Traditional | 11 a.m. | 07.26.26

[music] [music] Heat. [music] [music] >> Oh, Heat. Heat. [music] Heat. Heat. [music] [bell]

[bell] [music] [music]

[music] Heat. Heat. Heat. [music] >> Heat. Heat. >> Heat. Heat. [music] Oh Oh my god.

my god. my god. [music] We [music] We [music] cross cross cross the Christ [music] the Christ [music] till all the world till all the world [music] as [singing and music] all as [singing and music] all proise proise proise all the world to thee [music] with with the cross the cross the cross the Christ [music] the Christ [music] till all till all the [music] the [music] the [music] soul my [music]

my [music] victory. >> [music] >> Behind [singing] the cross >> Behind [singing] the cross >> Behind [singing] the cross the love of Christ procla. [music] >> I invite you to remain standing and join >> I invite you to remain standing and join with me as together we affirm our faith with me as together we affirm our faith with me as together we affirm our faith using the Apostles Creed. I believe in using the Apostles Creed. I believe in using the Apostles Creed. I believe in God the Father Almighty, maker of heaven God the Father Almighty, maker of heaven God the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, and in Jesus Christ, his only and earth, and in Jesus Christ, his only and earth, and in Jesus Christ, his only son, our Lord, who was conceived by the son, our Lord, who was conceived by the son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontious Pilate, was suffered under Pontious Pilate, was suffered under Pontious Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried. The third crucified, dead, and buried. The third crucified, dead, and buried. The third day he rose from the dead. He ascended day he rose from the dead. He ascended day he rose from the dead. He ascended into heaven, and siteth at the right into heaven, and siteth at the right into heaven, and siteth at the right hand of God the Father Almighty. From hand of God the Father Almighty. From hand of God the Father Almighty. From then he shall come to judge the quick then he shall come to judge the quick then he shall come to judge the quick and the dead. I believe in the Holy and the dead. I believe in the Holy and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Holy Catholic Church, the Spirit, the Holy Catholic Church, the Spirit, the Holy Catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of communion of saints, the forgiveness of communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and sins, the resurrection of the body, and sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting.

the life everlasting. the life everlasting. Amen. Glory [music] Glory [music] to the Father to the Father to the Father and [music] to the Son and to the Holy and [music] to the Son and to the Holy and [music] to the Son and to the Holy Ghost. Ghost. Ghost. As it [music] was in the beginning, As it [music] was in the beginning, As it [music] was in the beginning, is now [music] is now [music] is now [music] shall be shall be shall be world without [music] end. Amen. world without [music] end. Amen. world without [music] end. Amen. Amen. [music] As we prepare for our baptisms this As we prepare for our baptisms this morning, I want to sincerely apologize morning, I want to sincerely apologize morning, I want to sincerely apologize that we have accidentally left off two that we have accidentally left off two that we have accidentally left off two of our beautiful babies names in your of our beautiful babies names in your of our beautiful babies names in your bulletin. That is not because we do not bulletin. That is not because we do not bulletin. That is not because we do not love them, care about them, and want to love them, care about them, and want to love them, care about them, and want to value their baptisms today. So I value their baptisms today. So I value their baptisms today. So I sincerely apologize for our mistake and sincerely apologize for our mistake and sincerely apologize for our mistake and thank you so much for the grace families thank you so much for the grace families thank you so much for the grace families that you have given us in this name of that you have given us in this name of that you have given us in this name of mission today.

mission today. mission today. Brothers and sisters in Christ through Brothers and sisters in Christ through Brothers and sisters in Christ through the sacrament of baptism we are the sacrament of baptism we are the sacrament of baptism we are initiated into Christ's holy church. We initiated into Christ's holy church. We initiated into Christ's holy church. We are incorporated into God's mighty acts are incorporated into God's mighty acts are incorporated into God's mighty acts of salvation and are given new birth of salvation and are given new birth of salvation and are given new birth through water and the spirit. All of through water and the spirit. All of through water and the spirit. All of this is God's gift offered to us without this is God's gift offered to us without this is God's gift offered to us without price. price. price. Today we present for holy baptism Today we present for holy baptism Today we present for holy baptism William Claybornne Osborne, son of John William Claybornne Osborne, son of John William Claybornne Osborne, son of John and Stacy. Eloise James True Love, and Stacy. Eloise James True Love, and Stacy. Eloise James True Love, daughter of James and Annabelle and Anna daughter of James and Annabelle and Anna daughter of James and Annabelle and Anna Catalina True Love, daughter of John and Catalina True Love, daughter of John and Catalina True Love, daughter of John and Claudia. Claudia. Claudia. Parents, in presenting William, Eloise, Parents, in presenting William, Eloise, Parents, in presenting William, Eloise, and Anna for holy baptism, do you and Anna for holy baptism, do you and Anna for holy baptism, do you confess Jesus Christ as your savior? Put confess Jesus Christ as your savior? Put confess Jesus Christ as your savior? Put your whole trust in his grace and your whole trust in his grace and your whole trust in his grace and promise to serve him as your Lord in promise to serve him as your Lord in promise to serve him as your Lord in union with the church which Christ has union with the church which Christ has union with the church which Christ has opened to people of all ages, nations, opened to people of all ages, nations, opened to people of all ages, nations, and races. If you do, please say, "We and races. If you do, please say, "We and races. If you do, please say, "We do." do." do." And will you nurture William, Eloise, And will you nurture William, Eloise, And will you nurture William, Eloise, and Anna in Christ's holy church that by and Anna in Christ's holy church that by and Anna in Christ's holy church that by your teaching and example they may be your teaching and example they may be your teaching and example they may be guided to accept God's grace for guided to accept God's grace for guided to accept God's grace for themselves, to profess their faith themselves, to profess their faith themselves, to profess their faith openly, and to lead a Christian life. If openly, and to lead a Christian life. If openly, and to lead a Christian life. If you will, please say, "We will."

And what name is given this child? And what name is given this child? >> William Claybornne. >> William Claybornne, I baptize you in the >> William Claybornne, I baptize you in the name of the Father and of the Son and of name of the Father and of the Son and of name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. And pray God's the Holy Spirit. And pray God's the Holy Spirit. And pray God's blessings on you all the days of your blessings on you all the days of your blessings on you all the days of your life. life. life. Amen. William Clayborn, this is your new William Clayborn, this is your new Christian family. Your mothers, your Christian family. Your mothers, your Christian family. Your mothers, your fathers, your sisters, your brothers in fathers, your sisters, your brothers in fathers, your sisters, your brothers in the faith out there. These people out the faith out there. These people out the faith out there. These people out there, there, there, this is our new son. Welcome him. this is our new son. Welcome him. this is our new son. Welcome him. [applause] He's non plus. He's non plus. Thank you so much. Thank you. Thank you so much. Thank you. Thank you so much. Thank you. Hi there. Hi there. Hi there. How are you? Can I come see you? Will How are you? Can I come see you? Will How are you? Can I come see you? Will you come see me? I mean, you're here you come see me? I mean, you're here you come see me? I mean, you're here with your cousin, right? And what name is given this child?

And what name is given this child? >> Eloise James. >> Eloise James, I baptize you in the name >> Eloise James, I baptize you in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy of the Father and the Son and the Holy of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit and pray God's blessings on you Spirit and pray God's blessings on you Spirit and pray God's blessings on you all the days of your life. Amen. Eloise, this is your new Christian Eloise, this is your new Christian family. This is our new daughter. family. This is our new daughter. family. This is our new daughter. Welcome her and our family. Welcome her and our family. Welcome her and our family. [applause] >> Hi there. You come say hi to me. >> Hi there. You come say hi to me. I got you. I got you. I got you. I'm going to hold you this way. Okay. I'm going to hold you this way. Okay. I'm going to hold you this way. Okay. [crying] Okay, here you you hold you [crying] Okay, here you you hold you [crying] Okay, here you you hold you keep her. You keep her. Yeah, keep her. You keep her. Yeah, keep her. You keep her. Yeah, >> that's all right. That was a look I got >> that's all right. That was a look I got >> that's all right. That was a look I got right there. [laughter] right there. [laughter] right there. [laughter] >> And what name is given this child? >> And what name is given this child? >> And what name is given this child? >> Anna Catalina. >> Anna Catalina. >> Anna Catalina. >> Anna Catalina. I baptize you in the name >> Anna Catalina. I baptize you in the name >> Anna Catalina. I baptize you in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy of the Father and the Son and the Holy of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. And pray God's blessings on you Spirit. And pray God's blessings on you Spirit. And pray God's blessings on you all the days of your life. Amen. Here.

all the days of your life. Amen. Here. all the days of your life. Amen. Here. Go this. Yeah, I got to show her off Go this. Yeah, I got to show her off Go this. Yeah, I got to show her off here. here. here. >> [clears throat] >> [clears throat] >> [clears throat] >> Anna Catalina, this is your new family. >> Anna Catalina, this is your new family. >> Anna Catalina, this is your new family. Welcome her into our family. [applause] [applause] >> Thank you [cheering] so much. >> Thank you [cheering] so much. >> Thank you [cheering] so much. >> Beloved of the Household of Faith, I >> Beloved of the Household of Faith, I >> Beloved of the Household of Faith, I commend to your love and care William commend to your love and care William commend to your love and care William Eloise and Anna whom we this day Eloise and Anna whom we this day Eloise and Anna whom we this day recognize as members of the family of recognize as members of the family of recognize as members of the family of God. Will you endeavor so to live that God. Will you endeavor so to live that God. Will you endeavor so to live that they may grow in the knowledge and love they may grow in the knowledge and love they may grow in the knowledge and love of God the Father through our Savior of God the Father through our Savior of God the Father through our Savior Jesus Christ? Jesus Christ? Jesus Christ? With God's help, we will proclaim the With God's help, we will proclaim the With God's help, we will proclaim the good news and live according to the good news and live according to the good news and live according to the example of Christ. We will surround example of Christ. We will surround example of Christ. We will surround these children with a community of love these children with a community of love these children with a community of love and forgiveness that they may grow in and forgiveness that they may grow in and forgiveness that they may grow in their service to others. We will pray their service to others. We will pray their service to others. We will pray for them that they may be true disciples for them that they may be true disciples for them that they may be true disciples who walk in the way that leads to life who walk in the way that leads to life who walk in the way that leads to life eternal. eternal. eternal. >> Let us pray. Gracious and loving God, we >> Let us pray. Gracious and loving God, we >> Let us pray. Gracious and loving God, we we know that your prevenient grace, that we know that your prevenient grace, that we know that your prevenient grace, that grace that precedes any human response, grace that precedes any human response, grace that precedes any human response, has been poured into William and Eloise has been poured into William and Eloise has been poured into William and Eloise and Ana Catalina's life since the moment and Ana Catalina's life since the moment and Ana Catalina's life since the moment you created them. Now that we have you created them. Now that we have you created them. Now that we have marked them as belonging to you and marked them as belonging to you and marked them as belonging to you and sealed them with your love, claimed them sealed them with your love, claimed them sealed them with your love, claimed them as a part of this community, we pray as a part of this community, we pray as a part of this community, we pray that you would continue to pour grace that you would continue to pour grace that you would continue to pour grace into their lives. Draw them into a into their lives. Draw them into a into their lives. Draw them into a relationship of love with you. God, when relationship of love with you. God, when relationship of love with you. God, when they turn away, as all of us are are they turn away, as all of us are are they turn away, as all of us are are prone to do, we pray that you would prone to do, we pray that you would

prone to do, we pray that you would pursue them and with that same love, pursue them and with that same love, pursue them and with that same love, draw them right back to you again. and draw them right back to you again. and draw them right back to you again. and when they turn back to you, God, we when they turn back to you, God, we when they turn back to you, God, we thank you that you are a God who always thank you that you are a God who always thank you that you are a God who always welcomes us with open and loving arms. welcomes us with open and loving arms. welcomes us with open and loving arms. Be with these parents, with this Be with these parents, with this Be with these parents, with this extended family, with us as a church extended family, with us as a church extended family, with us as a church family, that we might live out our faith family, that we might live out our faith family, that we might live out our faith in front of these children that as they in front of these children that as they in front of these children that as they are shaped and formed by this community. are shaped and formed by this community. are shaped and formed by this community. They cannot help but see in the way we They cannot help but see in the way we They cannot help but see in the way we actually live our lives what kind of God actually live our lives what kind of God actually live our lives what kind of God you are. An amazing and forgiving and you are. An amazing and forgiving and you are. An amazing and forgiving and life-changing God. In the name of Christ life-changing God. In the name of Christ life-changing God. In the name of Christ we pray. Amen. we pray. Amen. we pray. Amen. Amen. Well, very good. While our baptism Amen. Well, very good. While our baptism Amen. Well, very good. While our baptism families return to their seats, this is families return to their seats, this is families return to their seats, this is a chance for me to welcome you to St. a chance for me to welcome you to St. a chance for me to welcome you to St. Luke's. Good morning. Uh we're glad that Luke's. Good morning. Uh we're glad that Luke's. Good morning. Uh we're glad that you're here and that you're worshiping you're here and that you're worshiping you're here and that you're worshiping with us today. Um welcome to those of with us today. Um welcome to those of with us today. Um welcome to those of you who are worshiping with us on live you who are worshiping with us on live you who are worshiping with us on live stream as well. We're so glad you're stream as well. We're so glad you're stream as well. We're so glad you're with us. We have folks uh we've really with us. We have folks uh we've really with us. We have folks uh we've really enjoyed this summer. um people showing enjoyed this summer. um people showing enjoyed this summer. um people showing off the little tiny Jesus's that we off the little tiny Jesus's that we off the little tiny Jesus's that we passed out from wherever you were as you passed out from wherever you were as you passed out from wherever you were as you send in photos of of you and your tiny send in photos of of you and your tiny send in photos of of you and your tiny Jesus in all sorts of fun places. So, I Jesus in all sorts of fun places. So, I Jesus in all sorts of fun places. So, I hope you are having a good summer and I hope you are having a good summer and I hope you are having a good summer and I know that there are many of you know that there are many of you know that there are many of you traveling today and you're with us on traveling today and you're with us on traveling today and you're with us on live stream as well. If you're here in live stream as well. If you're here in live stream as well. If you're here in the sanctuary, I hope you'll come out to the sanctuary, I hope you'll come out to the sanctuary, I hope you'll come out to the gathering room right after the the gathering room right after the the gathering room right after the service. We have some snacks out there service. We have some snacks out there service. We have some snacks out there and um a time of fellowship. I hope if I and um a time of fellowship. I hope if I and um a time of fellowship. I hope if I haven't had the chance to meet you, I haven't had the chance to meet you, I haven't had the chance to meet you, I would love to do that and maybe you have would love to do that and maybe you have would love to do that and maybe you have a question about St. Luke's I can answer a question about St. Luke's I can answer a question about St. Luke's I can answer or something I can be praying about in or something I can be praying about in or something I can be praying about in your life. Um, but it's just a time for

your life. Um, but it's just a time for your life. Um, but it's just a time for us to connect with others and hope us to connect with others and hope us to connect with others and hope you'll take advantage of that. A number you'll take advantage of that. A number you'll take advantage of that. A number of announcements that I I want to lift of announcements that I I want to lift of announcements that I I want to lift up. Oh, oh, by the way, please register up. Oh, oh, by the way, please register up. Oh, oh, by the way, please register your attendance. You can do that on St. your attendance. You can do that on St. your attendance. You can do that on St. Luke's app. If you're here in the Luke's app. If you're here in the Luke's app. If you're here in the sanctuary, there's a card in your pew sanctuary, there's a card in your pew sanctuary, there's a card in your pew pocket that says welcome and you can put pocket that says welcome and you can put pocket that says welcome and you can put your contact information on that and your contact information on that and 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. Or if you're online, the service. Or if you're online, the service. Or if you're online, there's a little tab if you're on our there's a little tab if you're on our there's a little tab if you're on our website platform, there's a little tab website platform, there's a little tab website platform, there's a little tab that says welcome or check in, I think, that says welcome or check in, I think, that says welcome or check in, I think, and you can uh uh check in that way. Um, and you can uh uh check in that way. Um, and you can uh uh check in that way. Um, a number of announcements. I hope you'll a number of announcements. I hope you'll a number of announcements. I hope you'll look at all of them. There's so many look at all of them. There's so many look at all of them. There's so many neat things going on that are there in neat things going on that are there in neat things going on that are there in the bulletin, but I want to lift up the the bulletin, but I want to lift up the the bulletin, but I want to lift up the community wellness survey. This is a community wellness survey. This is a community wellness survey. This is a part of our strategic plan for these part of our strategic plan for these part of our strategic plan for these next three years is to really ramp up next three years is to really ramp up next three years is to really ramp up our our work on developing um uh just our our work on developing um uh just our our work on developing um uh just the whole sense of community wellness. the whole sense of community wellness. the whole sense of community wellness. Jesus was a healer and that means uh Jesus was a healer and that means uh Jesus was a healer and that means uh health is an important part of what we health is an important part of what we health is an important part of what we do and that includes mental and a mental do and that includes mental and a mental do and that includes mental and a mental and relational and emotional uh health and relational and emotional uh health and relational and emotional uh health as well as physical health. And so as well as physical health. And so as well as physical health. And so anyway, we have a um a survey that um anyway, we have a um a survey that um anyway, we have a um a survey that um we've been inviting you to do. We have we've been inviting you to do. We have we've been inviting you to do. We have over 300 responses and today's your last over 300 responses and today's your last over 300 responses and today's your last day to do it. So, if you would take if day to do it. So, if you would take if day to do it. So, if you would take if you haven't had the chance, if you take you haven't had the chance, if you take you haven't had the chance, if you take a minute and there's a QR code in your a minute and there's a QR code in your a minute and there's a QR code in your bulletin or you can do it on paper out bulletin or you can do it on paper out bulletin or you can do it on paper out at the connection desk. I want to say at the connection desk. I want to say at the connection desk. I want to say thank you to all to those of you who thank you to all to those of you who thank you to all to those of you who helped to support our Jenga which means helped to support our Jenga which means helped to support our Jenga which means uh to build a church um uh in uh the uh to build a church um uh in uh the uh to build a church um uh in uh the Congo. There are three churches there

Congo. There are three churches there Congo. There are three churches there that that we have helped support um by that that we have helped support um by that that we have helped support um by providing materials as they uh build providing materials as they uh build providing materials as they uh build their church. We're joining with all their church. We're joining with all their church. We're joining with all sorts of uh churches in the in the Texas sorts of uh churches in the in the Texas sorts of uh churches in the in the Texas Conference of the United Methodist Conference of the United Methodist Conference of the United Methodist Church to help support these three Church to help support these three Church to help support these three churches. We raised over $22,000 and uh churches. We raised over $22,000 and uh churches. We raised over $22,000 and uh I just want to say thank you for that. I just want to say thank you for that. I just want to say thank you for that. That really makes a difference. That's That really makes a difference. That's That really makes a difference. That's $482 bags of concrete that you bought $482 bags of concrete that you bought $482 bags of concrete that you bought and um that'll make a real difference in and um that'll make a real difference in and um that'll make a real difference in those uh three fast growing churches. those uh three fast growing churches. those uh three fast growing churches. And just one last time that um here at And just one last time that um here at And just one last time that um here at St. Luke's we do Christmas in July for St. Luke's we do Christmas in July for St. Luke's we do Christmas in July for for um uh the CCSC uh Christian for um uh the CCSC uh Christian for um uh the CCSC uh Christian community service center. That's uh we community service center. That's uh we community service center. That's uh we provide non-p perishable food items for provide non-p perishable food items for provide non-p perishable food items for their food pantry and their donations go their food pantry and their donations go their food pantry and their donations go down in the summer and their needs go up down in the summer and their needs go up down in the summer and their needs go up in the summer. So, anytime during the in the summer. So, anytime during the in the summer. So, anytime during the week, if you have non-p perishable week, if you have non-p perishable week, if you have non-p perishable items, go to the grocery store, get some items, go to the grocery store, get some items, go to the grocery store, get some of those, and and bring them and just of those, and and bring them and just of those, and and bring them and just leave them in our gathering room in the leave them in our gathering room in the leave them in our gathering room in the bin that's there, and we'll get them to bin that's there, and we'll get them to bin that's there, and we'll get them to CCSC to keep their food pantry um uh uh CCSC to keep their food pantry um uh uh CCSC to keep their food pantry um uh uh stocked. Um our ministry spotlight stocked. Um our ministry spotlight stocked. Um our ministry spotlight table. Every week we have a a table out table. Every week we have a a table out table. Every week we have a a table out here that spotlights one of our here that spotlights one of our here that spotlights one of our ministries, and today we're spotlighting ministries, and today we're spotlighting ministries, and today we're spotlighting Children's Church, which is uh happens Children's Church, which is uh happens Children's Church, which is uh happens right now during this 11:00 worship right now during this 11:00 worship right now during this 11:00 worship hour. And it is um uh for young people, hour. And it is um uh for young people, hour. And it is um uh for young people, some of whom have their parents have some of whom have their parents have some of whom have their parents have been in Sunday school classes during the been in Sunday school classes during the been in Sunday school classes during the 9:45 hour and then they've come to to uh 9:45 hour and then they've come to to uh 9:45 hour and then they've come to to uh their parents are in church here. And so

their parents are in church here. And so their parents are in church here. And so we have a age appropriate church service we have a age appropriate church service we have a age appropriate church service that happens for them at 11:00. And if that happens for them at 11:00. And if that happens for them at 11:00. And if you would be willing to help with that, you would be willing to help with that, you would be willing to help with that, um you don't have to prepare anything. um you don't have to prepare anything. um you don't have to prepare anything. You just have to show up and be with the You just have to show up and be with the You just have to show up and be with the kids once a month. And um it's a great kids once a month. And um it's a great kids once a month. And um it's a great one. My grandkids love children's one. My grandkids love children's one. My grandkids love children's church. Um, and so you can sign up at church. Um, and so you can sign up at church. Um, and so you can sign up at the ministry table just one time a month the ministry table just one time a month the ministry table just one time a month to just be there and be with the young to just be there and be with the young to just be there and be with the young with the kids and it makes a great with the kids and it makes a great with the kids and it makes a great difference. But go find out about it out difference. But go find out about it out difference. But go find out about it out there. Um, today there. Um, today there. Um, today all of those are important all of those are important all of those are important announcements. I hope you'll check out announcements. I hope you'll check out announcements. I hope you'll check out all of those. Um, they all matter a lot all of those. Um, they all matter a lot all of those. Um, they all matter a lot and I I um there's just so many things and I I um there's just so many things and I I um there's just so many things going on. I hope you'll find just going on. I hope you'll find just going on. I hope you'll find just something that speaks to your heart that something that speaks to your heart that something that speaks to your heart that you can be a part of. So um today we're you can be a part of. So um today we're you can be a part of. So um today we're concluding a series of sermons uh on um concluding a series of sermons uh on um concluding a series of sermons uh on um we call it holiday with Jesus and we've we call it holiday with Jesus and we've we call it holiday with Jesus and we've looked at the geography of Jesus, how he looked at the geography of Jesus, how he looked at the geography of Jesus, how he traveled all about uh for these three traveled all about uh for these three traveled all about uh for these three years, where he did his ministry and the years, where he did his ministry and the years, where he did his ministry and the significance of those places. And today significance of those places. And today significance of those places. And today we're going to look at Jerusalem. So I I we're going to look at Jerusalem. So I I we're going to look at Jerusalem. So I I want you to listen now as we hear this want you to listen now as we hear this want you to listen now as we hear this this uh anthem, Peace Like a River, this uh anthem, Peace Like a River, this uh anthem, Peace Like a River, speaks to my heart. And then you'll hear speaks to my heart. And then you'll hear speaks to my heart. And then you'll hear our scripture read from the Gospel of our scripture read from the Gospel of our scripture read from the Gospel of Luke. Let's continue in worship.

[music] [music] >> I' got [singing] like a river. like a river. >> [singing] >> [singing] >> [singing] >> I got [music] peace >> I got [music] peace >> I got [music] peace like a river. like a river. like a river. I've [singing] got [music] peace I've [singing] got [music] peace I've [singing] got [music] peace like a river like a river like a river in my soul. [music] I [singing] got peace [music] like a I [singing] got peace [music] like a river. river. river. I' got [music and singing] peace I' got [music and singing] peace I' got [music and singing] peace like a river. like a river. like a river. I [singing] got peace I [singing] got peace I [singing] got peace like a river [music] like a river [music] like a river [music] in my soul. [music] [music] I' got [singing] I' got [singing] I' got [singing] like [chanting] a river. like [chanting] a river. like [chanting] a river. I got I got I got like a river.

like a river. like a river. I've got [singing] faith [chanting] like I've got [singing] faith [chanting] like I've got [singing] faith [chanting] like a river in my soul. [music] a river in my soul. [music] a river in my soul. [music] [singing] I've got faith I've got faith like a river. like a river. like a river. I've got faith [music and singing] I've got faith [music and singing] I've got faith [music and singing] like a river. like a river. like a river. I've got faith [singing] I've got faith [singing] I've got faith [singing] like [chanting] like [chanting] like [chanting] a river in [singing] my soul. [music] I [singing] got home I [singing] got home like a river. like a river. like a river. I [singing] got home I [singing] got home I [singing] got home like a [music] river. like a [music] river. like a [music] river. I hope I hope I hope like [singing] a river [music] like [singing] a river [music] like [singing] a river [music] in my soul. I got home I got home like [music and singing] a river.

like [music and singing] a river. like [music and singing] a river. I got home I got home I got home like a river. like a river. like a river. I got home [music] I got home [music] I got home [music] like a river like a river like a river in my [music] soul. I [music and singing] got love I [music and singing] got love a river. a river. a river. I [singing] got love I [singing] got love I [singing] got love like a river. like a river. like a river. My God My God My God by [singing] by [singing] by [singing] the river the river the river in [music] in [music] in [music] my soul [singing] [singing] like a river like a river like a river like [music] a river a river [music] [music] [music] [singing] like a river [singing] like a river [singing] like a river in [music] in [music] in [music] my soul. [singing] I got faith [music] I got faith [music] like [singing] a river.

like [singing] a river. like [singing] a river. I got home I got home I got home like a [music] river. like a [music] river. like a [music] river. I am God I am God I am God like [music and singing] a river like [music and singing] a river like [music and singing] a river in my soul. [music] [music] in in in my soul. [music] Peace Peace in in in my my my soul. [music] scripture this morning uh begins with scripture this morning uh begins with Luke chapter 13.

Luke chapter 13. Luke chapter 13. And that at that very hour some And that at that very hour some And that at that very hour some Pharisees came and said to him, "Get Pharisees came and said to him, "Get Pharisees came and said to him, "Get away from here, for Herod wants to kill away from here, for Herod wants to kill away from here, for Herod wants to kill you." He said to them, "Go and tell that you." He said to them, "Go and tell that you." He said to them, "Go and tell that fox for me. Listen, I am casting out fox for me. Listen, I am casting out fox for me. Listen, I am casting out demons and performing cures today and demons and performing cures today and demons and performing cures today and tomorrow. And on the third day, I finish tomorrow. And on the third day, I finish tomorrow. And on the third day, I finish my work. Yet today, tomorrow, and the my work. Yet today, tomorrow, and the my work. Yet today, tomorrow, and the next day, I must be on my way because it next day, I must be on my way because it next day, I must be on my way because it is impossible for a prophet to be killed is impossible for a prophet to be killed is impossible for a prophet to be killed outside of Jerusalem." outside of Jerusalem." outside of Jerusalem." Jerusalem. Jerusalem, the city that Jerusalem. Jerusalem, the city that Jerusalem. Jerusalem, the city that kills prophets and stones those who are kills prophets and stones those who are kills prophets and stones those who are sent to it. How often have I desired to sent to it. How often have I desired to sent to it. How often have I desired to gather children together as a hen gather children together as a hen gather children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings and gathers her brood under her wings and gathers her brood under her wings and you were not willing. you were not willing. you were not willing. See, your house is left to you. And I See, your house is left to you. And I See, your house is left to you. And I tell you, you will not see me until the tell you, you will not see me until the tell you, you will not see me until the time comes when you say, "Blessed is the time comes when you say, "Blessed is the time comes when you say, "Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord." one who comes in the name of the Lord." one who comes in the name of the Lord." And from Luke 19, And from Luke 19, And from Luke 19, as he came near and saw the city, he as he came near and saw the city, he as he came near and saw the city, he wept over it.

wept over it. wept over it. And Luke 22, And Luke 22, And Luke 22, then Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, then Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, then Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are for they do not know what they are for they do not know what they are doing, and they cast lots to divide his doing, and they cast lots to divide his doing, and they cast lots to divide his clothing." clothing." clothing." The word of God for the people of God. The word of God for the people of God. The word of God for the people of God. Thanks be to God. I I was [music] let us pray.

let us pray. Gracious, loving, and merciful God, we Gracious, loving, and merciful God, we Gracious, loving, and merciful God, we thank you for revealing yourself to us thank you for revealing yourself to us thank you for revealing yourself to us in the life of Jesus, in your word, and in the life of Jesus, in your word, and in the life of Jesus, in your word, and in your spirit. in your spirit. in your spirit. Thank you for showing us a path of Thank you for showing us a path of Thank you for showing us a path of compassion, courage, mercy, and love. compassion, courage, mercy, and love. compassion, courage, mercy, and love. And thank you for calling us and guiding And thank you for calling us and guiding And thank you for calling us and guiding us with your grace. us with your grace. us with your grace. Lord, we know that we do not always Lord, we know that we do not always Lord, we know that we do not always follow your lead. We sometimes ignore follow your lead. We sometimes ignore follow your lead. We sometimes ignore your voice. We resist your will. We may your voice. We resist your will. We may your voice. We resist your will. We may choose comfort and convenience over what choose comfort and convenience over what choose comfort and convenience over what is faithful to you. is faithful to you. is faithful to you. And sometimes we do not know what we are And sometimes we do not know what we are And sometimes we do not know what we are doing, God. Our words, our choices, our doing, God. Our words, our choices, our doing, God. Our words, our choices, our silence, our indifference, silence, our indifference, silence, our indifference, sometimes they harm others in ways we do sometimes they harm others in ways we do sometimes they harm others in ways we do not recognize. not recognize. not recognize. Lord, forgive us. Lord, forgive us. Lord, forgive us. And God, we lay our burdens before you And God, we lay our burdens before you And God, we lay our burdens before you this morning. Our fears, our this morning. Our fears, our this morning. Our fears, our difficulties, difficulties, difficulties, those decisions we do not know how to those decisions we do not know how to those decisions we do not know how to make.

make. make. God, we just turn them over to you. God, we just turn them over to you. God, we just turn them over to you. Give us courage to persevere Give us courage to persevere Give us courage to persevere and to take whatever next step you would and to take whatever next step you would and to take whatever next step you would have us take. have us take. have us take. Lord, we pray for our communities, Lord, we pray for our communities, Lord, we pray for our communities, our country, and our world. our country, and our world. our country, and our world. for places in crisis, for places in crisis, for places in crisis, those experiencing violence, injustice, those experiencing violence, injustice, those experiencing violence, injustice, hatred, hunger, and war. And as Jesus wept over Jerusalem, Lord, And as Jesus wept over Jerusalem, Lord, teach us to teach us to teach us to to weep for what breaks your heart to weep for what breaks your heart to weep for what breaks your heart and then give us strength and wisdom to and then give us strength and wisdom to and then give us strength and wisdom to work toward reconciliation and healing. work toward reconciliation and healing. work toward reconciliation and healing. God, we know that failure is not the end God, we know that failure is not the end God, we know that failure is not the end of the story. So continue to pour out of the story. So continue to pour out of the story. So continue to pour out your grace, your love, your mercy, your your grace, your love, your mercy, your your grace, your love, your mercy, your forgiveness over each of us, forgiveness over each of us, forgiveness over each of us, leading us on your path, leading us on your path, leading us on your path, and forming us into people of and forming us into people of and forming us into people of forgiveness, compassion, and peace.

forgiveness, compassion, and peace. forgiveness, compassion, and peace. God, we thank you, we praise you, we God, we thank you, we praise you, we God, we thank you, we praise you, we trust you, and we lift all this up with trust you, and we lift all this up with trust you, and we lift all this up with one voice as we pray together. Our one voice as we pray together. Our one voice as we pray together. Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be 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. Give done on earth as it is in heaven. Give done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us this day our daily bread, and forgive us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, us our trespasses, us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against as we forgive those who trespass against as we forgive those who trespass against us, and lead us not into temptation, but us, and lead us not into temptation, but us, and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the deliver us from evil. For thine is the deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory kingdom and the power and the glory kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen. forever. Amen. forever. Amen. Our hymn of preparation is on page Our hymn of preparation is on page Our hymn of preparation is on page number 118 in your himnil. The care the number 118 in your himnil. The care the number 118 in your himnil. The care the eagle gives her young. You may think you eagle gives her young. You may think you eagle gives her young. You may think you don't know this hymn and you may not don't know this hymn and you may not don't know this hymn and you may not know the words, but you definitely know know the words, but you definitely know know the words, but you definitely know the tune. We often sing the 23rd psalm the tune. We often sing the 23rd psalm the tune. We often sing the 23rd psalm to this tune, Crimand. And if you like to this tune, Crimand. And if you like to this tune, Crimand. And if you like the song Eagle's Wings, this is much the the song Eagle's Wings, this is much the the song Eagle's Wings, this is much the same spirit, the care the eagle gives same spirit, the care the eagle gives same spirit, the care the eagle gives her young. I hope you will also take a her young. I hope you will also take a her young. I hope you will also take a moment to look at the QR code in the moment to look at the QR code in the moment to look at the QR code in the bulletin that tells you something about bulletin that tells you something about bulletin that tells you something about the hymns we're singing today. But now the hymns we're singing today. But now the hymns we're singing today. But now we're going to stand and sing all three we're going to stand and sing all three we're going to stand and sing all three of these verses. Would you stand please of these verses. Would you stand please of these verses. Would you stand please and sing with me?

>> What >> What the [music] he [music] [music] >> [singing] >> [singing] >> [singing] >> all of all the [music] all the [music] forms. Jesus Jesus and [music] and [music] and [music] tonight. tonight. tonight. So we So we So we are are are to [music] glory Because [singing] Because [singing] I have mercy I have mercy I have mercy as as as he he he falls falls falls [music] [music] [music] to bear you may be seated. did you may be seated. did I invite our ushers to come forward now

I invite our ushers to come forward now I invite our ushers to come forward now as we uh present to God our morning as we uh present to God our morning as we uh present to God our morning offering supporting the ministries of offering supporting the ministries of offering supporting the ministries of St. Luke's but also just a time in which St. Luke's but also just a time in which St. Luke's but also just a time in which we think about all that we have to offer we think about all that we have to offer we think about all that we have to offer God that uh every moment of our lives is God that uh every moment of our lives is God that uh every moment of our lives is to be worship what what do you have to to be worship what what do you have to to be worship what what do you have to offer God offer God offer God let's continue in worship now as uh our let's continue in worship now as uh our let's continue in worship now as uh our choir makes an offering on our behalf [music] [music] [singing] [singing] [singing] grass or the dust we bring around it the dust we bring around it to me [singing] [singing] [music] [music] [music] to the open door [music]

and again the old [singing] and again the old [singing] time time time repeat morning morning we are still [singing and music] to the altar [singing and music] to the altar waiting [singing] waiting [singing] waiting [singing] there. the [singing] master's the [singing] master's house with a The old church The old church [music] [music] [music] [singing] [singing] [singing] looks quite looks quite looks quite [music] >> Praise God.

>> Praise God. [music] Praise him all. Praise him all. [music] Join with me in a word of prayer. Oh Join with me in a word of prayer. Oh God, open us up today. God, open us up today. God, open us up today. Open our eyes that we might see, our Open our eyes that we might see, our Open our eyes that we might see, our ears that we might hear, ears that we might hear, ears that we might hear, open our hearts that we might feel. open our hearts that we might feel. open our hearts that we might feel. And then, oh God, open our our hands And then, oh God, open our our hands And then, oh God, open our our hands that we might give and serve and love.

that we might give and serve and love. that we might give and serve and love. Amen. Amen. Amen. [clears throat] 2011, a woman was um snowshoeing in uh 2011, a woman was um snowshoeing in uh Minnesota and she came across a greywolf Minnesota and she came across a greywolf Minnesota and she came across a greywolf that was caught in a foothold trap. Grey that was caught in a foothold trap. Grey that was caught in a foothold trap. Grey wolves are um endangered species in um wolves are um endangered species in um wolves are um endangered species in um Minnesota. So she knew that it was not u Minnesota. So she knew that it was not u Minnesota. So she knew that it was not u didn't belong appropriately to a didn't belong appropriately to a didn't belong appropriately to a trapper. And so she uh decided that um trapper. And so she uh decided that um trapper. And so she uh decided that um she needed to set the wolf free from she needed to set the wolf free from she needed to set the wolf free from this foothold trap. She was a lover of this foothold trap. She was a lover of this foothold trap. She was a lover of animals. And um so she took her snowshoe animals. And um so she took her snowshoe animals. And um so she took her snowshoe and tried to use it kind of as a screen and tried to use it kind of as a screen and tried to use it kind of as a screen to keep the wolf away as she was dealing to keep the wolf away as she was dealing to keep the wolf away as she was dealing with the the foothold trap to try and with the the foothold trap to try and with the the foothold trap to try and and set him free. He attacked her and he and set him free. He attacked her and he and set him free. He attacked her and he uh broke her arm um and uh lunged for uh broke her arm um and uh lunged for uh broke her arm um and uh lunged for her neck but got her shoulder at her her neck but got her shoulder at her her neck but got her shoulder at her collarbone and um she was able to roll collarbone and um she was able to roll collarbone and um she was able to roll away and uh called the rangers who came away and uh called the rangers who came away and uh called the rangers who came and you know to rescue both her and deal and you know to rescue both her and deal and you know to rescue both her and deal with the wolf. And as the rangers came with the wolf. And as the rangers came with the wolf. And as the rangers came she just kept saying to the wolf I mean she just kept saying to the wolf I mean she just kept saying to the wolf I mean to the rangers please don't hurt the to the rangers please don't hurt the to the rangers please don't hurt the wolf. He he w he he he didn't understand wolf. He he w he he he didn't understand wolf. He he w he he he didn't understand that I was trying to save him and he that I was trying to save him and he that I was trying to save him and he just felt threatened and that's why he just felt threatened and that's why he just felt threatened and that's why he attacked me.

attacked me. attacked me. Um turns out uh that you know she turned Um turns out uh that you know she turned Um turns out uh that you know she turned out to be okay. He uh the wolf um they out to be okay. He uh the wolf um they out to be okay. He uh the wolf um they tested him for rabies. He did not have tested him for rabies. He did not have tested him for rabies. He did not have rabies and so they let him go and set rabies and so they let him go and set rabies and so they let him go and set him free in the wild. It's really a him free in the wild. It's really a him free in the wild. It's really a an analogy, a beautiful one I think or an analogy, a beautiful one I think or an analogy, a beautiful one I think or or an appropriate one for our scripture or an appropriate one for our scripture or an appropriate one for our scripture today as Jesus is just wanting to save today as Jesus is just wanting to save today as Jesus is just wanting to save Jerusalem. Jerusalem. Jerusalem. I just want to save them. I just want to save them. I just want to save them. Maybe saying to you and me, I just want Maybe saying to you and me, I just want Maybe saying to you and me, I just want to save you. to save you. to save you. But instead, they turn on him because But instead, they turn on him because But instead, they turn on him because they felt threatened. they felt threatened. they felt threatened. So, let's uh look at the geography one So, let's uh look at the geography one So, let's uh look at the geography one more time. This is the last time you more time. This is the last time you more time. This is the last time you guys have to do the geography, so you guys have to do the geography, so you guys have to do the geography, so you can feel uh good about that. I really can feel uh good about that. I really can feel uh good about that. I really enjoyed the little passport stamps on enjoyed the little passport stamps on enjoyed the little passport stamps on the front. Uh I wish I had they were the front. Uh I wish I had they were the front. Uh I wish I had they were really on all on my passport that way. really on all on my passport that way. really on all on my passport that way. Um so, uh Jesus has left the come down Um so, uh Jesus has left the come down Um so, uh Jesus has left the come down from the mount of transfiguration. You from the mount of transfiguration. You from the mount of transfiguration. You see Mount Taber on your map there and see Mount Taber on your map there and see Mount Taber on your map there and has been heading towards Jerusalem. And has been heading towards Jerusalem. And has been heading towards Jerusalem. And along the way he runs across some people along the way he runs across some people along the way he runs across some people who say down sort of on the path from who say down sort of on the path from who say down sort of on the path from Mount Taber which is between sort of a Mount Taber which is between sort of a Mount Taber which is between sort of a third of the way down and on your map.

third of the way down and on your map. third of the way down and on your map. Um and he's headed towards Jerusalem and Um and he's headed towards Jerusalem and Um and he's headed towards Jerusalem and along the way he uh he encounters some along the way he uh he encounters some along the way he uh he encounters some Pharisees who say hey we hear that when Pharisees who say hey we hear that when Pharisees who say hey we hear that when you get to Jerusalem Herod is there and you get to Jerusalem Herod is there and you get to Jerusalem Herod is there and he wants to kill you and they say he and he wants to kill you and they say he and he wants to kill you and they say he and and Jesus says to them I I know I'm and Jesus says to them I I know I'm and Jesus says to them I I know I'm that's why I'm headed to Jerusalem that's why I'm headed to Jerusalem that's why I'm headed to Jerusalem because the prophets get killed in because the prophets get killed in because the prophets get killed in Jerusalem and I've I've come and I know Jerusalem and I've I've come and I know Jerusalem and I've I've come and I know that's what's ahead for me. He's been that's what's ahead for me. He's been that's what's ahead for me. He's been telling the disciples, he's been telling telling the disciples, he's been telling telling the disciples, he's been telling everyone that I'm going to Jerusalem. everyone that I'm going to Jerusalem. everyone that I'm going to Jerusalem. They're going to crucify me. The third They're going to crucify me. The third They're going to crucify me. The third day, I'll be raised. day, I'll be raised. day, I'll be raised. Some days later, he uh is entering the Some days later, he uh is entering the Some days later, he uh is entering the city of Jerusalem on Palm Sunday. And as city of Jerusalem on Palm Sunday. And as city of Jerusalem on Palm Sunday. And as he is coming down the Mount of Olives, he is coming down the Mount of Olives, he is coming down the Mount of Olives, he stops halfway down. He c there's just he stops halfway down. He c there's just he stops halfway down. He c there's just a place there where he could catch a a a place there where he could catch a a a place there where he could catch a a glimpse of the city. glimpse of the city. glimpse of the city. And the scripture says he wept over the And the scripture says he wept over the And the scripture says he wept over the city. city. city. There's a if you ever get the chance to There's a if you ever get the chance to There's a if you ever get the chance to go to Israel um and you walk down the go to Israel um and you walk down the go to Israel um and you walk down the Mount of Olives as many do as part of Mount of Olives as many do as part of Mount of Olives as many do as part of their pilgrimage um you will come across their pilgrimage um you will come across their pilgrimage um you will come across a little church called Dominus Flevit a little church called Dominus Flevit a little church called Dominus Flevit which is uh it's a Franciscan church.

which is uh it's a Franciscan church. which is uh it's a Franciscan church. It's a Latin church meaning the Lord It's a Latin church meaning the Lord It's a Latin church meaning the Lord wept. And it is in the shape of a it's a wept. And it is in the shape of a it's a wept. And it is in the shape of a it's a very small tiny church in the shape of very small tiny church in the shape of very small tiny church in the shape of an upside down um teardrop. an upside down um teardrop. an upside down um teardrop. And you can look out, there's a window And you can look out, there's a window And you can look out, there's a window that looks out on Jerusalem. And it's that looks out on Jerusalem. And it's that looks out on Jerusalem. And it's just a beautiful vista of the city of just a beautiful vista of the city of just a beautiful vista of the city of Jerusalem. And you can just imagine Jerusalem. And you can just imagine Jerusalem. And you can just imagine Jesus there falling on his knees and Jesus there falling on his knees and Jesus there falling on his knees and weeping over the city of Jerusalem. weeping over the city of Jerusalem. weeping over the city of Jerusalem. Why was he weeping? Why was he weeping? Why was he weeping? Why was he weeping? Why was he weeping? Why was he weeping? I I I I want us to understand that I I I I want us to understand that I I I I want us to understand that today. If if you uh I want to take a today. If if you uh I want to take a today. If if you uh I want to take a look at the scripture from Luke 13 again look at the scripture from Luke 13 again look at the scripture from Luke 13 again and see what we can understand. He and see what we can understand. He and see what we can understand. He [snorts] says in verse 30, we're going [snorts] says in verse 30, we're going [snorts] says in verse 30, we're going to look just at verses 34 and 35. to look just at verses 34 and 35. to look just at verses 34 and 35. Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who kills the prophets and stones those who kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it. Jerusalem the wolf. are sent to it. Jerusalem the wolf. are sent to it. Jerusalem the wolf. And then he says, And then he says, And then he says, "How often have I desired to gather your "How often have I desired to gather your "How often have I desired to gather your children together as a hen gathers her children together as a hen gathers her children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings brood under her wings brood under her wings and you were not willing." Isn't that a and you were not willing." Isn't that a and you were not willing." Isn't that a beautiful picture of of just this, you beautiful picture of of just this, you beautiful picture of of just this, you know, one of the neat things about being know, one of the neat things about being know, one of the neat things about being a pastor is you can spend you can waste a pastor is you can spend you can waste a pastor is you can spend you can waste a lot of time and count it as work. I I a lot of time and count it as work. I I a lot of time and count it as work. I I spent about two hours um this week just spent about two hours um this week just spent about two hours um this week just looking at videos of hens gathering looking at videos of hens gathering looking at videos of hens gathering chill chicks under their wings chill chicks under their wings chill chicks under their wings really. They're just all over the place.

really. They're just all over the place. really. They're just all over the place. There are more of those and they are so There are more of those and they are so There are more of those and they are so interesting and excite. They're just so interesting and excite. They're just so interesting and excite. They're just so beautiful and you know they don't really beautiful and you know they don't really beautiful and you know they don't really just gather them under the rings. sort just gather them under the rings. sort just gather them under the rings. sort of sit on them and they're sitting there of sit on them and they're sitting there of sit on them and they're sitting there and then and every once a while you see and then and every once a while you see and then and every once a while you see a little chick kind of poke poke the a little chick kind of poke poke the a little chick kind of poke poke the head out and then mom gets up and seems head out and then mom gets up and seems head out and then mom gets up and seems annoyed and sort of walks off and the annoyed and sort of walks off and the annoyed and sort of walks off and the chicks follow after her until she sits chicks follow after her until she sits chicks follow after her until she sits down again and they all crawl under. down again and they all crawl under. down again and they all crawl under. It's just uh so such a an interesting It's just uh so such a an interesting It's just uh so such a an interesting beautiful image of Jesus saying, "I just beautiful image of Jesus saying, "I just beautiful image of Jesus saying, "I just want to I just want to save you. I want want to I just want to save you. I want want to I just want to save you. I want to protect you. I love you so much. I'm to protect you. I love you so much. I'm to protect you. I love you so much. I'm taking care of you." taking care of you." taking care of you." But you would not. But you would not. But you would not. You wouldn't do it. You wouldn't do it. You wouldn't do it. And then he says, "See, your house is And then he says, "See, your house is And then he says, "See, your house is left to you." Now, here's where it gets left to you." Now, here's where it gets left to you." Now, here's where it gets interesting. If you have a New interesting. If you have a New interesting. If you have a New International Version of the Bible and International Version of the Bible and International Version of the Bible and you read this same verse, it says, "See, you read this same verse, it says, "See, you read this same verse, it says, "See, your house is left to you desolate." your house is left to you desolate." your house is left to you desolate." Your house is left to you desolate.

Your house is left to you desolate. Your house is left to you desolate. Now I if if you go to the Greek uh New Now I if if you go to the Greek uh New Now I if if you go to the Greek uh New Testament, you'll see that the word Testament, you'll see that the word Testament, you'll see that the word desolate is not there. It's not. desolate is not there. It's not. desolate is not there. It's not. There'll be a little asterisk that says There'll be a little asterisk that says There'll be a little asterisk that says many or some later manuscripts include many or some later manuscripts include many or some later manuscripts include the word desolate. the word desolate. the word desolate. Why would they add the word desolate? Why would they add the word desolate? Why would they add the word desolate? Well, the implication is that here's the Well, the implication is that here's the Well, the implication is that here's the situation. Luke, the the Gospel of Luke situation. Luke, the the Gospel of Luke situation. Luke, the the Gospel of Luke was written many years after Jesus died was written many years after Jesus died was written many years after Jesus died and in fact was most scholars believe and in fact was most scholars believe and in fact was most scholars believe was written after the year 70 AD. And in was written after the year 70 AD. And in was written after the year 70 AD. And in 70 AD the city of Jerusalem was 70 AD the city of Jerusalem was 70 AD the city of Jerusalem was destroyed by the Romans completely destroyed by the Romans completely destroyed by the Romans completely ravaged. The temple was destroyed. Um ravaged. The temple was destroyed. Um ravaged. The temple was destroyed. Um the whole city destroyed. And so many the whole city destroyed. And so many the whole city destroyed. And so many think that this was Jesus saying, "Look, think that this was Jesus saying, "Look, think that this was Jesus saying, "Look, I'm abandoning you and uh um you're I'm abandoning you and uh um you're I'm abandoning you and uh um you're going to be destroyed." going to be destroyed." going to be destroyed." Maybe the context may imply that, but Maybe the context may imply that, but Maybe the context may imply that, but that's not what the text says. And I that's not what the text says. And I that's not what the text says. And I think I think he's trying to say think I think he's trying to say think I think he's trying to say something else.

something else. something else. See, your house is left to you. In other See, your house is left to you. In other See, your house is left to you. In other words, I leave it up to you. words, I leave it up to you. words, I leave it up to you. I I wish I could gather you under my I I wish I could gather you under my I I wish I could gather you under my wings, but you would not. And I can't wings, but you would not. And I can't wings, but you would not. And I can't make you do it. I can't make you come to make you do it. I can't make you come to make you do it. I can't make you come to me. I can't make you come under my me. I can't make you come under my me. I can't make you come under my wings. No, it's your life. It's your wings. No, it's your life. It's your wings. No, it's your life. It's your choice. choice. choice. I leave it to you. I leave it to you. I leave it to you. Here's what uh the premise of today's Here's what uh the premise of today's Here's what uh the premise of today's message. Uh Jesus is offering us a message. Uh Jesus is offering us a message. Uh Jesus is offering us a better way, a better way to live. a the better way, a better way to live. a the better way, a better way to live. a the way to live, the best way, way to live, the best way, way to live, the best way, and we take a lesser way. and we take a lesser way. and we take a lesser way. We we we We we we We we we choose a different way that that falls choose a different way that that falls choose a different way that that falls so far short of what Jesus is offering so far short of what Jesus is offering so far short of what Jesus is offering us. us. us. In the spring of 1981, uh my wife uh was In the spring of 1981, uh my wife uh was In the spring of 1981, uh my wife uh was expecting our first child and um I was expecting our first child and um I was expecting our first child and um I was serving as uh I was in seminary in serving as uh I was in seminary in serving as uh I was in seminary in Dallas and I was serving as the youth Dallas and I was serving as the youth Dallas and I was serving as the youth pastor at a church in Duncanville, pastor at a church in Duncanville, pastor at a church in Duncanville, Texas. And a a wonderful generous man in Texas. And a a wonderful generous man in Texas. And a a wonderful generous man in our church came to to me in my office our church came to to me in my office our church came to to me in my office one day and said, "You know, your wife one day and said, "You know, your wife one day and said, "You know, your wife is expecting and you're you're not going is expecting and you're you're not going is expecting and you're you're not going to get to travel ever again once you to get to travel ever again once you to get to travel ever again once you have a baby." He didn't say that, but have a baby." He didn't say that, but have a baby." He didn't say that, but that's what he was thinking. and he that's what he was thinking. and he that's what he was thinking. and he said, "Um, I'd like to send you and your said, "Um, I'd like to send you and your said, "Um, I'd like to send you and your wife to London and uh for a little wife to London and uh for a little wife to London and uh for a little trip." And I was like, "Wow." He said, trip." And I was like, "Wow." He said, trip." And I was like, "Wow." He said, "You leave next week. I've already

"You leave next week. I've already "You leave next week. I've already bought your tickets." And I thought, bought your tickets." And I thought, bought your tickets." And I thought, "Well, thanks for running my life for "Well, thanks for running my life for "Well, thanks for running my life for me." But um uh so we didn't have me." But um uh so we didn't have me." But um uh so we didn't have passports even. So we were able to drive passports even. So we were able to drive passports even. So we were able to drive from h from from Dallas to Houston. And from h from from Dallas to Houston. And from h from from Dallas to Houston. And you in those days you could walk your you in those days you could walk your you in those days you could walk your passport application through. There was passport application through. There was passport application through. There was a passport office in Houston. So we I a passport office in Houston. So we I a passport office in Houston. So we I walked it through. We got our passports. walked it through. We got our passports. walked it through. We got our passports. Um, we got ready to go. Um, here's the Um, we got ready to go. Um, here's the Um, we got ready to go. Um, here's the thing. We were we were we were poor. We thing. We were we were we were poor. We thing. We were we were we were poor. We had no money. And I mean, going to had no money. And I mean, going to had no money. And I mean, going to London was really like a stretch. So, I London was really like a stretch. So, I London was really like a stretch. So, I had no credit card. And um it I had had no credit card. And um it I had had no credit card. And um it I had $140. So, we took $140 and uh we got on $140. So, we took $140 and uh we got on $140. So, we took $140 and uh we got on the plane to go to London. And my dad the plane to go to London. And my dad the plane to go to London. And my dad had given me this letter of credit from had given me this letter of credit from had given me this letter of credit from his bank like in case I like got I don't his bank like in case I like got I don't his bank like in case I like got I don't know something happened. I guess I could know something happened. I guess I could know something happened. I guess I could go to a London bank and give it to them go to a London bank and give it to them go to a London bank and give it to them and maybe something they could get me and maybe something they could get me and maybe something they could get me some money. But anyway, so uh the the some money. But anyway, so uh the the some money. But anyway, so uh the the trip included trip included trip included um the hotel at a at a hotel in the um the hotel at a at a hotel in the um the hotel at a at a hotel in the Piccadilly Circus. Um and it included Piccadilly Circus. Um and it included Piccadilly Circus. Um and it included one of those uh rail passes that you one of those uh rail passes that you one of those uh rail passes that you could ride around the city of London and could ride around the city of London and could ride around the city of London and other places. and it included a tour of other places. and it included a tour of other places. and it included a tour of Windsor Castle, which is a ways out of Windsor Castle, which is a ways out of Windsor Castle, which is a ways out of London, I discovered later. [snorts] London, I discovered later. [snorts] London, I discovered later. [snorts] Well, um, here's the thing. So, we had Well, um, here's the thing. So, we had Well, um, here's the thing. So, we had $140. We really managed our money. We we $140. We really managed our money. We we $140. We really managed our money. We we um de got one souvenir, a little um de got one souvenir, a little um de got one souvenir, a little Wedgewood plate that's about this big Wedgewood plate that's about this big Wedgewood plate that's about this big around. And, um, uh, we ate at Wimpies

around. And, um, uh, we ate at Wimpies around. And, um, uh, we ate at Wimpies every night. So, Wimpies was the the every night. So, Wimpies was the the every night. So, Wimpies was the the hamburger place that's there, kind of hamburger place that's there, kind of hamburger place that's there, kind of like McDonald's. It was Wimpies all the like McDonald's. It was Wimpies all the like McDonald's. It was Wimpies all the time, right? and uh we we just scrimped time, right? and uh we we just scrimped time, right? and uh we we just scrimped and scrimped and lived in that sort of and scrimped and lived in that sort of and scrimped and lived in that sort of that sort of way. So, it's uh time to that sort of way. So, it's uh time to that sort of way. So, it's uh time to check out and I'm checking out of the check out and I'm checking out of the check out and I'm checking out of the hotel and I look over and there's this hotel and I look over and there's this hotel and I look over and there's this big um ballroom that's opened up in the big um ballroom that's opened up in the big um ballroom that's opened up in the hotel off to the side and it's just full hotel off to the side and it's just full hotel off to the side and it's just full of people around tables and and stuff of people around tables and and stuff of people around tables and and stuff and I I look I said to the guys, "Well, and I I look I said to the guys, "Well, and I I look I said to the guys, "Well, you having some big conference here?" Um you having some big conference here?" Um you having some big conference here?" Um you know, and uh he said, "Conference? you know, and uh he said, "Conference? you know, and uh he said, "Conference? No, that's breakfast. He said, "That No, that's breakfast. He said, "That No, that's breakfast. He said, "That comes with your room." comes with your room." comes with your room." And I'm like, "What?" Yeah, an English And I'm like, "What?" Yeah, an English And I'm like, "What?" Yeah, an English breakfast, all you can eat buffet. We breakfast, all you can eat buffet. We breakfast, all you can eat buffet. We would have been putting stuff in our would have been putting stuff in our would have been putting stuff in our pockets. We would have been, you know, pockets. We would have been, you know, pockets. We would have been, you know, we would have been doing all sorts of we would have been doing all sorts of we would have been doing all sorts of things. Uh, but um, no, no, we just things. Uh, but um, no, no, we just things. Uh, but um, no, no, we just chose wimpies. And I think it's the I chose wimpies. And I think it's the I chose wimpies. And I think it's the I think it's the picture of our lives. We think it's the picture of our lives. We think it's the picture of our lives. We somehow think that this is the only way, somehow think that this is the only way, somehow think that this is the only way, this wimpy way that we go. And the truth this wimpy way that we go. And the truth this wimpy way that we go. And the truth is, we've been offered by God this is, we've been offered by God this is, we've been offered by God this English breakfast, this incredible life English breakfast, this incredible life English breakfast, this incredible life that for some reason, we just can't seem that for some reason, we just can't seem that for some reason, we just can't seem to let go of what we think is the best to let go of what we think is the best to let go of what we think is the best way.

way. way. So, what is this better way that Jesus So, what is this better way that Jesus So, what is this better way that Jesus offers us? I I can, you know, we could offers us? I I can, you know, we could offers us? I I can, you know, we could do a whole s series of sermons. I just do a whole s series of sermons. I just do a whole s series of sermons. I just want to lift up two of them. want to lift up two of them. want to lift up two of them. And and the first one is this. Jesus And and the first one is this. Jesus And and the first one is this. Jesus offers us a life of self- forgetfulness. offers us a life of self- forgetfulness. offers us a life of self- forgetfulness. This this blessed peace and rest of This this blessed peace and rest of This this blessed peace and rest of self- forgetfulness. self- forgetfulness. self- forgetfulness. And what we choose is a life about me And what we choose is a life about me And what we choose is a life about me me. Um D and I had the privilege of going on Um D and I had the privilege of going on our paceation this year. We went to uh our paceation this year. We went to uh our paceation this year. We went to uh Cinnamon Shores, Texas, which is down in Cinnamon Shores, Texas, which is down in Cinnamon Shores, Texas, which is down in Port Ranzis, to the beach there for a Port Ranzis, to the beach there for a Port Ranzis, to the beach there for a few days with our um our 22 few days with our um our 22 few days with our um our 22 family members alongside us. Um it was family members alongside us. Um it was family members alongside us. Um it was very peaceful. very peaceful. very peaceful. Um but it was joyful. I will say that. Um but it was joyful. I will say that. Um but it was joyful. I will say that. So, we had one night we had a campfire So, we had one night we had a campfire So, we had one night we had a campfire on the beach and they weeny roast and I on the beach and they weeny roast and I on the beach and they weeny roast and I looked over and my wife was teaching looked over and my wife was teaching looked over and my wife was teaching grandkids or are leading them in grandkids or are leading them in grandkids or are leading them in throwing bread up in the air for the throwing bread up in the air for the throwing bread up in the air for the seagulls. I'm sure you've done that. You seagulls. I'm sure you've done that. You seagulls. I'm sure you've done that. You throw the bread up in the air and the throw the bread up in the air and the throw the bread up in the air and the seagulls grab it. And um and they're the seagulls grab it. And um and they're the seagulls grab it. And um and they're the seagulls are just squawking squawking seagulls are just squawking squawking seagulls are just squawking squawking squawking squawking. And as soon as I squawking squawking. And as soon as I squawking squawking. And as soon as I saw it, what flashed to my mind was the saw it, what flashed to my mind was the saw it, what flashed to my mind was the movie Finding Nemo. Now, if you haven't movie Finding Nemo. Now, if you haven't movie Finding Nemo. Now, if you haven't seen Finding Nemo, you it's worth it's seen Finding Nemo, you it's worth it's seen Finding Nemo, you it's worth it's worth figuring out how to find it and worth figuring out how to find it and worth figuring out how to find it and watch it because in it the seagulls are watch it because in it the seagulls are watch it because in it the seagulls are squawking, but there but instead of squawking, but there but instead of squawking, but there but instead of squawking, they're saying mine, mine, squawking, they're saying mine, mine, squawking, they're saying mine, mine, mine, mine, mine, and they're just

mine, mine, mine, and they're just mine, mine, mine, and they're just grabbing at the that stuff. And and grabbing at the that stuff. And and grabbing at the that stuff. And and that's what we're like. We're like those that's what we're like. We're like those that's what we're like. We're like those seagulls, like, oh, know what's that for seagulls, like, oh, know what's that for seagulls, like, oh, know what's that for mine? I I got to get that. It's our our mine? I I got to get that. It's our our mine? I I got to get that. It's our our we have this this ambition, this sense we have this this ambition, this sense we have this this ambition, this sense of of everything that we we we got to of of everything that we we we got to of of everything that we we we got to have, you know, and we just can't seem have, you know, and we just can't seem have, you know, and we just can't seem to to let it go. to to let it go. to to let it go. Um Dr. Timothy Keller wrote a a book called Dr. Timothy Keller wrote a a book called The Rest uh the rest of self- The Rest uh the rest of self- The Rest uh the rest of self- forgetfulness. um the the joy the road forgetfulness. um the the joy the road forgetfulness. um the the joy the road to peace I think was the name of it and to peace I think was the name of it and to peace I think was the name of it and the road to to joy and in it he he uh the road to to joy and in it he he uh the road to to joy and in it he he uh quotes um uh Madonna in an interview she quotes um uh Madonna in an interview she quotes um uh Madonna in an interview she had with Vogue and here here's what she had with Vogue and here here's what she had with Vogue and here here's what she here's what she says in that interview. here's what she says in that interview. here's what she says in that interview. My drive in life comes from a fear of My drive in life comes from a fear of My drive in life comes from a fear of being mediocre. being mediocre. being mediocre. I wonder if that speaks to any of you I wonder if that speaks to any of you I wonder if that speaks to any of you being ordinary.

being ordinary. being ordinary. that is always pushing me. I push past that is always pushing me. I push past that is always pushing me. I push past one spell of it and discover myself as a one spell of it and discover myself as a one spell of it and discover myself as a special human being. But then I feel I'm special human being. But then I feel I'm special human being. But then I feel I'm still mediocre and uninteresting unless still mediocre and uninteresting unless still mediocre and uninteresting unless I do something else. Because even though I do something else. Because even though I do something else. Because even though I have become somebody, I still have to I have become somebody, I still have to I have become somebody, I still have to prove that I am somebody. prove that I am somebody. prove that I am somebody. My struggle has never ended and I guess My struggle has never ended and I guess My struggle has never ended and I guess it never will. it never will. it never will. Uh uh Keller goes on to say he's has Uh uh Keller goes on to say he's has Uh uh Keller goes on to say he's has great respect for Madonna because she great respect for Madonna because she great respect for Madonna because she understands herself better than most of understands herself better than most of understands herself better than most of us do. And he reflects on it this way. us do. And he reflects on it this way. us do. And he reflects on it this way. Gospel humility is not needing to think Gospel humility is not needing to think Gospel humility is not needing to think about myself, about myself, about myself, not needing to connect things with not needing to connect things with not needing to connect things with myself. It is an end to thoughts such as myself. It is an end to thoughts such as myself. It is an end to thoughts such as I'm in this room with these people. Does I'm in this room with these people. Does I'm in this room with these people. Does that make me look good? Do I want to be that make me look good? Do I want to be that make me look good? Do I want to be here? True gospel humility means I stop here? True gospel humility means I stop here? True gospel humility means I stop connecting every experience, every connecting every experience, every connecting every experience, every conversation [music] with myself. In conversation [music] with myself. In conversation [music] with myself. In fact, I stop thinking about myself.

fact, I stop thinking about myself. fact, I stop thinking about myself. The freedom of self- forgetfulness. The freedom of self- forgetfulness. The freedom of self- forgetfulness. The blessed rest that only The blessed rest that only The blessed rest that only self-forgetfulness brings. What would it self-forgetfulness brings. What would it self-forgetfulness brings. What would it be like if we could really let go of be like if we could really let go of be like if we could really let go of thinking, is this good for me? thinking, is this good for me? thinking, is this good for me? is if if we if we quit um taking our is if if we if we quit um taking our is if if we if we quit um taking our temperature every hour to see how am I temperature every hour to see how am I temperature every hour to see how am I doing? How do I feel today? doing? How do I feel today? doing? How do I feel today? And really turned ourselves so that what And really turned ourselves so that what And really turned ourselves so that what we thought about was other people and we thought about was other people and we thought about was other people and God. What if that became our primary God. What if that became our primary God. What if that became our primary focus? focus? focus? Wow, what freedom that would be bring. Wow, what freedom that would be bring. Wow, what freedom that would be bring. That's what we're being offered. That's what we're being offered. That's what we're being offered. Here's the second thing. Here's the second thing. Here's the second thing. >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> We're being offered a a life that's >> We're being offered a a life that's >> We're being offered a a life that's eternal and not temporal, not temporary. We we've been we being offered a life We we've been we being offered a life that is focused on forever. that is focused on forever. that is focused on forever. Let's pretend that you have two bank Let's pretend that you have two bank Let's pretend that you have two bank accounts.

accounts. accounts. And one bank account you can put money And one bank account you can put money And one bank account you can put money in, you can invest in, and it it will in, you can invest in, and it it will in, you can invest in, and it it will bring a return. It will make a return on bring a return. It will make a return on bring a return. It will make a return on your money. It'll give you a pretty good your money. It'll give you a pretty good your money. It'll give you a pretty good ROI ROI ROI um and and all of that, but at the end um and and all of that, but at the end um and and all of that, but at the end of a year, everything in it is gone. It of a year, everything in it is gone. It of a year, everything in it is gone. It vanishes. At the end of one year, it's vanishes. At the end of one year, it's vanishes. At the end of one year, it's gone. And then you have another bank gone. And then you have another bank gone. And then you have another bank account that brings you a wonderful account that brings you a wonderful account that brings you a wonderful return on investment as well. But at the return on investment as well. But at the return on investment as well. But at the end of the year, you get to it stays on end of the year, you get to it stays on end of the year, you get to it stays on and in fact, you can keep it forever. and in fact, you can keep it forever. and in fact, you can keep it forever. Everything that you invest in that in Everything that you invest in that in Everything that you invest in that in that bank account, everything you put in that bank account, everything you put in that bank account, everything you put in that bank account, you you will always that bank account, you you will always that bank account, you you will always have. have. have. Where are you going to put your time and Where are you going to put your time and Where are you going to put your time and money? money? money? Well, you're going to put your time, Well, you're going to put your time, Well, you're going to put your time, your money, your energy, all your your money, your energy, all your your money, your energy, all your investment. You're going to put in the investment. You're going to put in the investment. You're going to put in the forever account forever account forever account because this, you know, well, it'll be because this, you know, well, it'll be because this, you know, well, it'll be neat for a little bit, but later it's neat for a little bit, but later it's neat for a little bit, but later it's going to be gone. So, I I'm going to going to be gone. So, I I'm going to going to be gone. So, I I'm going to focus on that which is eternal.

focus on that which is eternal. focus on that which is eternal. What is that? What is that? What is that? Well, um, the scripture says that faith, Well, um, the scripture says that faith, Well, um, the scripture says that faith, hope, and love abide. Everything else hope, and love abide. Everything else hope, and love abide. Everything else goes away. Everything else goes away. goes away. Everything else goes away. goes away. Everything else goes away. But that relationship you have with God But that relationship you have with God But that relationship you have with God in Christ, the way you the relationship in Christ, the way you the relationship in Christ, the way you the relationship you have with others, the way you love you have with others, the way you love you have with others, the way you love others, others, others, those things continue forever. those things continue forever. those things continue forever. Those are investments in the kingdom of Those are investments in the kingdom of Those are investments in the kingdom of God. God. God. And so all all of those achievements, And so all all of those achievements, And so all all of those achievements, all of the things that you think matter all of the things that you think matter all of the things that you think matter so much, so much, so much, all of those, they're going to be gone all of those, they're going to be gone all of those, they're going to be gone like that. like that. like that. Now, I don't want you to misunderstand Now, I don't want you to misunderstand Now, I don't want you to misunderstand me to to think that we don't um really me to to think that we don't um really me to to think that we don't um really fully experience life in the here and fully experience life in the here and fully experience life in the here and now. I think we do, but it it has to do now. I think we do, but it it has to do now. I think we do, but it it has to do with how we experience that. In in other with how we experience that. In in other with how we experience that. In in other words, um words, um words, um let me see if I can give an example. If let me see if I can give an example. If let me see if I can give an example. If I hear if I if I see a beautiful sunset, I hear if I if I see a beautiful sunset, I hear if I if I see a beautiful sunset, if I hear our choir do an incredible if I hear our choir do an incredible if I hear our choir do an incredible anthem or listen to a magnificent anthem or listen to a magnificent anthem or listen to a magnificent symphony, symphony, symphony, if I see a beautiful picture, if I have if I see a beautiful picture, if I have if I see a beautiful picture, if I have an amazing meal that makes me go, "Oh, an amazing meal that makes me go, "Oh, an amazing meal that makes me go, "Oh, that's wonderful." If I if I play an that's wonderful." If I if I play an that's wonderful." If I if I play an incredible round of golf, incredible round of golf, incredible round of golf, I have never done that, so I wouldn't I have never done that, so I wouldn't I have never done that, so I wouldn't know how that how that works, but let's know how that how that works, but let's know how that how that works, but let's if I did, right?

if I did, right? if I did, right? Okay, I could enjoy those right then and Okay, I could enjoy those right then and Okay, I could enjoy those right then and there and they'd be gone after that and there and they'd be gone after that and there and they'd be gone after that and I'd move on and maybe have a nice I'd move on and maybe have a nice I'd move on and maybe have a nice memory. But if if instead I recognize memory. But if if instead I recognize memory. But if if instead I recognize that those things are gifts from God that those things are gifts from God that those things are gifts from God to be experienced as gifts to be experienced as gifts to be experienced as gifts full of gratitude for God to God for full of gratitude for God to God for full of gratitude for God to God for providing them to me providing them to me providing them to me and and they spur in me a thankfulness and and they spur in me a thankfulness and and they spur in me a thankfulness in God for those things then now they in God for those things then now they in God for those things then now they become connections to something eternal. become connections to something eternal. become connections to something eternal. I I have a I have a little pair of cuff I I have a I have a little pair of cuff I I have a I have a little pair of cuff links that have a tiny little diamond links that have a tiny little diamond links that have a tiny little diamond chip in them. Just a teeny tiny diamond chip in them. Just a teeny tiny diamond chip in them. Just a teeny tiny diamond chip. I could I could take them to the chip. I could I could take them to the chip. I could I could take them to the pawn shop and I could get 20 bucks for pawn shop and I could get 20 bucks for pawn shop and I could get 20 bucks for them. them. them. But they are invaluable to me because of But they are invaluable to me because of But they are invaluable to me because of the person who gave them to me is the person who gave them to me is the person who gave them to me is someone I love very much.

someone I love very much. someone I love very much. And so when and if I wear those, I think And so when and if I wear those, I think And so when and if I wear those, I think they're awesome and they connect me to they're awesome and they connect me to they're awesome and they connect me to the giver of those things. the giver of those things. the giver of those things. Those experiences, these temporary Those experiences, these temporary Those experiences, these temporary things, to the extent that we recognize things, to the extent that we recognize things, to the extent that we recognize that they tie us to the giver of those that they tie us to the giver of those that they tie us to the giver of those things, then they become part of that things, then they become part of that things, then they become part of that life eternal. life eternal. life eternal. But we are given the opportunity to live But we are given the opportunity to live But we are given the opportunity to live a something that that when we reach the a something that that when we reach the a something that that when we reach the end of our days, we we experience the end of our days, we we experience the end of our days, we we experience the presence of God in the midst of them presence of God in the midst of them presence of God in the midst of them here and now. here and now. here and now. And and then we get to keep on And and then we get to keep on And and then we get to keep on experiencing the presence of God in the experiencing the presence of God in the experiencing the presence of God in the future. future. future. That's what we invest in. That's the That's what we invest in. That's the That's what we invest in. That's the life that Jesus has offered us. life that Jesus has offered us. life that Jesus has offered us. Now, Now, Now, we can take it or leave it. we can take it or leave it. we can take it or leave it. your life, your choice. your life, your choice. your life, your choice. There's one more key moment, of course, There's one more key moment, of course, There's one more key moment, of course, in Jerusalem.

in Jerusalem. in Jerusalem. He gets to the cross and He gets to the cross and He gets to the cross and he doesn't say, "Well, he doesn't say, "Well, he doesn't say, "Well, I leave them desolate." Does he? I leave them desolate." Does he? I leave them desolate." Does he? Not. When he's on the cross, he doesn't Not. When he's on the cross, he doesn't Not. When he's on the cross, he doesn't say, "Oh, I leave them desolate." say, "Oh, I leave them desolate." say, "Oh, I leave them desolate." No, he says, "Father, forgive them. They No, he says, "Father, forgive them. They No, he says, "Father, forgive them. They they don't even know what they're doing. they don't even know what they're doing. they don't even know what they're doing. They don't quite understand. They don't quite understand. They don't quite understand. I think he's speaking to us, not not I think he's speaking to us, not not I think he's speaking to us, not not just about the the gray wolf who attacks just about the the gray wolf who attacks just about the the gray wolf who attacks the Savior, but those of us who choose the Savior, but those of us who choose the Savior, but those of us who choose not to to take hold of this life that not to to take hold of this life that not to to take hold of this life that God's given us because the life of the God's given us because the life of the God's given us because the life of the world keeps beckoning our energy, world keeps beckoning our energy, world keeps beckoning our energy, keeps wanting us. keeps wanting us. keeps wanting us. But always Jesus is saying to us, you But always Jesus is saying to us, you But always Jesus is saying to us, you can still come. You can still take this can still come. You can still take this can still come. You can still take this life. I keep offering you this life that life. I keep offering you this life that life. I keep offering you this life that is so much better. is so much better. is so much better. Take hold of it. Take hold of it. Take hold of it. It's your life. It's your choice.

It's your life. It's your choice. It's your life. It's your choice. Gracious and loving God, um Gracious and loving God, um Gracious and loving God, um you offer us this better way, this you offer us this better way, this you offer us this better way, this English buffet breakfast of joy, and we English buffet breakfast of joy, and we English buffet breakfast of joy, and we too often choose wimpies. Forgive us, too often choose wimpies. Forgive us, too often choose wimpies. Forgive us, God. God. God. Help us to know that you still haven't Help us to know that you still haven't Help us to know that you still haven't given up on us and that you offer us given up on us and that you offer us given up on us and that you offer us that possibility of a life that is that possibility of a life that is that possibility of a life that is eternal, eternal, eternal, that is so self-forgetful that is so self-forgetful that is so self-forgetful because we know no matter what just how because we know no matter what just how because we know no matter what just how loved we are. loved we are. loved we are. We pray this in the name of Christ our We pray this in the name of Christ our We pray this in the name of Christ our Lord. Amen. Lord. Amen. Lord. Amen. Our closing hymn is uh really one of my Our closing hymn is uh really one of my Our closing hymn is uh really one of my favorites, 348. We're going to sing uh favorites, 348. We're going to sing uh favorites, 348. We're going to sing uh verses uh one, two, and four. Would you verses uh one, two, and four. Would you verses uh one, two, and four. Would you stand as we sing? [music] [music] [singing] Jesus is calling [music] Jesus is calling [music] calling [singing] for you and glory.

See the mortals [music] See the mortals [music] is waiting and watching is waiting and watching is waiting and watching watching for you and for me. [music] watching for you and for me. [music] watching for you and for me. [music] The Lord The Lord The Lord the Lord [music] you are you are [singing] [singing] tenderly [singing] tenderly Jesus is calling Jesus is calling Jesus is calling [music] >> [music] >> [music] [singing] [singing] [singing] >> Jesus is [music] I [music] I [music] think his mercies think his mercies think his mercies mercies for you and for me. [music] You are king of You are king of [music] earth earth and earthly Jesus is [music] calling and earthly Jesus is [music] calling and earthly Jesus is [music] calling coming.

coming. coming. [music] Oh [music] Oh [music] wonderful love [singing] he has promised wonderful love [singing] he has promised wonderful love [singing] he has promised promise [music] promise [music] promise [music] for you and for me [singing] [music] [music] have sent thee has mercy and pardon have sent thee has mercy and pardon have sent thee has mercy and pardon [music and singing] for you and for me [music and singing] for you and for me [music and singing] for you and for me to come Home you you are [music] [singing] gently [singing] gently Jesus [music] Jesus [music] Jesus [music] is calling >> Next week we begin a new series called >> Next week we begin a new series called Push Pause. Only two weeks long. As the Push Pause. Only two weeks long. As the Push Pause. Only two weeks long. As the fall begins, sometimes activities get fall begins, sometimes activities get fall begins, sometimes activities get frenetic and uh we get swept away. And frenetic and uh we get swept away. And frenetic and uh we get swept away. And the scripture gives us a rhythm for life the scripture gives us a rhythm for life the scripture gives us a rhythm for life to deal with that called Sabbath. And to deal with that called Sabbath. And to deal with that called Sabbath. And we're going to be looking two weeks for we're going to be looking two weeks for we're going to be looking two weeks for two weeks about that Sabbath. How do we two weeks about that Sabbath. How do we two weeks about that Sabbath. How do we stop long enough uh to experience the stop long enough uh to experience the stop long enough uh to experience the presence of God each and every day? Hear

presence of God each and every day? Hear presence of God each and every day? Hear this benediction and coral response. Go this benediction and coral response. Go this benediction and coral response. Go bear witness to the love of God in this bear witness to the love of God in this bear witness to the love of God in this world so that those to whom love is a world so that those to whom love is a world so that those to whom love is a stranger will find in you generous stranger will find in you generous stranger will find in you generous friends. The grace of the Lord Jesus friends. The grace of the Lord Jesus friends. The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, love of God, communion of the Christ, love of God, communion of the Christ, love of God, communion of the Holy Spirit be with you now and forever. Holy Spirit be with you now and forever. Holy Spirit be with you now and forever. Amen. >> to the [singing] earth we give. >> to the [singing] earth we give. Let us search [music] Let us search [music] Let us search [music] for thy salvation for thy salvation for thy salvation be [singing] our glory be [singing] our glory be [singing] our glory ever more. ever more. ever more. Grant us wisdom. [singing] Grant us wisdom. [singing] Grant us wisdom. [singing] Grant us courage [singing] whom we adore we adore. [singing] whom we adore we adore. serveing serveing serveing the [singing] whom we adore.

the [singing] whom we adore. the [singing] whom we adore. [music] Heat. Heat. [music]