08/23/2026 9:30 Woodway Live Service

on August 23rd for this incredible night on August 23rd for this incredible night [music] of worship. I'll see you there. >> Hey church family, I want to invite you

>> Hey church family, I want to invite you to our next night of worship, Sunday, to our next night of worship, Sunday, to our next night of worship, Sunday, August 23rd at 6:00 p.m. on the Woodway August 23rd at 6:00 p.m. on the Woodway August 23rd at 6:00 p.m. on the Woodway campus. We'll come together from all of campus. We'll come together from all of campus. We'll come together from all of our campuses all over Houston [music] our campuses all over Houston [music] our campuses all over Houston [music] for an incredible night of worship and for an incredible night of worship and for an incredible night of worship and prayer. Make plans now to invite your prayer. Make plans now to invite your prayer. Make plans now to invite your friends [music] and family and join us friends [music] and family and join us friends [music] and family and join us on August 23rd for this incredible night on August 23rd for this incredible night on August 23rd for this incredible night of worship. I'll see you there. of worship. I'll see you there. of worship. I'll see you there. >> Worship. [music] [music]

[music] >> You know, life doesn't always go as we >> You know, life doesn't always go as we >> You know, life doesn't always go as we expect. expect. expect. Sometimes we find ourselves facing Sometimes we find ourselves facing Sometimes we find ourselves facing [music] something we never imagined. [music] something we never imagined. [music] something we never imagined. The loss of a loved one, the pain of a The loss of a loved one, the pain of a The loss of a loved one, the pain of a divorce, or a season [music] that leaves divorce, or a season [music] that leaves divorce, or a season [music] that leaves us feeling lonely or overwhelmed, unsure us feeling lonely or overwhelmed, unsure us feeling lonely or overwhelmed, unsure of what to do next. of what to do next. of what to do next. If that's where you are today, If that's where you are today, If that's where you are today, I want you to know this. You don't have I want you to know this. You don't have I want you to know this. You don't have [music] to go through it alone. [music] to go through it alone. [music] to go through it alone. That's why we here at Second offer That's why we here at Second offer That's why we here at Second offer support groups [music] like Divorce support groups [music] like Divorce support groups [music] like Divorce Recovery and GriefShare. Recovery and GriefShare. Recovery and GriefShare. These groups are led by people who These groups are led by people who These groups are led by people who understand what you're going [music] understand what you're going [music] understand what you're going [music] through because they've been through it, through because they've been through it, through because they've been through it, too. too. too. You'll find encouragement, hope, and a You'll find encouragement, hope, and a You'll find encouragement, hope, and a biblical framework to help you on your biblical framework to help you on your biblical framework to help you on your next steps to healing. next steps to healing. next steps to healing. You don't have to be a member [music] of You don't have to be a member [music] of You don't have to be a member [music] of Second or any church. Just come as you Second or any church. Just come as you Second or any church. Just come as you are, and we'll walk right alongside you. are, and we'll walk right alongside you. are, and we'll walk right alongside you. New groups [music] are starting this New groups [music] are starting this New groups [music] are starting this fall, and you can get more information fall, and you can get more information fall, and you can get more information by going to the link below. by going to the link below. by going to the link below. Listen, we're not meant [music] to do Listen, we're not meant [music] to do Listen, we're not meant [music] to do life alone. And if you're hurting today, life alone. And if you're hurting today, life alone. And if you're hurting today, let us walk with you let us walk with you let us walk with you >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> and help you find hope, healing, and >> and help you find hope, healing, and >> and help you find hope, healing, and peace through Christ.

[music] [music] >> If you're wanting a second family, let's >> If you're wanting a second family, let's >> If you're wanting a second family, let's sing together. sing together. sing together. Come on. [singing] [singing] [music] [music] [music] >> Come on, sing.

>> We sing to [music] the God who >> We sing to [music] the God who always always always makes a way. makes a way. makes a way. Cuz he hung [music] up on that cross and Cuz he hung [music] up on that cross and Cuz he hung [music] up on that cross and he rose from that grave. Our God still he rose from that grave. Our God still he rose from that grave. Our God still rolls rolls rolls >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> away. There's joy There's joy in the house of the Lord. in the house of the Lord. in the house of the Lord. There's [music] joy in the house of the There's [music] joy in the house of the There's [music] joy in the house of the Lord today. Lord today. Lord today. And we won't be quiet. And we won't be quiet. And we won't be quiet. We [music] shout out your praise. We [music] shout out your praise. We [music] shout out your praise. There's joy in the house of the Lord. There's joy in the house of the Lord. There's joy in the house of the Lord. Our God [music] is surely Our God [music] is surely Our God [music] is surely in this place. in this place. in this place. And we won't be quiet. And we won't be quiet. And we won't be quiet. We [music] shout out your praise. >> [music] >> [music] >> We shout out your praise. Cuz we were beggars, Cuz we were beggars, >> [music and singing] >> [music and singing] >> [music and singing] >> now we're royalty. >> now we're royalty. >> now we're royalty. We were the [singing] prisoners, We were the [singing] prisoners, We were the [singing] prisoners, >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> now we're running free. We are forgiven, >> now we're running free. We are forgiven, >> now we're running free. We are forgiven, >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> accepted, redeemed by his grace.

>> accepted, redeemed by his grace. >> accepted, redeemed by his grace. Let the house of the Let the house of the Let the house of the >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> Lord sing praise. >> Lord sing praise. >> Lord sing praise. I'll sing it out. I'll sing it out. I'll sing it out. Cuz we were beggars, now we're now we're royalty. royalty. royalty. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> We were the prisoners, >> We were the prisoners, >> We were the prisoners, now we're now we're now we're running running running >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> free. >> free. >> free. We are forgiven, We are forgiven, We are forgiven, accepted, accepted, accepted, redeemed by his [music] grace. redeemed by his [music] grace. redeemed by his [music] grace. Let the house Let the house Let the house of the Lord of the Lord of the Lord sing praise. >> [music] >> [music] >> There's joy in the house of the Lord. >> There's joy in the house of the Lord. >> There's joy in the house of the Lord. There's joy in the [music] house of the There's joy in the [music] house of the There's joy in the [music] house of the Lord today. Lord today. Lord today. And we won't be quiet. And we won't be quiet. And we won't be quiet. We shout out your praise. We shout out your praise. We shout out your praise. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> There's joy in the house of the Lord. >> There's joy in the house of the Lord. >> There's joy in the house of the Lord. Our God is surely Our God is surely Our God is surely in this in this in this place. place. place. And we won't be quiet. And we won't be quiet. And we won't be quiet. >> [music] >> There's joy in the house of the Lord. >> There's joy in the house of the Lord. There's joy in the house of the Lord There's joy in the house of the Lord There's joy in the house of the Lord today. today. today. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> And we won't >> Lord, we do shout out your praise this

>> Lord, we do shout out your praise this morning. We are grateful to be in your morning. We are grateful to be in your morning. We are grateful to be in your house. Father, [music] would you speak house. Father, [music] would you speak house. Father, [music] would you speak to us individually through music, to us individually through music, to us individually through music, through the word. Would you challenge us through the word. Would you challenge us through the word. Would you challenge us to be all that you want us to be? For to be all that you want us to be? For to be all that you want us to be? For it's in the name of Jesus we pray. Amen. it's in the name of Jesus we pray. Amen. it's in the name of Jesus we pray. Amen. Before you are seated, would you greet Before you are seated, would you greet Before you are seated, would you greet someone around you that you don't know? Awesome. Awesome. You may be seated. Awesome. Awesome. You may be seated. If you're visiting with us today, I hope If you're visiting with us today, I hope If you're visiting with us today, I hope you already feel like we're a friendly you already feel like we're a friendly you already feel like we're a friendly group. We would love to get to know you. group. We would love to get to know you. group. We would love to get to know you. We're glad you're here. We're glad you're here. We're glad you're here. In the seat back in front of you, there In the seat back in front of you, there In the seat back in front of you, there is this card, a connection card.

is this card, a connection card. is this card, a connection card. You will see that there's some You will see that there's some You will see that there's some information there that we ask of you, information there that we ask of you, information there that we ask of you, and we would love to know that you're and we would love to know that you're and we would love to know that you're here, have some of that information. Few here, have some of that information. Few here, have some of that information. Few minutes we will pass an offering plate minutes we will pass an offering plate minutes we will pass an offering plate in front of you. You can drop that card in front of you. You can drop that card in front of you. You can drop that card in the offering plate. Or better yet, in the offering plate. Or better yet, in the offering plate. Or better yet, you can come to one of the red doors on you can come to one of the red doors on you can come to one of the red doors on either side immediately following the either side immediately following the either side immediately following the service. service. service. I'll be there, some of our staff will be I'll be there, some of our staff will be I'll be there, some of our staff will be there. We would love to meet you, answer there. We would love to meet you, answer there. We would love to meet you, answer any questions you might have. We'd love any questions you might have. We'd love any questions you might have. We'd love to tell you why we call this place our to tell you why we call this place our to tell you why we call this place our home. home. home. We want to worship together. We're glad We want to worship together. We're glad We want to worship together. We're glad you're here. Let's continue to do just you're here. Let's continue to do just you're here. Let's continue to do just that. that. that. >> In imitation of our Lord and Savior >> In imitation of our Lord and Savior >> In imitation of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and in obedience to his Jesus Christ and in obedience to his Jesus Christ and in obedience to his divine command, we baptize these in the divine command, we baptize these in the divine command, we baptize these in the name of the Father, the Son, and the name of the Father, the Son, and the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Let's welcome to our family Holy Spirit. Let's welcome to our family Holy Spirit. Let's welcome to our family this morning Jessica Green. this morning Jessica Green. this morning Jessica Green. >> [applause] [applause and music] [applause and music] >> And this we celebrate Lexi Battles. Come >> And this we celebrate Lexi Battles. Come >> And this we celebrate Lexi Battles. Come on. on. on. >> Let's go. >> Let's go. >> Let's go. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> [applause] [applause] [applause] [music] [music] [music] >> Let's stand together.

>> Come down fountain of >> Come down fountain of every blessing, every blessing, every blessing, tune my heart [music and singing] to tune my heart [music and singing] to tune my heart [music and singing] to sing thy grace. sing thy grace. sing thy grace. Streams of mercy Streams of mercy Streams of mercy [singing and music] never ceasing, [singing and music] never ceasing, [singing and music] never ceasing, calls for songs of calls for songs of calls for songs of loudest praise. loudest praise. loudest praise. Teach [music] me some [singing] Teach [music] me some [singing] Teach [music] me some [singing] melodious melodious melodious sonnet, sonnet, sonnet, >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> sung by flaming >> sung by flaming >> sung by flaming tongues above. tongues above. tongues above. >> [singing] >> [singing] >> [singing] >> Praise the mount >> Praise the mount >> Praise the mount I'm fixed [music] upon it, mount of thy I'm fixed [music] upon it, mount of thy I'm fixed [music] upon it, mount of thy redeeming redeeming redeeming love. love. love. >> [music] a debtor I am. a debtor I am. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> I was in utter darkness >> I was in utter darkness >> I was in utter darkness >> [singing] >> [singing] >> [singing] >> till you came and rescued [music] me. >> till you came and rescued [music] me. >> till you came and rescued [music] me. I was bound by I was bound by I was bound by all my sin [music and singing] all my sin [music and singing] all my sin [music and singing] when when when your love came your love came your love came and set me free.

and set me free. and set me free. Now my soul Now my soul Now my soul can sing can sing can sing >> [music and singing] >> [music and singing] >> [music and singing] >> a new song. >> a new song. >> a new song. Now my heart Now my heart Now my heart >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> has found >> has found >> has found Now your grace Now your grace Now your grace >> [music and singing] >> [music and singing] >> [music and singing] >> is always with >> is always with >> is always with me and I'll me and I'll me and I'll never never never be alone. be alone. be alone. >> [music] >> Come thou >> Come thou >> [music and singing] >> [music and singing] >> [music and singing] >> fount, come thou king, >> fount, come thou king, >> fount, come thou king, come thou come thou come thou >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> precious prince of >> precious prince of >> precious prince of peace. peace. peace. Here Here Here >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> thy >> thy >> thy heart to you we sing. heart to you we sing. heart to you we sing. Come thou fount Come thou fount Come thou fount of of of >> [music and singing] >> [music and singing] >> [music and singing] >> all blessing. >> all blessing. >> all blessing. Come thou fount, come thou king, fount, come thou king, come [music] thou come [music] thou come [music] thou precious prince of peace. precious prince of peace. precious prince of peace. Here Here Here thy heart thy heart thy heart >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> to >> to >> to you we sing. you we sing. you we sing. Come thou fount of all fount of all >> [music] Oh, to grace, how Oh, to grace, how great a debtor great a debtor great a debtor daily daily daily >> [music and singing] >> [music and singing] >> [music and singing] >> I'm constrained to >> I'm constrained to >> I'm constrained to be. Let thy be. Let thy be. Let thy >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> goodness, [singing] >> goodness, [singing] >> goodness, [singing] like a like a like a fetter, bind my wandering fetter, bind my wandering fetter, bind my wandering >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] [singing] [singing] [singing] >> heart to thee.

>> heart to thee. >> heart to thee. Prone Prone Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it, to wander, Lord, I feel it, to wander, Lord, I feel it, >> [music] >> prone to >> prone to leave leave leave the God I [music] love. the God I [music] love. the God I [music] love. my heart, Lord. my heart, Lord. my heart, Lord. Take and seal [music] it. Take and seal [music] it. Take and seal [music] it. Seal it for Thy courts above. Thy courts above. >> [music] >> Come [music] Thou >> Come [music] Thou Fount Fount Fount >> [singing] >> [singing] >> [singing] >> Come Thou >> Come Thou >> Come Thou King King King Come Thou Come Thou Come Thou >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> precious >> precious >> precious King of Peace. King of Peace. King of Peace. King of King of King of might, might, might, >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> to >> to >> to You we sing. You we sing. You we sing. Come Thou Come Thou Come Thou Fount of all blessing. Fount of all blessing. Fount of all blessing. Come Thou Come Thou Come Thou >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> Fount >> Fount >> Fount Come Thou King Come Thou King Come Thou King Come Thou Come Thou Come Thou >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> precious >> precious >> precious King of King of King of King of King of King of might, to might, to might, to You we sing. You we sing. You we sing. Come [music] Thou Come [music] Thou Come [music] Thou Fount of Fount of Fount of all blessing.

all blessing. all blessing. >> [singing] >> [singing] >> [singing] >> Love >> Love >> Love You, Lord. You, Lord. You, Lord. Hallelujah. I was lost in I was lost in >> [singing] >> [singing] >> [singing] >> utter darkness >> utter darkness >> utter darkness till [music] You came and till [music] You came and till [music] You came and rescued me. rescued me. rescued me. >> Come on. >> Come on. >> Come on. >> I was bound >> I was bound >> I was bound by all my sin by all my sin by all my sin when Your love came [singing and music] when Your love came [singing and music] when Your love came [singing and music] and set me free. and set me free. and set me free. Now my soul Now my soul Now my soul >> [music and singing] >> [music and singing] >> [music and singing] >> can sing a >> can sing a >> can sing a new song. Now my [singing and music] new song. Now my [singing and music] new song. Now my [singing and music] heart heart heart has found a home. Now Your grace [music and singing] is Now Your grace [music and singing] is always with me and I'll [music] never always with me and I'll [music] never always with me and I'll [music] never >> [singing] Now Your grace Now Your grace is is is >> [singing] >> [singing] >> [singing] >> always with me >> always with me >> always with me and I'll and I'll and I'll >> [music and singing] >> [singing] >> [singing] [music] >> Heavenly Father, we thank you for the >> Heavenly Father, we thank you for the opportunity to be here this morning and opportunity to be here this morning and opportunity to be here this morning and worship you with our second family. We worship you with our second family. We worship you with our second family. We ask that you bless these tithes and ask that you bless these tithes and ask that you bless these tithes and offerings to further your kingdom in offerings to further your kingdom in offerings to further your kingdom in accordance with your will. In Jesus' accordance with your will. In Jesus' accordance with your will. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.

>> Lord. >> Lord. Lord Lord Lord >> [singing] >> [singing] >> [singing] [music] [music] [music] >> of the nations. nations. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> Son >> Son >> Son >> [singing] >> of God >> of God and and and son of son of son of >> [singing] Glory Glory >> [music and singing] honor, praise, honor, praise, >> [singing] >> [singing] >> [singing] >> and >> [music] >> [music] >> adoration, and forevermore. and forevermore. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] [singing] [music] [music] >> Behold, [singing] >> Behold, [singing] >> Behold, [singing] behold, behold, behold, behold, behold, behold, the king [music and singing] the king [music and singing] the king [music and singing] of glory. Behold, [singing] glory. Behold, [singing] behold, behold, behold, behold, behold, behold, the king [music]

the king [music] the king [music] of >> [singing] >> [singing] >> glory. >> glory. >> glory. Behold, Behold, Behold, behold, behold, behold, >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> behold, >> behold, >> behold, the king of the king of the king of >> [singing] [music] [music] >> glory. >> glory. >> glory. Behold, Behold, Behold, behold, behold, behold, behold, behold, behold, >> [singing] >> [singing] >> [singing] >> the >> the >> the king of king of king of >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> glory. Beauty and Beauty and >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> majesty, perfect authority, perfect authority, >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] [singing] >> righteous [music and singing] and >> righteous [music and singing] and mighty, earth as earth as >> [music] >> Behold, >> Behold, behold, [music] behold, [music] behold, [music] behold behold behold the Behold, Behold, >> [music] >> behold, >> behold, behold behold behold >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> the king >> [music] >> [music] >> Perfect are [singing] all his >> [music] >> [music] >> Righteous and mighty

on earth on earth >> [music] >> as in heaven. >> as in heaven. >> [music] >> All nations [music and singing] in >> All nations [music and singing] in unity. Creation in harmony. Creation in harmony. >> [music] >> A love >> A love for eternity [music] as in heaven. as in heaven. >> [music] >> Behold, >> Behold, behold, behold, behold, behold behold behold >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> the >> the >> the >> [singing] >> [singing] >> [singing] >> king of glory. Behold, behold, Behold, behold, >> [music] >> behold >> behold the king >> [music] >> [music] >> Behold, behold, behold behold the king behold behold the king the king the king >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> king of >> The [music] kingdom [singing] belongs >> The [music] kingdom [singing] belongs to you.

The [music] power belongs [singing] The [music] power belongs [singing] to you. The glory [singing and music] The glory [singing and music] belongs to you belongs to you belongs to you forever [singing] forever [singing] forever [singing] >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> and ever. >> and ever. >> and ever. >> [singing] >> The earth is the Lord's [music] and the >> The earth is the Lord's [music] and the fullness thereof, the world and those fullness thereof, the world and those fullness thereof, the world and those who dwell therein. For he has founded who dwell therein. For he has founded who dwell therein. For he has founded [music] it upon the seas and established [music] it upon the seas and established [music] it upon the seas and established it upon the rivers. Who shall ascend the it upon the rivers. Who shall ascend the it upon the rivers. Who shall ascend the hill of the Lord and who shall stand in hill of the Lord and who shall stand in hill of the Lord and who shall stand in his holy place? He who has clean hands his holy place? He who has clean hands his holy place? He who has clean hands and a pure [music] heart, who does not and a pure [music] heart, who does not and a pure [music] heart, who does not lift up his soul to what is false and lift up his soul to what is false and lift up his soul to what is false and does not swear deceitfully. He will does not swear deceitfully. He will does not swear deceitfully. He will receive [music] blessing from the Lord receive [music] blessing from the Lord receive [music] blessing from the Lord and righteousness from the God of his and righteousness from the God of his and righteousness from the God of his salvation. Such is the generation of salvation. Such is the generation of salvation. Such is the generation of those who seek him, who seek the face of those who seek him, who seek the face of those who seek him, who seek the face of the God of Jacob. the God of Jacob. the God of Jacob. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> So lift up your heads, oh gates, and be >> So lift up your heads, oh gates, and be >> So lift up your heads, oh gates, and be lifted up, oh ancient doors, that the lifted up, oh ancient doors, that the lifted up, oh ancient doors, that the king of glory may come in. Who is this king of glory may come in. Who is this king of glory may come in. Who is this king of glory? The Lord, strong and king of glory? The Lord, strong and king of glory? The Lord, strong and mighty, [music] the Lord mighty in mighty, [music] the Lord mighty in mighty, [music] the Lord mighty in battle. Lift up your heads, oh gates, battle. Lift up your heads, oh gates, battle. Lift up your heads, oh gates, and lift them up, oh ancient doors, and lift them up, oh ancient doors, and lift them up, oh ancient doors, [music] that the king of glory may come [music] that the king of glory may come [music] that the king of glory may come in. Who is this king of glory? The Lord in. Who is this king of glory? The Lord in. Who is this king of glory? The Lord of hosts. He is the king of glory.

of hosts. He is the king of glory. of hosts. He is the king of glory. >> Behold, [music] >> Behold, [music] >> Behold, [music] behold, behold, behold, behold behold behold >> [music] Behold, Behold, behold, behold, behold, >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> behold the >> I invite you to kneel with me if you can >> I invite you to kneel with me if you can as we go to the Lord in prayer as we go to the Lord in prayer as we go to the Lord in prayer before we open his word before we open his word before we open his word together.

God, we kneel before you God, we kneel before you right now. right now. right now. You are king. You are king. You are king. You are Lord. You are Lord. You are Lord. You are the source You are the source You are the source of all reality. of all reality. of all reality. You dwell in unapproachable light. And yet And yet you speak to us. you speak to us. you speak to us. You shine your light into our lives. You shine your light into our lives. You shine your light into our lives. God, we need God, we need God, we need your light. Shine your light to us to us and through us and through us and through us as we open your word today. This is our as we open your word today. This is our as we open your word today. This is our prayer in Jesus' name. Amen. I spent most of the summer of 1985 in I spent most of the summer of 1985 in Crested Butte, Colorado. I was there uh Crested Butte, Colorado. I was there uh Crested Butte, Colorado. I was there uh working and studying at a retreat center working and studying at a retreat center working and studying at a retreat center called Mountain Ministries. The guy who called Mountain Ministries. The guy who called Mountain Ministries. The guy who was running that ministry at that time was running that ministry at that time was running that ministry at that time was one of the lead climbers for the was one of the lead climbers for the was one of the lead climbers for the Noah's Ark expedition on Mount Ararat Noah's Ark expedition on Mount Ararat Noah's Ark expedition on Mount Ararat and also uh was a scuba diver in the Red and also uh was a scuba diver in the Red and also uh was a scuba diver in the Red Sea uh looking for the chariots that Sea uh looking for the chariots that Sea uh looking for the chariots that were engulfed by the Red Sea as Moses were engulfed by the Red Sea as Moses were engulfed by the Red Sea as Moses led the Israelites out. He was a true led the Israelites out. He was a true led the Israelites out. He was a true Indiana Jones kind of character.

Indiana Jones kind of character. Indiana Jones kind of character. So, it was a fascinating time getting to So, it was a fascinating time getting to So, it was a fascinating time getting to know him and being up in Colorado. We know him and being up in Colorado. We know him and being up in Colorado. We would uh work manual labor half the day. would uh work manual labor half the day. would uh work manual labor half the day. We'd study the other half of the day. We'd study the other half of the day. We'd study the other half of the day. Then at night, we would have dinners. Then at night, we would have dinners. Then at night, we would have dinners. And the people that gathered this And the people that gathered this And the people that gathered this particular organization, you had all particular organization, you had all particular organization, you had all kind of folks there. I had uh a guy kind of folks there. I had uh a guy kind of folks there. I had uh a guy there who was atheist, agnostic. Another there who was atheist, agnostic. Another there who was atheist, agnostic. Another person there that was overcoming a drug person there that was overcoming a drug person there that was overcoming a drug addiction. And then you had me. So, addiction. And then you had me. So, addiction. And then you had me. So, we we would um you know, talk about what we we would um you know, talk about what we we would um you know, talk about what we were reading and we were asked we were reading and we were asked we were reading and we were asked questions. And some people, obviously, questions. And some people, obviously, questions. And some people, obviously, were committed Christians. Some were were committed Christians. Some were were committed Christians. Some were not. Some were somewhere in between. not. Some were somewhere in between. not. Some were somewhere in between. And uh after we would have dinner And uh after we would have dinner And uh after we would have dinner together at the main house, um we'd all together at the main house, um we'd all together at the main house, um we'd all uh uh uh wash dishes and put them away. And then wash dishes and put them away. And then wash dishes and put them away. And then I was living at a log cabin that was on I was living at a log cabin that was on I was living at a log cabin that was on that same property. that same property. that same property. And so, I can remember And so, I can remember And so, I can remember when I forgot my flashlight, when I forgot my flashlight, when I forgot my flashlight, having to walk from the main house to having to walk from the main house to having to walk from the main house to the log cabin, which was about 20 yards.

the log cabin, which was about 20 yards. the log cabin, which was about 20 yards. And you say, "Well, that's no big deal. And you say, "Well, that's no big deal. And you say, "Well, that's no big deal. I hope you can do that." But, you don't I hope you can do that." But, you don't I hope you can do that." But, you don't understand. This was in the mountains of understand. This was in the mountains of understand. This was in the mountains of Colorado. This was not Houston, Colorado. This was not Houston, Colorado. This was not Houston, where even when it's dark, it's light where even when it's dark, it's light where even when it's dark, it's light because of our ambient light. So, we're because of our ambient light. So, we're because of our ambient light. So, we're talking about I can remember walking talking about I can remember walking talking about I can remember walking and it's just and it's just and it's just utterly utterly utterly dark. I mean, I cannot see anything dark. I mean, I cannot see anything dark. I mean, I cannot see anything anything in front of me. anything in front of me. anything in front of me. So, I'm just kind of creeping along, you So, I'm just kind of creeping along, you So, I'm just kind of creeping along, you know, walking kind of like one of our know, walking kind of like one of our know, walking kind of like one of our former presidents and just Come on, man. So, I Come on, man. So, I am am am stumbling and bumping into I'm bumping stumbling and bumping into I'm bumping stumbling and bumping into I'm bumping into rocks and not knowing if a raccoon into rocks and not knowing if a raccoon into rocks and not knowing if a raccoon or a mountain lion's going to come out. or a mountain lion's going to come out. or a mountain lion's going to come out. And it's only 20 yards, but it's hard to And it's only 20 yards, but it's hard to And it's only 20 yards, but it's hard to walk walk walk in the utter darkness. Perhaps you've in the utter darkness. Perhaps you've in the utter darkness. Perhaps you've been there in your life somewhere where been there in your life somewhere where been there in your life somewhere where you get far outside the city or in the you get far outside the city or in the you get far outside the city or in the mountains or somewhere and it's just so mountains or somewhere and it's just so mountains or somewhere and it's just so dark you can't see in front of you.

dark you can't see in front of you. dark you can't see in front of you. But it But it's not a good thing But it But it's not a good thing But it But it's not a good thing to be walking in the dark, whether to be walking in the dark, whether to be walking in the dark, whether you're walking in the literal dark or you're walking in the literal dark or you're walking in the literal dark or you're walking in the dark you're walking in the dark you're walking in the dark metaphorically, so to speak. metaphorically, so to speak. metaphorically, so to speak. And as I look at at our culture and one And as I look at at our culture and one And as I look at at our culture and one of the things my wife and I talk about a of the things my wife and I talk about a of the things my wife and I talk about a lot is just how much darker our world lot is just how much darker our world lot is just how much darker our world seems to be today. seems to be today. seems to be today. It just seems to be darker than it was It just seems to be darker than it was It just seems to be darker than it was 10 years ago, 20 years ago, 30 years 10 years ago, 20 years ago, 30 years 10 years ago, 20 years ago, 30 years ago. And and the most difficult part ago. And and the most difficult part ago. And and the most difficult part about the darkness that we're walking in about the darkness that we're walking in about the darkness that we're walking in today is that it seems to be getting today is that it seems to be getting today is that it seems to be getting darker darker darker and darker. and darker. and darker. And many times we're like, you know, And many times we're like, you know, And many times we're like, you know, God, what is going on here? Why are we God, what is going on here? Why are we God, what is going on here? Why are we seemingly in so many ways declining as seemingly in so many ways declining as seemingly in so many ways declining as our technology increases, our morality, our technology increases, our morality, our technology increases, our morality, our sense of purpose, our sense of our sense of purpose, our sense of our sense of purpose, our sense of appreciation of for for where we live in appreciation of for for where we live in appreciation of for for where we live in time and space is is decreasing and time and space is is decreasing and time and space is is decreasing and declining.

we're not alone. we're not alone. If if you know a little bit about If if you know a little bit about If if you know a little bit about history, you know that a lot of people history, you know that a lot of people history, you know that a lot of people during their own time of history felt during their own time of history felt during their own time of history felt like I am we are living in the darkest like I am we are living in the darkest like I am we are living in the darkest moments of planet Earth. And maybe moments of planet Earth. And maybe moments of planet Earth. And maybe compared to some folks, they probably compared to some folks, they probably compared to some folks, they probably were. But the good news is this, God were. But the good news is this, God were. But the good news is this, God always speaks to us and speaks a word to always speaks to us and speaks a word to always speaks to us and speaks a word to us us us in the midst in the midst in the midst of darkness. of darkness. of darkness. So, we So, we So, we just last week, last Sunday, we launched just last week, last Sunday, we launched just last week, last Sunday, we launched launched a new series called all launched a new series called all launched a new series called all things things things new. All things new. All things new. All things new. At the end of the book of new. At the end of the book of new. At the end of the book of Revelation, Revelation, Revelation, John quotes the Lord by saying, "Behold, John quotes the Lord by saying, "Behold, John quotes the Lord by saying, "Behold, I am making all things new." And last I am making all things new." And last I am making all things new." And last week, we looked at three helpful week, we looked at three helpful week, we looked at three helpful questions when you read the Bible. If questions when you read the Bible. If questions when you read the Bible. If you're reading any passage of the Bible, you're reading any passage of the Bible, you're reading any passage of the Bible, you're wondering, "How can I better you're wondering, "How can I better you're wondering, "How can I better understand it?" You can ask yourself understand it?" You can ask yourself understand it?" You can ask yourself these three these three these three helpful questions. Number one, what does helpful questions. Number one, what does helpful questions. Number one, what does it tell us about God?

it tell us about God? it tell us about God? Number two, what does it tell us about Number two, what does it tell us about Number two, what does it tell us about ourselves? And number three, what does ourselves? And number three, what does ourselves? And number three, what does it tell us to do? it tell us to do? it tell us to do? Now, obviously when you're studying Now, obviously when you're studying Now, obviously when you're studying God's word, there's so many ways to God's word, there's so many ways to God's word, there's so many ways to uh many questions you can ask about your uh many questions you can ask about your uh many questions you can ask about your passage. That's just a good helpful way passage. That's just a good helpful way passage. That's just a good helpful way when you're reading a verse or verses, when you're reading a verse or verses, when you're reading a verse or verses, you can ask those three questions and you can ask those three questions and you can ask those three questions and they will be helpful they will be helpful they will be helpful to you to understand what you're reading to you to understand what you're reading to you to understand what you're reading and how to apply it in your life. So, and how to apply it in your life. So, and how to apply it in your life. So, with that in mind, those questions in with that in mind, those questions in with that in mind, those questions in mind, let's open mind, let's open mind, let's open our Bibles, if you would, to the book of our Bibles, if you would, to the book of our Bibles, if you would, to the book of 1 John. Not the Gospel of John, but 1 1 John. Not the Gospel of John, but 1 1 John. Not the Gospel of John, but 1 John. 1 John is towards the end of the John. 1 John is towards the end of the John. 1 John is towards the end of the Bible, right before Revelation. 1 John Bible, right before Revelation. 1 John Bible, right before Revelation. 1 John chapter 5, I mean, 1 John chapter 1. chapter 5, I mean, 1 John chapter 1. chapter 5, I mean, 1 John chapter 1. That was fast. Verses 5 through 10. That was fast. Verses 5 through 10. That was fast. Verses 5 through 10. Chapter 1 verses 5 through 10. John is Chapter 1 verses 5 through 10. John is Chapter 1 verses 5 through 10. John is writing at about 85 AD from Ephesus, writing at about 85 AD from Ephesus, writing at about 85 AD from Ephesus, which is modern-day Turkey. He is in which is modern-day Turkey. He is in which is modern-day Turkey. He is in Ephesus because he is fleeing Ephesus because he is fleeing Ephesus because he is fleeing persecution from Jerusalem and he has persecution from Jerusalem and he has persecution from Jerusalem and he has taken Mary, the mother of Jesus Christ, taken Mary, the mother of Jesus Christ, taken Mary, the mother of Jesus Christ, with him to Ephesus and there are many with him to Ephesus and there are many with him to Ephesus and there are many churches that he has planted in the churches that he has planted in the churches that he has planted in the Mediterranean area area and he's writing Mediterranean area area and he's writing Mediterranean area area and he's writing this letter to those churches and here's this letter to those churches and here's this letter to those churches and here's what he says.

what he says. what he says. He says, "This is the message we have He says, "This is the message we have He says, "This is the message we have heard from him, from Christ, and declare heard from him, from Christ, and declare heard from him, from Christ, and declare to you. to you. to you. God is God is God is light. light. light. In him there is no darkness at all. In him there is no darkness at all. In him there is no darkness at all. If we claim to have fellowship with him, If we claim to have fellowship with him, If we claim to have fellowship with him, to have a relationship with God, and yet to have a relationship with God, and yet to have a relationship with God, and yet walk in darkness, we lie and do not live walk in darkness, we lie and do not live walk in darkness, we lie and do not live out the truth. out the truth. out the truth. But if we walk in the light as he is in But if we walk in the light as he is in But if we walk in the light as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one the light, we have fellowship with one the light, we have fellowship with one another another another and the blood of Jesus, his son, and the blood of Jesus, his son, and the blood of Jesus, his son, purifies us from all sin. If we claim to purifies us from all sin. If we claim to purifies us from all sin. If we claim to be without sin, be without sin, be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth we deceive ourselves and the truth we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. is not in us. is not in us. If we confess our sins, If we confess our sins, If we confess our sins, he, God, is faithful and just and will he, God, is faithful and just and will he, God, is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from forgive us our sins and purify us from forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. If we claim we have all unrighteousness. If we claim we have all unrighteousness. If we claim we have not sinned, not sinned, not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his we make him out to be a liar and his we make him out to be a liar and his word is not in word is not in word is not in us.

Genesis Genesis 1:1 1:1 1:1 following begins with the earth being covered in with the earth being covered in darkness. And God speaks And God speaks and says, "Let there be and says, "Let there be and says, "Let there be light." light." light." And there is light. John repeat repeats that refrain as he John repeat repeats that refrain as he is making a parallel between is making a parallel between is making a parallel between the beginning in Genesis 1 as well as he the beginning in Genesis 1 as well as he the beginning in Genesis 1 as well as he does in the Gospel of John. He says, does in the Gospel of John. He says, does in the Gospel of John. He says, "God is "God is "God is light." light." light." light One of the most fascinating, powerful, One of the most fascinating, powerful, intriguing, mysterious intriguing, mysterious intriguing, mysterious substances or reality that we seek to substances or reality that we seek to substances or reality that we seek to understand that's absolutely essential understand that's absolutely essential understand that's absolutely essential for our well-being and for the for our well-being and for the for our well-being and for the well-being of our planet and the world well-being of our planet and the world well-being of our planet and the world is is is light.

light. light. light light light Let's look at light. First of all, light Let's look at light. First of all, light Let's look at light. First of all, light is a riddle and a mystery. It's an is a riddle and a mystery. It's an is a riddle and a mystery. It's an antinomy to scientists who have studied antinomy to scientists who have studied antinomy to scientists who have studied it. Some scientists study and ask the Some scientists study and ask the question, "What is light made of?" question, "What is light made of?" question, "What is light made of?" Because that's what science really does. Because that's what science really does. Because that's what science really does. Science answers the question, "What is Science answers the question, "What is Science answers the question, "What is something made of and how does it work?" something made of and how does it work?" something made of and how does it work?" So, scientists have studied light for So, scientists have studied light for So, scientists have studied light for many years and they Some scientists come many years and they Some scientists come many years and they Some scientists come up with these findings and theories that up with these findings and theories that up with these findings and theories that say, "Ah, light consists of particles." say, "Ah, light consists of particles." say, "Ah, light consists of particles." Other scientists have studied light Other scientists have studied light Other scientists have studied light trying to figure out what is light made trying to figure out what is light made trying to figure out what is light made of. What does light consist of? And of. What does light consist of? And of. What does light consist of? And these scientists say, "Light consists of these scientists say, "Light consists of these scientists say, "Light consists of waves." waves." waves." Well, how are these things true at the Well, how are these things true at the Well, how are these things true at the same time? It can't be particles and same time? It can't be particles and same time? It can't be particles and waves, waves, waves, but the empirical evidence is in and the but the empirical evidence is in and the but the empirical evidence is in and the best we understand it is both. Both are best we understand it is both. Both are best we understand it is both. Both are true at the same time. So, the very true at the same time. So, the very true at the same time. So, the very nature of light that we know is somewhat nature of light that we know is somewhat nature of light that we know is somewhat mysterious.

mysterious. mysterious. Often as we talk about the speed of Often as we talk about the speed of Often as we talk about the speed of light. The speed of light is 108 186,000 light. The speed of light is 108 186,000 light. The speed of light is 108 186,000 mi per second. mi per second. mi per second. 186,000 mi per second. That's 300,000 186,000 mi per second. That's 300,000 186,000 mi per second. That's 300,000 times faster than the fastest jet we've times faster than the fastest jet we've times faster than the fastest jet we've ever created. ever created. ever created. We talk about light-years. Couple of We talk about light-years. Couple of We talk about light-years. Couple of them That's light-years away. What is a them That's light-years away. What is a them That's light-years away. What is a light-year? A light-year is a measure of light-year? A light-year is a measure of light-year? A light-year is a measure of distance, not time, and it equals the distance, not time, and it equals the distance, not time, and it equals the total space that a light beam that a total space that a light beam that a total space that a light beam that a beam of light travels in one Earth year, beam of light travels in one Earth year, beam of light travels in one Earth year, and that is 5. and that is 5. and that is 5. 88 88 88 trillion trillion trillion miles. miles. miles. So we go outside and we look at a star So we go outside and we look at a star So we go outside and we look at a star that is a hundred light-years away, that that is a hundred light-years away, that that is a hundred light-years away, that means we are observing light in 2026 means we are observing light in 2026 means we are observing light in 2026 that actually burned out a hundred years that actually burned out a hundred years that actually burned out a hundred years ago. ago. ago. So we're actually looking at So we're actually looking at So we're actually looking at the past.

the past. the past. We know that we don't perceive light We know that we don't perceive light We know that we don't perceive light directly, but indirectly. We know light directly, but indirectly. We know light directly, but indirectly. We know light is present because we're able to see is present because we're able to see is present because we're able to see things that light has illuminated. When things that light has illuminated. When things that light has illuminated. When we walk into a dark room and we turn on we walk into a dark room and we turn on we walk into a dark room and we turn on the light, light is self-evidencing. We the light, light is self-evidencing. We the light, light is self-evidencing. We see light by light. Light is the medium see light by light. Light is the medium see light by light. Light is the medium by which you are able to see anything at by which you are able to see anything at by which you are able to see anything at all. all. all. Light Light Light is truly amazing. Light is truly fast. is truly amazing. Light is truly fast. is truly amazing. Light is truly fast. Light is truly powerful and pure and Light is truly powerful and pure and Light is truly powerful and pure and absolutely essential to our existence as absolutely essential to our existence as absolutely essential to our existence as a species and as a planet, and God's a species and as a planet, and God's a species and as a planet, and God's word tells us what light is. God is word tells us what light is. God is word tells us what light is. God is light. In John chapter 1, the gospel, In John chapter 1, the gospel, John writes, "In the beginning was the John writes, "In the beginning was the John writes, "In the beginning was the word, and the word was with God, and the word, and the word was with God, and the word, and the word was with God, and the word was God. He was with God in the word was God. He was with God in the word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were beginning. Through him all things were beginning. Through him all things were made. Without him nothing was made that made. Without him nothing was made that made. Without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that has been made. In him was life, and that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of men. The light life was the light of men. The light life was the light of men. The light shined in the darkness, but the darkness shined in the darkness, but the darkness shined in the darkness, but the darkness didn't understand it." "There came a man didn't understand it." "There came a man didn't understand it." "There came a man who was sent from God. His name was who was sent from God. His name was who was sent from God. His name was John. He came to bear witness to the John. He came to bear witness to the John. He came to bear witness to the light. He himself was not the light. He light. He himself was not the light. He light. He himself was not the light. He was only a witness to the light, the was only a witness to the light, the was only a witness to the light, the true light, true light, true light, that gives light to every man, to every

that gives light to every man, to every that gives light to every man, to every woman was coming into the world." woman was coming into the world." woman was coming into the world." John told us last week, "Listen, we have John told us last week, "Listen, we have John told us last week, "Listen, we have seen and experienced this light. seen and experienced this light. seen and experienced this light. We've been with him. We've walked with We've been with him. We've walked with We've been with him. We've walked with him. We've talked with him. We've him. We've talked with him. We've him. We've talked with him. We've listened to him. We saw him die. We saw listened to him. We saw him die. We saw listened to him. We saw him die. We saw him buried. We saw him alive. This is him buried. We saw him alive. This is him buried. We saw him alive. This is the light. This is the message," he the light. This is the message," he the light. This is the message," he writes this week, "that we share with writes this week, "that we share with writes this week, "that we share with you." you." you." God God God is is is pure pure pure light. light. light. And in him there is no darkness at all. is full is full and made of light. All of creation was and made of light. All of creation was and made of light. All of creation was made, as we looked at last week, through made, as we looked at last week, through made, as we looked at last week, through the Logos. The Logos is the source of the Logos. The Logos is the source of the Logos. The Logos is the source of life. The Logos is the source of light. life. The Logos is the source of light. life. The Logos is the source of light. The Logos is the source of light for The Logos is the source of light for The Logos is the source of light for every single person.

Augustine said this. He said, "The Augustine said this. He said, "The divine Logos enlightens everyone with divine Logos enlightens everyone with divine Logos enlightens everyone with innate truths about God and morals and innate truths about God and morals and innate truths about God and morals and reason itself. reason itself. reason itself. So, God, who is light, who is the Logos, So, God, who is light, who is the Logos, So, God, who is light, who is the Logos, designed the universe in such a way to designed the universe in such a way to designed the universe in such a way to reveal himself to everyone. All created reveal himself to everyone. All created reveal himself to everyone. All created things were designed with meaning and things were designed with meaning and things were designed with meaning and purpose built into them. purpose built into them. purpose built into them. When we contemplate the natural world, When we contemplate the natural world, When we contemplate the natural world, we're able to see the nature and the we're able to see the nature and the we're able to see the nature and the character of this God who is light. I love what the great C.S. Lewis said. I love what the great C.S. Lewis said. He said, "I believe in Christianity He said, "I believe in Christianity He said, "I believe in Christianity or God as I believe that the sun has or God as I believe that the sun has or God as I believe that the sun has risen, not because I see it, but because risen, not because I see it, but because risen, not because I see it, but because by it I see everything by it I see everything by it I see everything else." else." else." God, God, God, the Logos, the Logos, the Logos, is the light and the source of all is the light and the source of all is the light and the source of all reality and all knowledge.

reality and all knowledge. reality and all knowledge. And we, And we, And we, if we're to live a life if we're to live a life if we're to live a life of truth, of meaning, and of purpose, we of truth, of meaning, and of purpose, we of truth, of meaning, and of purpose, we need to see things need to see things need to see things in a new in a new in a new light. light. light. We need to see We need to see We need to see God and his word and his reality in a God and his word and his reality in a God and his word and his reality in a new new new light. light. light. We need to see our marriage We need to see our marriage We need to see our marriage in a new in a new in a new light. We need to see our kids in a new light. We need to see our kids in a new light. We need to see our kids in a new light. We need to see our challenges in light. We need to see our challenges in light. We need to see our challenges in a new light. a new light. a new light. And we need God's light And we need God's light And we need God's light to be able to be able to be able to see. >> He tells us >> He tells us in this passage today Don't walk in darkness.

Don't walk in darkness. If you walk in darkness, you're living a If you walk in darkness, you're living a If you walk in darkness, you're living a lie. lie. lie. And one thing about us is this, is it And one thing about us is this, is it And one thing about us is this, is it lying lying lying especially to men, just comes easy for especially to men, just comes easy for especially to men, just comes easy for us. It does. us. It does. us. It does. I have grandchildren, very young I have grandchildren, very young I have grandchildren, very young grandkids. The oldest is eight. grandkids. The oldest is eight. grandkids. The oldest is eight. Lying is just innate. We can just all Lying is just innate. We can just all Lying is just innate. We can just all lie. And and you know, lie. And and you know, lie. And and you know, I'm not picking on them. We continue to I'm not picking on them. We continue to I'm not picking on them. We continue to lie. A lot lot of times we lie to lie. A lot lot of times we lie to lie. A lot lot of times we lie to ourself. ourself. ourself. You know, think about it. We we read a You know, think about it. We we read a You know, think about it. We we read a label, it says you know, label, it says you know, label, it says you know, fat-free. We lie to ourself. We think fat-free. We lie to ourself. We think fat-free. We lie to ourself. We think that means calorie-free. that means calorie-free. that means calorie-free. Don't we? I'm just going to watch one more show. I'm just going to watch one more show. One more show. One more episode. Just One more show. One more episode. Just One more show. One more episode. Just one more. Just one more. Lie to ourself. Lie to ourself. The E on our gas gauge doesn't really The E on our gas gauge doesn't really The E on our gas gauge doesn't really mean empty, right? No, it doesn't. mean empty, right? No, it doesn't. mean empty, right? No, it doesn't. We we lie to ourself. And when we lie to We we lie to ourself. And when we lie to We we lie to ourself. And when we lie to ourself, it's like I was trying to walk ourself, it's like I was trying to walk ourself, it's like I was trying to walk those 20 yards in Colorado, we're those 20 yards in Colorado, we're those 20 yards in Colorado, we're walking in the darkness.

I'm going to hold on to a resentment. I'm going to hold on to a resentment. That'll solve the problem in my life. That'll solve the problem in my life. That'll solve the problem in my life. It's a lie. It's a lie. It's a lie. I'm going to hold on to anger and vent I'm going to hold on to anger and vent I'm going to hold on to anger and vent my anger. That'll solve it. I'm going to continue to wallow in envy I'm going to continue to wallow in envy and jealousy, and that's going to really and jealousy, and that's going to really and jealousy, and that's going to really push me forward with God, that that's a push me forward with God, that that's a push me forward with God, that that's a lie. Darkness, walking in darkness, Darkness, walking in darkness, living a lie it is unproductive. living a lie it is unproductive. living a lie it is unproductive. It doesn't work and it doesn't honor God It doesn't work and it doesn't honor God It doesn't work and it doesn't honor God or honor the person that God has made or honor the person that God has made or honor the person that God has made you and designed you to be. you and designed you to be. you and designed you to be. When we do that, we're not living in an When we do that, we're not living in an When we do that, we're not living in an alignment. Martin Luther King Jr. put it this way, Martin Luther King Jr. put it this way, he said, "Darkness cannot drive out he said, "Darkness cannot drive out he said, "Darkness cannot drive out darkness, only darkness, only darkness, only light can do that."

We fight the darkness. We fight the darkness. We fight the lies, all these things We fight the lies, all these things We fight the lies, all these things with the light of God of God and His grace. as as men and women to bring to bring light We've all walked in darkness. We've all walked in darkness. >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> We all have our stories, our >> We all have our stories, our >> We all have our stories, our testimonies. testimonies. testimonies. When we didn't think we needed God and When we didn't think we needed God and When we didn't think we needed God and we were trying to run our own life and we were trying to run our own life and we were trying to run our own life and we thought we had it made in the shade we thought we had it made in the shade we thought we had it made in the shade and we're walking in the dark and then and we're walking in the dark and then and we're walking in the dark and then something happens and God wakes us up something happens and God wakes us up something happens and God wakes us up and we see God for who He is, we see and we see God for who He is, we see and we see God for who He is, we see ourselves for who we are and we cry out, ourselves for who we are and we cry out, ourselves for who we are and we cry out, "Oh God, forgive me. I want your light "Oh God, forgive me. I want your light "Oh God, forgive me. I want your light in my life." And God changes our life in my life." And God changes our life in my life." And God changes our life and we start to walk as children of the and we start to walk as children of the and we start to walk as children of the light and our calling is to bring others light and our calling is to bring others light and our calling is to bring others into the light.

God desires that all of us, God desires that all of us, no matter if you've been a Christian for no matter if you've been a Christian for no matter if you've been a Christian for 1 week, you've been a Christian for 10 1 week, you've been a Christian for 10 1 week, you've been a Christian for 10 years, 20 years, 50 years, he wants all years, 20 years, 50 years, he wants all years, 20 years, 50 years, he wants all of us to walk in the light. And as we're of us to walk in the light. And as we're of us to walk in the light. And as we're walking in the light, God continues to walking in the light, God continues to walking in the light, God continues to give us more light and more light and give us more light and more light and give us more light and more light and more light. How do you know if you're walking in the How do you know if you're walking in the dark? You know you're walking in the dark? You know you're walking in the dark? You know you're walking in the dark if you're saying, "You know what? I dark if you're saying, "You know what? I dark if you're saying, "You know what? I really don't need God. I'm not a sinner. I'm not a sinner. I'm good. I'm good. I'm good. I vote right. I I don't I don't need I vote right. I I don't I don't need I vote right. I I don't I don't need God. I'm smart. I went to college. I've got I'm smart. I went to college. I've got money. I don't God, [laughter] I don't money. I don't God, [laughter] I don't money. I don't God, [laughter] I don't What's that? Who's that? What's that? Who's that? What's that? Who's that? Sinner? Sinner? Sinner? Are you kidding me? Are you kidding me? Are you kidding me? I'm a good person. I'm a good person. I'm a good person. You're walking in the dark.

You're walking in the dark. You're walking in the dark. You're lying to yourself and you're You're lying to yourself and you're You're lying to yourself and you're lying to God. lying to God. lying to God. God wants us. God wants us. God wants us. God calls us. God calls us. God calls us. And God equips us to walk And God equips us to walk And God equips us to walk in in in the light. And when when when you walk the light. And when when when you walk the light. And when when when you walk in the light, in the light, in the light, wh- wh- what are we doing? Well, we're wh- wh- what are we doing? Well, we're wh- wh- what are we doing? Well, we're walking in a place of walking in a place of walking in a place of I think stating the obvious, confessing. I think stating the obvious, confessing. I think stating the obvious, confessing. Confessing our brokenness, confessing Confessing our brokenness, confessing Confessing our brokenness, confessing our sinfulness, confessing our utter our sinfulness, confessing our utter our sinfulness, confessing our utter need need need of God and his grace. of God and his grace. of God and his grace. We walk in the light, we're confessing. We walk in the light, we're confessing. We walk in the light, we're confessing. We're We're aware, if you would, uh of We're We're aware, if you would, uh of We're We're aware, if you would, uh of the sins that God convicts us of. We're the sins that God convicts us of. We're the sins that God convicts us of. We're aware of our pride, we're aware of our aware of our pride, we're aware of our aware of our pride, we're aware of our anger, we're aware of our greed, our anger, we're aware of our greed, our anger, we're aware of our greed, our envy, our lust, all these things God envy, our lust, all these things God envy, our lust, all these things God convicts us so we can confess our sins convicts us so we can confess our sins convicts us so we can confess our sins to him. And we confess our sins, what to him. And we confess our sins, what to him. And we confess our sins, what does the God word tell us today? He is does the God word tell us today? He is does the God word tell us today? He is faithful and he forgives us and cleanses faithful and he forgives us and cleanses faithful and he forgives us and cleanses us by the blood of his son, Jesus us by the blood of his son, Jesus us by the blood of his son, Jesus Christ, who is also the light of the Christ, who is also the light of the Christ, who is also the light of the world.

world. world. It's grace, God's amazing grace. The logos, that is the light, became a The logos, that is the light, became a person and started shining his light on person and started shining his light on person and started shining his light on a broken world to broken people like you a broken world to broken people like you a broken world to broken people like you and broken people like me that we could and broken people like me that we could and broken people like me that we could be restored and become light bearers and be restored and become light bearers and be restored and become light bearers and children of light. That's the plan. That's the plan. That's what God did. And he calls us. And he calls us. Every day. Every day. Every day. At work. At work. At work. At home. We're working out. We're working out. Whatever we're doing, wherever we're Whatever we're doing, wherever we're Whatever we're doing, wherever we're going, at school, he calls us to let our going, at school, he calls us to let our going, at school, he calls us to let our light light light shine. We're We're like John the Baptist in We're We're like John the Baptist in John 1 a little bit. We're not the John 1 a little bit. We're not the John 1 a little bit. We're not the light.

light. light. We're not all that and a bag of organic We're not all that and a bag of organic We're not all that and a bag of organic chips. We're not that. No one is. But we've had the light change our life But we've had the light change our life and we want to share that light and we and we want to share that light and we and we want to share that light and we want to be that light want to be that light want to be that light in a broken and fallen world, in a world in a broken and fallen world, in a world in a broken and fallen world, in a world that seems to be almost overwhelming that seems to be almost overwhelming that seems to be almost overwhelming with darkness and time. We want to be with darkness and time. We want to be with darkness and time. We want to be that that that light. light. light. It's a simple prayer you can pray. God, It's a simple prayer you can pray. God, It's a simple prayer you can pray. God, help me to be a light help me to be a light help me to be a light to my family today. to my family today. to my family today. God, help me to be a light to my friends God, help me to be a light to my friends God, help me to be a light to my friends today. God, help me to be a light in my today. God, help me to be a light in my today. God, help me to be a light in my job today. God, help me to be a light at job today. God, help me to be a light at job today. God, help me to be a light at school today. God, I want to be a light school today. God, I want to be a light school today. God, I want to be a light for you. I want to shine your lights among those around me. among those around me. Dietrich Bonhoeffer put it this way. He Dietrich Bonhoeffer put it this way. He Dietrich Bonhoeffer put it this way. He said, "Your life as a Christian should said, "Your life as a Christian should said, "Your life as a Christian should make non-believers question their make non-believers question their make non-believers question their disbelief in God."

It's a challenge, isn't it? It's a challenge, isn't it? Our light should shine so brightly. Our light should shine so brightly. Our light should shine so brightly. Our honesty, our humility, our courage Our honesty, our humility, our courage Our honesty, our humility, our courage should be so real that others who may be should be so real that others who may be should be so real that others who may be outside the church or just simply outside the church or just simply outside the church or just simply seeking should go, "Wow, seeking should go, "Wow, seeking should go, "Wow, I want that." Ask God Ask God for his mercy. for his mercy. for his mercy. Ask God for his help. God, help me to Ask God for his help. God, help me to Ask God for his help. God, help me to see things in a new see things in a new see things in a new lights. Help me to see things in a new Help me to see things in a new lights. We're just laying We're just laying the foundation the foundation the foundation right now. In the following weeks, the right now. In the following weeks, the right now. In the following weeks, the following Sundays, God has so much more following Sundays, God has so much more following Sundays, God has so much more for us. for us. for us. So much more. George Ritchie was about George Ritchie was about 20 years old, going through basic 20 years old, going through basic 20 years old, going through basic training in Abilene, Texas, and training in Abilene, Texas, and training in Abilene, Texas, and he became seriously ill with double he became seriously ill with double he became seriously ill with double pneumonia. They had to rush him to the pneumonia. They had to rush him to the pneumonia. They had to rush him to the ER. They brought him there. He was ER. They brought him there. He was ER. They brought him there. He was pronounced pronounced pronounced dead.

And when he was dead, he And when he was dead, he said he said he said he became disconnected from his body. He became disconnected from his body. He became disconnected from his body. He found himself in this room. found himself in this room. found himself in this room. And this room was filled with this light And this room was filled with this light And this room was filled with this light that was so bright that he could barely that was so bright that he could barely that was so bright that he could barely see, but it didn't blind him. A light see, but it didn't blind him. A light see, but it didn't blind him. A light that was so intense and so hot and so that was so intense and so hot and so that was so intense and so hot and so warm that it didn't burn him. And he warm that it didn't burn him. And he warm that it didn't burn him. And he felt enveloped by this light. He felt felt enveloped by this light. He felt felt enveloped by this light. He felt overwhelmed and known by this light. And overwhelmed and known by this light. And overwhelmed and known by this light. And he felt this light was wrapping him with he felt this light was wrapping him with he felt this light was wrapping him with a type of warmth. And then in this a type of warmth. And then in this a type of warmth. And then in this near-death experience that he was near-death experience that he was near-death experience that he was having, he realized that this light was having, he realized that this light was having, he realized that this light was actually a person. It was a man made out actually a person. It was a man made out actually a person. It was a man made out of of of light. And he came back. And he came back. He came back to life He came back to life He came back to life to tell that story to tell that story to tell that story of being immersed in what was probably in what was probably the light the light the light of Christ of Christ of Christ himself.

moon, moon, stars. The lamb The lamb will be will be will be the light the light the light that will light the city that will light the city that will light the city of God. don't don't walk in the darkness. walk in the darkness. walk in the darkness. Walk Walk Walk in the light in the light in the light of His grace of His grace of His grace >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> and His truth. Let's pray. God, we desperately Let's pray. God, we desperately desperately need your desperately need your desperately need your light. light. light. God, I know that many here God, I know that many here God, I know that many here this morning have experienced your light this morning have experienced your light this morning have experienced your light in their lives. [music] Lord, I know in their lives. [music] Lord, I know in their lives. [music] Lord, I know others here others here others here really haven't.

really haven't. really haven't. Or maybe they've tried to walk away from Or maybe they've tried to walk away from Or maybe they've tried to walk away from the light and today you're calling them the light and today you're calling them the light and today you're calling them back home back home back home to the light to the light to the light of your grace and your love and your of your grace and your love and your of your grace and your love and your truth. God, I pray that as we enter into truth. God, I pray that as we enter into truth. God, I pray that as we enter into this time of invitation as Danny comes this time of invitation as Danny comes this time of invitation as Danny comes and extends this invitation, Lord, and extends this invitation, Lord, and extends this invitation, Lord, that you would move in the hearts of men that you would move in the hearts of men that you would move in the hearts of men and women, of young people and families and women, of young people and families and women, of young people and families need to stand and make a response to need to stand and make a response to need to stand and make a response to you. God, we give [music] you this time you. God, we give [music] you this time you. God, we give [music] you this time and we thank you in Jesus' name. This is our This is our time of invitation. It's a time for us time of invitation. It's a time for us time of invitation. It's a time for us to respond. to respond. to respond. And what does that mean for all of us? And what does that mean for all of us? And what does that mean for all of us? We gather this time each week We gather this time each week We gather this time each week exposing ourselves to God's light, if exposing ourselves to God's light, if exposing ourselves to God's light, if you will, coming out of the darkness so you will, coming out of the darkness so you will, coming out of the darkness so that we can that we can that we can change. [music] change. [music] change. [music] All of us All of us All of us in some way. in some way. in some way. But we know that as we gather for But we know that as we gather for But we know that as we gather for worship that worship that worship that as the last few minutes have played out, as the last few minutes have played out, as the last few minutes have played out, some of you some of you some of you have realized have realized have realized I need a church home, a place where I I need a church home, a place where I I need a church home, a place where I can put down some spiritual roots.

can put down some spiritual roots. can put down some spiritual roots. Perhaps even further, you realized that Perhaps even further, you realized that Perhaps even further, you realized that I don't really understand all of what I don't really understand all of what I don't really understand all of what that means, and I'd love to talk to that means, and I'd love to talk to that means, and I'd love to talk to someone about that. This is [music] the someone about that. This is [music] the someone about that. This is [music] the time for that. time for that. time for that. We offer this invitation so that you can We offer this invitation so that you can We offer this invitation so that you can come. We would love to have conversation come. We would love to have conversation come. We would love to have conversation with you with you with you and just let you know that we're in this and just let you know that we're in this and just let you know that we're in this journey with you. journey with you. journey with you. And we would love [music] to follow And we would love [music] to follow And we would love [music] to follow along, walk alongside of you along, walk alongside of you along, walk alongside of you as we figure out this thing as we figure out this thing as we figure out this thing called walking the Christian life, called walking the Christian life, called walking the Christian life, walking with Christ. walking with Christ. walking with Christ. So, as I pray, So, as I pray, So, as I pray, you consider the changes [music] in your you consider the changes [music] in your you consider the changes [music] in your life, life, life, and we will throw open the doors of the and we will throw open the doors of the and we will throw open the doors of the church. Father, thank you church. Father, thank you church. Father, thank you for this moment where you can for this moment where you can for this moment where you can invade our lives and change [music] invade our lives and change [music] invade our lives and change [music] those things that need changing. Father, those things that need changing. Father, those things that need changing. Father, we pray we pray we pray that you would indeed do that that you would indeed do that that you would indeed do that as we are open as we are open as we are open to who you are. to who you are. to who you are. It's in the strong name of Jesus Christ It's in the strong name of Jesus Christ It's in the strong name of Jesus Christ that we pray.

that we pray. that we pray. Amen. Amen. Amen. As the choir leads, As the choir leads, As the choir leads, in the many ways that God may be calling in the many ways that God may be calling in the many ways that God may be calling you, we invite you to come, make your you, we invite you to come, make your you, we invite you to come, make your way down these aisles, one of these way down these aisles, one of these way down these aisles, one of these pastors, [music] pastors, [music] pastors, [music] give him your hand. We would gladly, give him your hand. We would gladly, give him your hand. We would gladly, warmly receive you. warmly receive you. warmly receive you. As we sing together, you come. [music] >> Come just [singing] as you are. >> Come just [singing] as you are. Hear Hear Hear the spirit the spirit the spirit call. Come [singing] Come [singing] just as you just as you just as you are. Come and see. Come and see. Come [music] receive. Come [music] receive. Come [music] receive. Come and live Come and live Come and live forever. Come just as [music] Come just as [music] you are. Hear the Hear the >> [singing] >> [singing] >> [singing] >> spirit call. >> spirit call. >> spirit call. >> [music] [singing] [singing] [music] [music]

[music] [singing] [singing] [singing] [music] [music] [music] [singing] [singing] [singing] >> Would you welcome these that have come >> Would you welcome these that have come >> Would you welcome these that have come [music] today? [music] today? [music] today? As they make their way out this way, As they make their way out this way, As they make their way out this way, >> [applause] >> [applause] >> [applause] >> let's pray for them. Father, thank you >> let's pray for them. Father, thank you >> let's pray for them. Father, thank you that we can have a church home that we can have a church home that we can have a church home where many folks can plug in [music] and where many folks can plug in [music] and where many folks can plug in [music] and learn to grow. learn to grow. learn to grow. Father, we pray Father, we pray Father, we pray that these will find their perfect place that these will find their perfect place that these will find their perfect place in this body of Christ.

in this body of Christ. in this body of Christ. And it's in your name we [music] pray. And it's in your name we [music] pray. And it's in your name we [music] pray. Amen. Amen. Amen. Couple of quick reminders tonight at Couple of quick reminders tonight at Couple of quick reminders tonight at 6:00 p.m. right here in this place, we 6:00 p.m. right here in this place, we 6:00 p.m. right here in this place, we will have the global night of worship. will have the global night of worship. will have the global night of worship. If you have not experienced that, I If you have not experienced that, I If you have not experienced that, I challenge you to consider that tonight. challenge you to consider that tonight. challenge you to consider that tonight. A wonderful time of worship together. A wonderful time of worship together. A wonderful time of worship together. Our joint musicians from across our city Our joint musicians from across our city Our joint musicians from across our city will be leading us. They have been will be leading us. They have been will be leading us. They have been working on that, and it is a wonderful working on that, and it is a wonderful working on that, and it is a wonderful great time. I can't say enough good great time. I can't say enough good great time. I can't say enough good things about that. Also, Wednesdays at things about that. Also, Wednesdays at things about that. Also, Wednesdays at Woodway Woodway Woodway is a time where you can plug into a is a time where you can plug into a is a time where you can plug into a discipleship group, a support group. We discipleship group, a support group. We discipleship group, a support group. We have live for our student ministry, have live for our student ministry, have live for our student ministry, Awana for children. There's something Awana for children. There's something Awana for children. There's something for all those ages. You can get all of for all those ages. You can get all of for all those ages. You can get all of that information on the website at that information on the website at that information on the website at second.org. second.org. second.org. If you're visiting with us today again, If you're visiting with us today again, If you're visiting with us today again, you are our special guest. We would love you are our special guest. We would love you are our special guest. We would love to meet you. If you would take the time to meet you. If you would take the time to meet you. If you would take the time to stop at one of our red doors on the to stop at one of our red doors on the to stop at one of our red doors on the way out, we would love the opportunity way out, we would love the opportunity way out, we would love the opportunity to to to meet you, answer questions, just [music] meet you, answer questions, just [music] meet you, answer questions, just [music] get to know you a little better.

get to know you a little better. get to know you a little better. So, let's continue to worship him So, let's continue to worship him So, let's continue to worship him together. >> You were >> You were the [music] word at the the [music] word at the the [music] word at the beginning. [singing] One with God, the One with God, the >> [singing] >> [singing] >> [singing] >> Lord most high. Your hidden [singing] glory in creation, Your hidden [singing] glory in creation, [music] [music] [music] now revealed in you, oh Christ. [music] now revealed in you, oh Christ. [music] now revealed in you, oh Christ. [music] What a beautiful name [singing] What a beautiful name [singing] What a beautiful name [singing] it is. What a beautiful [music] name it it is. What a beautiful [music] name it it is. What a beautiful [music] name it is. The name [singing] of Jesus Christ, is. The name [singing] of Jesus Christ, is. The name [singing] of Jesus Christ, my [music] my [music] my [music] king. king. king. What a beautiful [singing] name it is. What a beautiful [singing] name it is. What a beautiful [singing] name it is. Nothing compares to Nothing compares to Nothing compares to What a beautiful [singing] name it What a beautiful [singing] name it What a beautiful [singing] name it is, the is, the is, the >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> name of >> name of >> name of Jesus.

You didn't want You didn't want >> [singing and music] >> [singing and music] >> [singing and music] >> heaven >> heaven >> heaven without us. without us. without us. So, Jesus, [music and singing] you So, Jesus, [music and singing] you So, Jesus, [music and singing] you brought heaven down. heaven down. >> [singing] >> My sin [music] was great, your love >> My sin [music] was great, your love was greater. What could [music and singing] What could [music and singing] ever ever ever separate us now? separate us now? separate us now? What a wonderful [music] name What a wonderful [music] name What a wonderful [music] name >> [singing] >> [singing] >> [singing] >> it is. >> it is. >> it is. What a wonderful name What a wonderful name What a wonderful name it is, it is, it is, the the the >> [music and singing] >> [music and singing] >> [music and singing] >> name of Jesus >> name of Jesus >> name of Jesus Christ, my King. What a wonderful name What a wonderful name it is. it is. it is. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> Nothing compares to this. >> Nothing compares to this. >> Nothing compares to this. What a wonderful name What a wonderful name What a wonderful name >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> it is, >> it is, >> it is, the the the >> [singing] >> [singing] >> [singing] >> name of >> name of >> name of Jesus. Jesus. Jesus. What a wonderful name What a wonderful name What a wonderful name it is, it is, it is, >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> the >> [singing] >> [singing] [music] >> What a powerful name [singing] of Jesus.

>> What a powerful name [singing] of Jesus. >> [music] >> So, death could [music and singing] not >> So, death could [music and singing] not hold hold hold you. you. you. The veil tore before you. [singing] The veil tore before you. [singing] The veil tore before you. [singing] You silenced [music] the boast of sin You silenced [music] the boast of sin You silenced [music] the boast of sin and grave. [singing] and grave. [singing] and grave. [singing] The heavens are roaring The heavens are roaring The heavens are roaring >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> the praise of your [singing] glory, for [music] you are raised for [music] you are raised to life again. >> [singing] >> [singing] [music] [music] [music] >> And you have no rival. >> And you have no rival. >> And you have no rival. And you have no equal. And you have no equal. And you have no equal. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] [singing] [singing] [singing] >> Now and forever >> Now and forever >> Now and forever God, [music] God, [music] God, [music] you reign. Yours is [singing] the kingdom. Yours is [singing] the kingdom. And yours [music] is the glory. Yours is the name above Yours is the name above >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> all names.

>> [singing] >> [singing] >> What a powerful [music] name it is. The The >> [music and singing] >> [music and singing] >> [music and singing] >> name of Jesus >> name of Jesus >> name of Jesus Christ my king. What a powerful What a powerful >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> name it is. >> name it is. >> name it is. Nothing can stand against Nothing can stand against Nothing can stand against >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> What a powerful name >> What a powerful name >> What a powerful name it is. The name of Jesus. >> [music and singing] >> [music and singing] >> You have no rival. Now and forever Now and forever God, you [singing] God, you [singing] God, you [singing] reign. reign. reign. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> Yours is the kingdom. Yours is the glory. Yours is the glory. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> Yours is the name >> Yours is the name >> Yours is the name above all names. [music] [music] >> Holy.

>> Holy. >> Holy. >> [singing] Are you [music] Lord Are you [music] Lord God almighty. Worthy is the Worthy is the >> [music] >> Worthy is the lamb. >> Worthy is the lamb. You are worthy. You are worthy. You are worthy. >> [music] [singing] [singing] [music] >> Church family, thank you for singing >> Church family, thank you for singing with us. We'll see you tonight at 6:00 with us. We'll see you tonight at 6:00 with us. We'll see you tonight at 6:00 p.m.

p.m. p.m. >> Hey church family, I want to invite you >> Hey church family, I want to invite you >> Hey church family, I want to invite you to our next night of worship, Sunday, to our next night of worship, Sunday, to our next night of worship, Sunday, August 23rd [music] at 6:00 p.m. on the August 23rd [music] at 6:00 p.m. on the August 23rd [music] 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 all of our campuses all over Houston all of our campuses all over Houston [music] [music] [music] for an incredible night of worship and for an incredible night of worship and for an incredible night of worship and prayer. Make plans now to invite [music] prayer. Make plans now to invite [music] prayer. Make plans now to invite [music] your friends and family and join us on your friends and family and join us on your friends and family and join us on August 23rd for this incredible night of August 23rd for this incredible night of August 23rd for this incredible night of worship. I'll see you there.