Traditional | 11 a.m. | 07.12.2026

to Zion shall be to Zion shall be all right all right all right and and and brighter. >> Please remain standing as we affirm >> Please remain standing as we affirm together our faith in the triune God together our faith in the triune God together our faith in the triune God with the Apostles Creed. I believe in with the Apostles Creed. I believe in with 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 is conceived by the son, our Lord, who is conceived by the son, our Lord, who is 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. Glor to the Father Glor to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy and to the Son and to the Holy and to the Son and to the Holy Ghost. Ghost. Ghost. As it in the beginning, As it in the beginning, As it in the beginning, is now is now is now shall be shall be shall be world without end. Amen. Please be seated. Please be seated. Brothers and sisters in Christ, through Brothers and sisters in Christ, through Brothers and sisters in Christ, through the sacrament of baptism, we are the sacrament of baptism, we are the sacrament of baptism, we are initiated into Christ's holy church. We initiated into Christ's holy church. We initiated into Christ's holy church. We are incorporated into God's mighty acts are incorporated into God's mighty acts are incorporated into God's mighty acts of salvation and given new birth through of salvation and given new birth through of salvation and given new birth through water and the spirit. All of this is water and the spirit. All of this is water and the spirit. All of this is God's gift offered to us without price.

God's gift offered to us without price. God's gift offered to us without price. We present today for holy baptism Ben We present today for holy baptism Ben We present today for holy baptism Ben Arthur Butler, son of Austin Blair Arthur Butler, son of Austin Blair Arthur Butler, son of Austin Blair Butler and Sarah Marino Butler. Butler and Sarah Marino Butler. Butler and Sarah Marino Butler. Parents, in presenting this child for Parents, in presenting this child for Parents, in presenting this child for holy baptism, do you confess Jesus holy baptism, do you confess Jesus holy baptism, do you confess Jesus Christ as your savior? Put your whole Christ as your savior? Put your whole Christ as your savior? Put your whole trust in his grace and promise to serve trust in his grace and promise to serve trust in his grace and promise to serve him as your Lord in union with the him as your Lord in union with the him as your Lord in union with the church which Christ has opened to people church which Christ has opened to people church which Christ has opened to people of all ages, nations, and races. If you of all ages, nations, and races. If you of all ages, nations, and races. If you do say we do, do say we do, do say we do, >> amen. And will you nurture him in >> amen. And will you nurture him in >> amen. And will you nurture him in Christ's holy church that by your Christ's holy church that by your Christ's holy church that by your teaching and example he may be guided to teaching and example he may be guided to teaching and example he may be guided to accept God's grace for himself, to accept God's grace for himself, to accept God's grace for himself, to profess his faith openly, and to lead a profess his faith openly, and to lead a profess his faith openly, and to lead a Christian life? If you will say, we Christian life? If you will say, we Christian life? If you will say, we will. will. will. >> We will. >> We will. >> We will. >> Amen. And what name is given this child?

And what name is given this child? >> Ben Arthur. >> Ben Arthur. I baptize you in the name of >> Ben Arthur. I baptize you in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy the Father and the Son and the Holy 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. Ben Arthur, this is your new Christian Ben Arthur, this is your new Christian family. Your mothers, your fathers, your family. Your mothers, your fathers, your family. Your mothers, your fathers, your sisters, brothers. This is our new son. Beloved of the household of faith, I Beloved of the household of faith, I commend to your love and care this child commend to your love and care this child commend to your love and care this child whom we this day recognize as a member whom we this day recognize as a member whom we this day recognize as a member of the family of God. Will you endeavor of the family of God. Will you endeavor of the family of God. Will you endeavor so to live that he may grow in the so to live that he may grow in the so to live that he may grow in the knowledge and love of God the Father knowledge and love of God the Father knowledge and love of God the Father through our Savior Jesus Christ? With through our Savior Jesus Christ? With through our Savior Jesus Christ? With God's help, we will proclaim the good God's help, we will proclaim the good God's help, we will proclaim the good news and live according to the example news and live according to the example news and live according to the example of Christ. We will surround this child of Christ. We will surround this child of Christ. We will surround this child with a community of love and forgiveness with a community of love and forgiveness with a community of love and forgiveness that he may grow in his service to that he may grow in his service to that he may grow in his service to others. We will pray for him that he may others. We will pray for him that he may others. We will pray for him that he may be a true disciple who walks in the way be a true disciple who walks in the way be a true disciple who walks in the way that leads to life eternal.

that leads to life eternal. that leads to life eternal. >> Let us pray. Gracious and loving God, uh >> Let us pray. Gracious and loving God, uh >> Let us pray. Gracious and loving God, uh we know that uh your pervenient grace, we know that uh your pervenient grace, we know that uh your pervenient grace, that grace that precedes any human that grace that precedes any human that grace that precedes any human response, has been poured into Ben's response, has been poured into Ben's response, has been poured into Ben's life since the moment you created him. life since the moment you created him. life since the moment you created him. And now that we have marked him as And now that we have marked him as And now that we have marked him as belonging to you, claimed him as a part belonging to you, claimed him as a part belonging to you, claimed him as a part of this community of faith, we pray that of this community of faith, we pray that of this community of faith, we pray that you would continue to pour your grace you would continue to pour your grace you would continue to pour your grace into his life. God, we pray that that into his life. God, we pray that that into his life. God, we pray that that you would draw him into a relationship you would draw him into a relationship you would draw him into a relationship of love with you. And if he turns away, of love with you. And if he turns away, of love with you. And if he turns away, as all of us are prone to do, we pray as all of us are prone to do, we pray as all of us are prone to do, we pray that you would pursue him and with that that you would pursue him and with that that you would pursue him and with that same love, draw him back to you again. same love, draw him back to you again. same love, draw him back to you again. And when he turns back, God, we thank And when he turns back, God, we thank And when he turns back, God, we thank you that you are a God who welcomes not you that you are a God who welcomes not you that you are a God who welcomes not just him, but all of us home with open just him, but all of us home with open just him, but all of us home with open and loving arms. God, be with these and loving arms. God, be with these and loving arms. God, be with these parents and with this extended family. parents and with this extended family. parents and with this extended family. be with us as a church family that we be with us as a church family that we be with us as a church family that we might live out our faith in front of Ben might live out our faith in front of Ben might live out our faith in front of Ben that as he is shaped and formed by this that as he is shaped and formed by this that as he is shaped and formed by this community, he cannot help but see in the community, he cannot help but see in the community, he cannot help but see in the way we live what kind of God you are. An way we live what kind of God you are. An way we live what kind of God you are. An amazing forgiving and a life amazing forgiving and a life amazing forgiving and a life transforming God. We pray in the name of transforming God. We pray in the name of transforming God. We pray in the name of Christ our Lord. Amen.

Christ our Lord. Amen. Christ our Lord. Amen. Amen. Very good. Amen. Very good. Amen. Very good. See you, Ben. See you, Ben. See you, Ben. >> Love you. >> Love you. >> Love you. >> Love you. >> Love you. >> Love you. Well, while our baptism family is on Well, while our baptism family is on Well, while our baptism family is on their way back to their seats, I want to their way back to their seats, I want to their way back to their seats, I want to use this opportunity to welcome you to use this opportunity to welcome you to use this opportunity to welcome you to St. Luke's. Glad you're here today. I'm St. Luke's. Glad you're here today. I'm St. Luke's. Glad you're here today. I'm so glad you've made the time and made so glad you've made the time and made so glad you've made the time and made taken the energy to come and worship taken the energy to come and worship taken the energy to come and worship with us today. Welcome to those of you with us today. Welcome to those of you with us today. Welcome to those of you worshiping with us on live stream. We're worshiping with us on live stream. We're worshiping with us on live stream. We're so glad you are a part of our service as so glad you are a part of our service as so glad you are a part of our service as well and uh are worshiping with us. I um well and uh are worshiping with us. I um well and uh are worshiping with us. I um invite you, I want to encourage you to invite you, I want to encourage you to invite you, I want to encourage you to really actually sort of um participate, really actually sort of um participate, really actually sort of um participate, not just watch, but to participate, sing not just watch, but to participate, sing not just watch, but to participate, sing the hymn, say the prayers, join in in the hymn, say the prayers, join in in the hymn, say the prayers, join in in the work that we do together because it the work that we do together because it the work that we do together because it makes a really will make a difference. I makes a really will make a difference. I makes a really will make a difference. I uh want to invite you after the service, uh want to invite you after the service, uh want to invite you after the service, if you're here in the sanctuary, to come if you're here in the sanctuary, to come if you're here in the sanctuary, to come out to the gathering room just out here. out to the gathering room just out here. out to the gathering room just out here. We have some uh refreshments out there We have some uh refreshments out there We have some uh refreshments out there and u just a time of fellowship. If I and u just a time of fellowship. If I and u just a time of fellowship. 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 that opportunity. And if uh would love that opportunity. And if uh would love that opportunity. And if uh maybe I can answer a question you might maybe I can answer a question you might maybe I can answer a question you might have about St. Luke's or maybe there's have about St. Luke's or maybe there's have about St. Luke's or maybe there's something I could be praying about in something I could be praying about in something I could be praying about in your life. Um I would would be honored your life. Um I would would be honored your life. Um I would would be honored to do that. So uh introduce yourself to do that. So uh introduce yourself to do that. So uh introduce yourself after the service. Please register your after the service. Please register your after the service. Please register your attendance. You can do that using St.

attendance. You can do that using St. attendance. You can do that using St. Luke's app. You can do that if you're Luke's app. You can do that if you're Luke's app. You can do that if you're here in the sanctuary. There's a card in here in the sanctuary. There's a card in here in the sanctuary. There's a card in your pew pocket that says welcome. And your pew pocket that says welcome. And your pew pocket that says welcome. And you can put your contact information on you can put your contact information on you can put your contact information on that and drop it in the offering plate that and drop it in the offering plate that and drop it in the offering plate later in the service. If you're on our later in the service. If you're on our later in the service. If you're on our website uh platform online, there's a website uh platform online, there's a website uh platform online, there's a little tab that says check in. I hope little tab that says check in. I hope little tab that says check in. I hope you'll uh please do that. We're really you'll uh please do that. We're really you'll uh please do that. We're really trying to um to identify just how trying to um to identify just how trying to um to identify just how individuals, not just the forest, but individuals, not just the forest, but individuals, not just the forest, but how each tree is uh growing in faith and how each tree is uh growing in faith and how each tree is uh growing in faith and if there's something we can do to if there's something we can do to if there's something we can do to support. Um okay. U there are lots of support. Um okay. U there are lots of support. Um okay. U there are lots of announcements. All of these are great announcements. All of these are great announcements. All of these are great announcements in your bulletin. Please announcements in your bulletin. Please announcements in your bulletin. Please take note of them. I do want to lift up take note of them. I do want to lift up take note of them. I do want to lift up two that are are ways that you can two that are are ways that you can two that are are ways that you can really help us. The first is that we we really help us. The first is that we we really help us. The first is that we we uh last year we had a strategic planning uh last year we had a strategic planning uh last year we had a strategic planning uh committee that worked and did some uh committee that worked and did some uh committee that worked and did some listening sessions throughout the listening sessions throughout the listening sessions throughout the community and throughout our church community and throughout our church community and throughout our church rather. And uh one of the things that uh rather. And uh one of the things that uh rather. And uh one of the things that uh we heard was that people are struggling we heard was that people are struggling we heard was that people are struggling in the world we live in with all sorts in the world we live in with all sorts in the world we live in with all sorts of um emotional, mental, relational of um emotional, mental, relational of um emotional, mental, relational challenges. uh those can be anxiety, challenges. uh those can be anxiety, challenges. uh those can be anxiety, depression, uh difficulties in depression, uh difficulties in depression, uh difficulties in relationships, all sorts of challenges.

relationships, all sorts of challenges. relationships, all sorts of challenges. And that led to our strategic planning And that led to our strategic planning And that led to our strategic planning committee really deciding that that as committee really deciding that that as committee really deciding that that as part of the next uh three years, we part of the next uh three years, we part of the next uh three years, we really wanted to invest in ways that St. really wanted to invest in ways that St. really wanted to invest in ways that St. Luke's not just through this the Nick Luke's not just through this the Nick Luke's not just through this the Nick Finnegan Counseling Center, but but Finnegan Counseling Center, but but Finnegan Counseling Center, but but other ways as well can really um help other ways as well can really um help other ways as well can really um help people uh find ways to to deal with some people uh find ways to to deal with some people uh find ways to to deal with some of those issues. Um through learning, of those issues. Um through learning, of those issues. Um through learning, through support from one another, um all through support from one another, um all through support from one another, um all sorts of different ways. Here's how you sorts of different ways. Here's how you sorts of different ways. Here's how you can help us. We have a survey that we'd can help us. We have a survey that we'd can help us. We have a survey that we'd like to invite you to take for us about like to invite you to take for us about like to invite you to take for us about where you see maybe in your life, maybe where you see maybe in your life, maybe where you see maybe in your life, maybe in the life of people you love where you in the life of people you love where you in the life of people you love where you see those kind of challenges. Um because see those kind of challenges. Um because see those kind of challenges. Um because we want to build a program based on what we want to build a program based on what we want to build a program based on what the real needs are, not what we guess the real needs are, not what we guess the real needs are, not what we guess they are. So, if uh there's a a QR code they are. So, if uh there's a a QR code they are. So, if uh there's a a QR code there in your bulletin and uh there's there in your bulletin and uh there's there in your bulletin and uh there's also out here if you if you want rather also out here if you if you want rather also out here if you if you want rather do it on paper and pencil there's um at do it on paper and pencil there's um at do it on paper and pencil there's um at the connection desk you can do that. the connection desk you can do that. the connection desk you can do that. Takes five minutes. It's completely Takes five minutes. It's completely Takes five minutes. It's completely anonymous. We won't we're not asking for anonymous. We won't we're not asking for anonymous. We won't we're not asking for email addresses or anything about that.

email addresses or anything about that. email addresses or anything about that. Um it just we really want to build this Um it just we really want to build this Um it just we really want to build this ministry based on that uh over the next ministry based on that uh over the next ministry based on that uh over the next couple of years. So, it will really help couple of years. So, it will really help couple of years. So, it will really help us if you'll take five minutes, just us if you'll take five minutes, just us if you'll take five minutes, just five minutes and and fill that out. five minutes and and fill that out. five minutes and and fill that out. Here's the second thing uh that I want Here's the second thing uh that I want Here's the second thing uh that I want to lift up today. Um in your bulletin, to lift up today. Um in your bulletin, to lift up today. Um in your bulletin, there's a a program called Jenga Canisa. there's a a program called Jenga Canisa. there's a a program called Jenga Canisa. And um here's what that is. That's And um here's what that is. That's And um here's what that is. That's called that's Swuahili for build a called that's Swuahili for build a called that's Swuahili for build a church. Um there are three uh churches church. Um there are three uh churches church. Um there are three uh churches in uh the Democratic Republic of Congo in uh the Democratic Republic of Congo in uh the Democratic Republic of Congo in an area called Kamina that are in an area called Kamina that are in an area called Kamina that are growing like wildfire. The pastors are growing like wildfire. The pastors are growing like wildfire. The pastors are doing this incredible work. the doing this incredible work. the doing this incredible work. the communities have have joined in and communities have have joined in and communities have have joined in and they're trying to now actually build they're trying to now actually build they're trying to now actually build some churches. We're talking uh groups some churches. We're talking uh groups some churches. We're talking uh groups that are going from 200 to 400 from I that are going from 200 to 400 from I that are going from 200 to 400 from I mean these are really fast growing mean these are really fast growing mean these are really fast growing churches and they're trying to build churches and they're trying to build churches and they're trying to build buildings but they don't they have buildings but they don't they have buildings but they don't they have invested they're they're building it invested they're they're building it invested they're they're building it themselves with their own hands but what themselves with their own hands but what themselves with their own hands but what they need are is support for um the they need are is support for um the they need are is support for um the materials and so the Texas annual materials and so the Texas annual materials and so the Texas annual conference churches across the conference churches across the conference churches across the conference are joining together in this conference are joining together in this conference are joining together in this effort uh to help provide the funds to effort uh to help provide the funds to effort uh to help provide the funds to purchase the materials and so $25 $5 purchase the materials and so $25 $5 purchase the materials and so $25 $5 bags a bag of buys a bag of concrete for bags a bag of buys a bag of concrete for bags a bag of buys a bag of concrete for the foundation. And we have a goal at the foundation. And we have a goal at the foundation. And we have a goal at St. Luke's of 400 bags of concrete. If St. Luke's of 400 bags of concrete. If St. Luke's of 400 bags of concrete. If you'd like to buy a $25 bag of concrete, you'd like to buy a $25 bag of concrete, you'd like to buy a $25 bag of concrete, um would love for you to do that.

um would love for you to do that. um would love for you to do that. There's a way you can do that there in There's a way you can do that there in There's a way you can do that there in your bulletin. If you want to stop at your bulletin. If you want to stop at your bulletin. If you want to stop at the spotlight table after the service, the spotlight table after the service, the spotlight table after the service, um you can see an incredible video that um you can see an incredible video that um you can see an incredible video that talks about shows you what's happening talks about shows you what's happening talks about shows you what's happening there because it's really a neat there because it's really a neat there because it's really a neat opportunity for us. And we're we'll opportunity for us. And we're we'll opportunity for us. And we're we'll we're going to uh be working on this for we're going to uh be working on this for we're going to uh be working on this for the next couple of weeks. And we'd love the next couple of weeks. And we'd love the next couple of weeks. And we'd love for you to help us with that. Um build a for you to help us with that. Um build a for you to help us with that. Um build a church. Um uh Jenga church. Um uh Jenga church. Um uh Jenga Jenga uh man, what a way what a way to Jenga uh man, what a way what a way to Jenga uh man, what a way what a way to blow the finish. Jenga, anyway, is what blow the finish. Jenga, anyway, is what blow the finish. Jenga, anyway, is what that's called. All right. One last that's called. All right. One last that's called. All right. One last thing. I'm so pleased to introduce to thing. I'm so pleased to introduce to thing. I'm so pleased to introduce to you, Reverend Chris Wax. Come on out you, Reverend Chris Wax. Come on out you, Reverend Chris Wax. Come on out here, Chris. Uh Reverend uh Wax was has here, Chris. Uh Reverend uh Wax was has here, Chris. Uh Reverend uh Wax was has been appointed by Bishop Cynthia Harvey been appointed by Bishop Cynthia Harvey been appointed by Bishop Cynthia Harvey to be our senior associate pastor here. to be our senior associate pastor here. to be our senior associate pastor here. His responsibility will be overseeing His responsibility will be overseeing His responsibility will be overseeing disciplehip which includes um the the disciplehip which includes um the the disciplehip which includes um the the children's ministry team, youth ministry children's ministry team, youth ministry children's ministry team, youth ministry team or student ministry team rather, team or student ministry team rather, team or student ministry team rather, adult ministry team, our outreach team, adult ministry team, our outreach team, adult ministry team, our outreach team, senior adults, those those groups senior adults, those those groups senior adults, those those groups together. And uh it's exciting and uh together. And uh it's exciting and uh together. And uh it's exciting and uh we're glad to have him. Um he's married, we're glad to have him. Um he's married, we're glad to have him. Um he's married, he has a six-year-old daughter. Um, and he has a six-year-old daughter. Um, and he has a six-year-old daughter. Um, and uh, we're just thrilled that they're now uh, we're just thrilled that they're now uh, we're just thrilled that they're now a part of our congregation. So, would a part of our congregation. So, would a part of our congregation. So, would you welcome uh, Chris to our our uh, it's really exciting. He's going to be it's really exciting. He's going to be in the gathering room after the service in the gathering room after the service in the gathering room after the service on your way out. Come by and welcome in on your way out. Come by and welcome in on your way out. Come by and welcome in more personally. Okay. Um we are in this more personally. Okay. Um we are in this more personally. Okay. Um we are in this series of sermons now on uh um the sort

series of sermons now on uh um the sort series of sermons now on uh um the sort of the geography of Jesus called the of the geography of Jesus called the of the geography of Jesus called the holiday with Jesus. And this week we're holiday with Jesus. And this week we're holiday with Jesus. And this week we're going to a place called Cesaria Philippi going to a place called Cesaria Philippi going to a place called Cesaria Philippi in the far northern tip of Israel. And in the far northern tip of Israel. And in the far northern tip of Israel. And uh we're going to hear a scripture uh we're going to hear a scripture uh we're going to hear a scripture that's read about what happened in that's read about what happened in that's read about what happened in Cesaria Philippi. A real pivotal moment Cesaria Philippi. A real pivotal moment Cesaria Philippi. A real pivotal moment in the gospel story. Listen now as we in the gospel story. Listen now as we in the gospel story. Listen now as we hear an anthem this morning and then hear an anthem this morning and then hear an anthem this morning and then open your heart and and ears to the to open your heart and and ears to the to open your heart and and ears to the to the uh scripture to the word of God as the uh scripture to the word of God as the uh scripture to the word of God as it's read today. Let's continue in it's read today. Let's continue in it's read today. Let's continue in worship. Lord, Lord, take my hand. Oh, let me stand. Oh, let me stand. I am tired.

I am tired. I am tired. I am weak. I am weak. I am weak. I am through the sun, through the sun, through the night. through the night. through the night. Lead me Lead me Lead me to the light. to the light. to the light. Take my hand, Take my hand, Take my hand, preious. just my my growing My light My light is I I take my hand take my hand take my hand preious Glory

and the day and the day his presious precious precious Lord.

Amen. Our scripture reading this morning Amen. Our scripture reading this morning comes out of the Gospel of Matthew comes out of the Gospel of Matthew comes out of the Gospel of Matthew chapter 16:es chapter 16:es chapter 16:es 13- 21. Begins like this. Now when Jesus 13- 21. Begins like this. Now when Jesus 13- 21. Begins like this. Now when Jesus came into the district of Cesaria came into the district of Cesaria came into the district of Cesaria Philippi, he asked his disciples, "Who Philippi, he asked his disciples, "Who Philippi, he asked his disciples, "Who do people say that the son of man is?" do people say that the son of man is?" do people say that the son of man is?" And they said, "Some say John the And they said, "Some say John the And they said, "Some say John the Baptist, but others Elijah, and still Baptist, but others Elijah, and still Baptist, but others Elijah, and still others Jeremiah or one of the prophets." others Jeremiah or one of the prophets." others Jeremiah or one of the prophets." He said to them, "But who do you say He said to them, "But who do you say He said to them, "But who do you say that I am?" Simon Peter answered, "You that I am?" Simon Peter answered, "You that I am?" Simon Peter answered, "You are the Messiah, the Son of the living are the Messiah, the Son of the living are the Messiah, the Son of the living God." And Jesus answered him, "Blessed God." And Jesus answered him, "Blessed God." And Jesus answered him, "Blessed are you, Simon, son of Jonah, for flesh are you, Simon, son of Jonah, for flesh are you, Simon, son of Jonah, for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, and blood has not revealed this to you, and blood has not revealed this to you, but my father in heaven. And I tell you, but my father in heaven. And I tell you, but my father in heaven. And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will you are Peter, and on this rock I will you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades build my church, and the gates of Hades build my church, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it. I will give will not prevail against it. I will give will not prevail against it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be and whatever you bind on earth will be and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose bound in heaven, and whatever you loose bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven." Then on earth will be loosed in heaven." Then on earth will be loosed in heaven." Then he sternly ordered the disciples not to he sternly ordered the disciples not to he sternly ordered the disciples not to tell anyone that he was the Messiah.

tell anyone that he was the Messiah. tell anyone that he was the Messiah. From that time on, Jesus began to show From that time on, Jesus began to show From that time on, Jesus began to show his disciples that he must go to his disciples that he must go to his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and undergo great suffering at Jerusalem and undergo great suffering at Jerusalem and undergo great suffering at the hands of the elders and the chief the hands of the elders and the chief the hands of the elders and the chief priests and the scribes and be killed priests and the scribes and be killed priests and the scribes and be killed and on the third day be raised. This is and on the third day be raised. This is and on the third day be raised. This is 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. >> Let us pray.

>> Let us pray. Merciful God, you meet us today the way Merciful God, you meet us today the way Merciful God, you meet us today the way that you met your disciples at Cesaria that you met your disciples at Cesaria that you met your disciples at Cesaria Philippi with a question that will not Philippi with a question that will not Philippi with a question that will not let us stay comfortable. Who do we say let us stay comfortable. Who do we say let us stay comfortable. Who do we say that you are? We confess that some of us that you are? We confess that some of us that you are? We confess that some of us are still deciding and some of us are are still deciding and some of us are are still deciding and some of us are doubtful and some of us are full of doubtful and some of us are full of doubtful and some of us are full of certainty but we struggle to live like certainty but we struggle to live like certainty but we struggle to live like we believe it. We are too easily we believe it. We are too easily we believe it. We are too easily distracted from what really matters. We distracted from what really matters. We distracted from what really matters. We do things and say things that betray our do things and say things that betray our do things and say things that betray our lack of faith. We need you to meet us lack of faith. We need you to meet us lack of faith. We need you to meet us the way that you met Peter, not with the way that you met Peter, not with the way that you met Peter, not with condemnation, but with blessing. condemnation, but with blessing. condemnation, but with blessing. Remind us that you will give us Remind us that you will give us Remind us that you will give us everything that we need to do the tasks everything that we need to do the tasks everything that we need to do the tasks to which you have called us. to which you have called us. to which you have called us. We pray for those who carry heavy We pray for those who carry heavy We pray for those who carry heavy burdens today. And we ask that you work burdens today. And we ask that you work burdens today. And we ask that you work in their lives. And if we are able to in their lives. And if we are able to in their lives. And if we are able to lighten their load, we ask that you lighten their load, we ask that you lighten their load, we ask that you would give us eyes to see the way to do would give us eyes to see the way to do would give us eyes to see the way to do that. For those who need healing, that. For those who need healing, that. For those who need healing, whether it's physical or mental or whether it's physical or mental or whether it's physical or mental or emotional, God, we pray that you would emotional, God, we pray that you would emotional, God, we pray that you would bring that relief. For those who have bring that relief. For those who have bring that relief. For those who have hard decisions ahead of them, we pray hard decisions ahead of them, we pray hard decisions ahead of them, we pray that you would grant wisdom and that you would grant wisdom and that you would grant wisdom and discernment and maybe most of all, discernment and maybe most of all, discernment and maybe most of all, courage.

courage. courage. for those who want something new. God, I for those who want something new. God, I for those who want something new. God, I pray that you would give them wisdom and pray that you would give them wisdom and pray that you would give them wisdom and a vision of what that could be and the a vision of what that could be and the a vision of what that could be and the strength to pursue it. strength to pursue it. strength to pursue it. We pray all of this in the name of Jesus We pray all of this in the name of Jesus We pray all of this in the name of Jesus who taught us to pray. Our Father, who who taught us to pray. Our Father, who who taught us to pray. Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth kingdom come, thy will be done on earth kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our as it is in heaven. Give us this day our as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our daily bread. And forgive us our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespasses as we forgive those who trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not trespass against us. And lead us not trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from into temptation, but deliver us from into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom and the evil. For thine is the kingdom and the evil. For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen. power and the glory forever. Amen. power and the glory forever. Amen. >> Our hymn of preparation is page 584 in >> Our hymn of preparation is page 584 in >> Our hymn of preparation is page 584 in your himnil. Lord, you give the great your himnil. Lord, you give the great your himnil. Lord, you give the great commission. And in our always ongoing commission. And in our always ongoing commission. And in our always ongoing effort to be the best first choir we can effort to be the best first choir we can effort to be the best first choir we can be, I hope you will always check out the be, I hope you will always check out the be, I hope you will always check out the QR code on the bulletin to tell you QR code on the bulletin to tell you QR code on the bulletin to tell you about the hymn, at least one of the about the hymn, at least one of the about the hymn, at least one of the hymns that's being sung today. And this hymns that's being sung today. And this hymns that's being sung today. And this one particular is about the hymn we're one particular is about the hymn we're one particular is about the hymn we're about to sing. We're going to stand and about to sing. We're going to stand and about to sing. We're going to stand and sing verse one, two, and four. Would you sing verse one, two, and four. Would you sing verse one, two, and four. Would you stand, please, and sing with me?

the sin and breach the world. the sin and breach the world. Bless the church Bless the church Bless the church it Lord, you Lord, you to your service and and let the world We trust your proise for for hearing bring the He is

bring the He is in power. Want to invite our ushers now to come Want to invite our ushers now to come forward as uh we have an opportunity to forward as uh we have an opportunity to forward as uh we have an opportunity to present our offerings to God. This is a present our offerings to God. This is a present our offerings to God. This is a way we support the ministry of St. way we support the ministry of St. way we support the ministry of St. Luke's. of course, but it is also really Luke's. of course, but it is also really Luke's. of course, but it is also really a time for us to just remember to just a time for us to just remember to just a time for us to just remember to just mark that a worship is not something we mark that a worship is not something we mark that a worship is not something we receive. It's one something we give. And receive. It's one something we give. And receive. It's one something we give. And second, that worship is really about second, that worship is really about second, that worship is really about what we give all the time. All of our what we give all the time. All of our what we give all the time. All of our time, all of our talent, all of our time, all of our talent, all of our time, all of our talent, all of our heart, all of our prayers, all of our heart, all of our prayers, all of our heart, all of our prayers, all of our witness. Um that's our offering to God. witness. Um that's our offering to God. witness. Um that's our offering to God. That's what God asks of us. So, let's That's what God asks of us. So, let's That's what God asks of us. So, let's continue in worship as uh our choir continue in worship as uh our choir continue in worship as uh our choir makes an offering on our behalf.

What What should God and secure and secure All How sweet to walk

How sweet to walk with children on the everlasting on the everlasting arms. arms. arms. Oh, how bright the path holds from day Oh, how bright the path holds from day Oh, how bright the path holds from day to day to day to day on the everlasting. to feel to feel of the everlasting of the everlasting of the everlasting heart.

heart. heart. I have blessed I have blessed I have blessed with my Lord so beauty with my Lord so beauty with my Lord so beauty for the everlasting safe and secure safe and secure All the of the Let the of the Let the singing Praise God.

Praise God. Blessings. the holy the holy ghost. Join me in prayer. Join me in prayer. Oh God, open us up. Open eyes that we Oh God, open us up. Open eyes that we Oh God, open us up. Open eyes that we might see and ears that we might hear might see and ears that we might hear might see and ears that we might hear your word in the midst of these words. your word in the midst of these words. your word in the midst of these words. Open our hearts that we might feel with Open our hearts that we might feel with Open our hearts that we might feel with compassion. compassion. compassion. And then, oh Lord, open our hands that And then, oh Lord, open our hands that And then, oh Lord, open our hands that we might give and serve and love.

we might give and serve and love. we might give and serve and love. Amen. On um On um November 12th of 1995, astronaut Chris November 12th of 1995, astronaut Chris November 12th of 1995, astronaut Chris Hadley strapped himself into the uh seat Hadley strapped himself into the uh seat Hadley strapped himself into the uh seat of uh the space shuttle Atlantis of uh the space shuttle Atlantis of uh the space shuttle Atlantis and uh prepared to lift off on STS74. and uh prepared to lift off on STS74. and uh prepared to lift off on STS74. I heard an interview with him and he I heard an interview with him and he I heard an interview with him and he talked about that moment. He said, "It's talked about that moment. He said, "It's talked about that moment. He said, "It's that moment where you realize that that moment where you realize that that moment where you realize that everything that you have been working everything that you have been working everything that you have been working for and thinking about and praying about for and thinking about and praying about for and thinking about and praying about and everything comes down to this and everything comes down to this and everything comes down to this moment." He said, "I thought it's time. moment." He said, "I thought it's time. moment." He said, "I thought it's time. It's time. I've been waiting for this. It's time. I've been waiting for this. It's time. I've been waiting for this. I've been working at it. I've been I've been working at it. I've been I've been working at it. I've been training for it. It's time." training for it. It's time." training for it. It's time." Wonder if you've ever had a it's time Wonder if you've ever had a it's time Wonder if you've ever had a it's time kind of moment. kind of moment. kind of moment. like um if you've had children, you hold like um if you've had children, you hold like um if you've had children, you hold a baby in your arms for the first time a baby in your arms for the first time a baby in your arms for the first time and you think, "Oh man, I have uh I've and you think, "Oh man, I have uh I've and you think, "Oh man, I have uh I've been thinking about this and praying been thinking about this and praying been thinking about this and praying about it and we've been talking about it about it and we've been talking about it about it and we've been talking about it and been thinking about what it's like and been thinking about what it's like and been thinking about what it's like to parent and now, oh gosh, I've to parent and now, oh gosh, I've to parent and now, oh gosh, I've actually got to do it.

actually got to do it. actually got to do it. It's time." It's time." It's time." I I remember when I got uh my I I remember when I got uh my I I remember when I got uh my appointment at my first appointment as a appointment at my first appointment as a appointment at my first appointment as a senior pastor and I thought, you know, senior pastor and I thought, you know, senior pastor and I thought, you know, I'd been to seminary, I've been I'd been to seminary, I've been I'd been to seminary, I've been training, I was an associate pastor, I training, I was an associate pastor, I training, I was an associate pastor, I was a youth director. And all during was a youth director. And all during was a youth director. And all during that time, I was thinking, well, when I that time, I was thinking, well, when I that time, I was thinking, well, when I become a senior pastor, I'm going to dot become a senior pastor, I'm going to dot become a senior pastor, I'm going to dot dot dot. And I even had a little folder dot dot. And I even had a little folder dot dot. And I even had a little folder that says what I'm going to do when I that says what I'm going to do when I that says what I'm going to do when I would put it in there like once I got would put it in there like once I got would put it in there like once I got summoned to the senior pastor's office. summoned to the senior pastor's office. summoned to the senior pastor's office. So, I've stuck it when I get become a So, I've stuck it when I get become a So, I've stuck it when I get become a senior pastor. I'm not going to summon senior pastor. I'm not going to summon senior pastor. I'm not going to summon people to my office. I'm going to go to people to my office. I'm going to go to people to my office. I'm going to go to their office and talk to them, right? I their office and talk to them, right? I their office and talk to them, right? I mean, all of these things I'm get ready mean, all of these things I'm get ready mean, all of these things I'm get ready for and then you get that appointment for and then you get that appointment for and then you get that appointment and you think, "Okay, and you think, "Okay, and you think, "Okay, it's time. I guess I'm going to have to it's time. I guess I'm going to have to it's time. I guess I'm going to have to do it, right? It's one thing to to plan do it, right? It's one thing to to plan do it, right? It's one thing to to plan for it and train for it, but it's for it and train for it, but it's for it and train for it, but it's another thing to actually do it." Well, another thing to actually do it." Well, another thing to actually do it." Well, today's uh scripture passage is about an today's uh scripture passage is about an today's uh scripture passage is about an its time moment. It's the time when its time moment. It's the time when its time moment. It's the time when Jesus realizes and is clear about what Jesus realizes and is clear about what Jesus realizes and is clear about what he's got to do, he's got to do, he's got to do, that it's time. And what that means for that it's time. And what that means for that it's time. And what that means for the disciples, the disciples, the disciples, it means for the disciples that it's it means for the disciples that it's it means for the disciples that it's time for them, too. That they're going time for them, too. That they're going time for them, too. That they're going to have to take on the responsibility to have to take on the responsibility to have to take on the responsibility of carrying forth the kingdom of God.

of carrying forth the kingdom of God. of carrying forth the kingdom of God. If you take a look at your map, you can If you take a look at your map, you can If you take a look at your map, you can understand. Let me give you the context understand. Let me give you the context understand. Let me give you the context of today's scripture because it matters. of today's scripture because it matters. of today's scripture because it matters. Um you can see Cesaria Philippi circled Um you can see Cesaria Philippi circled Um you can see Cesaria Philippi circled up there in the far uh upper corner. Um up there in the far uh upper corner. Um up there in the far uh upper corner. Um here here's what has happened. Jesus has here here's what has happened. Jesus has here here's what has happened. Jesus has in our last episode we had Jesus in um in our last episode we had Jesus in um in our last episode we had Jesus in um Ty and Siden um and which is this Ty and Siden um and which is this Ty and Siden um and which is this Canaanite territory. And uh then he he Canaanite territory. And uh then he he Canaanite territory. And uh then he he goes to the dicapus which is Greek Roman goes to the dicapus which is Greek Roman goes to the dicapus which is Greek Roman terri territory. And he returns to terri territory. And he returns to terri territory. And he returns to Galilee. And after he returns to Galilee. And after he returns to Galilee. And after he returns to Galilee, he discovers that um that in Galilee, he discovers that um that in Galilee, he discovers that um that in Matthew 14 that John the Baptist has Matthew 14 that John the Baptist has Matthew 14 that John the Baptist has been beheaded. been beheaded. been beheaded. That that Herod Antipos, That that Herod Antipos, That that Herod Antipos, King Herod Antipos has beheaded um John King Herod Antipos has beheaded um John King Herod Antipos has beheaded um John the Baptist. Now, here's where a little the Baptist. Now, here's where a little the Baptist. Now, here's where a little history matters. history matters. history matters. uh King Herod the Great, that's the uh King Herod the Great, that's the uh King Herod the Great, that's the Herod that was at the time of Jesus Herod that was at the time of Jesus Herod that was at the time of Jesus birth. You remember him? Well, when he birth. You remember him? Well, when he birth. You remember him? Well, when he died, the kingdom was divided into four died, the kingdom was divided into four died, the kingdom was divided into four parts. And King Herod, his son, King parts. And King Herod, his son, King parts. And King Herod, his son, King Herod Antipos, was put in charge of Herod Antipos, was put in charge of Herod Antipos, was put in charge of Galilee.

Galilee. Galilee. Well, um King King uh Herod Antipos is Well, um King King uh Herod Antipos is Well, um King King uh Herod Antipos is the one who who executed uh um John the the one who who executed uh um John the the one who who executed uh um John the Baptist. And so Jesus takes his Baptist. And so Jesus takes his Baptist. And so Jesus takes his disciples and he goes to Cesaria disciples and he goes to Cesaria disciples and he goes to Cesaria Philippi which is in the territory of Philippi which is in the territory of Philippi which is in the territory of Herod Phillip. Herod Antipos's brother Herod Phillip. Herod Antipos's brother Herod Phillip. Herod Antipos's brother also his archeneemy. also his archeneemy. also his archeneemy. These two brothers not getting along These two brothers not getting along These two brothers not getting along because well frankly Herod Antipos um uh because well frankly Herod Antipos um uh because well frankly Herod Antipos um uh had an affair with Herod Phillip's wife had an affair with Herod Phillip's wife had an affair with Herod Phillip's wife and then married her. And so John the and then married her. And so John the and then married her. And so John the Baptist called him out on it and lost Baptist called him out on it and lost Baptist called him out on it and lost his head for it. So anyway, Jesus has his head for it. So anyway, Jesus has his head for it. So anyway, Jesus has realized that he needs to go to he needs realized that he needs to go to he needs realized that he needs to go to he needs to leave Galilee because G because Herod to leave Galilee because G because Herod to leave Galilee because G because Herod Antipos is going to come after him. So Antipos is going to come after him. So Antipos is going to come after him. So he takes his disciples and he goes to he takes his disciples and he goes to he takes his disciples and he goes to Cesaria Philippi and uh he sits down Cesaria Philippi and uh he sits down Cesaria Philippi and uh he sits down with them there. He's he's gone as far with them there. He's he's gone as far with them there. He's he's gone as far away as he can and he's got this moment away as he can and he's got this moment away as he can and he's got this moment where he says, "Okay, what are we going where he says, "Okay, what are we going where he says, "Okay, what are we going to do now?"

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

if we'll just join you in this work. if we'll just join you in this work. In the name of Christ we pray. Amen. In the name of Christ we pray. Amen. In the name of Christ we pray. Amen. Our closing hymn is Bring forth the Our closing hymn is Bring forth the Our closing hymn is Bring forth the kingdom of God. It's a beautiful hymn kingdom of God. It's a beautiful hymn kingdom of God. It's a beautiful hymn with a lot of little just it'll run with a lot of little just it'll run with a lot of little just it'll run around in your head. Let's just sing the around in your head. Let's just sing the around in your head. Let's just sing the first two stanzas of Bring forth the first two stanzas of Bring forth the first two stanzas of Bring forth the kingdom. It's in your supplement. The kingdom. It's in your supplement. The kingdom. It's in your supplement. The words are there in your bulletin. Would words are there in your bulletin. Would words are there in your bulletin. Would you stand as we sing together? of God. Share the favor of my people of God. Share the favor of my people in the kingdom of God. Bring forth the in the kingdom of God. Bring forth the in the kingdom of God. Bring forth the kingdom of mercy. Bring forth the kingdom of mercy. Bring forth the kingdom of mercy. Bring forth the kingdom of peace. Bring forth the kingdom of peace. Bring forth the kingdom of peace. Bring forth the kingdom of justice. Bring on the city of kingdom of justice. Bring on the city of kingdom of justice. Bring on the city of God.

You are You are people. people. people. Glory Glory Glory of God shine so holy and brightful of God shine so holy and brightful of God shine so holy and brightful people shine people shine people shine the kingdom of God. Bring the kingdom of God. Bring the kingdom of God. Bring the kingdom of mercy. Bring the kingdom of mercy. Bring the kingdom of mercy. Bring the kingdom of peace. Bring forth the the kingdom of peace. Bring forth the the kingdom of peace. Bring forth the kingdom of justice. Bring kingdom of justice. Bring kingdom of justice. Bring the city of God. the city of God. the city of God. Hear 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, the love of God and communion of Christ, the love of God and communion of Christ, the love of God and communion of the Holy Spirit be with you now and the Holy Spirit be with you now and the Holy Spirit be with you now and forever. Amen. We presentation We presentation to thee.

Grant us wisdom. Grant us wisdom. Grant us courage. Grant us courage. Grant us courage. Ser Ser Ser whom we adore, we adore. whom we adore, we adore. whom we adore, we adore. Sering Sering Sering whom we adore.