Second Baptist Church Houston August 10, 2026 1h 18m Spiritual Formation

Life Together | Full 11:11 service replay

Name: Life Together | Full 11:11 service replay
Uploaded: 2026-08-10T05:25:54+00:00
Duration: 1 h 18 min 52 s
Description: The sermon's central theme is the power and purpose of praise, even amidst difficulties. It highlights that praise is a weapon that defeats enemies and a declaration of God's sovereignty, faithfulness, and victory over death. The takeaway is to continually praise God regardless of circumstances, as He is always in control and alive.

Read full transcript 61 segments

[music] [music] >> Hey. >> Hey. >> Hey. Hey. Hey. [music] [music] [music] >> Heat. Heat.
[music] [music] Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. [music] [music] [music] >> Yeah. >> Yeah.
>> Yeah. [music] Hey church family, I want [music] to
Hey church family, I want [music] to invite you to our next night of worship. invite you to our next night of worship. invite you to our next night of worship. Sunday, August 23rd at 6:00 p.m. on the Sunday, August 23rd at 6:00 p.m. on the Sunday, August 23rd at 6:00 p.m. on the Woodway campus. We'll come together from Woodway campus. We'll come together from Woodway campus. We'll come together from all of our campuses all over Houston for all of our campuses all over Houston for all of our campuses all over Houston for an incredible night of worship [music] an incredible night of worship [music] an incredible night of worship [music] and prayer. Make plans now to invite and prayer. Make plans now to invite and prayer. Make plans now to invite your friends and family and join us on your friends and family and join us on your friends and family and join us on [music] August 23rd for this incredible [music] August 23rd for this incredible [music] August 23rd for this incredible night of worship. I'll see you there. night of worship. I'll see you there. night of worship. I'll see you there. [music] >> second family. Hey, can we stand to our >> second family. Hey, can we stand to our feet this morning as we give the Lord feet this morning as we give the Lord feet this morning as we give the Lord praise? [music] [music] >> Here we go. I'll praise in the valley.
>> Here we go. I'll praise in the valley. >> Here we go. I'll praise in the valley. I'll praise [music] on the mountain. And I'll praise [music] when I'm sure. And I'll praise [music] when I'm sure. I'll praise when I'm doubting. I'll praise when [music] outnumbered. I'll praise when [music] outnumbered. And praise when surrounded. Cuz praise is the water. Cuz praise is the water. My enem is drowning. As long [music] as I'm breathing, I've As long [music] as I'm breathing, I've got a reason to praise got a reason to praise got a reason to praise [music] [music] [music] the Lord. Oh my soul, the Lord. Oh my soul, the Lord. Oh my soul, praise praise praise [music] [music] [music] the Lord. Oh my soul, [music] the Lord. Oh my soul, [music] the Lord. Oh my soul, [music] I'll praise when I feel it. I'll praise I'll praise when I feel it. I'll praise I'll praise when I feel it. I'll praise [music] when I don't. I'll praise cuz I [music] know that I'll praise cuz I [music] know that you're still in control.
My praise is [music] a weapon. My praise is [music] a weapon. It's more than a sound. [singing] Oh, my praise is the shout that brings Oh, my praise is the shout that brings [music] Jero down. As long [music] as I'm breathing, I've As long [music] as I'm breathing, I've got a reason to praise got a reason to praise got a reason to praise [music] [music] [music] the Lord, oh my soul. the Lord, oh my soul. the Lord, oh my soul. Praise Praise Praise [music] [music] [music] the Lord, oh my soul. [music] the Lord, oh my soul. [music] the Lord, oh my soul. [music] No, I won't be quiet. My God is alive. No, I won't be quiet. My God is alive. No, I won't be quiet. My God is alive. How could [music] I keep it inside? How could [music] I keep it inside? How could [music] I keep it inside? Praise the Lord. [music] the Lord. [music] Oh my soul. Oh my soul. [music] [music] We praise him. I'll praise cuz you're We praise him. I'll praise cuz you're We praise him. I'll praise cuz you're sovereign. Praise cuz you reign. Praise sovereign. Praise cuz you reign. Praise sovereign. Praise cuz you reign. Praise [music] cuz you rose and defeated the [music] cuz you rose and defeated the [music] cuz you rose and defeated the grave. I'll praise cuz you're faithful.
grave. I'll praise cuz you're faithful. grave. I'll praise cuz you're faithful. Praise cuz [music] you're true. Praise Praise cuz [music] you're true. Praise Praise cuz [music] you're true. Praise cuz there's nobody greater. Every voice cuz there's nobody greater. Every voice cuz there's nobody greater. Every voice [music] I'll praise cuz you're [music] I'll praise cuz you're [music] I'll praise cuz you're sovereign. Praise cuz you reign. Praise sovereign. Praise cuz you reign. Praise sovereign. Praise cuz you reign. Praise [music] cuz you rose and defeated the [music] cuz you rose and defeated the [music] cuz you rose and defeated the grave. I'll praise cuz you're faithful. grave. I'll praise cuz you're faithful. grave. I'll praise cuz you're faithful. [music] Praise cuz you're true. Praise [music] Praise cuz you're true. Praise [music] Praise cuz you're true. Praise God cuz there's nobody greater [music] God cuz there's nobody greater [music] God cuz there's nobody greater [music] than you. Praise [music] the Lord, oh my soul. [music] the Lord, oh my soul. Praise [music] the Lord, oh my soul. the Lord, oh my soul. We [music] praise Praise Praise the [music] Lord. Oh my soul. I won't I the [music] Lord. Oh my soul. I won't I the [music] Lord. Oh my soul. I won't I won't I won't be crying. My God is won't I won't be crying. My God is won't I won't be crying. My God is alive. How could [music] I keep it alive. How could [music] I keep it alive. How could [music] I keep it inside? inside? inside? No, I won't be crying. My God is alive.
No, I won't be crying. My God is alive. No, I won't be crying. My God is alive. How could I keep it [music] inside? How could I keep it [music] inside? How could I keep it [music] inside? No, I won't be crying. My God is [music] No, I won't be crying. My God is [music] No, I won't be crying. My God is [music] alive. How could I keep it inside? alive. How could I keep it inside? alive. How could I keep it inside? [music] Well, good morning and welcome to 111. Well, good morning and welcome to 111. You may be seated. We are thrilled that You may be seated. We are thrilled that You may be seated. We are thrilled that you are here this morning for what is you are here this morning for what is you are here this morning for what is going to be an incredible time of going to be an incredible time of going to be an incredible time of worship together. If you're visiting worship together. If you're visiting worship together. If you're visiting with us, you are our honored guest. We with us, you are our honored guest. We with us, you are our honored guest. We would love the opportunity to connect would love the opportunity to connect would love the opportunity to connect directly with you. And there's a couple directly with you. And there's a couple directly with you. And there's a couple of ways that we can do that. You can of ways that we can do that. You can of ways that we can do that. You can scan the QR code on the screen, fill out scan the QR code on the screen, fill out scan the QR code on the screen, fill out that [music] prompt, and our team will that [music] prompt, and our team will that [music] prompt, and our team will be able to reach out to you this week to be able to reach out to you this week to be able to reach out to you this week to connect directly with you. But also, you connect directly with you. But also, you connect directly with you. But also, you can look right in the seat in front of can look right in the seat in front of can look right in the seat in front of you, you'll find one of our connection you, you'll find one of our connection you, you'll find one of our connection cards. If you'll just grab that, fill it cards. If you'll just grab that, fill it cards. If you'll just grab that, fill it out completely. You can either drop it out completely. You can either drop it out completely. You can either drop it in the offering plate when that comes by in the offering plate when that comes by in the offering plate when that comes by in a few moments, [music] or we'd in a few moments, [music] or we'd in a few moments, [music] or we'd actually love for you to hold on to it.
actually love for you to hold on to it. actually love for you to hold on to it. And at the conclusion of our service, And at the conclusion of our service, And at the conclusion of our service, join us on either side of the room where join us on either side of the room where join us on either side of the room where we have our red doors. Myself, some of we have our red doors. Myself, some of we have our red doors. Myself, some of our team will be there. We'd love to our team will be there. We'd love to our team will be there. We'd love to just connect with you and help you find just connect with you and help you find just connect with you and help you find a way to get plugged into the life of a way to get plugged into the life of a way to get plugged into the life of our church here at Second. You know, God our church here at Second. You know, God our church here at Second. You know, God is doing an incredible work in our kid is doing an incredible work in our kid is doing an incredible work in our kid ministry, in [music] our student ministry, in [music] our student ministry, in [music] our student ministry, and each of us got to be a ministry, and each of us got to be a ministry, and each of us got to be a part of that this summer. How incredible part of that this summer. How incredible part of that this summer. How incredible that has been. Today we get a chance to that has been. Today we get a chance to that has been. Today we get a chance to hear just a glimpse of those stories as hear just a glimpse of those stories as hear just a glimpse of those stories as our pastor wraps up our sermon series on our pastor wraps up our sermon series on our pastor wraps up our sermon series on spiritual formation. Once again, we're spiritual formation. Once again, we're spiritual formation. Once again, we're thrilled you're here. It's going to be thrilled you're here. It's going to be thrilled you're here. It's going to be an incredible time of worship together. >> VBS has been like a great experience for >> VBS has been like a great experience for me because I get to help out with the me because I get to help out with the me because I get to help out with the younger kids that [music] are still younger kids that [music] are still younger kids that [music] are still learning about God.
learning about God. learning about God. >> I like that it's like a place where you >> I like that it's like a place where you >> I like that it's like a place where you can worship and like have [music] fun at can worship and like have [music] fun at can worship and like have [music] fun at the same time. I like it because we get the same time. I like it because we get the same time. I like it because we get to learn more about Jesus and like it's to learn more about Jesus and like it's to learn more about Jesus and like it's a great time to worship and we get to a great time to worship and we get to a great time to worship and we get to play a lot of fun games and yeah, we can play a lot of fun games and yeah, we can play a lot of fun games and yeah, we can also make a lot of new friends. also make a lot of new friends. also make a lot of new friends. >> What I like about it is probably >> What I like about it is probably >> What I like about it is probably um the worship and [music] the games um the worship and [music] the games um the worship and [music] the games that they do and just my group how fun that they do and just my group how fun that they do and just my group how fun it is. it is. it is. >> I don't know. I just like all of it. >> I don't know. I just like all of it. >> I don't know. I just like all of it. We've been learning like we were made We've been learning like we were made We've been learning like we were made perfectly in his image [music] and that perfectly in his image [music] and that perfectly in his image [music] and that he died for our sins and he wasn't like he died for our sins and he wasn't like he died for our sins and he wasn't like ghine I'll do it. He was like willingly ghine I'll do it. He was like willingly ghine I'll do it. He was like willingly did it. did it. did it. >> I did give my life to Christ [music] >> I did give my life to Christ [music] >> I did give my life to Christ [music] because he's helped me through harder because he's helped me through harder because he's helped me through harder times. I still wanted to stand up and times. I still wanted to stand up and times. I still wanted to stand up and show people not [music] to be afraid. I show people not [music] to be afraid. I show people not [music] to be afraid. I want to get baptized because I just kind want to get baptized because I just kind want to get baptized because I just kind of want to like accept Jesus into my of want to like accept Jesus into my of want to like accept Jesus into my heart and have a better relationship heart and have a better relationship heart and have a better relationship with him.
This is the word of the Lord. Psalm 145 This is the word of the Lord. Psalm 145 3-7. 3-7. 3-7. Great is the Lord and greatly to be Great is the Lord and greatly to be Great is the Lord and greatly to be praised [music] and his greatness is praised [music] and his greatness is praised [music] and his greatness is unsearchable. unsearchable. unsearchable. One generation shall commend your works One generation shall commend your works One generation shall commend your works to another and shall declare your mighty to another and shall declare your mighty to another and shall declare your mighty acts [music] on the glorious splendor of acts [music] on the glorious splendor of acts [music] on the glorious splendor of your majesty and on your wondrous works. your majesty and on your wondrous works. your majesty and on your wondrous works. I will meditate. [music] They shall I will meditate. [music] They shall I will meditate. [music] They shall speak of the might of your awesome speak of the might of your awesome speak of the might of your awesome deeds. And I will declare your deeds. And I will declare your deeds. And I will declare your greatness. They shall pour forth the greatness. They shall pour forth the greatness. They shall pour forth the fame of your abundant goodness and shall fame of your abundant goodness and shall fame of your abundant goodness and shall sing aloud of your righteousness. sing aloud of your righteousness. sing aloud of your righteousness. >> And these words that I command to you >> And these words that I command to you >> And these words that I command to you today shall be on your heart. You shall today shall be on your heart. You shall today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children. teach them diligently to your children. teach them diligently to your children. You shall talk of them when you sit in You shall talk of them when you sit in You shall talk of them when you sit in your house and when you walk by the way your house and when you walk by the way your house and when you walk by the way and when you lie down and when you rise. and when you lie down and when you rise. and when you lie down and when you rise. You shall bind them as a sign on your You shall bind them as a sign on your You shall bind them as a sign on your hand and they shall be as frontlets hand and they shall be as frontlets hand and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. You shall write them between your eyes. You shall write them between your eyes. You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on on the doorposts of your house and on on the doorposts of your house and on your gates. Now church, let's declare your gates. Now church, let's declare your gates. Now church, let's declare this together with one voice and one this together with one voice and one this together with one voice and one heart.
heart. heart. Here, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Here, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Here, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one. You shall love the Lord Lord is one. You shall love the Lord Lord is one. You shall love the Lord your God with all of your heart and with your God with all of your heart and with your God with all of your heart and with all of your soul and with all of your all of your soul and with all of your all of your soul and with all of your might. [music] Church, scripture might. [music] Church, scripture might. [music] Church, scripture challenges us to pass down the greatness challenges us to pass down the greatness challenges us to pass down the greatness of God through the way that we live and of God through the way that we live and of God through the way that we live and the way that we love. And we've got to the way that we love. And we've got to the way that we love. And we've got to experience that this summer through VBS experience that this summer through VBS experience that this summer through VBS and Next Level [music] Camp and Mountain and Next Level [music] Camp and Mountain and Next Level [music] Camp and Mountain Retreat and Creek Week. And God has done Retreat and Creek Week. And God has done Retreat and Creek Week. And God has done some awesome stuff. And as a pastor some awesome stuff. And as a pastor some awesome stuff. And as a pastor here, it is a privilege to be a part of here, it is a privilege to be a part of here, it is a privilege to be a part of a church [music] family that continues a church [music] family that continues a church [music] family that continues to invest in the life of the next to invest in the life of the next to invest in the life of the next generation. But I get to stand here generation. But I get to stand here generation. But I get to stand here today as a dad who's going to get to today as a dad who's going to get to today as a dad who's going to get to baptize his son because of a decision baptize his son because of a decision baptize his son because of a decision that he made this summer at VBS. that he made this summer at VBS. that he made this summer at VBS. And so, church family, if you are And so, church family, if you are And so, church family, if you are nervous or worried about the next nervous or worried about the next nervous or worried about the next generation, I promise you, God is at generation, I promise you, God is at generation, I promise you, God is at work doing awesome mighty things. Let's work doing awesome mighty things. Let's work doing awesome mighty things. Let's continue to get a glimpse of all that he continue to get a glimpse of all that he continue to get a glimpse of all that he did and is continuing to do in the did and is continuing to do in the did and is continuing to do in the hearts and lives of these students.
This has been so fun. I haven't been to This has been so fun. I haven't been to camp in like 20 years. Uh they should camp in like 20 years. Uh they should camp in like 20 years. Uh they should charge they should charge the charge they should charge the charge they should charge the volunteers. Free is way too good of a volunteers. Free is way too good of a volunteers. Free is way too good of a value. We have a really cool kids value. We have a really cool kids value. We have a really cool kids program and they get to dive in for a program and they get to dive in for a program and they get to dive in for a few hours every week. This is a few few hours every week. This is a few few hours every week. This is a few days. And so I think that saturation days. And so I think that saturation days. And so I think that saturation they get over a long period of time, they get over a long period of time, they get over a long period of time, it's just awesome. You can't replicate it's just awesome. You can't replicate it's just awesome. You can't replicate it. You can't do it any other way. um it. You can't do it any other way. um it. You can't do it any other way. um camps is very unique. So, it's really camps is very unique. So, it's really camps is very unique. So, it's really cool. >> The goal here is just to bring these >> The goal here is just to bring these [music] kids closer to God. I mean, and [music] kids closer to God. I mean, and [music] kids closer to God. I mean, and if we can do that through a little if we can do that through a little if we can do that through a little activity and a little fun, so be it, activity and a little fun, so be it, activity and a little fun, so be it, man. The world hits you hard, doesn't matter The world hits you hard, doesn't matter what age you're at, if you can't teach what age you're at, if you can't teach what age you're at, if you can't teach them young good morality, good them young good morality, good them young good morality, good character, good faith, someone's going character, good faith, someone's going character, good faith, someone's going to teach them something different. And to teach them something different. And to teach them something different. And so, I'd like to catch them first, if you so, I'd like to catch them first, if you so, I'd like to catch them first, if you know what I mean. I want this to be one know what I mean. I want this to be one know what I mean. I want this to be one of the greatest weeks of your life. But of the greatest weeks of your life. But of the greatest weeks of your life. But second, and more importantly, second, and more importantly, second, and more importantly, I want you to experience God in a way I want you to experience God in a way I want you to experience God in a way that you never have before.
that you never have before. that you never have before. Here's the main point for the entire Here's the main point for the entire Here's the main point for the entire week. God has a plan for me. week. God has a plan for me. week. God has a plan for me. For I know the plans I have for you. For I know the plans I have for you. For I know the plans I have for you. Everyone say plans Everyone say plans Everyone say plans declares the Lord. declares the Lord. declares the Lord. >> So far, Next Level summer camp has been >> So far, Next Level summer camp has been >> So far, Next Level summer camp has been amazing. The main point of worship last amazing. The main point of worship last amazing. The main point of worship last night makes me feel stronger because um night makes me feel stronger because um night makes me feel stronger because um I'm really short even though I'm 10, but I'm really short even though I'm 10, but I'm really short even though I'm 10, but [music] [music] [music] um I keep on trying to do all the fun um I keep on trying to do all the fun um I keep on trying to do all the fun stuff like football, basketball, and all stuff like football, basketball, and all stuff like football, basketball, and all those sports where you kind of need to those sports where you kind of need to those sports where you kind of need to be tall for. So, I just tried to make be tall for. So, I just tried to make be tall for. So, I just tried to make the best of my shortness. the best of my shortness. the best of my shortness. I know God has a plan for me because I know God has a plan for me because I know God has a plan for me because when I was [music] super young, I was when I was [music] super young, I was when I was [music] super young, I was really sad because my life wasn't really really sad because my life wasn't really really sad because my life wasn't really going the way how I wanted it to go. But going the way how I wanted it to go. But going the way how I wanted it to go. But my uh grandma, she said, "God has a plan my uh grandma, she said, "God has a plan my uh grandma, she said, "God has a plan for [music] you." I still remember that for [music] you." I still remember that for [music] you." I still remember that to this day, and it's just really been to this day, and it's just really been to this day, and it's just really been helping me out through life.
>> See on the hilt [singing] of [music] >> See on the hilt [singing] of [music] Calvary, Calvary, Calvary, my Savior bled for me. My my Savior bled for me. My my Savior bled for me. My [music and singing] Jesus set me free. Look [music] at the wounds that give me Look [music] at the wounds that give me life. Grace flowing from his life. Grace flowing from his life. Grace flowing from his [music and singing] side. No greater [music and singing] side. No greater [music and singing] side. No greater sacriice. [music] What he's done. [music] What he's done. What he's done. What he's done. What he's done. [music] [music] [music] All the glory and the honor to the son. All the glory and the honor to the son. All the glory and the honor to the son. [music] [music] [music] My sins are forgiven. My sins are forgiven. My sins are forgiven. My [music] future is heaven. My [music] future is heaven. My [music] future is heaven. I praise [singing] God I praise [singing] God I praise [singing] God for what he's done. for what he's done. for what he's done. [music] [music] [music] Oh, [singing] sing for the freedom [music] sing for the freedom [music] he has won. Even death is dead and he has won. Even death is dead and he has won. Even death is dead and [music and singing] done. His life is [music and singing] done. His life is [music and singing] done. His life is overcome.
overcome. overcome. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Speak. Say the name above Speak. Say the name above Speak. Say the name above [music and singing] all names. Over [music and singing] all names. Over [music and singing] all names. Over every broken place. [music] every broken place. [music] every broken place. [music] He is risen from the grave. He is risen from the grave. He is risen from the grave. What he's done. [music] All the glory and [music] the honor to All the glory and [music] the honor to the son. the son. the son. My sins are forgiven. [music] My sins are forgiven. [music] My sins are forgiven. [music] My future is heaven. My future is heaven. My future is heaven. I praise God I praise God I praise God [music] for what he's done. now on a throne of majesty, [music] now on a throne of majesty, [music] the father's [singing] will complete. the father's [singing] will complete. the father's [singing] will complete. He reigns in victory. [music] He reigns in victory. [music] He reigns in victory. [music] Yes, Jesus. Yes, Jesus. Yes, Jesus. Oh, sing Oh, sing Oh, sing hallelujah to the king. He is worthy to hallelujah to the king. He is worthy to hallelujah to the king. He is worthy to receive receive receive all the praise that [music] we can all the praise that [music] we can all the praise that [music] we can bring.
bring. bring. What he's done, [music] What he's done, [music] What he's done, [music] what he's done. All [music] the glory and the honor to All [music] the glory and the honor to the son. the son. the son. My sins [music] are forgi. My sins [music] are forgi. My sins [music] are forgi. My future is heaven. My future is heaven. My future is heaven. I [music] praise God. to the sun? to the sun? My sins are forgiven. My sins are forgiven. My sins are forgiven. My future [music] is heaven. My future [music] is heaven. My future [music] is heaven. I praise God I praise God I praise God for what he's done. for what he's done. for what he's done. [music] [music] [music] I praise God I praise God I praise God for what he's done.
for what he's done. for what he's done. [music] It's been amazing. It's been amazing. Uh, Creek Greek Week has been amazing Uh, Creek Greek Week has been amazing Uh, Creek Greek Week has been amazing for me because like [music] um I've for me because like [music] um I've for me because like [music] um I've built so many friendships and I feel built so many friendships and I feel built so many friendships and I feel more alive ever since I've [music] got more alive ever since I've [music] got more alive ever since I've [music] got the opportunity to read my Bible and do the opportunity to read my Bible and do the opportunity to read my Bible and do silent sounds and during worship. silent sounds and during worship. silent sounds and during worship. >> Well, it's just really, really fun. >> Well, it's just really, really fun. >> Well, it's just really, really fun. You're worshiping the Lord and having You're worshiping the Lord and having You're worshiping the Lord and having fun at the same time. It's just a really fun at the same time. It's just a really fun at the same time. It's just a really fun camp. I [music] feel like I made a fun camp. I [music] feel like I made a fun camp. I [music] feel like I made a lot of new friends and I would love to lot of new friends and I would love to lot of new friends and I would love to be able to stay close to them, but also be able to stay close to them, but also be able to stay close to them, but also I've learned a lot and I want to be able I've learned a lot and I want to be able I've learned a lot and I want to be able to like dive [music] deeper into it when to like dive [music] deeper into it when to like dive [music] deeper into it when I get home. Silent sounds has affected I get home. Silent sounds has affected I get home. Silent sounds has affected me in my walk because it's like we're me in my walk because it's like we're me in my walk because it's like we're going through like the book of Ephesians going through like the book of Ephesians going through like the book of Ephesians and it's like telling us how [music] to and it's like telling us how [music] to and it's like telling us how [music] to like pray constantly. And in verse four, like pray constantly. And in verse four, like pray constantly. And in verse four, it says even as he chose us in him it says even as he chose us in him it says even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world. It's before the foundation of the world. It's before the foundation of the world. It's like crazy for me to think like even like crazy for me to think like even like crazy for me to think like even before the world was created, he chose before the world was created, he chose before the world was created, he chose me and who I was going to be.
We're talking about Peter right now and We're talking about Peter right now and how [music] we should be on the water how [music] we should be on the water how [music] we should be on the water cuz Peter walked on the water with cuz Peter walked on the water with cuz Peter walked on the water with Jesus. And we're just talking about how Jesus. And we're just talking about how Jesus. And we're just talking about how we shouldn't stay back on the boat in we shouldn't stay back on the boat in we shouldn't stay back on the boat in fear and we should go in Jesus even fear and we should go in Jesus even fear and we should go in Jesus even though it's going to be hard sometimes. though it's going to be hard sometimes. though it's going to be hard sometimes. [music] I just am so empowered now and I [music] I just am so empowered now and I [music] I just am so empowered now and I can take that with me and I can tell can take that with me and I can tell can take that with me and I can tell people that this road is hard. It's people that this road is hard. It's people that this road is hard. It's hard. But you know what? With Jesus, hard. But you know what? With Jesus, hard. But you know what? With Jesus, [music] he gives us the strength to move [music] he gives us the strength to move [music] he gives us the strength to move forward and to bring other people to us. forward and to bring other people to us. forward and to bring other people to us. We have to tell [music] other people. We We have to tell [music] other people. We We have to tell [music] other people. We have to know Jesus and make him known. have to know Jesus and make him known. have to know Jesus and make him known. >> I think it's really um important to be >> I think it's really um important to be >> I think it's really um important to be like followers of Christ in a community like followers of Christ in a community like followers of Christ in a community instead of just being alone because it's instead of just being alone because it's instead of just being alone because it's scary but you can still [music] do it. I scary but you can still [music] do it. I scary but you can still [music] do it. I think it's like very powerful. Sort of think it's like very powerful. Sort of think it's like very powerful. Sort of like a community of friends and they're like a community of friends and they're like a community of friends and they're all worshiping the same [music] thing all worshiping the same [music] thing all worshiping the same [music] thing that you are. When I had a one-on-one that you are. When I had a one-on-one that you are. When I had a one-on-one with my leader, he asked me the with my leader, he asked me the with my leader, he asked me the question, "Do you think your faith is question, "Do you think your faith is question, "Do you think your faith is individualized?" [music] and he told me individualized?" [music] and he told me individualized?" [music] and he told me that I should try my best to make it my that I should try my best to make it my that I should try my best to make it my own. Like during that message, I really own. Like during that message, I really own. Like during that message, I really felt the Holy Spirit like come to me. He felt the Holy Spirit like come to me. He felt the Holy Spirit like come to me. He said that Jesus was the only way. It was said that Jesus was the only way. It was said that Jesus was the only way. It was just me like realizing that my faith just me like realizing that my faith just me like realizing that my faith [music] wasn't very individualized at [music] wasn't very individualized at [music] wasn't very individualized at all. That I was just more of a all. That I was just more of a all. That I was just more of a subscriber to Jesus than a surrenderer.
subscriber to Jesus than a surrenderer. subscriber to Jesus than a surrenderer. I [music] feel like he's actually the I [music] feel like he's actually the I [music] feel like he's actually the shepherd. shepherd. shepherd. I know him better because of [music] I know him better because of [music] I know him better because of [music] this camp. We celebrate what the Lord has done and We celebrate what the Lord has done and what he continues to do. And all of this what he continues to do. And all of this what he continues to do. And all of this is made possible by your faithful giving is made possible by your faithful giving is made possible by your faithful giving and your radical generosity. [music] and your radical generosity. [music] and your radical generosity. [music] you faithfully week after week bring you faithfully week after week bring you faithfully week after week bring your tithes and offerings and you your tithes and offerings and you your tithes and offerings and you support uh [music] one of our greatest support uh [music] one of our greatest support uh [music] one of our greatest funds called the Second Loves Kids. And funds called the Second Loves Kids. And funds called the Second Loves Kids. And everything that we do and collect for everything that we do and collect for everything that we do and collect for Second Love's Kids goes to support Second Love's Kids goes to support Second Love's Kids goes to support exactly what you're seeing today. exactly what you're seeing today. exactly what you're seeing today. And so, thank you. And so, thank you. And so, thank you. Thank you on behalf of children, second Thank you on behalf of children, second Thank you on behalf of children, second students, students, students, parents, leaders.
Thank you, Thank you, heavenly father. We acknowledge that heavenly father. We acknowledge that heavenly father. We acknowledge that every good and perfect [music] gift every good and perfect [music] gift every good and perfect [music] gift comes from you. comes from you. comes from you. And so we are so grateful today [music] And so we are so grateful today [music] And so we are so grateful today [music] that you allow us to participate in what that you allow us to participate in what that you allow us to participate in what you are doing. you are doing. you are doing. And we worship you this morning with our And we worship you this morning with our And we worship you this morning with our tithes and our offerings and with our tithes and our offerings and with our tithes and our offerings and with our lives. lives. lives. For yours is the kingdom For yours is the kingdom For yours is the kingdom and the power [music] and the power [music] and the power [music] and the glory forever and ever. This is and the glory forever and ever. This is and the glory forever and ever. This is our prayer in the beautiful name of our prayer in the beautiful name of our prayer in the beautiful name of Jesus. [music] Amen. >> I'm calling on [singing] the God of >> I'm calling on [singing] the God of Jacob [music] whose love endures through generations. whose love endures through generations. [music and singing] I know that [music] you will keep your I know that [music] you will keep your covenant. [singing] I'm [music] calling on the God of Moses, I'm [music] calling on the God of Moses, [singing] I need you now [music and singing] to do I need you now [music and singing] to do the same thing for me.
Oh God, my God, I need you. [music] Oh God, my God, I need you. [music] Oh God, my God, I need you now. How Oh God, my God, I need you now. How Oh God, my God, I need you now. How [music] I need you now. [singing] [music] Oh rock or rock of ages. I'm [music] Oh rock or rock of ages. I'm standing on your [music] faithfulness. standing on your [music] faithfulness. standing on your [music] faithfulness. [singing] I'm calling on the God [music] of Mary I'm calling on the God [music] of Mary [singing] whose favor rest [music] upon the whose favor rest [music] upon the lonely. I [music] know you. With you all things I [music] know you. With you all things are possible. are possible. are possible. Oh, Oh, Oh, I'm [music] calling on [singing] the God I'm [music] calling on [singing] the God I'm [music] calling on [singing] the God of David. Yes, we are. [music] of David. Yes, we are. [music] of David. Yes, we are. [music] Who made a shepherd boy courageous?
I [music] may not face your life, but I [music] may not face your life, but I've got my [music] most. I've got my [music] most. I've got my [music] most. Oh God, my God, I need you. Oh God, my Oh God, my God, I need you. Oh God, my Oh God, my God, I need you. Oh God, my God, I need you [music] God, I need you [music] God, I need you [music] now. How I need you now. Oh [music] now. How I need you now. Oh [music] now. How I need you now. Oh [music] for our core rock of ages. [music] I'm for our core rock of ages. [music] I'm for our core rock of ages. [music] I'm standing on your faithfulness. standing on your faithfulness. standing on your faithfulness. [singing] [singing] [singing] On your faithfulness. On your faithfulness. On your faithfulness. [music] [music] [music] Oh God, my God, I need you. Oh [singing] Oh God, my God, I need you. Oh [singing] Oh God, my God, I need you. Oh [singing] God, my God, I need you [music] now. How God, my God, I need you [music] now. How God, my God, I need you [music] now. How I need you now. I need you now. I need you now. Oh Oh Oh rock or rock of ages, [music] rock or rock of ages, [music] rock or rock of ages, [music] I'm standing on your faithfulness. >> you heard your children, then you hear >> you heard your children, then you hear your children. Now you are the same your children. Now you are the same your children. Now you are the same [singing] God. You [music] are the same [singing] God. You [music] are the same [singing] God. You [music] are the same God. You answered prayers back then and God. You answered prayers back then and God. You answered prayers back then and you will answer now. You are the same
you will answer now. You are the same you will answer now. You are the same [music] God. You are the same God. You [music] God. You are the same God. You [music] God. You are the same God. You [music] were providing [music] were providing [music] were providing then you are providing [music] then you are providing [music] then you are providing [music] now. You are the same [singing] God. You now. You are the same [singing] God. You now. You are the same [singing] God. You are the same God. You move [music] in are the same God. You move [music] in are the same God. You move [music] in power. power. power. God moves in power. [singing] Now God moves in power. [singing] Now God moves in power. [singing] Now [music] [music] [music] you are the same God. You are the same you are the same God. You are the same you are the same God. You are the same [music] [music] [music] God. You are a he. God. You are a he. God. You are a he. You are a [music] You are a [music] You are a [music] You are the same God. You are the same You are the same God. You are the same You are the same God. You are the same [music] God. [music] God. [music] God. You are the savior. You are the savior. You are the savior. You are the savior. You are the savior. You are the savior. You are the [music] same god. You are You are the [music] same god. You are You are the [music] same god. You are the same god. Oh [music] god. My god. I the same god. Oh [music] god. My god. I the same god. Oh [music] god. My god. I need you. Oh god. My god. I need you need you. Oh god. My god. I need you need you. Oh god. My god. I need you [singing] now. [music] [singing] now. [music] [singing] now. [music] I need you now. Oh I need you now. Oh I need you now. Oh rock. [music] rock. [music] rock. [music] ages. I'm standing on your faithfulness.
ages. I'm standing on your faithfulness. ages. I'm standing on your faithfulness. [music] [music] [music] On your faithfulness, oh God, my God, I need you. [music] oh God, my God, I need you. [music] Oh God, my God, I need you now. How I Oh God, my God, I need you now. How I Oh God, my God, I need you now. How I [music] need you now. Hey, [music] need you now. Hey, [music] need you now. Hey, rock rock rock aes. [music] aes. [music] aes. [music] Standing on your faithfulness. [music] Oh, we worship you. Spirit is [music] Oh, we worship you. Spirit is true. true. true. Everything [music] Everything [music] Everything [music] belongs to you. Lord, you're the same belongs to you. Lord, you're the same belongs to you. Lord, you're the same God. The same God. [music] Give him glory and praise this morning Give him glory and praise this morning to the Lord.
All right, let's go to the Lord in All right, let's go to the Lord in prayer as we open his word. God, thank prayer as we open his word. God, thank prayer as we open his word. God, thank you so much you so much you so much that you allowed us to be here today. that you allowed us to be here today. that you allowed us to be here today. God, thank you so much for the life God, thank you so much for the life God, thank you so much for the life change that you are doing here in this change that you are doing here in this change that you are doing here in this your church community. your church community. your church community. God, I pray right now that you would God, I pray right now that you would God, I pray right now that you would speak to each and every person here. speak to each and every person here. speak to each and every person here. God, I believe that today you're God, I believe that today you're God, I believe that today you're leading and guiding some people to step leading and guiding some people to step leading and guiding some people to step out and to do something bold today. out and to do something bold today. out and to do something bold today. God, may those who you are calling out God, may those who you are calling out God, may those who you are calling out to your call, may they be obedient to to your call, may they be obedient to to your call, may they be obedient to that. Speak to us as we open your word that. Speak to us as we open your word that. Speak to us as we open your word in Jesus name. Amen. in Jesus name. Amen. in Jesus name. Amen. At the turn of the century, a European At the turn of the century, a European At the turn of the century, a European sociologist by the name of Ziggman sociologist by the name of Ziggman sociologist by the name of Ziggman Bowman tried to come up with a term that Bowman tried to come up with a term that Bowman tried to come up with a term that would describe the world that you and I would describe the world that you and I would describe the world that you and I live in.
live in. live in. And he came up with two words, liquid And he came up with two words, liquid And he came up with two words, liquid modernity. modernity. modernity. Liquid Liquid Liquid modernity. modernity. modernity. In other words, he asked a question. In other words, he asked a question. In other words, he asked a question. What happens to us? What happens to What happens to us? What happens to What happens to us? What happens to human beings when almost nothing we know human beings when almost nothing we know human beings when almost nothing we know stays solid for very stays solid for very stays solid for very long? long? long? Think about the massive amount of Think about the massive amount of Think about the massive amount of changes that have happened in our world changes that have happened in our world changes that have happened in our world in the past oh 20 25 years. in the past oh 20 25 years. in the past oh 20 25 years. The family, The family, The family, marriage, technology, marriage, technology, marriage, technology, sexuality, sexuality, sexuality, identity, all of this seems to be like identity, all of this seems to be like identity, all of this seems to be like we are living in some type of ocean of we are living in some type of ocean of we are living in some type of ocean of uncertainty, uncertainty, uncertainty, ever moving change that no one can ever moving change that no one can ever moving change that no one can really keep up with. really keep up with. really keep up with. And look what modernity And look what modernity And look what modernity Balman predicted that it would give us Balman predicted that it would give us Balman predicted that it would give us more freedom but less certainty. More more freedom but less certainty. More more freedom but less certainty. More choices but less meaning. More choices but less meaning. More choices but less meaning. More connections but often less but often less belonging.
belonging. belonging. Belonging. Belonging. Belonging. We all need We all need We all need belonging. We all need a place to call belonging. We all need a place to call belonging. We all need a place to call home. We all need deep meaningful human home. We all need deep meaningful human home. We all need deep meaningful human connection and connectivity connection and connectivity connection and connectivity to live the life that God has designed to live the life that God has designed to live the life that God has designed us to live. us to live. us to live. So in the midst of trying to navigate So in the midst of trying to navigate So in the midst of trying to navigate and live and work and do life and and live and work and do life and and live and work and do life and relationships in this sea of liquid relationships in this sea of liquid relationships in this sea of liquid modernity, we need something someone to modernity, we need something someone to modernity, we need something someone to give us a sense of order give us a sense of order give us a sense of order and strength and strength and strength and stability. and stability. and stability. That's why we've been looking at That's why we've been looking at That's why we've been looking at spiritual formation for this summer spiritual formation for this summer spiritual formation for this summer because spiritual formation teaches us because spiritual formation teaches us because spiritual formation teaches us how to be intentional in our how to be intentional in our how to be intentional in our relationship with God. relationship with God. relationship with God. How to be intentional.
How to be intentional. How to be intentional. How do we engage in some practices that How do we engage in some practices that How do we engage in some practices that will be helpful for us on a daybyday will be helpful for us on a daybyday will be helpful for us on a daybyday basis to make a meaningful connection to basis to make a meaningful connection to basis to make a meaningful connection to God and a meaningful connection to God and a meaningful connection to God and a meaningful connection to others as well as engaging in the others as well as engaging in the others as well as engaging in the purposes that he had designed us for. purposes that he had designed us for. purposes that he had designed us for. Robert Mullholland said this about Robert Mullholland said this about Robert Mullholland said this about spiritual formation. He said it's the spiritual formation. He said it's the spiritual formation. He said it's the process of being formed into the image process of being formed into the image process of being formed into the image of Christ for the sake of others. of Christ for the sake of others. of Christ for the sake of others. If you have asked Christ to come into If you have asked Christ to come into If you have asked Christ to come into your life, if you've trusted him and your life, if you've trusted him and your life, if you've trusted him and you've been baptized by immersion, then you've been baptized by immersion, then you've been baptized by immersion, then you are a part you are a part you are a part of the family of God. You have a of the family of God. You have a of the family of God. You have a connection by his grace to Christ. And connection by his grace to Christ. And connection by his grace to Christ. And then he begins that process in your life then he begins that process in your life then he begins that process in your life and my life and my life and my life of growing of growing of growing and maturing and maturing and maturing and better reflecting his character and and better reflecting his character and and better reflecting his character and his nature. his nature. his nature. At the same time, God has given us At the same time, God has given us At the same time, God has given us means, if you would, practices means, if you would, practices means, if you would, practices that will help us in that pursuit, in that will help us in that pursuit, in that will help us in that pursuit, in that process. 1 Timothy 4:8 has been our that process. 1 Timothy 4:8 has been our that process. 1 Timothy 4:8 has been our key verse. It says, "For physical key verse. It says, "For physical key verse. It says, "For physical training is of some value. Work out, training is of some value. Work out, training is of some value. Work out, walk, swim, exercise, keep your body in walk, swim, exercise, keep your body in walk, swim, exercise, keep your body in motion. That is of good thing that is of motion. That is of good thing that is of motion. That is of good thing that is of some value. But godliness, spiritual
some value. But godliness, spiritual some value. But godliness, spiritual formation has value for this life right formation has value for this life right formation has value for this life right now and for all things holding promise now and for all things holding promise now and for all things holding promise both for this present life and the life both for this present life and the life both for this present life and the life to come. So it's a holistic ROI return to come. So it's a holistic ROI return to come. So it's a holistic ROI return on the investment. on the investment. on the investment. God wants to teach us how do we engage God wants to teach us how do we engage God wants to teach us how do we engage in these practices of spiritual in these practices of spiritual in these practices of spiritual formation? How are they? How do they formation? How are they? How do they formation? How are they? How do they become a part of the daily rhythm, the become a part of the daily rhythm, the become a part of the daily rhythm, the weekly rhythms of our life? It's all about It's all about intentionality. intentionality. intentionality. Anything in life really that makes a Anything in life really that makes a Anything in life really that makes a difference, a longlasting difference in difference, a longlasting difference in difference, a longlasting difference in our life, it's about being intentional. our life, it's about being intentional. our life, it's about being intentional. And we have to be intentional first of And we have to be intentional first of And we have to be intentional first of all to pursue a deep connection all to pursue a deep connection all to pursue a deep connection with our creator. with our creator. with our creator. Pursue, Pursue, Pursue, seek, seek, seek, run after a deep connection run after a deep connection run after a deep connection with your creator.
Acts chapter 17 Acts chapter 17 says it's in him, it's in God that we says it's in him, it's in God that we says it's in him, it's in God that we live and move and have our being. God is live and move and have our being. God is live and move and have our being. God is not far away from any one of us. God is everywhere present. God is everywhere present. God has made his presence and his God has made his presence and his God has made his presence and his reality known to us so that we will seek reality known to us so that we will seek reality known to us so that we will seek him and perhaps reach out for him and him and perhaps reach out for him and him and perhaps reach out for him and find him. God desires us so to know us so much God desires us so to know us so much that he pursued us in his son. He that he pursued us in his son. He that he pursued us in his son. He pursued us and came down to where we pursued us and came down to where we pursued us and came down to where we lived and moved into the neighborhood. And we all have this deep desire in our And we all have this deep desire in our heart heart heart to get to know this God who made us and to get to know this God who made us and to get to know this God who made us and loved us and as someone said earlier has loved us and as someone said earlier has loved us and as someone said earlier has a plan for us.
a plan for us. a plan for us. It's built in. It's innate. It's built in. It's innate. It's built in. It's innate. One of the ways we pursue God One of the ways we pursue God One of the ways we pursue God in an intentional way to pursue that in an intentional way to pursue that in an intentional way to pursue that deep connection is through these deep connection is through these deep connection is through these practices that we've been looking at. We practices that we've been looking at. We practices that we've been looking at. We looked at silence and solitude. We looked at silence and solitude. We looked at silence and solitude. We looked at the importance of meditation, looked at the importance of meditation, looked at the importance of meditation, the importance of fasting, the the importance of fasting, the the importance of fasting, the importance of prayer. And we'll look importance of prayer. And we'll look importance of prayer. And we'll look today at that fifth intentional today at that fifth intentional today at that fifth intentional practice. Now, here's what's practice. Now, here's what's practice. Now, here's what's interesting. When I talked about fasting interesting. When I talked about fasting interesting. When I talked about fasting a few weeks ago, I cannot tell you the a few weeks ago, I cannot tell you the a few weeks ago, I cannot tell you the number of text messages I got after number of text messages I got after number of text messages I got after church of people saying, and they were church of people saying, and they were church of people saying, and they were serious. They didn't know what they were serious. They didn't know what they were serious. They didn't know what they were saying. You will not believe how hungry saying. You will not believe how hungry saying. You will not believe how hungry your message made me on fasting. And I got to thinking that could change And I got to thinking that could change my whole methodology of preaching right my whole methodology of preaching right my whole methodology of preaching right there, right? If people just starts there, right? If people just starts there, right? If people just starts doing the opposite. Anyway, so doing the opposite. Anyway, so doing the opposite. Anyway, so today, what is that? That fifth and today, what is that? That fifth and today, what is that? That fifth and final spiritual practice that's that's final spiritual practice that's that's final spiritual practice that's that's vital. vital. vital. The fifth and final practice is engagement is engagement in community.
in community. in community. to be specific and to be biblical, it's to be specific and to be biblical, it's to be specific and to be biblical, it's engagement in the local engagement in the local engagement in the local church. To be a Christ follower To be a Christ follower means to be a part of the church. When means to be a part of the church. When means to be a part of the church. When you are baptized, you are baptized not you are baptized, you are baptized not you are baptized, you are baptized not only into the life of Christ, you're only into the life of Christ, you're only into the life of Christ, you're baptized into the life of Christ's baptized into the life of Christ's baptized into the life of Christ's community. community. community. Christ came, lived, died, rose again, Christ came, lived, died, rose again, Christ came, lived, died, rose again, ascended ascended ascended for the church. for the church. for the church. We are the body of Christ as we gather We are the body of Christ as we gather We are the body of Christ as we gather together here on a Sunday. We are the together here on a Sunday. We are the together here on a Sunday. We are the hands and feet of Christ. As we go out hands and feet of Christ. As we go out hands and feet of Christ. As we go out into our work world, as we go out into into our work world, as we go out into into our work world, as we go out into our schools, as we go out into our our schools, as we go out into our our schools, as we go out into our relationship, we're to shine his light. relationship, we're to shine his light. relationship, we're to shine his light. We are his community. We are his community. We are his community. Christ is coming back for the church. Christ is coming back for the church. Christ is coming back for the church. the gates of hell will not prevail the gates of hell will not prevail the gates of hell will not prevail against the church.
against the church. against the church. So if we're to grow in these spiritual So if we're to grow in these spiritual So if we're to grow in these spiritual practices, if we're to have a sense of practices, if we're to have a sense of practices, if we're to have a sense of solidity, solidity, solidity, something that's rock solid in the midst something that's rock solid in the midst something that's rock solid in the midst of this everchanging liquid modernity of this everchanging liquid modernity of this everchanging liquid modernity that we all swim around in, then we have that we all swim around in, then we have that we all swim around in, then we have to be connected to a local church. Christ Christ founded the church. Christ as Corin uh founded the church. Christ as Corin uh founded the church. Christ as Corin uh Colossians 1 says is the head of the Colossians 1 says is the head of the Colossians 1 says is the head of the church church church and he's coming back for his church. and he's coming back for his church. and he's coming back for his church. Ephesians, Ephesians, Ephesians, Colossians, Colossians, Colossians, Philippians, first second Timothy, all Philippians, first second Timothy, all Philippians, first second Timothy, all these letters were written to the these letters were written to the these letters were written to the church. Revelation to the church. God loves his church. God sent his son God loves his church. God sent his son to die and to rise again for this to die and to rise again for this to die and to rise again for this church. God's coming back for his church. God's coming back for his church. God's coming back for his church. church. church. And in the meanwhile, we are all to be And in the meanwhile, we are all to be And in the meanwhile, we are all to be about seeing that many people, students, about seeing that many people, students, about seeing that many people, students, young people, old people, everyone has young people, old people, everyone has young people, old people, everyone has an opportunity to respond to this great an opportunity to respond to this great an opportunity to respond to this great message, this good news of the gospel message, this good news of the gospel message, this good news of the gospel of Jesus Christ, which changes our life.
of Jesus Christ, which changes our life. of Jesus Christ, which changes our life. There's a balance between all of these There's a balance between all of these There's a balance between all of these spiritual practices, the solitude, the spiritual practices, the solitude, the spiritual practices, the solitude, the silence, the prayer, and also community. silence, the prayer, and also community. silence, the prayer, and also community. Dietrich Bonhaofer said it so well in Dietrich Bonhaofer said it so well in Dietrich Bonhaofer said it so well in this quote. Bonhaofer said this in his this quote. Bonhaofer said this in his this quote. Bonhaofer said this in his classic book, Life Together. He said, classic book, Life Together. He said, classic book, Life Together. He said, "Let him who cannot be alone beware of "Let him who cannot be alone beware of "Let him who cannot be alone beware of community." Let him who is in community community." Let him who is in community community." Let him who is in community beware of being alone. Each by itself beware of being alone. Each by itself beware of being alone. Each by itself has profound perils and pitfalls. One has profound perils and pitfalls. One has profound perils and pitfalls. One who wants fellowship without solitude who wants fellowship without solitude who wants fellowship without solitude plunges into the void of words and plunges into the void of words and plunges into the void of words and feelings. And the one who seeks solitude feelings. And the one who seeks solitude feelings. And the one who seeks solitude without fellowship perishes in the abyss without fellowship perishes in the abyss without fellowship perishes in the abyss of vanity, self-invatuation, and of vanity, self-invatuation, and of vanity, self-invatuation, and despair, solitude, silence, prayer, seeking God, solitude, silence, prayer, seeking God, seeking to know him at the same time seeking to know him at the same time seeking to know him at the same time within that community of the local within that community of the local within that community of the local church with friends and brothers and church with friends and brothers and church with friends and brothers and sisters in Christ. That's the way God sisters in Christ. That's the way God sisters in Christ. That's the way God designed it. That's the way it works.
designed it. That's the way it works. designed it. That's the way it works. That's the way we work. Life change Life change happens happens happens in in in the local the local the local church. I've been a Christian for many decades I've been a Christian for many decades now. now. now. I've been a part of very small startup I've been a part of very small startup I've been a part of very small startup churches churches churches that met like in a warehouse district. that met like in a warehouse district. that met like in a warehouse district. I've been a part of medium-sized I've been a part of medium-sized I've been a part of medium-sized churches. I've been a part of large churches. I've been a part of large churches. I've been a part of large churches. I've been a part of churches churches. I've been a part of churches churches. I've been a part of churches with, you know, worship centers like with, you know, worship centers like with, you know, worship centers like this and contemporary music and smoke this and contemporary music and smoke this and contemporary music and smoke machines. I've been a part of churches machines. I've been a part of churches machines. I've been a part of churches in worship where the floor was made of in worship where the floor was made of in worship where the floor was made of mud and the walls were made of tin. It's not about the buildings. It's not about the buildings. It's about the people. It's about their It's about the people. It's about their It's about the people. It's about their worship. It's about their walk with worship. It's about their walk with worship. It's about their walk with Christ and their passion to see others Christ and their passion to see others Christ and their passion to see others one to the good news of Jesus Christ.
one to the good news of Jesus Christ. one to the good news of Jesus Christ. It's not big, small, little, but no, It's not big, small, little, but no, It's not big, small, little, but no, it's not about that. To be the community of Christ. To be the community of Christ. It's where we grow. It's where we grow. It's where we grow. It's where we learn. It's where we learn. It's where we learn. It's where we do life together. Couple of Saturdays ago was Couple of Saturdays ago was Saturday afternoon coming out of office Saturday afternoon coming out of office Saturday afternoon coming out of office and parking lot was basically empty and and parking lot was basically empty and and parking lot was basically empty and I noticed someone drive up in an SUV to I noticed someone drive up in an SUV to I noticed someone drive up in an SUV to the parking lot, the parking lot, the parking lot, got out was a mom. She got out from the got out was a mom. She got out from the got out was a mom. She got out from the driver's seat, walked around the car. driver's seat, walked around the car. driver's seat, walked around the car. Her son got out, looked like a high Her son got out, looked like a high Her son got out, looked like a high school student, and walked around the school student, and walked around the school student, and walked around the car and got in the driver's seat. She car and got in the driver's seat. She car and got in the driver's seat. She got in the passenger seat got in the passenger seat got in the passenger seat and I knew what was happening, right? and I knew what was happening, right? and I knew what was happening, right? She was teaching him how to drive. I've She was teaching him how to drive. I've She was teaching him how to drive. I've seen that happen so many times out seen that happen so many times out seen that happen so many times out there. Parents trying to teach their there. Parents trying to teach their there. Parents trying to teach their kids how to drive. Learning how to drive kids how to drive. Learning how to drive kids how to drive. Learning how to drive happens.
happens. happens. Right out there. Right out there. Right out there. I thought about my oldest daughter. I I thought about my oldest daughter. I I thought about my oldest daughter. I taught her how to ride her bike without taught her how to ride her bike without taught her how to ride her bike without training wheels. right out there. I training wheels. right out there. I training wheels. right out there. I thought about all the young kids and thought about all the young kids and thought about all the young kids and stuff on our athletic fields and soccer stuff on our athletic fields and soccer stuff on our athletic fields and soccer and baseball and our gyms and basketball and baseball and our gyms and basketball and baseball and our gyms and basketball and they learned all these things not and they learned all these things not and they learned all these things not just about sports but about life just about sports but about life just about sports but about life right there. I thought about our worship right there. I thought about our worship right there. I thought about our worship center as I looked around this place and center as I looked around this place and center as I looked around this place and I thought about the thousands and I thought about the thousands and I thought about the thousands and thousands of men and women who have come thousands of men and women who have come thousands of men and women who have come here from all over Houston. Yay. from here from all over Houston. Yay. from here from all over Houston. Yay. from all over the world to hear the all over the world to hear the all over the world to hear the lifechanging message of Jesus Christ, to lifechanging message of Jesus Christ, to lifechanging message of Jesus Christ, to do life together, to love each other, to do life together, to love each other, to do life together, to love each other, to serve each other, and to see if we can serve each other, and to see if we can serve each other, and to see if we can get that gospel outside of the four get that gospel outside of the four get that gospel outside of the four walls of the church. If we're to grow in this relationship If we're to grow in this relationship with God, this God who knows us and made with God, this God who knows us and made with God, this God who knows us and made us. If we're to grow as a community, it us. If we're to grow as a community, it us. If we're to grow as a community, it happens within the context happens within the context happens within the context of the local church.
of the local church. of the local church. Someone passed the gospel on to me in Someone passed the gospel on to me in Someone passed the gospel on to me in the church. I am trying to pass the the church. I am trying to pass the the church. I am trying to pass the gospel on to someone else. Our students gospel on to someone else. Our students gospel on to someone else. Our students have the gospel right now in our kids have the gospel right now in our kids have the gospel right now in our kids and they one day you guys will pass the and they one day you guys will pass the and they one day you guys will pass the gospel onto someone else. That's how it gospel onto someone else. That's how it gospel onto someone else. That's how it works. works. works. That's how it works. That's how it works. That's how it works. Let's watch. Let's watch. Let's watch. Check this out. What happened and some Check this out. What happened and some Check this out. What happened and some of the lives of our students this of the lives of our students this of the lives of our students this summer. summer. summer. >> So, I found out that we were going to >> So, I found out that we were going to >> So, I found out that we were going to the mountains and I was like, "What? the mountains and I was like, "What? the mountains and I was like, "What? like no way we're leaving Portoino. Like like no way we're leaving Portoino. Like like no way we're leaving Portoino. Like that's not it's not what I thought was that's not it's not what I thought was that's not it's not what I thought was going to happen. And I was like, you going to happen. And I was like, you going to happen. And I was like, you know what? Let's be more in God's nature know what? Let's be more in God's nature know what? Let's be more in God's nature and let's go [music] touch grass, touch and let's go [music] touch grass, touch and let's go [music] touch grass, touch some dirt, and let's just see like what some dirt, and let's just see like what some dirt, and let's just see like what God really has in store for us. God really has in store for us. God really has in store for us. >> Hello. >> Hello. >> Hello. Welcome to the golden days. Welcome to the golden days. Welcome to the golden days. Right place, and you're right on time.
Right place, and you're right on time. Right place, and you're right on time. Peace [music] of the golden days. Peace [music] of the golden days. Peace [music] of the golden days. Peace of the golden days. Peace of the golden days. Peace of the golden days. Oh, [music] Oh, [music] Oh, [music] talk about talk about talk about these days, [music] these days, [music] these days, [music] 20 years from [singing] now. 20 years from [singing] now. 20 years from [singing] now. Lead in Lead in Lead in and look around. [music] and look around. [music] and look around. [music] The golden days are happening [singing] The golden days are happening [singing] The golden days are happening [singing] now. now. now. [music] The golden days. The golden days. [music] >> My name is Aubrey. I love outside. I >> My name is Aubrey. I love outside. I like walking around with my friends. like walking around with my friends. like walking around with my friends. Like, so this is perfect just being Like, so this is perfect just being Like, so this is perfect just being around with like the trees and like the around with like the trees and like the around with like the trees and like the mountains and everything. mountains and everything. mountains and everything. >> I really love science and math and >> I really love science and math and >> I really love science and math and history. I love studying like all sorts history. I love studying like all sorts history. I love studying like all sorts of things and pretty much I'm open to of things and pretty much I'm open to of things and pretty much I'm open to like a lot of things. I'm trying to live like a lot of things. I'm trying to live like a lot of things. I'm trying to live my life to the fullest.
my life to the fullest. my life to the fullest. >> I like to do art. I paint a lot. >> I like to do art. I paint a lot. >> I like to do art. I paint a lot. >> Grew up Christian household. Parents uh >> Grew up Christian household. Parents uh >> Grew up Christian household. Parents uh been second my whole life. Started off been second my whole life. Started off been second my whole life. Started off at West then ended up at 1463. at West then ended up at 1463. at West then ended up at 1463. >> I'm still new to America and I love it >> I'm still new to America and I love it >> I'm still new to America and I love it here. You guys have actual [music] here. You guys have actual [music] here. You guys have actual [music] yellow buses. yellow buses. yellow buses. Like I've never seen that. It's always Like I've never seen that. It's always Like I've never seen that. It's always in the movies. I didn't think that was in the movies. I didn't think that was in the movies. I didn't think that was real. And like I just love how real. And like I just love how real. And like I just love how everything is like big in Texas, you everything is like big in Texas, you everything is like big in Texas, you know, like like Target. I was just like know, like like Target. I was just like know, like like Target. I was just like it's so cool here. >> As I grew up, I started understanding >> As I grew up, I started understanding more about who he was, but I still more about who he was, but I still more about who he was, but I still really didn't want to follow him cuz really didn't want to follow him cuz really didn't want to follow him cuz [music] I still wanted to do what I [music] I still wanted to do what I [music] I still wanted to do what I wanted to do. Like I never thought that wanted to do. Like I never thought that wanted to do. Like I never thought that God did anything good for me. I thought God did anything good for me. I thought God did anything good for me. I thought he was just always putting bad stuff in he was just always putting bad stuff in he was just always putting bad stuff in my life. my life. my life. >> When I was 12 years old, my [music] dad >> When I was 12 years old, my [music] dad >> When I was 12 years old, my [music] dad passed away. One thing that I always passed away. One thing that I always passed away. One thing that I always love, like a saying that I always love love, like a saying that I always love love, like a saying that I always love is God needed him more than I did. I is God needed him more than I did. I is God needed him more than I did. I lost my dad when I was six years old in lost my dad when I was six years old in lost my dad when I was six years old in 2017. [music] And like that like crushed 2017. [music] And like that like crushed 2017. [music] And like that like crushed me and my family. Like that was my best me and my family. Like that was my best me and my family. Like that was my best friend. And like [music] he was like the friend. And like [music] he was like the friend. And like [music] he was like the glue for my family. Like he was like the glue for my family. Like he was like the glue for my family. Like he was like the guy who was like always like socializing guy who was like always like socializing guy who was like always like socializing at church. [music] Like he was really at church. [music] Like he was really at church. [music] Like he was really like involved in the church too. And like involved in the church too. And like involved in the church too. And then when he passed away, we definitely then when he passed away, we definitely then when he passed away, we definitely like slipped away from the church like a like slipped away from the church like a like slipped away from the church like a lot. I never had a normal childhood like lot. I never had a normal childhood like lot. I never had a normal childhood like any other girl my age. I was diagnosed any other girl my age. I was diagnosed any other girl my age. I was diagnosed with HS and it's hydraitis supervivia.
with HS and it's hydraitis supervivia. with HS and it's hydraitis supervivia. It was very deadly. So I spent most of It was very deadly. So I spent most of It was very deadly. So I spent most of my childhood either in my room or in the my childhood either in my room or in the my childhood either in my room or in the hospital. And honestly my faith wasn't hospital. And honestly my faith wasn't hospital. And honestly my faith wasn't very there cuz I felt [music] like if very there cuz I felt [music] like if very there cuz I felt [music] like if there was a God then why would I have to there was a God then why would I have to there was a God then why would I have to go through all of this as a child? I had go through all of this as a child? I had go through all of this as a child? I had started going to a church closer to my started going to a church closer to my started going to a church closer to my home and I just couldn't find my group home and I just couldn't find my group home and I just couldn't find my group of girls. Like that group that you feel of girls. Like that group that you feel of girls. Like that group that you feel like is your second family, I couldn't like is your second family, I couldn't like is your second family, I couldn't find it. I went down a rough path with a find it. I went down a rough path with a find it. I went down a rough path with a couple of my friends. I started hanging couple of my friends. I started hanging couple of my friends. I started hanging out with the wrong friend group thinking out with the wrong friend group thinking out with the wrong friend group thinking that I was okay. I thought like that I was okay. I thought like that I was okay. I thought like everything was normal. I was still going everything was normal. I was still going everything was normal. I was still going to church, but inside I was just so lost to church, but inside I was just so lost to church, but inside I was just so lost and I just felt so empty and I knew like and I just felt so empty and I knew like and I just felt so empty and I knew like I needed to change that. I tried praying I needed to change that. I tried praying I needed to change that. I tried praying and I was like, God, like if this is the and I was like, God, like if this is the and I was like, God, like if this is the right thing, put one girl in front of me right thing, put one girl in front of me right thing, put one girl in front of me that I can grow closer to do and it was that I can grow closer to do and it was that I can grow closer to do and it was Savannah. Savannah. Savannah. >> I started playing baseball and I ended >> I started playing baseball and I ended >> I started playing baseball and I ended up having a season ending injury. I tore up having a season ending injury. I tore up having a season ending injury. I tore my hamstring and I tried coming back a my hamstring and I tried coming back a my hamstring and I tried coming back a week later and I ended up tearing it week later and I ended up tearing it week later and I ended up tearing it even more. So, I was definitely done for even more. So, I was definitely done for even more. So, I was definitely done for the season a couple weeks later and I the season a couple weeks later and I the season a couple weeks later and I found out that my uncle took his life found out that my uncle took his life found out that my uncle took his life and I really didn't know what to do and I really didn't know what to do and I really didn't know what to do saying like you're doing this. I don't saying like you're doing this. I don't saying like you're doing this. I don't know why you are. I already have a lot know why you are. I already have a lot know why you are. I already have a lot of stuff going on. You just keep putting of stuff going on. You just keep putting of stuff going on. You just keep putting stuff in. And I would just keep asking stuff in. And I would just keep asking stuff in. And I would just keep asking him why because I really didn't know the him why because I really didn't know the him why because I really didn't know the reason.
reason. reason. >> My relationship with God was completely >> My relationship with God was completely >> My relationship with God was completely out the window. I was on fire for him. out the window. I was on fire for him. out the window. I was on fire for him. And I went through really bad depression And I went through really bad depression And I went through really bad depression and anxiety. And I thought that because and anxiety. And I thought that because and anxiety. And I thought that because of my sin that God had this hatred for of my sin that God had this hatred for of my sin that God had this hatred for me and that he was putting all these me and that he was putting all these me and that he was putting all these struggles in my life to punish me for my struggles in my life to punish me for my struggles in my life to punish me for my sin. And if he really loved me, why sin. And if he really loved me, why sin. And if he really loved me, why would he let me go through this? would he let me go through this? would he let me go through this? My grandpa passed away and then after he My grandpa passed away and then after he My grandpa passed away and then after he passed away, I was struggling so badly passed away, I was struggling so badly passed away, I was struggling so badly with my grief. I didn't know how to with my grief. I didn't know how to with my grief. I didn't know how to handle it. I started running back to the handle it. I started running back to the handle it. I started running back to the friends I thought they were the ones friends I thought they were the ones friends I thought they were the ones that pushed me through all these bad that pushed me through all these bad that pushed me through all these bad times in my family life. Why don't I times in my family life. Why don't I times in my family life. Why don't I just like go back to them? [music] And I just like go back to them? [music] And I just like go back to them? [music] And I kind of pushed away from Savannah at kind of pushed away from Savannah at kind of pushed away from Savannah at that time cuz I was like, "No, like I that time cuz I was like, "No, like I that time cuz I was like, "No, like I need to go on my own." And then this need to go on my own." And then this need to go on my own." And then this past February, my grandma passed away. past February, my grandma passed away. past February, my grandma passed away. And that was just so hard for me and I And that was just so hard for me and I And that was just so hard for me and I didn't know how to come back from it didn't know how to come back from it didn't know how to come back from it because I was like, "Wow, like God, what because I was like, "Wow, like God, what because I was like, "Wow, like God, what are you doing to me? I just lost my are you doing to me? I just lost my are you doing to me? I just lost my grandpa now and lost my grandma, too."
grandpa now and lost my grandma, too." grandpa now and lost my grandma, too." Like my literally my favorite people in Like my literally my favorite people in Like my literally my favorite people in the world. I've like spent my whole life the world. I've like spent my whole life the world. I've like spent my whole life moving. Like I was born in South Africa. moving. Like I was born in South Africa. moving. Like I was born in South Africa. I lived in Botswana. I moved to I lived in Botswana. I moved to I lived in Botswana. I moved to Mozambique. Then I moved to Portugal. Mozambique. Then I moved to Portugal. Mozambique. Then I moved to Portugal. Then I went to Brazil. Then I came to Then I went to Brazil. Then I came to Then I went to Brazil. Then I came to America. I didn't really like go to America. I didn't really like go to America. I didn't really like go to church or think, but like I knew like, church or think, but like I knew like, church or think, but like I knew like, oh, I was Christian. I do believe in oh, I was Christian. I do believe in oh, I was Christian. I do believe in God. But I [music] never prayed. I had a God. But I [music] never prayed. I had a God. But I [music] never prayed. I had a Bible that I never opened. Like it was Bible that I never opened. Like it was Bible that I never opened. Like it was literally collecting dust, but I had it literally collecting dust, but I had it literally collecting dust, but I had it in my nightstand cuz like I had the idea in my nightstand cuz like I had the idea in my nightstand cuz like I had the idea of being Christian, but I didn't really of being Christian, but I didn't really of being Christian, but I didn't really like take action. I feel like I was on like take action. I feel like I was on like take action. I feel like I was on the fence like my life and God's life. the fence like my life and God's life. the fence like my life and God's life. And I kind of wanted both. Recently, And I kind of wanted both. Recently, And I kind of wanted both. Recently, I've been really stressed out about my I've been really stressed out about my I've been really stressed out about my faith. um faith. um faith. um thinking that I wasn't like doing good thinking that I wasn't like doing good thinking that I wasn't like doing good enough for God. [music] Thinking I have enough for God. [music] Thinking I have enough for God. [music] Thinking I have to do to do to do these certain things in order to please these certain things in order to please these certain things in order to please God. God. God. >> New schools all the time. Never really >> New schools all the time. Never really >> New schools all the time. Never really found a good group of [music] friends. found a good group of [music] friends. found a good group of [music] friends. Uh 7th through 8th grade struggled with Uh 7th through 8th grade struggled with Uh 7th through 8th grade struggled with depression. I was just in a a low uh depression. I was just in a a low uh depression. I was just in a a low uh family kind of stopped going to church. family kind of stopped going to church. family kind of stopped going to church. Just kind of everything disappeared and Just kind of everything disappeared and Just kind of everything disappeared and I was kind of alone and it was just it I was kind of alone and it was just it I was kind of alone and it was just it was just like getting to me slowly. And was just like getting to me slowly. And was just like getting to me slowly. And then it got to the point to where it was then it got to the point to where it was then it got to the point to where it was like I don't feel my purpose in this like I don't feel my purpose in this like I don't feel my purpose in this world anymore.
world anymore. world anymore. >> I was very stuck and I just kept like at >> I was very stuck and I just kept like at >> I was very stuck and I just kept like at night I was just yelling and I felt like night I was just yelling and I felt like night I was just yelling and I felt like nothing was going right and there was a nothing was going right and there was a nothing was going right and there was a moment where I thought that it was going moment where I thought that it was going moment where I thought that it was going to be my last day and I wanted to end my to be my last day and I wanted to end my to be my last day and I wanted to end my life. My overall opinion of Mountain Retreat My overall opinion of Mountain Retreat is that there's like a lot of kids and is that there's like a lot of kids and is that there's like a lot of kids and that life isn't just peaches and cream that life isn't just peaches and cream that life isn't just peaches and cream and there's like a lot of people who and there's like a lot of people who and there's like a lot of people who have either similar lives like me or who have either similar lives like me or who have either similar lives like me or who are just they are struggling also and are just they are struggling also and are just they are struggling also and that there is a community and there are that there is a community and there are that there is a community and there are people who actually care. Yesterday was Father's Day and it was Yesterday was Father's Day and it was like a really hard day for like both of like a really hard day for like both of like a really hard day for like both of us and like I didn't have to like go us and like I didn't have to like go us and like I didn't have to like go through like alone and like having through like alone and like having through like alone and like having somebody to like talk to and like lean somebody to like talk to and like lean somebody to like talk to and like lean on like about it like really like helps on like about it like really like helps on like about it like really like helps >> looking at every single person and how >> looking at every single person and how >> looking at every single person and how their lives are being changed. It's just their lives are being changed. It's just their lives are being changed. It's just overwhelming like just seeing people overwhelming like just seeing people overwhelming like just seeing people praise and just moving towards God is praise and just moving towards God is praise and just moving towards God is just so inspiring. Well, I've never just so inspiring. Well, I've never just so inspiring. Well, I've never really like [music] had like a community really like [music] had like a community really like [music] had like a community with like godlike centered people. So with like godlike centered people. So with like godlike centered people. So like here when I like have my family like here when I like have my family like here when I like have my family group, I've never opened up as much as I group, I've never opened up as much as I group, I've never opened up as much as I have. I'm always closed off. So like I have. I'm always closed off. So like I have. I'm always closed off. So like I feel like opening up more and talking feel like opening up more and talking feel like opening up more and talking about like how God has affected me to about like how God has affected me to about like how God has affected me to try and see if like it touches somebody try and see if like it touches somebody try and see if like it touches somebody else cuz like I [music] just want else cuz like I [music] just want else cuz like I [music] just want somebody to feel what I feel when I get somebody to feel what I feel when I get somebody to feel what I feel when I get happy about God. I want everybody to be happy about God. I want everybody to be happy about God. I want everybody to be saved. I want everybody in heaven. But
saved. I want everybody in heaven. But saved. I want everybody in heaven. But like I know it's my job to just plant like I know it's my job to just plant like I know it's my job to just plant that seed and leave it to God. that seed and leave it to God. that seed and leave it to God. >> I came to live the week after her >> I came to live the week after her >> I came to live the week after her funeral and I was just crying throughout funeral and I was just crying throughout funeral and I was just crying throughout the service. And then I was staying next the service. And then I was staying next the service. And then I was staying next to Savannah and [music] one of our other to Savannah and [music] one of our other to Savannah and [music] one of our other a few of our other friends and I just a few of our other friends and I just a few of our other friends and I just talked to her after. I was like, I need talked to her after. I was like, I need talked to her after. I was like, I need to come back. Will you help me? And here to come back. Will you help me? And here to come back. Will you help me? And here I am. I pray that there's just like one I am. I pray that there's just like one I am. I pray that there's just like one person like out there who like is like person like out there who like is like person like out there who like is like struggling with like loss or grief. And struggling with like loss or grief. And struggling with like loss or grief. And like I hope that like we're like like I hope that like we're like like I hope that like we're like speaking to them. speaking to them. speaking to them. >> And I hope they know they're not alone. >> And I hope they know they're not alone. >> And I hope they know they're not alone. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. I feel like before I was so caught up I feel like before I was so caught up I feel like before I was so caught up in, oh, I'm stuck alone. Oh, what I say, in, oh, I'm stuck alone. Oh, what I say, in, oh, I'm stuck alone. Oh, what I say, someone else won't want to hear what I someone else won't want to hear what I someone else won't want to hear what I say. But God wants to hear you. Even if say. But God wants to hear you. Even if say. But God wants to hear you. Even if things happen, even if like you go things happen, even if like you go things happen, even if like you go through stuff where you're not able to through stuff where you're not able to through stuff where you're not able to see your friends or not have a normal see your friends or not have a normal see your friends or not have a normal childhood like the average girl or kid, childhood like the average girl or kid, childhood like the average girl or kid, just know that like there's always just know that like there's always just know that like there's always [music] somebody watching out for you [music] somebody watching out for you [music] somebody watching out for you and there's always somebody who's there and there's always somebody who's there and there's always somebody who's there for you. And although not everybody for you. And although not everybody for you. And although not everybody knows your story, God knows your story knows your story, God knows your story knows your story, God knows your story and he has a plan for you.
and he has a plan for you. and he has a plan for you. >> Today I prayed for the first time like >> Today I prayed for the first time like >> Today I prayed for the first time like out loud in a group. I've never done out loud in a group. I've never done out loud in a group. I've never done that before. And like I was so nervous that before. And like I was so nervous that before. And like I was so nervous and I like I thought they were going to and I like I thought they were going to and I like I thought they were going to laugh at me. I thought I was going to laugh at me. I thought I was going to laugh at me. I thought I was going to mess up. Like [music] everybody prayed mess up. Like [music] everybody prayed mess up. Like [music] everybody prayed so beautifully with these words and I so beautifully with these words and I so beautifully with these words and I thought like I didn't have what it takes thought like I didn't have what it takes thought like I didn't have what it takes but then like I did and like I felt like but then like I did and like I felt like but then like I did and like I felt like a weight off my shoulders. I was like, a weight off my shoulders. I was like, a weight off my shoulders. I was like, "Okay, this feels right." "Okay, this feels right." "Okay, this feels right." >> Like I've never been into the mountains >> Like I've never been into the mountains >> Like I've never been into the mountains before. So like just learning about and before. So like just learning about and before. So like just learning about and seeing the creation, the like the seeing the creation, the like the seeing the creation, the like the mountains, the breeze. I just see God in mountains, the breeze. I just see God in mountains, the breeze. I just see God in absolutely everything now that I didn't absolutely everything now that I didn't absolutely everything now that I didn't see before before Mount Retreat. I feel like over the week through silent I feel like over the week through silent sounds we talked about it has connected sounds we talked about it has connected sounds we talked about it has connected with our stories so perfectly and I was with our stories so perfectly and I was with our stories so perfectly and I was just like this is crazy like God is just like this is crazy like God is just like this is crazy like God is working in so many ways in our life this working in so many ways in our life this working in so many ways in our life this week I had a little bit of doubt week I had a little bit of doubt week I had a little bit of doubt whenever I came in here but now I'm like whenever I came in here but now I'm like whenever I came in here but now I'm like this is like my life I feel new like how this is like my life I feel new like how this is like my life I feel new like how I get this new confidence through God I get this new confidence through God I get this new confidence through God that that that I'm a shy person at heart But God I'm a shy person at heart But God I'm a shy person at heart But God moves through me and gives me a sort of moves through me and gives me a sort of moves through me and gives me a sort of confidence whenever I can speak about confidence whenever I can speak about confidence whenever I can speak about him and I love it.
him and I love it. him and I love it. >> Look at you now. >> Look at you now. >> Look at you now. >> I know. I know >> I know. I know >> I know. I know >> it's all gone. >> it's all gone. >> it's all gone. >> Ben was talking about how everybody has >> Ben was talking about how everybody has >> Ben was talking about how everybody has a story and how everybody matters to a story and how everybody matters to a story and how everybody matters to God. And that just kind of stuck with me God. And that just kind of stuck with me God. And that just kind of stuck with me because throughout that time I wasn't because throughout that time I wasn't because throughout that time I wasn't really thinking I was enough for anybody really thinking I was enough for anybody really thinking I was enough for anybody that I didn't matter to anybody. But that I didn't matter to anybody. But that I didn't matter to anybody. But when he brought that up, that just gave when he brought that up, that just gave when he brought that up, that just gave me like a light to just think about that me like a light to just think about that me like a light to just think about that God does care about me. [music] God does care about me. [music] God does care about me. [music] >> Last night, um I haven't cried in who >> Last night, um I haven't cried in who >> Last night, um I haven't cried in who knows when. And just hearing the music, knows when. And just hearing the music, knows when. And just hearing the music, I start balling my eyes out and it's I start balling my eyes out and it's I start balling my eyes out and it's like this is what I want. I want to be a like this is what I want. I want to be a like this is what I want. I want to be a child of God and this is who I want to child of God and this is who I want to child of God and this is who I want to be from now on. [music] So it was just I be from now on. [music] So it was just I be from now on. [music] So it was just I mean I prayed the prayer a lot. Ned mean I prayed the prayer a lot. Ned mean I prayed the prayer a lot. Ned would raise my hand. Never got like the would raise my hand. Never got like the would raise my hand. Never got like the courage. There was always like I don't courage. There was always like I don't courage. There was always like I don't want people looking at me. And then that want people looking at me. And then that want people looking at me. And then that night it was like instant. I instant night it was like instant. I instant night it was like instant. I instant raised my hand. He asked to [music] come raised my hand. He asked to [music] come raised my hand. He asked to [music] come to stage. instant came up and it was to stage. instant came up and it was to stage. instant came up and it was just like felt like a new life. just like felt like a new life. just like felt like a new life. >> Both of us were kind of like in the same >> Both of us were kind of like in the same >> Both of us were kind of like in the same boat. We weren't like we both have had boat. We weren't like we both have had boat. We weren't like we both have had faith but our faith hasn't been the faith but our faith hasn't been the faith but our faith hasn't been the strongest and I do really [music] think strongest and I do really [music] think strongest and I do really [music] think that this week has like completely that this week has like completely that this week has like completely renewed that faith and both of us have renewed that faith and both of us have renewed that faith and both of us have been deciding we both want to get been deciding we both want to get been deciding we both want to get baptized tomorrow. Whenever the pastor baptized tomorrow. Whenever the pastor baptized tomorrow. Whenever the pastor was saying how you want the Lord to was saying how you want the Lord to was saying how you want the Lord to rewrite your story, you want him to rewrite your story, you want him to rewrite your story, you want him to change your story. I thought my story change your story. I thought my story change your story. I thought my story was not the story I wanted. I wanted him was not the story I wanted. I wanted him was not the story I wanted. I wanted him in my life. [music] And so I was like, I in my life. [music] And so I was like, I in my life. [music] And so I was like, I should walk forward and it and really should walk forward and it and really should walk forward and it and really like surrender my life to him and get like surrender my life to him and get like surrender my life to him and get baptized.
baptized. baptized. >> No longer >> No longer >> No longer who live but Christ in who live but Christ in who live but Christ in [music and singing] me. For I've been [music and singing] me. For I've been [music and singing] me. For I've been born again. born again. born again. My [music and singing] heart is free. My [music and singing] heart is free. My [music and singing] heart is free. The hope of heaven before me. The grave The hope of heaven before me. The grave The hope of heaven before me. The grave behind. [music and singing] behind. [music and singing] behind. [music and singing] Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. You brought me back to life. [music] [music] [applause] [applause] [applause] How can I begin to thank you for all How can I begin to thank you for all How can I begin to thank you for all that you've done for me, that you've done for me, that you've done for me, Jesus, to fully [music and singing] Jesus, to fully [music and singing] Jesus, to fully [music and singing] praise you. It will take all eternity praise you. It will take all eternity praise you. It will take all eternity just like Lazarus. just like Lazarus. just like Lazarus. Oh, you brought me back to life. [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> Heat. Heat.
>> [music] >> [music] >> My heart is free. Heaven before [music] me the great Heaven before [music] me the great heart. Hallelujah. heart. Hallelujah. heart. Hallelujah. [music] God writes the best stories. God writes the best stories. [music] [music] [music] [applause] Will you let him write yours?
>> Right now, we're entering a time of >> Right now, we're entering a time of invitation. invitation. invitation. And if you're here today and you say, And if you're here today and you say, And if you're here today and you say, "Man, I I need God. I need Christ to "Man, I I need God. I need Christ to "Man, I I need God. I need Christ to come into my life. come into my life. come into my life. I've never done that." I want to give I've never done that." I want to give I've never done that." I want to give you an opportunity to respond to what you an opportunity to respond to what you an opportunity to respond to what he's doing. We're going to sing a song. he's doing. We're going to sing a song. he's doing. We're going to sing a song. If you'd stand and come and make your If you'd stand and come and make your If you'd stand and come and make your way down front, we have pastors who are way down front, we have pastors who are way down front, we have pastors who are coming right now to stand and to greet coming right now to stand and to greet coming right now to stand and to greet you. you. you. Other folks coming to help talk with you Other folks coming to help talk with you Other folks coming to help talk with you and pray with you. Maybe here you say, and pray with you. Maybe here you say, and pray with you. Maybe here you say, "Hey, listen. I I'm I'm a Christian. I'm "Hey, listen. I I'm I'm a Christian. I'm "Hey, listen. I I'm I'm a Christian. I'm I know the Lord. I want to be a part of I know the Lord. I want to be a part of I know the Lord. I want to be a part of a community, a family, a church that's a community, a family, a church that's a community, a family, a church that's making a difference in the lives of the making a difference in the lives of the making a difference in the lives of the next generation. And God's leading you next generation. And God's leading you next generation. And God's leading you here in a second. We would love to have here in a second. We would love to have here in a second. We would love to have you as he leads. You stand and come and you as he leads. You stand and come and you as he leads. You stand and come and make your way down these aisles as well make your way down these aisles as well make your way down these aisles as well and face these steps. We'll gladly and face these steps. We'll gladly and face these steps. We'll gladly receive you into this [music] his church receive you into this [music] his church receive you into this [music] his church family. family. family. As God leads, respond to what he's doing As God leads, respond to what he's doing As God leads, respond to what he's doing in your life today. Come into community in your life today. Come into community in your life today. Come into community of the church. Come to know him. asking of the church. Come to know him. asking of the church. Come to know him. asking him to your life. [music] him to your life. [music] him to your life. [music] As God leads, as he is stirring and As God leads, as he is stirring and As God leads, as he is stirring and moving your life, you stand to come.
moving your life, you stand to come. moving your life, you stand to come. Make your way down [music] front as he Make your way down [music] front as he Make your way down [music] front as he leads. Oh, you're hurting and broken within. Oh, you're hurting and broken within. Overwhelmed [singing and music] by the Overwhelmed [singing and music] by the Overwhelmed [singing and music] by the weight of your sin, weight of your sin, weight of your sin, Jesus is calling. [music] Have you come to [music and singing] the Have you come to [music and singing] the end of yourself? end of yourself? end of yourself? Do you thirst for [music] a drink from Do you thirst for [music] a drink from Do you thirst for [music] a drink from the well? the well? the well? >> You stand to come. >> You stand to come. >> You stand to come. >> Jesus is calling >> Jesus is calling >> Jesus is calling >> as he calls [music] as he leads. >> as he calls [music] as he leads. >> as he calls [music] as he leads. >> Oh, come to >> Oh, come to >> Oh, come to the [singing] altar. the [singing] altar. the [singing] altar. The father's [music] The father's [music] The father's [music] arms are open wide. [singing] arms are open wide. [singing] arms are open wide. [singing] forgiveness forgiveness forgiveness was born with was born with was born with the [music] precious blood of Jesus the [music] precious blood of Jesus the [music] precious blood of Jesus Christ. Oh, what a savior. [music] Oh, what a savior. [music] [singing] Bow down before [music] Bow down before [music] him him him for he is Lord [music] for he is Lord [music] for he is Lord [music] of all. Sing [singing] hallelujah.
[music] [music] Oh, come to Oh, come to Oh, come to the [singing] altar. the [singing] altar. the [singing] altar. The [music] Father's arms are open wide. The [music] Father's arms are open wide. The [music] Father's arms are open wide. Forgiveness [music] Forgiveness [music] Forgiveness [music] was bought with was bought with was bought with the [singing] precious blood [music] of the [singing] precious blood [music] of the [singing] precious blood [music] of Jesus Christ. About once About once maybe twice a year, we do something a maybe twice a year, we do something a maybe twice a year, we do something a little bit different [music] here at our little bit different [music] here at our little bit different [music] here at our church and that is we give you a chance church and that is we give you a chance church and that is we give you a chance to to to get baptized get baptized get baptized spontaneously. spontaneously. spontaneously. We call this our all call baptismal We call this our all call baptismal We call this our all call baptismal service. So today, throughout all of our service. So today, throughout all of our service. So today, throughout all of our six campuses, we [music] are giving six campuses, we [music] are giving six campuses, we [music] are giving people an opportunity who've never been people an opportunity who've never been people an opportunity who've never been baptized by immersion baptized by immersion baptized by immersion underwater to have the opportunity to do underwater to have the opportunity to do underwater to have the opportunity to do that. Um, we believe that the New that. Um, we believe that the New that. Um, we believe that the New Testament teaches what we call believers Testament teaches what we call believers Testament teaches what we call believers baptism by immersion. That means [music] baptism by immersion. That means [music] baptism by immersion. That means [music] basically that basically that basically that you should get baptized when you have an you should get baptized when you have an you should get baptized when you have an understanding of what you're doing, that understanding of what you're doing, that understanding of what you're doing, that you receive Christ. Maybe you were you receive Christ. Maybe you were you receive Christ. Maybe you were baptized or sprinkled uh as an infant.
baptized or sprinkled uh as an infant. baptized or sprinkled uh as an infant. Maybe you had a prayer service like we Maybe you had a prayer service like we Maybe you had a prayer service like we do at our church when we give uh the do at our church when we give uh the do at our church when we give uh the parents Bibles. And that's great. That's parents Bibles. And that's great. That's parents Bibles. And that's great. That's a great experience. But it's much more a great experience. But it's much more a great experience. But it's much more for the parents than it is for us as a for the parents than it is for us as a for the parents than it is for us as a baby at that time. So we uh we believe baby at that time. So we uh we believe baby at that time. So we uh we believe in bapt believers baptism by immersion. in bapt believers baptism by immersion. in bapt believers baptism by immersion. That's a tongue twister. And uh in that That's a tongue twister. And uh in that That's a tongue twister. And uh in that we identify with the death, burial, and we identify with the death, burial, and we identify with the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Again, uh resurrection of Jesus Christ. Again, uh resurrection of Jesus Christ. Again, uh baptism doesn't save you. It doesn't baptism doesn't save you. It doesn't baptism doesn't save you. It doesn't forgive you. But it is a deep and forgive you. But it is a deep and forgive you. But it is a deep and profound spiritual symbol that God has profound spiritual symbol that God has profound spiritual symbol that God has given to us to show us how we're given to us to show us how we're given to us to show us how we're identified [music] with him. Were identified [music] with him. Were identified [music] with him. Were forgiven and cleansed to have a new forgiven and cleansed to have a new forgiven and cleansed to have a new life. So life. So life. So maybe you've never been baptized by maybe you've never been baptized by maybe you've never been baptized by immersion. Maybe you're a Christian. You immersion. Maybe you're a Christian. You immersion. Maybe you're a Christian. You just haven't done that. But you want to just haven't done that. But you want to just haven't done that. But you want to step out today and do something bold. step out today and do something bold. step out today and do something bold. I'm going to go to your right over there I'm going to go to your right over there I'm going to go to your right over there by that red door. And I want to invite by that red door. And I want to invite by that red door. And I want to invite you to join me over there. I know some you to join me over there. I know some you to join me over there. I know some of you have already signed up to get of you have already signed up to get of you have already signed up to get baptized today. We're going to baptize baptized today. We're going to baptize baptized today. We're going to baptize outside. And I want you to join me. And outside. And I want you to join me. And outside. And I want you to join me. And as the those who have signed up join me, as the those who have signed up join me, as the those who have signed up join me, why don't you welcome them why don't you welcome them why don't you welcome them by clapping.
>> Y'all come on over. >> Y'all come on over. [applause] All right. All right. [applause] I know what you're thinking. You're I know what you're thinking. You're saying, "I did not bring a change, a saying, "I did not bring a change, a saying, "I did not bring a change, a t-shirt and shorts." I didn't either, t-shirt and shorts." I didn't either, t-shirt and shorts." I didn't either, and they provided it for me. So, and they provided it for me. So, and they provided it for me. So, we'll have a towel, change, everything we'll have a towel, change, everything we'll have a towel, change, everything you need. If God's leading you today to you need. If God's leading you today to you need. If God's leading you today to get baptized, [music] stand and come on get baptized, [music] stand and come on get baptized, [music] stand and come on over here and join us. We'll wait for over here and join us. We'll wait for over here and join us. We'll wait for you.
[applause] [applause] [music] Come on over. Welcome these again. Come on over. Welcome these again. [applause] [applause] [applause] [music] [music] [music] [applause] >> Come on October. >> Come on October. [applause and music] [music] [music] [applause] [music]
[music] [applause] [applause] [applause] >> Come on. Come on, guy. Come on, man. [music] Come on, guy. Come on, man. [music] [applause] God is leading you today. If he is, you God is leading you today. If he is, you come and [music] join these. We'll wait come and [music] join these. We'll wait come and [music] join these. We'll wait for for for a few more seconds here. [applause] a few more seconds here. [applause] a few more seconds here. [applause] [music] [music] [music] Come on over, sir.
[applause] [applause] [music] [applause] [applause] Come on. [music] [music] [applause] Anyone I tell you what, it took a lot of I tell you what, it took a lot of courage [music] to stand up and do what courage [music] to stand up and do what courage [music] to stand up and do what these men and women and young people are these men and women and young people are these men and women and young people are doing today. Would you give them another doing today. Would you give them another doing today. Would you give them another word of encouragement and thank you?
word of encouragement and thank you? word of encouragement and thank you? [music] Which way are we going here? [music] Which way are we going here? [music] Which way are we going here? If y'all would follow Jana out there in If y'all would follow Jana out there in If y'all would follow Jana out there in the navy blue jacket. the navy blue jacket. the navy blue jacket. [music and applause] [music and applause] [music and applause] We want to give you a change of clothes We want to give you a change of clothes We want to give you a change of clothes and towel. [music] All right. After the service All right. After the service in the fountain of Woodway, not the in the fountain of Woodway, not the in the fountain of Woodway, not the baked potato fountains, the Woodway baked potato fountains, the Woodway baked potato fountains, the Woodway fountains, we will have a baptismal fountains, we will have a baptismal fountains, we will have a baptismal service in a few minutes. So, if you service in a few minutes. So, if you service in a few minutes. So, if you could come and could come and could come and witness and watch those that are being witness and watch those that are being witness and watch those that are being baptized after church today and get a baptized after church today and get a baptized after church today and get a little bit of tan, not too much, it will little bit of tan, not too much, it will little bit of tan, not too much, it will be greatly appreciated. [music] and be greatly appreciated. [music] and be greatly appreciated. [music] and we'll celebrate those who are making we'll celebrate those who are making we'll celebrate those who are making this awesome monumental decision. Also, this awesome monumental decision. Also, this awesome monumental decision. Also, today if you're in leadership today if you're in leadership today if you're in leadership ages 0 through 110 in our Bible study ages 0 through 110 in our Bible study ages 0 through 110 in our Bible study Sunday school classes, we're having a Sunday school classes, we're having a Sunday school classes, we're having a leadership rally tonight right here at leadership rally tonight right here at leadership rally tonight right here at 4:00 in the worship center. So, come 4:00 in the worship center. So, come 4:00 in the worship center. So, come back for that. I'll be speaking at that.
back for that. I'll be speaking at that. back for that. I'll be speaking at that. We'll have a great time breakouts We'll have a great time breakouts We'll have a great time breakouts for all of our leaders in [music] our for all of our leaders in [music] our for all of our leaders in [music] our Bible study signing school classes. If Bible study signing school classes. If Bible study signing school classes. If you're a guest here at Second Today, if you're a guest here at Second Today, if you're a guest here at Second Today, if you're new, you're brand new, you want you're new, you're brand new, you want you're new, you're brand new, you want more information about this church, what more information about this church, what more information about this church, what it has to offer you, your family, go to it has to offer you, your family, go to it has to offer you, your family, go to one of the red doors after this closing one of the red doors after this closing one of the red doors after this closing prayer and we will give you a gift prayer and we will give you a gift prayer and we will give you a gift [music] and we will answer any questions [music] and we will answer any questions [music] and we will answer any questions you have about our school, about our you have about our school, about our you have about our school, about our church. any [music] way you can get church. any [music] way you can get church. any [music] way you can get involved here at Second. All right, involved here at Second. All right, involved here at Second. All right, let's stand for our closing prayer as we let's stand for our closing prayer as we let's stand for our closing prayer as we get ready get ready get ready to go baptize. God, we are so to go baptize. God, we are so to go baptize. God, we are so so grateful for the incredible works you so grateful for the incredible works you so grateful for the incredible works you have done in the lives of our kids have done in the lives of our kids have done in the lives of our kids [music] and young people this summer. [music] and young people this summer. [music] and young people this summer. God, we look forward to what you're God, we look forward to what you're God, we look forward to what you're going to do in their lives and all of going to do in their lives and all of going to do in their lives and all of our lives as we [music] launch into this our lives as we [music] launch into this our lives as we [music] launch into this new school season. Lord, go with us now. new school season. Lord, go with us now. new school season. Lord, go with us now. We pray as we enter into these waters of We pray as we enter into these waters of We pray as we enter into these waters of New Testament baptism, God, [music] New Testament baptism, God, [music] New Testament baptism, God, [music] every kid, every young person, every every kid, every young person, every every kid, every young person, every adult that's given their heart and life adult that's given their heart and life adult that's given their heart and life to you, that's getting baptized today, to you, that's getting baptized today, to you, that's getting baptized today, may they experience [music] may they experience [music] may they experience [music] everything that you want them to know everything that you want them to know everything that you want them to know today. This is our prayer. Bless this today. This is our prayer. Bless this today. This is our prayer. Bless this time. We ask these things in Jesus time. We ask these things in Jesus time. We ask these things in Jesus [music] name. Amen.
[music] name. Amen. [music] name. Amen. Hey, second family. It's been an amazing Hey, second family. It's been an amazing Hey, second family. It's been an amazing summer. Through Next Level Camp, summer. Through Next Level Camp, summer. Through Next Level Camp, Mountain Retreat, VBS, and Creek Week, Mountain Retreat, VBS, and Creek Week, Mountain Retreat, VBS, and Creek Week, we've seen thousands of young people's we've seen thousands of young people's we've seen thousands of young people's lives changed by the power of the lives changed by the power of the lives changed by the power of the gospel. There's nothing more exciting gospel. There's nothing more exciting gospel. There's nothing more exciting [music] [music] [music] than to see what God is doing in the than to see what God is doing in the than to see what God is doing in the next generation. August 9th is Life next generation. August 9th is Life next generation. August 9th is Life Together Sunday. It will be a time to Together Sunday. It will be a time to Together Sunday. It will be a time to celebrate all [music] God has done in celebrate all [music] God has done in celebrate all [music] God has done in the life of our church.

Summary

The sermon's central theme is the power and purpose of praise, even amidst difficulties. It highlights that praise is a weapon that defeats enemies and a declaration of God's sovereignty, faithfulness, and victory over death. The takeaway is to continually praise God regardless of circumstances, as He is always in control and alive.

Bible Verses

Reference	Timestamp
Psalm 145:3-7
Deuteronomy 6:6-9
Jeremiah 29:11
1 Timothy 4:8
Acts 17:28

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