Traditional | 8:30 a.m. | 07.12.2026

[music] [music] Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. [music] [music] [music] Heat. Heat. [music] [music] Heat. Heat.

Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. [music] [music]

[music] Heat. Heat. [music] [music] Heat.

Yeah. Yeah. [music] Would Would [music] you please uh remain standing and join you please uh remain standing and join me as we affirm our faith in the triune me as we affirm our faith in the triune me as we affirm our faith in the 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. From then he shall come to judge the From then he shall come to judge the From then he shall come to judge the quick and the dead. I believe in the quick and the dead. I believe in the quick and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Holy Catholic Church, Holy Spirit, the Holy Catholic Church, Holy Spirit, the Holy Catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness the communion of saints, the forgiveness the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, of sins, the resurrection of the body, of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. and the life everlasting. and the life everlasting. Amen. [music] [music] Heat. Heat. You may be seated.

You may be seated. Well, good morning and welcome to St. Well, good morning and welcome to St. Well, good morning and welcome to St. Luke's. I'm so glad you're here, that Luke's. I'm so glad you're here, that Luke's. I'm so glad you're here, that you're worshiping with us today. And you're worshiping with us today. And you're worshiping with us today. And welcome to those of you who are welcome to those of you who are welcome to those of you who are worshiping with us on live stream as worshiping with us on live stream as worshiping with us on live stream as well. We're glad you're a part of our well. We're glad you're a part of our well. We're glad you're a part of our service uh today and just want to really service uh today and just want to really service uh today and just want to really encourage you not just to watch or encourage you not just to watch or encourage you not just to watch or listen but to participate and and sing listen but to participate and and sing listen but to participate and 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 in every way. Um if you uh after service in every way. Um if you uh after service in every way. Um if you uh after the service today, if you're here in the the service today, if you're here in the the service today, if you're here in the sanctuary, come on out to the gathering sanctuary, come on out to the gathering sanctuary, come on out to the gathering room just outside down this hallway and room just outside down this hallway and room just outside down this hallway and um there's uh some refreshments and uh um there's uh some refreshments and uh um there's uh some refreshments and uh just a time of fellowship. maybe connect just a time of fellowship. maybe connect just a time of fellowship. maybe connect with somebody you haven't met or with somebody you haven't met or with somebody you haven't met or reconnect with uh with a friend. Uh we reconnect with uh with a friend. Uh we reconnect with uh with a friend. Uh we it's just we come here to be together uh it's just we come here to be together uh it's just we come here to be together uh to be in communion not just with God but to be in communion not just with God but to be in communion not just with God but with one another. And so um hope you'll with one another. And so um hope you'll with one another. And so um hope you'll come out and and be a part of that. come out and and be a part of that. come out and and be a part of that. Please let us know you're here. You can Please let us know you're here. You can Please let us know you're here. You can do that by registering your attendance do that by registering your attendance do that by registering your attendance on St. Luke's app. If you are here in on St. Luke's app. If you are here in on St. Luke's app. If you are here in the sanctuary, there's a card in your the sanctuary, there's a card in your the sanctuary, there's a card in your pew pocket that says welcome and you can pew pocket that says welcome and you can pew pocket that says welcome and you can put your contact information on that and put your contact information on that and put your contact information on that and drop it in the offering plate later in drop it in the offering plate later in drop it in the offering plate later in the service. Um, if you are online on the service. Um, if you are online on the service. Um, if you are online on our website platform, there is a little our website platform, there is a little our website platform, there is a little tab that says check in. It really does tab that says check in. It really does tab that says check in. It really does help if we know who who is worshiping help if we know who who is worshiping help if we know who who is worshiping with us so that we can can see the trees with us so that we can can see the trees with us so that we can can see the trees and not just the forest. We can really and not just the forest. We can really and not just the forest. We can really kind of know who's a part of our worship kind of know who's a part of our worship kind of know who's a part of our worship on a regular basis.

on a regular basis. on a regular basis. uh uh please look at your back of your uh uh please look at your back of your uh uh please look at your back of your bulletin and all of those announcements. bulletin and all of those announcements. bulletin and all of those announcements. They're all important, but I want to They're all important, but I want to They're all important, but I want to lift up two uh really uh special ones lift up two uh really uh special ones lift up two uh really uh special ones that maybe you can help us with. The that maybe you can help us with. The that maybe you can help us with. The first is that um we had a strategic first is that um we had a strategic first is that um we had a strategic planning committee at work last year planning committee at work last year planning committee at work last year that put together a three-year strategic that put together a three-year strategic that put together a three-year strategic plan. And and as we had these listening plan. And and as we had these listening plan. And and as we had these listening sessions, one of the things we heard was sessions, one of the things we heard was sessions, one of the things we heard was um that uh that there were people um that uh that there were people um that uh that there were people dealing with all sorts of of um dealing with all sorts of of um dealing with all sorts of of um challenges um mental health challenges, challenges um mental health challenges, challenges um mental health challenges, anxiety, loneliness, depression, all anxiety, loneliness, depression, all anxiety, loneliness, depression, all sorts of difficulties, uh difficulties sorts of difficulties, uh difficulties sorts of difficulties, uh difficulties with relational issues, um emotional with relational issues, um emotional with relational issues, um emotional challenges that that um St. Luke's has a challenges that that um St. Luke's has a challenges that that um St. Luke's has a sense of of being a safe place for sense of of being a safe place for sense of of being a safe place for people to begin to wrestle with those people to begin to wrestle with those people to begin to wrestle with those things. And so we made a decision that things. And so we made a decision that things. And so we made a decision that we really wanted to prioritize as part we really wanted to prioritize as part we really wanted to prioritize as part of our strategic plan um uh focusing on of our strategic plan um uh focusing on of our strategic plan um uh focusing on developing programs for um wellness developing programs for um wellness developing programs for um wellness particularly um mental health and particularly um mental health and particularly um mental health and emotional and relational wellness.

emotional and relational wellness. emotional and relational wellness. And so how do we start like where do we And so how do we start like where do we And so how do we start like where do we focus on? We have some ideas that are focus on? We have some ideas that are focus on? We have some ideas that are ahead. We have a a marriage um workshop ahead. We have a a marriage um workshop ahead. We have a a marriage um workshop and planning uh coming in uh in the and planning uh coming in uh in the and planning uh coming in uh in the fall, but uh we really need your help to fall, but uh we really need your help to fall, but uh we really need your help to help us identify what are the issues help us identify what are the issues help us identify what are the issues people are dealing with. And so there is people are dealing with. And so there is people are dealing with. And so there is a a a survey that we're inviting you to a a a survey that we're inviting you to a a a survey that we're inviting you to take. It takes five minutes. It's take. It takes five minutes. It's take. It takes five minutes. It's completely confidential. nobody you completely confidential. nobody you completely confidential. nobody you won't know that it's you filling it out won't know that it's you filling it out won't know that it's you filling it out that uh asks you some questions about that uh asks you some questions about that uh asks you some questions about some of the the issues that you you are some of the the issues that you you are some of the the issues that you you are maybe dealing with or feel like what the maybe dealing with or feel like what the maybe dealing with or feel like what the church ought to be addressing. And it it church ought to be addressing. And it it church ought to be addressing. And it it is very brief. It takes less than five is very brief. It takes less than five is very brief. It takes less than five minutes if you if you will do it. minutes if you if you will do it. minutes if you if you will do it. There's a a QR code there in your There's a a QR code there in your There's a a QR code there in your bulletin that you can use um if you uh bulletin that you can use um if you uh bulletin that you can use um if you uh at the connection desk out here. If at the connection desk out here. If at the connection desk out here. If you'd rather use a paper copy, there's you'd rather use a paper copy, there's you'd rather use a paper copy, there's paper copies out there. but it would paper copies out there. but it would paper copies out there. but it would really help us as we move forward and really help us as we move forward and really help us as we move forward and try and really begin to address that. Uh try and really begin to address that. Uh try and really begin to address that. Uh here at St. Luke's we have the Nick here at St. Luke's we have the Nick here at St. Luke's we have the Nick Finnegan Counseling Center that's at Finnegan Counseling Center that's at Finnegan Counseling Center that's at work already um but we feel like there's work already um but we feel like there's work already um but we feel like there's so much more that we can be doing. So it so much more that we can be doing. So it so much more that we can be doing. So it would help us. So that's the first would help us. So that's the first would help us. So that's the first thing. The second thing is something thing. The second thing is something thing. The second thing is something that I think is really um exciting. It's that I think is really um exciting. It's that I think is really um exciting. It's called Jenga Jenga which means build a called Jenga Jenga which means build a called Jenga Jenga which means build a church. So, the Texas annual conference church. So, the Texas annual conference church. So, the Texas annual conference of the United Methodist Church is coming of the United Methodist Church is coming of the United Methodist Church is coming together to help three churches in the together to help three churches in the together to help three churches in the Democratic Republic of the Congo that Democratic Republic of the Congo that Democratic Republic of the Congo that are growing incredibly fast. Um, they are growing incredibly fast. Um, they are growing incredibly fast. Um, they are in an area near Camina. Um, and uh

are in an area near Camina. Um, and uh are in an area near Camina. Um, and uh the people there are actually trying to the people there are actually trying to the people there are actually trying to physically build a church. They've been physically build a church. They've been physically build a church. They've been meeting in homes. They've outgrown that. meeting in homes. They've outgrown that. meeting in homes. They've outgrown that. Um, and uh uh so they are actually Um, and uh uh so they are actually Um, and uh uh so they are actually building this church themselves. And yet building this church themselves. And yet building this church themselves. And yet they don't have enough funds for um for they don't have enough funds for um for they don't have enough funds for um for all the materials. And it's what one of all the materials. And it's what one of all the materials. And it's what one of the things I think that's amazing is the things I think that's amazing is the things I think that's amazing is that one of the uh the contractors in that one of the uh the contractors in that one of the uh the contractors in town has invited people to work extra town has invited people to work extra town has invited people to work extra shifts and and he would give what he shifts and and he would give what he shifts and and he would give what he would pay them to this project. And so would pay them to this project. And so would pay them to this project. And so um the conference is working to uh to um the conference is working to uh to um the conference is working to uh to raise some funds for that. Um and uh we raise some funds for that. Um and uh we raise some funds for that. Um and uh we have a uh every bag of concrete, which have a uh every bag of concrete, which have a uh every bag of concrete, which is what they need, costs $25. And um we is what they need, costs $25. And um we is what they need, costs $25. And um we our goal is to provide 400 bags of our goal is to provide 400 bags of our goal is to provide 400 bags of concrete. And so at $25, so that's concrete. And so at $25, so that's concrete. And so at $25, so that's $10,000 if you can do the math. And uh $10,000 if you can do the math. And uh $10,000 if you can do the math. And uh if that's something that maybe speaks to if that's something that maybe speaks to if that's something that maybe speaks to your heart, we'd hope that you might your heart, we'd hope that you might your heart, we'd hope that you might want to uh to help us. There's some uh want to uh to help us. There's some uh want to uh to help us. There's some uh videos that you can look at online about videos that you can look at online about videos that you can look at online about that are just so inspiring about what that are just so inspiring about what that are just so inspiring about what these pastors and and these these pastors and and these these pastors and and these congregations are doing. So, if you'd congregations are doing. So, if you'd congregations are doing. So, if you'd like to help us with that, we would love like to help us with that, we would love like to help us with that, we would love for you to do that. All those other for you to do that. All those other for you to do that. All those other bulletin announcements are important, bulletin announcements are important, bulletin announcements are important, too. And uh please take a look at all of too. And uh please take a look at all of too. And uh please take a look at all of those uh as well. It's my privilege uh those uh as well. It's my privilege uh those uh as well. It's my privilege uh to introduce to you um uh a a pastor to introduce to you um uh a a pastor to introduce to you um uh a a pastor that we are so grateful that Bishop uh that we are so grateful that Bishop uh that we are so grateful that Bishop uh Cynthia Harvey has appointed to St.

Cynthia Harvey has appointed to St. Cynthia Harvey has appointed to St. Luke's as um our senior associate Luke's as um our senior associate Luke's as um our senior associate pastor. Uh Katie Montgomery Mirs remains pastor. Uh Katie Montgomery Mirs remains pastor. Uh Katie Montgomery Mirs remains our executive pastor. But I'd like you our executive pastor. But I'd like you our executive pastor. But I'd like you to meet Reverend Chris Wax. If you'd to meet Reverend Chris Wax. If you'd to meet Reverend Chris Wax. If you'd stand, Chris, let's welcome him to St. stand, Chris, let's welcome him to St. stand, Chris, let's welcome him to St. Luke's. We're glad you're here. Um Chris's We're glad you're here. Um Chris's responsibilities will be to oversee our responsibilities will be to oversee our responsibilities will be to oversee our disciplehip team and we're so excited disciplehip team and we're so excited disciplehip team and we're so excited about that and I I know you'll want to about that and I I know you'll want to about that and I I know you'll want to get to know him and uh meet him. He's get to know him and uh meet him. He's get to know him and uh meet him. He's going to read our scripture uh today. Um going to read our scripture uh today. Um going to read our scripture uh today. Um he has he's married. He has a a one uh he has he's married. He has a a one uh he has he's married. He has a a one uh daughter who is in six daughter who is in six daughter who is in six >> six six years old. and um I I know >> six six years old. and um I I know >> six six years old. and um I I know you'll want to uh to meet them um in the you'll want to uh to meet them um in the you'll want to uh to meet them um in the days ahead. So, let's now continue our days ahead. So, let's now continue our days ahead. So, let's now continue our uh worship as we hear our scripture read uh worship as we hear our scripture read uh worship as we hear our scripture read uh this morning. Thank you all for the warm welcome. Our Thank you all for the warm welcome. Our scripture reading today comes out of the scripture reading today comes out of the scripture reading today comes out of the Gospel of Matthew 16:es 13- 21. Hear now Gospel of Matthew 16:es 13- 21. Hear now Gospel of Matthew 16:es 13- 21. Hear now the word of God.

the word of God. 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 some, they said, son of man is?" And some, they said, son of man is?" And some, they said, "Some said John the Baptist, but others "Some said John the Baptist, but others "Some said John the Baptist, but others Elijah, and still others Jeremiah or one Elijah, and still others Jeremiah or one Elijah, and still others Jeremiah or one of the prophets." of the prophets." of the prophets." He said to them, "But who do you say He said to them, "But who do you say He said to them, "But who do you say that I am?" that I am?" that I am?" Simon Peter answered, "You are the Simon Peter answered, "You are the Simon Peter answered, "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, for flesh and blood Simon, son of Jonah, for flesh and blood Simon, son of Jonah, for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my has not revealed this to you, but my has not revealed this to you, but my father in heaven. And I tell you, you father in heaven. And I tell you, you father in heaven. And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build are Peter, and on this rock I will build are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will my church, and the gates of Hades will my church, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it. I will give you not prevail against it. I will give you not prevail against it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven and the keys of the kingdom of heaven and the keys of the kingdom of heaven and whatever you bind on earth will be bound whatever you bind on earth will be bound whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven and whatever you loose on in heaven and whatever you loose on in heaven and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven. Then he earth will be loosed in heaven. Then he earth will be loosed in heaven. Then he sternly ordered the disciples not to sternly ordered the disciples not to sternly ordered the disciples not to tell anyone that he was the Messiah.

tell anyone that he was the Messiah. tell anyone that he was the Messiah. From this time on, Jesus began to show From this time on, Jesus began to show From this time on, Jesus began to show his disciples that he must go to his disciples that he must go to his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and undergo great suffering at Jerusalem and undergo great suffering at Jerusalem and undergo great suffering at the hands of the elders and the chief the hands of the elders and the chief the hands of the elders and the chief priests and the scribes and be killed priests and the scribes and be killed priests and the scribes and be killed and on the third day be raised. The word and on the third day be raised. The word and on the third day be raised. The word of God for the people of God. Thanks be of God for the people of God. Thanks be of God for the people of God. Thanks be to God. [music] [music] >> [singing] >> [singing] >> [singing] >> Lord, [music] [music] hallelujah. grace grace [music] was [music] was [music] [singing] shall [music]

[music] [singing] Let us pray. Let us pray. Gracious good and holy God, Gracious good and holy God, Gracious good and holy God, we thank you for gathering us this we thank you for gathering us this we thank you for gathering us this morning. morning. morning. And now Lord, shake us from our routine And now Lord, shake us from our routine And now Lord, shake us from our routine where we have become complacent, where where we have become complacent, where where we have become complacent, where we find ourselves going through the we find ourselves going through the we find ourselves going through the motions, where we know you and your will motions, where we know you and your will motions, where we know you and your will for us yet act otherwise. for us yet act otherwise. for us yet act otherwise. Lord, stir us up. Lord, stir us up. Lord, stir us up. Meet us in the quiet. remind us that you are near and that you remind us that you are near and that you are always making things new. are always making things new. are always making things new. God, when we hear that Jesus ask, "But God, when we hear that Jesus ask, "But God, when we hear that Jesus ask, "But who do you say I am?" We cannot help but who do you say I am?" We cannot help but who do you say I am?" We cannot help but ask ourselves the same question.

ask ourselves the same question. ask ourselves the same question. Who do we say you are? Who do we say you are? Who do we say you are? With our minds, we may say we know who With our minds, we may say we know who With our minds, we may say we know who you are, but sometimes our lives tell a you are, but sometimes our lives tell a you are, but sometimes our lives tell a different story. different story. different story. Our hearts do not always follow you. Our hearts do not always follow you. Our hearts do not always follow you. And sometimes we act as if you are the And sometimes we act as if you are the And sometimes we act as if you are the you are only a wise teacher, not the you are only a wise teacher, not the you are only a wise teacher, not the living Christ who calls us to follow living Christ who calls us to follow living Christ who calls us to follow you. you. you. So God, continue to change us. Continue So God, continue to change us. Continue So God, continue to change us. Continue to teach us your ways so that we may to teach us your ways so that we may to teach us your ways so that we may walk in truth. walk in truth. walk in truth. Help us to let go of whatever competes Help us to let go of whatever competes Help us to let go of whatever competes for your trust, for our trust in you. for your trust, for our trust in you. for your trust, for our trust in you. success, our comfort, our certainty, our success, our comfort, our certainty, our success, our comfort, our certainty, our fears, the golden calves we continue to fears, the golden calves we continue to fears, the golden calves we continue to build and cling to. build and cling to. build and cling to. Lord, give us undivided hearts to Lord, give us undivided hearts to Lord, give us undivided hearts to worship you and you alone. worship you and you alone. worship you and you alone. We thank you for your steadfast love. We We thank you for your steadfast love. We We thank you for your steadfast love. We thank you for searching for us when we thank you for searching for us when we thank you for searching for us when we are lost.

are lost. are lost. And we thank you for your patience, your And we thank you for your patience, your And we thank you for your patience, your grace, your love, and your mercy. God, continue to work in us until our God, continue to work in us until our words and our lives proclaim that you words and our lives proclaim that you words and our lives proclaim that you are the Messiah, the son of the living are the Messiah, the son of the living are the Messiah, the son of the living God. God. God. We lift all this up in your son's holy We lift all this up in your son's holy We lift all this up in your son's holy name. Amen. name. Amen. name. Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. And thank you, Ryan. So, in um October, October 12th, 1995, So, in um October, October 12th, 1995, astronaut Chris Hadfield was at Kennedy astronaut Chris Hadfield was at Kennedy astronaut Chris Hadfield was at Kennedy Space Center. He um strapped himself Space Center. He um strapped himself Space Center. He um strapped himself into the Atlantis space shuttle for uh into the Atlantis space shuttle for uh into the Atlantis space shuttle for uh STS uh 74. STS uh 74. STS uh 74. And he in an interview recently, he And he in an interview recently, he And he in an interview recently, he reflects on that moment where he's reflects on that moment where he's reflects on that moment where he's sitting on his back looking straight up sitting on his back looking straight up sitting on his back looking straight up in the air. He can't see out any. in the air. He can't see out any. in the air. He can't see out any. There's no windows, nothing else around There's no windows, nothing else around There's no windows, nothing else around him. He's just in that place looking up.

him. He's just in that place looking up. him. He's just in that place looking up. And he thinks to himself, And he thinks to himself, And he thinks to himself, "So this is it. "So this is it. "So this is it. It's time. It's time. It's time. It's time. Everything I have been It's time. Everything I have been It's time. Everything I have been working for and training for and working for and training for and working for and training for and [snorts] uh leaning, you know, just [snorts] uh leaning, you know, just [snorts] uh leaning, you know, just dreaming about all of those things that dreaming about all of those things that dreaming about all of those things that that I have been thinking about, it all that I have been thinking about, it all that I have been thinking about, it all comes down to this very moment. It's comes down to this very moment. It's comes down to this very moment. It's time. time. time. Wonder if you've ever had an it's an Wonder if you've ever had an it's an Wonder if you've ever had an it's an it's its time moment. it's its time moment. it's its time moment. Maybe it's um if you were are are um Maybe it's um if you were are are um Maybe it's um if you were are are um lucky and blessed and God has chosen for lucky and blessed and God has chosen for lucky and blessed and God has chosen for you to have children, you um hold that you to have children, you um hold that you to have children, you um hold that baby in your arms for the very first baby in your arms for the very first baby in your arms for the very first time and you think, "Okay, I now it's time and you think, "Okay, I now it's time and you think, "Okay, I now it's time for me to actually do this time for me to actually do this time for me to actually do this parenting thing. I've been thinking parenting thing. I've been thinking parenting thing. I've been thinking about it. I've been wondering about it. about it. I've been wondering about it. about it. I've been wondering about it. I I I can I can I do this? It it now it I I I can I can I do this? It it now it I I I can I can I do this? It it now it comes down to this moment. comes down to this moment. comes down to this moment. Or I I think about the uh time that I Or I I think about the uh time that I Or I I think about the uh time that I received my first senior pastor received my first senior pastor received my first senior pastor appointment. I had been an associate appointment. I had been an associate appointment. I had been an associate pastor. I'd been through seminary. I I I pastor. I'd been through seminary. I I I pastor. I'd been through seminary. I I I would always I even had a little folder would always I even had a little folder would always I even had a little folder that said what I'm going to do when. And that said what I'm going to do when. And that said what I'm going to do when. And uh I would think to myself when I'm the uh I would think to myself when I'm the uh I would think to myself when I'm the senior pastor, I am not going to summon senior pastor, I am not going to summon senior pastor, I am not going to summon anyone to my office. I am going to walk anyone to my office. I am going to walk anyone to my office. I am going to walk down to their office and have a down to their office and have a down to their office and have a conversation with them. I wonder where conversation with them. I wonder where conversation with them. I wonder where that came from. Right? Uh so you you that came from. Right? Uh so you you that came from. Right? Uh so you you begin to train and [music] train and begin to train and [music] train and begin to train and [music] train and then all of a sudden you get that

then all of a sudden you get that then all of a sudden you get that appointment, the bishop calls, you say appointment, the bishop calls, you say appointment, the bishop calls, you say you're going to go to that place and you you're going to go to that place and you you're going to go to that place and you go, "Okay, this is it. All the stuff go, "Okay, this is it. All the stuff go, "Okay, this is it. All the stuff I've been thinking about and training I've been thinking about and training I've been thinking about and training for and and praying about it comes down for and and praying about it comes down for and and praying about it comes down and now it's time." and now it's time." and now it's time." Well, uh that's what this this passage Well, uh that's what this this passage Well, uh that's what this this passage is really all about. Although it wasn't is really all about. Although it wasn't is really all about. Although it wasn't so much that the disciples got it, so much that the disciples got it, so much that the disciples got it, understood it to be its time quite yet understood it to be its time quite yet understood it to be its time quite yet until Jesus told them so. But that's the until Jesus told them so. But that's the until Jesus told them so. But that's the point of this passage is Jesus is saying point of this passage is Jesus is saying point of this passage is Jesus is saying it's time. it's time. it's time. If you will um uh uh get out your map If you will um uh uh get out your map If you will um uh uh get out your map and look at it. I want you to kind of and look at it. I want you to kind of and look at it. I want you to kind of see the the situation here. Uh [snorts] see the the situation here. Uh [snorts] see the the situation here. Uh [snorts] here here's what has happened. Um in uh here here's what has happened. Um in uh here here's what has happened. Um in uh Jesus has been in he's last week we Jesus has been in he's last week we Jesus has been in he's last week we talked about he went through went up talked about he went through went up talked about he went through went up into Ty and Siden. He went to the into Ty and Siden. He went to the into Ty and Siden. He went to the dicapus. We talked a little about him dicapus. We talked a little about him dicapus. We talked a little about him being in Samaria but he had been he had being in Samaria but he had been he had being in Samaria but he had been he had done those things. He'd gone back to done those things. He'd gone back to done those things. He'd gone back to Galilee and in uh Matthew 14 two Galilee and in uh Matthew 14 two Galilee and in uh Matthew 14 two chapters before he has learned that John chapters before he has learned that John chapters before he has learned that John the Baptist has been beheaded. Now the Baptist has been beheaded. Now the Baptist has been beheaded. Now [snorts] understand that John the [snorts] understand that John the [snorts] understand that John the Baptist was beheaded by Herod Antipos.

Baptist was beheaded by Herod Antipos. Baptist was beheaded by Herod Antipos. Now uh Herod Antipos was one of King Now uh Herod Antipos was one of King Now uh Herod Antipos was one of King Herod the Great's sons and he was the Herod the Great's sons and he was the Herod the Great's sons and he was the one who beheaded John the Baptist one who beheaded John the Baptist one who beheaded John the Baptist because Herod Antipos had had married or because Herod Antipos had had married or because Herod Antipos had had married or fallen in love with and then ultimately fallen in love with and then ultimately fallen in love with and then ultimately married the wife of Herod Phillip. Okay, married the wife of Herod Phillip. Okay, married the wife of Herod Phillip. Okay, so that's one of the other sons of King so that's one of the other sons of King so that's one of the other sons of King Herod the Great. And John the Baptist Herod the Great. And John the Baptist Herod the Great. And John the Baptist saw that and thought it was wrong and he saw that and thought it was wrong and he saw that and thought it was wrong and he called him out on it. He called out uh called him out on it. He called out uh called him out on it. He called out uh Herod Antipos on it and as a result he Herod Antipos on it and as a result he Herod Antipos on it and as a result he was beheaded. was beheaded. was beheaded. And so Jesus realizes that um that they And so Jesus realizes that um that they And so Jesus realizes that um that they may be coming after him. And so he takes may be coming after him. And so he takes may be coming after him. And so he takes his disciples and he goes north and he his disciples and he goes north and he his disciples and he goes north and he he leaves the territory of Herod Antipas he leaves the territory of Herod Antipas he leaves the territory of Herod Antipas and he goes into the territory of Herod and he goes into the territory of Herod and he goes into the territory of Herod Phillip, the his brother. And uh Herod Phillip, the his brother. And uh Herod Phillip, the his brother. And uh Herod Phillip and Herod Antipos were more than Phillip and Herod Antipos were more than Phillip and Herod Antipos were more than a stranged. They were enemies. And so he a stranged. They were enemies. And so he a stranged. They were enemies. And so he goes into Herod Phillip's territory goes into Herod Phillip's territory goes into Herod Phillip's territory where to some extent he feels like he where to some extent he feels like he where to some extent he feels like he may be safe with his disciples and he may be safe with his disciples and he may be safe with his disciples and he goes as far north as he possibly can in goes as far north as he possibly can in goes as far north as he possibly can in Israel. This is a a town that's uh now Israel. This is a a town that's uh now Israel. This is a a town that's uh now called Banas. It's the source of the called Banas. It's the source of the called Banas. It's the source of the Jordan River. Um it is a a town that's Jordan River. Um it is a a town that's Jordan River. Um it is a a town that's full of these foreign gods. And he gets full of these foreign gods. And he gets full of these foreign gods. And he gets there as far away from Jerusalem as he

there as far away from Jerusalem as he there as far away from Jerusalem as he can get. can get. can get. And then he he realizes that it's time And then he he realizes that it's time And then he he realizes that it's time that he's not going to be able to get that he's not going to be able to get that he's not going to be able to get away, that he's going to have to go and away, that he's going to have to go and away, that he's going to have to go and face the cross. Listen to uh uh verse face the cross. Listen to uh uh verse face the cross. Listen to uh uh verse 21. We're going to uh that we read just 21. We're going to uh that we read just 21. We're going to uh that we read just a few minutes ago. From that time on, a few minutes ago. From that time on, a few minutes ago. 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. raised. raised. He He's He's explaining to them that He He's He's explaining to them that He He's He's explaining to them that he's going to go and die and he and and he's going to go and die and he and and he's going to go and die and he and and they're not going to have him anymore. they're not going to have him anymore. they're not going to have him anymore. That they now are going to be That they now are going to be That they now are going to be responsible. responsible. responsible. That it's going to be up to them. That That it's going to be up to them. That That it's going to be up to them. That they're going to have to take over. And they're going to have to take over. And they're going to have to take over. And he wants to know, are they ready? Are he wants to know, are they ready? Are he wants to know, are they ready? Are they ready to do this? It it it's time they ready to do this? It it it's time they ready to do this? It it it's time for me to go and face the cross, and I for me to go and face the cross, and I for me to go and face the cross, and I want to know if my disciples are ready want to know if my disciples are ready want to know if my disciples are ready to take over.

to take over. to take over. And so with with those uh images in And so with with those uh images in And so with with those uh images in mind, he has a conversation with them mind, he has a conversation with them mind, he has a conversation with them and he asks them really two questions. and he asks them really two questions. and he asks them really two questions. The first one is this. Who do you say The first one is this. Who do you say The first one is this. Who do you say that I am? that I am? that I am? Listen again to the to the to the uh to Listen again to the to the to the uh to Listen again to the to the to the uh to the passage. When Jesus [snorts] came the passage. When Jesus [snorts] came the passage. When Jesus [snorts] came into the district of Cesaria Philippi, into the district of Cesaria Philippi, into the district of Cesaria Philippi, remember he's in the area of of Herod remember he's in the area of of Herod remember he's in the area of of Herod Phillip. Now he asked his disciples, Phillip. Now he asked his disciples, Phillip. Now he asked his disciples, "Who do people say that the son of man "Who do people say that the son of man "Who do people say that the son of man is?" They said, "Some say John the is?" They said, "Some say John the is?" They said, "Some say John the Baptist, others Elijah, still others Baptist, others Elijah, still others Baptist, others Elijah, still others Jeremiah, one of the prophets." What Jeremiah, one of the prophets." What Jeremiah, one of the prophets." What he's asking is, "Who do people think the he's asking is, "Who do people think the he's asking is, "Who do people think the Messiah is?" And some said, "Well, some Messiah is?" And some said, "Well, some Messiah is?" And some said, "Well, some said he was John the Baptist, others said he was John the Baptist, others said he was John the Baptist, others said he was Elijah." He says, "No, but said he was Elijah." He says, "No, but said he was Elijah." He says, "No, but but who do you think I am?" And he says but who do you think I am?" And he says but who do you think I am?" And he says to them, "You are the Simon." Peter to them, "You are the Simon." Peter to them, "You are the 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." Do you believe that I am the heaven." Do you believe that I am the heaven." Do you believe that I am the Messiah? Is what he wants to know. Do Messiah? Is what he wants to know. Do Messiah? Is what he wants to know. Do you understand this? Do you do you have you understand this? Do you do you have you understand this? Do you do you have that in your head and in your heart that that in your head and in your heart that that in your head and in your heart that I am the one? Here's what I want to say I am the one? Here's what I want to say I am the one? Here's what I want to say to you. I want to ask you that question.

to you. I want to ask you that question. to you. I want to ask you that question. Do you believe that? Do you believe that Do you believe that? Do you believe that Do you believe that? Do you believe that he's the Messiah? I'm not asking you, do he's the Messiah? I'm not asking you, do he's the Messiah? I'm not asking you, do you assume that? Did that come to you you assume that? Did that come to you you assume that? Did that come to you through through your parents and and it through through your parents and and it through through your parents and and it just became a part of you thinking, "Oh, just became a part of you thinking, "Oh, just became a part of you thinking, "Oh, yeah, Jesus is the Messiah." I'm saying, yeah, Jesus is the Messiah." I'm saying, yeah, Jesus is the Messiah." I'm saying, have you come to that honest conclusion have you come to that honest conclusion have you come to that honest conclusion in your own mind and heart to say, you in your own mind and heart to say, you in your own mind and heart to say, you know what? I do believe Jesus is the know what? I do believe Jesus is the know what? I do believe Jesus is the Messiah. I do believe he's the one who Messiah. I do believe he's the one who Messiah. I do believe he's the one who will usher in the kingdom of God. I do will usher in the kingdom of God. I do will usher in the kingdom of God. I do believe that he's the one who will lead believe that he's the one who will lead believe that he's the one who will lead the people to to uh bring about a time the people to to uh bring about a time the people to to uh bring about a time when uh life shall triumph over death, when uh life shall triumph over death, when uh life shall triumph over death, when good shall triumph over evil, when when good shall triumph over evil, when when good shall triumph over evil, when love shall triumph over hate. love shall triumph over hate. love shall triumph over hate. I do believe that that he is the one who I do believe that that he is the one who I do believe that that he is the one who will make that happen. will make that happen. will make that happen. You see what we believe matters. You see what we believe matters. You see what we believe matters. what we believe in in the midst of our what we believe in in the midst of our what we believe in in the midst of our heart. If if if the kingdom of God is heart. If if if the kingdom of God is heart. If if if the kingdom of God is going to come about by transforming not going to come about by transforming not going to come about by transforming not not by domination of the world in some not by domination of the world in some not by domination of the world in some way, not by strength of arms, way, not by strength of arms, way, not by strength of arms, but by transforming human hearts. If but by transforming human hearts. If but by transforming human hearts. If that's the way the kingdom of God is to that's the way the kingdom of God is to that's the way the kingdom of God is to come to pass, then then we then what we come to pass, then then we then what we come to pass, then then we then what we believe in our hearts matters.

believe in our hearts matters. believe in our hearts matters. We have to take hold of that realization We have to take hold of that realization We have to take hold of that realization that if if we're going to uh uh to to be that if if we're going to uh uh to to be that if if we're going to uh uh to to be the ones who will take up the mantle the ones who will take up the mantle the ones who will take up the mantle that Jesus has left us and carry forward that Jesus has left us and carry forward that Jesus has left us and carry forward this movement of the kingdom of God, this movement of the kingdom of God, this movement of the kingdom of God, what he calls his eklesia, his what he calls his eklesia, his what he calls his eklesia, his gathering, his his church that that's gathering, his his church that that's gathering, his his church that that's going to move forward uh uh to bring in going to move forward uh uh to bring in going to move forward uh uh to bring in the kingdom of God to proclaim the the kingdom of God to proclaim the the kingdom of God to proclaim the kingdom kingdom kingdom to uh to bring it forth, to uh to bring it forth, to uh to bring it forth, then some something inside us has to then some something inside us has to then some something inside us has to change. change. change. Then then our own hearts have to be Then then our own hearts have to be Then then our own hearts have to be transformed first. And think about this. transformed first. And think about this. transformed first. And think about this. If if the whole kingdom is is about um If if the whole kingdom is is about um If if the whole kingdom is is about um about love over hate, then how can we about love over hate, then how can we about love over hate, then how can we proclaim that unless our own hearts are proclaim that unless our own hearts are proclaim that unless our own hearts are changed? changed? changed? And here's what I would tell you is that And here's what I would tell you is that And here's what I would tell you is that when our own hearts are transformed, when our own hearts are transformed, when our own hearts are transformed, then everything else begins to fall into then everything else begins to fall into then everything else begins to fall into place.

place. place. In other words, that's what Jesus really In other words, that's what Jesus really In other words, that's what Jesus really wanted to know. wanted to know. wanted to know. Are we ready to make that claim that Are we ready to make that claim that Are we ready to make that claim that he's the one? Most of us, some of us grew up in a Most of us, some of us grew up in a church just became a part of our thought church just became a part of our thought church just became a part of our thought pattern. It became kind of just assumed. pattern. It became kind of just assumed. pattern. It became kind of just assumed. But at some point we have to we have to But at some point we have to we have to But at some point we have to we have to answer the question that Jesus asks answer the question that Jesus asks answer the question that Jesus asks Simon Peter and all of the disciples. So Simon Peter and all of the disciples. So Simon Peter and all of the disciples. So what about you? what about you? what about you? Who do you say that I am? Do you believe Who do you say that I am? Do you believe Who do you say that I am? Do you believe this? this? this? Okay. And then he moves forward and let Okay. And then he moves forward and let Okay. And then he moves forward and let me just say this too. It's not that me just say this too. It's not that me just say this too. It's not that doubts and questions aren't appropriate. doubts and questions aren't appropriate. doubts and questions aren't appropriate. Of course they are. From this point on Of course they are. From this point on Of course they are. From this point on until Jesus gets to the cross, his until Jesus gets to the cross, his until Jesus gets to the cross, his disciples are going, "Yeah, but what disciples are going, "Yeah, but what disciples are going, "Yeah, but what about?" "Yeah, but what about?" And over about?" "Yeah, but what about?" And over about?" "Yeah, but what about?" And over and over, he tells them three times he's and over, he tells them three times he's and over, he tells them three times he's got, "Look, I've got to go. I'm going to got, "Look, I've got to go. I'm going to got, "Look, I've got to go. I'm going to go to the Jerusalem. I'm going to face go to the Jerusalem. I'm going to face go to the Jerusalem. I'm going to face the cross. I'm going to be crucified. On the cross. I'm going to be crucified. On the cross. I'm going to be crucified. On the third day, I'm going to be raised."

the third day, I'm going to be raised." the third day, I'm going to be raised." He tells them it over and over and over He tells them it over and over and over He tells them it over and over and over again because, you know, they have all again because, you know, they have all again because, you know, they have all sorts of questions and doubts. Of sorts of questions and doubts. Of sorts of questions and doubts. Of course, we have those. But at some point course, we have those. But at some point course, we have those. But at some point we have to make that decision. we have to make that decision. we have to make that decision. All right? And then he says All right? And then he says All right? And then he says these words. He's asking them. He these words. He's asking them. He these words. He's asking them. He doesn't phrase it as a question. It's doesn't phrase it as a question. It's doesn't phrase it as a question. It's really a statement that that beckons a really a statement that that beckons a really a statement that that beckons a question. He he he says, "Will you question. He he he says, "Will you question. He he he says, "Will you accept it? Will you accept the accept it? Will you accept the accept it? Will you accept the responsibility of this mission? Listen. responsibility of this mission? Listen. responsibility of this mission? Listen. 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, my rock I will build my church, my rock I will build my church, my ecclesia, and my movement of God, and ecclesia, and my movement of God, and ecclesia, and my movement of God, 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 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. Whatever you loose on earth will be Whatever you loose on earth will be Whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven. And then he then he loosed in heaven. And then he then he loosed in heaven. And then he then he sternly ordered the disciples not to sternly ordered the disciples not to sternly ordered the disciples not to tell anyone he was the Messiah. tell anyone he was the Messiah. tell anyone he was the Messiah. He's he's saying, He's he's saying, He's he's saying, uh, I want to know if you can recognize uh, I want to know if you can recognize uh, I want to know if you can recognize this. Um, musical diddy. Are you ready?

How many of you can remember that? How many of you can remember that? You're right. That's Mission Impossible. You're right. That's Mission Impossible. You're right. That's Mission Impossible. Some of you know it from the old Some of you know it from the old Some of you know it from the old television show. Some of you know it television show. Some of you know it television show. Some of you know it from the movies that have come out. Bump from the movies that have come out. Bump from the movies that have come out. Bump bump bump bump. It kind of gets in your bump bump bump. It kind of gets in your bump bump bump. It kind of gets in your mind and you can't let it go. I learned mind and you can't let it go. I learned mind and you can't let it go. I learned from Sid Davis that that is actually from Sid Davis that that is actually from Sid Davis that that is actually Morse code for MI, mission impossible. Morse code for MI, mission impossible. Morse code for MI, mission impossible. Dot dot dash dash dot dot dash dash uh Dot dot dash dash dot dot dash dash uh Dot dot dash dash dot dot dash dash uh is uh mission impossible. So do you is uh mission impossible. So do you is uh mission impossible. So do you remember it? It went like this. He would remember it? It went like this. He would remember it? It went like this. He would turn on a little tape recorder and it turn on a little tape recorder and it turn on a little tape recorder and it would go it would play out something and would go it would play out something and would go it would play out something and it would tell him about something and it would tell him about something and it would tell him about something and then he'd say your your mission Jim then he'd say your your mission Jim then he'd say your your mission Jim should you choose to accept it is to should you choose to accept it is to should you choose to accept it is to tat. didn't even tell them the mission tat. didn't even tell them the mission tat. didn't even tell them the mission and then it would say this tape will and then it would say this tape will and then it would say this tape will self-destruct in five seconds and then self-destruct in five seconds and then self-destruct in five seconds and then it would go and smoke would come out and it would go and smoke would come out and it would go and smoke would come out and the tape would self-destruct. It was a the tape would self-destruct. It was a the tape would self-destruct. It was a great show. So that what what Jesus is great show. So that what what Jesus is great show. So that what what Jesus is saying to his disciples is here's your saying to his disciples is here's your saying to his disciples is here's your mission should you choose to accept it. mission should you choose to accept it. mission should you choose to accept it. Are you ready to take on the mission Are you ready to take on the mission Are you ready to take on the mission that I'm putting in front of you? Right?

that I'm putting in front of you? Right? that I'm putting in front of you? Right? And and here's the mission. I want you And and here's the mission. I want you And and here's the mission. I want you to hear the mission because you it to hear the mission because you it to hear the mission because you it sometimes we miss it. He's saying, "I sometimes we miss it. He's saying, "I sometimes we miss it. He's saying, "I want you to storm the gates of Hades want you to storm the gates of Hades want you to storm the gates of Hades itself. itself. itself. I want you to storm the gates of Hades." I want you to storm the gates of Hades." I want you to storm the gates of Hades." Look, the uh uh this image of the gates, Look, the uh uh this image of the gates, Look, the uh uh this image of the gates, these were defensive postures. The gates these were defensive postures. The gates these were defensive postures. The gates were a defensive, right? He's not saying were a defensive, right? He's not saying were a defensive, right? He's not saying that that Hades is coming after us and that that Hades is coming after us and that that Hades is coming after us and we're going to be on the defensive and we're going to be on the defensive and we're going to be on the defensive and holding them out. No, he's saying the holding them out. No, he's saying the holding them out. No, he's saying the gates of Hades will not hold us back. We gates of Hades will not hold us back. We gates of Hades will not hold us back. We we're we're we're going after the the we're we're we're going after the the we're we're we're going after the the the very gates of Hades and we're going the very gates of Hades and we're going the very gates of Hades and we're going to storm them. We are um uh Keon Bape to storm them. We are um uh Keon Bape to storm them. We are um uh Keon Bape from France who is plays striker and uh from France who is plays striker and uh from France who is plays striker and uh we're trying to score the goals. We're we're trying to score the goals. We're we're trying to score the goals. We're not back on the defense. We are right up not back on the defense. We are right up not back on the defense. We are right up front. We're Lionel Messi moving around front. We're Lionel Messi moving around front. We're Lionel Messi moving around ready to to to pounce anytime we can ready to to to pounce anytime we can ready to to to pounce anytime we can because we are on the offense is what because we are on the offense is what because we are on the offense is what he's saying.

he's saying. he's saying. We are the forces of love, the forces of We are the forces of love, the forces of We are the forces of love, the forces of goodness, goodness, goodness, and we're going to go after the very and we're going to go after the very and we're going to go after the very gates of Hades. If that's what you're willing to accept, If that's what you're willing to accept, are you willing to take that on to are you willing to take that on to are you willing to take that on to realize that our call is to storm the realize that our call is to storm the realize that our call is to storm the gates? So, um let let me tell you just gates? So, um let let me tell you just gates? So, um let let me tell you just um why he would go to Cesaria Philippi um why he would go to Cesaria Philippi um why he would go to Cesaria Philippi for this reason. Cesaria Philippi um was for this reason. Cesaria Philippi um was for this reason. Cesaria Philippi um was uh had many foreign gods there and there uh had many foreign gods there and there uh had many foreign gods there and there is a cliff there that has a number of um is a cliff there that has a number of um is a cliff there that has a number of um little grotto little grotto little grotto various gods. One of them is to the god various gods. One of them is to the god various gods. One of them is to the god Pan who um rules over um uh all sorts of Pan who um rules over um uh all sorts of Pan who um rules over um uh all sorts of different things but including the different things but including the different things but including the underworld. The god of Hades is um the underworld. The god of Hades is um the underworld. The god of Hades is um the god who rules over the underworld. And god who rules over the underworld. And god who rules over the underworld. And there's this giant cave there that they there's this giant cave there that they there's this giant cave there that they believe was the gates of Hades. This is believe was the gates of Hades. This is believe was the gates of Hades. This is the way you got into the place of the the way you got into the place of the the way you got into the place of the dead. Now listen, um it's important for dead. Now listen, um it's important for dead. Now listen, um it's important for us to understand that we often connect us to understand that we often connect us to understand that we often connect Hades with hell. And that isn't the Hades with hell. And that isn't the Hades with hell. And that isn't the case. So, uh in both Jewish and Greek case. So, uh in both Jewish and Greek case. So, uh in both Jewish and Greek understanding, Hades was the place of understanding, Hades was the place of understanding, Hades was the place of the dead. It wasn't it wasn't hell. It the dead. It wasn't it wasn't hell. It the dead. It wasn't it wasn't hell. It wasn't the place of eternal torment. In wasn't the place of eternal torment. In wasn't the place of eternal torment. In in Hebrew it's called shaol which was um in Hebrew it's called shaol which was um in Hebrew it's called shaol which was um technically the pit. In Greek it was

technically the pit. In Greek it was technically the pit. In Greek it was Hades. And it's just where the dead go. Hades. And it's just where the dead go. Hades. And it's just where the dead go. But for Jesus it's not just about But for Jesus it's not just about But for Jesus it's not just about rescuing people from the dead. It's also rescuing people from the dead. It's also rescuing people from the dead. It's also this surrounding of of foreign gods of this surrounding of of foreign gods of this surrounding of of foreign gods of evil that he believes are that he lifts evil that he believes are that he lifts evil that he believes are that he lifts up are around it. So when he's saying up are around it. So when he's saying up are around it. So when he's saying we're going to storm these gates, he's we're going to storm these gates, he's we're going to storm these gates, he's saying we're we are going to the the saying we're we are going to the the saying we're we are going to the the forces of good are going to overcome the forces of good are going to overcome the forces of good are going to overcome the forces of evil. The forces of life are forces of evil. The forces of life are forces of evil. The forces of life are going to overcome the forces of death. going to overcome the forces of death. going to overcome the forces of death. And we want you to be a part of that. We And we want you to be a part of that. We And we want you to be a part of that. We want you to take on that mission. want you to take on that mission. want you to take on that mission. And then he says this,"I give you the And then he says this,"I give you the And then he says this,"I give you the keys and what you bind on earth will be keys and what you bind on earth will be keys and what you bind on earth will be bound in heaven and what you loose on bound in heaven and what you loose on bound in heaven and what you loose on earth will be loosen loosed in heaven." earth will be loosen loosed in heaven." earth will be loosen loosed in heaven." Not only am I giving you the Not only am I giving you the Not only am I giving you the responsibility of this mission, I'm also responsibility of this mission, I'm also responsibility of this mission, I'm also giving you the authority. giving you the authority. giving you the authority. I'm going to give you everything you I'm going to give you everything you I'm going to give you everything you need to accomplish this mission should need to accomplish this mission should need to accomplish this mission should you choose to accept it.

you choose to accept it. you choose to accept it. The great theologian John Knox, he was a The great theologian John Knox, he was a The great theologian John Knox, he was a Presbyterian, a Scottish in the 1500s. Presbyterian, a Scottish in the 1500s. Presbyterian, a Scottish in the 1500s. Um he he said this and it has stuck with Um he he said this and it has stuck with Um he he said this and it has stuck with me ever since I learned it back in me ever since I learned it back in me ever since I learned it back in seminary. John Knox said, "The sole seminary. John Knox said, "The sole seminary. John Knox said, "The sole residuum residuum residuum of Christ on earth is the church. of Christ on earth is the church. of Christ on earth is the church. The only thing left after Jesus came, The only thing left after Jesus came, The only thing left after Jesus came, lived, died, was resurrected lived, died, was resurrected lived, died, was resurrected is the church. There's nothing else is the church. There's nothing else is the church. There's nothing else left. There's an old preacher story that I've There's an old preacher story that I've always loved and it's God is having a always loved and it's God is having a always loved and it's God is having a conversation with Jesus before he comes conversation with Jesus before he comes conversation with Jesus before he comes to earth and he says, "Okay, you're to earth and he says, "Okay, you're to earth and he says, "Okay, you're going to go, you're going to be going to go, you're going to be going to go, you're going to be crucified. I'm going to raise you and crucified. I'm going to raise you and crucified. I'm going to raise you and and um and then your disciples are going and um and then your disciples are going and um and then your disciples are going to tell and show um other people uh what to tell and show um other people uh what to tell and show um other people uh what the good news is. They're going to tell the good news is. They're going to tell the good news is. They're going to tell them about that. They're going to show them about that. They're going to show them about that. They're going to show what this kingdom of God looks like. And what this kingdom of God looks like. And what this kingdom of God looks like. And then those people are going to tell then those people are going to tell then those people are going to tell other people. And those people are going other people. And those people are going other people. And those people are going to tell other people. And those people to tell other people. And those people to tell other people. And those people are going to show it to other people are going to show it to other people are going to show it to other people until the whole world knows that's how until the whole world knows that's how until the whole world knows that's how it's going to work. And Jesus says to to it's going to work. And Jesus says to to it's going to work. And Jesus says to to God, "Well, what happens if they don't God, "Well, what happens if they don't God, "Well, what happens if they don't do it? What's like what's plan B?" And do it? What's like what's plan B?" And do it? What's like what's plan B?" And God says, "Well, there is no plan B.

God says, "Well, there is no plan B. God says, "Well, there is no plan B. That's what's going to happen. That's what's going to happen. That's what's going to happen. That's the that's that's the That's the that's that's the That's the that's that's the responsibility. That's our mission responsibility. That's our mission responsibility. That's our mission should we choose to accept it should we choose to accept it should we choose to accept it is to bring forth this kingdom of God. I don't know if you're ready. I don't know if you're ready. I don't know if I am. I don't know if I am. I don't know if I am. I have to ask myself, have I I have to ask myself, have I I have to ask myself, have I do I really believe in the depths of my do I really believe in the depths of my do I really believe in the depths of my heart that he's the one, that he's the heart that he's the one, that he's the heart that he's the one, that he's the Messiah? Am I willing to give my whole Messiah? Am I willing to give my whole Messiah? Am I willing to give my whole life to that? life to that? life to that? And second, am I willing to accept the And second, am I willing to accept the And second, am I willing to accept the mission that he's put before us mission that he's put before us mission that he's put before us to take on the responsibility of growing to take on the responsibility of growing to take on the responsibility of growing the kingdom of God all around us? the kingdom of God all around us? the kingdom of God all around us? I wonder if you feel like you have a a I wonder if you feel like you have a a I wonder if you feel like you have a a mission. mission. mission. You believe, but but do you have a You believe, but but do you have a You believe, but but do you have a mission? I'm not talking about like your mission? I'm not talking about like your mission? I'm not talking about like your own specific mission to do XYZ in this own specific mission to do XYZ in this own specific mission to do XYZ in this place, but do you feel like you're a place, but do you feel like you're a place, but do you feel like you're a like you have that mission to bring like you have that mission to bring like you have that mission to bring forth the kingdom of God to actually forth the kingdom of God to actually forth the kingdom of God to actually bring it forth on behalf of Jesus around bring it forth on behalf of Jesus around bring it forth on behalf of Jesus around us to be an instrument of his kingdom in us to be an instrument of his kingdom in us to be an instrument of his kingdom in the world?

the world? the world? That's the call on our life. Now, here's That's the call on our life. Now, here's That's the call on our life. Now, here's there's one more thing that we can't there's one more thing that we can't there's one more thing that we can't leave without. leave without. leave without. We all like to win. We all like to be We all like to win. We all like to be We all like to win. We all like to be winners. And here's the promise. The winners. And here's the promise. The winners. And here's the promise. The gates of Hades will not prevail against gates of Hades will not prevail against gates of Hades will not prevail against us. us. us. The gates of Hades, we the outcome is The gates of Hades, we the outcome is The gates of Hades, we the outcome is already determined. already determined. already determined. It's already happening. It's already happening. It's already happening. Jesus has already promised Jesus has already promised Jesus has already promised that he's going to finish it. that he's going to finish it. that he's going to finish it. He's not going to let it it let our work He's not going to let it it let our work He's not going to let it it let our work uh be in vain. uh be in vain. uh be in vain. But indeed the kingdom of God will come But indeed the kingdom of God will come But indeed the kingdom of God will come in its fullness. in its fullness. in its fullness. We just have to believe that. We just have to believe that. We just have to believe that. That's why Paul writes in um first 1 That's why Paul writes in um first 1 That's why Paul writes in um first 1 Corinthians 15 after he's been Corinthians 15 after he's been Corinthians 15 after he's been describing um the resurrection. He says, describing um the resurrection. He says, describing um the resurrection. He says, "Therefore, my beloved brothers and "Therefore, my beloved brothers and "Therefore, my beloved brothers and sisters, be steadfast, immovable, always sisters, be steadfast, immovable, always sisters, be steadfast, immovable, always excelling in the work of the Lord excelling in the work of the Lord excelling in the work of the Lord because you know that in the Lord your because you know that in the Lord your because you know that in the Lord your labor is not in vain."

So perhaps today is the day when you So perhaps today is the day when you realize that it's time. realize that it's time. realize that it's time. It's time for you to make that decision. It's time for you to make that decision. It's time for you to make that decision. Do I really believe that he's the Do I really believe that he's the Do I really believe that he's the Messiah? the one who will usher in the Messiah? the one who will usher in the Messiah? the one who will usher in the kingdom of God. kingdom of God. kingdom of God. And am I willing to take on the mission? And am I willing to take on the mission? And am I willing to take on the mission? Am I willing to accept the mission Am I willing to accept the mission Am I willing to accept the mission that he's put in front of us as his that he's put in front of us as his that he's put in front of us as his followers followers followers to bring forth that kingdom? to bring forth that kingdom? to bring forth that kingdom? Let's pray together. Gracious and loving Let's pray together. Gracious and loving Let's pray together. Gracious and loving God, God, God, it is time for us to make that decision it is time for us to make that decision it is time for us to make that decision to decide. Do we really in our hearts to decide. Do we really in our hearts to decide. Do we really in our hearts believe that Jesus is the Messiah? Even believe that Jesus is the Messiah? Even believe that Jesus is the Messiah? Even with our doubts and questions and things with our doubts and questions and things with our doubts and questions and things we don't understand at at our very we don't understand at at our very we don't understand at at our very hearts, do we believe that he is the hearts, do we believe that he is the hearts, do we believe that he is the Messiah? Messiah? Messiah? And and if so, will we take on the And and if so, will we take on the And and if so, will we take on the responsibility with the authority given responsibility with the authority given responsibility with the authority given us to bring forth that kingdom us to bring forth that kingdom us to bring forth that kingdom right here and right now all around us right here and right now all around us right here and right now all around us knowing that one day, knowing that one day, knowing that one day, one day he'll finish the job for us.

one day he'll finish the job for us. one day he'll finish the job for us. In the name of Christ we pray. Amen. In the name of Christ we pray. Amen. In the name of Christ we pray. Amen. I'm going to invite our ushers to come I'm going to invite our ushers to come I'm going to invite our ushers to come forward now as we present to God our our forward now as we present to God our our forward now as we present to God our our morning offering and as uh our staff morning offering and as uh our staff morning offering and as uh our staff singers uh present this uh great leaning singers uh present this uh great leaning singers uh present this uh great leaning on the everlasting arms. Let's continue on the everlasting arms. Let's continue on the everlasting arms. Let's continue in worship. What What [music] [music] [music] our joy our joy our joy we we we are [singing] the everlasting [music] [music] thy merc thy merc thy merc Blesses.

Blesses. Blesses. [music] They They are [singing] the [music] are [singing] the [music] are [singing] the [music] last [music and singing] [music and singing] leading. >> [music] >> [music] >> Leading >> Leading >> Leading [singing] >> How sweet to God. We [music] still the >> How sweet to God. We [music] still the way we way we way we are [singing] the earth.

are [singing] the earth. are [singing] the earth. [music] [music] [music] Oh, how bright the path cross from Oh, how bright the path cross from Oh, how bright the path cross from [singing] day [music] to day. Being [singing] day [music] to day. Being [singing] day [music] to day. Being on the everlasting [music] [music] >> What a lie to tell. What [music] I Save [music] me

Save [music] me all Our lives all Our lives all Our lives [music] [music] [music] are the [singing] [music] dream [music] dream [singing] [singing] [singing] of the Ever [music] [music] still. >> Leave [music] >> Leave [music] me.

[music] [music] Heat. Oh, Oh, [music] >> Please be seated. Friends, as we come >> Please be seated. Friends, as we come together to Christ's table, I'd like to together to Christ's table, I'd like to together to Christ's table, I'd like to remind you that all are welcome at this remind you that all are welcome at this remind you that all are welcome at this table. Whether you're a member of St.

table. Whether you're a member of St. table. Whether you're a member of St. Luke's or a Methodist or not, Christ Luke's or a Methodist or not, Christ Luke's or a Methodist or not, Christ invites to his table all who are seeking invites to his table all who are seeking invites to his table all who are seeking a deeper relationship with him. If you a deeper relationship with him. If you a deeper relationship with him. If you are joining us online, please uh grab are joining us online, please uh grab are joining us online, please uh grab your uh your elements, some juice uh and your uh your elements, some juice uh and your uh your elements, some juice uh and some crackers or bread and join us at some crackers or bread and join us at some crackers or bread and join us at the table. Um we take communion by the table. Um we take communion by the table. Um we take communion by intention, which means uh a uh your intention, which means uh a uh your intention, which means uh a uh your usher is going to let you know when to usher is going to let you know when to usher is going to let you know when to come forward. And when you come forward, come forward. And when you come forward, come forward. And when you come forward, you just hold out your hand and we will you just hold out your hand and we will you just hold out your hand and we will take a wafer and place it in your hand. take a wafer and place it in your hand. take a wafer and place it in your hand. Then you take that wafer, dip it into Then you take that wafer, dip it into Then you take that wafer, dip it into the cup and take it into your body. You the cup and take it into your body. You the cup and take it into your body. You are welcome to pray at the kneelers are welcome to pray at the kneelers are welcome to pray at the kneelers afterward or return to your seats. Uh we afterward or return to your seats. Uh we afterward or return to your seats. Uh we do have gluten-free elements available. do have gluten-free elements available. do have gluten-free elements available. So if you need gluten-free of elements So if you need gluten-free of elements So if you need gluten-free of elements elements, just let your server know and elements, just let your server know and elements, just let your server know and we will uh provide those to you. And if we will uh provide those to you. And if we will uh provide those to you. And if you would like to be uh served where you you would like to be uh served where you you would like to be uh served where you are seated, just let an usher know and are seated, just let an usher know and are seated, just let an usher know and we will come and meet you uh where you we will come and meet you uh where you we will come and meet you uh where you are. are. are. So Christ our Lord invites to his table So Christ our Lord invites to his table So Christ our Lord invites to his table all who love him, who earnestly repent all who love him, who earnestly repent all who love him, who earnestly repent of their sin and seek to live in peace of their sin and seek to live in peace of their sin and seek to live in peace with one another. Therefore, let us with one another. Therefore, let us with one another. Therefore, let us confess our sin before God and one confess our sin before God and one confess our sin before God and one another.

another. another. Gracious God, your scriptures tell us Gracious God, your scriptures tell us Gracious God, your scriptures tell us that you have swallowed up death in that you have swallowed up death in that you have swallowed up death in victory. This glorious truth we begin to victory. This glorious truth we begin to victory. This glorious truth we begin to understand with our minds. But when push understand with our minds. But when push understand with our minds. But when push comes to shove, we are still driven by comes to shove, we are still driven by comes to shove, we are still driven by fear. Even though death has lost its fear. Even though death has lost its fear. Even though death has lost its sting, we often live as though sin sting, we often live as though sin sting, we often live as though sin stills or sway over us. Lord, we confess stills or sway over us. Lord, we confess stills or sway over us. Lord, we confess that we trust our own strength and our that we trust our own strength and our that we trust our own strength and our own paths instead of your resurrection own paths instead of your resurrection own paths instead of your resurrection power. power. power. Change our hearts, oh God. Cleanse us Change our hearts, oh God. Cleanse us Change our hearts, oh God. Cleanse us from all unrighteousness from all unrighteousness from all unrighteousness and restore us to a complete and and restore us to a complete and and restore us to a complete and steadfast trust in Jesus. We pray this steadfast trust in Jesus. We pray this steadfast trust in Jesus. We pray this humbly in Christ's name. Amen. humbly in Christ's name. Amen. humbly in Christ's name. Amen. Hear the good news. Christ died while we Hear the good news. Christ died while we Hear the good news. Christ died while we were yet sinners. That proves God's love were yet sinners. That proves God's love were yet sinners. That proves God's love toward us. In the name of Jesus Christ, toward us. In the name of Jesus Christ, toward us. In the name of Jesus Christ, you are forgiven.

you are forgiven. you are forgiven. >> In the name of Jesus Christ, >> In the name of Jesus Christ, >> In the name of Jesus Christ, >> you are forgiven. Glory to God. Amen. >> you are forgiven. Glory to God. Amen. >> you are forgiven. Glory to God. Amen. The Lord be with you. And The Lord be with you. And The Lord be with you. And >> also with you. >> also with you. >> also with you. >> Lift up your hearts. Lift them up to the >> Lift up your hearts. Lift them up to the >> Lift up your hearts. Lift them up to the Lord. Lord. Lord. >> Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. >> Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. >> Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. >> It is right. >> It is right. >> It is right. >> It is right and a good and joyful thing >> It is right and a good and joyful thing >> It is right and a good and joyful thing always and everywhere to give thanks to always and everywhere to give thanks to always and everywhere to give thanks to you, Father Almighty, creator of heaven you, Father Almighty, creator of heaven you, Father Almighty, creator of heaven and earth. And so with your people on and earth. And so with your people on and earth. And so with your people on earth and all the company of heaven, we earth and all the company of heaven, we earth and all the company of heaven, we praise your name and join in their praise your name and join in their praise your name and join in their unending hymn. >> [music] >> [music] >> Holy, holy, holy and full of the glory. [music] and full of the glory. [music] Hosana Hosana Hosana in the highest. in the highest. in the highest. Blessed is he [music] who comes in the Blessed is he [music] who comes in the Blessed is he [music] who comes in the name of the Lord.

you and blessed is your son Jesus you and blessed is your son Jesus Christ. Your spirit anointed him to Christ. Your spirit anointed him to Christ. Your spirit anointed him to preach good news to the poor, to preach good news to the poor, to preach good news to the poor, to proclaim release to the captives and proclaim release to the captives and proclaim release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to set recovery of sight to the blind, to set recovery of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed, and at liberty those who are oppressed, and at liberty those who are oppressed, and to announce that the time had come when to announce that the time had come when to announce that the time had come when you would save your people." And on the you would save your people." And on the you would save your people." And on the night which Jesus gave himself up for night which Jesus gave himself up for night which Jesus gave himself up for us, he was having dinner with his us, he was having dinner with his us, he was having dinner with his disciples. And he took the bread, gave disciples. And he took the bread, gave disciples. And he took the bread, gave thanks to God, broke the bread, and thanks to God, broke the bread, and thanks to God, broke the bread, and said, "This is my body given for you. Do said, "This is my body given for you. Do said, "This is my body given for you. Do this in remembrance of me." this in remembrance of me." this in remembrance of me." And when the meal was over, Jesus took And when the meal was over, Jesus took And when the meal was over, Jesus took the cup. He gave thanks to God, and he the cup. He gave thanks to God, and he the cup. He gave thanks to God, and he said to his disciples, "Take and drink said to his disciples, "Take and drink said to his disciples, "Take and drink from this all of you. This is my blood from this all of you. This is my blood from this all of you. This is my blood of the new covenant poured out for you of the new covenant poured out for you of the new covenant poured out for you and for many, for the forgiveness of and for many, for the forgiveness of and for many, for the forgiveness of sins. Do this as often as you drink it sins. Do this as often as you drink it sins. Do this as often as you drink it in remembrance of me. in remembrance of me. in remembrance of me. And so in remembrance of these your And so in remembrance of these your And so in remembrance of these your mighty acts in Jesus Christ, we offer mighty acts in Jesus Christ, we offer mighty acts in Jesus Christ, we offer ourselves in praise and thanksgiving as ourselves in praise and thanksgiving as ourselves in praise and thanksgiving as a holy and living sacrifice in union a holy and living sacrifice in union a holy and living sacrifice in union with Christ's offering for us as we with Christ's offering for us as we with Christ's offering for us as we proclaim the mystery of faith.

>> Gracious God, pour out your Holy Spirit >> Gracious God, pour out your Holy Spirit on us gathered here and on these gifts on us gathered here and on these gifts on us gathered here and on these gifts of bread and cup. Make them be for us of bread and cup. Make them be for us of bread and cup. Make them be for us the body and blood of Christ that we may the body and blood of Christ that we may the body and blood of Christ that we may be for the world the body of Christ be for the world the body of Christ be for the world the body of Christ redeemed by his blood. By your spirit, redeemed by his blood. By your spirit, redeemed by his blood. By your spirit, make us one with Christ, one with each make us one with Christ, one with each make us one with Christ, one with each other, and one in ministry to all the other, and one in ministry to all the other, and one in ministry to all the world until Christ comes in final world until Christ comes in final world until Christ comes in final victory. And we feast at his heavenly victory. And we feast at his heavenly victory. And we feast at his heavenly banquet. Through your son, Jesus Christ, banquet. Through your son, Jesus Christ, banquet. Through your son, Jesus Christ, with the Holy Spirit, in your holy with the Holy Spirit, in your holy with the Holy Spirit, in your holy church, all honor and glory is yours, church, all honor and glory is yours, church, all honor and glory is yours, almighty father, now and forever. almighty father, now and forever. almighty father, now and forever. [music] >> Friends, with the confidence of >> Friends, with the confidence of children, let us pray together the children, let us pray together the children, let us pray together the prayer Jesus taught us to pray, saying, prayer Jesus taught us to pray, saying, prayer Jesus taught us to pray, saying, "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. Friends, our hymn of hymn of preparation Friends, our hymn of hymn of preparation Friends, our hymn of hymn of preparation is number 584. Lord, you give the great is number 584. Lord, you give the great is number 584. Lord, you give the great commission. Would you please stand as commission. Would you please stand as commission. Would you please stand as you're able and join in singing?

heal the s and reach the world. [music] heal the s and reach the world. [music] Bless the church Bless the church Bless the church it all the world all the world [music] for you [music] for you [music] to bring [music] my bring [music] my heart. Let the [music] world Let the [music] world trust your proise.

trust your proise. trust your proise. [music] He [music and singing] lost all you ever He [music and singing] lost all you ever [music] for us for us all the [music] [music] [music] Make the Make the Make the glory glory glory my body [music] my body [music] my body [music] is my is my is my let [music] let [music] let [music] us etc. etc. [music] pray pray [music] All the heart they do for him

All the heart they do for him [music] [music] [music] all the [music] [music] mercy Lord Lord our situation. [music] Glory Glory may [music] be may [music] be may [music] be as eternity eternity [music] >> You [music] have broken.

>> You [music] have broken. For the blood which you have For the blood which you have For the blood which you have for the words which you have [music] for the words which you have [music] for the words which you have [music] now we give you praise. now we give you praise. now we give you praise. [music] >> Friends, please join me in our prayer >> Friends, please join me in our prayer after communion printed in the bulletin. after communion printed in the bulletin. after communion printed in the bulletin. Gracious God, we thank you that in this Gracious God, we thank you that in this Gracious God, we thank you that in this sacrament you assure us of your goodness sacrament you assure us of your goodness sacrament you assure us of your goodness and love. Accept our sacrifice of praise and love. Accept our sacrifice of praise and love. Accept our sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving and help us to grow in and thanksgiving and help us to grow in and thanksgiving and help us to grow in love and obedience that we may serve you love and obedience that we may serve you love and obedience that we may serve you in the world and finally be brought to in the world and finally be brought to in the world and finally be brought to that table where all your saints feast that table where all your saints feast that table where all your saints feast with you forever. with you forever. with you forever. Father, we offer ourselves to you as a Father, we offer ourselves to you as a Father, we offer ourselves to you as a living sacrifice through Jesus Christ living sacrifice through Jesus Christ living sacrifice through Jesus Christ our Lord. Send us out in the power of our Lord. Send us out in the power of our Lord. Send us out in the power of your spirit to live and work for your your spirit to live and work for your your spirit to live and work for your praise and glory.

praise and glory. praise and glory. Friends, our hymn of commitment is Friends, our hymn of commitment is Friends, our hymn of commitment is number 2190. Bring forth the kingdom. Uh number 2190. Bring forth the kingdom. Uh number 2190. Bring forth the kingdom. Uh the words are printed in the bulletin. the words are printed in the bulletin. the words are printed in the bulletin. Would you please stand as you're able Would you please stand as you're able Would you please stand as you're able and join in this hymn. [music] [music] >> Sh the kingom of mercy. the kingom of mercy. The kingdom [music] of peace.

The kingdom [music] of peace. The kingdom [music] of peace. The kingdom of justice. Three [music] of God. of God. [music] of [music] of [music] freedom freedom freedom of mercy. Fre [music] of mercy. Fre [music] of mercy. Fre [music] of peace. Freice.

of peace. Freice. of peace. Freice. [music] Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. [music] friends. We're so glad that you were friends. We're so glad that you were able to join us this morning and I able to join us this morning and I able to join us this morning and I invite you out to the gathering room invite you out to the gathering room invite you out to the gathering room afterwards some for some yummy afterwards some for some yummy afterwards some for some yummy refreshments. Um, and on a selfish note, refreshments. Um, and on a selfish note, refreshments. Um, and on a selfish note, I would like to uh let you know that you I would like to uh let you know that you I would like to uh let you know that you are all invited to um our our study at are all invited to um our our study at are all invited to um our our study at 4:00 this afternoon in the Hines Baker 4:00 this afternoon in the Hines Baker 4:00 this afternoon in the Hines Baker room. we will be having a discussion on room. we will be having a discussion on room. we will be having a discussion on the book um the gift of being yourself.

the book um the gift of being yourself. the book um the gift of being yourself. So whether you've read the book or not, So whether you've read the book or not, So whether you've read the book or not, you are welcome to just come join us and you are welcome to just come join us and you are welcome to just come join us and um h join in on that discussion. It's um h join in on that discussion. It's um h join in on that discussion. It's going to be awesome. going to be awesome. going to be awesome. So today is a day to live and love like So today is a day to live and love like So today is a day to live and love like Jesus and to make a decision make a Jesus and to make a decision make a Jesus and to make a decision make a decision on um who Jesus is and what we decision on um who Jesus is and what we decision on um who Jesus is and what we are prepared to do. So go in peace and are prepared to do. So go in peace and are prepared to do. So go in peace and may the God of hope fill you with all may the God of hope fill you with all may the God of hope fill you with all the peace and joy in believing so that the peace and joy in believing so that the peace and joy in believing so that you may abound in hope by the power of you may abound in hope by the power of you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. In the name of the the Holy Spirit. In the name of the the Holy Spirit. In the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen. [music] [music] Heat.

Heat. Heat. [music] [music] [music] Heat.