Contemporary | 11:15 a.m. | 07.12.2026

Good morning, St. Luke's. Will you Good morning, St. Luke's. Will you please stand as we begin our worship please stand as we begin our worship please stand as we begin our worship service today? Let your rule and rain Let your rule and rain in our hearts again. in our hearts again. in our hearts again. Increase in us we pray. Increase in us we pray. Increase in us we pray. Unveil while we're made. Come set our Unveil while we're made. Come set our Unveil while we're made. Come set our hearts ablaze with hope like wildfire in hearts ablaze with hope like wildfire in hearts ablaze with hope like wildfire in our very souls. Holy Spirit, come and our very souls. Holy Spirit, come and our very souls. Holy Spirit, come and bait us now. Cuz we are your church. Cuz we are your church. We need your power in us. We seek your kingdom first. We hunger We seek your kingdom first. We hunger and we thirst. Confused to waste our and we thirst. Confused to waste our and we thirst. Confused to waste our lives. For you're our joy and prize. To lives. For you're our joy and prize. To lives. For you're our joy and prize. To see the captives hearts released, the see the captives hearts released, the see the captives hearts released, the hurt, the sick, the poor. At peace. We hurt, the sick, the poor. At peace. We hurt, the sick, the poor. At peace. We lay down our lives for heaven's cause.

We are your church. We are your church. Pray divide Pray divide Pray divide this. Build your kingom Build your kingom here. Let the darkness here. Let the darkness here. Let the darkness fear. Show your mighty fear. Show your mighty fear. Show your mighty hand. Heal our streets and land. Set hand. Heal our streets and land. Set hand. Heal our streets and land. Set your church on fire. in this nation your church on fire. in this nation your church on fire. in this nation back. Change the atmosphere. back. Change the atmosphere. back. Change the atmosphere. Build your kingom Build your kingom Build your kingom here we pray. Unleash your kingdom's power. Unleash your kingdom's power. Reach the near and far. Reach the near and far. Reach the near and far. The force of hell can start your beauty The force of hell can start your beauty The force of hell can start your beauty changing heart. You made for us much changing heart. You made for us much changing heart. You made for us much more than this. Awake the kingdom seen more than this. Awake the kingdom seen more than this. Awake the kingdom seen us. Fill us with the strength and love us. Fill us with the strength and love us. Fill us with the strength and love of Christ.

Cuz we are the church. Cuz we are the church. We are the help on earth. Build your kingom Build your kingom here. Let the darkness here. Let the darkness here. Let the darkness here. Show your mighty here. Show your mighty here. Show your mighty hand. Heal our streets and land. Set hand. Heal our streets and land. Set hand. Heal our streets and land. Set your church on fire. Win this nation your church on fire. Win this nation your church on fire. Win this nation back. Change the atmosphere. back. Change the atmosphere. back. Change the atmosphere. Build your kingom Build your kingom Build your kingom here we pray. Amen. Amen. Well, good morning, St. Amen. Amen. Well, good morning, St. Luke's. I just want to welcome you to Luke's. I just want to welcome you to Luke's. I just want to welcome you to today's service. Whether you're joining today's service. Whether you're joining today's service. Whether you're joining us right here in person or tuning in us right here in person or tuning in us right here in person or tuning in online, we're so glad you're here. And online, we're so glad you're here. And online, we're so glad you're here. And we're super excited for this opportunity we're super excited for this opportunity we're super excited for this opportunity to just get to be together, to get to to just get to be together, to get to to just get to be together, to get to worship together, to leave everything worship together, to leave everything worship together, to leave everything outside of these walls and just be with outside of these walls and just be with outside of these walls and just be with Jesus.

Jesus. Jesus. Well, in today's service, in today's Well, in today's service, in today's Well, in today's service, in today's message, we're going to hear a little message, we're going to hear a little message, we're going to hear a little bit about when Jesus turns to his bit about when Jesus turns to his bit about when Jesus turns to his disciples and asks them a question. He disciples and asks them a question. He disciples and asks them a question. He asks them, "Who do you say that I am?" asks them, "Who do you say that I am?" asks them, "Who do you say that I am?" It's really interesting to me. Before he It's really interesting to me. Before he It's really interesting to me. Before he sends them on a mission, before he sends sends them on a mission, before he sends sends them on a mission, before he sends them on assignment, before he asks them on assignment, before he asks them on assignment, before he asks anything of them, he invites them first anything of them, he invites them first anything of them, he invites them first to know who he is. And he's asking us to know who he is. And he's asking us to know who he is. And he's asking us that very same question today, St. that very same question today, St. that very same question today, St. Luke's. And so, as we sing this next Luke's. And so, as we sing this next Luke's. And so, as we sing this next song, let's answer that question with song, let's answer that question with song, let's answer that question with these declarations that Jesus is worthy these declarations that Jesus is worthy these declarations that Jesus is worthy of every song. He is worthy of every of every song. He is worthy of every of every song. He is worthy of every breath. He is worthy of everything breath. He is worthy of everything breath. He is worthy of everything because he is everything. Will you sing because he is everything. Will you sing because he is everything. Will you sing that with me today? Worthy of all the praise we could ever Worthy of all the praise we could ever bring.

Worthy of every breath we could live and Worthy of every breath we could live and brea. We live for you. brea. We live for you. brea. We live for you. Oh, we live for you. Sing Jesus. worthy of every breath we could ever worthy of every breath we could ever take. We live for you. take. We live for you. take. We live for you. Oh, we live for you and holy. and holy. There is no one like you. There is none There is no one like you. There is none There is no one like you. There is none beside you. Open up my eyes in wonder beside you. Open up my eyes in wonder beside you. Open up my eyes in wonder and show me who you are. And fill me and show me who you are. And fill me and show me who you are. And fill me with your heart and lead me in your love with your heart and lead me in your love with your heart and lead me in your love to those around to those around to those around me.

Jesus the only one who could ever say Jesus the only one who could ever say worthy worthy worthy worthy of every breath we could ever worthy of every breath we could ever worthy of every breath we could ever breathe. We live for you. breathe. We live for you. breathe. We live for you. Oh, we live for you and holy. and holy. There is no one like you. There is none There is no one like you. There is none There is no one like you. There is none beside you. Open up my eyes in wonder. beside you. Open up my eyes in wonder. beside you. Open up my eyes in wonder. Show me who you are and fill me with Show me who you are and fill me with Show me who you are and fill me with your heart and lead me in your love to your heart and lead me in your love to your heart and lead me in your love to those around me. And I will build my those around me. And I will build my those around me. And I will build my life upon your love. It is a firm life upon your love. It is a firm life upon your love. It is a firm foundation foundation foundation and I will put my trust in you upon and and I will put my trust in you upon and and I will put my trust in you upon and I will not be shen and I will build my I will not be shen and I will build my I will not be shen and I will build my life upon life upon life upon your love. It is a firm found your love. It is a firm found your love. It is a firm found and I will put my trust in you alone and I will put my trust in you alone and I will put my trust in you alone and I will not be shen.

we thank you for the gift of today. we thank you for the gift of today. Thank you for waking us up this morning Thank you for waking us up this morning Thank you for waking us up this morning and starting us on another day's and starting us on another day's and starting us on another day's journey. Thank you for this incredible band that Thank you for this incredible band that leads us into centering ourselves on leads us into centering ourselves on leads us into centering ourselves on what it means to be in your presence. what it means to be in your presence. what it means to be in your presence. What it means to connect with you with What it means to connect with you with What it means to connect with you with our whole being in this time of worship. our whole being in this time of worship. our whole being in this time of worship. Letting go of our to-do lists. Letting go of our to-do lists. Letting go of our to-do lists. letting go of distraction letting go of distraction letting go of distraction so that we can be fully present here and so that we can be fully present here and so that we can be fully present here and now now now with each other and with and for you. with each other and with and for you. with each other and with and for you. Giving you the honor and praise you so Giving you the honor and praise you so Giving you the honor and praise you so deserve with our voices with our songs deserve with our voices with our songs deserve with our voices with our songs with our thoughts. God, we give it all with our thoughts. God, we give it all with our thoughts. God, we give it all to you with our our bodies even as we to you with our our bodies even as we to you with our our bodies even as we lift our hands in worship or kneel in lift our hands in worship or kneel in lift our hands in worship or kneel in prayer or light a candle or say hello to prayer or light a candle or say hello to prayer or light a candle or say hello to a neighbor or feel the waters of a neighbor or feel the waters of a neighbor or feel the waters of baptism.

God, thank you for the grace that you God, thank you for the grace that you give us as we center ourselves and as we give us as we center ourselves and as we give us as we center ourselves and as we struggle to center, as we struggle to struggle to center, as we struggle to struggle to center, as we struggle to let go of the distractions. let go of the distractions. let go of the distractions. Because God, it's easy to sing about Because God, it's easy to sing about Because God, it's easy to sing about trusting you and not being shaken, but trusting you and not being shaken, but trusting you and not being shaken, but there are plenty of things in our world there are plenty of things in our world there are plenty of things in our world and our lives that we feel like we're and our lives that we feel like we're and our lives that we feel like we're justified and feeling shaken. God, help us to be real about those God, help us to be real about those things with you today, things with you today, things with you today, to bring them before you today. to bring them before you today. to bring them before you today. Bring us to a new awareness today of how Bring us to a new awareness today of how Bring us to a new awareness today of how much we need you, God, to steady us so that whatever's happening around us, so that whatever's happening around us, we are truly anchored in you, we are truly anchored in you, we are truly anchored in you, believing, learning how to trust you, believing, learning how to trust you, believing, learning how to trust you, that you are with us through it all. through it all. So God, this morning during this time of So God, this morning during this time of So God, this morning during this time of prayer as we continue in this posture, prayer as we continue in this posture, prayer as we continue in this posture, we light a candle or we come and pray we light a candle or we come and pray we light a candle or we come and pray and kneeling before you or staying in and kneeling before you or staying in and kneeling before you or staying in our seats, but we use this time, God, to our seats, but we use this time, God, to our seats, but we use this time, God, to bring to you the things that honestly bring to you the things that honestly bring to you the things that honestly have been making us shake lately.

have been making us shake lately. have been making us shake lately. And we offer them to your care and And we offer them to your care and And we offer them to your care and attention. studying God,

studying God, we pray together we pray together we pray together knowing that we are stronger together. knowing that we are stronger together. knowing that we are stronger together. the words that you invited your the words that you invited your the words that you invited your disciples to pray when they didn't have disciples to pray when they didn't have disciples to pray when they didn't have the words. the words. the words. Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. be done on earth as it is in heaven. be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And Give us this day our daily bread. And Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses as we forgive forgive us our trespasses as we forgive forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. Lead us those who trespass against us. Lead us those who trespass against us. Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from not into temptation, but deliver us from not 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. >> I would like to invite Landon Alexander >> I would like to invite Landon Alexander >> I would like to invite Landon Alexander and his family to come on up here. And and his family to come on up here. And and his family to come on up here. And for those of you that are joining, would for those of you that are joining, would for those of you that are joining, would y'all stand in place as witnesses to y'all stand in place as witnesses to y'all stand in place as witnesses to Landon's baptism? Landon is accompanied by his mom, Jade, Landon is accompanied by his mom, Jade, and his sister, Kennedy. Kennedy was and his sister, Kennedy. Kennedy was and his sister, Kennedy. Kennedy was baptized right here on this stage just a baptized right here on this stage just a baptized right here on this stage just a few years ago, probably before you few years ago, probably before you few years ago, probably before you remember that. Um, so one of the joys of remember that. Um, so one of the joys of remember that. Um, so one of the joys of the church is when we get to welcome new the church is when we get to welcome new the church is when we get to welcome new members into our family through baptism.

members into our family through baptism. members into our family through baptism. And this is something that we do And this is something that we do And this is something that we do together. uh we make this covenant in together. uh we make this covenant in together. uh we make this covenant in recognition of the work that God is recognition of the work that God is recognition of the work that God is doing on our behalfs. And so I am going doing on our behalfs. And so I am going doing on our behalfs. And so I am going to ask Jade a few questions and then I'm to ask Jade a few questions and then I'm to ask Jade a few questions and then I'm going to ask us to join in together on a going to ask us to join in together on a going to ask us to join in together on a vow vow vow in presenting Landon for baptism. Do you in presenting Landon for baptism. Do you in presenting Landon for baptism. Do you confess Jesus Christ as your savior? Put confess Jesus Christ as your savior? Put confess Jesus Christ as your savior? Put your whole trust in his grace and your whole trust in his grace and your whole trust in his grace and promise to serve him in union with the promise to serve him in union with the promise to serve him in union with the church which Christ has opened up to church which Christ has opened up to church which Christ has opened up to people of all ages, nations, and races. people of all ages, nations, and races. people of all ages, nations, and races. If you do, say, "I do." If you do, say, "I do." If you do, say, "I do." And will you nurture Landon in Christ's And will you nurture Landon in Christ's And will you nurture Landon in Christ's holy church that by your teaching and holy church that by your teaching and holy church that by your teaching and example he may be guided to accept God's example he may be guided to accept God's example he may be guided to accept God's grace for himself, profess his faith grace for himself, profess his faith grace for himself, profess his faith openly, and lead a Christian life? If openly, and lead a Christian life? If openly, and lead a Christian life? If you will say, I will. Marvelous. you will say, I will. Marvelous. you will say, I will. Marvelous. All right, Landon, All right, Landon, All right, Landon, you ready for this? Do you want to stick you ready for this? Do you want to stick you ready for this? Do you want to stick your You can put yours in, too, to feel your You can put yours in, too, to feel your You can put yours in, too, to feel what it's like, but I'm going to put it what it's like, but I'm going to put it what it's like, but I'm going to put it on you. How does that sound? You ready? on you. How does that sound? You ready? on you. How does that sound? You ready? Okay, Okay, Okay, Landon, will you turn and face your Landon, will you turn and face your Landon, will you turn and face your grandparents and all these people that grandparents and all these people that grandparents and all these people that love you so much? Okay, Landon, I love you so much? Okay, Landon, I love you so much? Okay, Landon, I baptize you in the name of the Father baptize you in the name of the Father baptize you in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. You are and the Son and the Holy Spirit. You are and the Son and the Holy Spirit. You are marked and sealed by love forever. Amen.

marked and sealed by love forever. Amen. marked and sealed by love forever. Amen. Church, will you welcome our new son, Church, will you welcome our new son, Church, will you welcome our new son, Landon? As I mentioned, I'm going to invite you As I mentioned, I'm going to invite you to join in together on this vow. You to join in together on this vow. You to join in together on this vow. You will see it up on the screen. so that we will see it up on the screen. so that we will see it up on the screen. so that we can commit ourselves to being a part of can commit ourselves to being a part of can commit ourselves to being a part of his life. Beloved of the household of his life. Beloved of the household of his life. Beloved of the household of faith, I commend to your love and care faith, I commend to your love and care faith, I commend to your love and care this day this child whom we recognize as this day this child whom we recognize as this day this child whom we recognize as a member of the family of God. Will you a member of the family of God. Will you a member of the family of God. Will you endeavor so to live that he may grow in endeavor so to live that he may grow in endeavor so to live that he may grow in his knowledge of God the Father and love his knowledge of God the Father and love his knowledge of God the Father and love through Jesus Christ? With God's help, through Jesus Christ? With God's help, through Jesus Christ? With God's help, we will proclaim the good news and live we will proclaim the good news and live we will proclaim the good news and live according to the example of Christ. We according to the example of Christ. We according to the example of Christ. We will surround this child with a will surround this child with a will surround this child with a community of love and forgiveness that community of love and forgiveness that community of love and forgiveness that he may grow in his service to others. We he may grow in his service to others. We he may grow in his service to others. We will pray for him that he may be a true will pray for him that he may be a true will pray for him that he may be a true disciple that walks in the way that disciple that walks in the way that disciple that walks in the way that leads to life eternal. Let us pray. God, leads to life eternal. Let us pray. God, leads to life eternal. Let us pray. God, I give you thanks for Landon Bennett for I give you thanks for Landon Bennett for I give you thanks for Landon Bennett for the joy that his life has brought to his the joy that his life has brought to his the joy that his life has brought to his family and many others. and I give you family and many others. and I give you family and many others. and I give you thanks that you are a God that has gone thanks that you are a God that has gone thanks that you are a God that has gone before him and will continue to do so before him and will continue to do so before him and will continue to do so his entire life. And so I pray that as his entire life. And so I pray that as his entire life. And so I pray that as we've marked Landon as a member of our we've marked Landon as a member of our we've marked Landon as a member of our family here and your greater family, um family here and your greater family, um family here and your greater family, um God, that you would continue to help us God, that you would continue to help us God, that you would continue to help us to live in a way that he can know who to live in a way that he can know who to live in a way that he can know who you are through all of us. That he will you are through all of us. That he will you are through all of us. That he will continue to know you as this God that continue to know you as this God that continue to know you as this God that goes before him, that gives him second goes before him, that gives him second goes before him, that gives him second chances, that loves him, that welcomes chances, that loves him, that welcomes chances, that loves him, that welcomes him back when he turns away from the him back when he turns away from the him back when he turns away from the fold. God, that your presence would

fold. God, that your presence would fold. God, that your presence would always be known through our love and our always be known through our love and our always be known through our love and our forgiveness and our grace. And pray for forgiveness and our grace. And pray for forgiveness and our grace. And pray for Landon and Kennedy and Jade that you Landon and Kennedy and Jade that you Landon and Kennedy and Jade that you would continue to bless them as a would continue to bless them as a would continue to bless them as a family. We love you and we pray this in family. We love you and we pray this in family. We love you and we pray this in your name. Amen. your name. Amen. your name. Amen. >> All right. Well, as we head down, >> All right. Well, as we head down, >> All right. Well, as we head down, Kennedy and uh Landon, y'all are welcome Kennedy and uh Landon, y'all are welcome Kennedy and uh Landon, y'all are welcome to stay on the steps. Miss Lorie's to stay on the steps. Miss Lorie's to stay on the steps. Miss Lorie's coming up with all the other kids for coming up with all the other kids for coming up with all the other kids for the children's message. right here. I have a great spot right right here. I have a great spot right here. Awesome. here. Awesome. here. Awesome. Hello. Hello. Hello. Hi, everyone. It is great to see you Hi, everyone. It is great to see you Hi, everyone. It is great to see you this morning. All right. What is the this morning. All right. What is the this morning. All right. What is the question? question? question? >> What's in the bag? >> What's in the bag? >> What's in the bag? >> What's in the bag? Let's check it out. >> What's in the bag? Let's check it out. >> What's in the bag? Let's check it out. Okay, I found this. >> And so what is this? >> And so what is this? >> A rocket ship.

>> A rocket ship. >> A rocket ship. >> Yeah, like a space shuttle, right? Or a >> Yeah, like a space shuttle, right? Or a >> Yeah, like a space shuttle, right? Or a rocket ship. I love that. And then look rocket ship. I love that. And then look rocket ship. I love that. And then look who else I found in here. who else I found in here. who else I found in here. >> What are these? >> What are these? >> What are these? >> Astronauts. >> Astronauts. >> Astronauts. >> Astronauts. That's right. So, what is >> Astronauts. That's right. So, what is >> Astronauts. That's right. So, what is the job of the space shuttle? What does the job of the space shuttle? What does the job of the space shuttle? What does it do? it do? it do? >> Go to the moon. >> Go to the moon. >> Go to the moon. >> Yeah, it it takes the astronauts, right? >> Yeah, it it takes the astronauts, right? >> Yeah, it it takes the astronauts, right? And it takes them up to the moon like And it takes them up to the moon like And it takes them up to the moon like that. I love space and every time I see that. I love space and every time I see that. I love space and every time I see a rocket launch, I think about all the a rocket launch, I think about all the a rocket launch, I think about all the people that had to work together to make people that had to work together to make people that had to work together to make that happen. And do you know what's that happen. And do you know what's that happen. And do you know what's really cool? The people that work to really cool? The people that work to really cool? The people that work to make this happen, they all gather in one make this happen, they all gather in one make this happen, they all gather in one place. Do you know what that's called? place. Do you know what that's called? place. Do you know what that's called? Where they all work together? It's Where they all work together? It's Where they all work together? It's actually very Yeah. Do you know actually very Yeah. Do you know actually very Yeah. Do you know >> mission control? And it is very very >> mission control? And it is very very >> mission control? And it is very very close to here. So they all sit together close to here. So they all sit together close to here. So they all sit together in that room and they work together to in that room and they work together to in that room and they work together to accomplish this big mission. So I keep accomplish this big mission. So I keep accomplish this big mission. So I keep saying the word mission and I wondered, saying the word mission and I wondered, saying the word mission and I wondered, do you know what a mission is? How would do you know what a mission is? How would do you know what a mission is? How would we define that? What does it mean?

we define that? What does it mean? we define that? What does it mean? Did I stump everybody this morning? Have Did I stump everybody this morning? Have Did I stump everybody this morning? Have the donuts kicked in yet? the donuts kicked in yet? the donuts kicked in yet? No. Okay. So, how I like to think of a No. Okay. So, how I like to think of a No. Okay. So, how I like to think of a mission is it's a plan to accomplish mission is it's a plan to accomplish mission is it's a plan to accomplish something very important like taking something very important like taking something very important like taking astronauts up into space and then astronauts up into space and then astronauts up into space and then bringing them back down. Right? That's a bringing them back down. Right? That's a bringing them back down. Right? That's a really big one. Well, in our Bible story really big one. Well, in our Bible story really big one. Well, in our Bible story today, Jesus talks to his disciples today, Jesus talks to his disciples today, Jesus talks to his disciples about an important mission. So, if you about an important mission. So, if you about an important mission. So, if you remember, all summer long, we have been remember, all summer long, we have been remember, all summer long, we have been on holiday with Jesus, going and on holiday with Jesus, going and on holiday with Jesus, going and learning about the places that Jesus learning about the places that Jesus learning about the places that Jesus visited and learning lessons along the visited and learning lessons along the visited and learning lessons along the way. So today we find oursel with Jesus way. So today we find oursel with Jesus way. So today we find oursel with Jesus in a town called um Cesaria Philippi and in a town called um Cesaria Philippi and in a town called um Cesaria Philippi and he is talking to his disciples and he he is talking to his disciples and he he is talking to his disciples and he asks a question. Are you ready to hear asks a question. Are you ready to hear asks a question. Are you ready to hear what that question is? what that question is? what that question is? >> He says to his disciples, who do you say >> He says to his disciples, who do you say >> He says to his disciples, who do you say I am? H who am I? And one of his I am? H who am I? And one of his I am? H who am I? And one of his disciples, Peter, answers, he says, you disciples, Peter, answers, he says, you disciples, Peter, answers, he says, you are the Messiah. You are God's son. And are the Messiah. You are God's son. And are the Messiah. You are God's son. And Jesus looks at Peter and he says that is Jesus looks at Peter and he says that is Jesus looks at Peter and he says that is right. And he says I am going to start a right. And he says I am going to start a right. And he says I am going to start a church. And then he gives Peter and all church. And then he gives Peter and all church. And then he gives Peter and all the disciples their mission. Do you know the disciples their mission. Do you know the disciples their mission. Do you know what it was?

what it was? what it was? >> To build the church. >> To build the church. >> To build the church. >> To build the church. To go out to tell >> To build the church. To go out to tell >> To build the church. To go out to tell everybody about Jesus. To share God's everybody about Jesus. To share God's everybody about Jesus. To share God's love. And that would make the church love. And that would make the church love. And that would make the church grow and grow and grow. grow and grow and grow. grow and grow and grow. And guess what? And guess what? And guess what? It worked. They did it. Where are we It worked. They did it. Where are we It worked. They did it. Where are we sitting today? Right now. sitting today? Right now. sitting today? Right now. >> In a church. Because of Peter and the >> In a church. Because of Peter and the >> In a church. Because of Peter and the disciple disciples going out and disciple disciples going out and disciple disciples going out and accomplishing their mission. We get to accomplishing their mission. We get to accomplishing their mission. We get to be part of a special church today. I be part of a special church today. I be part of a special church today. I think that is so neat. But there's more. think that is so neat. But there's more. think that is so neat. But there's more. It gets even more amazing because Jesus It gets even more amazing because Jesus It gets even more amazing because Jesus invites us to have a mission also. So invites us to have a mission also. So invites us to have a mission also. So what is my mission? What is your what is my mission? What is your what is my mission? What is your mission? Do you want to learn? Are you mission? Do you want to learn? Are you mission? Do you want to learn? Are you ready? Okay. And we'll have to think if ready? Okay. And we'll have to think if ready? Okay. And we'll have to think if we're going to accept it, right? That's we're going to accept it, right? That's we're going to accept it, right? That's what we have to do with missions. So what we have to do with missions. So what we have to do with missions. So your mission is very simple. Come to your mission is very simple. Come to your mission is very simple. Come to church. Get to know God.

church. Get to know God. church. Get to know God. Share God's love. And this is the way Share God's love. And this is the way Share God's love. And this is the way that we keep the church going and going that we keep the church going and going that we keep the church going and going and going. Okay, I have one more thing and going. Okay, I have one more thing and going. Okay, I have one more thing for you in my bag today. Let's see what for you in my bag today. Let's see what for you in my bag today. Let's see what it is. it is. it is. I'm going to put the astronauts away. I'm going to put the astronauts away. I'm going to put the astronauts away. They're going to rest. Does that sound They're going to rest. Does that sound They're going to rest. Does that sound good? It's a big job. Okay, so all good? It's a big job. Okay, so all good? It's a big job. Okay, so all summer long we've been doing these are summer long we've been doing these are summer long we've been doing these are like passport stamps as we travel like passport stamps as we travel like passport stamps as we travel different places. So it says, "Welcome different places. So it says, "Welcome different places. So it says, "Welcome to Caesaria Philippi. Design your own to Caesaria Philippi. Design your own to Caesaria Philippi. Design your own passport stamp." It says, "Draw a passport stamp." It says, "Draw a passport stamp." It says, "Draw a picture of our church." So, draw a picture of our church." So, draw a picture of our church." So, draw a picture of the church. What's your picture of the church. What's your picture of the church. What's your favorite thing about being part of our favorite thing about being part of our favorite thing about being part of our church? Oh, what a great question. And church? Oh, what a great question. And church? Oh, what a great question. And then I love this one at the very end. then I love this one at the very end. then I love this one at the very end. What is one way you can show God's love What is one way you can show God's love What is one way you can show God's love this week and work on your mission? this week and work on your mission? this week and work on your mission? Right. So, in a minute after I say a Right. So, in a minute after I say a Right. So, in a minute after I say a prayer, I'm going to give each one of prayer, I'm going to give each one of prayer, I'm going to give each one of you these. I would love for you to go you these. I would love for you to go you these. I would love for you to go fill it out. You can do it right now fill it out. You can do it right now fill it out. You can do it right now during worship. You can fill this out during worship. You can fill this out during worship. You can fill this out and I would love to see it. And I want and I would love to see it. And I want and I would love to see it. And I want you to remember that you are part of of you to remember that you are part of of you to remember that you are part of of this mission that Jesus gave all of us.

this mission that Jesus gave all of us. this mission that Jesus gave all of us. I want you to keep learning and getting I want you to keep learning and getting I want you to keep learning and getting to know God and getting to feel God's to know God and getting to feel God's to know God and getting to feel God's love and then share God's love with love and then share God's love with love and then share God's love with other people. I am really, really glad other people. I am really, really glad other people. I am really, really glad that Jesus is the head of our mission that Jesus is the head of our mission that Jesus is the head of our mission control. I think that worked out really control. I think that worked out really control. I think that worked out really great. All right, let's go ahead and put great. All right, let's go ahead and put great. All right, let's go ahead and put our hands together and say a prayer. our hands together and say a prayer. our hands together and say a prayer. You're going to repeat after me. Dear You're going to repeat after me. Dear You're going to repeat after me. Dear God, God, God, >> Dear God, >> Dear God, >> Dear God, >> thank you for loving us. Thank you for >> thank you for loving us. Thank you for >> thank you for loving us. Thank you for loving us. loving us. loving us. >> Thank you for Jesus. >> Thank you for Jesus. >> Thank you for Jesus. >> Thank you for Jesus. >> Thank you for Jesus. >> Thank you for Jesus. >> Help us remember >> Help us remember >> Help us remember >> Help us remember >> Help us remember >> Help us remember >> we are part >> we are part >> we are part >> We are part >> We are part >> We are part >> of your important mission. >> of your important mission. >> of your important mission. >> of your important mission. >> of your important mission. >> of your important mission. >> We love you. >> We love you. >> We love you. >> We love you. >> We love you. >> We love you. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> All right. Don't forget this and I'll >> All right. Don't forget this and I'll >> All right. Don't forget this and I'll see you next time on our next travel. see you next time on our next travel. see you next time on our next travel. >> All right. As Miss Lori and the kids >> All right. As Miss Lori and the kids >> All right. As Miss Lori and the kids head back to their seats, it is my joy head back to their seats, it is my joy head back to their seats, it is my joy to introduce to you all our newest to introduce to you all our newest to introduce to you all our newest member of our pastoral staff, Reverend member of our pastoral staff, Reverend member of our pastoral staff, Reverend Chris Wax. Reverend Wax uh is joining us Chris Wax. Reverend Wax uh is joining us Chris Wax. Reverend Wax uh is joining us today for his first Sunday, but he's today for his first Sunday, but he's today for his first Sunday, but he's been here for a few days kind of getting been here for a few days kind of getting been here for a few days kind of getting a lay of land, drinking from a fire a lay of land, drinking from a fire a lay of land, drinking from a fire hose. Um and he is going to be our hose. Um and he is going to be our hose. Um and he is going to be our senior associate pastor who will senior associate pastor who will senior associate pastor who will supervise all of our program and supervise all of our program and supervise all of our program and disciplehip areas. So, adults, students, disciplehip areas. So, adults, students, disciplehip areas. So, adults, students, children, and outreach. And so he will children, and outreach. And so he will children, and outreach. And so he will help give guidance to them and help them help give guidance to them and help them help give guidance to them and help them cast vision. And as we do more and more cast vision. And as we do more and more cast vision. And as we do more and more work on our disciplehip pathway and like work on our disciplehip pathway and like work on our disciplehip pathway and like how we can move forward and grow in our how we can move forward and grow in our how we can move forward and grow in our faith, Chris is going to give a lot of faith, Chris is going to give a lot of faith, Chris is going to give a lot of leadership to that in those folks. And leadership to that in those folks. And leadership to that in those folks. And so I asked him if he would like to so I asked him if he would like to so I asked him if he would like to introduce himself to y'all just real introduce himself to y'all just real introduce himself to y'all just real quick. He said he'd take five to eight quick. He said he'd take five to eight quick. He said he'd take five to eight minutes.

minutes. minutes. >> Yeah, there'll be two offerings I think >> Yeah, there'll be two offerings I think >> Yeah, there'll be two offerings I think uh during this time as well. Um no, I'm uh during this time as well. Um no, I'm uh during this time as well. Um no, I'm so uh uh blessed to be here. I uh love so uh uh blessed to be here. I uh love so uh uh blessed to be here. I uh love the opportunity to work with such the opportunity to work with such the opportunity to work with such wonderful people in such a wonderful wonderful people in such a wonderful wonderful people in such a wonderful church. Um just quickly, um I've got a church. Um just quickly, um I've got a church. Um just quickly, um I've got a wife named Diana uh and a six-year-old wife named Diana uh and a six-year-old wife named Diana uh and a six-year-old daughter named Eleanor. Uh and we uh daughter named Eleanor. Uh and we uh daughter named Eleanor. Uh and we uh just are so excited to be here and a just are so excited to be here and a just are so excited to be here and a part of this wonderful community. I've part of this wonderful community. I've part of this wonderful community. I've been serving uh in our conference over been serving uh in our conference over been serving uh in our conference over the last 10 years. Uh first in the last 10 years. Uh first in the last 10 years. Uh first in Galveastston, then in a little town uh Galveastston, then in a little town uh Galveastston, then in a little town uh called Lexington, uh Texas, not the called Lexington, uh Texas, not the called Lexington, uh Texas, not the Kentucky one. Um, and I would just love Kentucky one. Um, and I would just love Kentucky one. Um, and I would just love the chance really to get to know uh more the chance really to get to know uh more the chance really to get to know uh more of you uh over the next couple of weeks. of you uh over the next couple of weeks. of you uh over the next couple of weeks. Uh, I can't wait to meet you if you Uh, I can't wait to meet you if you Uh, I can't wait to meet you if you would uh have that chance to introduce would uh have that chance to introduce would uh have that chance to introduce yourself, tell me your name, and then yourself, tell me your name, and then yourself, tell me your name, and then next week tell me it one more time uh next week tell me it one more time uh next week tell me it one more time uh and just get in that rhythm of the next and just get in that rhythm of the next and just get in that rhythm of the next couple weeks and I'll do my best to couple weeks and I'll do my best to couple weeks and I'll do my best to remember it. But I can't wait to get to remember it. But I can't wait to get to remember it. But I can't wait to get to know all of you more. know all of you more. know all of you more. >> Good. Thank you, Chris. We are so glad. >> Good. Thank you, Chris. We are so glad. >> Good. Thank you, Chris. We are so glad. Um, all right. So, as Chris and I head Um, all right. So, as Chris and I head Um, all right. So, as Chris and I head back to our seats, it is Yeah.

Um, it's my opportunity to invite you Um, it's my opportunity to invite you all to check in and let us know you're all to check in and let us know you're all to check in and let us know you're here either via the app or grab one of here either via the app or grab one of here either via the app or grab one of the cards that is in the seat back in the cards that is in the seat back in the cards that is in the seat back in front of you. You can write your prayer front of you. You can write your prayer front of you. You can write your prayer requests on the card as well. So, if you requests on the card as well. So, if you requests on the card as well. So, if you have something that you want us to join have something that you want us to join have something that you want us to join in prayer with you about uh or if there in prayer with you about uh or if there in prayer with you about uh or if there is someone that's in the hospital that is someone that's in the hospital that is someone that's in the hospital that needs a visit or something you want the needs a visit or something you want the needs a visit or something you want the clergy staff to know, please put it on clergy staff to know, please put it on clergy staff to know, please put it on one of those cards. Uh, and then I'd one of those cards. Uh, and then I'd one of those cards. Uh, and then I'd like to invite our ushers to come like to invite our ushers to come like to invite our ushers to come forward to receive our gifts and our forward to receive our gifts and our forward to receive our gifts and our tithes and our offerings. Here I come. Here I come. I quiet my soul. I quiet my soul. I quiet my soul. Remember redemption's hill redemption's hill where your blood spilled where your blood spilled where your blood spilled for my for my for my son.

son. son. Oh, and everything I want help me I Oh, and everything I want help me I Oh, and everything I want help me I count count count it all as lost. it all as lost. it all as lost. to feed me to the cross where your love to feed me to the cross where your love to feed me to the cross where your love cut down. cut down. cut down. Bring me to my knees. Lord, I lay me Bring me to my knees. Lord, I lay me Bring me to my knees. Lord, I lay me down. down. down. Fre me up myself. I belong to you. You you were as I You you were as I tempted into light. the word became flesh.

the word became flesh. for myself. I once held dear. I count it all as I once held dear. I count it all as lost. lost. lost. Lead me to the cross where your love Lead me to the cross where your love Lead me to the cross where your love poured out. poured out. poured out. Bring me to my knees. Lord I lay me Bring me to my knees. Lord I lay me Bring me to my knees. Lord I lay me down. down. down. rid me of myself. I belong to you, rid me of myself. I belong to you, rid me of myself. I belong to you, Lord. Holy Holy Mary Thank you.

Thank you. Well, good morning, St. Luke's. Glad to Well, good morning, St. Luke's. Glad to Well, good morning, St. Luke's. Glad to see you all here today. see you all here today. see you all here today. Glad uh it's it's summer. This is good. Glad uh it's it's summer. This is good. Glad uh it's it's summer. This is good. Glad you're all all are here. Hey, how Glad you're all all are here. Hey, how Glad you're all all are here. Hey, how are you? Welcome. are you? Welcome. are you? Welcome. Let's pray together. Gracious and loving Let's pray together. Gracious and loving Let's pray together. Gracious and loving God, uh open us up today. God, uh open us up today. God, uh open us up today. We believe you have something for us. We believe you have something for us. We believe you have something for us. We've come here and we believe you can We've come here and we believe you can We've come here and we believe you can offer us something and ask something of offer us something and ask something of offer us something and ask something of us today. us today. us today. Open our eyes that we might see and our Open our eyes that we might see and our Open our eyes that we might see and our ears that we might hear your word in the ears that we might hear your word in the ears that we might hear your word in the midst of these words. midst of these words. midst of these words. Open our hearts that that word might Open our hearts that that word might Open our hearts that that word might fall in fall in fall in and do its work within us and open us to and do its work within us and open us to and do its work within us and open us to greater compassion and love. greater compassion and love. greater compassion and love. And then, oh God, open our hands that we And then, oh God, open our hands that we And then, oh God, open our hands that we might give and serve and love. might give and serve and love. might give and serve and love. Amen. Amen. Amen. On October uh 12th of 1995, astronaut On October uh 12th of 1995, astronaut On October uh 12th of 1995, astronaut Chris Hadfield strapped himself into the Chris Hadfield strapped himself into the Chris Hadfield strapped himself into the um space shuttle Atlantis um space shuttle Atlantis um space shuttle Atlantis uh for STS74.

uh for STS74. uh for STS74. I saw an interview of him not too long I saw an interview of him not too long I saw an interview of him not too long ago in which he talked about that moment ago in which he talked about that moment ago in which he talked about that moment where you're he was lying on his back where you're he was lying on his back where you're he was lying on his back and he um and he um and he um uh and and he couldn't see out any uh and and he couldn't see out any uh and and he couldn't see out any windows or anything and and he's getting windows or anything and and he's getting windows or anything and and he's getting ready for liftoff and he says he thinks ready for liftoff and he says he thinks ready for liftoff and he says he thinks to himself so this is it. It's time. I to himself so this is it. It's time. I to himself so this is it. It's time. I have uh I've been here in this uh have uh I've been here in this uh have uh I've been here in this uh working at this for years and years and working at this for years and years and working at this for years and years and years and years and preparing for this years and years and preparing for this years and years and preparing for this and getting ready for this moment and and getting ready for this moment and and getting ready for this moment and now it's time. And I I just wonder, do I now it's time. And I I just wonder, do I now it's time. And I I just wonder, do I have what it takes? have what it takes? have what it takes? Perhaps you've had an it's time moment. Perhaps you've had an it's time moment. Perhaps you've had an it's time moment. Uh if you have had children, perhaps Uh if you have had children, perhaps Uh if you have had children, perhaps you've uh held a child, a brand new baby you've uh held a child, a brand new baby you've uh held a child, a brand new baby in your arms for the first time and you in your arms for the first time and you in your arms for the first time and you think, "Okay, I've been thinking about think, "Okay, I've been thinking about think, "Okay, I've been thinking about this. I've been praying about this. I've this. I've been praying about this. I've this. I've been praying about this. I've been getting ready for this moment and been getting ready for this moment and been getting ready for this moment and now it's here and oh my goodness, what now it's here and oh my goodness, what now it's here and oh my goodness, what am I going to do? Uh do I have what it am I going to do? Uh do I have what it am I going to do? Uh do I have what it takes to do this thing?" I I remember takes to do this thing?" I I remember takes to do this thing?" I I remember when I first u received my my first when I first u received my my first when I first u received my my first senior pastor appointment. I always knew senior pastor appointment. I always knew senior pastor appointment. I always knew I wanted to be a senior pastor to preach I wanted to be a senior pastor to preach I wanted to be a senior pastor to preach on on Sundays. And I'd been an associate on on Sundays. And I'd been an associate on on Sundays. And I'd been an associate pastor. I'd been a youth director. I'd pastor. I'd been a youth director. I'd pastor. I'd been a youth director. I'd gone to seminary. And all through that gone to seminary. And all through that gone to seminary. And all through that time, I was thinking to myself, well, time, I was thinking to myself, well, time, I was thinking to myself, well, when I'm a senior pastor, I'm gonna dot when I'm a senior pastor, I'm gonna dot when I'm a senior pastor, I'm gonna dot dot dot. I even had a little folder that dot dot. I even had a little folder that dot dot. I even had a little folder that said what I'm going to do when. And it said what I'm going to do when. And it said what I'm going to do when. And it had things like um I am not going to

had things like um I am not going to had things like um I am not going to summon people to my office. Clearly, I'd summon people to my office. Clearly, I'd summon people to my office. Clearly, I'd been summoned to my office to the senior been summoned to my office to the senior been summoned to my office to the senior pastor's office. I I will go to their pastor's office. I I will go to their pastor's office. I I will go to their office and talk to them. I mean, all office and talk to them. I mean, all office and talk to them. I mean, all these things that I said I was going to these things that I said I was going to these things that I said I was going to do. And I remember getting that do. And I remember getting that do. And I remember getting that appointment for the first time and appointment for the first time and appointment for the first time and thinking, "Okay, thinking, "Okay, thinking, "Okay, uh, this is it. I've been thinking about uh, this is it. I've been thinking about uh, this is it. I've been thinking about it. It was sure easier to be thinking it. It was sure easier to be thinking it. It was sure easier to be thinking about it than now I've got to do it. Am about it than now I've got to do it. Am about it than now I've got to do it. Am I ready? Do I have what it takes?" I ready? Do I have what it takes?" I ready? Do I have what it takes?" So, um, that's what today's scripture is So, um, that's what today's scripture is So, um, that's what today's scripture is really all about. This is a pivotal really all about. This is a pivotal really all about. This is a pivotal moment in the gospel story. It is a a moment in the gospel story. It is a a moment in the gospel story. It is a a pivotal moment in which Jesus wants to pivotal moment in which Jesus wants to pivotal moment in which Jesus wants to know whether his disciples are ready. know whether his disciples are ready. know whether his disciples are ready. Are they ready? Because it's time. Are they ready? Because it's time. Are they ready? Because it's time. I'm going to be reading our scripture I'm going to be reading our scripture I'm going to be reading our scripture today as I uh work through the the today as I uh work through the the today as I uh work through the the sermon. And I oddly I want to begin at sermon. And I oddly I want to begin at sermon. And I oddly I want to begin at the end when the scripture says the end when the scripture says the end when the scripture says from that time on verse 21. From that from that time on verse 21. From that from that time on verse 21. From that time on Jesus began to show his time on Jesus began to show his time on Jesus began to show his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem disciples that he must go to Jerusalem disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and undergo undergo great suffering at and undergo undergo great suffering at and undergo undergo great suffering at the hands of his elders and chief the hands of his elders and chief the hands of his elders and chief priests and scribes and be killed and on priests and scribes and be killed and on priests and scribes and be killed and on the third day be raised. It's time. I'm the third day be raised. It's time. I'm the third day be raised. It's time. I'm going to go. You're not going to have me going to go. You're not going to have me going to go. You're not going to have me anymore. You're going to have to take on anymore. You're going to have to take on anymore. You're going to have to take on the take it take take up the cause.

the take it take take up the cause. the take it take take up the cause. You're going to have to do this without You're going to have to do this without You're going to have to do this without me. Are you ready? Because it's time. If me. Are you ready? Because it's time. If me. Are you ready? Because it's time. If you get out your map, I want to uh it's you get out your map, I want to uh it's you get out your map, I want to uh it's on your bulletin. I think they're going on your bulletin. I think they're going on your bulletin. I think they're going to put one up here. Here it is. Uh I to put one up here. Here it is. Uh I to put one up here. Here it is. Uh I want to tell you about Cesaria Philippi. want to tell you about Cesaria Philippi. want to tell you about Cesaria Philippi. Here's the story. Um in this is Acts uh Here's the story. Um in this is Acts uh Here's the story. Um in this is Acts uh excuse me, Matthew 16. And in Matthew excuse me, Matthew 16. And in Matthew excuse me, Matthew 16. And in Matthew 14, Jesus has discovered that John the 14, Jesus has discovered that John the 14, Jesus has discovered that John the Baptist has been beheaded by Herod Baptist has been beheaded by Herod Baptist has been beheaded by Herod Antipos. Antipos. Antipos. Okay, so Herod Antipos was one of the Okay, so Herod Antipos was one of the Okay, so Herod Antipos was one of the sons of Herod the Great and he ruled sons of Herod the Great and he ruled sons of Herod the Great and he ruled over Galilee. over Galilee. over Galilee. Jesus has been in he's gone to Ty and Jesus has been in he's gone to Ty and Jesus has been in he's gone to Ty and Siden. He's been to the Dicapus. We Siden. He's been to the Dicapus. We Siden. He's been to the Dicapus. We looked at that last week. And he's now looked at that last week. And he's now looked at that last week. And he's now come back. He's come back to Galilee and come back. He's come back to Galilee and come back. He's come back to Galilee and he discovers that John the Baptist has he discovers that John the Baptist has he discovers that John the Baptist has been beheaded and now he's figuring out been beheaded and now he's figuring out been beheaded and now he's figuring out what am I going to do? I am Am am I what am I going to do? I am Am am I what am I going to do? I am Am am I going to is he coming after me? Is he going to is he coming after me? Is he going to is he coming after me? Is he coming after us? coming after us? coming after us? And so he takes his disciples and I And so he takes his disciples and I And so he takes his disciples and I don't want to say flees but he moves to don't want to say flees but he moves to don't want to say flees but he moves to a place of safety. Cesaria Philippi is a place of safety. Cesaria Philippi is a place of safety. Cesaria Philippi is in the territory not of Herod Antipos in the territory not of Herod Antipos in the territory not of Herod Antipos but of Herod Phillip uh King Herod but of Herod Phillip uh King Herod but of Herod Phillip uh King Herod Antipos's brother who they were bitter Antipos's brother who they were bitter Antipos's brother who they were bitter enemies. And so he's moving into a place enemies. And so he's moving into a place enemies. And so he's moving into a place of Herod Phillip where where in a sense of Herod Phillip where where in a sense of Herod Phillip where where in a sense he's safe. He and his disciples are he's safe. He and his disciples are he's safe. He and his disciples are safe. This is as far away from Jerusalem

safe. This is as far away from Jerusalem safe. This is as far away from Jerusalem as you could possibly get. And when he as you could possibly get. And when he as you could possibly get. And when he gets there, he sits down with his gets there, he sits down with his gets there, he sits down with his disciples and he says, "Okay, I think disciples and he says, "Okay, I think disciples and he says, "Okay, I think it's time and I want to know if you're it's time and I want to know if you're it's time and I want to know if you're ready if you're ready to take on the ready if you're ready to take on the ready if you're ready to take on the responsibility of of uh of the kingdom." responsibility of of uh of the kingdom." responsibility of of uh of the kingdom." And he does that and in doing that he And he does that and in doing that he And he does that and in doing that he has sort of a conversation with them. has sort of a conversation with them. has sort of a conversation with them. And uh I'm going to put it in the in in And uh I'm going to put it in the in in And uh I'm going to put it in the in in sort of two questions. And the first one sort of two questions. And the first one sort of two questions. And the first one is, do you believe it? is, do you believe it? is, do you believe it? Listen to the scripture. Listen to the scripture. Listen to the scripture. Now when Jesus came into the district of Now when Jesus came into the district of Now when Jesus came into the district of Cesaria Philippi, he asked his Cesaria Philippi, he asked his Cesaria Philippi, he asked his disciples, "Who do people say that the disciples, "Who do people say that the disciples, "Who do people say that the son of man is?" And they said, "Some say son of man is?" And they said, "Some say son of man is?" And they said, "Some say John the Baptist, others Elijah, still John the Baptist, others Elijah, still John the Baptist, others Elijah, still others Jeremiah or one of the prophets?" others Jeremiah or one of the prophets?" others Jeremiah or one of the prophets?" And he said to them, "But who do you say And he said to them, "But who do you say And 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.

but my father in heaven. but my father in heaven. But who do you say that I am? But who do you say that I am? But who do you say that I am? Do you believe?" Do you believe?" Do you believe?" He's asking his disciples that I'm the He's asking his disciples that I'm the He's asking his disciples that I'm the Messiah. Messiah. Messiah. Am I the one? Do you believe that I'm Am I the one? Do you believe that I'm Am I the one? Do you believe that I'm the one? He's saying that's going to the one? He's saying that's going to the one? He's saying that's going to usher in the kingdom of God. usher in the kingdom of God. usher in the kingdom of God. Do you really believe that? Do you really believe that? Do you really believe that? Look um Look um Look um what we believe matters, what we believe matters, what we believe matters, right? What we believe matters. If in right? What we believe matters. If in right? What we believe matters. If in fact we are going to take over the fact we are going to take over the fact we are going to take over the responsibility of the kingdom from Jesus responsibility of the kingdom from Jesus responsibility of the kingdom from Jesus himself, himself, himself, do we believe that he is the one that do we believe that he is the one that do we believe that he is the one that he's going to usher in the kingdom? that he's going to usher in the kingdom? that he's going to usher in the kingdom? that he's the one who's going to to to have he's the one who's going to to to have he's the one who's going to to to have good defeat evil, to have life defeat good defeat evil, to have life defeat good defeat evil, to have life defeat death, to have love defeat hate. death, to have love defeat hate. death, to have love defeat hate. Do we really believe that that that this Do we really believe that that that this Do we really believe that that that this is the one? That it's that the kingdom is the one? That it's that the kingdom is the one? That it's that the kingdom is at hand and that the movement is on is at hand and that the movement is on is at hand and that the movement is on its way and that one day death will be its way and that one day death will be its way and that one day death will be defeated and tears will be no more. And defeated and tears will be no more. And defeated and tears will be no more. And do we believe that? Because what we do we believe that? Because what we do we believe that? Because what we believe matters.

believe matters. believe matters. If if in fact the kingdom of God is not If if in fact the kingdom of God is not If if in fact the kingdom of God is not going to come by domination, by uh uh going to come by domination, by uh uh going to come by domination, by uh uh powers that overcome people, if it's powers that overcome people, if it's powers that overcome people, if it's going to come by changing the hearts of going to come by changing the hearts of going to come by changing the hearts of men and women so that in fact within men and women so that in fact within men and women so that in fact within them love is is triumphant, them love is is triumphant, them love is is triumphant, then what we believe in our hearts makes then what we believe in our hearts makes then what we believe in our hearts makes a difference. And here's what I found. a difference. And here's what I found. a difference. And here's what I found. I'm going to be as frank with you as I I'm going to be as frank with you as I I'm going to be as frank with you as I can. that so many of us who grew up in can. that so many of us who grew up in can. that so many of us who grew up in the church, that's not all of us for the church, that's not all of us for the church, that's not all of us for sure, but many of us who grew up in the sure, but many of us who grew up in the sure, but many of us who grew up in the church have just sort of assumed that church have just sort of assumed that church have just sort of assumed that he's the Messiah. It's just sort of what he's the Messiah. It's just sort of what he's the Messiah. It's just sort of what we we've just sort of assumed it. It's we we've just sort of assumed it. It's we we've just sort of assumed it. It's just kind of been just, you know, part just kind of been just, you know, part just kind of been just, you know, part of the background of the background of the background and we come to church out of habit. But and we come to church out of habit. But and we come to church out of habit. But at some point, we have to ask ourselves, at some point, we have to ask ourselves, at some point, we have to ask ourselves, wait a minute, do I really believe this? wait a minute, do I really believe this? wait a minute, do I really believe this? Do I believe that in the life, death, Do I believe that in the life, death, Do I believe that in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus, the kingdom and resurrection of Jesus, the kingdom and resurrection of Jesus, the kingdom of God has been inaugurated and will of God has been inaugurated and will of God has been inaugurated and will come to pass?

come to pass? come to pass? That's a decision every one of us has to That's a decision every one of us has to That's a decision every one of us has to make. So if the kingdom of God is about this So if the kingdom of God is about this transformation of human hearts, then we transformation of human hearts, then we transformation of human hearts, then we have to make that decision ourselves. have to make that decision ourselves. have to make that decision ourselves. And maybe today it's time for you to ask And maybe today it's time for you to ask And maybe today it's time for you to ask yourself that question. yourself that question. yourself that question. Do you really believe that he's the Do you really believe that he's the Do you really believe that he's the Messiah Messiah Messiah and that he's the one? and that he's the one? and that he's the one? Uh so then he moves from there to a Uh so then he moves from there to a Uh so then he moves from there to a second uh conversation second uh conversation second uh conversation um a second it he phrases it as a um a second it he phrases it as a um a second it he phrases it as a statement but it's really an invitation. statement but it's really an invitation. statement but it's really an invitation. Um, I I I wonder how many of you might Um, I I I wonder how many of you might Um, I I I wonder how many of you might remember this particular um video. Take remember this particular um video. Take remember this particular um video. Take a look. >> Your mission, Jim, should you decide to >> Your mission, Jim, should you decide to accept it, is to make Stefan believe accept it, is to make Stefan believe accept it, is to make Stefan believe Thompson's information. As always, Thompson's information. As always, Thompson's information. As always, should you or any of your IM force be should you or any of your IM force be should you or any of your IM force be caught or killed, the secretary will caught or killed, the secretary will caught or killed, the secretary will disavow any knowledge of your actions.

disavow any knowledge of your actions. disavow any knowledge of your actions. This tape will self-destruct in 5 This tape will self-destruct in 5 This tape will self-destruct in 5 seconds. Good luck, Jim. >> I was pretty small when that was on, but >> I was pretty small when that was on, but I do remember uh us watching it. Uh this I do remember uh us watching it. Uh this I do remember uh us watching it. Uh this uh your mission, should you choose to uh your mission, should you choose to uh your mission, should you choose to accept it. I love that picture. Your accept it. I love that picture. Your accept it. I love that picture. Your mission should you choose to accept it. mission should you choose to accept it. mission should you choose to accept it. What Jesus is saying to the disciples is What Jesus is saying to the disciples is What Jesus is saying to the disciples is look, your mission should you choose to look, your mission should you choose to look, your mission should you choose to accept it. And here's the mission. accept it. And here's the mission. accept it. And here's the mission. You're going to storm the gates of You're going to storm the gates of You're going to storm the gates of Hades. Hades. Hades. You're going to storm the gates. You're going to storm the gates. You're going to storm the gates. He says, "The gates of Hades shall not He says, "The gates of Hades shall not He says, "The gates of Hades shall not prevail against it." prevail against it." prevail against it." I want you to hear that because often we I want you to hear that because often we I want you to hear that because often we mis I for some reason we mishar it. It's mis I for some reason we mishar it. It's mis I for some reason we mishar it. It's we think that it's saying that that um we think that it's saying that that um we think that it's saying that that um that we're on the defensive and that that we're on the defensive and that that we're on the defensive and that these evil forces are coming after us these evil forces are coming after us these evil forces are coming after us and we'll hold them off. And no, no, and we'll hold them off. And no, no, and we'll hold them off. And no, no, it's the other way around. It is this it's the other way around. It is this it's the other way around. It is this idea of the gates. Gates were defensive idea of the gates. Gates were defensive idea of the gates. Gates were defensive uh postures. They were they were there uh postures. They were they were there uh postures. They were they were there to protect the city from incoming to protect the city from incoming to protect the city from incoming marauders. And what they're saying is marauders. And what they're saying is marauders. And what they're saying is we're we're going to storm those gates.

we're we're going to storm those gates. we're we're going to storm those gates. We are we are um we are uh Keon Bape We are we are um we are uh Keon Bape We are we are um we are uh Keon Bape from France who is trying to score the from France who is trying to score the from France who is trying to score the goals. Who is he's the striker. He stays goals. Who is he's the striker. He stays goals. Who is he's the striker. He stays in an offensive position so when the in an offensive position so when the in an offensive position so when the ball gets to him, he is ready to pounce. ball gets to him, he is ready to pounce. ball gets to him, he is ready to pounce. We are Lionel Messi who with our We are Lionel Messi who with our We are Lionel Messi who with our incredible left foot will come in from incredible left foot will come in from incredible left foot will come in from the wing and be able to pop it into the the wing and be able to pop it into the the wing and be able to pop it into the goal. We are not back on the defense. We goal. We are not back on the defense. We goal. We are not back on the defense. We are on the offense because in fact the are on the offense because in fact the are on the offense because in fact the kingdom of God is is uh coming out. It's kingdom of God is is uh coming out. It's kingdom of God is is uh coming out. It's developing. It's overcoming. Jesus says developing. It's overcoming. Jesus says developing. It's overcoming. Jesus says um this image of the kingdom of God will um this image of the kingdom of God will um this image of the kingdom of God will overcome the kingdom of the world. overcome the kingdom of the world. overcome the kingdom of the world. That's that picture is we we have this That's that picture is we we have this That's that picture is we we have this mission to take on. And if in fact what mission to take on. And if in fact what mission to take on. And if in fact what he's saying is are you ready for that? he's saying is are you ready for that? he's saying is are you ready for that? Are you ready to take on that Are you ready to take on that Are you ready to take on that responsibility of of the kingdom? So if responsibility of of the kingdom? So if responsibility of of the kingdom? So if you go to here's what's interesting. you go to here's what's interesting. you go to here's what's interesting. Let's get um back to our geography Let's get um back to our geography Let's get um back to our geography again. If you go to Cesaria Philippi, again. If you go to Cesaria Philippi, again. If you go to Cesaria Philippi, it's called Banas. Now, it's the source it's called Banas. Now, it's the source it's called Banas. Now, it's the source of the Jordan River. And there there is of the Jordan River. And there there is of the Jordan River. And there there is this incredible uh cliff that has all this incredible uh cliff that has all this incredible uh cliff that has all sorts of um uh uh foreign gods on it.

sorts of um uh uh foreign gods on it. sorts of um uh uh foreign gods on it. Grotto the god Pan, to the god of Hades. Grotto the god Pan, to the god of Hades. Grotto the god Pan, to the god of Hades. I think we have a picture. There it is. I think we have a picture. There it is. I think we have a picture. There it is. And um that cave is called the gates of And um that cave is called the gates of And um that cave is called the gates of Hades, Hades, Hades, right? So Jesus is sitting there. I just right? So Jesus is sitting there. I just right? So Jesus is sitting there. I just imagine him sitting on one of these imagine him sitting on one of these imagine him sitting on one of these rocks in front of that giant cave called rocks in front of that giant cave called rocks in front of that giant cave called the gates of Hades and he's saying the the gates of Hades and he's saying the the gates of Hades and he's saying the gates of Hades will not prevail against gates of Hades will not prevail against gates of Hades will not prevail against us. us. us. Right? We This is in fact so um let's Right? We This is in fact so um let's Right? We This is in fact so um let's talk about what the gates of Hades was. talk about what the gates of Hades was. talk about what the gates of Hades was. This was viewed by the people of of um This was viewed by the people of of um This was viewed by the people of of um the time as the entrance to the the time as the entrance to the the time as the entrance to the underworld. Now I want to be clear. underworld. Now I want to be clear. underworld. Now I want to be clear. Hades is not the same thing as hell. Hades is not the same thing as hell. Hades is not the same thing as hell. This is not hell. Um uh in Hebrew this This is not hell. Um uh in Hebrew this This is not hell. Um uh in Hebrew this would be shaol which means the pit. In would be shaol which means the pit. In would be shaol which means the pit. In Greek it's Hades which is the place of Greek it's Hades which is the place of Greek it's Hades which is the place of the dead. So it's not uh a place of the dead. So it's not uh a place of the dead. So it's not uh a place of torment. It has a neutral cate kind of torment. It has a neutral cate kind of torment. It has a neutral cate kind of feel to it. It's just where you go when feel to it. It's just where you go when feel to it. It's just where you go when you die. It's where the dead are. And you die. It's where the dead are. And you die. It's where the dead are. And he's saying we're going to go and rescue he's saying we're going to go and rescue he's saying we're going to go and rescue them, them, them, right? we we're going to have life right? we we're going to have life right? we we're going to have life triumph over death. And not only that, triumph over death. And not only that, triumph over death. And not only that, you see all of these uh these foreign you see all of these uh these foreign you see all of these uh these foreign gods. This is the place where where good gods. This is the place where where good gods. This is the place where where good is going to triumph over evil.

is going to triumph over evil. is going to triumph over evil. And this is what this is about is is And this is what this is about is is And this is what this is about is is he's he's telling them, he's he's telling them, he's he's telling them, I'm going to go and your mission is to I'm going to go and your mission is to I'm going to go and your mission is to storm the gates. Now storm the gates. Now storm the gates. Now he says then to them also I I give you he says then to them also I I give you he says then to them also I I give you the keys to the kingdom. What you bind the keys to the kingdom. What you bind the keys to the kingdom. What you bind on earth will be bound on in heaven. on earth will be bound on in heaven. on earth will be bound on in heaven. What you loose on earth will be loosed What you loose on earth will be loosed What you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven. I think that's so powerful. in heaven. I think that's so powerful. in heaven. I think that's so powerful. He's saying not only am I giving you the He's saying not only am I giving you the He's saying not only am I giving you the responsibility. responsibility. responsibility. I'm giving you the authority. I'm giving you the authority. I'm giving you the authority. I'm giving you all the authority to you I'm giving you all the authority to you I'm giving you all the authority to you to accomplish this mission. Will you to accomplish this mission. Will you to accomplish this mission. Will you take it on? take it on? take it on? Will you take it on? Now, of course, the Will you take it on? Now, of course, the Will you take it on? Now, of course, the disciples didn't completely understand, disciples didn't completely understand, disciples didn't completely understand, but all the way to Jerusalem, he goes but all the way to Jerusalem, he goes but all the way to Jerusalem, he goes from here and they head to Jerusalem. from here and they head to Jerusalem. from here and they head to Jerusalem. And all the way to Jerusalem, he's And all the way to Jerusalem, he's And all the way to Jerusalem, he's trying to explain three times he says, trying to explain three times he says, trying to explain three times he says, "Look, I'm going to have to go to "Look, I'm going to have to go to "Look, I'm going to have to go to Jerusalem. I'm going to have to be Jerusalem. I'm going to have to be Jerusalem. I'm going to have to be crucified. And the third day, I'm going crucified. And the third day, I'm going crucified. And the third day, I'm going to be I'm going to be tortured. And then to be I'm going to be tortured. And then to be I'm going to be tortured. And then the third day, I'm going to rise from the third day, I'm going to rise from the third day, I'm going to rise from the dead." And it's like they just they the dead." And it's like they just they the dead." And it's like they just they don't quite get it. So, of course, we're don't quite get it. So, of course, we're don't quite get it. So, of course, we're going to have doubts and of course we're going to have doubts and of course we're going to have doubts and of course we're going to have questions, going to have questions, going to have questions, but all the way he's saying this is your but all the way he's saying this is your but all the way he's saying this is your responsibility.

responsibility. responsibility. You need to take it on. You need to take it on. You need to take it on. I wonder if you feel that sense of I wonder if you feel that sense of I wonder if you feel that sense of mission. mission. mission. If within you you feel if you feel not If within you you feel if you feel not If within you you feel if you feel not only that thank goodness I see Jesus as only that thank goodness I see Jesus as only that thank goodness I see Jesus as the Messiah and so when I die I'm going the Messiah and so when I die I'm going the Messiah and so when I die I'm going to go to heaven but rather in fact you to go to heaven but rather in fact you to go to heaven but rather in fact you see yourself as responsible for bringing see yourself as responsible for bringing see yourself as responsible for bringing forth the kingdom of God for making it forth the kingdom of God for making it forth the kingdom of God for making it happen around for being an instrument of happen around for being an instrument of happen around for being an instrument of God's kingdom to to bring it to pass. God's kingdom to to bring it to pass. God's kingdom to to bring it to pass. It is so often that we just um we take It is so often that we just um we take It is so often that we just um we take hold of our belief but we never move hold of our belief but we never move hold of our belief but we never move into that place where we assume it calls into that place where we assume it calls into that place where we assume it calls on us to a whole different way of life. on us to a whole different way of life. on us to a whole different way of life. U the great theologian John Knox 1500s U the great theologian John Knox 1500s U the great theologian John Knox 1500s he was a Scottish Presbyterian really he was a Scottish Presbyterian really he was a Scottish Presbyterian really the the founder of Scottish the the founder of Scottish the the founder of Scottish Presbyterianism Presbyterianism Presbyterianism um he he said this I learned this in um he he said this I learned this in um he he said this I learned this in seminary and I have never left it. He seminary and I have never left it. He seminary and I have never left it. He says the sole residuum of Christ on says the sole residuum of Christ on says the sole residuum of Christ on earth is the church.

earth is the church. earth is the church. The only thing left after Christ was The only thing left after Christ was The only thing left after Christ was born, lived, died, and was resurrected born, lived, died, and was resurrected born, lived, died, and was resurrected is the body of Christ, which is the is the body of Christ, which is the is the body of Christ, which is the church. church. church. Wow. Wow. Wow. That's a that is a powerful uh That's a that is a powerful uh That's a that is a powerful uh responsibility for us to take on. responsibility for us to take on. responsibility for us to take on. There's a great old preacher story that There's a great old preacher story that There's a great old preacher story that I've always enjoyed where Jesus and God I've always enjoyed where Jesus and God I've always enjoyed where Jesus and God are talking in heaven and God says to are talking in heaven and God says to are talking in heaven and God says to Jesus, "So, you're going to go down and Jesus, "So, you're going to go down and Jesus, "So, you're going to go down and you're going to you're you're going to you're going to you're you're going to you're going to you're you're going to teach all of these disciples. Then teach all of these disciples. Then teach all of these disciples. Then you're going to give your life as a you're going to give your life as a you're going to give your life as a sacrifice to uh to save them from their sacrifice to uh to save them from their sacrifice to uh to save them from their sins. And then after you die and are sins. And then after you die and are sins. And then after you die and are resurrected, you're you're they're going resurrected, you're you're they're going resurrected, you're you're they're going to live out what you taught. and they're to live out what you taught. and they're to live out what you taught. and they're going to tell a another generation of going to tell a another generation of going to tell a another generation of people. They're going to tell a whole people. They're going to tell a whole people. They're going to tell a whole bunch of other people about it and show bunch of other people about it and show bunch of other people about it and show them how to live. And then they're going them how to live. And then they're going them how to live. And then they're going to show others how to live. And then to show others how to live. And then to show others how to live. And then they're going to show others how to live they're going to show others how to live they're going to show others how to live until everyone everyone has come to to until everyone everyone has come to to until everyone everyone has come to to understand and is living according to understand and is living according to understand and is living according to the principles of the kingdom of God.

the principles of the kingdom of God. the principles of the kingdom of God. And Jesus says, "Well, well, what if And Jesus says, "Well, well, what if And Jesus says, "Well, well, what if they don't do it? Like what's plan B?" they don't do it? Like what's plan B?" they don't do it? Like what's plan B?" And God says, "There is no plan B. And God says, "There is no plan B. And God says, "There is no plan B. That's the plan. That's the plan. That's the plan. That's how it's going to work. That's how it's going to work. That's how it's going to work. That's That's quite a mission. That's That's quite a mission. That's That's quite a mission. Your mission, my mission, should we Your mission, my mission, should we Your mission, my mission, should we choose to accept it. Okay, here's the last thing that I hope Okay, here's the last thing that I hope you'll hear. It's pretty simple really, you'll hear. It's pretty simple really, you'll hear. It's pretty simple really, is that um he says, "The gates of Hades is that um he says, "The gates of Hades is that um he says, "The gates of Hades will not prevail against it. will not prevail against it. will not prevail against it. He will finish the the job for us. He will finish the the job for us. He will finish the the job for us. >> It will come to pass. You know, we all >> It will come to pass. You know, we all >> It will come to pass. You know, we all like to be winners, don't we? Right? We like to be winners, don't we? Right? We like to be winners, don't we? Right? We all want to be on the winning team, you all want to be on the winning team, you all want to be on the winning team, you know? Uh if it's amazing how many people know? Uh if it's amazing how many people know? Uh if it's amazing how many people become Astros fans when they're winning, become Astros fans when they're winning, become Astros fans when they're winning, but they're not so much Astros fans when but they're not so much Astros fans when but they're not so much Astros fans when they're not winning, right? And uh we they're not winning, right? And uh we they're not winning, right? And uh we all want to be winners. And so the great all want to be winners. And so the great all want to be winners. And so the great news is that the promise of God is that news is that the promise of God is that news is that the promise of God is that indeed we will be on the winning tide.

indeed we will be on the winning tide. indeed we will be on the winning tide. that good will in fact triumph over that good will in fact triumph over that good will in fact triumph over evil, that life will in fact triumph evil, that life will in fact triumph evil, that life will in fact triumph over death. That one day death will be over death. That one day death will be over death. That one day death will be no more. Neither shall there be mourning no more. Neither shall there be mourning no more. Neither shall there be mourning nor crying nor pain anymore. That God nor crying nor pain anymore. That God nor crying nor pain anymore. That God will wipe away all of their tears. will wipe away all of their tears. will wipe away all of their tears. Right? That all that that will in fact Right? That all that that will in fact Right? That all that that will in fact happen. And so as we do our work, when happen. And so as we do our work, when happen. And so as we do our work, when we get discouraged, when it feels like we get discouraged, when it feels like we get discouraged, when it feels like we're not pushing back the darkness, but we're not pushing back the darkness, but we're not pushing back the darkness, but the darkness is pushing us back, when we the darkness is pushing us back, when we the darkness is pushing us back, when we feel like it that we're not making that feel like it that we're not making that feel like it that we're not making that progress, when we don't see the kingdom progress, when we don't see the kingdom progress, when we don't see the kingdom advancing, then we have to hold fast to advancing, then we have to hold fast to advancing, then we have to hold fast to the realization that we know how the the realization that we know how the the realization that we know how the story ends, that in fact it will be story ends, that in fact it will be story ends, that in fact it will be finished. That's why uh Paul writes in 1 finished. That's why uh Paul writes in 1 finished. That's why uh Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 15:58 after he describes the Corinthians 15:58 after he describes the Corinthians 15:58 after he describes the resurrection. He says, "Therefore, my resurrection. He says, "Therefore, my resurrection. He says, "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. For because you in the work of the Lord. For because you in the work of the Lord. For because you know that your labor in the Lord is not know that your labor in the Lord is not know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.

in vain. in vain. It's not in vain, It's not in vain, It's not in vain, he will finish it." he will finish it." he will finish it." So, I suspect that maybe for you today, So, I suspect that maybe for you today, So, I suspect that maybe for you today, it's time. it's time. it's time. It's time for you to ask yourself those It's time for you to ask yourself those It's time for you to ask yourself those two questions. two questions. two questions. Do I believe it? Do I believe it? Do I believe it? Yeah, I might have doubts. Yes, I might Yeah, I might have doubts. Yes, I might Yeah, I might have doubts. Yes, I might have many questions. But at my at the have many questions. But at my at the have many questions. But at my at the core of my heart, am I ready to say, you core of my heart, am I ready to say, you core of my heart, am I ready to say, you know, Jesus is the Messiah and he's the know, Jesus is the Messiah and he's the know, Jesus is the Messiah and he's the one who who will in fact usher in the one who who will in fact usher in the one who who will in fact usher in the kingdom of God? kingdom of God? kingdom of God? And second, am I willing to accept the And second, am I willing to accept the And second, am I willing to accept the mission mission mission to bring that kingdom forth to bring that kingdom forth to bring that kingdom forth to advance it to storm the gates of to advance it to storm the gates of to advance it to storm the gates of Hades itself, Hades itself, Hades itself, knowing that one day he'll finish the knowing that one day he'll finish the knowing that one day he'll finish the job? job? job? Gracious and loving God, Gracious and loving God, Gracious and loving God, we confess to you that sometimes we just we confess to you that sometimes we just we confess to you that sometimes we just sort of assume your Messiah. It just sort of assume your Messiah. It just sort of assume your Messiah. It just lives in the background and it doesn't lives in the background and it doesn't lives in the background and it doesn't really change how we live and who we really change how we live and who we really change how we live and who we are.

are. are. God, help us to really ask that God, help us to really ask that God, help us to really ask that question. Who who do we really believe question. Who who do we really believe question. Who who do we really believe you are? Because what we believe really you are? Because what we believe really you are? Because what we believe really matters. matters. matters. And we ask God that out of that out of And we ask God that out of that out of And we ask God that out of that out of that question, we might then understand that question, we might then understand that question, we might then understand the mission to which you call us the mission to which you call us the mission to which you call us to bring forth your kingdom. to bring forth your kingdom. to bring forth your kingdom. To do it with our actions to to To do it with our actions to to To do it with our actions to to demonstrate in the way we live how love demonstrate in the way we live how love demonstrate in the way we live how love does triumph over hate, how life does does triumph over hate, how life does does triumph over hate, how life does triumph over death, Uh God, give us the courage to assume Uh God, give us the courage to assume that responsibility knowing that you'll that responsibility knowing that you'll that responsibility knowing that you'll give us everything we need to accomplish give us everything we need to accomplish give us everything we need to accomplish the task. the task. the task. In the name of Christ, we pray. In the name of Christ, we pray. In the name of Christ, we pray. Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. So last year we had a group of people, So last year we had a group of people, So last year we had a group of people, our strategic planning committee that our strategic planning committee that our strategic planning committee that went around the church um conducting went around the church um conducting went around the church um conducting listening sessions and asking questions listening sessions and asking questions listening sessions and asking questions like what would we as a church um what like what would we as a church um what like what would we as a church um what might God be calling us to do next? Um might God be calling us to do next? Um might God be calling us to do next? Um what are needs that are felt in our what are needs that are felt in our what are needs that are felt in our community that we at St. Luke's have a community that we at St. Luke's have a community that we at St. Luke's have a unique responsibility to respond to and unique responsibility to respond to and unique responsibility to respond to and to do something about? And some of the to do something about? And some of the to do something about? And some of the top needs that we heard back in those top needs that we heard back in those top needs that we heard back in those listening sessions were things like listening sessions were things like listening sessions were things like anxiety, loneliness, relationship

anxiety, loneliness, relationship anxiety, loneliness, relationship issues, depression, performance, issues, depression, performance, issues, depression, performance, achievement, culture, mode, achievement, culture, mode, achievement, culture, mode, difficulties, and more. And so out of difficulties, and more. And so out of difficulties, and more. And so out of the strategic plan that we have come up the strategic plan that we have come up the strategic plan that we have come up with and developed and are in now for with and developed and are in now for with and developed and are in now for the next three years is community the next three years is community the next three years is community wellness. And so what we're trying to do wellness. And so what we're trying to do wellness. And so what we're trying to do is to figure out how God is inviting us is to figure out how God is inviting us is to figure out how God is inviting us to come alongside one another in mind, to come alongside one another in mind, to come alongside one another in mind, body, soul, and relationship. How God body, soul, and relationship. How God body, soul, and relationship. How God cares about our whole being. And so to cares about our whole being. And so to cares about our whole being. And so to start that work and to make sure that we start that work and to make sure that we start that work and to make sure that we are developing things that are as are developing things that are as are developing things that are as relevant as possible for our community's relevant as possible for our community's relevant as possible for our community's felt needs and to prioritize our felt needs and to prioritize our felt needs and to prioritize our resources accordingly, we would love for resources accordingly, we would love for resources accordingly, we would love for you to take this survey. There is a link you to take this survey. There is a link you to take this survey. There is a link to it in your bulletin. You can see it to it in your bulletin. You can see it to it in your bulletin. You can see it there. There's also a paper copy if you there. There's also a paper copy if you there. There's also a paper copy if you prefer paper at our connection desk prefer paper at our connection desk prefer paper at our connection desk today. It'll take five minutes. You need today. It'll take five minutes. You need today. It'll take five minutes. You need to know that it's an completely to know that it's an completely to know that it's an completely anonymous survey. None of your anonymous survey. None of your anonymous survey. None of your information is collected, not even your information is collected, not even your information is collected, not even your email address. So, it will really help email address. So, it will really help email address. So, it will really help us if you could be as honest as possible us if you could be as honest as possible us if you could be as honest as possible and transparent as you're filling it and transparent as you're filling it and transparent as you're filling it out. Um, so that we can make this out. Um, so that we can make this out. Um, so that we can make this ministry be something that is genuinely ministry be something that is genuinely ministry be something that is genuinely helpful and supportive for our whole helpful and supportive for our whole helpful and supportive for our whole community.

community. community. Second, one of the things that I love Second, one of the things that I love Second, one of the things that I love most about being a part of the United most about being a part of the United most about being a part of the United Methodist Church is our connectedness to Methodist Church is our connectedness to Methodist Church is our connectedness to each other. So, we are connected not each other. So, we are connected not each other. So, we are connected not only here at St. Luke's and our only here at St. Luke's and our only here at St. Luke's and our different campuses with Gethsemane and different campuses with Gethsemane and different campuses with Gethsemane and branches. We're also connected with branches. We're also connected with branches. We're also connected with churches across our city, across our churches across our city, across our churches across our city, across our state, across the nation, and around the state, across the nation, and around the state, across the nation, and around the world, including three amazing growing world, including three amazing growing world, including three amazing growing congregations in the Congo. And so we congregations in the Congo. And so we congregations in the Congo. And so we have an opportunity and a challenge to have an opportunity and a challenge to have an opportunity and a challenge to help support their growth. They are help support their growth. They are help support their growth. They are literally building their church literally building their church literally building their church buildings by hand. They are making the buildings by hand. They are making the buildings by hand. They are making the bricks to build their church buildings bricks to build their church buildings bricks to build their church buildings and they need some support. And so we and they need some support. And so we and they need some support. And so we would love to help do that. $25 covers would love to help do that. $25 covers would love to help do that. $25 covers one bag of concrete that will be the one bag of concrete that will be the one bag of concrete that will be the floors of these churches. Um, and so floors of these churches. Um, and so floors of these churches. Um, and so this con these congregations are all in this con these congregations are all in this con these congregations are all in and we want to join them. And so if you and we want to join them. And so if you and we want to join them. And so if you would consider making a donation of $25 would consider making a donation of $25 would consider making a donation of $25 or more if you feel encouraged to do or more if you feel encouraged to do or more if you feel encouraged to do that, that would be amazing. We're that, that would be amazing. We're that, that would be amazing. We're joining together with lots of churches joining together with lots of churches joining together with lots of churches across our um, conference here in Texas across our um, conference here in Texas across our um, conference here in Texas and many, many others to try to show and many, many others to try to show and many, many others to try to show what the church can be when we are what the church can be when we are what the church can be when we are mobilized and in action. So please mobilized and in action. So please mobilized and in action. So please consider donating if you feel so led.

consider donating if you feel so led. consider donating if you feel so led. Now receive this benediction. May the Now receive this benediction. May the Now receive this benediction. May the Lord bless you and keep you. May the Lord bless you and keep you. May the Lord bless you and keep you. May the Lord make his face to shine upon you and Lord make his face to shine upon you and Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious unto you. May the Lord lift be gracious unto you. May the Lord lift be gracious unto you. May the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you up his countenance upon you and give you up his countenance upon you and give you peace and power to do some storming of peace and power to do some storming of peace and power to do some storming of the gates of hell. We will worship the lamb of glory. We will worship the lamb of glory. We will worship the king of kings. We will worship the king of kings. We will worship the king of kings. We will worship the lamb of glory. We will worship the lamb of glory. We will worship the lamb of glory. We will worship the king. And with our We will worship the king. And with our We will worship the king. And with our hands lifted high, we will worship and hands lifted high, we will worship and hands lifted high, we will worship and sing. And with our hands lifted high, we sing. And with our hands lifted high, we sing. And with our hands lifted high, we come before you rejoicing. With our come before you rejoicing. With our come before you rejoicing. With our hands lifted high to the sky, when the hands lifted high to the sky, when the hands lifted high to the sky, when the world wonders why, we'll just tell them world wonders why, we'll just tell them world wonders why, we'll just tell them we're loving our king. We'll just tell we're loving our king. We'll just tell we're loving our king. We'll just tell them we're loving our king.

them we're loving our king. them we're loving our king. Amen. Y'all have a blessed week and Amen. Y'all have a blessed week and Amen. Y'all have a blessed week and you'll hear see you next time.