Are You Ready? Turning Your Belief into Your Mission | Dr. Tom Pace Preaching | 07.12.2026

Welcome to St. Luke's United Methodist Welcome to St. Luke's United Methodist Church in Houston. I'm Katie McGomery Church in Houston. I'm Katie McGomery Church in Houston. I'm Katie McGomery Mirs, the executive pastor, and I'm glad Mirs, the executive pastor, and I'm glad Mirs, the executive pastor, and I'm glad you're joining us today. Whether you're you're joining us today. Whether you're you're joining us today. Whether you're in the car, at the gym, or settling in in the car, at the gym, or settling in in the car, at the gym, or settling in for a quiet moment, let this be your for a quiet moment, let this be your for a quiet moment, let this be your time to draw close to God. We're talking time to draw close to God. We're talking time to draw close to God. We're talking about Jesus's time in Cesaria Philippi. about Jesus's time in Cesaria Philippi. about Jesus's time in Cesaria Philippi. As we continue in our holidays with As we continue in our holidays with As we continue in our holidays with Jesus series, Jesus was ready to turn Jesus series, Jesus was ready to turn Jesus series, Jesus was ready to turn back toward Jerusalem and what he knew back toward Jerusalem and what he knew back toward Jerusalem and what he knew was coming. But it many had to know was coming. But it many had to know was coming. But it many had to know whether the disciples are ready to carry whether the disciples are ready to carry whether the disciples are ready to carry on his work. Are we ready to carry on on his work. Are we ready to carry on on his work. Are we ready to carry on the work of the kingdom? I hope to see the work of the kingdom? I hope to see the work of the kingdom? I hope to see you back next week as we listen, learn, you back next week as we listen, learn, you back next week as we listen, learn, and grow together. and grow together. and grow together. >> Join me in prayer. >> Join me in prayer. >> Join me in prayer. Oh God, open us up. Open eyes that we Oh God, open us up. Open eyes that we Oh God, open us up. Open eyes that we might see and ears that we might hear might see and ears that we might hear might see and ears that we might hear your word in the midst of these words. your word in the midst of these words. your word in the midst of these words. Open our hearts that we might feel with Open our hearts that we might feel with Open our hearts that we might feel with compassion. compassion. compassion. And then, oh Lord, open our hands that And then, oh Lord, open our hands that And then, oh Lord, open our hands that we might give and serve and love. we might give and serve and love. we might give and serve and love. Amen. On um On um November 12th of 1995, astronaut Chris November 12th of 1995, astronaut Chris November 12th of 1995, astronaut Chris Hadley strapped himself into the uh seat Hadley strapped himself into the uh seat Hadley strapped himself into the uh seat of uh the space shuttle Atlantis of uh the space shuttle Atlantis of uh the space shuttle Atlantis and uh prepared to lift off on STS74.

and uh prepared to lift off on STS74. and uh prepared to lift off on STS74. I heard an interview with him and he I heard an interview with him and he I heard an interview with him and he talked about that moment. He said it's talked about that moment. He said it's talked about that moment. He said it's that moment where you realize that that moment where you realize that that moment where you realize that everything that you have been working everything that you have been working everything that you have been working for and thinking about and praying about for and thinking about and praying about for and thinking about and praying about and everything comes down to this and everything comes down to this and everything comes down to this moment. He said, I thought it's time. moment. He said, I thought it's time. moment. He said, I thought it's time. It's time. I've been waiting for this. It's time. I've been waiting for this. It's time. I've been waiting for this. I've been working at I've been training I've been working at I've been training I've been working at I've been training for it. It's time. for it. It's time. for it. It's time. Wonder if you've ever had an it's time Wonder if you've ever had an it's time Wonder if you've ever had an it's time kind of moment. kind of moment. kind of moment. Like um if you've had children, you hold Like um if you've had children, you hold Like um if you've had children, you hold a baby in your arms for the first time a baby in your arms for the first time a baby in your arms for the first time and you think, "Oh man, I have uh I've and you think, "Oh man, I have uh I've and you think, "Oh man, I have uh I've been thinking about this and praying been thinking about this and praying been thinking about this and praying about it and we've been talking about it about it and we've been talking about it about it and we've been talking about it and been thinking about what it's like and been thinking about what it's like and been thinking about what it's like to parent and now, oh gosh, I've to parent and now, oh gosh, I've to parent and now, oh gosh, I've actually got to do it. actually got to do it. actually got to do it. It's time." It's time." It's time." I I remember when I got uh my I I remember when I got uh my I I remember when I got uh my appointment at my first appointment as a appointment at my first appointment as a appointment at my first appointment as a senior pastor and I thought, you know, senior pastor and I thought, you know, senior pastor and I thought, you know, I've been to seminary, I've been I've been to seminary, I've been I've been to seminary, I've been training, I was an associate pastor, I training, I was an associate pastor, I training, I was an associate pastor, I was a youth director. And all during was a youth director. And all during was a youth director. And all during that time, I was thinking, well, when I that time, I was thinking, well, when I that time, I was thinking, well, when I become a senior pastor, I'm going to dot become a senior pastor, I'm going to dot become a senior pastor, I'm going to dot dot dot. And I even had a little folder dot dot. And I even had a little folder dot dot. And I even had a little folder that says, "What I'm going to do when" that says, "What I'm going to do when" that says, "What I'm going to do when" and I would put it in there like once I and I would put it in there like once I and I would put it in there like once I got summoned to the senior pastor's got summoned to the senior pastor's got summoned to the senior pastor's office. So, I've stuck it when I get office. So, I've stuck it when I get office. So, I've stuck it when I get become a senior pastor. I'm not going to become a senior pastor. I'm not going to become a senior pastor. I'm not going to summon people to my office. I'm going to summon people to my office. I'm going to summon people to my office. I'm going to go to their office and talk to them.

go to their office and talk to them. go to their office and talk to them. Right? I mean, all of these things I'm Right? I mean, all of these things I'm Right? I mean, all of these things I'm get ready for and then you get that get ready for and then you get that get ready for and then you get that appointment and you think, "Okay, appointment and you think, "Okay, appointment and you think, "Okay, it's time. I guess I'm going to have to it's time. I guess I'm going to have to it's time. I guess I'm going to have to do it." Right? It's one thing to to plan do it." Right? It's one thing to to plan do it." Right? It's one thing to to plan for it and train for it, but it's for it and train for it, but it's for it and train for it, but it's another thing to actually do it. Well, another thing to actually do it. Well, another thing to actually do it. Well, today's uh scripture passage is about an today's uh scripture passage is about an today's uh scripture passage is about an its time moment. It's the time when its time moment. It's the time when its time moment. It's the time when Jesus realizes and is clear about what Jesus realizes and is clear about what Jesus realizes and is clear about what he's got to do he's got to do he's got to do that it's time and what that means for that it's time and what that means for that it's time and what that means for the disciples. the disciples. the disciples. It means for the disciples that it's It means for the disciples that it's It means for the disciples that it's time for them too that they're going to time for them too that they're going to time for them too that they're going to have to take on the responsibility have to take on the responsibility have to take on the responsibility of carrying forth the kingdom of God. of carrying forth the kingdom of God. of carrying forth the kingdom of God. If you take a look at your map, you can If you take a look at your map, you can If you take a look at your map, you can understand. Let me give you the context understand. Let me give you the context understand. Let me give you the context of today's scripture because it matters. of today's scripture because it matters. of today's scripture because it matters. Um you can see Cesaria Philippi circled Um you can see Cesaria Philippi circled Um you can see Cesaria Philippi circled up there in the far uh upper corner. Um up there in the far uh upper corner. Um up there in the far uh upper corner. Um here here's what has happened. Jesus has here here's what has happened. Jesus has here here's what has happened. Jesus has in our last episode we had Jesus in um in our last episode we had Jesus in um in our last episode we had Jesus in um Ty and Siden um and which is this Ty and Siden um and which is this Ty and Siden um and which is this Canaanite territory. And uh then he he Canaanite territory. And uh then he he Canaanite territory. And uh then he he goes to the dicapillus which is Greek goes to the dicapillus which is Greek goes to the dicapillus which is Greek Roman ter territory and he returns to Roman ter territory and he returns to Roman ter territory and he returns to Galilee. And after he returns to Galilee. And after he returns to Galilee. And after he returns to Galilee, he discovers that um that in Galilee, he discovers that um that in Galilee, he discovers that um that in Matthew 14 that John the Baptist has Matthew 14 that John the Baptist has Matthew 14 that John the Baptist has been beheaded been beheaded been beheaded that that Herod Antipas,

that that Herod Antipas, that that Herod Antipas, King Herod Antipos has beheaded um John King Herod Antipos has beheaded um John King Herod Antipos has beheaded um John the Baptist. Now here's where a little the Baptist. Now here's where a little the Baptist. Now here's where a little history matters. history matters. history matters. uh King Herod the Great, that's the uh King Herod the Great, that's the uh King Herod the Great, that's the Herod that was at the time of Jesus Herod that was at the time of Jesus Herod that was at the time of Jesus birth. You remember him? Well, when he birth. You remember him? Well, when he birth. You remember him? Well, when he died, the kingdom was divided into four died, the kingdom was divided into four died, the kingdom was divided into four parts. And King Herod, his son, King parts. And King Herod, his son, King parts. And King Herod, his son, King Herod Antipos, was put in charge of Herod Antipos, was put in charge of Herod Antipos, was put in charge of Galilee. Galilee. Galilee. Well, um King King uh Herod Antipos is Well, um King King uh Herod Antipos is Well, um King King uh Herod Antipos is the one who who executed uh um John the the one who who executed uh um John the the one who who executed uh um John the Baptist. And so Jesus takes his Baptist. And so Jesus takes his Baptist. And so Jesus takes his disciples and he goes to Cesaria disciples and he goes to Cesaria disciples and he goes to Cesaria Philippi which is in the territory of Philippi which is in the territory of Philippi which is in the territory of Herod Phillip. Herod Antipos's brother Herod Phillip. Herod Antipos's brother Herod Phillip. Herod Antipos's brother also his archeneemy. also his archeneemy. also his archeneemy. These two brothers not getting along These two brothers not getting along These two brothers not getting along because well frankly Herod Antipos um uh because well frankly Herod Antipos um uh because well frankly Herod Antipos um uh had an affair with Herod Phillip's wife had an affair with Herod Phillip's wife had an affair with Herod Phillip's wife and then married her. And so John the and then married her. And so John the and then married her. And so John the Baptist called him out on it and lost Baptist called him out on it and lost Baptist called him out on it and lost his head for it. So anyway, Jesus has his head for it. So anyway, Jesus has his head for it. So anyway, Jesus has realized that he needs to go to he needs realized that he needs to go to he needs realized that he needs to go to he needs to leave Galilee because G because Herod to leave Galilee because G because Herod to leave Galilee because G because Herod Antipos is going to come after him. So Antipos is going to come after him. So Antipos is going to come after him. So he takes his disciples and he goes to he takes his disciples and he goes to he takes his disciples and he goes to Cesaria Philippi and uh he sits down Cesaria Philippi and uh he sits down Cesaria Philippi and uh he sits down with them there. He's he's gone as far with them there. He's he's gone as far with them there. He's he's gone as far away as he can and he's got this moment away as he can and he's got this moment away as he can and he's got this moment where he says, "Okay, what are we going where he says, "Okay, what are we going where he says, "Okay, what are we going to do now?"

to do now?" to do now?" and he he sits down with his disciples and he he sits down with his disciples and he he sits down with his disciples and he says, "Here's the deal." I got to and he says, "Here's the deal." I got to and he says, "Here's the deal." I got to go back to Jerusalem and face the cross. go back to Jerusalem and face the cross. go back to Jerusalem and face the cross. Let's remember the scripture. He uh he Let's remember the scripture. He uh he Let's remember the scripture. He uh he he says to them, "From that time on, he says to them, "From that time on, he says to them, "From that time on, Jesus began to show his disciples that Jesus began to show his disciples that Jesus began to show his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and undergo he must go to Jerusalem and undergo he must go to Jerusalem and undergo great suffering at the hands of the great suffering at the hands of the great suffering at the hands of the elders and chief priests and scribes and elders and chief priests and scribes and elders and chief priests and scribes and be killed and on the third day be be killed and on the third day be be killed and on the third day be raised." He begins to tell them that's raised." He begins to tell them that's raised." He begins to tell them that's what's got to happen. And now he wants what's got to happen. And now he wants what's got to happen. And now he wants to know, are they ready? Are they ready to know, are they ready? Are they ready to know, are they ready? Are they ready to take over? He's not going to be there to take over? He's not going to be there to take over? He's not going to be there anymore. He can't be the one leading the anymore. He can't be the one leading the anymore. He can't be the one leading the kingdom. He's he's going to be gone. And kingdom. He's he's going to be gone. And kingdom. He's he's going to be gone. And it's going to be up to them to carry it's going to be up to them to carry it's going to be up to them to carry this forward. And he wants to know, are this forward. And he wants to know, are this forward. And he wants to know, are they ready? they ready? they ready? Because it's time. Because it's time. Because it's time. And so he has a conversation with them. And so he has a conversation with them. And so he has a conversation with them. And I want to put it in the in sort of And I want to put it in the in sort of And I want to put it in the in sort of phrase it as two questions. The first phrase it as two questions. The first phrase it as two questions. The first question is this. Who do you say that I question is this. Who do you say that I question is this. Who do you say that I am? am? am? Who do you say that I am? He says to the Who do you say that I am? He says to the Who do you say that I am? He says to the disciples. And Simon Peter says,"You are disciples. And Simon Peter says,"You are disciples. And Simon Peter says,"You are the Messiah, the only son of the living the Messiah, the only son of the living the Messiah, the only son of the living God. You are the one. You are the one God. You are the one. You are the one God. You are the one. You are the one who's going to bring in the kingdom of who's going to bring in the kingdom of who's going to bring in the kingdom of God.

God. God. You are the one who's going to lead this You are the one who's going to lead this You are the one who's going to lead this um uh make this happen. this thing we've um uh make this happen. this thing we've um uh make this happen. this thing we've been praying for and longing for and the been praying for and longing for and the been praying for and longing for and the prophets have told us about that one day prophets have told us about that one day prophets have told us about that one day um peace will reign and one day death um peace will reign and one day death um peace will reign and one day death will be no more and and one day everyone will be no more and and one day everyone will be no more and and one day everyone will will will know the knowledge and will will will know the knowledge and will will will know the knowledge and love of God and everyone will know that love of God and everyone will know that love of God and everyone will know that and one day that will happen and you're and one day that will happen and you're and one day that will happen and you're the one Sam Simon Peter says the one Sam Simon Peter says the one Sam Simon Peter says do you believe that do you believe that do you believe that that's the question I want to ask you that's the question I want to ask you that's the question I want to ask you today today today because I if you're ready then the first because I if you're ready then the first because I if you're ready then the first question is do you really believe that question is do you really believe that question is do you really believe that many of us grew up in the church? We many of us grew up in the church? We many of us grew up in the church? We were taught that Jesus was the son of were taught that Jesus was the son of were taught that Jesus was the son of God and died for our sins and all of God and died for our sins and all of God and died for our sins and all of that from the time we were small. that from the time we were small. that from the time we were small. But but it may be that that just became But but it may be that that just became But but it may be that that just became just something we we kind of we didn't just something we we kind of we didn't just something we we kind of we didn't really necessarily believe it. It just really necessarily believe it. It just really necessarily believe it. It just was sort of an assumption. We just was sort of an assumption. We just was sort of an assumption. We just assumed it. But we never got to that assumed it. But we never got to that assumed it. But we never got to that place where we said, you know what, I place where we said, you know what, I place where we said, you know what, I think this that he is the one. I do think this that he is the one. I do think this that he is the one. I do believe that. I do believe the gospel believe that. I do believe the gospel believe that. I do believe the gospel message that when he is is uh curing the message that when he is is uh curing the message that when he is is uh curing the sick and and when when he is cleansing sick and and when when he is cleansing sick and and when when he is cleansing the leper and casting out the demon, the leper and casting out the demon, the leper and casting out the demon, when he's feeding the hungry, that he's when he's feeding the hungry, that he's when he's feeding the hungry, that he's he's showing us what the kingdom of God he's showing us what the kingdom of God he's showing us what the kingdom of God is is like. And it's beginning right

is is like. And it's beginning right is is like. And it's beginning right now. And it's going to come to pass. in now. And it's going to come to pass. in now. And it's going to come to pass. in its fullness. I do believe that. Look, its fullness. I do believe that. Look, its fullness. I do believe that. Look, what we believe actually matters. That's what we believe actually matters. That's what we believe actually matters. That's the first thing. If if I mean the the the first thing. If if I mean the the the first thing. If if I mean the the whole essence of the gospel is that it whole essence of the gospel is that it whole essence of the gospel is that it changes us from the inside out. It's not changes us from the inside out. It's not changes us from the inside out. It's not just that we live a different way be we just that we live a different way be we just that we live a different way be we behave a different way. It's that that behave a different way. It's that that behave a different way. It's that that be new behavior and new way of living be new behavior and new way of living be new behavior and new way of living comes from the inside out. It changes comes from the inside out. It changes comes from the inside out. It changes our it begins with a change of our our it begins with a change of our our it begins with a change of our hearts hearts hearts with a change of what we believe our with a change of what we believe our with a change of what we believe our core the core of who we are. And what's core the core of who we are. And what's core the core of who we are. And what's more, if we really believe that the more, if we really believe that the more, if we really believe that the kingdom of God is the kind of kingdom kingdom of God is the kind of kingdom kingdom of God is the kind of kingdom where love conquers hate, where love conquers hate, where love conquers hate, where that doesn't come by domination, where that doesn't come by domination, where that doesn't come by domination, doesn't come by strength of arms, uh um doesn't come by strength of arms, uh um doesn't come by strength of arms, uh um by fighting with swords, that the by fighting with swords, that the by fighting with swords, that the kingdom of God comes when people's kingdom of God comes when people's kingdom of God comes when people's hearts are changed hearts are changed hearts are changed so that love conquers hate and peace so that love conquers hate and peace so that love conquers hate and peace conquers war, conquers war, conquers war, then certainly it's got to start from then certainly it's got to start from then certainly it's got to start from within.

within. within. That's how it happens. That's how it happens. That's how it happens. And so the very first question we have And so the very first question we have And so the very first question we have to ask ourselves is do I really believe to ask ourselves is do I really believe to ask ourselves is do I really believe this? Now that's not to say that we this? Now that's not to say that we this? Now that's not to say that we don't have doubts that we don't have don't have doubts that we don't have don't have doubts that we don't have questions from I mean all the way back questions from I mean all the way back questions from I mean all the way back to Jerusalem the disciples are talking to Jerusalem the disciples are talking to Jerusalem the disciples are talking to him like what he and he's saying to him like what he and he's saying to him like what he and he's saying three times he tells them let me tell three times he tells them let me tell three times he tells them let me tell you one more time. Doesn't say it quite you one more time. Doesn't say it quite you one more time. Doesn't say it quite that way but you might he might have. He that way but you might he might have. He that way but you might he might have. He he says, "I'm going to have to go back he says, "I'm going to have to go back he says, "I'm going to have to go back to Jerusalem. I'm going to have to face to Jerusalem. I'm going to have to face to Jerusalem. I'm going to have to face the cross. They're going to crucify me. the cross. They're going to crucify me. the cross. They're going to crucify me. I'm going to be suffer. And on the third I'm going to be suffer. And on the third I'm going to be suffer. And on the third day, I'm going to rise from the dead." day, I'm going to rise from the dead." day, I'm going to rise from the dead." And then they say things like, "Can I And then they say things like, "Can I And then they say things like, "Can I sit at your right hand?" He's got to be sit at your right hand?" He's got to be sit at your right hand?" He's got to be going right. Of course, they have going right. Of course, they have going right. Of course, they have doubts. Of course, they have questions. doubts. Of course, they have questions. doubts. Of course, they have questions. Of course, they don't always get it. But Of course, they don't always get it. But Of course, they don't always get it. But but but it the transformation of them to but but it the transformation of them to but but it the transformation of them to be the ones to lead begins with Simon be the ones to lead begins with Simon be the ones to lead begins with Simon Peter saying, Peter saying, Peter saying, "You're the one. "You're the one. "You're the one. You're the one who's going to lead this. You're the one who's going to lead this. You're the one who's going to lead this. What we believe matters What we believe matters What we believe matters because everything starts from here."

because everything starts from here." because everything starts from here." So then he goes on, So then he goes on, So then he goes on, here's the next thing he says is um he here's the next thing he says is um he here's the next thing he says is um he he says um he says um he says um here's the mission. I I want you to here's the mission. I I want you to here's the mission. I I want you to listen to this little diddy uh this listen to this little diddy uh this listen to this little diddy uh this little song diddy and tell me if you little song diddy and tell me if you little song diddy and tell me if you recognize it. Did you get that? How many of you got Did you get that? How many of you got that right? Good. All right. Good. Good. that right? Good. All right. Good. Good. that right? Good. All right. Good. Good. So, some of you remember it like I do So, some of you remember it like I do So, some of you remember it like I do from way back when it was a television from way back when it was a television from way back when it was a television show in the 1960s. Some of you know it show in the 1960s. Some of you know it show in the 1960s. Some of you know it from the new movies that did include it, from the new movies that did include it, from the new movies that did include it, by the way, the same thing. And and it by the way, the same thing. And and it by the way, the same thing. And and it always had this little situation where always had this little situation where always had this little situation where um you know uh the powers that be would um you know uh the powers that be would um you know uh the powers that be would speak to uh Jim and it would go speak to uh Jim and it would go speak to uh Jim and it would go something like this. Jim, your your me something like this. Jim, your your me something like this. Jim, your your me your your mission Jim should you choose your your mission Jim should you choose your your mission Jim should you choose to accept it is dot dot dot dot dot. to accept it is dot dot dot dot dot. to accept it is dot dot dot dot dot. Right? And then it would explain the Right? And then it would explain the Right? And then it would explain the mission and then it would then he would mission and then it would then he would mission and then it would then he would say now uh should anyone find out about say now uh should anyone find out about say now uh should anyone find out about your mission uh we will disavow any your mission uh we will disavow any your mission uh we will disavow any knowledge of you uh etc etc and then it knowledge of you uh etc etc and then it knowledge of you uh etc etc and then it says this message will self-destruct in says this message will self-destruct in says this message will self-destruct in five seconds and then the little steam five seconds and then the little steam five seconds and then the little steam would go smoke would come out and it would go smoke would come out and it would go smoke would come out and it would self-destruct. It was a great would self-destruct. It was a great would self-destruct. It was a great show. I I this is what what Jesus is show. I I this is what what Jesus is show. I I this is what what Jesus is saying to his disciples. Your mission, saying to his disciples. Your mission, saying to his disciples. Your mission, disciples, should you choose to accept disciples, should you choose to accept disciples, should you choose to accept it, is to storm the gates of Hades.

it, is to storm the gates of Hades. it, is to storm the gates of Hades. You're you're going to storm the gates. Listen again to the scripture. Listen again to the scripture. He says, He says, He says, "I tell you, you are Peter and on this "I tell you, you are Peter and on this "I tell you, you are Peter and on this rock I will build my church." The word rock I will build my church." The word rock I will build my church." The word church there is the word eklesia and it church there is the word eklesia and it church there is the word eklesia and it literally means gathering. doesn't it's literally means gathering. doesn't it's literally means gathering. doesn't it's not a word that necessarily has a not a word that necessarily has a not a word that necessarily has a religious connotation. It's a a a religious connotation. It's a a a religious connotation. It's a a a movement of people, a gathering of movement of people, a gathering of movement of people, a gathering of people with purpose. He said on on this people with purpose. He said on on this people with purpose. He said on on this on this rock I will build my eklesia and on this rock I will build my eklesia and on this rock I will build my eklesia and the gates of Hades will not prevail the gates of Hades will not prevail the gates of Hades will not prevail against it. I give you the keys to the against it. I give you the keys to the against it. I give you the keys to the kingdom of heaven. Whatever you bind on kingdom of heaven. Whatever you bind on kingdom of heaven. Whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven. Whatever earth will be bound in heaven. Whatever earth will be bound in heaven. Whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in you loose on earth will be loosed in you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven. Right? I'm giving you all of it. heaven. Right? I'm giving you all of it. heaven. Right? I'm giving you all of it. All of the responsibility. This is your All of the responsibility. This is your All of the responsibility. This is your mission to storm the gates of Hades. mission to storm the gates of Hades. mission to storm the gates of Hades. Now listen, I want you to understand Now listen, I want you to understand Now listen, I want you to understand that this image of gates is a is a that this image of gates is a is a that this image of gates is a is a defensive image. In other words, he's defensive image. In other words, he's defensive image. In other words, he's he's saying that uh the the gates of a he's saying that uh the the gates of a he's saying that uh the the gates of a city were set up to protect the the city city were set up to protect the the city city were set up to protect the the city from um from um from um attacking marauders, right? somebody's attacking marauders, right? somebody's attacking marauders, right? somebody's if you have gates then that the if you have gates then that the if you have gates then that the implication is there there is a wall and implication is there there is a wall and implication is there there is a wall and that wall is to protect the city. We are that wall is to protect the city. We are that wall is to protect the city. We are not the ones doing the protecting. We not the ones doing the protecting. We not the ones doing the protecting. We are not on defense is what I'm here to are not on defense is what I'm here to are not on defense is what I'm here to tell you. He's he's not saying the the

tell you. He's he's not saying the the tell you. He's he's not saying the the forces of death and evil are going to be forces of death and evil are going to be forces of death and evil are going to be attacking you and we will prevail. He's attacking you and we will prevail. He's attacking you and we will prevail. He's saying we are going to storm the gates. saying we are going to storm the gates. saying we are going to storm the gates. We are we are to be um uh uh Keianbape We are we are to be um uh uh Keianbape We are we are to be um uh uh Keianbape who is from France who is attacking the who is from France who is attacking the who is from France who is attacking the goal and is gonna he's a striker and goal and is gonna he's a striker and goal and is gonna he's a striker and he's up front and he's not hanging back he's up front and he's not hanging back he's up front and he's not hanging back on defense. He's in there going to score on defense. He's in there going to score on defense. He's in there going to score a goal. He's we're to be Lionel Messi a goal. He's we're to be Lionel Messi a goal. He's we're to be Lionel Messi who comes in from the right wing with who comes in from the right wing with who comes in from the right wing with his left uh uh foot to to score that his left uh uh foot to to score that his left uh uh foot to to score that goal. He's not hanging back on defense. goal. He's not hanging back on defense. goal. He's not hanging back on defense. He's he's ready to score. We are to He's he's ready to score. We are to He's he's ready to score. We are to storm the gates, right? That's the storm the gates, right? That's the storm the gates, right? That's the picture of of of to we are pushing picture of of of to we are pushing picture of of of to we are pushing forward the kingdom of God. We are are forward the kingdom of God. We are are forward the kingdom of God. We are are it is the as as Jesus says the kingdom it is the as as Jesus says the kingdom it is the as as Jesus says the kingdom of God shall overcome the kingdom of the of God shall overcome the kingdom of the of God shall overcome the kingdom of the world. This this movement that goes world. This this movement that goes world. This this movement that goes forward that we are to be a part of forward that we are to be a part of forward that we are to be a part of that's our mission should we choose to that's our mission should we choose to that's our mission should we choose to accept it.

accept it. accept it. Um let me give you a picture. If you go Um let me give you a picture. If you go Um let me give you a picture. If you go to Cesaria Philippi, to Cesaria Philippi, to Cesaria Philippi, um it is a beautiful place. It is the um it is a beautiful place. It is the um it is a beautiful place. It is the the primary source of the Jordan River. the primary source of the Jordan River. the primary source of the Jordan River. Uh the the Jordan River downstream is Uh the the Jordan River downstream is Uh the the Jordan River downstream is all muddy and mucky, but when it flows all muddy and mucky, but when it flows all muddy and mucky, but when it flows out of the spring at Cesaria Philippi, out of the spring at Cesaria Philippi, out of the spring at Cesaria Philippi, it is clear and cold. It is just it is clear and cold. It is just it is clear and cold. It is just absolutely beautiful. And there is a absolutely beautiful. And there is a absolutely beautiful. And there is a giant cliff sort of at the back of the giant cliff sort of at the back of the giant cliff sort of at the back of the city that has many different um uh city that has many different um uh city that has many different um uh grotto on it to wor foreign gods. the grotto on it to wor foreign gods. the grotto on it to wor foreign gods. the god Pan, a a grotto for Pan. There's a a god Pan, a a grotto for Pan. There's a a god Pan, a a grotto for Pan. There's a a a a a a a a grotto for Hades. And so Hades is the grotto for Hades. And so Hades is the grotto for Hades. And so Hades is the god of the underworld. And what you'll god of the underworld. And what you'll god of the underworld. And what you'll see is this giant cave, a I mean huge see is this giant cave, a I mean huge see is this giant cave, a I mean huge cave that that they believed was the cave that that they believed was the cave that that they believed was the gates of Hades. This is the entrance to gates of Hades. This is the entrance to gates of Hades. This is the entrance to the underworld. Now, let me be clear. the underworld. Now, let me be clear. the underworld. Now, let me be clear. This is not the gates of hell. So This is not the gates of hell. So This is not the gates of hell. So there's a hell is this is not a plad had there's a hell is this is not a plad had there's a hell is this is not a plad had was not intended to be it was not seen was not intended to be it was not seen was not intended to be it was not seen as a place of torment. It was just the as a place of torment. It was just the as a place of torment. It was just the place of the dead. Uh the Greeks and place of the dead. Uh the Greeks and place of the dead. Uh the Greeks and Romans believed that Hades was the place Romans believed that Hades was the place Romans believed that Hades was the place of the dead that when you die you go to of the dead that when you die you go to of the dead that when you die you go to this this place. Uh the the Jews many of this this place. Uh the the Jews many of this this place. Uh the the Jews many of them believe that when you die you went them believe that when you die you went them believe that when you die you went to a place called Shaol. This was the to a place called Shaol. This was the to a place called Shaol. This was the gates of Shaol the pit. It it's it's not gates of Shaol the pit. It it's it's not gates of Shaol the pit. It it's it's not it doesn't have a negative connotation.

it doesn't have a negative connotation. it doesn't have a negative connotation. It's just where people go when they die. It's just where people go when they die. It's just where people go when they die. And here he is saying, "Here we are. And here he is saying, "Here we are. And here he is saying, "Here we are. We're right at this place and and we're We're right at this place and and we're We're right at this place and and we're going to go rescue these people from going to go rescue these people from going to go rescue these people from death. death. death. That's our job." That's our job." That's our job." And all of these foreign gods around And all of these foreign gods around And all of these foreign gods around these these symbols of the world, we're these these symbols of the world, we're these these symbols of the world, we're going to rescue people from the forces going to rescue people from the forces going to rescue people from the forces of the world which are trying to uh of the world which are trying to uh of the world which are trying to uh which have taken hold of people. And our which have taken hold of people. And our which have taken hold of people. And our job is to push back that darkness. Not job is to push back that darkness. Not job is to push back that darkness. Not to keep the Bart darkness from attacking to keep the Bart darkness from attacking to keep the Bart darkness from attacking us, but to push it back. us, but to push it back. us, but to push it back. It's this mission that God's called us It's this mission that God's called us It's this mission that God's called us to. to. to. And here's what he says. And here's what he says. And here's what he says. And what's more, I will give you the And what's more, I will give you the And what's more, I will give you the keys to the kingdom of heaven, kingdom keys to the kingdom of heaven, kingdom keys to the kingdom of heaven, kingdom of God. And what you bind on earth will of God. And what you bind on earth will of God. And what you bind on earth will be bound in heaven. And what you loose be bound in heaven. And what you loose be bound in heaven. And what you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven. Not on earth will be loosed in heaven. Not on earth will be loosed in heaven. Not only am I giving you the responsibility only am I giving you the responsibility only am I giving you the responsibility to make it happen, I'm giving you the to make it happen, I'm giving you the to make it happen, I'm giving you the authority to go with that authority to go with that authority to go with that responsibility. I'm going to give you responsibility. I'm going to give you responsibility. I'm going to give you everything you need to accomplish everything you need to accomplish everything you need to accomplish that calling, that mission if you choose that calling, that mission if you choose that calling, that mission if you choose to accept it.

Um, Um, John Knox was one of the great John Knox was one of the great John Knox was one of the great theologians of the 1500s. He was sort of theologians of the 1500s. He was sort of theologians of the 1500s. He was sort of the the founder of Scottish the the founder of Scottish the the founder of Scottish Presbyterianism. Presbyterianism. Presbyterianism. And he he said something that I learned And he he said something that I learned And he he said something that I learned in seminary and I've always held fast in seminary and I've always held fast in seminary and I've always held fast to. He said um the sole residuum to. He said um the sole residuum to. He said um the sole residuum of Christ on earth is the church. of Christ on earth is the church. of Christ on earth is the church. In other words, the only thing left In other words, the only thing left In other words, the only thing left after Jesus came, lived, taught, died, after Jesus came, lived, taught, died, after Jesus came, lived, taught, died, was raised was raised was raised is us. is us. is us. That's the only thing left. That's the only thing left. That's the only thing left. There's no other magic that's happening There's no other magic that's happening There's no other magic that's happening without us. It's all in us through us. without us. It's all in us through us. without us. It's all in us through us. We're it. There's a great story about We're it. There's a great story about We're it. There's a great story about God and Jesus in heaven. And God says to God and Jesus in heaven. And God says to God and Jesus in heaven. And God says to Jesus, "So, here's the plan. You're Jesus, "So, here's the plan. You're Jesus, "So, here's the plan. You're going to go down. You're going to teach going to go down. You're going to teach going to go down. You're going to teach them and explain to what the kingdom of them and explain to what the kingdom of them and explain to what the kingdom of God is. And and you're going to you're God is. And and you're going to you're God is. And and you're going to you're going to show it to them. And you're going to show it to them. And you're going to show it to them. And you're going to heal the sick. You're going to going to heal the sick. You're going to going to heal the sick. You're going to cleanse the lepers. You're going to cast cleanse the lepers. You're going to cast cleanse the lepers. You're going to cast out demons. You're going to feed the out demons. You're going to feed the out demons. You're going to feed the hungry. Um you're going to do all those hungry. Um you're going to do all those hungry. Um you're going to do all those things and and then you're going to go things and and then you're going to go things and and then you're going to go to the cross to show them what love to the cross to show them what love to the cross to show them what love looks like looks like looks like to save them from their sins. And I'm to save them from their sins. And I'm to save them from their sins. And I'm going to I'm going to re I'm going to going to I'm going to re I'm going to going to I'm going to re I'm going to give you life again.

give you life again. give you life again. And and what's going to happen is those And and what's going to happen is those And and what's going to happen is those disciples, they're going they're going disciples, they're going they're going disciples, they're going they're going to be so changed that they're going to to be so changed that they're going to to be so changed that they're going to tell all these people, all the other tell all these people, all the other tell all these people, all the other people around what what happened. And people around what what happened. And people around what what happened. And those people are going to be changed and those people are going to be changed and those people are going to be changed and they're going to show and tell all this they're going to show and tell all this they're going to show and tell all this other people who are until everybody other people who are until everybody other people who are until everybody until the whole world knows till the until the whole world knows till the until the whole world knows till the whole world understands everybody is whole world understands everybody is whole world understands everybody is going to understand. going to understand. going to understand. And Jesus sort of furrows his brow and And Jesus sort of furrows his brow and And Jesus sort of furrows his brow and looks at God and says, "Okay, what if looks at God and says, "Okay, what if looks at God and says, "Okay, what if what if they don't do it? Like what's what if they don't do it? Like what's what if they don't do it? Like what's plan B?" And God says, "Well, this there plan B?" And God says, "Well, this there plan B?" And God says, "Well, this there isn't a plan B. That's the plan. That's our mission. That's our mission. And the question is, have we moved from, And the question is, have we moved from, And the question is, have we moved from, yeah, I do believe Jesus is the Messiah, yeah, I do believe Jesus is the Messiah, yeah, I do believe Jesus is the Messiah, to understanding that that claim puts us to understanding that that claim puts us to understanding that that claim puts us in a place that God has called us to in a place that God has called us to in a place that God has called us to accomplish God's purposes, to be an accomplish God's purposes, to be an accomplish God's purposes, to be an instrument of the kingdom.

instrument of the kingdom. instrument of the kingdom. Now, here's the great news that finishes Now, here's the great news that finishes Now, here's the great news that finishes it. We all like to be winners. It always it. We all like to be winners. It always it. We all like to be winners. It always bugs me how many people love the Astros bugs me how many people love the Astros bugs me how many people love the Astros when they're winning, but when they're when they're winning, but when they're when they're winning, but when they're below 500, like now they're like, I below 500, like now they're like, I below 500, like now they're like, I don't want to go to the Astros anymore. don't want to go to the Astros anymore. don't want to go to the Astros anymore. Come on. Come on. Come on. We all like to be winners, right? And We all like to be winners, right? And We all like to be winners, right? And here's the wonderful promise. here's the wonderful promise. here's the wonderful promise. This this will come to pass. The gates This this will come to pass. The gates This this will come to pass. The gates of Hades will not prevail. of Hades will not prevail. of Hades will not prevail. They will not. They will not. They will not. That Jesus will finish it. That Jesus will finish it. That Jesus will finish it. that we can believe it so that when all that we can believe it so that when all that we can believe it so that when all of this this discouragement comes when of this this discouragement comes when of this this discouragement comes when it the world around us looks like it's it the world around us looks like it's it the world around us looks like it's not moving in that direction when the not moving in that direction when the not moving in that direction when the kingdom of God seems to be retreating in kingdom of God seems to be retreating in kingdom of God seems to be retreating in front of our very eyes and we wonder how front of our very eyes and we wonder how front of our very eyes and we wonder how could this be happening when we begin to could this be happening when we begin to could this be happening when we begin to wonder we can say no no no no the gates wonder we can say no no no no the gates wonder we can say no no no no the gates of Hades will not prevail we know how this story ends we know how this story ends That's why I love the p this verse from That's why I love the p this verse from That's why I love the p this verse from 1 Corinthians 15.

1 Corinthians 15. 1 Corinthians 15. He closes his chapter on the He closes his chapter on the He closes his chapter on the resurrection this way. Therefore, my resurrection this way. Therefore, my resurrection this way. Therefore, my beloved brothers and sisters, be beloved brothers and sisters, be beloved brothers and sisters, be steadfast, immovable, always excelling steadfast, immovable, always excelling steadfast, immovable, always excelling in the work of the Lord because you know in the work of the Lord because you know in the work of the Lord because you know that in the Lord your labor is not in that in the Lord your labor is not in that in the Lord your labor is not in vain. vain. vain. It will come to pass. So friends, maybe It will come to pass. So friends, maybe It will come to pass. So friends, maybe for you today, it's time. for you today, it's time. for you today, it's time. It's time for you to decide, do I really It's time for you to decide, do I really It's time for you to decide, do I really believe this? believe this? believe this? And and if so, will I accept this And and if so, will I accept this And and if so, will I accept this mission mission mission to be God's instrument to be God's instrument to be God's instrument to bring forth the kingdom of God? to bring forth the kingdom of God? to bring forth the kingdom of God? Gracious and loving God, Gracious and loving God, Gracious and loving God, we so much want to be used by you to we so much want to be used by you to we so much want to be used by you to bring forth your kingdom. bring forth your kingdom. bring forth your kingdom. We pray that you would would open us up We pray that you would would open us up We pray that you would would open us up inside so that we might take hold of inside so that we might take hold of inside so that we might take hold of that promise that promise that promise that in fact you are the Messiah and it that in fact you are the Messiah and it that in fact you are the Messiah and it will come to pass will come to pass will come to pass if we'll just join you in this work.

if we'll just join you in this work. if we'll just join you in this work. In the name of Christ we pray. Amen.