Traditional | 9:45 a.m. | 07.12.2026

Friends, please remain standing as we Friends, please remain standing as we affirm together our faith in a triune affirm together our faith in a triune affirm together our faith in a triune God with the Apostles Creed. I believe God with the Apostles Creed. I believe God with the Apostles Creed. I believe in God the Father Almighty, maker of in God the Father Almighty, maker of in God the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, and in Jesus Christ, heaven and earth, and in Jesus Christ, heaven and earth, and in Jesus Christ, his only son, our Lord, who was his only son, our Lord, who was his only son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontious the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontious the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontious Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried. Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried. Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried. The third day he rose from the dead. He The third day he rose from the dead. He The third day he rose from the dead. He ascended into heaven and siteth at the ascended into heaven and siteth at the ascended into heaven and siteth at the right hand of God the Father Almighty. right hand of God the Father Almighty. right hand of God the Father Almighty. He shall come to judge the quick and the He shall come to judge the quick and the He shall come to judge the quick and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Holy Catholic Church, the communion of Holy Catholic Church, the communion of Holy Catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the saints, the forgiveness of sins, the saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life resurrection of the body, and the life resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. everlasting. everlasting. Amen. Please be seated.

Please be seated. Brothers and sisters in Christ, through Brothers and sisters in Christ, through Brothers and sisters in Christ, through the sacrament of baptism, we are the sacrament of baptism, we are the sacrament of baptism, we are initiated into Christ's holy church. We initiated into Christ's holy church. We initiated into Christ's holy church. We are incorporated into God's mighty acts are incorporated into God's mighty acts are incorporated into God's mighty acts of salvation and given new birth through of salvation and given new birth through of salvation and given new birth through water and the spirit. All of this is water and the spirit. All of this is water and the spirit. All of this is God's gift offered to us without price. God's gift offered to us without price. God's gift offered to us without price. We present today for holy baptism Louisa We present today for holy baptism Louisa We present today for holy baptism Louisa Simone King, daughter of Dale Paul King Simone King, daughter of Dale Paul King Simone King, daughter of Dale Paul King and Zoe Deacy King. and Zoe Deacy King. and Zoe Deacy King. Parents, in presenting this child for Parents, in presenting this child for Parents, in presenting this child for holy baptism, do you confess Jesus holy baptism, do you confess Jesus holy baptism, do you confess Jesus Christ as your savior? put your whole Christ as your savior? put your whole Christ as your savior? put your whole trust in his grace and promise to serve trust in his grace and promise to serve trust in his grace and promise to serve him as your Lord in union with the him as your Lord in union with the him as your Lord in union with the church which Christ has opened to people church which Christ has opened to people church which Christ has opened to people of all ages, nations, and races. If you of all ages, nations, and races. If you of all ages, nations, and races. If you do, say, "We do." do, say, "We do." do, say, "We do." >> Will you nurture her in Christ's holy >> Will you nurture her in Christ's holy >> Will you nurture her in Christ's holy church that by your teaching and church that by your teaching and church that by your teaching and example, she may be guided to accept example, she may be guided to accept example, she may be guided to accept God's grace for herself, to profess her God's grace for herself, to profess her God's grace for herself, to profess her faith openly, and to lead a Christian faith openly, and to lead a Christian faith openly, and to lead a Christian life. If you will say, "We will."

life. If you will say, "We will." life. If you will say, "We will." >> We will. >> We will. >> We will. >> Amen. >> And what name is given this child? >> And what name is given this child? >> Louisa Simone. >> Louisa Simone. I baptize you in the name >> Louisa Simone. I baptize you in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the of the Father and of the Son and of the of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit and pray God's blessings on Holy Spirit and pray God's blessings on Holy Spirit and pray God's blessings on you all the days of your life. you all the days of your life. you all the days of your life. Amen. Louisa Simone, this is your new Louisa Simone, this is your new Christian family. Your mothers, your Christian family. Your mothers, your Christian family. Your mothers, your fathers, your sisters, brothers in the fathers, your sisters, brothers in the fathers, your sisters, brothers in the faith. This is our new daughter. Would faith. This is our new daughter. Would faith. This is our new daughter. Would you welcome her into our family? Y. Y. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Beloved of the household of faith, I Beloved of the household of faith, I Beloved of the household of faith, I commend to your love and care this child commend to your love and care this child commend to your love and care this child whom we this day recognize as a member whom we this day recognize as a member whom we this day recognize as a member of the family of God. Will you endeavor of the family of God. Will you endeavor of the family of God. Will you endeavor so to live that she may grow in the so to live that she may grow in the so to live that she may grow in the knowledge and love of God the Father knowledge and love of God the Father knowledge and love of God the Father through our Savior Jesus Christ? With through our Savior Jesus Christ? With through our Savior Jesus Christ? With God's help, we will proclaim the good God's help, we will proclaim the good God's help, we will proclaim the good news and live according to the example news and live according to the example news and live according to the example of Christ. We will surround this child of Christ. We will surround this child of Christ. We will surround this child with with a community of love and with with a community of love and with with a community of love and forgiveness that she may grow in her forgiveness that she may grow in her forgiveness that she may grow in her service to others. We will pray for her

service to others. We will pray for her service to others. We will pray for her that she may be a true disciple who that she may be a true disciple who that she may be a true disciple who walks in the way that leads to life walks in the way that leads to life walks in the way that leads to life eternal. Let us pray. Gracious uh and eternal. Let us pray. Gracious uh and eternal. Let us pray. Gracious uh and loving God, we know that your grace, loving God, we know that your grace, loving God, we know that your grace, that prevenient grace that precedes any that prevenient grace that precedes any that prevenient grace that precedes any human response has been poured into human response has been poured into human response has been poured into Louisa Simone's life since the moment Louisa Simone's life since the moment Louisa Simone's life since the moment you created her. And now that we have you created her. And now that we have you created her. And now that we have marked her as belonging to you, claimed marked her as belonging to you, claimed marked her as belonging to you, claimed her as a part of this community of her as a part of this community of her as a part of this community of faith, we pray that you continue to pour faith, we pray that you continue to pour faith, we pray that you continue to pour grace into her life. God, draw her into grace into her life. God, draw her into grace into her life. God, draw her into a relationship of love with you. And a relationship of love with you. And a relationship of love with you. And when she turns away, as all of us are when she turns away, as all of us are when she turns away, as all of us are prone to do, we pray that you would prone to do, we pray that you would prone to do, we pray that you would pursue her and with that same love, draw pursue her and with that same love, draw pursue her and with that same love, draw her back to you again. And when she her back to you again. And when she her back to you again. And when she turns back, God, we thank you that you turns back, God, we thank you that you turns back, God, we thank you that you are a God who welcomes us all home with are a God who welcomes us all home with are a God who welcomes us all home with open and loving arms. God, be with these open and loving arms. God, be with these open and loving arms. God, be with these parents, with this extended family. Be parents, with this extended family. Be parents, with this extended family. Be with us as a church family that we might with us as a church family that we might with us as a church family that we might live out our faith in front of Louisa. live out our faith in front of Louisa. live out our faith in front of Louisa. That as she is shaped and formed by this That as she is shaped and formed by this That as she is shaped and formed by this community, she cannot help but see in community, she cannot help but see in community, she cannot help but see in the way we live what kind of God you the way we live what kind of God you the way we live what kind of God you are. In the name of the Father and of are. In the name of the Father and of are. In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. Amen. She wasn't crying when I had her. Amen. She wasn't crying when I had her. Amen. She wasn't crying when I had her. I want you to just know that. I want you I want you to just know that. I want you I want you to just know that. I want you to know that. Thank you so much. Thank to know that. Thank you so much. Thank to know that. Thank you so much. Thank you. you. you. Well, while our baptism family goes back Well, while our baptism family goes back Well, while our baptism family goes back to their seats, this is my chance to to their seats, this is my chance to to their seats, this is my chance to welcome you to St. Luke's. So glad welcome you to St. Luke's. So glad welcome you to St. Luke's. So glad you're here today. Thank you for being you're here today. Thank you for being you're here today. Thank you for being here. Um uh welcome to those of you who here. Um uh welcome to those of you who here. Um uh welcome to those of you who are worshiping with us on live stream as are worshiping with us on live stream as are worshiping with us on live stream as well. We always during the summer have well. We always during the summer have well. We always during the summer have lots of folks on live stream that may lots of folks on live stream that may lots of folks on live stream that may not be there uh may be with usually but not be there uh may be with usually but not be there uh may be with usually but we're glad you are a part of our service we're glad you are a part of our service we're glad you are a part of our service and really want to encourage you to and really want to encourage you to and really want to encourage you to participate and not just watch or listen participate and not just watch or listen participate and not just watch or listen but actually um say the prayers and sing but actually um say the prayers and sing but actually um say the prayers and sing the hymns and and be a part of the the hymns and and be a part of the the hymns and and be a part of the service from wherever you are. I do want service from wherever you are. I do want service from wherever you are. I do want to invite you after the service to come to invite you after the service to come to invite you after the service to come out to the gathering room. Um, we have out to the gathering room. Um, we have out to the gathering room. Um, we have some refreshments out there and uh just some refreshments out there and uh just some refreshments out there and uh just a great time of fellowship. If I haven't a great time of fellowship. If I haven't a great time of fellowship. If I haven't had the chance to meet you, I would love had the chance to meet you, I would love had the chance to meet you, I would love to do that and uh see if I can answer to do that and uh see if I can answer to do that and uh see if I can answer any questions you have about St. Luke's any questions you have about St. Luke's any questions you have about St. Luke's or maybe there's just something I can be or maybe there's just something I can be or maybe there's just something I can be praying about in your life. I would love praying about in your life. I would love praying about in your life. I would love to do that. It helps if you would to do that. It helps if you would to do that. It helps if you would register your attendance and you can do register your attendance and you can do register your attendance and you can do that using St. Luke's app. It's the that using St. Luke's app. It's the that using St. Luke's app. It's the easiest and best way you can use there's easiest and best way you can use there's easiest and best way you can use there's a little card in your pew pocket if a little card in your pew pocket if a little card in your pew pocket if you're here in the sanctuary that says you're here in the sanctuary that says you're here in the sanctuary that says welcome and put your contact information welcome and put your contact information welcome and put your contact information on that and you'll have a chance to drop on that and you'll have a chance to drop on that and you'll have a chance to drop that in the offering plate later in the that in the offering plate later in the that in the offering plate later in the service. If you're on our website service. If you're on our website service. If you're on our website platform on live stream there's a little platform on live stream there's a little platform on live stream there's a little tab that says check in. I hope you'll uh tab that says check in. I hope you'll uh tab that says check in. I hope you'll uh make an effort uh to do that. We have um make an effort uh to do that. We have um make an effort uh to do that. We have um uh the bulletin is full of really

uh the bulletin is full of really uh the bulletin is full of really important announcements. I hope you'll important announcements. I hope you'll important announcements. I hope you'll take note of all of them, but I really take note of all of them, but I really take note of all of them, but I really want to lift up two particular ones want to lift up two particular ones want to lift up two particular ones today. Uh the first is the community today. Uh the first is the community today. Uh the first is the community wellness survey. So our uh strategic wellness survey. So our uh strategic wellness survey. So our uh strategic planning committee uh last year um did planning committee uh last year um did planning committee uh last year um did some listening sessions and one of the some listening sessions and one of the some listening sessions and one of the things we heard was that one of the things we heard was that one of the things we heard was that one of the challenges people are facing really are challenges people are facing really are challenges people are facing really are revolve around emotional, relational, revolve around emotional, relational, revolve around emotional, relational, mental health. Um just uh we live in a mental health. Um just uh we live in a mental health. Um just uh we live in a difficult world and there's all sorts of difficult world and there's all sorts of difficult world and there's all sorts of uh anxiety and depression and and all uh anxiety and depression and and all uh anxiety and depression and and all sorts of of uh issues that people are sorts of of uh issues that people are sorts of of uh issues that people are facing, family, relationship challenges. facing, family, relationship challenges. facing, family, relationship challenges. And we really want to be a church. We we And we really want to be a church. We we And we really want to be a church. We we really feel that God has called us to be really feel that God has called us to be really feel that God has called us to be a church that um provides a place to a church that um provides a place to a church that um provides a place to address those issues honestly and address those issues honestly and address those issues honestly and directly. And so we want you to help us directly. And so we want you to help us directly. And so we want you to help us um by taking a survey. And so in your um by taking a survey. And so in your um by taking a survey. And so in your bulletin there's a little QR code. We'll bulletin there's a little QR code. We'll bulletin there's a little QR code. We'll you'll it'll show up all sorts of places you'll it'll show up all sorts of places you'll it'll show up all sorts of places over the next three weeks, but I it over the next three weeks, but I it over the next three weeks, but I it takes about five minutes completely takes about five minutes completely takes about five minutes completely anonymous. Uh we don't even get your anonymous. Uh we don't even get your anonymous. Uh we don't even get your email address. So um just completely email address. So um just completely email address. So um just completely anonymous about what are the the issues anonymous about what are the the issues anonymous about what are the the issues that that you may be dealing with, that that you may be dealing with, that that you may be dealing with, people you love may be dealing with, people you love may be dealing with, people you love may be dealing with, what you see in the community. um where what you see in the community. um where what you see in the community. um where what do we need to be talking about what do we need to be talking about what do we need to be talking about because uh as we move forward over the because uh as we move forward over the because uh as we move forward over the next three years uh to bring this next three years uh to bring this next three years uh to bring this strategic plan into reality uh we want strategic plan into reality uh we want strategic plan into reality uh we want to start from where the needs are and

to start from where the needs are and to start from where the needs are and you can help us with that. So it takes you can help us with that. So it takes you can help us with that. So it takes about five minutes um uh we send out about five minutes um uh we send out about five minutes um uh we send out lots of surveys and or we have in the lots of surveys and or we have in the lots of surveys and or we have in the past and sometimes people fill them out past and sometimes people fill them out past and sometimes people fill them out but sometimes they ignore them. Please but sometimes they ignore them. Please but sometimes they ignore them. Please don't do that. It really we're going to don't do that. It really we're going to don't do that. It really we're going to be building this program based on that. be building this program based on that. be building this program based on that. So, if you want a paper and pencil one, So, if you want a paper and pencil one, So, if you want a paper and pencil one, there's one at the at the uh connection there's one at the at the uh connection there's one at the at the uh connection desk um as well. The second announcement desk um as well. The second announcement desk um as well. The second announcement I want to lift up has to do with I want to lift up has to do with I want to lift up has to do with something that um uh we call Jenga. something that um uh we call Jenga. something that um uh we call Jenga. So, um that that's Swahili for build a So, um that that's Swahili for build a So, um that that's Swahili for build a church. the Texas annual conference. church. the Texas annual conference. church. the Texas annual conference. Churches across the conference are Churches across the conference are Churches across the conference are coming together to support uh three coming together to support uh three coming together to support uh three churches in the Democratic Republic of churches in the Democratic Republic of churches in the Democratic Republic of uh of the Congo in one particular area uh of the Congo in one particular area uh of the Congo in one particular area that are growing so fast that they that are growing so fast that they that are growing so fast that they they've been in homes. They need to they've been in homes. They need to they've been in homes. They need to actually build a church now, three actually build a church now, three actually build a church now, three different churches to build a church. different churches to build a church. different churches to build a church. And the people themselves are building And the people themselves are building And the people themselves are building it. um it's sort of going up slowly, but it. um it's sort of going up slowly, but it. um it's sort of going up slowly, but the difficulty they have is not having the difficulty they have is not having the difficulty they have is not having the money for the uh um materials that the money for the uh um materials that the money for the uh um materials that they need and uh it it there the they need and uh it it there the they need and uh it it there the sacrifices they're making. For example, sacrifices they're making. For example, sacrifices they're making. For example, one of the contractors in the area has one of the contractors in the area has one of the contractors in the area has said that if people will come and work said that if people will come and work said that if people will come and work extra shifts, he will pay the not give extra shifts, he will pay the not give extra shifts, he will pay the not give them their wages, but he'll pay the them their wages, but he'll pay the them their wages, but he'll pay the project help to buy fac uh uh materials.

project help to buy fac uh uh materials. project help to buy fac uh uh materials. It's such a neat deal and it's such a It's such a neat deal and it's such a It's such a neat deal and it's such a neat thing to be a part of so many other neat thing to be a part of so many other neat thing to be a part of so many other churches who are helping with this. So, churches who are helping with this. So, churches who are helping with this. So, every bag of concrete for the foundation every bag of concrete for the foundation every bag of concrete for the foundation of these churches cost $25 and uh we'd of these churches cost $25 and uh we'd of these churches cost $25 and uh we'd love to have you help. We have a goal of love to have you help. We have a goal of love to have you help. We have a goal of 400 um bags of concrete. So, buy a bag 400 um bags of concrete. So, buy a bag 400 um bags of concrete. So, buy a bag of concrete if it if God's speaking to of concrete if it if God's speaking to of concrete if it if God's speaking to your heart about it. Buy two or three, your heart about it. Buy two or three, your heart about it. Buy two or three, whatever uh um might um you know you whatever uh um might um you know you whatever uh um might um you know you feel God's asking you to do. But it's a feel God's asking you to do. But it's a feel God's asking you to do. But it's a really an amazing uh work that's going really an amazing uh work that's going really an amazing uh work that's going on when you talk to these people and on when you talk to these people and on when you talk to these people and just feel the momentum and the the Holy just feel the momentum and the the Holy just feel the momentum and the the Holy Spirit at work uh in in watching these Spirit at work uh in in watching these Spirit at work uh in in watching these churches just balloon in in uh numbers. churches just balloon in in uh numbers. churches just balloon in in uh numbers. It's it's pretty powerful and amazing. It's it's pretty powerful and amazing. It's it's pretty powerful and amazing. So uh all of those are important. Um I So uh all of those are important. Um I So uh all of those are important. Um I have one other thing and that is to have one other thing and that is to have one other thing and that is to introduce to you Reverend Chris Wax. Um introduce to you Reverend Chris Wax. Um introduce to you Reverend Chris Wax. Um we are so privileged that Bishop uh we are so privileged that Bishop uh we are so privileged that Bishop uh Cynthia Harvey has appointed um Chris to Cynthia Harvey has appointed um Chris to Cynthia Harvey has appointed um Chris to be our uh senior associate pastor. Uh be our uh senior associate pastor. Uh be our uh senior associate pastor. Uh Reverend Katie Mir will stay on as our Reverend Katie Mir will stay on as our Reverend Katie Mir will stay on as our executive pastor. And u Chris's executive pastor. And u Chris's executive pastor. And u Chris's responsibility will be to oversee our responsibility will be to oversee our responsibility will be to oversee our disciplehip ministries. And um I want to disciplehip ministries. And um I want to disciplehip ministries. And um I want to invite him to step out from behind the invite him to step out from behind the invite him to step out from behind the pullpit there and let you welcome him uh pullpit there and let you welcome him uh pullpit there and let you welcome him uh here to St. Luke's.

Um, we all It's tradition that uh they Um, we all It's tradition that uh they share their most embarrassing moment on share their most embarrassing moment on share their most embarrassing moment on their first Sunday here. Okay. No, not their first Sunday here. Okay. No, not their first Sunday here. Okay. No, not really. Um, he Chris has a a really. Um, he Chris has a a really. Um, he Chris has a a six-year-old daughter and a wife and um six-year-old daughter and a wife and um six-year-old daughter and a wife and um we're so glad that they're now all a we're so glad that they're now all a we're so glad that they're now all a part of St. Luke's and are um uh going part of St. Luke's and are um uh going part of St. Luke's and are um uh going to be a great great impact on our team. to be a great great impact on our team. to be a great great impact on our team. So after the service, he'll be out in So after the service, he'll be out in So after the service, he'll be out in the um gathering room and I know you'll the um gathering room and I know you'll the um gathering room and I know you'll want to come and welcome him in a more want to come and welcome him in a more want to come and welcome him in a more personal way. All right, all of that um personal way. All right, all of that um personal way. All right, all of that um uh we are um in a series of sermons uh we are um in a series of sermons uh we are um in a series of sermons called Holiday with Jesus and uh looking called Holiday with Jesus and uh looking called Holiday with Jesus and uh looking at the geography of where Jesus has gone at the geography of where Jesus has gone at the geography of where Jesus has gone and what he did in those places. And and what he did in those places. And and what he did in those places. And today we're going to a place in the very today we're going to a place in the very today we're going to a place in the very tippy top of Israel called Cesaria tippy top of Israel called Cesaria tippy top of Israel called Cesaria Philippi. So listen now as we hear the Philippi. So listen now as we hear the Philippi. So listen now as we hear the scripture read this morning. Our scripture reading this morning comes Our scripture reading this morning comes out of the Gospel of Matthew chapter 16 out of the Gospel of Matthew chapter 16 out of the Gospel of Matthew chapter 16 verse 13- 21. Here now the word of God.

verse 13- 21. Here now the word of God. verse 13- 21. Here now the word of God. Now when Jesus came into the district of Now when Jesus came into the district of Now when Jesus came into the district of Cesaria Philippi, he asked his Cesaria Philippi, he asked his Cesaria Philippi, he asked his disciples, "Who do people say that the disciples, "Who do people say that the disciples, "Who do people say that the son of man is?" And they said, "Some say son of man is?" And they said, "Some say son of man is?" And they said, "Some say John the Baptist, but others Elijah, and John the Baptist, but others Elijah, and John the Baptist, but others Elijah, and still others Jeremiah or one of the still others Jeremiah or one of the still others Jeremiah or one of the prophets." He said to them, "But who do prophets." He said to them, "But who do prophets." He said to them, "But who do you say that I am?" Simon Peter you say that I am?" Simon Peter you say that I am?" Simon Peter answered, "You are the Messiah, the Son answered, "You are the Messiah, the Son answered, "You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God." And Jesus answered of the living God." And Jesus answered of the living God." And Jesus answered him, "Blessed are you, Simon, son of him, "Blessed are you, Simon, son of him, "Blessed are you, Simon, son of Jonah, for flesh and blood has not Jonah, for flesh and blood has not Jonah, for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my father in revealed this to you, but my father in revealed this to you, but my father in heaven. And I tell you, you are Peter, heaven. And I tell you, you are Peter, heaven. And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and on this rock I will build my church, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not prevail and the gates of Hades will not prevail and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it. I will give you the keys of against it. I will give you the keys of against it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven and whatever you the kingdom of heaven and whatever you the kingdom of heaven and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven bind on earth will be bound in heaven bind on earth will be bound in heaven and whatever you loose on earth will be and whatever you loose on earth will be and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven. Then he sternly loosed in heaven. Then he sternly loosed in heaven. Then he sternly ordered the disciples not to tell anyone ordered the disciples not to tell anyone ordered the disciples not to tell anyone that he was the Messiah. From that time that he was the Messiah. From that time that he was the Messiah. From that time on, Jesus began to show his disciples on, Jesus began to show his disciples on, Jesus began to show his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and undergo that he must go to Jerusalem and undergo that 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. This is the word of God for the raised. This is the word of God for the raised. This is the word of God for the people of God. Thanks be to God.

Let us pray. Let us pray. Merciful God, Merciful God, Merciful God, you meet us today the way that you met you meet us today the way that you met you meet us today the way that you met your disciples at Cesaria Philippi with your disciples at Cesaria Philippi with your disciples at Cesaria Philippi with a question that will not let us stay a question that will not let us stay a question that will not let us stay comfortable. comfortable. comfortable. Who do we say that you are? Who do we say that you are? Who do we say that you are? We confess that some of us are still We confess that some of us are still We confess that some of us are still deciding and some of us are doubtful and deciding and some of us are doubtful and deciding and some of us are doubtful and some of us are full of certainty but we some of us are full of certainty but we some of us are full of certainty but we struggle to live like we believe it. We struggle to live like we believe it. We struggle to live like we believe it. We are too easily distracted from what are too easily distracted from what are too easily distracted from what really matters. really matters. really matters. We do things and say things that betray We do things and say things that betray We do things and say things that betray our lack of faith. We need you to meet our lack of faith. We need you to meet our lack of faith. We need you to meet us the way that you met Peter, not with us the way that you met Peter, not with us the way that you met Peter, not with condemnation but with blessing. condemnation but with blessing. condemnation but with blessing. remind us that you will give us remind us that you will give us remind us that you will give us everything we need to do the task to everything we need to do the task to everything we need to do the task to which you have called us. which you have called us. which you have called us. We pray for those who carry heavy We pray for those who carry heavy We pray for those who carry heavy burdens today and we ask that you would burdens today and we ask that you would burdens today and we ask that you would work in their lives and if we are able work in their lives and if we are able work in their lives and if we are able to lighten their load. We ask that you to lighten their load. We ask that you to lighten their load. We ask that you would give us eyes to see the way to do would give us eyes to see the way to do would give us eyes to see the way to do that.

that. that. For those who need healing, whether it For those who need healing, whether it For those who need healing, whether it is physical or mental or emotional, God, is physical or mental or emotional, God, is physical or mental or emotional, God, we pray that you would bring relief. we pray that you would bring relief. we pray that you would bring relief. For those who have hard decisions ahead For those who have hard decisions ahead For those who have hard decisions ahead of them, we pray that you would grant of them, we pray that you would grant of them, we pray that you would grant wisdom and discernment and maybe most of wisdom and discernment and maybe most of wisdom and discernment and maybe most of all courage. all courage. all courage. For those who want something new, God, I For those who want something new, God, I For those who want something new, God, I pray that you would give them a vision pray that you would give them a vision pray that you would give them a vision of what that could be and the strength of what that could be and the strength of what that could be and the strength to pursue it. to pursue it. to pursue it. We offer all of this in the name of We offer all of this in the name of We offer all of this in the name of Jesus who taught his disciples to pray. Jesus who taught his disciples to pray. Jesus who taught his disciples to pray. Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. be done on earth as it is in heaven. be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And Give us this day our daily bread. And Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses as we forgive forgive us our trespasses as we forgive forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead those who trespass against us. And lead those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us us not into temptation, but deliver us us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom and from evil. For thine is the kingdom and from evil. For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.

the power and the glory forever. Amen. the power and the glory forever. Amen. I'd like to invite our ushers to come I'd like to invite our ushers to come I'd like to invite our ushers to come forward to receive now our gifts, our forward to receive now our gifts, our forward to receive now our gifts, our tithes, and our offerings as we take tithes, and our offerings as we take tithes, and our offerings as we take this moment as an opportunity to offer this moment as an opportunity to offer this moment as an opportunity to offer our lives to God. Not just our financial our lives to God. Not just our financial our lives to God. Not just our financial resources, but our time, our expertise, resources, but our time, our expertise, resources, but our time, our expertise, the way that we um pour ourselves out the way that we um pour ourselves out the way that we um pour ourselves out for this community in the kingdom. Christ

Christ from day to day from day to day from day to day of the everlasting the everlasting the everlasting Oh, my my leading leading leading all the earth.

Save us Save us all. Join with me in prayer.

Join with me in prayer. Oh God, open us up. Open our eyes that Oh God, open us up. Open our eyes that Oh God, open us up. Open our eyes that we might see, our ears that we might we might see, our ears that we might we might see, our ears that we might hear your word somewhere in these words. hear your word somewhere in these words. hear your word somewhere in these words. Open our hearts that your word might Open our hearts that your word might Open our hearts that your word might fall in, that we might have compassion. fall in, that we might have compassion. fall in, that we might have compassion. And then open our hands that we might And then open our hands that we might And then open our hands that we might give and serve in love. give and serve in love. give and serve in love. Amen. In October of uh 1995, In October of uh 1995, um astronaut Chris Hadfield strapped um astronaut Chris Hadfield strapped um astronaut Chris Hadfield strapped himself into the space shuttle Atlantis himself into the space shuttle Atlantis himself into the space shuttle Atlantis at Kennedy Space Center for STS74. at Kennedy Space Center for STS74. at Kennedy Space Center for STS74. I uh heard him in an interview recently I uh heard him in an interview recently I uh heard him in an interview recently and he talks about that moment where and he talks about that moment where and he talks about that moment where you're in the space shuttle and you're you're in the space shuttle and you're you're in the space shuttle and you're looking straight up. You're lying on looking straight up. You're lying on looking straight up. You're lying on your back and you know the countdown is your back and you know the countdown is your back and you know the countdown is continuing and you think to yourself, continuing and you think to yourself, continuing and you think to yourself, everything I have been preparing for, everything I have been preparing for, everything I have been preparing for, everything I have been training for, everything I have been training for, everything I have been training for, everything I have been dreaming about, everything I have been dreaming about, everything I have been dreaming about, all comes down to this moment. It's all comes down to this moment. It's all comes down to this moment. It's time.

time. time. It's time. It's time. It's time. Wonder if you have had an it's time kind Wonder if you have had an it's time kind Wonder if you have had an it's time kind of moment. one of those that you of moment. one of those that you of moment. one of those that you realize, okay, here we go. Um, maybe if realize, okay, here we go. Um, maybe if realize, okay, here we go. Um, maybe if you have children, you have held that you have children, you have held that you have children, you have held that brand new baby in your arms for the brand new baby in your arms for the brand new baby in your arms for the first time and you think to yourself, first time and you think to yourself, first time and you think to yourself, "Oh my goodness, I have been thinking "Oh my goodness, I have been thinking "Oh my goodness, I have been thinking about this. I've been dreaming about about this. I've been dreaming about about this. I've been dreaming about this. We've been talking together about this. We've been talking together about this. We've been talking together about how we're going to do this. We we I and how we're going to do this. We we I and how we're going to do this. We we I and now I guess I got to do it. now I guess I got to do it. now I guess I got to do it. I guess we it's time. I guess we it's time. I guess we it's time. I I can still remember um my first I I can still remember um my first I I can still remember um my first senior pastor appointment. I always knew senior pastor appointment. I always knew senior pastor appointment. I always knew I wanted to be a senior pastor. And um I I wanted to be a senior pastor. And um I I wanted to be a senior pastor. And um I went through seminary. I was a youth went through seminary. I was a youth went through seminary. I was a youth director. Uh I say always knew. That's director. Uh I say always knew. That's director. Uh I say always knew. That's not exactly true. There was early on I not exactly true. There was early on I not exactly true. There was early on I didn't necessarily. But as I as I began didn't necessarily. But as I as I began didn't necessarily. But as I as I began in ministry, I was associate pastor here in ministry, I was associate pastor here in ministry, I was associate pastor here at St. Luke's. And I I kept a little um at St. Luke's. And I I kept a little um at St. Luke's. And I I kept a little um folder that said what I'm going to do folder that said what I'm going to do folder that said what I'm going to do when. And it was all of the things that when. And it was all of the things that when. And it was all of the things that I wanted to make sure I did when I I wanted to make sure I did when I I wanted to make sure I did when I became a senior pastor. I wasn't going became a senior pastor. I wasn't going became a senior pastor. I wasn't going to summon anyone to my office. Uh I to summon anyone to my office. Uh I to summon anyone to my office. Uh I guess I'd been summoned to the office.

guess I'd been summoned to the office. guess I'd been summoned to the office. And I said, "I'm not going to do that. And I said, "I'm not going to do that. And I said, "I'm not going to do that. I'm going to go to their office and talk I'm going to go to their office and talk I'm going to go to their office and talk to them there." I mean, all of these to them there." I mean, all of these to them there." I mean, all of these things. And I I still remember uh going things. And I I still remember uh going things. And I I still remember uh going to the city of South Houston where which to the city of South Houston where which to the city of South Houston where which was my first senior pastor appointment was my first senior pastor appointment was my first senior pastor appointment and thinking to myself, "Okay, smart and thinking to myself, "Okay, smart and thinking to myself, "Okay, smart Alec, you this it's time. You've been Alec, you this it's time. You've been Alec, you this it's time. You've been training for this. You've been working training for this. You've been working training for this. You've been working it. You've been learning about it and it. You've been learning about it and it. You've been learning about it and now you it's time to do your thing." now you it's time to do your thing." now you it's time to do your thing." Well, today's um scripture is one of Well, today's um scripture is one of Well, today's um scripture is one of those pivotal moments. It's not exactly those pivotal moments. It's not exactly those pivotal moments. It's not exactly the same because the disciples didn't the same because the disciples didn't the same because the disciples didn't quite understand yet. But for Jesus, it quite understand yet. But for Jesus, it quite understand yet. But for Jesus, it was it was a it's time for him. was it was a it's time for him. was it was a it's time for him. Uh let's let me take you to the um Uh let's let me take you to the um Uh let's let me take you to the um uh to the uh map. If you take a look at uh to the uh map. If you take a look at uh to the uh map. If you take a look at the map that you have on the back of the map that you have on the back of the map that you have on the back of your bulletin, and I want you to your bulletin, and I want you to your bulletin, and I want you to understand here's the situation. understand here's the situation. understand here's the situation. Um you see up in the up in the uh top Um you see up in the up in the uh top Um you see up in the up in the uh top there is circled Cesaria Philippi.

there is circled Cesaria Philippi. there is circled Cesaria Philippi. Here's the situation. Jesus had if you Here's the situation. Jesus had if you Here's the situation. Jesus had if you remember in our last in our last episode remember in our last in our last episode remember in our last in our last episode Jesus had been he had gone to Ty and Jesus had been he had gone to Ty and Jesus had been he had gone to Ty and Siden. He'd gone to the Decapus and he Siden. He'd gone to the Decapus and he Siden. He'd gone to the Decapus and he now is back in Galilee. He'd come back now is back in Galilee. He'd come back now is back in Galilee. He'd come back to Galilee and he he discovers that John to Galilee and he he discovers that John to Galilee and he he discovers that John the Baptist has been beheaded has been the Baptist has been beheaded has been the Baptist has been beheaded has been executed executed executed and John the Baptist was executed by a and John the Baptist was executed by a and John the Baptist was executed by a man named Herod Antipos. man named Herod Antipos. man named Herod Antipos. So um in in the birth narratives of So um in in the birth narratives of So um in in the birth narratives of Jesus you have Herod the great and Herod Jesus you have Herod the great and Herod Jesus you have Herod the great and Herod the Great had uh sons one of whom is the Great had uh sons one of whom is the Great had uh sons one of whom is Herod Antipos and Herod Antipos is now Herod Antipos and Herod Antipos is now Herod Antipos and Herod Antipos is now the ruler. After Herod the Great died, the ruler. After Herod the Great died, the ruler. After Herod the Great died, Israel was divided into four quadrants Israel was divided into four quadrants Israel was divided into four quadrants and Herod Antipos was given and Herod Antipos was given and Herod Antipos was given responsibility for Galilee. responsibility for Galilee. responsibility for Galilee. And so he he Jesus realizes that he is And so he he Jesus realizes that he is And so he he Jesus realizes that he is in the territory in Galilee. He's in the in the territory in Galilee. He's in the in the territory in Galilee. He's in the territory of Herod Antipos who has just territory of Herod Antipos who has just territory of Herod Antipos who has just executed John the Baptist. And he thinks executed John the Baptist. And he thinks executed John the Baptist. And he thinks to himself, they're going to come after to himself, they're going to come after to himself, they're going to come after us. And so he goes as far away as he can us. And so he goes as far away as he can us. And so he goes as far away as he can to Cesaria Philippi, which is in the to Cesaria Philippi, which is in the to Cesaria Philippi, which is in the territory of Herod Phillip. Herod territory of Herod Phillip. Herod territory of Herod Phillip. Herod Antipos's brother and bitter enemy. He Antipos's brother and bitter enemy. He Antipos's brother and bitter enemy. He thinks I can go to the territory of thinks I can go to the territory of thinks I can go to the territory of Herod Phillip with my disciples and Herod Phillip with my disciples and Herod Phillip with my disciples and we'll be safe there. So off they go.

we'll be safe there. So off they go. we'll be safe there. So off they go. They go to to Cesaria Philippi. And when They go to to Cesaria Philippi. And when They go to to Cesaria Philippi. And when he gets there, he gets there, he gets there, it's like he realizes what is ahead. And it's like he realizes what is ahead. And it's like he realizes what is ahead. And he wants to have this quiet moment, this he wants to have this quiet moment, this he wants to have this quiet moment, this this moment of reflection with his this moment of reflection with his this moment of reflection with his disciples. disciples. disciples. And he says to them, "I got to go to the And he says to them, "I got to go to the And he says to them, "I got to go to the cross. cross. cross. I'm not going to be with you anymore. I'm not going to be with you anymore. I'm not going to be with you anymore. I want to know if you're ready. I want to know if you're ready. I want to know if you're ready. Are you ready to take over? Are you ready to take over? Are you ready to take over? I'm not gonna be here. I'm not gonna be here. I'm not gonna be here. Verse, look at verse 21. From that time Verse, look at verse 21. From that time Verse, look at verse 21. From that time on, Jesus began to show his disciples on, Jesus began to show his disciples on, Jesus began to show his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and undergo that he must go to Jerusalem and undergo that 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. raised. raised. He wants to know if they're ready to He wants to know if they're ready to He wants to know if they're ready to take on the responsibility. take on the responsibility. take on the responsibility. He knows that it's time for him to do He knows that it's time for him to do He knows that it's time for him to do what he needs to do and it's time for what he needs to do and it's time for what he needs to do and it's time for the disciples to do what they need to the disciples to do what they need to the disciples to do what they need to do. And so to determine if if they're do. And so to determine if if they're do. And so to determine if if they're ready, he sort of asks them, he has a ready, he sort of asks them, he has a ready, he sort of asks them, he has a conversation with them. And I want to conversation with them. And I want to conversation with them. And I want to put it in the context of sort of two put it in the context of sort of two put it in the context of sort of two questions. Here's the first question. He questions. Here's the first question. He questions. Here's the first question. He says, "Now when they Jesus came into the "Now when they Jesus came into the district of Cesaria Philippi, he asked district of Cesaria Philippi, he asked district of Cesaria Philippi, he asked his disciples, who do people say the son his disciples, who do people say the son his disciples, who do people say the son of man is?" In other words, who who is of man is?" In other words, who who is of man is?" In other words, who who is the Messiah?

the Messiah? the Messiah? He's not referring to himself as the son He's not referring to himself as the son He's not referring to himself as the son of man in that moment. He's saying the of man in that moment. He's saying the of man in that moment. He's saying the the son of man was the Messiah. He said, the son of man was the Messiah. He said, the son of man was the Messiah. He said, "Who who's the Messiah?" And they say, "Who who's the Messiah?" And they say, "Who who's the Messiah?" And they say, "Well, some say it's John the Baptist." "Well, some say it's John the Baptist." "Well, some say it's John the Baptist." Others say it's Elijah and other still Others say it's Elijah and other still Others say it's Elijah and other still others some of the Jeremiah one of the others some of the Jeremiah one of the others some of the Jeremiah one of the prophets. He said okay but then who do prophets. He said okay but then who do prophets. He said okay but then who do you say that I am? you say that I am? you say that I am? Who do you say that I am? Who do you say that I am? Who do you say that I am? And Simon Peter says you are the And Simon Peter says you are the And Simon Peter says you are the Messiah, the son of the living God. And Messiah, the son of the living God. And Messiah, the son of the living God. And Jesus answered him, blessed are you Jesus answered him, blessed are you Jesus answered him, blessed are you Simon, son of Jonah, flesh and blood is Simon, son of Jonah, flesh and blood is Simon, son of Jonah, flesh and blood is not revealed to this you this to you but not revealed to this you this to you but not revealed to this you this to you but my father in heaven. my father in heaven. my father in heaven. Who do you say that I am? You are the Who do you say that I am? You are the Who do you say that I am? You are the Messiah. Do you believe Messiah. Do you believe Messiah. Do you believe that Jesus is the Messiah? The one who that Jesus is the Messiah? The one who that Jesus is the Messiah? The one who will usher in the kingdom of God? will usher in the kingdom of God? will usher in the kingdom of God? The one who will lead uh who who will The one who will lead uh who who will The one who will lead uh who who will bring about a time when life triumphs bring about a time when life triumphs bring about a time when life triumphs over death? When good triumphs over over death? When good triumphs over over death? When good triumphs over evil, when light triumphs over darkness, evil, when light triumphs over darkness, evil, when light triumphs over darkness, when love triumphs over hate? Do you when love triumphs over hate? Do you when love triumphs over hate? Do you believe that he's the one who will do believe that he's the one who will do believe that he's the one who will do that?

I I I've got to be honest. I think that, I I I've got to be honest. I think that, you know, for many of us who have grown you know, for many of us who have grown you know, for many of us who have grown up in the church, we just had this sort up in the church, we just had this sort up in the church, we just had this sort of assumption. We just sort of, yeah, of assumption. We just sort of, yeah, of assumption. We just sort of, yeah, well, Jesus Jesus is the Messiah. Jesus well, Jesus Jesus is the Messiah. Jesus well, Jesus Jesus is the Messiah. Jesus is the Messiah. But we never really ask is the Messiah. But we never really ask is the Messiah. But we never really ask ourselves, do I really believe that? Do ourselves, do I really believe that? Do ourselves, do I really believe that? Do I really believe that he's going to I really believe that he's going to I really believe that he's going to usher in the kingdom of God? usher in the kingdom of God? usher in the kingdom of God? Do do I have I made that decision? And Do do I have I made that decision? And Do do I have I made that decision? And here's why I ask this question. Because here's why I ask this question. Because here's why I ask this question. Because what we believe really does matter. It what we believe really does matter. It what we believe really does matter. It really does matter if if in fact the really does matter if if in fact the really does matter if if in fact the kingdom of God is to come kingdom of God is to come kingdom of God is to come um by transforming the hearts of men and um by transforming the hearts of men and um by transforming the hearts of men and women rather than come by domination and women rather than come by domination and women rather than come by domination and arms and struggle and and wars and all arms and struggle and and wars and all arms and struggle and and wars and all of that sort of thing. If the kingdom of of that sort of thing. If the kingdom of of that sort of thing. If the kingdom of God is going to come by human hearts God is going to come by human hearts God is going to come by human hearts transforming other human hearts, then transforming other human hearts, then transforming other human hearts, then then what I believe in my heart really then what I believe in my heart really then what I believe in my heart really does matter, does matter, does matter, right? Because the transformation is not right? Because the transformation is not right? Because the transformation is not from the outside in, it's from the from the outside in, it's from the from the outside in, it's from the inside out.

inside out. inside out. And so if if I'm going to be a part of And so if if I'm going to be a part of And so if if I'm going to be a part of the kingdom of God, I have to believe it the kingdom of God, I have to believe it the kingdom of God, I have to believe it in my heart. in my heart. in my heart. What we believe really matters. And so perhaps the first thing you have And so perhaps the first thing you have to ask yourself on this day is, do you to ask yourself on this day is, do you to ask yourself on this day is, do you believe it? Do you really really believe believe it? Do you really really believe believe it? Do you really really believe it? it? it? Um uh h have you have you taken into Um uh h have you have you taken into Um uh h have you have you taken into that realization that um he's the one that realization that um he's the one that realization that um he's the one who's going to change everything from who's going to change everything from who's going to change everything from this time forward? this time forward? this time forward? That's the first question. That's the first question. That's the first question. Then he does this. Uh, it's not that Then he does this. Uh, it's not that Then he does this. Uh, it's not that doubts and questions aren't okay. Of doubts and questions aren't okay. Of doubts and questions aren't okay. Of course they are. From this po point on, course they are. From this po point on, course they are. From this po point on, the disciples all the way down to to the disciples all the way down to to the disciples all the way down to to after the resurrection, they still were after the resurrection, they still were after the resurrection, they still were questioning and they still were like, questioning and they still were like, questioning and they still were like, "Well, we thought he was going to be the "Well, we thought he was going to be the "Well, we thought he was going to be the one." Or all the way on the road to one." Or all the way on the road to one." Or all the way on the road to Jerusalem, three times he has to tell Jerusalem, three times he has to tell Jerusalem, three times he has to tell them, "Look, I'm going to go. They're them, "Look, I'm going to go. They're them, "Look, I'm going to go. They're going to be I'm going to uh they're going to be I'm going to uh they're going to be I'm going to uh they're going to arrest me. They're going to put going to arrest me. They're going to put going to arrest me. They're going to put me to death, and on the third day I'm me to death, and on the third day I'm me to death, and on the third day I'm going to be raised." He tells them it going to be raised." He tells them it going to be raised." He tells them it over and over and over again. Of course, over and over and over again. Of course, over and over and over again. Of course, they're still wrestling with it. But, they're still wrestling with it. But, they're still wrestling with it. But, but what he wants to know is, "Are you but what he wants to know is, "Are you but what he wants to know is, "Are you ready to say yes? I do believe it even ready to say yes? I do believe it even ready to say yes? I do believe it even with all of your questions and maybe with all of your questions and maybe with all of your questions and maybe your doubts."

your doubts." your doubts." Okay. So, then he says, Okay. So, then he says, Okay. So, then he says, "Then then comes the next question." And "Then then comes the next question." And "Then then comes the next question." And I I he doesn't phrase it as a question, I I he doesn't phrase it as a question, I I he doesn't phrase it as a question, but it's implied. He says but it's implied. He says but it's implied. He says the question is um will you accept it? the question is um will you accept it? the question is um will you accept it? Will you accept the responsibility? Will you accept the responsibility? Will you accept the responsibility? He says I tell you you are Peter and on He says I tell you you are Peter and on He says I tell you you are Peter and on this rock I will build my church. The this rock I will build my church. The this rock I will build my church. The word there is ecclesia which means a word there is ecclesia which means a word there is ecclesia which means a gathering or a movement. Picture a a gathering or a movement. Picture a a gathering or a movement. Picture a a movement of people. Uh um you are Peter movement of people. Uh um you are Peter movement of people. Uh um you are Peter and I will build my church and the gates and I will build my church and the gates and I will build my church and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it. I of Hades will not prevail against it. I of Hades will not prevail against it. I will give you the keys to the kingdom of will give you the keys to the kingdom of will give you the keys to the kingdom of heaven. Whatever you bind on earth will heaven. Whatever you bind on earth will heaven. Whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven. Whatever you loose be bound in heaven. Whatever you loose be bound in heaven. Whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven. That on earth will be loosed in heaven. That on earth will be loosed in heaven. That he he is saying look um I have a mission he he is saying look um I have a mission he he is saying look um I have a mission for you. for you. for you. I want you to uh listen and uh to this I want you to uh listen and uh to this I want you to uh listen and uh to this little um diddy and tell me if you can little um diddy and tell me if you can little um diddy and tell me if you can recognize it. Maestro, how many of you got it? Do you remember how many of you got it? Do you remember that one? Okay, some of you do. I knew that one? Okay, some of you do. I knew that one? Okay, some of you do. I knew it. Some of you remember it from the it. Some of you remember it from the it. Some of you remember it from the original uh television show like me, original uh television show like me, original uh television show like me, baby boomers like me. Some of you from baby boomers like me. Some of you from baby boomers like me. Some of you from the movies that are there. Uh but that's the movies that are there. Uh but that's the movies that are there. Uh but that's Mission Impossible. Uh um Sid Davis told Mission Impossible. Uh um Sid Davis told Mission Impossible. Uh um Sid Davis told me just this week that uh the that the me just this week that uh the that the me just this week that uh the that the theme is actually Morse code for MI. I

theme is actually Morse code for MI. I theme is actually Morse code for MI. I didn't know that M is I guess dash dash didn't know that M is I guess dash dash didn't know that M is I guess dash dash and I is dot dot or the other way and I is dot dot or the other way and I is dot dot or the other way around. I can't remember. But uh this is around. I can't remember. But uh this is around. I can't remember. But uh this is so here here it is and you remember how so here here it is and you remember how so here here it is and you remember how it would always go. He would say, "Your it would always go. He would say, "Your it would always go. He would say, "Your mission, Jim, should you choose to mission, Jim, should you choose to mission, Jim, should you choose to accept it, is dot dot dot dot dot." And accept it, is dot dot dot dot dot." And accept it, is dot dot dot dot dot." And then it would say at the end, my then it would say at the end, my then it would say at the end, my favorite part, and um should anyone know favorite part, and um should anyone know favorite part, and um should anyone know about this, then we will disavow we had about this, then we will disavow we had about this, then we will disavow we had any knowledge of you, this message will any knowledge of you, this message will any knowledge of you, this message will will uh um disappear, self-destruct in will uh um disappear, self-destruct in will uh um disappear, self-destruct in five seconds. five seconds. five seconds. It would go. It was such a great show. It would go. It was such a great show. It would go. It was such a great show. It I I think that's what's happening It I I think that's what's happening It I I think that's what's happening here. Jesus is saying to them, "Your here. Jesus is saying to them, "Your here. Jesus is saying to them, "Your mission, should you choose to accept it, mission, should you choose to accept it, mission, should you choose to accept it, is to storm the gates of Hades. is to storm the gates of Hades. is to storm the gates of Hades. You're going to storm the gates, right? Um if you go to Israel and you right? Um if you go to Israel and you get the chance to go to Cesaria get the chance to go to Cesaria get the chance to go to Cesaria Philippi, which is today is called Philippi, which is today is called Philippi, which is today is called Banas, it is uh you can see both Lebanon Banas, it is uh you can see both Lebanon Banas, it is uh you can see both Lebanon and Syria from there. It is uh the and Syria from there. It is uh the and Syria from there. It is uh the source of the Jordan River, the primary source of the Jordan River, the primary source of the Jordan River, the primary source of the Jordan River. Um and there source of the Jordan River. Um and there source of the Jordan River. Um and there is this giant cliff and on this giant is this giant cliff and on this giant is this giant cliff and on this giant cliff is a cave, a huge cave. There are cliff is a cave, a huge cave. There are cliff is a cave, a huge cave. There are all these grotto to various gods around all these grotto to various gods around all these grotto to various gods around there, the god Pan, the god Hades. And there, the god Pan, the god Hades. And there, the god Pan, the god Hades. And there's this giant cave that the people there's this giant cave that the people there's this giant cave that the people believed were the gates to Hades.

believed were the gates to Hades. believed were the gates to Hades. This is the place. Now let let I want to This is the place. Now let let I want to This is the place. Now let let I want to make a important understanding for you a make a important understanding for you a make a important understanding for you a lesson that um this is not the same lesson that um this is not the same lesson that um this is not the same thing as the gates of hell. So Hades and thing as the gates of hell. So Hades and thing as the gates of hell. So Hades and hell are not the same thing. Hades was hell are not the same thing. Hades was hell are not the same thing. Hades was the Greek understanding that this was the Greek understanding that this was the Greek understanding that this was the entrance to the underworld and the entrance to the underworld and the entrance to the underworld and that's where people went when they died. that's where people went when they died. that's where people went when they died. Hades was just it it had it had a Hades was just it it had it had a Hades was just it it had it had a neutral moral kind kind of tone. It neutral moral kind kind of tone. It neutral moral kind kind of tone. It wasn't wasn't a place of torment. It wasn't wasn't a place of torment. It wasn't wasn't a place of torment. It wasn't a place for bad people. It was wasn't a place for bad people. It was wasn't a place for bad people. It was just where people went when they died. just where people went when they died. just where people went when they died. The Hebrew version of it that Peter The Hebrew version of it that Peter The Hebrew version of it that Peter would have known was shaol, which meant would have known was shaol, which meant would have known was shaol, which meant the pit. It was the place where people the pit. It was the place where people the pit. It was the place where people went when they died in Jewish went when they died in Jewish went when they died in Jewish understanding. And so he's what what understanding. And so he's what what understanding. And so he's what what he's standing at this gate and he's he's standing at this gate and he's he's standing at this gate and he's saying, "Look, um, here's what we're saying, "Look, um, here's what we're saying, "Look, um, here's what we're going to do. We're we're going to rescue going to do. We're we're going to rescue going to do. We're we're going to rescue the the people from death. We're going the the people from death. We're going the the people from death. We're going to rescue the people from evil. to rescue the people from evil. to rescue the people from evil. We've got work to do and we're going to We've got work to do and we're going to We've got work to do and we're going to storm those gates. I want you to storm those gates. I want you to storm those gates. I want you to understand when he says the gates of understand when he says the gates of understand when he says the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it, he's Hades shall not prevail against it, he's Hades shall not prevail against it, he's he's he's saying that the gates are on he's he's saying that the gates are on he's he's saying that the gates are on defense, right? Gates were a defensive defense, right? Gates were a defensive defense, right? Gates were a defensive tool to keep cities safe from oncoming tool to keep cities safe from oncoming tool to keep cities safe from oncoming marauders.

marauders. marauders. He often what we tend to believe is that He often what we tend to believe is that He often what we tend to believe is that we're playing defense that the forces of we're playing defense that the forces of we're playing defense that the forces of evil are attacking us and and you know evil are attacking us and and you know evil are attacking us and and you know the gates will will hold them back. No, the gates will will hold them back. No, the gates will will hold them back. No, no, no, no. We're on offense. We are we no, no, no. We're on offense. We are we no, no, no. We're on offense. We are we are um Keianbape are um Keianbape are um Keianbape from France who is trying to score a from France who is trying to score a from France who is trying to score a goal. He's the striker. He doesn't hang goal. He's the striker. He doesn't hang goal. He's the striker. He doesn't hang back on defense. He's ready to shoot it back on defense. He's ready to shoot it back on defense. He's ready to shoot it in at any given moment. He's going to in at any given moment. He's going to in at any given moment. He's going to score a goal. or Lionel Messi who comes score a goal. or Lionel Messi who comes score a goal. or Lionel Messi who comes in from the right wing with his left in from the right wing with his left in from the right wing with his left foot to kick it into the goal. He's not foot to kick it into the goal. He's not foot to kick it into the goal. He's not interested in getting back on defense. interested in getting back on defense. interested in getting back on defense. No, he is ready to score all the time. No, he is ready to score all the time. No, he is ready to score all the time. We We are to be um storming the gates. We We are to be um storming the gates. We We are to be um storming the gates. We have a mission to bring about to um We have a mission to bring about to um We have a mission to bring about to um to uh bring forth the kingdom of God to to uh bring forth the kingdom of God to to uh bring forth the kingdom of God to be an instrument of that kingdom. God be an instrument of that kingdom. God be an instrument of that kingdom. God has given us the responsibility. has given us the responsibility. has given us the responsibility. Listen again. He says, "I give you the Listen again. He says, "I give you the Listen again. He says, "I give you the keys to the kingdom of heaven. Whatever keys to the kingdom of heaven. Whatever keys to the kingdom of heaven. Whatever you bind on earth will be bound in you bind on earth will be bound in you bind on earth will be bound in heaven. Whatever you loose on earth will heaven. Whatever you loose on earth will heaven. Whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven." Not only am I be loosed in heaven." Not only am I be loosed in heaven." Not only am I giving you the responsibility to unfold giving you the responsibility to unfold giving you the responsibility to unfold the kingdom of God, I'm giving you the the kingdom of God, I'm giving you the the kingdom of God, I'm giving you the authority to do it as well.

authority to do it as well. authority to do it as well. It's up to you to do it. It's up to you to do it. It's up to you to do it. I'm counting on you to do it. I'm counting on you to do it. I'm counting on you to do it. I'm trusting you to do it. I'm trusting you to do it. I'm trusting you to do it. There is a um a theologian named John There is a um a theologian named John There is a um a theologian named John Knox who wrote in the 1500s was really Knox who wrote in the 1500s was really Knox who wrote in the 1500s was really sort of the founder of Presbyterianism sort of the founder of Presbyterianism sort of the founder of Presbyterianism Scottish. Scottish. Scottish. And I I learned in seminary and I have And I I learned in seminary and I have And I I learned in seminary and I have never forgotten it that one of his never forgotten it that one of his never forgotten it that one of his statements was the sole residuum statements was the sole residuum statements was 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 Christ came, was born, lived, after Christ came, was born, lived, after Christ came, was born, lived, died, was raised, the only thing that's died, was raised, the only thing that's died, was raised, the only thing that's left after that on earth is the church. left after that on earth is the church. left after that on earth is the church. We are the body of Christ. We are the body of Christ. We are the body of Christ. All believers everywhere together, we All believers everywhere together, we All believers everywhere together, we are doing Christ's work and we are the are doing Christ's work and we are the are doing Christ's work and we are the only one doing Christ's work. It's up to only one doing Christ's work. It's up to only one doing Christ's work. It's up to us.

us. us. There's a a great preacher story I've There's a a great preacher story I've There's a a great preacher story I've always loved about Jesus and God in always loved about Jesus and God in always loved about Jesus and God in having a conversation in heaven and God having a conversation in heaven and God having a conversation in heaven and God saying, "So, here's what's going to saying, "So, here's what's going to saying, "So, here's what's going to happen. You're going to go down. You're happen. You're going to go down. You're happen. You're going to go down. You're going to uh teach them about the going to uh teach them about the going to uh teach them about the kingdom. You're going to be uh kingdom. You're going to be uh kingdom. You're going to be uh crucified. I'm going to raise you on the crucified. I'm going to raise you on the crucified. I'm going to raise you on the third day. And then those those people third day. And then those those people third day. And then those those people that you taught, those disciples you that you taught, those disciples you that you taught, those disciples you taught, they're going to tell other taught, they're going to tell other taught, they're going to tell other people and show other people what the people and show other people what the people and show other people what the kingdom of God looks like. And then kingdom of God looks like. And then kingdom of God looks like. And then those people are going to show and tell those people are going to show and tell those people are going to show and tell other people what the kingdom of God other people what the kingdom of God other people what the kingdom of God looks like. and they're going to show looks like. and they're going to show looks like. and they're going to show and tell other people what the kingdom and tell other people what the kingdom and tell other people what the kingdom of God looks like until everybody knows, of God looks like until everybody knows, of God looks like until everybody knows, everybody understands and everybody owns everybody understands and everybody owns everybody understands and everybody owns the kingdom of God. And and Jesus kind the kingdom of God. And and Jesus kind the kingdom of God. And and Jesus kind of furrows his brow at God and says, of furrows his brow at God and says, of furrows his brow at God and says, "Well, what happens if they don't do "Well, what happens if they don't do "Well, what happens if they don't do it?" He says, "What what's plan B?" And it?" He says, "What what's plan B?" And it?" He says, "What what's plan B?" And God says, "There's not a plan B. God says, "There's not a plan B. God says, "There's not a plan B. That's it. We we when we choose when we believe We we when we choose when we believe that Jesus is the Messiah, Jesus is that Jesus is the Messiah, Jesus is that Jesus is the Messiah, Jesus is saying to us, I need you to take on this saying to us, I need you to take on this saying to us, I need you to take on this mission.

mission. mission. Now, I I think a lot of us, we don't we Now, I I think a lot of us, we don't we Now, I I think a lot of us, we don't we don't make that jump from understanding don't make that jump from understanding don't make that jump from understanding Jesus is the Messiah to us having you Jesus is the Messiah to us having you Jesus is the Messiah to us having you and I having that responsibility to and I having that responsibility to and I having that responsibility to bring forth the kingdom, to be an bring forth the kingdom, to be an bring forth the kingdom, to be an instrument of God's kingdom. instrument of God's kingdom. instrument of God's kingdom. But maybe today's the day that you think But maybe today's the day that you think But maybe today's the day that you think to yourself, you know, I need to be a to yourself, you know, I need to be a to yourself, you know, I need to be a part of that mission. part of that mission. part of that mission. It's time. It's time. It's time. Oh, here's the last thing. Oh, here's the last thing. Oh, here's the last thing. It's probably the best, I guess, is that It's probably the best, I guess, is that It's probably the best, I guess, is that we're we're guaranteed a victory. The we're we're guaranteed a victory. The we're we're guaranteed a victory. The gates of hell, the gates of Hades gates of hell, the gates of Hades gates of hell, the gates of Hades rather, will not prevail against it. rather, will not prevail against it. rather, will not prevail against it. Right? It's it's so wonder. We like to Right? It's it's so wonder. We like to Right? It's it's so wonder. We like to be winners, don't we? I'm always amazed be winners, don't we? I'm always amazed be winners, don't we? I'm always amazed at how many people are big Astros fans at how many people are big Astros fans at how many people are big Astros fans when they're winning, when they're winning, when they're winning, right? We like being winners. We like to right? We like being winners. We like to right? We like being winners. We like to be on the winning side. And it really be on the winning side. And it really be on the winning side. And it really helps us to know that one day, one day helps us to know that one day, one day helps us to know that one day, one day he will finish it. That this work that he will finish it. That this work that he will finish it. That this work that we're doing, this this mission that we're doing, this this mission that we're doing, this this mission that we've taken on, this responsibility that we've taken on, this responsibility that we've taken on, this responsibility that we've claimed will be successful, will we've claimed will be successful, will we've claimed will be successful, will ultimately happen. And it may not even ultimately happen. And it may not even ultimately happen. And it may not even be in my lifetime, but but it will be in my lifetime, but but it will be in my lifetime, but but it will happen.

happen. happen. And so so as we get discouraged, as as And so so as we get discouraged, as as And so so as we get discouraged, as as it seems like we're not making progress, it seems like we're not making progress, it seems like we're not making progress, as it seems like we're taking steps as it seems like we're taking steps as it seems like we're taking steps backwards instead of taking steps backwards instead of taking steps backwards instead of taking steps forward, when we look at the world forward, when we look at the world forward, when we look at the world around us, when all of those around us, when all of those around us, when all of those difficulties and challenges push back difficulties and challenges push back difficulties and challenges push back against us, we can say, "No, no, no. I against us, we can say, "No, no, no. I against us, we can say, "No, no, no. I know how this ends because he's going to know how this ends because he's going to know how this ends because he's going to finish it. finish it. finish it. it's going to happen. it's going to happen. it's going to happen. That's that's already the gates will not That's that's already the gates will not That's that's already the gates will not prevail. prevail. prevail. That's why uh Paul can write in 1 That's why uh Paul can write in 1 That's why uh Paul can write in 1 Corinthians 15:58 after he describes Corinthians 15:58 after he describes Corinthians 15:58 after he describes this resurrection. He says, "Therefore, this resurrection. He says, "Therefore, this resurrection. He says, "Therefore, my beloved brothers and sisters, be my beloved brothers and sisters, be my beloved brothers and sisters, be steadfast, immovable, always excelling steadfast, immovable, always excelling steadfast, immovable, always excelling in the work of the Lord because in the in the work of the Lord because in the in the work of the Lord because in the Lord you know that your labor is not in Lord you know that your labor is not in Lord you know that your labor is not in vain." vain." vain." Ah, maybe today's the day. It's time. Ah, maybe today's the day. It's time. Ah, maybe today's the day. It's time. Hope you ask yourself, "What do I do? I Hope you ask yourself, "What do I do? I Hope you ask yourself, "What do I do? I really believe he's the Messiah.

really believe he's the Messiah. really believe he's the Messiah. And if so, am I ready to take on the And if so, am I ready to take on the And if so, am I ready to take on the mission?" we confess that sometimes it it is just we confess that sometimes it it is just something that sits in the back of our something that sits in the back of our something that sits in the back of our minds and it doesn't really transform minds and it doesn't really transform minds and it doesn't really transform how we live or act. how we live or act. how we live or act. So, help us to really ask ourselves that So, help us to really ask ourselves that So, help us to really ask ourselves that difficult question. Do I really believe difficult question. Do I really believe difficult question. Do I really believe it that this Jesus is the one? And God, then speak to us about our And God, then speak to us about our mission mission mission and give us the courage and the and give us the courage and the and give us the courage and the confidence confidence confidence to storm the gates of Hades. to storm the gates of Hades. to storm the gates of Hades. In the name of Christ, we pray. Amen. In the name of Christ, we pray. Amen. In the name of Christ, we pray. Amen. Our hymn of commitment is uh bringing Our hymn of commitment is uh bringing Our hymn of commitment is uh bringing forth the kingdom of God. It's uh in forth the kingdom of God. It's uh in forth the kingdom of God. It's uh in your little uh supplement that is in your little uh supplement that is in your little uh supplement that is in your um in your pew pocket if you'd like your um in your pew pocket if you'd like your um in your pew pocket if you'd like to sing with the music. The words are to sing with the music. The words are to sing with the music. The words are printed in your bulletin. bring forth printed in your bulletin. bring forth printed in your bulletin. bring forth the kingdom of God. Let's sing it all.

the kingdom of God. Let's sing it all. the kingdom of God. Let's sing it all. Let's stand and sing. light light people of mercy. Free of mercy. Free the kingdom of peace. Free the kingdom of peace. Free the kingdom of peace. Free the kingdom of justice.

Mercy Mercy people of mercy and seeds of justice for of mercy and seeds of justice for the kingdom of God. Bring the kingdom of God. Bring the kingdom of God. Bring the kingdom of mercy. Bring the kingdom of mercy. Bring the kingdom of mercy. Bring the kingdom of peace. Bring the kingdom of peace. Bring the kingdom of peace. Bring the kingdom of justice. Freedom So go bear witness to the love of God in So go bear witness to the love of God in this world. know that those to whom love this world. know that those to whom love this world. know that those to whom love is a stranger will find in you generous is a stranger will find in you generous is a stranger will find in you generous friends. The grace of the Lord Jesus friends. The grace of the Lord Jesus friends. The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and communion Christ, the love of God, and communion Christ, the love of God, and communion of the Holy Spirit be with you now and of the Holy Spirit be with you now and of the Holy Spirit be with you now and forever. Amen.