to face. >> One day we'll see Him face to face. >> One day we'll see Him face to face. Amen. Amen. Amen. And when Christ shall come [music] with shout of acclamation with shout of acclamation and take me home, and take me home, and take me home, what joy shall fill my heart. what joy shall fill my heart. what joy shall fill my heart. Come on, let's sing. Come on, let's sing. Come on, let's sing. >> Then [music and singing] I >> Then [music and singing] I >> Then [music and singing] I shall bow in [music] humble in [music] humble >> [singing] >> [singing] >> [singing] >> adoration, >> adoration, >> adoration, and there and there and there >> [music] >> proclaim, >> proclaim, >> [singing] >> [singing] >> [singing] >> "My God, how great >> "My God, how great >> "My God, how great >> [music] >> Thou art!" Then sings my soul, >> Thou art!" Then sings my soul, >> [singing] >> [singing] >> [singing] >> "My [music] Savior >> "My [music] Savior >> "My [music] Savior God, God, God, to Thee How [singing] great Thou art!"
How [singing] great Thou art!" >> [music] >> How great Thou >> How great Thou art! art! art! >> [singing] >> [singing] >> [singing] [music] [music] [music] >> Then sings my soul, >> Then sings my soul, >> Then sings my soul, "My [singing] Savior "My [singing] Savior "My [singing] Savior God, God, God, >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> to Thee How great Thou How great Thou >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> art!" How great Thou How great Thou art! Let's declare it, church. art! Let's declare it, church. art! Let's declare it, church. How great How great How great You are! You are! You are! >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] [singing] [singing] [singing] >> How great >> How great >> How great You are! How great How great >> [music and singing] >> [music and singing] >> [music and singing] >> You are! How great How great >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> You are! How [singing] great How [singing] great You are! You are! You are! >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> How great >> How great >> How great You are!
>> Can we praise Him this morning? >> Can we praise Him this morning? Amen. Praise the Lord. You may be Amen. Praise the Lord. You may be Amen. Praise the Lord. You may be seated. >> Is our God great this morning? >> Is our God great this morning? Man, I I think I think I've sung that Man, I I think I think I've sung that Man, I I think I think I've sung that song since I Well, I know I've sung that song since I Well, I know I've sung that song since I Well, I know I've sung that song since I was a little little kid and song since I was a little little kid and song since I was a little little kid and and I don't know about you, but every and I don't know about you, but every and I don't know about you, but every time I sing that song, I don't know how time I sing that song, I don't know how time I sing that song, I don't know how many times I hear it, every time I hear many times I hear it, every time I hear many times I hear it, every time I hear it, I I am just overwhelmed with a sense it, I I am just overwhelmed with a sense it, I I am just overwhelmed with a sense of joy and gratitude and awareness of of joy and gratitude and awareness of of joy and gratitude and awareness of how great our God is. Do you know how how great our God is. Do you know how how great our God is. Do you know how great your God is this morning, church? great your God is this morning, church? great your God is this morning, church? Do you know how good he is, how how good Do you know how good he is, how how good Do you know how good he is, how how good he's been to us? We serve a great and he's been to us? We serve a great and he's been to us? We serve a great and glorious and good God and he is in this glorious and good God and he is in this glorious and good God and he is in this place this morning. Amen.
place this morning. Amen. place this morning. Amen. I want you to turn in your Bibles with I want you to turn in your Bibles with I want you to turn in your Bibles with me to 1 Corinthians chapter 15. We're in me to 1 Corinthians chapter 15. We're in me to 1 Corinthians chapter 15. We're in a series of messages that we're calling a series of messages that we're calling a series of messages that we're calling follow all throughout the summer into follow all throughout the summer into follow all throughout the summer into the month of August. We're learning the month of August. We're learning the month of August. We're learning about what it means to be a disciple of about what it means to be a disciple of about what it means to be a disciple of Jesus. What are the essentials Jesus. What are the essentials Jesus. What are the essentials to walking with Jesus as his follower? to walking with Jesus as his follower? to walking with Jesus as his follower? Last week we talked about spiritual Last week we talked about spiritual Last week we talked about spiritual gifts and serving and today gifts and serving and today gifts and serving and today I want us to talk about the way forward. I want us to talk about the way forward. I want us to talk about the way forward. Several weeks ago, this summer actually, Several weeks ago, this summer actually, Several weeks ago, this summer actually, my oldest daughter, who's my oldest daughter, who's my oldest daughter, who's later today going to head back to Waco later today going to head back to Waco later today going to head back to Waco for her junior year at Baylor. So, if for her junior year at Baylor. So, if for her junior year at Baylor. So, if I'm just in a place this morning, dads, I'm just in a place this morning, dads, I'm just in a place this morning, dads, you can understand what's going on, you can understand what's going on, you can understand what's going on, right? right? right? But several weeks ago, But several weeks ago, But several weeks ago, we were heading up together to we were heading up together to we were heading up together to for her to serve in a wonderful for her to serve in a wonderful for her to serve in a wonderful Christian camp in Missouri. She was Christian camp in Missouri. She was Christian camp in Missouri. She was going to be there for several weeks and going to be there for several weeks and going to be there for several weeks and the plan was that she was going to do the plan was that she was going to do the plan was that she was going to do the majority of the driving until she the majority of the driving until she the majority of the driving until she was kind of tired and then we would was kind of tired and then we would was kind of tired and then we would switch. And so, sure enough, as the day switch. And so, sure enough, as the day switch. And so, sure enough, as the day turned into night, we were making our turned into night, we were making our turned into night, we were making our way through far northern way through far northern way through far northern Arkansas, almost to the Missouri border, Arkansas, almost to the Missouri border, Arkansas, almost to the Missouri border, we decided that we would do a little we decided that we would do a little we decided that we would do a little driver switch.
driver switch. driver switch. And just as circumstances would have it, And just as circumstances would have it, And just as circumstances would have it, the place that we ended up pulling over the place that we ended up pulling over the place that we ended up pulling over at. It was a winding road there and just at. It was a winding road there and just at. It was a winding road there and just kind of a beautiful area out in kind of kind of a beautiful area out in kind of kind of a beautiful area out in kind of the middle of nowhere felt like. the middle of nowhere felt like. the middle of nowhere felt like. And the place that we pulled over was a And the place that we pulled over was a And the place that we pulled over was a little church little church little church right there on the side of the road. And right there on the side of the road. And right there on the side of the road. And hadn't planned on that. It's just what hadn't planned on that. It's just what hadn't planned on that. It's just what we found. In fact, frankly, there in we found. In fact, frankly, there in we found. In fact, frankly, there in that part of northern Arkansas, it was that part of northern Arkansas, it was that part of northern Arkansas, it was the only spot on the road that had a the only spot on the road that had a the only spot on the road that had a street lamp. So, we pulled over. street lamp. So, we pulled over. street lamp. So, we pulled over. And sure enough, as we got out of the And sure enough, as we got out of the And sure enough, as we got out of the car and Caitlin moved to the passenger car and Caitlin moved to the passenger car and Caitlin moved to the passenger seat and I moved to the driver's seat. seat and I moved to the driver's seat. seat and I moved to the driver's seat. As I was getting out, I looked up. I As I was getting out, I looked up. I As I was getting out, I looked up. I couldn't see the name of the church. couldn't see the name of the church. couldn't see the name of the church. But I did see with uh one lamp But I did see with uh one lamp But I did see with uh one lamp illuminating over the roof of the illuminating over the roof of the illuminating over the roof of the church. church. church. I saw a sign over the door. I saw a sign over the door. I saw a sign over the door. And the sign said, "Gather, And the sign said, "Gather, And the sign said, "Gather, train, train, train, send." send." send." And I don't know the name of that little And I don't know the name of that little And I don't know the name of that little church there in northern Arkansas. church there in northern Arkansas. church there in northern Arkansas. But I about decided that night is that But I about decided that night is that But I about decided that night is that church has got something going on.
church has got something going on. church has got something going on. They'd figured something out. In fact, They'd figured something out. In fact, They'd figured something out. In fact, they were so serious about it. They were they were so serious about it. They were they were so serious about it. They were so intentional about their commitment to so intentional about their commitment to so intentional about their commitment to the Lord that they decided that they the Lord that they decided that they the Lord that they decided that they would put what mattered most to them would put what mattered most to them would put what mattered most to them right there on the sign, right there right there on the sign, right there right there on the sign, right there over the door, so you could know what over the door, so you could know what over the door, so you could know what they were all about every time you went they were all about every time you went they were all about every time you went in and every time in and every time in and every time you went out. you went out. you went out. Gather, Gather, Gather, train, train, train, and send. and send. and send. In our text this morning, the Apostle In our text this morning, the Apostle In our text this morning, the Apostle Paul is going to teach us about Paul is going to teach us about Paul is going to teach us about commitment. commitment. commitment. Going to talk to us about for us today Going to talk to us about for us today Going to talk to us about for us today as the church, how we go forward as we as the church, how we go forward as we as the church, how we go forward as we gather, gather, gather, as we train, as we train, as we train, and as we send. Now, you need to know as and as we send. Now, you need to know as and as we send. Now, you need to know as we come to this passage, 1 Corinthians we come to this passage, 1 Corinthians we come to this passage, 1 Corinthians 15 is towards the end of this first 15 is towards the end of this first 15 is towards the end of this first letter from Paul under the inspiration letter from Paul under the inspiration letter from Paul under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit to the believers in of the Holy Spirit to the believers in of the Holy Spirit to the believers in Corinth. And it is an important Corinth. And it is an important Corinth. And it is an important doctrinal, theological book of the doctrinal, theological book of the doctrinal, theological book of the Bible. It has to all kinds of things in Bible. It has to all kinds of things in Bible. It has to all kinds of things in it about church and orderly worship and it about church and orderly worship and it about church and orderly worship and the Lord's Supper and loving one the Lord's Supper and loving one the Lord's Supper and loving one another, and not showing favoritism, and another, and not showing favoritism, and another, and not showing favoritism, and church discipline. I mean, there was a church discipline. I mean, there was a church discipline. I mean, there was a lot going on in 1 Corinthians. But, when lot going on in 1 Corinthians. But, when lot going on in 1 Corinthians. But, when we get to chapter 15, the Apostle Paul, we get to chapter 15, the Apostle Paul, we get to chapter 15, the Apostle Paul, beginning in verse 1, makes a compelling beginning in verse 1, makes a compelling beginning in verse 1, makes a compelling and passionate argument and passionate argument and passionate argument for the resurrection of Jesus from the for the resurrection of Jesus from the for the resurrection of Jesus from the grave. And for the entirety of the grave. And for the entirety of the grave. And for the entirety of the chapter, he is talking about how we know chapter, he is talking about how we know chapter, he is talking about how we know for sure that Jesus has risen from the for sure that Jesus has risen from the for sure that Jesus has risen from the grave, that he is alive. And when we get grave, that he is alive. And when we get grave, that he is alive. And when we get to verse 56, he tells us some things to verse 56, he tells us some things to verse 56, he tells us some things about our hope. And that's where I want
about our hope. And that's where I want about our hope. And that's where I want us to pick up this morning as we think us to pick up this morning as we think us to pick up this morning as we think about our commitment as a church on the about our commitment as a church on the about our commitment as a church on the way forward. 1 Corinthians 15:56 says way forward. 1 Corinthians 15:56 says way forward. 1 Corinthians 15:56 says this, "Now, the sting of death this, "Now, the sting of death this, "Now, the sting of death is sin. is sin. is sin. And the power of sin And the power of sin And the power of sin is the law." But, verse 57 says this, is the law." But, verse 57 says this, is the law." But, verse 57 says this, "But, thanks be to God, who gives us the "But, thanks be to God, who gives us the "But, thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." Can anybody say this morning, "Thank you Can anybody say this morning, "Thank you Can anybody say this morning, "Thank you to God for the victory we have in to God for the victory we have in to God for the victory we have in Jesus?" Jesus?" Jesus?" We have a victory in Jesus that nothing We have a victory in Jesus that nothing We have a victory in Jesus that nothing can take away, not even death or sin or can take away, not even death or sin or can take away, not even death or sin or the grave. Verse 58 says, "Therefore, my the grave. Verse 58 says, "Therefore, my the grave. Verse 58 says, "Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, beloved brothers, be steadfast, beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, immovable, immovable, always abounding always abounding always abounding in the work of the Lord, in the work of the Lord, in the work of the Lord, knowing that knowing that knowing that in the Lord, in the Lord, in the Lord, your labor your labor your labor is not in vain." is not in vain." is not in vain." It's a passage about It's a passage about It's a passage about commitment. And how we go forward as a commitment. And how we go forward as a commitment. And how we go forward as a church this morning is going to be church this morning is going to be church this morning is going to be marked marked marked by those same commitments I saw on that by those same commitments I saw on that by those same commitments I saw on that sign sign sign in front of that beautiful church that in front of that beautiful church that in front of that beautiful church that night in northern Arkansas.
night in northern Arkansas. night in northern Arkansas. It's the commitments that I want us to It's the commitments that I want us to It's the commitments that I want us to make together as we go forward. There's make together as we go forward. There's make together as we go forward. There's three in particular that I want us to three in particular that I want us to three in particular that I want us to emphasize today. Here's the first one. emphasize today. Here's the first one. emphasize today. Here's the first one. As we go forward, I want us to be a As we go forward, I want us to be a As we go forward, I want us to be a church that is marked by a commitment church that is marked by a commitment church that is marked by a commitment to gather. Now, what do we mean by that to gather. Now, what do we mean by that to gather. Now, what do we mean by that when we say a commitment to gather? when we say a commitment to gather? when we say a commitment to gather? Well, we see it right there in verse 58 Well, we see it right there in verse 58 Well, we see it right there in verse 58 from the Apostle Paul. He says the word from the Apostle Paul. He says the word from the Apostle Paul. He says the word "be steadfast." Now, we're going to look "be steadfast." Now, we're going to look "be steadfast." Now, we're going to look at some of these words this morning in at some of these words this morning in at some of these words this morning in this passage and we're going to see how this passage and we're going to see how this passage and we're going to see how powerful their meaning really is in our powerful their meaning really is in our powerful their meaning really is in our lives. Be steadfast. This word can mean lives. Be steadfast. This word can mean lives. Be steadfast. This word can mean a lot of things. It can mean committed. a lot of things. It can mean committed. a lot of things. It can mean committed. It can mean steady. It can mean firm, It can mean steady. It can mean firm, It can mean steady. It can mean firm, but the principle that it points us to but the principle that it points us to but the principle that it points us to is consistency. is consistency. is consistency. I encourage you to write that word down. I encourage you to write that word down. I encourage you to write that word down. Consistency. Consistency. Consistency. That's what, in case you may not know, That's what, in case you may not know, That's what, in case you may not know, the the name of our church, we are the the name of our church, we are the the name of our church, we are Prestonwood Baptist Church here at our Prestonwood Baptist Church here at our Prestonwood Baptist Church here at our North Campus. We are a church. That word North Campus. We are a church. That word North Campus. We are a church. That word church, it it's an important word in the church, it it's an important word in the church, it it's an important word in the New Testament. It's a word that Jesus New Testament. It's a word that Jesus New Testament. It's a word that Jesus introduces, that the Apostle Paul introduces, that the Apostle Paul introduces, that the Apostle Paul teaches about. That the word church is teaches about. That the word church is teaches about. That the word church is is a very important word, but it means is a very important word, but it means is a very important word, but it means more than you think it might mean, that more than you think it might mean, that more than you think it might mean, that you may know. It's the word in the you may know. It's the word in the you may know. It's the word in the original language there, it's the word original language there, it's the word original language there, it's the word ekklesia. It means those that are called ekklesia. It means those that are called ekklesia. It means those that are called out.
out. out. It's what you are. It's what we are as a It's what you are. It's what we are as a It's what you are. It's what we are as a church. But, it always, whenever that church. But, it always, whenever that church. But, it always, whenever that word appears in the New Testament, it word appears in the New Testament, it word appears in the New Testament, it always means called out of something always means called out of something always means called out of something to something. Now, we know that's true to something. Now, we know that's true to something. Now, we know that's true because Paul just told us in verse 56 because Paul just told us in verse 56 because Paul just told us in verse 56 that the sting of death is sin and the that the sting of death is sin and the that the sting of death is sin and the power of sin is the law. And I got I got power of sin is the law. And I got I got power of sin is the law. And I got I got to just tell you this quickly because to just tell you this quickly because to just tell you this quickly because it's it's it's too good just to run it's it's it's too good just to run it's it's it's too good just to run past, but you know, the the the sting of past, but you know, the the the sting of past, but you know, the the the sting of death there, what is it? It's it's sin. death there, what is it? It's it's sin. death there, what is it? It's it's sin. The power's is the law. The law of God The power's is the law. The law of God The power's is the law. The law of God is is his revealed character, the is is his revealed character, the is is his revealed character, the perfect standard of God. And the perfect standard of God. And the perfect standard of God. And the scripture says that all of us have scripture says that all of us have scripture says that all of us have sinned and fallen short of the glory of sinned and fallen short of the glory of sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. Nobody in this room, nobody God. Nobody in this room, nobody God. Nobody in this room, nobody watching our service today is perfect. watching our service today is perfect. watching our service today is perfect. Nobody, including the guy on this Nobody, including the guy on this Nobody, including the guy on this platform, is perfect. All of us are platform, is perfect. All of us are platform, is perfect. All of us are sinners. And the Bible says that the sinners. And the Bible says that the sinners. And the Bible says that the price, the cost, the wage of that sin, price, the cost, the wage of that sin, price, the cost, the wage of that sin, you know what it is, you know what it is, you know what it is, is death. is death. is death. Eternal separation from a holy God. Not Eternal separation from a holy God. Not Eternal separation from a holy God. Not because God hates you, but because God because God hates you, but because God because God hates you, but because God hates sin. hates sin. hates sin. And sin must always be judged.
And sin must always be judged. And sin must always be judged. But I love what the Apostle Paul says, But I love what the Apostle Paul says, But I love what the Apostle Paul says, that we can be steadfast, immovable, that we can be steadfast, immovable, that we can be steadfast, immovable, consistent, that we can be the Lord's consistent, that we can be the Lord's consistent, that we can be the Lord's church called out of something. What church called out of something. What church called out of something. What have you been called out of today? You have you been called out of today? You have you been called out of today? You have been called out of the grave. You have been called out of the grave. You have been called out of the grave. You have moved, if you are in Christ, from have moved, if you are in Christ, from have moved, if you are in Christ, from death to life. So much so that the sting death to life. So much so that the sting death to life. So much so that the sting of death is gone. I love what one of death is gone. I love what one of death is gone. I love what one commentator says about verse 56, that it commentator says about verse 56, that it commentator says about verse 56, that it like a a poisonous desert scorpion that like a a poisonous desert scorpion that like a a poisonous desert scorpion that one sting, the poison could kill you and one sting, the poison could kill you and one sting, the poison could kill you and take your life from you. And Paul is take your life from you. And Paul is take your life from you. And Paul is using the same idea there. Don't miss using the same idea there. Don't miss using the same idea there. Don't miss this. He's using the same idea there to this. He's using the same idea there to this. He's using the same idea there to say that the sting of death that used to say that the sting of death that used to say that the sting of death that used to mean death forever is now gone in mean death forever is now gone in mean death forever is now gone in Christ. Christ. Christ. So death can sting you all at once, So death can sting you all at once, So death can sting you all at once, but it can't kill you. Because if you but it can't kill you. Because if you but it can't kill you. Because if you are in Christ, you are alive because he are in Christ, you are alive because he are in Christ, you are alive because he is alive. is alive. is alive. And so the sting of death is gone. The And so the sting of death is gone. The And so the sting of death is gone. The power of death and sin is in the law, power of death and sin is in the law, power of death and sin is in the law, but because Jesus perfectly fulfilled but because Jesus perfectly fulfilled but because Jesus perfectly fulfilled the standards of the law when he laid the standards of the law when he laid the standards of the law when he laid his life down and took his took my place his life down and took his took my place his life down and took his took my place and your place there on the cross. Now and your place there on the cross. Now and your place there on the cross. Now you and I can celebrate what verse 57 you and I can celebrate what verse 57 you and I can celebrate what verse 57 says, that now we have the victory in says, that now we have the victory in says, that now we have the victory in Jesus. Rick, I guess we could have sung Jesus. Rick, I guess we could have sung Jesus. Rick, I guess we could have sung that one too this morning.
that one too this morning. that one too this morning. We've got victory in Jesus because of We've got victory in Jesus because of We've got victory in Jesus because of what he's accomplished for us at the what he's accomplished for us at the what he's accomplished for us at the cross. So Paul says, "Now be steadfast." cross. So Paul says, "Now be steadfast." cross. So Paul says, "Now be steadfast." Why do we want to be a church that is Why do we want to be a church that is Why do we want to be a church that is marked by a commitment to gather? marked by a commitment to gather? marked by a commitment to gather? Because we want to be steadfast in our Because we want to be steadfast in our Because we want to be steadfast in our faith. We want to be people who are faith. We want to be people who are faith. We want to be people who are consistent. Do you know consistent. Do you know consistent. Do you know that that word ecclesia, church, appears that that word ecclesia, church, appears that that word ecclesia, church, appears in your New Testament in some way 109 in your New Testament in some way 109 in your New Testament in some way 109 times. times. times. Now, I'm not that smart of a guy, but Now, I'm not that smart of a guy, but Now, I'm not that smart of a guy, but that sounds like a trend to me. that sounds like a trend to me. that sounds like a trend to me. 109 times the Bible calls the called out 109 times the Bible calls the called out 109 times the Bible calls the called out people together and every time that word people together and every time that word people together and every time that word appears, it's always together for a appears, it's always together for a appears, it's always together for a purpose. It's as if God's saying, I want purpose. It's as if God's saying, I want purpose. It's as if God's saying, I want you to get together consistently so that you to get together consistently so that you to get together consistently so that you can become steadfast people. So, you can become steadfast people. So, you can become steadfast people. So, here's the principle. here's the principle. here's the principle. Consistent gathering in corporate Consistent gathering in corporate Consistent gathering in corporate worship. I want to say this and I worship. I want to say this and I worship. I want to say this and I believe this. believe this. believe this. Consistent gathering in corporate Consistent gathering in corporate Consistent gathering in corporate worship is necessary worship is necessary worship is necessary to my spiritual formation.
to my spiritual formation. to my spiritual formation. So, when we gather together like this, So, when we gather together like this, So, when we gather together like this, we're not just coming to church, family. we're not just coming to church, family. we're not just coming to church, family. We're a part of something, I believe, We're a part of something, I believe, We're a part of something, I believe, supernatural supernatural supernatural in this place. in this place. in this place. That the scripture would command us to That the scripture would command us to That the scripture would command us to gather and be together. Now, I know some gather and be together. Now, I know some gather and be together. Now, I know some of you were like me, you were raised in of you were like me, you were raised in of you were like me, you were raised in church. church. church. Uh you weren't just raised in Sunday Uh you weren't just raised in Sunday Uh you weren't just raised in Sunday morning church. Some of y'all remember morning church. Some of y'all remember morning church. Some of y'all remember this? You were raised in Sunday night this? You were raised in Sunday night this? You were raised in Sunday night church and you were raised in Tuesday church and you were raised in Tuesday church and you were raised in Tuesday night visitation and Wednesday night night visitation and Wednesday night night visitation and Wednesday night church. And some of you looking at me church. And some of you looking at me church. And some of you looking at me like, you people went to church four like, you people went to church four like, you people went to church four times a week? That was just in the fall times a week? That was just in the fall times a week? That was just in the fall and the in the spring, man. In the and the in the spring, man. In the and the in the spring, man. In the summer, we'd go on weeks and weeks of summer, we'd go on weeks and weeks of summer, we'd go on weeks and weeks of mission trips and VBS and we got after mission trips and VBS and we got after mission trips and VBS and we got after it. And you know, part of me wonders it. And you know, part of me wonders it. And you know, part of me wonders sometimes as a pastor if maybe we've sometimes as a pastor if maybe we've sometimes as a pastor if maybe we've walked away from too much of that. walked away from too much of that. walked away from too much of that. Something about the gathering together. Something about the gathering together. Something about the gathering together. I remember on Sunday nights, man, being I remember on Sunday nights, man, being I remember on Sunday nights, man, being a part of the khaki pants brigade. I'm a part of the khaki pants brigade. I'm a part of the khaki pants brigade. I'm just being honest with you. You'd show just being honest with you. You'd show just being honest with you. You'd show up, you had to be all squared away and up, you had to be all squared away and up, you had to be all squared away and sit on the front, no rolling under the sit on the front, no rolling under the sit on the front, no rolling under the chairs and all those kinds of things. chairs and all those kinds of things. chairs and all those kinds of things. Some of you grew up just like me and I Some of you grew up just like me and I Some of you grew up just like me and I praise God for a mom and dad who brought praise God for a mom and dad who brought praise God for a mom and dad who brought me to church week in and week out. me to church week in and week out. me to church week in and week out. Taught me about the value and the Taught me about the value and the Taught me about the value and the importance of gathering with God's importance of gathering with God's importance of gathering with God's people together, but I know I'm people together, but I know I'm people together, but I know I'm preaching to some people today in the preaching to some people today in the preaching to some people today in the room and online that was not your story.
room and online that was not your story. room and online that was not your story. Sunday morning routine did not involve Sunday morning routine did not involve Sunday morning routine did not involve getting up, putting on your Sunday best, getting up, putting on your Sunday best, getting up, putting on your Sunday best, coming to church, coming to church, coming to church, singing the songs, singing the songs, singing the songs, hearing the scripture. hearing the scripture. hearing the scripture. That was not how you were raised. That's That was not how you were raised. That's That was not how you were raised. That's not what you were pointed to. not what you were pointed to. not what you were pointed to. I know that I'm preaching to somebody I know that I'm preaching to somebody I know that I'm preaching to somebody here maybe this morning here maybe this morning here maybe this morning who who who for you just to for you just to for you just to just to make the move from your front just to make the move from your front just to make the move from your front door to our front door door to our front door door to our front door is a big step because somewhere along is a big step because somewhere along is a big step because somewhere along the way in your journey you got hurt the way in your journey you got hurt the way in your journey you got hurt inside church. Somehow Somehow or maybe somebody or maybe somebody or maybe somebody did something in a way that wounded you did something in a way that wounded you did something in a way that wounded you and bruised you. and bruised you. and bruised you. And it's hard for you And it's hard for you And it's hard for you to take that step to take that step to take that step into a gathering like this into a gathering like this into a gathering like this because it invokes memories and maybe because it invokes memories and maybe because it invokes memories and maybe even some pain. even some pain. even some pain. And I want to tell you no matter where And I want to tell you no matter where And I want to tell you no matter where you find yourself across that spectrum, you find yourself across that spectrum, you find yourself across that spectrum, whether you were raised up in it or whether you were raised up in it or whether you were raised up in it or you're new to it, I'm telling you that you're new to it, I'm telling you that you're new to it, I'm telling you that there's something sweet and good and there's something sweet and good and there's something sweet and good and right about God's people being together right about God's people being together right about God's people being together consistently.
consistently. consistently. It makes a difference in our lives and It makes a difference in our lives and It makes a difference in our lives and our spiritual formation. I want us to be our spiritual formation. I want us to be our spiritual formation. I want us to be the kind of church where we are marked the kind of church where we are marked the kind of church where we are marked by a commitment to gather and I'll give by a commitment to gather and I'll give by a commitment to gather and I'll give you five simple reasons why. you five simple reasons why. you five simple reasons why. Number one, I'm going to tell you this. Number one, I'm going to tell you this. Number one, I'm going to tell you this. I believe we ought to be marked by a I believe we ought to be marked by a I believe we ought to be marked by a commitment to gather because there's commitment to gather because there's commitment to gather because there's something about being together as God's something about being together as God's something about being together as God's people. When we walk in the door people. When we walk in the door people. When we walk in the door together and we see one another and we together and we see one another and we together and we see one another and we love on one another and we encourage one love on one another and we encourage one love on one another and we encourage one another, not only are we reminded that another, not only are we reminded that another, not only are we reminded that we don't walk alone, but listen, this is we don't walk alone, but listen, this is we don't walk alone, but listen, this is a big deal to me as your pastor. Don't a big deal to me as your pastor. Don't a big deal to me as your pastor. Don't miss this, please. It's important to me miss this, please. It's important to me miss this, please. It's important to me that we understand that this church is that we understand that this church is that we understand that this church is for everybody. for everybody. for everybody. I don't care where you come from. I I don't care where you come from. I I don't care where you come from. I don't care how much or how little money don't care how much or how little money don't care how much or how little money you make, the size of your house, the you make, the size of your house, the you make, the size of your house, the kind of car, your background, your kind of car, your background, your kind of car, your background, your story, your skin color, what you look story, your skin color, what you look story, your skin color, what you look like. That doesn't matter to me one bit. like. That doesn't matter to me one bit. like. That doesn't matter to me one bit. What matters to me is that we want to be What matters to me is that we want to be What matters to me is that we want to be together as God's people. together as God's people. together as God's people. And we want to see one another and love And we want to see one another and love And we want to see one another and love on one another and gather for the glory on one another and gather for the glory on one another and gather for the glory of God. People of God. People of God. People People, that's why we ought to gather. I People, that's why we ought to gather. I People, that's why we ought to gather. I think about this every week when think about this every week when think about this every week when Michelle and I are up and moving. You Michelle and I are up and moving. You Michelle and I are up and moving. You say, "Well, man, you're a pastor. You're say, "Well, man, you're a pastor. You're say, "Well, man, you're a pastor. You're paid to be here. This is your job." Let paid to be here. This is your job." Let paid to be here. This is your job." Let me tell you something. I may be a me tell you something. I may be a me tell you something. I may be a pastor. I'm also a church member.
pastor. I'm also a church member. pastor. I'm also a church member. And I want to say to you that one of the And I want to say to you that one of the And I want to say to you that one of the things that we think about as a family things that we think about as a family things that we think about as a family is, "Man, what can we do to help is, "Man, what can we do to help is, "Man, what can we do to help encourage our kids and our family to encourage our kids and our family to encourage our kids and our family to understand that being together like this understand that being together like this understand that being together like this matters." It's you. matters." It's you. matters." It's you. It's the people of our church. I'll tell It's the people of our church. I'll tell It's the people of our church. I'll tell you another reason why you ought to you another reason why you ought to you another reason why you ought to gather. gather. gather. So we can praise. And yes, these five So we can praise. And yes, these five So we can praise. And yes, these five all start with the letter P. I just felt all start with the letter P. I just felt all start with the letter P. I just felt like you might remember them better that like you might remember them better that like you might remember them better that way, okay? way, okay? way, okay? So we can praise the Lord together. So we can praise the Lord together. So we can praise the Lord together. Psalm 122:1 says, "I was glad." Ready? Psalm 122:1 says, "I was glad." Ready? Psalm 122:1 says, "I was glad." Ready? "I was glad when they said to me, let us "I was glad when they said to me, let us "I was glad when they said to me, let us go in the house of the Lord." Some of us go in the house of the Lord." Some of us go in the house of the Lord." Some of us when we pull up in the parking lot, glad when we pull up in the parking lot, glad when we pull up in the parking lot, glad looks a little bit more like sad. Some looks a little bit more like sad. Some looks a little bit more like sad. Some of you marriage, you know, you married of you marriage, you know, you married of you marriage, you know, you married people you're having loving marital people you're having loving marital people you're having loving marital dialogues before that's called a fight dialogues before that's called a fight dialogues before that's called a fight before you get out of the car. You're before you get out of the car. You're before you get out of the car. You're dropping off your kids. You're trying to dropping off your kids. You're trying to dropping off your kids. You're trying to look like you got it together. Listen, look like you got it together. Listen, look like you got it together. Listen, for crying out loud, Prestonwood, can we for crying out loud, Prestonwood, can we for crying out loud, Prestonwood, can we not worry about having it all together? not worry about having it all together? not worry about having it all together? Can we just come in the doors and praise Can we just come in the doors and praise Can we just come in the doors and praise the Lord? the Lord? the Lord? Can we just lift up the name of Jesus? Can we just lift up the name of Jesus? Can we just lift up the name of Jesus? Look, we're we're fooling ourselves if Look, we're we're fooling ourselves if Look, we're we're fooling ourselves if we think everybody in this room has got we think everybody in this room has got we think everybody in this room has got it all together this morning. That we're it all together this morning. That we're it all together this morning. That we're all cleaned up and figured out. We got all cleaned up and figured out. We got all cleaned up and figured out. We got folks in here this morning watching our folks in here this morning watching our folks in here this morning watching our services. Your life is upside down and services. Your life is upside down and services. Your life is upside down and feels like two train wrecks on a feels like two train wrecks on a feels like two train wrecks on a Saturday. It doesn't matter. On Sunday Saturday. It doesn't matter. On Sunday Saturday. It doesn't matter. On Sunday morning, you come praise the Lord and morning, you come praise the Lord and morning, you come praise the Lord and watch the spirit of God move in your watch the spirit of God move in your watch the spirit of God move in your life.
life. life. I'm fired up about this. I'm fired up about this. I'm fired up about this. It's the people of God. It's the praise It's the people of God. It's the praise It's the people of God. It's the praise of God. Listen, it's the principles. of God. Listen, it's the principles. of God. Listen, it's the principles. Why do we gather? Why do we gather? Why do we gather? Because we want to come before the Lord Because we want to come before the Lord Because we want to come before the Lord with an open Bible with an open Bible with an open Bible and an open heart. And we want to ask and an open heart. And we want to ask and an open heart. And we want to ask God what he thinks. We want to ask the God what he thinks. We want to ask the God what he thinks. We want to ask the Lord what he says, and then we want to Lord what he says, and then we want to Lord what he says, and then we want to do what the master says to do. do what the master says to do. do what the master says to do. So, in this church on Sunday mornings in So, in this church on Sunday mornings in So, in this church on Sunday mornings in this pulpit, if you're new, just to let this pulpit, if you're new, just to let this pulpit, if you're new, just to let you know we're a Bible church. you know we're a Bible church. you know we're a Bible church. And I don't mean that by denominational And I don't mean that by denominational And I don't mean that by denominational distinctive, I mean by theological distinctive, I mean by theological distinctive, I mean by theological distinctive. This is a church that distinctive. This is a church that distinctive. This is a church that surrenders and submits to the inspired surrenders and submits to the inspired surrenders and submits to the inspired and inerrant word of God. We preach and and inerrant word of God. We preach and and inerrant word of God. We preach and teach Jesus teach Jesus teach Jesus Jesus crucified, buried, risen, and Jesus crucified, buried, risen, and Jesus crucified, buried, risen, and coming again. We teach Jesus as alive coming again. We teach Jesus as alive coming again. We teach Jesus as alive and can make anyone alive. We teach and and can make anyone alive. We teach and and can make anyone alive. We teach and preach Jesus. I told you this a year ago preach Jesus. I told you this a year ago preach Jesus. I told you this a year ago when I came to be your pastor. I'm when I came to be your pastor. I'm when I came to be your pastor. I'm coming to you with Jesus and nothing coming to you with Jesus and nothing coming to you with Jesus and nothing else.
else. else. It's Christ and Christ alone through It's Christ and Christ alone through It's Christ and Christ alone through faith alone by grace alone. That's what faith alone by grace alone. That's what faith alone by grace alone. That's what we preach here. We come under the we preach here. We come under the we preach here. We come under the principles principles principles of God's word. So, we can know what of God's word. So, we can know what of God's word. So, we can know what we're to do throughout our week. we're to do throughout our week. we're to do throughout our week. I'll tell you another reason why we I'll tell you another reason why we I'll tell you another reason why we gather. gather. gather. It's not only to see one another, see It's not only to see one another, see It's not only to see one another, see the people. the people. the people. It's not just so we can praise. We can It's not just so we can praise. We can It's not just so we can praise. We can get under the principles of God's word. get under the principles of God's word. get under the principles of God's word. Hear me now. Hear me now. Hear me now. We gather consistently because we want We gather consistently because we want We gather consistently because we want to build a priority to build a priority to build a priority in our lives. in our lives. in our lives. There's a lot I could say here. There's a lot I could say here. There's a lot I could say here. There's a lot I could say to young moms There's a lot I could say to young moms There's a lot I could say to young moms and dads and families that you're in and dads and families that you're in and dads and families that you're in that figured out season. You're trying that figured out season. You're trying that figured out season. You're trying to raise these kids, and if I may be so to raise these kids, and if I may be so to raise these kids, and if I may be so bold cuz I'm right there in the middle bold cuz I'm right there in the middle bold cuz I'm right there in the middle of it with you. You're trying to of it with you. You're trying to of it with you. You're trying to navigate all the different teams and navigate all the different teams and navigate all the different teams and clubs and sports and coming and going clubs and sports and coming and going clubs and sports and coming and going and all the other things that pull at and all the other things that pull at and all the other things that pull at your calendar. Y'all know what I'm your calendar. Y'all know what I'm your calendar. Y'all know what I'm talking about. All the other folks that talking about. All the other folks that talking about. All the other folks that want your time including and up to Let want your time including and up to Let want your time including and up to Let me just say it. Including and up to me just say it. Including and up to me just say it. Including and up to Sunday mornings. Can I just ask a Sunday mornings. Can I just ask a Sunday mornings. Can I just ask a generation of parents, let Sunday be the generation of parents, let Sunday be the generation of parents, let Sunday be the Lord's day.
Lord's day. Lord's day. Let it be the Lord's day. Let it be the Lord's day. Let it be the Lord's day. Michelle and I are walking through this Michelle and I are walking through this Michelle and I are walking through this in our when our family as well. We're in our when our family as well. We're in our when our family as well. We're raising kids. We We love all the But raising kids. We We love all the But raising kids. We We love all the But listen, if you'll just be bold enough listen, if you'll just be bold enough listen, if you'll just be bold enough and courageous enough and have the faith and courageous enough and have the faith and courageous enough and have the faith to trust God and gather with his people to trust God and gather with his people to trust God and gather with his people consistently, I'm telling you something consistently, I'm telling you something consistently, I'm telling you something will be built in you. You'll become will be built in you. You'll become will be built in you. You'll become steadfast and immovable and you'll be steadfast and immovable and you'll be steadfast and immovable and you'll be teaching and showing your kids a gospel teaching and showing your kids a gospel teaching and showing your kids a gospel priority that will follow them for a priority that will follow them for a priority that will follow them for a lifetime. lifetime. lifetime. It's a priority to gather. It's a priority to gather. It's a priority to gather. And I know it's hard. And I know it's And I know it's hard. And I know it's And I know it's hard. And I know it's challenging. challenging. challenging. But I also know this, But I also know this, But I also know this, that if God's called us to it that if God's called us to it that if God's called us to it and we're obedient to it, and we're obedient to it, and we're obedient to it, that he will bless us. that he will bless us. that he will bless us. Cuz I'll tell you the other reason we Cuz I'll tell you the other reason we Cuz I'll tell you the other reason we gather and I got to keep going. I got gather and I got to keep going. I got gather and I got to keep going. I got two more points on this deal, but I got two more points on this deal, but I got two more points on this deal, but I got to tell you this. to tell you this. to tell you this. I'll tell you the other reason we gather I'll tell you the other reason we gather I'll tell you the other reason we gather and and church, this means so much to and and church, this means so much to and and church, this means so much to me. me. me. And I know it does to you, too. And I know it does to you, too. And I know it does to you, too. It's because we want to be ready to It's because we want to be ready to It's because we want to be ready to respond to the promptings respond to the promptings respond to the promptings of the Holy Spirit.
of the Holy Spirit. of the Holy Spirit. You know why we gather in this place? You know why we gather in this place? You know why we gather in this place? Why we plan the worship that we do, Why we plan the worship that we do, Why we plan the worship that we do, the times that we pray, the ways that we the times that we pray, the ways that we the times that we pray, the ways that we give? Do you know why when when Rick and give? Do you know why when when Rick and give? Do you know why when when Rick and I and our team are sitting down to plan I and our team are sitting down to plan I and our team are sitting down to plan our worship services, do you know why we our worship services, do you know why we our worship services, do you know why we always take time to talk about the end always take time to talk about the end always take time to talk about the end as much as much as we do the beginning? as much as much as we do the beginning? as much as much as we do the beginning? Because those last few moments of our Because those last few moments of our Because those last few moments of our service when we stand together and we service when we stand together and we service when we stand together and we invite folks to respond in a public invite folks to respond in a public invite folks to respond in a public invitation, that is a part of the DNA of invitation, that is a part of the DNA of invitation, that is a part of the DNA of our church. our church. our church. We believe that the preaching of the We believe that the preaching of the We believe that the preaching of the word of God never returns void. And that word of God never returns void. And that word of God never returns void. And that means in every service, including this means in every service, including this means in every service, including this one, one, one, when the message is done, when the message is done, when the message is done, we're going to pray and we're going to we're going to pray and we're going to we're going to pray and we're going to stand and we're going to anticipate and stand and we're going to anticipate and stand and we're going to anticipate and expect that the Lord is going to move in expect that the Lord is going to move in expect that the Lord is going to move in somebody's life today. somebody's life today. somebody's life today. We gather We gather We gather so that we can have the privilege and so that we can have the privilege and so that we can have the privilege and the joy of responding to the prompting the joy of responding to the prompting the joy of responding to the prompting of the Holy Spirit. of the Holy Spirit. of the Holy Spirit. Some of us today, just by virtue of just Some of us today, just by virtue of just Some of us today, just by virtue of just reading these verses and hearing these reading these verses and hearing these reading these verses and hearing these challenges, we're going to be prompted.
challenges, we're going to be prompted. challenges, we're going to be prompted. Some of you, you're sensing it right now Some of you, you're sensing it right now Some of you, you're sensing it right now in your spirit. Husbands, you're you're in your spirit. Husbands, you're you're in your spirit. Husbands, you're you're sensing a stirring of God in your spirit sensing a stirring of God in your spirit sensing a stirring of God in your spirit right now and you can't quite explain right now and you can't quite explain right now and you can't quite explain it. That is the Holy Spirit of God it. That is the Holy Spirit of God it. That is the Holy Spirit of God telling you that you can be the man he's telling you that you can be the man he's telling you that you can be the man he's called you to be and it could be today called you to be and it could be today called you to be and it could be today that you need to respond and make these that you need to respond and make these that you need to respond and make these steps and altar at the end of this steps and altar at the end of this steps and altar at the end of this service. Don't just run out of here to service. Don't just run out of here to service. Don't just run out of here to the next thing, but come down here and the next thing, but come down here and the next thing, but come down here and pray. Some of you today, like we had two pray. Some of you today, like we had two pray. Some of you today, like we had two men last week in our our last service men last week in our our last service men last week in our our last service last Sunday, when I asked, "Does anybody last Sunday, when I asked, "Does anybody last Sunday, when I asked, "Does anybody want to raise their hand and trust want to raise their hand and trust want to raise their hand and trust Jesus?" Hands went up all over the room Jesus?" Hands went up all over the room Jesus?" Hands went up all over the room and two men came down forward and and two men came down forward and and two men came down forward and trusted Jesus for the very first time. trusted Jesus for the very first time. trusted Jesus for the very first time. They're now saved. They moved from death They're now saved. They moved from death They're now saved. They moved from death to life in real time. Do you understand to life in real time. Do you understand to life in real time. Do you understand that when we respond to the prompting of that when we respond to the prompting of that when we respond to the prompting of the Holy Spirit, miracles can take the Holy Spirit, miracles can take the Holy Spirit, miracles can take place? place? place? That God can rescue a marriage in real That God can rescue a marriage in real That God can rescue a marriage in real time. Some of you walked in here today time. Some of you walked in here today time. Some of you walked in here today and your marriage is holding on to a and your marriage is holding on to a and your marriage is holding on to a thread within a thread and you're thread within a thread and you're thread within a thread and you're wondering if you can make it. What if wondering if you can make it. What if wondering if you can make it. What if the Lord was prompting you today to get the Lord was prompting you today to get the Lord was prompting you today to get right with him and together and a right with him and together and a right with him and together and a miracle could happen in your life. We miracle could happen in your life. We miracle could happen in your life. We gather gather gather consistently consistently consistently because we want to be steadfast as his because we want to be steadfast as his because we want to be steadfast as his people and we know people and we know people and we know we know we know we know that God wants us to do something in our that God wants us to do something in our that God wants us to do something in our midst midst midst when we gather together when we gather together when we gather together as God's church.
as God's church. as God's church. I want us to be marked by something I want us to be marked by something I want us to be marked by something else. I want us to be marked by a else. I want us to be marked by a else. I want us to be marked by a commitment to gather. I want us to be commitment to gather. I want us to be commitment to gather. I want us to be marked by a commitment to train. Let me marked by a commitment to train. Let me marked by a commitment to train. Let me tell you what I mean by this. Come back tell you what I mean by this. Come back tell you what I mean by this. Come back to verse 58 to verse 58 to verse 58 and you'll see what the word of the Lord and you'll see what the word of the Lord and you'll see what the word of the Lord says to us here. Paul says, "I want you says to us here. Paul says, "I want you says to us here. Paul says, "I want you to be steadfast." to be steadfast." to be steadfast." Now, look at this next word in verse 58. Now, look at this next word in verse 58. Now, look at this next word in verse 58. I want you to be immovable. This is a I want you to be immovable. This is a I want you to be immovable. This is a great word. great word. great word. This word immovable, it's the it's the This word immovable, it's the it's the This word immovable, it's the it's the picture of a firm foundation that won't picture of a firm foundation that won't picture of a firm foundation that won't crack. The The idea here is that crack. The The idea here is that crack. The The idea here is that following Jesus in such a way where we following Jesus in such a way where we following Jesus in such a way where we grow deeper in our commitment to never grow deeper in our commitment to never grow deeper in our commitment to never compromise compromise compromise his truth. So, if you're taking notes, his truth. So, if you're taking notes, his truth. So, if you're taking notes, you could write down the next word, the you could write down the next word, the you could write down the next word, the word compromise. word compromise. word compromise. And then write right in front of it, no. And then write right in front of it, no. And then write right in front of it, no. No compromise. Now, if you want to be No compromise. Now, if you want to be No compromise. Now, if you want to be the kind of believer in Jesus, a the kind of believer in Jesus, a the kind of believer in Jesus, a follower in Jesus that's not going to follower in Jesus that's not going to follower in Jesus that's not going to compromise, if you want to become compromise, if you want to become compromise, if you want to become immovable, then you got to make a immovable, then you got to make a immovable, then you got to make a commitment to being trained. This is commitment to being trained. This is commitment to being trained. This is what the scripture says in 1 Timothy what the scripture says in 1 Timothy what the scripture says in 1 Timothy chapter 4, beginning in verse 7, Paul chapter 4, beginning in verse 7, Paul chapter 4, beginning in verse 7, Paul speaking to a young pastor in the faith speaking to a young pastor in the faith speaking to a young pastor in the faith named Timothy and he says, "Have nothing named Timothy and he says, "Have nothing named Timothy and he says, "Have nothing to do with irreverent, silly myths." I to do with irreverent, silly myths." I to do with irreverent, silly myths." I think he's talking about Facebook. I'm think he's talking about Facebook. I'm think he's talking about Facebook. I'm not sure, but it's possible.
He says, "Rather, He says, "Rather, watch this word right here, watch this word right here, watch this word right here, train yourself for godliness. train yourself for godliness. train yourself for godliness. While bodily training is of some value, While bodily training is of some value, While bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way as it godliness is of value in every way as it godliness is of value in every way as it holds promise for the present life and holds promise for the present life and holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come." also for the life to come." also for the life to come." Now, here's the principle you can write Now, here's the principle you can write Now, here's the principle you can write down. You'll see it on the screen. down. You'll see it on the screen. down. You'll see it on the screen. Our commitment to be trained as Our commitment to be trained as Our commitment to be trained as disciples of Jesus disciples of Jesus disciples of Jesus is directly connected to our maturity as is directly connected to our maturity as is directly connected to our maturity as disciples. In other words, disciples. In other words, disciples. In other words, you won't grow you won't grow you won't grow if you don't train. if you don't train. if you don't train. Now, I want to Now, I want to Now, I want to I want to brag on my bride. Um I I want to brag on my bride. Um I I want to brag on my bride. Um I she's awesome in a million ways, but one she's awesome in a million ways, but one she's awesome in a million ways, but one of the things that that Michelle's great of the things that that Michelle's great of the things that that Michelle's great about, she's a very consistent, very about, she's a very consistent, very about, she's a very consistent, very dedicated person. dedicated person. dedicated person. Some years ago, Some years ago, Some years ago, uh she decided that uh she was going to uh she decided that uh she was going to uh she decided that uh she was going to run the Dallas Marathon. I don't know if run the Dallas Marathon. I don't know if run the Dallas Marathon. I don't know if you know what a marathon is for you you know what a marathon is for you you know what a marathon is for you non-runners out there. That's where you non-runners out there. That's where you non-runners out there. That's where you run on purpose without stopping for 26.2 run on purpose without stopping for 26.2 run on purpose without stopping for 26.2 miles for no other reason than to say miles for no other reason than to say miles for no other reason than to say that you did. That's what That's what that you did. That's what That's what that you did. That's what That's what running a marathon is.
running a marathon is. running a marathon is. And I'll tell you what, she did it. She And I'll tell you what, she did it. She And I'll tell you what, she did it. She crushed it. She She had an amazing time. crushed it. She She had an amazing time. crushed it. She She had an amazing time. She finished strong. She finished strong. She finished strong. Um she's I mean, she's just It was Um she's I mean, she's just It was Um she's I mean, she's just It was awesome to cheer her on and watch her awesome to cheer her on and watch her awesome to cheer her on and watch her that day. But I'll tell you, to pull that day. But I'll tell you, to pull that day. But I'll tell you, to pull that off, she had to train. that off, she had to train. that off, she had to train. She had to train a lot. Now, she She had to train a lot. Now, she She had to train a lot. Now, she certainly trained alone. You know, she certainly trained alone. You know, she certainly trained alone. You know, she trained on her own time. trained on her own time. trained on her own time. But I also vividly remember every But I also vividly remember every But I also vividly remember every Saturday morning, and those of you that Saturday morning, and those of you that Saturday morning, and those of you that are runners out there, you know, every are runners out there, you know, every are runners out there, you know, every Saturday morning for weeks and weeks and Saturday morning for weeks and weeks and Saturday morning for weeks and weeks and weeks, she was also a part of a training weeks, she was also a part of a training weeks, she was also a part of a training group. And she would get up at 0 dark group. And she would get up at 0 dark group. And she would get up at 0 dark 30. 30. 30. And she would meet other the other group And she would meet other the other group And she would meet other the other group of crazy runners. And they would go out of crazy runners. And they would go out of crazy runners. And they would go out for couple hours. And what were they for couple hours. And what were they for couple hours. And what were they doing? They were training. Now, look, doing? They were training. Now, look, doing? They were training. Now, look, training alone has some value. But training alone has some value. But training alone has some value. But training with a group has even greater training with a group has even greater training with a group has even greater value. I discovered that a few years value. I discovered that a few years value. I discovered that a few years later when I thought, "Well, you know later when I thought, "Well, you know later when I thought, "Well, you know what? My wife ran a marathon. Dr. what? My wife ran a marathon. Dr. what? My wife ran a marathon. Dr. Williams, the least I could do is run a Williams, the least I could do is run a Williams, the least I could do is run a half marathon. I'm not as awesome as she half marathon. I'm not as awesome as she half marathon. I'm not as awesome as she is, but I took a shot at it." So, I did. is, but I took a shot at it." So, I did. is, but I took a shot at it." So, I did. And I thought, "You know what? I can run And I thought, "You know what? I can run And I thought, "You know what? I can run a half marathon. I mean I mean, look at a half marathon. I mean I mean, look at a half marathon. I mean I mean, look at me. I can run a half marathon. Don't let me. I can run a half marathon. Don't let me. I can run a half marathon. Don't let Please don't judge me." And And so, I Please don't judge me." And And so, I Please don't judge me." And And so, I said, "Let's do it." And And the problem said, "Let's do it." And And the problem said, "Let's do it." And And the problem is I I didn't learn from her example. So is I I didn't learn from her example. So is I I didn't learn from her example. So So, what did I do? I mostly just trained So, what did I do? I mostly just trained So, what did I do? I mostly just trained alone. I said to myself, "Man, I don't alone. I said to myself, "Man, I don't alone. I said to myself, "Man, I don't need to join a group on Saturday need to join a group on Saturday need to join a group on Saturday mornings. I don't need to go for 2, 3 mornings. I don't need to go for 2, 3 mornings. I don't need to go for 2, 3 hours. It's a half marathon. Half hours. It's a half marathon. Half hours. It's a half marathon. Half marathon is 13.1 miles in a row on marathon is 13.1 miles in a row on marathon is 13.1 miles in a row on purpose." And I thought, "Man, I got purpose." And I thought, "Man, I got purpose." And I thought, "Man, I got this, no problem." And so, what did I this, no problem." And so, what did I this, no problem." And so, what did I do? I took weeks and weeks and weeks, do? I took weeks and weeks and weeks, do? I took weeks and weeks and weeks, and I trained alone. Now, I'd love to and I trained alone. Now, I'd love to and I trained alone. Now, I'd love to tell you that I was super consistent and tell you that I was super consistent and tell you that I was super consistent and dedicated, but the fact of the matter is
dedicated, but the fact of the matter is dedicated, but the fact of the matter is I compromised a little on my training. I compromised a little on my training. I compromised a little on my training. And let me just tell you, And let me just tell you, And let me just tell you, on race day, on race day, on race day, when it was time, right over here in when it was time, right over here in when it was time, right over here in North Frisco, right when it was time to North Frisco, right when it was time to North Frisco, right when it was time to run my race, boy, I started off, and run my race, boy, I started off, and run my race, boy, I started off, and man, I felt good. I was like I In In I man, I felt good. I was like I In In I man, I felt good. I was like I In In I was feeling so good, I I got ahead of my was feeling so good, I I got ahead of my was feeling so good, I I got ahead of my time group. I was like, "Hey, time group. I was like, "Hey, time group. I was like, "Hey, >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> I'm a real runner. This is awesome." And >> I'm a real runner. This is awesome." And >> I'm a real runner. This is awesome." And then about miles That's actually how it then about miles That's actually how it then about miles That's actually how it looked, by the way. It was really looked, by the way. It was really looked, by the way. It was really bizarre. And about mile seven, mile bizarre. And about mile seven, mile bizarre. And about mile seven, mile eight, some of y'all know what I'm about eight, some of y'all know what I'm about eight, some of y'all know what I'm about to say. to say. to say. I hit what runners call the wall. I hit what runners call the wall. I hit what runners call the wall. And boy, let me tell you, it's not a And boy, let me tell you, it's not a And boy, let me tell you, it's not a real wall, but it might as well be. real wall, but it might as well be. real wall, but it might as well be. And and because I had compromised my And and because I had compromised my And and because I had compromised my training, training, training, I didn't finish at the time I wanted. I didn't finish at the time I wanted. I didn't finish at the time I wanted. I'm embarrassed to tell you, I had to I'm embarrassed to tell you, I had to I'm embarrassed to tell you, I had to walk for a little bit. That was a real walk for a little bit. That was a real walk for a little bit. That was a real treat. The group that I ran past Now, treat. The group that I ran past Now, treat. The group that I ran past Now, "Hey, man, you okay?" Yeah, I'm fine. "Hey, man, you okay?" Yeah, I'm fine. "Hey, man, you okay?" Yeah, I'm fine. Thanks. See, cuz I compromised my training cuz I See, cuz I compromised my training cuz I thought, "Well, I can just train alone thought, "Well, I can just train alone thought, "Well, I can just train alone and I'll be fine."
and I'll be fine." and I'll be fine." I should have learned a lesson from my I should have learned a lesson from my I should have learned a lesson from my bride who understood the power not only bride who understood the power not only bride who understood the power not only of training alone, but training with of training alone, but training with of training alone, but training with people and training with people that are people and training with people that are people and training with people that are further along than you are. further along than you are. further along than you are. You see, when we're training for You see, when we're training for You see, when we're training for godliness, Paul's teaching us here, and godliness, Paul's teaching us here, and godliness, Paul's teaching us here, and we're desiring to become people who are we're desiring to become people who are we're desiring to become people who are immovable. immovable. immovable. If we're going to be people that don't If we're going to be people that don't If we're going to be people that don't want to compromise the truth, then we've want to compromise the truth, then we've want to compromise the truth, then we've got to know it. We've got to get trained got to know it. We've got to get trained got to know it. We've got to get trained for godliness. Now, you can do it in two for godliness. Now, you can do it in two for godliness. Now, you can do it in two ways. You can train personally. You can ways. You can train personally. You can ways. You can train personally. You can train for godliness personally. You can train for godliness personally. You can train for godliness personally. You can do that. We talked about that a few do that. We talked about that a few do that. We talked about that a few weeks ago. You can have a quiet time and weeks ago. You can have a quiet time and weeks ago. You can have a quiet time and a devotional life and and that's just a devotional life and and that's just a devotional life and and that's just you and Jesus in your prayer closet and you and Jesus in your prayer closet and you and Jesus in your prayer closet and in the word and that's powerful. in the word and that's powerful. in the word and that's powerful. Remember what I told you before you ever Remember what I told you before you ever Remember what I told you before you ever touch your phone in the morning, touch touch your phone in the morning, touch touch your phone in the morning, touch your Bible. Pick the word of God up. Get your Bible. Pick the word of God up. Get your Bible. Pick the word of God up. Get in the word. Discipline yourself. That's in the word. Discipline yourself. That's in the word. Discipline yourself. That's all part of that personal training for all part of that personal training for all part of that personal training for godliness and it's really, really godliness and it's really, really godliness and it's really, really important. important. important. But I got to tell you, But I got to tell you, But I got to tell you, if you just leave it there, you're if you just leave it there, you're if you just leave it there, you're leaving so much behind in your life that leaving so much behind in your life that leaving so much behind in your life that God wants to use to grow you into who he God wants to use to grow you into who he God wants to use to grow you into who he wants you to be. So, it's not just about wants you to be. So, it's not just about wants you to be. So, it's not just about training personally, but it's also about training personally, but it's also about training personally, but it's also about training with people.
training with people. training with people. This is why, church family, we talk to This is why, church family, we talk to This is why, church family, we talk to you so much about being in a life group. you so much about being in a life group. you so much about being in a life group. This morning I was greeting our 8:00 This morning I was greeting our 8:00 This morning I was greeting our 8:00 classes out that had already made the classes out that had already made the classes out that had already made the time change for us and we're out and time change for us and we're out and time change for us and we're out and fired up and full of donuts and Jesus fired up and full of donuts and Jesus fired up and full of donuts and Jesus and it was awesome and it was so great and it was awesome and it was so great and it was awesome and it was so great to see so many of you. Thank you for to see so many of you. Thank you for to see so many of you. Thank you for making those adjustments in your life making those adjustments in your life making those adjustments in your life groups and our schedules and we're groups and our schedules and we're groups and our schedules and we're praying that the Lord will use these praying that the Lord will use these praying that the Lord will use these adjustments as a tool to help us move adjustments as a tool to help us move adjustments as a tool to help us move into greater discipleship. What do I into greater discipleship. What do I into greater discipleship. What do I mean by that? More engagement in our mean by that? More engagement in our mean by that? More engagement in our life groups. If you don't have a life life groups. If you don't have a life life groups. If you don't have a life group yet, you need to find a place of group yet, you need to find a place of group yet, you need to find a place of community because while you can train community because while you can train community because while you can train for godliness alone, the plan of God is for godliness alone, the plan of God is for godliness alone, the plan of God is that you would not do it all alone. He that you would not do it all alone. He that you would not do it all alone. He wants you also to be training with wants you also to be training with wants you also to be training with people, his people. people, his people. people, his people. Getting around people that are not only Getting around people that are not only Getting around people that are not only where you're at but further down the where you're at but further down the where you're at but further down the road. We're going to be talking to you road. We're going to be talking to you road. We're going to be talking to you more about this in the coming days about more about this in the coming days about more about this in the coming days about older men discipling younger men in this older men discipling younger men in this older men discipling younger men in this church. Women in the faith that have church. Women in the faith that have church. Women in the faith that have walked for years with Jesus, they're walked for years with Jesus, they're walked for years with Jesus, they're going to come back alongside young women going to come back alongside young women going to come back alongside young women and young moms to disciple them and and young moms to disciple them and and young moms to disciple them and encourage them. I know how passionate encourage them. I know how passionate encourage them. I know how passionate Tasha is about this and how we are and Tasha is about this and how we are and Tasha is about this and how we are and Mel and our team about helping the men Mel and our team about helping the men Mel and our team about helping the men and women, the husbands and wives of our and women, the husbands and wives of our and women, the husbands and wives of our church grow in discipleship. I promise church grow in discipleship. I promise church grow in discipleship. I promise you you cannot do it alone. I would go you you cannot do it alone. I would go you you cannot do it alone. I would go so far as to say you should not do it so far as to say you should not do it so far as to say you should not do it alone.
alone. alone. That if you're going to train for That if you're going to train for That if you're going to train for godliness, godliness, godliness, then you need to get around God's then you need to get around God's then you need to get around God's people. You need to avail yourself to people. You need to avail yourself to people. You need to avail yourself to all the resources that we're working to all the resources that we're working to all the resources that we're working to create as a church on Wednesday nights create as a church on Wednesday nights create as a church on Wednesday nights and midweek, on discipleship and midweek, on discipleship and midweek, on discipleship relationships, on opportunities to relationships, on opportunities to relationships, on opportunities to serve, finding ways to get engaged so serve, finding ways to get engaged so serve, finding ways to get engaged so that you can become more and more that you can become more and more that you can become more and more immovable immovable immovable in your life. in your life. in your life. And you know, moms and dads, if none of And you know, moms and dads, if none of And you know, moms and dads, if none of that compels you, that compels you, that compels you, let me see if this one will move the let me see if this one will move the let me see if this one will move the dial for you cuz it got my attention as dial for you cuz it got my attention as dial for you cuz it got my attention as a dad. a dad. a dad. You know, moms, dads, grandparents, we You know, moms, dads, grandparents, we You know, moms, dads, grandparents, we ought to be training ourselves for ought to be training ourselves for ought to be training ourselves for godliness if for no other reason beyond godliness if for no other reason beyond godliness if for no other reason beyond what the word tells us to do than the what the word tells us to do than the what the word tells us to do than the fact that our kids and our grandkids are fact that our kids and our grandkids are fact that our kids and our grandkids are literally living in a brand new age of literally living in a brand new age of literally living in a brand new age of technological innovation. And I want to technological innovation. And I want to technological innovation. And I want to put something on the screen for you that put something on the screen for you that put something on the screen for you that I hope will get your attention. I hope will get your attention. I hope will get your attention. This is a study. It's now several months This is a study. It's now several months This is a study. It's now several months old, so I think this number's probably old, so I think this number's probably old, so I think this number's probably low. But I want you to read that.
low. But I want you to read that. low. But I want you to read that. Common Sense Media survey, 31% of Common Sense Media survey, 31% of Common Sense Media survey, 31% of teenagers said their conversations with teenagers said their conversations with teenagers said their conversations with AI companions were as satisfying or more AI companions were as satisfying or more AI companions were as satisfying or more satisfying than talking with real satisfying than talking with real satisfying than talking with real friends. Are you reading that? friends. Are you reading that? friends. Are you reading that? Even though half of teens say they Even though half of teens say they Even though half of teens say they distrust AI's advice, distrust AI's advice, distrust AI's advice, 33% had discussed serious or important 33% had discussed serious or important 33% had discussed serious or important issues with AI instead of real people. issues with AI instead of real people. issues with AI instead of real people. So, moms, dads, grandparents, go ahead So, moms, dads, grandparents, go ahead So, moms, dads, grandparents, go ahead and just put your head down and just and just put your head down and just and just put your head down and just pretend that well, I can just sort of pretend that well, I can just sort of pretend that well, I can just sort of lean on the fact I've come to church all lean on the fact I've come to church all lean on the fact I've come to church all these years and it'll be fine and watch these years and it'll be fine and watch these years and it'll be fine and watch a generation or two fly right past you a generation or two fly right past you a generation or two fly right past you and me and this open Bible right onto and me and this open Bible right onto and me and this open Bible right onto the screens, many of which are the screens, many of which are the screens, many of which are synthetic, artificial, digitized, synthetic, artificial, digitized, synthetic, artificial, digitized, spiritual ignorance. Or what we can do is we can say as a Or what we can do is we can say as a generation of parents and grandparents, generation of parents and grandparents, generation of parents and grandparents, "No.
"No. "No. We're not going to surrender the hearts We're not going to surrender the hearts We're not going to surrender the hearts and minds of our kids." You better and minds of our kids." You better and minds of our kids." You better believe I'm fired up about this one. We believe I'm fired up about this one. We believe I'm fired up about this one. We are not going to surrender the hearts are not going to surrender the hearts are not going to surrender the hearts and minds of our kids to screens, much and minds of our kids to screens, much and minds of our kids to screens, much of which by the way is fueled by the of which by the way is fueled by the of which by the way is fueled by the very monologue and dialogue of hell very monologue and dialogue of hell very monologue and dialogue of hell that has been absolutely perpetuated by that has been absolutely perpetuated by that has been absolutely perpetuated by the devil himself. AI is just the the devil himself. AI is just the the devil himself. AI is just the beginning. Now, I'm not scared and I beginning. Now, I'm not scared and I beginning. Now, I'm not scared and I don't want you to be either. But folks, don't want you to be either. But folks, don't want you to be either. But folks, if there was ever a time for us to get if there was ever a time for us to get if there was ever a time for us to get it in gear and get trained, it's now. it in gear and get trained, it's now. it in gear and get trained, it's now. Because the hearts and minds and souls Because the hearts and minds and souls Because the hearts and minds and souls of our kids are worth it. of our kids are worth it. of our kids are worth it. So, the question we got to ask ourselves So, the question we got to ask ourselves So, the question we got to ask ourselves is are we committed? is are we committed? is are we committed? Are we going to be a church that's Are we going to be a church that's Are we going to be a church that's marked by a desire, a passion to be marked by a desire, a passion to be marked by a desire, a passion to be trained trained trained so that we can be immovable so that we can be immovable so that we can be immovable as God's people? as God's people? as God's people? Last thing I'd say to you about this Last thing I'd say to you about this Last thing I'd say to you about this that I think Paul's teaching us this that I think Paul's teaching us this that I think Paul's teaching us this morning in verse 58 in particular. morning in verse 58 in particular. morning in verse 58 in particular. He says to us, he says, "Be steadfast." He says to us, he says, "Be steadfast." He says to us, he says, "Be steadfast." Look at it again there. "Be immovable, Look at it again there. "Be immovable, Look at it again there. "Be immovable, always abounding." These are future always abounding." These are future always abounding." These are future tense verbs, by the way. Be steadfast, tense verbs, by the way. Be steadfast, tense verbs, by the way. Be steadfast, meaning now and going forward. Be meaning now and going forward. Be meaning now and going forward. Be immovable, now going forward. Always immovable, now going forward. Always immovable, now going forward. Always abounding, now and going forward. Always abounding, now and going forward. Always abounding, now and going forward. Always abounding in the work of the Lord. Why?
abounding in the work of the Lord. Why? abounding in the work of the Lord. Why? Knowing that in the Lord your labor is Knowing that in the Lord your labor is Knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain." Can we be a church not in vain." Can we be a church not in vain." Can we be a church that is marked by a commitment that is marked by a commitment that is marked by a commitment to send? to send? to send? That's the work of the Lord that Paul's That's the work of the Lord that Paul's That's the work of the Lord that Paul's talking about. talking about. talking about. It's the advancement of His kingdom It's the advancement of His kingdom It's the advancement of His kingdom and of the gospel of Jesus Christ. and of the gospel of Jesus Christ. and of the gospel of Jesus Christ. That's the work That's the work That's the work that must Write this word down. that must Write this word down. that must Write this word down. Continue. Continue. Continue. The work that must continue, that we The work that must continue, that we The work that must continue, that we ought to abound in, ought to abound in, ought to abound in, is the advancement of Jesus' kingdom and is the advancement of Jesus' kingdom and is the advancement of Jesus' kingdom and His gospel. You know, I believe that His gospel. You know, I believe that His gospel. You know, I believe that it's a privilege to go to work for our it's a privilege to go to work for our it's a privilege to go to work for our King. Can anybody say amen to that? King. Can anybody say amen to that? King. Can anybody say amen to that? It's a privilege to work for King Jesus. It's a privilege to work for King Jesus. It's a privilege to work for King Jesus. It's a joy and a blessing. He don't owe It's a joy and a blessing. He don't owe It's a joy and a blessing. He don't owe me anything. I haven't done enough to me anything. I haven't done enough to me anything. I haven't done enough to deserve being called out by Jesus to be deserve being called out by Jesus to be deserve being called out by Jesus to be His ambassador. There's nothing special His ambassador. There's nothing special His ambassador. There's nothing special about me, nothing special about us. The about me, nothing special about us. The about me, nothing special about us. The only thing that matters is that we've only thing that matters is that we've only thing that matters is that we've been saved by Jesus, covered in His been saved by Jesus, covered in His been saved by Jesus, covered in His blood, and called to live sent as His blood, and called to live sent as His blood, and called to live sent as His people. You and I are ambassadors of the people. You and I are ambassadors of the people. You and I are ambassadors of the Lord Jesus. So, here's the principle. I Lord Jesus. So, here's the principle. I Lord Jesus. So, here's the principle. I should be humbled and motivated to be should be humbled and motivated to be should be humbled and motivated to be sent out into the world as a disciple of sent out into the world as a disciple of sent out into the world as a disciple of Jesus living on mission.
Jesus living on mission. Jesus living on mission. So, that when we gather together, So, that when we gather together, So, that when we gather together, we experience the power and the movement we experience the power and the movement we experience the power and the movement of God in our midst. We're refueled on a of God in our midst. We're refueled on a of God in our midst. We're refueled on a Sunday morning to go out and live every Sunday morning to go out and live every Sunday morning to go out and live every day for Jesus. When we When we train day for Jesus. When we When we train day for Jesus. When we When we train ourselves for godliness, I hope if you ourselves for godliness, I hope if you ourselves for godliness, I hope if you haven't been to a life group yet this haven't been to a life group yet this haven't been to a life group yet this morning that you'll find one at the morning that you'll find one at the morning that you'll find one at the 11:00 hour. Go 11:00 hour. Go 11:00 hour. Go go get trained for godliness. We do all go get trained for godliness. We do all go get trained for godliness. We do all that because we want to leave this place that because we want to leave this place that because we want to leave this place on a Sunday and on a Wednesday and we on a Sunday and on a Wednesday and we on a Sunday and on a Wednesday and we want we want to go sent out from here. want we want to go sent out from here. want we want to go sent out from here. We want to live as sent people. We want to live as sent people. We want to live as sent people. I know I'm speaking to a room full of I know I'm speaking to a room full of I know I'm speaking to a room full of people watching online. You're going to people watching online. You're going to people watching online. You're going to head back to your offices tomorrow, your head back to your offices tomorrow, your head back to your offices tomorrow, your workplace tomorrow, your your your areas workplace tomorrow, your your your areas workplace tomorrow, your your your areas of influence, your circle of friends. of influence, your circle of friends. of influence, your circle of friends. You're going to leave this place today. You're going to leave this place today. You're going to leave this place today. My prayer is that you would leave sent My prayer is that you would leave sent My prayer is that you would leave sent with an understanding and a recognition with an understanding and a recognition with an understanding and a recognition that God has called you to be his that God has called you to be his that God has called you to be his ambassador in whatever mission field ambassador in whatever mission field ambassador in whatever mission field he's given you. he's given you. he's given you. I know that's true for our teenagers. I lived it. I lived it. I'll never forget being a I'll never forget being a I'll never forget being a a sophomore in high school a sophomore in high school a sophomore in high school in the age of the dinosaurs and the in the age of the dinosaurs and the in the age of the dinosaurs and the 1990s.
Yeah. Yeah. And I I remember sitting in 10th grade And I I remember sitting in 10th grade And I I remember sitting in 10th grade biology class in a big public school in biology class in a big public school in biology class in a big public school in Virginia. Virginia. Virginia. And some buddies of mine and I had And some buddies of mine and I had And some buddies of mine and I had really kind of caught some fire in our really kind of caught some fire in our really kind of caught some fire in our hearts to live for Jesus the summer hearts to live for Jesus the summer hearts to live for Jesus the summer before our sophomore year. before our sophomore year. before our sophomore year. Couple of those guys got saved and they Couple of those guys got saved and they Couple of those guys got saved and they challenged me. They knew I was called to challenged me. They knew I was called to challenged me. They knew I was called to preach and preach and preach and be in ministry and they were like, "Hey be in ministry and they were like, "Hey be in ministry and they were like, "Hey man, we're going to do something. We're man, we're going to do something. We're man, we're going to do something. We're going to show up every day on our school going to show up every day on our school going to show up every day on our school campus and we're going to have a Bible campus and we're going to have a Bible campus and we're going to have a Bible in our hand and we're going to talk in our hand and we're going to talk in our hand and we're going to talk about Jesus." Now, I know you remember about Jesus." Now, I know you remember about Jesus." Now, I know you remember being 14, 15. The goal of your life at being 14, 15. The goal of your life at being 14, 15. The goal of your life at 14 or 15 is basically for no one to 14 or 15 is basically for no one to 14 or 15 is basically for no one to notice you at all. Just kind of navigate notice you at all. Just kind of navigate notice you at all. Just kind of navigate and make your way from A to B. and make your way from A to B. and make your way from A to B. And so, I knew if I put a Bible in my And so, I knew if I put a Bible in my And so, I knew if I put a Bible in my hand, hand, hand, it was going to get noticed. it was going to get noticed. it was going to get noticed. And so, my buddies and I, we would we And so, my buddies and I, we would we And so, my buddies and I, we would we would walk down the hallway. I'd love to would walk down the hallway. I'd love to would walk down the hallway. I'd love to tell you I was the boldest in that tell you I was the boldest in that tell you I was the boldest in that group. I was not. group. I was not. group. I was not. But we'd walk down that hallway with our But we'd walk down that hallway with our But we'd walk down that hallway with our Bibles in our hands. But then something Bibles in our hands. But then something Bibles in our hands. But then something would happen. We'd have to scatter to would happen. We'd have to scatter to would happen. We'd have to scatter to our classrooms. And this particular day, our classrooms. And this particular day, our classrooms. And this particular day, I found myself in 10th grade biology, I found myself in 10th grade biology, I found myself in 10th grade biology, and I really was feeling alone. and I really was feeling alone. and I really was feeling alone. And I sat down at my big Remember those And I sat down at my big Remember those And I sat down at my big Remember those big black slate tables you would sit at big black slate tables you would sit at big black slate tables you would sit at to make you feel like you were a to make you feel like you were a to make you feel like you were a scientist? And I'd sit there at that scientist? And I'd sit there at that scientist? And I'd sit there at that table and there there you were and I had table and there there you were and I had table and there there you were and I had class. And the whole time during class, class. And the whole time during class, class. And the whole time during class, there was a guy sitting next to me. Now, there was a guy sitting next to me. Now, there was a guy sitting next to me. Now, I knew this guy.
I knew this guy. I knew this guy. He's big dude. He's big dude. He's big dude. And he had, if you'll forgive me for And he had, if you'll forgive me for And he had, if you'll forgive me for saying it this way, he had a big mouth. saying it this way, he had a big mouth. saying it this way, he had a big mouth. He liked to talk. He liked to talk. He liked to talk. And And And that particular day in class, that particular day in class, that particular day in class, he noticed my Bible sitting on the desk. he noticed my Bible sitting on the desk. he noticed my Bible sitting on the desk. In fact, In fact, In fact, it was this Bible. And I put this Bible on the corner of And I put this Bible on the corner of that desk. that desk. that desk. And I thought, "Okay, Lord, here I go." And I thought, "Okay, Lord, here I go." And I thought, "Okay, Lord, here I go." And all all class period long, that guy, And all all class period long, that guy, And all all class period long, that guy, I could just hear him snickering and I could just hear him snickering and I could just hear him snickering and laughing. As class wound down that day, laughing. As class wound down that day, laughing. As class wound down that day, he walked over to me, he walked over to me, he walked over to me, and he took my Bible off the table, and he took my Bible off the table, and he took my Bible off the table, and he picked it up, and he picked it up, and he picked it up, and in colorful language that I had and in colorful language that I had and in colorful language that I had never heard before, never heard before, never heard before, he described what he thought about my he described what he thought about my he described what he thought about my Bible and my Jesus. And then he took Bible and my Jesus. And then he took Bible and my Jesus. And then he took this Bible, this Bible, this Bible, and he threw it on the floor. and he threw it on the floor. and he threw it on the floor. He said, "That's what I think about your He said, "That's what I think about your He said, "That's what I think about your Jesus."
Jesus." Jesus." And he walked off. And he walked off. And he walked off. Now, as a 10th grade 15-year-old kid, Now, as a 10th grade 15-year-old kid, Now, as a 10th grade 15-year-old kid, I'm thinking to myself, "Lord, I'm thinking to myself, "Lord, I'm thinking to myself, "Lord, get me out of here." Love to tell you get me out of here." Love to tell you get me out of here." Love to tell you that I had a missionary zeal and I stood that I had a missionary zeal and I stood that I had a missionary zeal and I stood on the table and preached the gospel. on the table and preached the gospel. on the table and preached the gospel. Lord, get me out of here. But educators, But educators, teachers, teachers, teachers, leaders in our schools, leaders in our schools, leaders in our schools, I'll never forget for the rest of my I'll never forget for the rest of my I'll never forget for the rest of my life what happened next. I watched my 10th grade biology teacher I watched my 10th grade biology teacher get up from her desk, and she picked it up off the ground. and she picked it up off the ground. >> Thanks for joining us today right here >> Thanks for joining us today right here >> Thanks for joining us today right here at Prestonwood. If at Prestonwood. If at Prestonwood. If >> She handed it back to me. >> She handed it back to me. >> She handed it back to me. She looked me in the eye. She looked me in the eye. She looked me in the eye. And she said, "Don't you ever stop And she said, "Don't you ever stop And she said, "Don't you ever stop standing for Jesus." Teachers, don't let anybody tell you Teachers, don't let anybody tell you that you're not a difference maker.
that you're not a difference maker. that you're not a difference maker. Coaches, administrators, leaders, moms, Coaches, administrators, leaders, moms, Coaches, administrators, leaders, moms, dads, grandparents, ministers, pastors, dads, grandparents, ministers, pastors, dads, grandparents, ministers, pastors, don't let anybody tell you that you're don't let anybody tell you that you're don't let anybody tell you that you're not a difference maker. And don't you not a difference maker. And don't you not a difference maker. And don't you ever think for 1 second that when you ever think for 1 second that when you ever think for 1 second that when you leave this place surrounded by believers leave this place surrounded by believers leave this place surrounded by believers in Jesus gathering together getting in Jesus gathering together getting in Jesus gathering together getting trained and then we send you out, don't trained and then we send you out, don't trained and then we send you out, don't you ever think for 1 second that you're you ever think for 1 second that you're you ever think for 1 second that you're being sent alone. I learned that day as being sent alone. I learned that day as being sent alone. I learned that day as a 15-year-old kid that Jesus people are a 15-year-old kid that Jesus people are a 15-year-old kid that Jesus people are everywhere. everywhere. everywhere. That God's people are everywhere. That That God's people are everywhere. That That God's people are everywhere. That the ministry of the Holy Spirit is the ministry of the Holy Spirit is the ministry of the Holy Spirit is everywhere. And that you are never, everywhere. And that you are never, everywhere. And that you are never, ever, ever ever, ever ever, ever walking alone. walking alone. walking alone. The question today for us Prestonwood The question today for us Prestonwood The question today for us Prestonwood is will we go forward is will we go forward is will we go forward marked with commitment? marked with commitment? marked with commitment? Will we gather consistently? Will we gather consistently? Will we gather consistently? Will we gather to train ourselves so Will we gather to train ourselves so Will we gather to train ourselves so that we won't compromise the truth? that we won't compromise the truth? that we won't compromise the truth? And will we go from this place And will we go from this place And will we go from this place to live sent and continuing the work? to live sent and continuing the work? to live sent and continuing the work? You know why?
You know why? You know why? Because you and I know together what Because you and I know together what Because you and I know together what Paul ends verse 58 with. Always Paul ends verse 58 with. Always Paul ends verse 58 with. Always abounding in the work of the Lord cuz abounding in the work of the Lord cuz abounding in the work of the Lord cuz what do we know? what do we know? what do we know? That your labor in the Lord is not in That your labor in the Lord is not in That your labor in the Lord is not in vain. vain. vain. I learned that day as a high school kid I learned that day as a high school kid I learned that day as a high school kid that standing for Jesus and living sent that standing for Jesus and living sent that standing for Jesus and living sent is not in vain. When you go to your is not in vain. When you go to your is not in vain. When you go to your office tomorrow, standing for Jesus and office tomorrow, standing for Jesus and office tomorrow, standing for Jesus and living sent is not in vain. Students, living sent is not in vain. Students, living sent is not in vain. Students, when you go back on your campus when you go back on your campus when you go back on your campus tomorrow, standing for Jesus and living tomorrow, standing for Jesus and living tomorrow, standing for Jesus and living sent is not in vain. Moms and dads, as sent is not in vain. Moms and dads, as sent is not in vain. Moms and dads, as you raise your kids to know and follow you raise your kids to know and follow you raise your kids to know and follow Jesus, grandparents, as you continue to Jesus, grandparents, as you continue to Jesus, grandparents, as you continue to put a spiritual covering over your put a spiritual covering over your put a spiritual covering over your family with your prayer and your family with your prayer and your family with your prayer and your faithfulness. Look, it's not in vain. faithfulness. Look, it's not in vain. faithfulness. Look, it's not in vain. What we're doing as a church is not in What we're doing as a church is not in What we're doing as a church is not in vain. We know that we know that we know vain. We know that we know that we know vain. We know that we know that we know that God is producing something that God is producing something that God is producing something for his glory. for his glory. for his glory. And so, like that little church in And so, like that little church in And so, like that little church in Arkansas that night, Arkansas that night, Arkansas that night, I can see that sign in my mind's eye. I can see that sign in my mind's eye. I can see that sign in my mind's eye. Gather, Gather, Gather, train, train, train, send.
send. send. This is the way forward. This is the way forward. This is the way forward. Would you bow your heads with me? Would you bow your heads with me? Would you bow your heads with me? All across this room, heads bowed, All across this room, heads bowed, All across this room, heads bowed, eyes closed. eyes closed. eyes closed. I want us just to take a moment. We said I want us just to take a moment. We said I want us just to take a moment. We said earlier in this message that earlier in this message that earlier in this message that one of the reasons why we gather is so one of the reasons why we gather is so one of the reasons why we gather is so that we can respond when the Lord that we can respond when the Lord that we can respond when the Lord prompts us to move. prompts us to move. prompts us to move. And you may be here today, and you may And you may be here today, and you may And you may be here today, and you may be saying, you know, Jonathan, all this be saying, you know, Jonathan, all this be saying, you know, Jonathan, all this talk about being steadfast, immovable, talk about being steadfast, immovable, talk about being steadfast, immovable, and abounding, that and abounding, that and abounding, that that's not my life. that's not my life. that's not my life. You may be here today, maybe watching You may be here today, maybe watching You may be here today, maybe watching this service right now, and you may say, this service right now, and you may say, this service right now, and you may say, man, I know without any shadow of any man, I know without any shadow of any man, I know without any shadow of any doubt, there's never been a moment, a doubt, there's never been a moment, a doubt, there's never been a moment, a time in my life time in my life time in my life when I've crossed when I've crossed when I've crossed a line of faith and put my hope in a line of faith and put my hope in a line of faith and put my hope in Jesus. Jesus. Jesus. There's never been a moment in your life There's never been a moment in your life There's never been a moment in your life when you've recognized that you are when you've recognized that you are when you've recognized that you are a sinner. a sinner. a sinner. And all that means is that, like And all that means is that, like And all that means is that, like everyone else in this room, everyone else in this room, everyone else in this room, you are not perfect. You've missed the you are not perfect. You've missed the you are not perfect. You've missed the mark.
And you know, you realize And you know, you realize that the cost and the price of that sin that the cost and the price of that sin that the cost and the price of that sin is heavy. is heavy. is heavy. You've come to a place in your life You've come to a place in your life You've come to a place in your life where you understand that there's no where you understand that there's no where you understand that there's no amount of moral living or being a good amount of moral living or being a good amount of moral living or being a good religious person or even a church member religious person or even a church member religious person or even a church member is what's really going to make you is what's really going to make you is what's really going to make you a follower of Jesus. a follower of Jesus. a follower of Jesus. What you're hearing the Lord say to you What you're hearing the Lord say to you What you're hearing the Lord say to you today as clear as you've ever heard it today as clear as you've ever heard it today as clear as you've ever heard it is that today needs to be your day of is that today needs to be your day of is that today needs to be your day of victory. victory. victory. And it happens And it happens And it happens when you receive the free gift of grace when you receive the free gift of grace when you receive the free gift of grace that Jesus is offering you today. You that Jesus is offering you today. You that Jesus is offering you today. You don't have to do anything else to earn don't have to do anything else to earn don't have to do anything else to earn it. it. it. You don't have to keep running hard You don't have to keep running hard You don't have to keep running hard after the things of this world hoping after the things of this world hoping after the things of this world hoping that you'll build enough to say to a a that you'll build enough to say to a a that you'll build enough to say to a a God in heaven one day, "Here's all I did God in heaven one day, "Here's all I did God in heaven one day, "Here's all I did to earn my way into heaven." cuz he's to earn my way into heaven." cuz he's to earn my way into heaven." cuz he's going to say back to you, "There's going to say back to you, "There's going to say back to you, "There's nothing you could have ever done. I did nothing you could have ever done. I did nothing you could have ever done. I did it all for you. All you ever had to do it all for you. All you ever had to do it all for you. All you ever had to do was receive my free gift." was receive my free gift." was receive my free gift." So, if you're here today So, if you're here today So, if you're here today and you've never trusted Jesus as your and you've never trusted Jesus as your and you've never trusted Jesus as your savior savior savior and as your lord and as your lord and as your lord you can invite him into your life right you can invite him into your life right you can invite him into your life right now.
now. now. You don't have to run anymore. You don't You don't have to run anymore. You don't You don't have to run anymore. You don't have to do anymore. have to do anymore. have to do anymore. You can just trust him. You can just trust him. You can just trust him. You could You could You could you could just simply call out to him you could just simply call out to him you could just simply call out to him right now in this place. There's right now in this place. There's right now in this place. There's Christians all over this room that are Christians all over this room that are Christians all over this room that are praying for you right now. We're going praying for you right now. We're going praying for you right now. We're going to stay and we're going to pray. This is to stay and we're going to pray. This is to stay and we're going to pray. This is the most important and sensitive moment the most important and sensitive moment the most important and sensitive moment of our service. of our service. of our service. And I promise you there's Christians all And I promise you there's Christians all And I promise you there's Christians all over the room right now. They may not over the room right now. They may not over the room right now. They may not know your name, but but they're praying know your name, but but they're praying know your name, but but they're praying right now, "Lord, Lord, work in right now, "Lord, Lord, work in right now, "Lord, Lord, work in somebody's life." Our staff went all somebody's life." Our staff went all somebody's life." Our staff went all across this room earlier this week and across this room earlier this week and across this room earlier this week and we touched every chair in this room we touched every chair in this room we touched every chair in this room >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> and we prayed for this moment right >> and we prayed for this moment right >> and we prayed for this moment right here. here. here. So, if you're here today So, if you're here today So, if you're here today and you say, "Jonathan, I know and you say, "Jonathan, I know and you say, "Jonathan, I know for sure for sure for sure there's never been a moment in my life there's never been a moment in my life there's never been a moment in my life when I've trusted Jesus as my savior." when I've trusted Jesus as my savior." when I've trusted Jesus as my savior." and you're ready to make that decision and you're ready to make that decision and you're ready to make that decision today. You're tired of running and you today. You're tired of running and you today. You're tired of running and you want to receive the gift of Jesus, his want to receive the gift of Jesus, his want to receive the gift of Jesus, his free gift of grace. You could just pray free gift of grace. You could just pray free gift of grace. You could just pray to him right now. You could call out to to him right now. You could call out to to him right now. You could call out to him. You could pray this simple prayer. him. You could pray this simple prayer. him. You could pray this simple prayer. From your heart by faith, just say to From your heart by faith, just say to From your heart by faith, just say to "Lord Jesus, I know I'm a sinner.
And I believe that you died on the cross And I believe that you died on the cross to save me from my sin. Jesus, I'm asking you to come into my Jesus, I'm asking you to come into my life right now. I'm asking that you take away my sin. I'm asking that you take away my sin. That you forgive me. That you forgive me. That you forgive me. And that you give me a new life today." And that you give me a new life today." And that you give me a new life today." And just pray right where you are. If And just pray right where you are. If And just pray right where you are. If this is your prayer, if this is really this is your prayer, if this is really this is your prayer, if this is really what you believe, just tell him, "Jesus, I'm going to just tell him, "Jesus, I'm going to follow you for the rest of my life. follow you for the rest of my life. follow you for the rest of my life. And I know one day I'll be in heaven And I know one day I'll be in heaven And I know one day I'll be in heaven with you forever with you forever with you forever because of what you're doing in my heart because of what you're doing in my heart because of what you're doing in my heart right now in this moment." If you're praying that prayer with me, If you're praying that prayer with me, just stop in your heart for just a just stop in your heart for just a just stop in your heart for just a moment and just say, "Thank you, Jesus, moment and just say, "Thank you, Jesus, moment and just say, "Thank you, Jesus, for saving me." In the quietness of this moment, with In the quietness of this moment, with heads bowed, heads bowed, heads bowed, eyes closed, no one's looking around. eyes closed, no one's looking around. eyes closed, no one's looking around. This is a This is a This is a This is a tender moment between you and This is a tender moment between you and This is a tender moment between you and Jesus, but I want to just offer this to Jesus, but I want to just offer this to Jesus, but I want to just offer this to you.
you. you. That if you just prayed that prayer with That if you just prayed that prayer with That if you just prayed that prayer with me, you didn't pray it to me, this isn't me, you didn't pray it to me, this isn't me, you didn't pray it to me, this isn't about me, this has nothing to do with about me, this has nothing to do with about me, this has nothing to do with me, this is all about you speaking me, this is all about you speaking me, this is all about you speaking [music] directly to the savior that [music] directly to the savior that [music] directly to the savior that loves you and wants to radically change loves you and wants to radically change loves you and wants to radically change your life. But if you just prayed that your life. But if you just prayed that your life. But if you just prayed that prayer and you really believed it from prayer and you really believed it from prayer and you really believed it from your heart, I want you to do something your heart, I want you to do something your heart, I want you to do something right now. Would you just slip your hand right now. Would you just slip your hand right now. Would you just slip your hand up all over this room? up all over this room? up all over this room? If you're here today and you prayed that If you're here today and you prayed that If you're here today and you prayed that prayer with me, Jonathan, I just prayed prayer with me, Jonathan, I just prayed prayer with me, Jonathan, I just prayed that prayer, slip your hand up so I can that prayer, slip your hand up so I can that prayer, slip your hand up so I can see you. see you. see you. I see you, sir. God bless you right I see you, sir. God bless you right I see you, sir. God bless you right here. Anyone else? here. Anyone else? here. Anyone else? Anyone else that would say, Jonathan, I Anyone else that would say, Jonathan, I Anyone else that would say, Jonathan, I see you, sir. see you, sir. see you, sir. Anyone else that would say, Jonathan, I Anyone else that would say, Jonathan, I Anyone else that would say, Jonathan, I just prayed that prayer with you. Anyone just prayed that prayer with you. Anyone just prayed that prayer with you. Anyone else? else? else? The front of the room to the back, The front of the room to the back, The front of the room to the back, anyone else? I see you, buddy. anyone else? I see you, buddy. anyone else? I see you, buddy. God bless you. In just a moment, we're going to stand In just a moment, we're going to stand and we're going to sing and I want to and we're going to sing and I want to and we're going to sing and I want to I want to invite those of you that I I want to invite those of you that I I want to invite those of you that I just saw with your hands raised. I want just saw with your hands raised. I want just saw with your hands raised. I want you to do something because following you to do something because following you to do something because following Jesus is a commitment. We're making Jesus is a commitment. We're making Jesus is a commitment. We're making commitments today as a church and for commitments today as a church and for commitments today as a church and for you, your first commitment is to step you, your first commitment is to step you, your first commitment is to step forward with God's gathered people to forward with God's gathered people to forward with God's gathered people to witness witness witness that you're standing for Jesus today.
that you're standing for Jesus today. that you're standing for Jesus today. So, in a moment when we stand to sing, So, in a moment when we stand to sing, So, in a moment when we stand to sing, if you just raised your hand, say, "Man, if you just raised your hand, say, "Man, if you just raised your hand, say, "Man, I want to trust Jesus today. I'm I want to trust Jesus today. I'm I want to trust Jesus today. I'm accepting his free gift." I don't want accepting his free gift." I don't want accepting his free gift." I don't want you to wait. I don't want you to look you to wait. I don't want you to look you to wait. I don't want you to look around. I don't want you to see who else around. I don't want you to see who else around. I don't want you to see who else is doing [music] it. I want you to come is doing [music] it. I want you to come is doing [music] it. I want you to come right down to the front and come right right down to the front and come right right down to the front and come right here and stand in front of me and we're here and stand in front of me and we're here and stand in front of me and we're going to celebrate with you. You need to going to celebrate with you. You need to going to celebrate with you. You need to make a commitment to join this church make a commitment to join this church make a commitment to join this church today. today. today. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> Men in the room, you're here with your >> Men in the room, you're here with your >> Men in the room, you're here with your families and you've been visiting and families and you've been visiting and families and you've been visiting and you've been a guest and you've been so you've been a guest and you've been so you've been a guest and you've been so encouraged by our church. Today is a encouraged by our church. Today is a encouraged by our church. Today is a commitment Sunday. So, if you're here commitment Sunday. So, if you're here commitment Sunday. So, if you're here today and you need to make a commitment today and you need to make a commitment today and you need to make a commitment to this people called Prestonwood, why to this people called Prestonwood, why to this people called Prestonwood, why don't you bring your family down one of don't you bring your family down one of don't you bring your family down one of these aisles? Come tell one of our these aisles? Come tell one of our these aisles? Come tell one of our ministers, "I want to join [music] this ministers, "I want to join [music] this ministers, "I want to join [music] this church today." You want to be like my church today." You want to be like my church today." You want to be like my girl Tenley over here who stood up as a girl Tenley over here who stood up as a girl Tenley over here who stood up as a young child and said, "I want everybody young child and said, "I want everybody young child and said, "I want everybody to know that I love Jesus." You've never to know that I love Jesus." You've never to know that I love Jesus." You've never been baptized scripturally [music] and been baptized scripturally [music] and been baptized scripturally [music] and you need to stand for Jesus publicly. you need to stand for Jesus publicly. you need to stand for Jesus publicly. Come down one of these aisles. You want Come down one of these aisles. You want Come down one of these aisles. You want to come pray for our church and for our to come pray for our church and for our to come pray for our church and for our community to know Jesus. Come fill this community to know Jesus. Come fill this community to know Jesus. Come fill this altar with a a spirit of commitment. altar with a a spirit of commitment. altar with a a spirit of commitment. Whatever God's prompting you to do right Whatever God's prompting you to do right Whatever God's prompting you to do right now. [music] now. [music] now. [music] I want to challenge you. Don't wait. I want to challenge you. Don't wait. I want to challenge you. Don't wait. Respond by faith. That's our prayer, Respond by faith. That's our prayer, Respond by faith. That's our prayer, [music] Jesus.
[music] Jesus. [music] Jesus. You have all authority in this room You have all authority in this room You have all authority in this room right now, Father, as we respond [music] right now, Father, as we respond [music] right now, Father, as we respond [music] to you by faith. We love you. This time to you by faith. We love you. This time to you by faith. We love you. This time belongs to you and we pray in your name. belongs to you and we pray in your name. belongs to you and we pray in your name. Amen. Amen. >> [music] >> Want you to stand with me. If God's >> Want you to stand with me. If God's >> Want you to stand with me. If God's moving, if you're making a decision moving, if you're making a decision moving, if you're making a decision today, come on, right now. today, come on, right now. today, come on, right now. >> [music] [singing] [singing] >> God bless you, buddy. >> God bless you, buddy. >> God bless you, buddy. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> Come on. >> Come on. >> Come on. Let's celebrate with this young man Let's celebrate with this young man Let's celebrate with this young man that's coming. Who else would come? that's coming. Who else would come? that's coming. Who else would come? Come on, son. [music] Who else would come? Come on, man. Who else would come? Come on, man. God bless you. God bless you. God bless you. Who else would come? Who else would come? Who else would come? >> [music] >> It's a day of commitment for you, for >> It's a day of commitment for you, for your family. your family. your family. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> Would you come today? >> Would you come today? >> Would you come today? >> [singing] [music] [music] >> Church Church family, can we welcome
>> Church Church family, can we welcome >> Church Church family, can we welcome this young man right here and tell him this young man right here and tell him this young man right here and tell him how proud we are? God bless you, buddy. how proud we are? God bless you, buddy. how proud we are? God bless you, buddy. Proud of you. Proud of you. Proud of you. >> [applause] Anybody else who would say, "Man, Anybody else who would say, "Man, today's my commitment day."? today's my commitment day."? today's my commitment day."? Anybody else who'd raise their hand and Anybody else who'd raise their hand and Anybody else who'd raise their hand and say, "Man, I prayed that prayer with say, "Man, I prayed that prayer with say, "Man, I prayed that prayer with you, Jonathan. I need to come forward you, Jonathan. I need to come forward you, Jonathan. I need to come forward this morning in front of my church this morning in front of my church this morning in front of my church family." Anybody else who would want to family." Anybody else who would want to family." Anybody else who would want to say, "Lord, I want to make a commitment say, "Lord, I want to make a commitment say, "Lord, I want to make a commitment today." today." today." And we don't ever And we don't ever And we don't ever close the invitation. You might think, close the invitation. You might think, close the invitation. You might think, "Well, we do this little moment and then "Well, we do this little moment and then "Well, we do this little moment and then we're done." No. If you're with us we're done." No. If you're with us we're done." No. If you're with us online right now, you can text the name online right now, you can text the name online right now, you can text the name Jesus to the number 55125. [music] Jesus to the number 55125. [music] Jesus to the number 55125. [music] Somebody's standing by right now that Somebody's standing by right now that Somebody's standing by right now that wants to pray with you. If you want to wants to pray with you. If you want to wants to pray with you. If you want to follow Jesus for the very first time, follow Jesus for the very first time, follow Jesus for the very first time, you can do that right where you are. You you can do that right where you are. You you can do that right where you are. You can pray that prayer that I just led can pray that prayer that I just led can pray that prayer that I just led this room in. Others that are this room in. Others that are this room in. Others that are responding, you're responding, let us responding, you're responding, let us responding, you're responding, let us know. We want to pray for you. If you're know. We want to pray for you. If you're know. We want to pray for you. If you're here today and you prayed that prayer, here today and you prayed that prayer, here today and you prayed that prayer, maybe you didn't come down the aisle and maybe you didn't come down the aisle and maybe you didn't come down the aisle and you think, "Man, I did I miss my moment? you think, "Man, I did I miss my moment? you think, "Man, I did I miss my moment? What do I do?" You've got more What do I do?" You've got more What do I do?" You've got more questions. You need somebody just to questions. You need somebody just to questions. You need somebody just to talk with you, pray with you. Our staff talk with you, pray with you. Our staff talk with you, pray with you. Our staff will be here in the front. We'll be out will be here in the front. We'll be out will be here in the front. We'll be out at Guest Central. If you're following at Guest Central. If you're following at Guest Central. If you're following Jesus today for the first time, we'll Jesus today for the first time, we'll Jesus today for the first time, we'll put a Bible in your hand just so we can put a Bible in your hand just so we can put a Bible in your hand just so we can bless you as you go on a journey to bless you as you go on a journey to bless you as you go on a journey to follow Jesus.
follow Jesus. follow Jesus. Church family, I'm so proud of you Church family, I'm so proud of you Church family, I'm so proud of you today. today. today. Today has already been a great day in Today has already been a great day in Today has already been a great day in the Lord. We're going to do this one the Lord. We're going to do this one the Lord. We're going to do this one more time. We got another service coming more time. We got another service coming more time. We got another service coming in. So, I want to ask that you continue in. So, I want to ask that you continue in. So, I want to ask that you continue to pray this morning for launch Sunday. to pray this morning for launch Sunday. to pray this morning for launch Sunday. Do this for me. Make sure when you see Do this for me. Make sure when you see Do this for me. Make sure when you see those educators here our PCA community those educators here our PCA community those educators here our PCA community others that are spread out across this others that are spread out across this others that are spread out across this room. If you know them and saw them, room. If you know them and saw them, room. If you know them and saw them, make sure you tell them thank you and make sure you tell them thank you and make sure you tell them thank you and that you love them. Go find our that you love them. Go find our that you love them. Go find our volunteers today as you're picking up volunteers today as you're picking up volunteers today as you're picking up your kids or dropping them off. Tell your kids or dropping them off. Tell your kids or dropping them off. Tell them thank you for their service. Your them thank you for their service. Your them thank you for their service. Your life group leader, tell them thank you life group leader, tell them thank you life group leader, tell them thank you for leading out. And let's leave today for leading out. And let's leave today for leading out. And let's leave today marked by our commitment marked by our commitment marked by our commitment to follow after Jesus. Amen? to follow after Jesus. Amen? to follow after Jesus. Amen? Amen. God bless you, church. Have a Amen. God bless you, church. Have a Amen. God bless you, church. Have a great Sunday. [music] [music] >> Thanks for joining us today right here >> Thanks for joining us today right here >> Thanks for joining us today right here at Prestonwood. It truly means a lot at Prestonwood. It truly means a lot at Prestonwood. It truly means a lot that you chose to spend part of your day that you chose to spend part of your day that you chose to spend part of your day with us. [music] And we hope today's with us. [music] And we hope today's with us. [music] And we hope today's service encouraged you and met you right service encouraged you and met you right service encouraged you and met you right where you are. where you are. where you are. If you'd like to stay connected or learn If you'd like to stay connected or learn If you'd like to stay connected or learn more about what's happening here, we'd more about what's happening here, we'd more about what's happening here, we'd love for you to take that [music] next love for you to take that [music] next love for you to take that [music] next step. And if you made a decision to step. And if you made a decision to step. And if you made a decision to follow Christ today, text the word Jesus follow Christ today, text the word Jesus follow Christ today, text the word Jesus to 55125.
to 55125. to 55125. We would be honored to walk alongside We would be honored to walk alongside We would be honored to walk alongside [music] you, pray with you, and help you [music] you, pray with you, and help you [music] you, pray with you, and help you grow in your faith. Have a great week grow in your faith. Have a great week grow in your faith. Have a great week and we look forward to seeing you again and we look forward to seeing you again and we look forward to seeing you again soon. soon. soon. >> [music]

Summary

The sermon's theme is the freedom and transformation found through salvation in Jesus Christ. It references the deliverance from sin and the new life received through calling on Jesus, echoing themes of redemption and being born again. The practical takeaway is that through Christ's sacrifice, we are forgiven, cleansed, and no longer defined by our past but by a new identity in Him.

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