Contemporary | 11:15 a.m. | 06.28.2026

Good morning, St. Luke's. Will you Good morning, St. Luke's. Will you please stand and worship with us? When When all is right. all is right. all is right. When I feel your favor flood my life. When I feel your favor flood my life. When I feel your favor flood my life. Even in the good, I'll follow you. Even in the good, I'll follow you. Even in the good, I'll follow you. Even in the good, I'll follow you. Even in the good, I'll follow you. Even in the good, I'll follow you. When the boat is tossed upon the waves When the boat is tossed upon the waves When the boat is tossed upon the waves and I wonder if you keep me safe. and I wonder if you keep me safe. and I wonder if you keep me safe. Even in the storms I'll follow you. Even in the storms I'll follow you. Even in the storms I'll follow you. Even in the storms I'll follow you. I believe everything that you say you I believe everything that you say you are. I believe and I have seen your are. I believe and I have seen your are. I believe and I have seen your unchanging heart in the good things and unchanging heart in the good things and unchanging heart in the good things and in the hardest part. I believe and I in the hardest part. I believe and I in the hardest part. I believe and I will follow you.

will follow you. will follow you. I believe and I will follow you. When I see the wicked prospering, When I see the wicked prospering, when I feel I have no voice to sing, when I feel I have no voice to sing, when I feel I have no voice to sing, even in the ons I'll follow you. even in the ons I'll follow you. even in the ons I'll follow you. Even in the once I follow you. Cuz I believe everything that you say Cuz I believe everything that you say you are. I believe and I have seen your you are. I believe and I have seen your you are. I believe and I have seen your unchanging heart in the good things and unchanging heart in the good things and unchanging heart in the good things and in the hardest part. I believe and I in the hardest part. I believe and I in the hardest part. I believe and I will follow you. will follow you. will follow you. I believe I believe I believe you find find home home home and you lead mewhere.

Even in my death, I'll follow you. Even in my death, I'll follow you. Even in my death, I'll follow you. Even in my death, I'll follow you. Even in my death, I'll follow you. When I come to end this race, I run and When I come to end this race, I run and When I come to end this race, I run and I receive the prize that Christ has won. I receive the prize that Christ has won. I receive the prize that Christ has won. I will be with you in paradise. I will be with you in paradise. I will be with you in paradise. Oh, I will be with you in paradise. I believe everything that you say you I believe everything that you say you are. I believe and I have seen your are. I believe and I have seen your are. I believe and I have seen your unchanging heart in the good things and unchanging heart in the good things and unchanging heart in the good things and in the hardest part. I believe and I in the hardest part. I believe and I in the hardest part. I believe and I will follow you. will follow you. will follow you. I believe and I will follow you. I believe and I will follow you. I believe and I will follow you. Oh, I believe everything that you say Oh, I believe everything that you say Oh, I believe everything that you say you are. I believe and I have seen your you are. I believe and I have seen your you are. I believe and I have seen your unchanging heart in the good things and unchanging heart in the good things and unchanging heart in the good things and in the hardest part. I believe and I in the hardest part. I believe and I in the hardest part. I believe and I will follow you.

will follow you. will follow you. I believe and I will follow you. Oh, I I believe and I will follow you. Oh, I I believe and I will follow you. Oh, I believe and I will follow you. Amen. Good morning, St. Luke's. Amen. Good morning, St. Luke's. Good morning. And good morning to those Good morning. And good morning to those Good morning. And good morning to those of you who are worshiping with us of you who are worshiping with us of you who are worshiping with us online. Continuing in this sermon online. Continuing in this sermon online. Continuing in this sermon series, A Holiday with Jesus. We will be series, A Holiday with Jesus. We will be series, A Holiday with Jesus. We will be chatting about Jesus's time coming to chatting about Jesus's time coming to chatting about Jesus's time coming to ask fishers of fish to follow him and ask fishers of fish to follow him and ask fishers of fish to follow him and become fishers of men. And I'm so always become fishers of men. And I'm so always become fishers of men. And I'm so always so impressed by the story that people so impressed by the story that people so impressed by the story that people literally dropped what they were doing literally dropped what they were doing literally dropped what they were doing in that moment and followed somebody who in that moment and followed somebody who in that moment and followed somebody who came and just said, "Come with me." came and just said, "Come with me." came and just said, "Come with me." Um I I like to think I'd be that Um I I like to think I'd be that Um I I like to think I'd be that faithful, trusting, brave. I don't know. faithful, trusting, brave. I don't know. faithful, trusting, brave. I don't know. Um, but I can't hear wait to hear more Um, but I can't hear wait to hear more Um, but I can't hear wait to hear more about what Dr. Face has to say about it about what Dr. Face has to say about it about what Dr. Face has to say about it later this morning. Let's continue our later this morning. Let's continue our later this morning. Let's continue our worship.

Your word Your word is a lamp unto my feet and your way and your way is the only way for me. is the only way for me. is the only way for me. It's a narrow road that leads to life. It's a narrow road that leads to life. It's a narrow road that leads to life. But I want to be honest. It's a narrow road, but the mercy's It's a narrow road, but the mercy's wide. Cuz you're good on your promise. wide. Cuz you're good on your promise. wide. Cuz you're good on your promise. So I'll take you at your word. So I'll take you at your word. So I'll take you at your word. If you said it, I'll seen how good it was. seen how good it was. If you started, you'll complete it. I'll If you started, you'll complete it. I'll If you started, you'll complete it. I'll take you at your word. You spoke You spoke and the chaos fell in line.

I know I know cuz I've seen it in my life. cuz I've seen it in my life. cuz I've seen it in my life. It's a narrow road that leads to life. It's a narrow road that leads to life. It's a narrow road that leads to life. But I want to be honest. It's a narrow road and the tide is high. It's a narrow road and the tide is high. But you part of the waters. But you part of the waters. But you part of the waters. I'll take you at your word. I'll take you at your word. I'll take you at your word. If you said it, I'll be leaving. If you said it, I'll be leaving. If you said it, I'll be leaving. I've seen how good it was. I've seen how good it was. I've seen how good it was. If you start it, you'll complete it. If you start it, you'll complete it. If you start it, you'll complete it. I'll take you at your word. I'll take you at your word. I'll take you at your word. If you said it, I'll believe it. I've If you said it, I'll believe it. I've If you said it, I'll believe it. I've seen how good it works. seen how good it works. seen how good it works. If you start it, you'll complete it. If you start it, you'll complete it. If you start it, you'll complete it. I'll take you at your word. I'll take you at your word. I'll take you at your word. You're good on your promise.

You said your love will never give up. You said your love will never give up. You said your grace is always enough. You said your grace is always enough. You said your grace is always enough. You said your heart would never forget You said your heart would never forget You said your heart would never forget or forsake me. You said I'm saved. You call me yours. You said I'm saved. You call me yours. You said my future's full of your hope. You said my future's full of your hope. You said my future's full of your hope. You've never f So I know that you'll You've never f So I know that you'll You've never f So I know that you'll never fail me. I'll take you at your never fail me. I'll take you at your never fail me. I'll take you at your word. word. word. If you said it, I'll be it. I've seen If you said it, I'll be it. I've seen If you said it, I'll be it. I've seen how good it works. how good it works. how good it works. If you start it, you'll complete it. If you start it, you'll complete it. If you start it, you'll complete it. I'll take you at your word. I'll take you at your word. I'll take you at your word. If you said it, I'll believe it. I've If you said it, I'll believe it. I've If you said it, I'll believe it. I've seen how good it works. seen how good it works. seen how good it works. If you start it, you'll complete it.

If you start it, you'll complete it. If you start it, you'll complete it. I'll take you at your word. >> I enjoyed that. Please be seated. >> I enjoyed that. Please be seated. Let's pray together. God, you speak to us in so many ways. God, you speak to us in so many ways. You speak to us through your word. You speak to us through your word. You speak to us through your word. You speak to us through others. You speak to us through others. You speak to us through others. You speak to us through the still small You speak to us through the still small You speak to us through the still small spirit that's inside of us. spirit that's inside of us. spirit that's inside of us. And sometimes we don't recognize the And sometimes we don't recognize the And sometimes we don't recognize the timber of your voice.

timber of your voice. timber of your voice. Or sometimes we can't hear you over the Or sometimes we can't hear you over the Or sometimes we can't hear you over the disqu that's within us, the den that is disqu that's within us, the den that is disqu that's within us, the den that is surrounding us. God, we want to listen to you. We are God, we want to listen to you. We are trying to listen to you. And so help us to find that sense of And so help us to find that sense of peace and quiet that we need in order to peace and quiet that we need in order to peace and quiet that we need in order to hear you. And God, we beg you, talk hear you. And God, we beg you, talk hear you. And God, we beg you, talk louder. louder. louder. Be bold with us because our hearts need Be bold with us because our hearts need Be bold with us because our hearts need it. it. it. Sometimes our walls are built up too Sometimes our walls are built up too Sometimes our walls are built up too high. high. high. Sometimes we have turned away Sometimes we have turned away Sometimes we have turned away and we want you to draw us in to you so and we want you to draw us in to you so and we want you to draw us in to you so that we might hear you. God, we come as a people this morning God, we come as a people this morning that are carrying many things. that are carrying many things. that are carrying many things. You have made us for multitudes and we You have made us for multitudes and we You have made us for multitudes and we are certainly fulfilling that.

are certainly fulfilling that. are certainly fulfilling that. We are worried about people in far away We are worried about people in far away We are worried about people in far away places, places, places, especially places like Venezuela especially places like Venezuela especially places like Venezuela where we can't help but just watch the where we can't help but just watch the where we can't help but just watch the news, a gasast at the destruction news, a gasast at the destruction news, a gasast at the destruction that people are experiencing. And God, that people are experiencing. And God, that people are experiencing. And God, as you stir in our hearts compassion, as you stir in our hearts compassion, as you stir in our hearts compassion, move us to action as well. move us to action as well. move us to action as well. Help us to open our hands and our hearts Help us to open our hands and our hearts Help us to open our hands and our hearts and our resources to those who need it. and our resources to those who need it. and our resources to those who need it. And God, we pray that you would be with And God, we pray that you would be with And God, we pray that you would be with those people as well, those people as well, those people as well, providing a sense of peace and comfort providing a sense of peace and comfort providing a sense of peace and comfort even in the midst of all of their grief even in the midst of all of their grief even in the midst of all of their grief and confusion and fear. We pray for those that are closer to our We pray for those that are closer to our community, community, community, those that are suffering or struggling, those that are suffering or struggling, those that are suffering or struggling, especially those that do so in silence. especially those that do so in silence. especially those that do so in silence. Only you know the weight of all that we Only you know the weight of all that we Only you know the weight of all that we carry, God.

carry, God. carry, God. And I pray that you would be with each And I pray that you would be with each And I pray that you would be with each of us, of us, of us, especially those who don't have a sense especially those who don't have a sense especially those who don't have a sense of you or sense of hope. of you or sense of hope. of you or sense of hope. I pray that you would make us beacons of I pray that you would make us beacons of I pray that you would make us beacons of that hope that we might that we might that we might live in such a way that we that we might live in such a way that we that we might live in such a way that we are for others always are for others always are for others always and that they would find some peace and and that they would find some peace and and that they would find some peace and hope through you, hope through you, hope through you, through us. through us. through us. God, I pray for ourselves for the God, I pray for ourselves for the God, I pray for ourselves for the weights that we carry as well. For the weights that we carry as well. For the weights that we carry as well. For the things that keep our minds running at things that keep our minds running at things that keep our minds running at night right now, we name them before night right now, we name them before night right now, we name them before you. The fears and the confusions and you. The fears and the confusions and you. The fears and the confusions and the frustrations. God, help us loosen our grip on those God, help us loosen our grip on those nagging thoughts and turn them over to nagging thoughts and turn them over to nagging thoughts and turn them over to you. It is only with your help that we you. It is only with your help that we you. It is only with your help that we will be able to continue to put our feet will be able to continue to put our feet will be able to continue to put our feet in front of the other and keep going.

in front of the other and keep going. in front of the other and keep going. And so we ask that you would help us, And so we ask that you would help us, And so we ask that you would help us, that you would be with us, that we would that you would be with us, that we would that you would be with us, that we would feel you carrying us. We know that you feel you carrying us. We know that you feel you carrying us. We know that you are here. are here. are here. We love you and we pray this in your We love you and we pray this in your We love you and we pray this in your name. Amen. I'd like to invite you all name. Amen. I'd like to invite you all name. Amen. I'd like to invite you all to come forward to pray up here. Light a to come forward to pray up here. Light a to come forward to pray up here. Light a candle and let it symbolize your prayer candle and let it symbolize your prayer candle and let it symbolize your prayer going up to God or stay seated. Whatever going up to God or stay seated. Whatever going up to God or stay seated. Whatever is most comfortable for you. But let's is most comfortable for you. But let's is most comfortable for you. But let's continue in prayer.

We offer these prayers. prayers with We offer these prayers. prayers with confidence because we know that Jesus confidence because we know that Jesus confidence because we know that Jesus hears us, that he knows what's on our hears us, that he knows what's on our hears us, that he knows what's on our hearts, and that he will never forsake hearts, and that he will never forsake hearts, and that he will never forsake us or leave us. So, let us pray together us or leave us. So, let us pray together us or leave us. So, let us pray together the prayer that he taught us. We lift the prayer that he taught us. We lift the prayer that he taught us. We lift our voices and say, "Our Father, who art our voices and say, "Our Father, who art our voices and say, "Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth kingdom come, thy will be done on earth kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our as it is in heaven. Give us this day our as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our daily bread. And forgive us our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespasses as we forgive those who trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not trespass against us. And lead us not trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from into temptation, but deliver us from into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom and the evil. For thine is the kingdom and the evil. For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen. I'd power and the glory forever. Amen. I'd power and the glory forever. Amen. I'd like to invite Miss Lori and all of our like to invite Miss Lori and all of our like to invite Miss Lori and all of our kiddos to come on up here to the steps.

Hello. We kind of see you. Good to see Hello. We kind of see you. Good to see you. >> Okay. Is everybody cozy? >> Okay. Is everybody cozy? >> Jolly. >> Jolly. >> Jolly. >> Oh, that's so neat. All right. What's >> Oh, that's so neat. All right. What's >> Oh, that's so neat. All right. What's the question? Let's see what we have in here today. Let's see what we have in here today. >> Wow. >> Wow. >> Wow. >> Transformer. >> Transformer. >> Transformer. >> That's right. This is a transformer. >> That's right. This is a transformer. >> That's right. This is a transformer. Does anybody Does anybody Does anybody >> Bumblebee? >> Bumblebee? >> Bumblebee? >> It's Bumblebee. It does have a name. I >> It's Bumblebee. It does have a name. I >> It's Bumblebee. It does have a name. I couldn't remember. So, thank you for couldn't remember. So, thank you for couldn't remember. So, thank you for reminding me. It's a really cool one. reminding me. It's a really cool one. reminding me. It's a really cool one. So, why is it called a transformer? So, why is it called a transformer? So, why is it called a transformer? Yeah, Yeah, Yeah, >> cuz um it goes to one thing to another >> cuz um it goes to one thing to another >> cuz um it goes to one thing to another thing. thing. thing. >> It goes from one thing to another thing. >> It goes from one thing to another thing. >> It goes from one thing to another thing. That's right. That's right. That's right. >> A robot into a car. >> A robot into a car. >> A robot into a car. >> A robot. You think it's gonna be a car? >> A robot. You think it's gonna be a car? >> A robot. You think it's gonna be a car? Do you guys want to see? Do you guys want to see? Do you guys want to see? >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Okay. >> Okay. >> Okay. >> It's a car. >> It's a car. >> It's a car. >> It's a car. I've been practicing. Let's >> It's a car. I've been practicing. Let's >> It's a car. I've been practicing. Let's see if I can do it in front of a live see if I can do it in front of a live see if I can do it in front of a live studio audience. These are tricky toys. studio audience. These are tricky toys. studio audience. These are tricky toys. >> This >> This >> This How do I do it, buddy? How do I do it, buddy? How do I do it, buddy? >> I was trying to do this at my cousin's >> I was trying to do this at my cousin's >> I was trying to do this at my cousin's house, but it was tricky.

house, but it was tricky. house, but it was tricky. >> It See, it is tricky, everybody. It's >> It See, it is tricky, everybody. It's >> It See, it is tricky, everybody. It's tricky out there if you have one. Okay. tricky out there if you have one. Okay. tricky out there if you have one. Okay. So, what is it now? So, what is it now? So, what is it now? >> In your car. >> In your car. >> In your car. >> It's a car. That's right. Okay. your >> It's a car. That's right. Okay. your >> It's a car. That's right. Okay. your first try, you could break one of the first try, you could break one of the first try, you could break one of the pie. pie. pie. >> You could, but I was very careful. Okay. >> You could, but I was very careful. Okay. >> You could, but I was very careful. Okay. So, guess what? Our Bible story today is So, guess what? Our Bible story today is So, guess what? Our Bible story today is all about transformation. So, I want you all about transformation. So, I want you all about transformation. So, I want you to think about that. All summer long, we to think about that. All summer long, we to think about that. All summer long, we are going to learn about holiday with are going to learn about holiday with are going to learn about holiday with Jesus. So, what does the word holiday Jesus. So, what does the word holiday Jesus. So, what does the word holiday mean when I say that we're going on a mean when I say that we're going on a mean when I say that we're going on a holiday with Jesus? Does anybody holiday with Jesus? Does anybody holiday with Jesus? Does anybody remember? remember? remember? >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> A special event. >> A special event. >> A special event. >> Could be a special event. Yeah. What do >> Could be a special event. Yeah. What do >> Could be a special event. Yeah. What do you think? you think? you think? >> It's a special time of the year. >> It's a special time of the year. >> It's a special time of the year. >> A special time of the year. Yes. That's >> A special time of the year. Yes. That's >> A special time of the year. Yes. That's what we normally think about holidays. what we normally think about holidays. what we normally think about holidays. Mary, what do you think? Mary, what do you think? Mary, what do you think? >> It's where you can have something that's >> It's where you can have something that's >> It's where you can have something that's fun. fun. fun. >> Yeah, that's right. So, in this context, >> Yeah, that's right. So, in this context, >> Yeah, that's right. So, in this context, I know you guys have so many great ideas I know you guys have so many great ideas I know you guys have so many great ideas today. In this context, how we're going today. In this context, how we're going today. In this context, how we're going to think about it is it's like going on to think about it is it's like going on to think about it is it's like going on a trip or a vacation with Jesus. We're a trip or a vacation with Jesus. We're a trip or a vacation with Jesus. We're going to travel in our stories to where going to travel in our stories to where going to travel in our stories to where Jesus went and we're going to learn what Jesus went and we're going to learn what Jesus went and we're going to learn what Jesus learned, talk about the story. So, Jesus learned, talk about the story. So, Jesus learned, talk about the story. So, today we are headed to a place called today we are headed to a place called today we are headed to a place called Capernium. And what is neat about this Capernium. And what is neat about this Capernium. And what is neat about this place is it is a lake shore. There is a place is it is a lake shore. There is a place is it is a lake shore. There is a lake there and we are on the lake shore.

lake there and we are on the lake shore. lake there and we are on the lake shore. And walking on that lake shore, Jesus And walking on that lake shore, Jesus And walking on that lake shore, Jesus sees two brothers, Peter and Andrew. And sees two brothers, Peter and Andrew. And sees two brothers, Peter and Andrew. And do you know what they're doing? do you know what they're doing? do you know what they're doing? >> What? >> What? >> What? >> Any guesses? >> Any guesses? >> Any guesses? >> Oh, you guys remembered. That's right. >> Oh, you guys remembered. That's right. >> Oh, you guys remembered. That's right. Look, I brought some hints for you, but Look, I brought some hints for you, but Look, I brought some hints for you, but you didn't even need them. Okay, so you didn't even need them. Okay, so you didn't even need them. Okay, so what's this? what's this? what's this? >> Fishing rod. >> Fishing rod. >> Fishing rod. >> That's right. A fishing paw. Uh fishing >> That's right. A fishing paw. Uh fishing >> That's right. A fishing paw. Uh fishing rod or pole. That's right. And what is rod or pole. That's right. And what is rod or pole. That's right. And what is this? this? this? >> A net. O O >> A net. O O >> A net. O O >> That's right. Okay. So, back in the >> That's right. Okay. So, back in the >> That's right. Okay. So, back in the Bible, usually people didn't use poles Bible, usually people didn't use poles Bible, usually people didn't use poles or rods. They used or rods. They used or rods. They used >> nets. >> nets. >> nets. >> Nets, but really, really big nets, not >> Nets, but really, really big nets, not >> Nets, but really, really big nets, not small ones like this. Okay. So, Andrew small ones like this. Okay. So, Andrew small ones like this. Okay. So, Andrew Yeah. Andrew and Peter were busy Yeah. Andrew and Peter were busy Yeah. Andrew and Peter were busy fishing. And fishing wasn't they weren't fishing. And fishing wasn't they weren't fishing. And fishing wasn't they weren't doing it for fun. That's true. They doing it for fun. That's true. They doing it for fun. That's true. They weren't doing it just for fun. Guess weren't doing it just for fun. Guess weren't doing it just for fun. Guess what? It was their job. And so they are what? It was their job. And so they are what? It was their job. And so they are busy doing their job and Jesus comes up busy doing their job and Jesus comes up busy doing their job and Jesus comes up to them and says something.

to them and says something. to them and says something. >> He says, "Come and follow me and I will >> He says, "Come and follow me and I will >> He says, "Come and follow me and I will make you fish for make you fish for make you fish for >> people." >> people." >> people." Fish for people. What do you think Fish for people. What do you think Fish for people. What do you think Andrew and Peter thought when they heard Andrew and Peter thought when they heard Andrew and Peter thought when they heard that? that? that? >> People eat it. >> People eat it. >> People eat it. >> They might have thought that sounded >> They might have thought that sounded >> They might have thought that sounded strange, right? So, what's so neat about strange, right? So, what's so neat about strange, right? So, what's so neat about the Bible is guess what? It tells us the Bible is guess what? It tells us the Bible is guess what? It tells us exactly what those discip what those exactly what those discip what those exactly what those discip what those people did, what Andrew and Peter did. people did, what Andrew and Peter did. people did, what Andrew and Peter did. And this is the word that it uses and I And this is the word that it uses and I And this is the word that it uses and I like it a lot. It says they immediately like it a lot. It says they immediately like it a lot. It says they immediately laid down their nets and followed Jesus. laid down their nets and followed Jesus. laid down their nets and followed Jesus. That day, Jesus transformed fishermen That day, Jesus transformed fishermen That day, Jesus transformed fishermen into the word that I said it just a into the word that I said it just a into the word that I said it just a minute ago. It's called a disciple. So, minute ago. It's called a disciple. So, minute ago. It's called a disciple. So, we've talked about disciples before. we've talked about disciples before. we've talked about disciples before. Does anybody remember what a disciple Does anybody remember what a disciple Does anybody remember what a disciple is? Yeah. What do you think, Dean? is? Yeah. What do you think, Dean? is? Yeah. What do you think, Dean? >> A Jesus helper. >> A Jesus helper. >> A Jesus helper. >> A Jesus helper. Oh, that is such a good >> A Jesus helper. Oh, that is such a good >> A Jesus helper. Oh, that is such a good way to think about that. Anybody else way to think about that. Anybody else way to think about that. Anybody else have a different one? Yeah.

have a different one? Yeah. have a different one? Yeah. >> Jesus. >> Jesus. >> Jesus. Jesus Jesus Jesus good helpers. good helpers. good helpers. >> A Jesus good helper. I love that, too. >> A Jesus good helper. I love that, too. >> A Jesus good helper. I love that, too. So, I always think about it just like So, I always think about it just like So, I always think about it just like this story. It literally means to follow this story. It literally means to follow this story. It literally means to follow Jesus. And so what is so cool about this Jesus. And so what is so cool about this Jesus. And so what is so cool about this story is just like Jesus was talking story is just like Jesus was talking story is just like Jesus was talking about Andrew and Peter or talked to them about Andrew and Peter or talked to them about Andrew and Peter or talked to them and said come and follow me. He's and said come and follow me. He's and said come and follow me. He's inviting all of us to be disciples and inviting all of us to be disciples and inviting all of us to be disciples and to keep following. And how do we do to keep following. And how do we do to keep following. And how do we do that? So simple just by loving Jesus. that? So simple just by loving Jesus. that? So simple just by loving Jesus. And what is so cool is when we follow And what is so cool is when we follow And what is so cool is when we follow Jesus and love Jesus, we are transformed Jesus and love Jesus, we are transformed Jesus and love Jesus, we are transformed too. The way we think, the way we act, too. The way we think, the way we act, too. The way we think, the way we act, even the way we talk starts to look more even the way we talk starts to look more even the way we talk starts to look more like Jesus, which I think is just so like Jesus, which I think is just so like Jesus, which I think is just so cool. Okay, I have one last thing in my cool. Okay, I have one last thing in my cool. Okay, I have one last thing in my bag. bag. bag. >> Transformer was the card for travel. >> Transformer was the card for travel. >> Transformer was the card for travel. >> I do have paper. I know this is maybe >> I do have paper. I know this is maybe >> I do have paper. I know this is maybe less exciting than a transformer, but less exciting than a transformer, but less exciting than a transformer, but let's see what it says. Okay, so this is let's see what it says. Okay, so this is let's see what it says. Okay, so this is it's called a passport stamp. So, we've it's called a passport stamp. So, we've it's called a passport stamp. So, we've been pulling them out. So, it says, been pulling them out. So, it says, been pulling them out. So, it says, "Welcome to Capernium by the lake "Welcome to Capernium by the lake "Welcome to Capernium by the lake shore." It says, "Design your passport shore." It says, "Design your passport shore." It says, "Design your passport stamp." So, another way, and you know stamp." So, another way, and you know stamp." So, another way, and you know what you said this a minute ago, another what you said this a minute ago, another what you said this a minute ago, another way that we are transformed is by way that we are transformed is by way that we are transformed is by learning. And so, that's what we're all learning. And so, that's what we're all learning. And so, that's what we're all doing here. We're coming here to learn, doing here. We're coming here to learn, doing here. We're coming here to learn, to be transformed, just like we talked to be transformed, just like we talked to be transformed, just like we talked about. So, on here it says, what's your about. So, on here it says, what's your about. So, on here it says, what's your favorite way to learn? Reading a book, favorite way to learn? Reading a book, favorite way to learn? Reading a book, doing a science experiment, walking in doing a science experiment, walking in doing a science experiment, walking in nature, listening to music. Draw your nature, listening to music. Draw your nature, listening to music. Draw your favorite way to learn. Okay. So, here in favorite way to learn. Okay. So, here in favorite way to learn. Okay. So, here in a minute, I'm going to give each and

a minute, I'm going to give each and a minute, I'm going to give each and every one of you this. I want you to every one of you this. I want you to every one of you this. I want you to think about this. fill it out. And I think about this. fill it out. And I think about this. fill it out. And I want you this week to remember that we want you this week to remember that we want you this week to remember that we are all being transformed every single are all being transformed every single are all being transformed every single day day day >> by the love of Jesus. You could give it >> by the love of Jesus. You could give it >> by the love of Jesus. You could give it to me or you could keep it for yourself. to me or you could keep it for yourself. to me or you could keep it for yourself. Whatever works. Okay, let's go ahead and Whatever works. Okay, let's go ahead and Whatever works. Okay, let's go ahead and we're going to say a prayer and then we're going to say a prayer and then we're going to say a prayer and then I'll pass these out. All right, put your I'll pass these out. All right, put your I'll pass these out. All right, put your praying hands together and repeat after praying hands together and repeat after praying hands together and repeat after me. Dear God, me. Dear God, me. Dear God, >> Dear God, >> Dear God, >> Dear God, >> thank you for loving us. >> thank you for loving us. >> thank you for loving us. >> Thank you for loving us. >> Thank you for loving us. >> Thank you for loving us. >> Thank you for Jesus. >> Thank you for Jesus. >> Thank you for Jesus. >> Thank you for Jesus. Help us be >> Thank you for Jesus. Help us be >> Thank you for Jesus. Help us be transformed. transformed. transformed. >> Help us be transformed. >> Help us be transformed. >> Help us be transformed. >> And look like you >> And look like you >> And look like you >> and look like you. >> and look like you. >> and look like you. >> 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. I have one for everyone. And >> All right. I have one for everyone. And >> All right. I have one for everyone. And I'll see you next time on our next I'll see you next time on our next I'll see you next time on our next journey together. journey together. journey together. >> People still use fishing nets. >> People still use fishing nets. >> People still use fishing nets. >> That's true. People do still use fishing >> That's true. People do still use fishing >> That's true. People do still use fishing >> nets. They're so cool. >> nets. They're so cool. >> nets. They're so cool. >> Thank you, Miss Lori, and our kids. I >> Thank you, Miss Lori, and our kids. I >> Thank you, Miss Lori, and our kids. I also have a also have a also have a >> If you have not already, I hope you'll >> If you have not already, I hope you'll >> If you have not already, I hope you'll take this opportunity now to check in take this opportunity now to check in take this opportunity now to check in for worship. Let us know that you're for worship. Let us know that you're for worship. Let us know that you're worshiping with us today. Whether you're worshiping with us today. Whether you're worshiping with us today. Whether you're in person or online, we want to make in person or online, we want to make in person or online, we want to make sure that we can have your experience as sure that we can have your experience as sure that we can have your experience as part of our community as personalized as part of our community as personalized as part of our community as personalized as possible. And checking in helps us do possible. And checking in helps us do possible. And checking in helps us do that. Now, as we prepare to receive our that. Now, as we prepare to receive our that. Now, as we prepare to receive our offering, um we're going to hear an offering, um we're going to hear an offering, um we're going to hear an offering on our behalf from the band.

offering on our behalf from the band. offering on our behalf from the band. And the song that they're doing today is And the song that they're doing today is And the song that they're doing today is the song that Ashley Andushka wrote um the song that Ashley Andushka wrote um the song that Ashley Andushka wrote um for um recognition of our church's call for um recognition of our church's call for um recognition of our church's call um hearing that call from God um in the um hearing that call from God um in the um hearing that call from God um in the early days to actually start um this early days to actually start um this early days to actually start um this campus here. And so um as we think about campus here. And so um as we think about campus here. And so um as we think about what it looks like to live into God's what it looks like to live into God's what it looks like to live into God's call in our life today, this is a great call in our life today, this is a great call in our life today, this is a great contemporary expression of what that contemporary expression of what that contemporary expression of what that looks and sounds like. So, as we receive looks and sounds like. So, as we receive looks and sounds like. So, as we receive our offering now, let's think about the our offering now, let's think about the our offering now, let's think about the ways that God is using us and the ways ways that God is using us and the ways ways that God is using us and the ways God is calling us to be active God is calling us to be active God is calling us to be active participants in following him. There's a moment There's a moment when he calls you. when he calls you. when he calls you. Father, Father, Father, I will take a step in faith and let him draw take a step in faith and let him draw you on to a life you can't imagine. You you on to a life you can't imagine. You you on to a life you can't imagine. You can't understand can't understand can't understand a life of bringing light to the world.

Go west. Go west. Move on ahead. I set you on a path worth Move on ahead. I set you on a path worth Move on ahead. I set you on a path worth taking. taking. taking. If one life we change, it's worth the If one life we change, it's worth the If one life we change, it's worth the wait the rest. There's a moment There's a moment when you see it. the faces of the ones when you see it. the faces of the ones when you see it. the faces of the ones you're reaching, finding a feeling a feeling when you know it. What followed from when you know it. What followed from when you know it. What followed from that step you took so long ago. that step you took so long ago. that step you took so long ago. Cuz every call you answer as coest. He said, "Move on ahead." I set coest. He said, "Move on ahead." I set you on a path worth taking.

you on a path worth taking. you on a path worth taking. Each life we change is worth the wait. Each life we change is worth the wait. Each life we change is worth the wait. Go west. He said, Go west. He said, Go west. He said, "I will "I will "I will with you as we journey along this road. with you as we journey along this road. with you as we journey along this road. Calling you outside of these walls. I Calling you outside of these walls. I Calling you outside of these walls. I will send you to every will send you to every will send you to every needs to know. You are not alone. You are not alone. know what she said. Move on ahead. I set know what she said. Move on ahead. I set know what she said. Move on ahead. I set you on a path worth taking. you on a path worth taking. you on a path worth taking. Each life we change is worth the way. Go Each life we change is worth the way. Go Each life we change is worth the way. Go rest, he said. So we will go on out as rest, he said. So we will go on out as rest, he said. So we will go on out as he said. Love lies ahead.

he said. Love lies ahead. he said. Love lies ahead. Hearts are waiting on the path we're Hearts are waiting on the path we're Hearts are waiting on the path we're taking. taking. taking. As we grow and change, we find hope in As we grow and change, we find hope in As we grow and change, we find hope in faith. The west side. Cuz each life we change is worth the Cuz each life we change is worth the wait. wait. wait. Oh, west. Go west, young man. That's right. Thank Go west, young man. That's right. Thank you. you. you. >> Have you been told? >> Have you been told? >> Have you been told? >> Yes, often. Or just go away, young man. >> Yes, often. Or just go away, young man. >> Yes, often. Or just go away, young man. Sometimes it's that. Well, good morning Sometimes it's that. Well, good morning Sometimes it's that. Well, good morning everybody. Glad to uh be here. I've been everybody. Glad to uh be here. I've been everybody. Glad to uh be here. I've been on vacation for a couple of weeks and on vacation for a couple of weeks and on vacation for a couple of weeks and I'm glad to be back in cool Houston I'm glad to be back in cool Houston I'm glad to be back in cool Houston where uh you know and I'm so looking where uh you know and I'm so looking where uh you know and I'm so looking forward to the sand. That's really what forward to the sand. That's really what forward to the sand. That's really what I uh is coming next week. Um hear this I uh is coming next week. Um hear this I uh is coming next week. Um hear this scripture I want to read to you today scripture I want to read to you today scripture I want to read to you today from Matthew the 4th chapter.

Now when Jesus heard that John had been Now when Jesus heard that John had been arrested, he withdrew to Galilee. He arrested, he withdrew to Galilee. He arrested, he withdrew to Galilee. He left Nazareth and made his home in left Nazareth and made his home in left Nazareth and made his home in Capernaum by the sea in the territory of Capernaum by the sea in the territory of Capernaum by the sea in the territory of Zebulun and Naftali Zebulun and Naftali Zebulun and Naftali so that what had been spoken through the so that what had been spoken through the so that what had been spoken through the prophet Isaiah might be fulfilled. Land prophet Isaiah might be fulfilled. Land prophet Isaiah might be fulfilled. Land of Zebulun, land of Naftali, on the road of Zebulun, land of Naftali, on the road of Zebulun, land of Naftali, on the road by the sea across the Jordan, Galilee of by the sea across the Jordan, Galilee of by the sea across the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles. The people who sat in the Gentiles. The people who sat in the Gentiles. The people who sat in darkness have seen a great light. And darkness have seen a great light. And darkness have seen a great light. And for those who sat in the region and for those who sat in the region and for those who sat in the region and shadow of death, light has dawned. shadow of death, light has dawned. shadow of death, light has dawned. From that time Jesus began to proclaim, From that time Jesus began to proclaim, From that time Jesus began to proclaim, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near." As he walked by the Sea of come near." As he walked by the Sea of come near." As he walked by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon, who Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon, who Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew, his is called Peter, and Andrew, his is called Peter, and Andrew, his brother, casting a net into the sea, for brother, casting a net into the sea, for brother, casting a net into the sea, for they were fishers. And he said to them, they were fishers. And he said to them, they were fishers. And he said to them, "Follow me, and I went will make you "Follow me, and I went will make you "Follow me, and I went will make you fishers of people." Immediately they fishers of people." Immediately they fishers of people." Immediately they left their nets and followed him. And as left their nets and followed him. And as left their nets and followed him. And as he went from there, he saw two other he went from there, he saw two other he went from there, he saw two other brothers, James, son of Zebedee, and his brothers, James, son of Zebedee, and his brothers, James, son of Zebedee, and his brother John, in the boat with their brother John, in the boat with their brother John, in the boat with their father, Zebedee, mending their nets. And father, Zebedee, mending their nets. And father, Zebedee, mending their nets. And he called them.

he called them. he called them. Immediately they left the boat and their Immediately they left the boat and their Immediately they left the boat and their father and followed. This is the word of father and followed. This is the word of father and followed. This is the word of God for us, the people of God. God for us, the people of God. God for us, the people of God. >> Thanks be to God. >> Thanks be to God. >> Thanks be to God. Let's pray together. Oh God, open us up. Let's pray together. Oh God, open us up. Let's pray together. Oh God, open us up. Open eyes that we might see. Open ears Open eyes that we might see. Open ears Open eyes that we might see. Open ears that we might hear. open hearts that we that we might hear. open hearts that we that we might hear. open hearts that we might feel. might feel. might feel. And then, oh Lord, open our hands that And then, oh Lord, open our hands that And then, oh Lord, open our hands that we might serve. we might serve. we might serve. Amen. Amen. Amen. So, every once in a while as I'm reading So, every once in a while as I'm reading So, every once in a while as I'm reading the Bible, I come across something that the Bible, I come across something that the Bible, I come across something that makes me think that's just nuts. That's makes me think that's just nuts. That's makes me think that's just nuts. That's just crazy. Like, you know, um, oh, we just crazy. Like, you know, um, oh, we just crazy. Like, you know, um, oh, we are to, I mean, if you, you know, I I've are to, I mean, if you, you know, I I've are to, I mean, if you, you know, I I've grown up with this, so you don't think grown up with this, so you don't think grown up with this, so you don't think about it much anymore, but it says about it much anymore, but it says about it much anymore, but it says you're to eat the body and blood of you're to eat the body and blood of you're to eat the body and blood of Jesus. You think, seriously, that just Jesus. You think, seriously, that just Jesus. You think, seriously, that just seems like a lot, doesn't it? I mean, seems like a lot, doesn't it? I mean, seems like a lot, doesn't it? I mean, even to pretend that, even to have that even to pretend that, even to have that even to pretend that, even to have that represent or be this this presentation represent or be this this presentation represent or be this this presentation of the body and blood, you think, do of the body and blood, you think, do of the body and blood, you think, do we're to eat that? Seriously, that's we're to eat that? Seriously, that's we're to eat that? Seriously, that's nuts.

nuts. nuts. Sounds kind of cultish, doesn't it? Sounds kind of cultish, doesn't it? Sounds kind of cultish, doesn't it? or um a in Acts 2 42-47 it says and the or um a in Acts 2 42-47 it says and the or um a in Acts 2 42-47 it says and the the the disciples sold all that they had the the disciples sold all that they had the the disciples sold all that they had gave gave their money to one they had gave gave their money to one they had gave gave their money to one they had all things in common they distributed all things in common they distributed all things in common they distributed all their possessions to any who had all their possessions to any who had all their possessions to any who had need need need sounds like a a cult like you know sounds like a a cult like you know sounds like a a cult like you know you're give it take everything if if my you're give it take everything if if my you're give it take everything if if my kids come to me and say hey dad I've met kids come to me and say hey dad I've met kids come to me and say hey dad I've met this guy he wants me to sell all that I this guy he wants me to sell all that I this guy he wants me to sell all that I have and we're gonna give the money to have and we're gonna give the money to have and we're gonna give the money to one other and we're going to live one other and we're going to live one other and we're going to live together. I'm like, uh, let's let's together. I'm like, uh, let's let's together. I'm like, uh, let's let's talk. Uh, are are you sure? That just talk. Uh, are are you sure? That just talk. Uh, are are you sure? That just doesn't sound smart to me, honey. Right? doesn't sound smart to me, honey. Right? doesn't sound smart to me, honey. Right? So, today, I believe, is one of those So, today, I believe, is one of those So, today, I believe, is one of those interesting interesting interesting questions. Here are these disciples questions. Here are these disciples questions. Here are these disciples and they're doing their thing, fishing and they're doing their thing, fishing and they're doing their thing, fishing in the boat. Their life is going on. And in the boat. Their life is going on. And in the boat. Their life is going on. And and Jesus walks by. He literally, the and Jesus walks by. He literally, the and Jesus walks by. He literally, the scripture says he's walking along the scripture says he's walking along the scripture says he's walking along the Sea of Galilee and sees them. It's not Sea of Galilee and sees them. It's not Sea of Galilee and sees them. It's not like he's gathered folks together and like he's gathered folks together and like he's gathered folks together and he's been preaching to them. He he just he's been preaching to them. He he just he's been preaching to them. He he just he's he has been preaching repent. The he's he has been preaching repent. The he's he has been preaching repent. The kingdom of God has come near.

kingdom of God has come near. kingdom of God has come near. And um and then he calls on them and And um and then he calls on them and And um and then he calls on them and they just leave their their father and they just leave their their father and they just leave their their father and their boat and and like at that moment their boat and and like at that moment their boat and and like at that moment drop it and walk away. What in the world drop it and walk away. What in the world drop it and walk away. What in the world motivated them? motivated them? motivated them? What did they think they were getting What did they think they were getting What did they think they were getting themselves into when they signed up? themselves into when they signed up? themselves into when they signed up? It's interesting. Um, Philip Yansy in It's interesting. Um, Philip Yansy in It's interesting. Um, Philip Yansy in his book um, disappointment with God his book um, disappointment with God his book um, disappointment with God writes this. writes this. writes this. True atheists do not, I presume, feel True atheists do not, I presume, feel True atheists do not, I presume, feel disappointed with God. disappointed with God. disappointed with God. They expect nothing and receive nothing. They expect nothing and receive nothing. They expect nothing and receive nothing. But those who commit their lives to God, But those who commit their lives to God, But those who commit their lives to God, no matter what, instinctively expect no matter what, instinctively expect no matter what, instinctively expect something in return. something in return. something in return. What did the disciples expect when they What did the disciples expect when they What did the disciples expect when they signed up? And I want to ask you the signed up? And I want to ask you the signed up? And I want to ask you the question, what did you expect? question, what did you expect? question, what did you expect? If you've decided to be a follower of If you've decided to be a follower of If you've decided to be a follower of Jesus, to say, "I'm going to give my Jesus, to say, "I'm going to give my Jesus, to say, "I'm going to give my life. I want to live and love as Jesus life. I want to live and love as Jesus life. I want to live and love as Jesus has." What do you expect?

has." What do you expect? has." What do you expect? So, let's explore some possibilities. So, let's explore some possibilities. So, let's explore some possibilities. I've done some research on what many of I've done some research on what many of I've done some research on what many of the folks the scholars believe might the folks the scholars believe might the folks the scholars believe might have been motivating what they would uh have been motivating what they would uh have been motivating what they would uh these disciples and what they might have these disciples and what they might have these disciples and what they might have expected. The first is they might have expected. The first is they might have expected. The first is they might have expected earthly power that they thought expected earthly power that they thought expected earthly power that they thought that Jesus was the one who was going to that Jesus was the one who was going to that Jesus was the one who was going to lead them to overthrow the Roman uh lead them to overthrow the Roman uh lead them to overthrow the Roman uh government, the Roman Empire. In fact, government, the Roman Empire. In fact, government, the Roman Empire. In fact, the just the the very basic sort of the just the the very basic sort of the just the the very basic sort of start of this passage says when Jesus start of this passage says when Jesus start of this passage says when Jesus heard that John had been arrested, he heard that John had been arrested, he heard that John had been arrested, he withdrew to Galilee. So, let me tell you withdrew to Galilee. So, let me tell you withdrew to Galilee. So, let me tell you about Galilee. Uh Galilee is the you can about Galilee. Uh Galilee is the you can about Galilee. Uh Galilee is the you can see it on the map. I think you have it see it on the map. I think you have it see it on the map. I think you have it on the map in your um in your on the on the map in your um in your on the on the map in your um in your on the back of your bulletin. Uh Galilee is the back of your bulletin. Uh Galilee is the back of your bulletin. Uh Galilee is the northwest uh quadrant of Israel and it northwest uh quadrant of Israel and it northwest uh quadrant of Israel and it is a hotbed of Jewish resistance. It is is a hotbed of Jewish resistance. It is is a hotbed of Jewish resistance. It is a rural area. I want you to think about a rural area. I want you to think about a rural area. I want you to think about all these little militias, these little all these little militias, these little all these little militias, these little groups of people who had formed to groups of people who had formed to groups of people who had formed to overthrow the Roman government. And um overthrow the Roman government. And um overthrow the Roman government. And um they operated very frankly like little they operated very frankly like little they operated very frankly like little criminal gangs. They would fund their criminal gangs. They would fund their criminal gangs. They would fund their work by charging taxes on the roads. The work by charging taxes on the roads. The work by charging taxes on the roads. The Romans charge taxes on the roads. They Romans charge taxes on the roads. They Romans charge taxes on the roads. They used the tax collectors to do that. But used the tax collectors to do that. But used the tax collectors to do that. But the zealots would do that as well. And the zealots would do that as well. And the zealots would do that as well. And they would come down from the caves they would come down from the caves they would come down from the caves where they were living or from the the where they were living or from the the where they were living or from the the rural areas where they were living and rural areas where they were living and rural areas where they were living and they would just charge people on the

they would just charge people on the they would just charge people on the road. You want to get by? Um in fact road. You want to get by? Um in fact road. You want to get by? Um in fact where when the scripture says um and two where when the scripture says um and two where when the scripture says um and two criminals or two robbers were crucified criminals or two robbers were crucified criminals or two robbers were crucified on the right and left of Jesus uh there on the right and left of Jesus uh there on the right and left of Jesus uh there are many scholars who believe that the are many scholars who believe that the are many scholars who believe that the word that's used there is is for these word that's used there is is for these word that's used there is is for these kinds of zealots who would be robbing kinds of zealots who would be robbing kinds of zealots who would be robbing people so that they could fund their um people so that they could fund their um people so that they could fund their um their uh nationalistic uh ministry. their uh nationalistic uh ministry. their uh nationalistic uh ministry. So maybe that's what they expected. The So maybe that's what they expected. The So maybe that's what they expected. The look when when James and John are with look when when James and John are with look when when James and John are with Jesus and says, "Hey, when you come into Jesus and says, "Hey, when you come into Jesus and says, "Hey, when you come into your kingdom, can I sit on your right your kingdom, can I sit on your right your kingdom, can I sit on your right hand and him on your left hand?" That's hand and him on your left hand?" That's hand and him on your left hand?" That's implying that they're going to be sort implying that they're going to be sort implying that they're going to be sort of lieutenants for this this king of of lieutenants for this this king of of lieutenants for this this king of King Jesus when the Romans fall. King Jesus when the Romans fall. King Jesus when the Romans fall. Even after three years together and the Even after three years together and the Even after three years together and the resurrection resurrection resurrection in Acts 1, the disciples say to Jesus in Acts 1, the disciples say to Jesus in Acts 1, the disciples say to Jesus who has appeared in their midst, is this who has appeared in their midst, is this who has appeared in their midst, is this the time you're going to return Israel the time you're going to return Israel the time you're going to return Israel to restore Israel to its place?

to restore Israel to its place? to restore Israel to its place? That on the on the road to Emmas, the That on the on the road to Emmas, the That on the on the road to Emmas, the disciples said, "Oh, we were so disciples said, "Oh, we were so disciples said, "Oh, we were so disappointed when he was crucified. We disappointed when he was crucified. We disappointed when he was crucified. We thought he was going to be the one who thought he was going to be the one who thought he was going to be the one who would restore Israel. would restore Israel. would restore Israel. It very well may be that James and John, It very well may be that James and John, It very well may be that James and John, Simon Peter and Andrew had that Simon Peter and Andrew had that Simon Peter and Andrew had that motivation. I don't know that any of us motivation. I don't know that any of us motivation. I don't know that any of us have this motivation for earthly power. have this motivation for earthly power. have this motivation for earthly power. But I will say this that sometimes But I will say this that sometimes But I will say this that sometimes when we um when we um when we um sometimes we tend to want to believe sometimes we tend to want to believe sometimes we tend to want to believe that uh Christians should be the ones in that uh Christians should be the ones in that uh Christians should be the ones in power because they're the ones who do power because they're the ones who do power because they're the ones who do right. And there's not a big difference right. And there's not a big difference right. And there's not a big difference between Jewish nationalism and Christian between Jewish nationalism and Christian between Jewish nationalism and Christian nationalism that were there at that time nationalism that were there at that time nationalism that were there at that time that we we find ourselves sometimes that we we find ourselves sometimes that we we find ourselves sometimes using. It may not be what we expect, but using. It may not be what we expect, but using. It may not be what we expect, but we find ourselves using our faith to to we find ourselves using our faith to to we find ourselves using our faith to to to give us some sense of of power of to give us some sense of of power of to give us some sense of of power of influence.

influence. influence. Okay, here's the second possibility that Okay, here's the second possibility that Okay, here's the second possibility that the disciples what they expected was the disciples what they expected was the disciples what they expected was miracles. miracles. miracles. Miracles. when he says the kingdom of Miracles. when he says the kingdom of Miracles. when he says the kingdom of God has come near, what they might have God has come near, what they might have God has come near, what they might have been thinking was not so much about the been thinking was not so much about the been thinking was not so much about the Roman overthrow of the Roman government, Roman overthrow of the Roman government, Roman overthrow of the Roman government, but what this messianic age would be but what this messianic age would be but what this messianic age would be like, what it would be like when when like, what it would be like when when like, what it would be like when when the Messiah returned and these miracles the Messiah returned and these miracles the Messiah returned and these miracles came to pass. So uh uh uh for example came to pass. So uh uh uh for example came to pass. So uh uh uh for example they would have been thinking of that they would have been thinking of that they would have been thinking of that prophecy from Isaiah 35. The eyes of the prophecy from Isaiah 35. The eyes of the prophecy from Isaiah 35. The eyes of the blind shall be opened the ears of the blind shall be opened the ears of the blind shall be opened the ears of the deaf unstopped and the and the lame man deaf unstopped and the and the lame man deaf unstopped and the and the lame man shall leap for like a deer and the shall leap for like a deer and the shall leap for like a deer and the tongue of the mute will sing for joy. Or tongue of the mute will sing for joy. Or tongue of the mute will sing for joy. Or they'd be thinking about Isaiah 25 where they'd be thinking about Isaiah 25 where they'd be thinking about Isaiah 25 where it says and they will beat their swords it says and they will beat their swords it says and they will beat their swords into plowshares and study war no more into plowshares and study war no more into plowshares and study war no more and these miracles would come to happen. and these miracles would come to happen. and these miracles would come to happen. when they heard the kingdom of God has when they heard the kingdom of God has when they heard the kingdom of God has come near that very well may have been come near that very well may have been come near that very well may have been what would have been in their ear in what would have been in their ear in what would have been in their ear in their mind their mind their mind and look they go to Capernaum and that's and look they go to Capernaum and that's and look they go to Capernaum and that's where they experience the miracles so where they experience the miracles so where they experience the miracles so let me tell you about Capernaum let me tell you about Capernaum let me tell you about Capernaum Capernaum is a uh a a Capernaum is a uh a a Capernaum is a uh a a I'm going to say a small village I'm going to say a small village I'm going to say a small village although it wouldn't about a thousand although it wouldn't about a thousand although it wouldn't about a thousand people maybe as much as 1500 the arch people maybe as much as 1500 the arch people maybe as much as 1500 the arch archaeologists say oh you get a picture archaeologists say oh you get a picture archaeologists say oh you get a picture here um it it was a so it was a a a here um it it was a so it was a a a here um it it was a so it was a a a midsized town perhaps is a better way to midsized town perhaps is a better way to midsized town perhaps is a better way to say it. It was on the way of the sea, say it. It was on the way of the sea, say it. It was on the way of the sea, the Via Maris and so it had a Roman

the Via Maris and so it had a Roman the Via Maris and so it had a Roman garrison in it where they would collect garrison in it where they would collect garrison in it where they would collect customs taxes as people came. The way of customs taxes as people came. The way of customs taxes as people came. The way of the sea is the is the road from Damascus the sea is the is the road from Damascus the sea is the is the road from Damascus to the ocean and so to the to the ocean and so to the to the ocean and so to the Mediterranean. So they would they would Mediterranean. So they would they would Mediterranean. So they would they would charge taxes as people made their way charge taxes as people made their way charge taxes as people made their way through customs taxes as they made their through customs taxes as they made their through customs taxes as they made their way through this part of the Roman way through this part of the Roman way through this part of the Roman world. Um they it was fairly dense. You world. Um they it was fairly dense. You world. Um they it was fairly dense. You see these people lived in these common see these people lived in these common see these people lived in these common compounds and uh you know in in John if compounds and uh you know in in John if compounds and uh you know in in John if you've been to a funeral I do uh one of you've been to a funeral I do uh one of you've been to a funeral I do uh one of the realizations is that when in the the realizations is that when in the the realizations is that when in the gospel of John when Jesus says in my gospel of John when Jesus says in my gospel of John when Jesus says in my father's house are many rooms I would father's house are many rooms I would father's house are many rooms I would have prepared a place for you that have prepared a place for you that have prepared a place for you that that's what he's talking about because that's what he's talking about because that's what he's talking about because they would build onto the end of their they would build onto the end of their they would build onto the end of their father's house these rooms and live in father's house these rooms and live in father's house these rooms and live in these these common complexes. Now, these these common complexes. Now, these these common complexes. Now, here's where the miracle comes to pass. here's where the miracle comes to pass. here's where the miracle comes to pass. The first miracle he does there in The first miracle he does there in The first miracle he does there in Capernaum is he heals Simon Peter's Capernaum is he heals Simon Peter's Capernaum is he heals Simon Peter's mother-in-law. And he goes and she has a mother-in-law. And he goes and she has a mother-in-law. And he goes and she has a fever. He touches her and the fever is fever. He touches her and the fever is fever. He touches her and the fever is gone. And so, you see this weird uh gone. And so, you see this weird uh gone. And so, you see this weird uh spaceship that's landed there. uh if spaceship that's landed there. uh if spaceship that's landed there. uh if that is a that is a Franciscan church that is a that is a Franciscan church that is a that is a Franciscan church and in that Franciscan church that you and in that Franciscan church that you and in that Franciscan church that you they have the archaeologists they have the archaeologists they have the archaeologists uh below it have actually found what uh below it have actually found what uh below it have actually found what they believe is Simon Peter's house and they believe is Simon Peter's house and they believe is Simon Peter's house and that became a um that became a um that became a um uh house church in the first century and

uh house church in the first century and uh house church in the first century and so if you go in that it has a glass deal so if you go in that it has a glass deal so if you go in that it has a glass deal where you can look down and see that and where you can look down and see that and where you can look down and see that and then they've turned it into a church but then they've turned it into a church but then they've turned it into a church but But here it's in Capernaum and the area But here it's in Capernaum and the area But here it's in Capernaum and the area around where the disciples saw these around where the disciples saw these around where the disciples saw these miracles happen, where Simon Peter's miracles happen, where Simon Peter's miracles happen, where Simon Peter's mother-in-law got healed, where the mother-in-law got healed, where the mother-in-law got healed, where the hungry were fed, where lepers were hungry were fed, where lepers were hungry were fed, where lepers were cleansed, cleansed, cleansed, where where demons were cast out. where where demons were cast out. where where demons were cast out. These these amazing miracles were These these amazing miracles were These these amazing miracles were happening and and they um they were happening and and they um they were happening and and they um they were getting to be a part of this kingdom of getting to be a part of this kingdom of getting to be a part of this kingdom of God that was emerging right among right God that was emerging right among right God that was emerging right among right around them. the promises of scripture around them. the promises of scripture around them. the promises of scripture were coming true. were coming true. were coming true. Uh, and perhaps that's what they Uh, and perhaps that's what they Uh, and perhaps that's what they expected and that's what they got. expected and that's what they got. expected and that's what they got. Now, here's my question for you. Now, here's my question for you. Now, here's my question for you. Do you expect miracles Do you expect miracles Do you expect miracles when you sign up to be when you sign up to be when you sign up to be a follower of Jesus? a follower of Jesus? a follower of Jesus? You know, that was Oral Roberts uh um You know, that was Oral Roberts uh um You know, that was Oral Roberts uh um sort of mantra, expect a miracle, sort of mantra, expect a miracle, sort of mantra, expect a miracle, right? Do you expect miracles?

right? Do you expect miracles? right? Do you expect miracles? I I you know I think most of us think I I you know I think most of us think I I you know I think most of us think you know I don't really expect them. I' you know I don't really expect them. I' you know I don't really expect them. I' I'd like them. I'm praying for them. I'd like them. I'm praying for them. I'd like them. I'm praying for them. It gets really more difficult when it's It gets really more difficult when it's It gets really more difficult when it's someone very personal that you love someone very personal that you love someone very personal that you love and you think, "God, and you think, "God, and you think, "God, you can heal. I've seen it. I I know you can heal. I've seen it. I I know you can heal. I've seen it. I I know it's possible. The Bible tells me about it's possible. The Bible tells me about it's possible. The Bible tells me about it. it. it. Why won't you do it this time? Please do Why won't you do it this time? Please do Why won't you do it this time? Please do it this time. it this time. it this time. or or sometimes we get in our heads, I or or sometimes we get in our heads, I or or sometimes we get in our heads, I think this is maybe more subtle for many think this is maybe more subtle for many think this is maybe more subtle for many of us. of us. of us. The only thing I've been able to to to The only thing I've been able to to to The only thing I've been able to to to come up with to call it is sort of a come up with to call it is sort of a come up with to call it is sort of a Christian karma. Christian karma. Christian karma. What we think is, look, I've decided to What we think is, look, I've decided to What we think is, look, I've decided to be a follower of Jesus. I'm doing my be a follower of Jesus. I'm doing my be a follower of Jesus. I'm doing my best to live a righteous life. Why would best to live a righteous life. Why would best to live a righteous life. Why would God let these bad things happen to me? God let these bad things happen to me? God let these bad things happen to me? I don't understand. I don't understand. I don't understand. I I've had so many people in my office I I've had so many people in my office I I've had so many people in my office over the years that are like, "Is God over the years that are like, "Is God over the years that are like, "Is God punishing me for something I can't think punishing me for something I can't think punishing me for something I can't think of? Is Is that what's happening here?

of? Is Is that what's happening here? of? Is Is that what's happening here? Why Why is Why are these bad things Why Why is Why are these bad things Why Why is Why are these bad things happening to me? I'm trying my best. happening to me? I'm trying my best. happening to me? I'm trying my best. Does God not love me or or what?" Does God not love me or or what?" Does God not love me or or what?" Sometimes we get that sense of expecting Sometimes we get that sense of expecting Sometimes we get that sense of expecting a miracle and a miracle and a miracle and um and it it doesn't come to pass for um and it it doesn't come to pass for um and it it doesn't come to pass for us. us. us. We find ourselves sometimes We find ourselves sometimes We find ourselves sometimes disillusioned. Or here's the here's the third Or here's the here's the third possibility. possibility. possibility. Maybe they were expecting heaven. Maybe they were expecting heaven. Maybe they were expecting heaven. They were expecting to go to heaven. They were expecting to go to heaven. They were expecting to go to heaven. So one of the common misconceptions is So one of the common misconceptions is So one of the common misconceptions is that um that the Jewish faith at the that um that the Jewish faith at the that um that the Jewish faith at the time of Jesus did not believe in eternal time of Jesus did not believe in eternal time of Jesus did not believe in eternal life. And that's not true. Actually life. And that's not true. Actually life. And that's not true. Actually there were three basic sects of Judaism. there were three basic sects of Judaism. there were three basic sects of Judaism. There were Pharisees, there were Essenes There were Pharisees, there were Essenes There were Pharisees, there were Essenes and there were Sadducees. And the and there were Sadducees. And the and there were Sadducees. And the Pharisees believed in a general Pharisees believed in a general Pharisees believed in a general resurrection very much like Christians resurrection very much like Christians resurrection very much like Christians do that there would be a day when the do that there would be a day when the do that there would be a day when the dead when this messianic age comes to dead when this messianic age comes to dead when this messianic age comes to pass and the dead are raised and um they pass and the dead are raised and um they pass and the dead are raised and um they the world is made right again and that the world is made right again and that the world is made right again and that Pharisees many Pharisees believe that Pharisees many Pharisees believe that Pharisees many Pharisees believe that not all but many. The Essenes had a very not all but many. The Essenes had a very not all but many. The Essenes had a very different view. They view they believed different view. They view they believed different view. They view they believed that at the time we died that uh our we that at the time we died that uh our we that at the time we died that uh our we had a our mortal we had an immortal soul

had a our mortal we had an immortal soul had a our mortal we had an immortal soul and that soul left our bodies and went and that soul left our bodies and went and that soul left our bodies and went for a a a time of purification for a a a time of purification for a a a time of purification and then spent forever in a a a blissful and then spent forever in a a a blissful and then spent forever in a a a blissful place in the heavenly realm. Both of place in the heavenly realm. Both of place in the heavenly realm. Both of those were times of of of heaven and those were times of of of heaven and those were times of of of heaven and eternal life. The Sadducees did not eternal life. The Sadducees did not eternal life. The Sadducees did not believe in any eternal life. They didn't believe in any eternal life. They didn't believe in any eternal life. They didn't believe in the uh resurrection at all. believe in the uh resurrection at all. believe in the uh resurrection at all. And that is why they are sad. You see, And that is why they are sad. You see, And that is why they are sad. You see, um that that's how you remember that. um that that's how you remember that. um that that's how you remember that. That is how you remember that. That is That is how you remember that. That is That is how you remember that. That is why they are sad. You see, so it may be why they are sad. You see, so it may be why they are sad. You see, so it may be that these disciples were that these disciples were that these disciples were they they realized that this was the guy they they realized that this was the guy they they realized that this was the guy and that this is this is the way that and that this is this is the way that and that this is this is the way that they would would um make it to heaven. they would would um make it to heaven. they would would um make it to heaven. I don't know. But I would say that a lot I don't know. But I would say that a lot I don't know. But I would say that a lot of us that's our only expectation. of us that's our only expectation. of us that's our only expectation. For a lot of people their their For a lot of people their their For a lot of people their their expectation is look I I'm signing up to expectation is look I I'm signing up to expectation is look I I'm signing up to be a follower of Jesus and I don't be a follower of Jesus and I don't be a follower of Jesus and I don't expect anything in this life. What I expect anything in this life. What I expect anything in this life. What I expect is that when I die, I because of expect is that when I die, I because of expect is that when I die, I because of my faith, I'm able to go and be with my faith, I'm able to go and be with my faith, I'm able to go and be with Jesus and be a part of the general Jesus and be a part of the general Jesus and be a part of the general resurrection someday.

resurrection someday. resurrection someday. And I will tell you that there are a lot And I will tell you that there are a lot And I will tell you that there are a lot of times in our life that that's enough. of times in our life that that's enough. of times in our life that that's enough. That when we face our own death or the That when we face our own death or the That when we face our own death or the death of someone we love, that seems death of someone we love, that seems death of someone we love, that seems like enough. But I will also tell you like enough. But I will also tell you like enough. But I will also tell you two other things. One is that didn't two other things. One is that didn't two other things. One is that didn't seem to be a big burning issue with seem to be a big burning issue with seem to be a big burning issue with Jesus. Jesus. Jesus. Jesus taught us a prayer that says, "Thy Jesus taught us a prayer that says, "Thy Jesus taught us a prayer that says, "Thy kingdom come on earth as it is in kingdom come on earth as it is in kingdom come on earth as it is in heaven." That the focus wasn't just heaven." That the focus wasn't just heaven." That the focus wasn't just getting us to heaven, but getting heaven getting us to heaven, but getting heaven getting us to heaven, but getting heaven to to earth. And that's that was his his to to earth. And that's that was his his to to earth. And that's that was his his greatest desire. And we tend to think greatest desire. And we tend to think greatest desire. And we tend to think that that that that our faith is is enough. That I that our faith is is enough. That I that our faith is is enough. That I believe in Jesus and so that's going to believe in Jesus and so that's going to believe in Jesus and so that's going to be enough. be enough. be enough. But if you read scripture, there are But if you read scripture, there are But if you read scripture, there are some troubling passages that will make some troubling passages that will make some troubling passages that will make you go h you go h you go h where he's where Jesus says things like where he's where Jesus says things like where he's where Jesus says things like not everyone who says Lord, Lord will not everyone who says Lord, Lord will not everyone who says Lord, Lord will enter the kingdom, but only those who do enter the kingdom, but only those who do enter the kingdom, but only those who do the will of my heavenly father.

the will of my heavenly father. the will of my heavenly father. Or when Jesus tells the rich young man Or when Jesus tells the rich young man Or when Jesus tells the rich young man to sell everything he has and give the to sell everything he has and give the to sell everything he has and give the money to the poor and then you can money to the poor and then you can money to the poor and then you can inherit eternal life. inherit eternal life. inherit eternal life. Or when Jesus separates the sheep from Or when Jesus separates the sheep from Or when Jesus separates the sheep from the goats based on whether they gave a the goats based on whether they gave a the goats based on whether they gave a cup of cold water or fed the hungry or cup of cold water or fed the hungry or cup of cold water or fed the hungry or clothed the naked or visited the sick clothed the naked or visited the sick clothed the naked or visited the sick and the the goats were those who didn't. and the the goats were those who didn't. and the the goats were those who didn't. And the goats are cast into eternal And the goats are cast into eternal And the goats are cast into eternal darkness. darkness. darkness. I mean, there are things there that make I mean, there are things there that make I mean, there are things there that make you kind of fur your brow you kind of fur your brow you kind of fur your brow and you think to yourself, and you think to yourself, and you think to yourself, am I just a believer or am I a disciple? am I just a believer or am I a disciple? am I just a believer or am I a disciple? Am I a follower of Jesus? Am I a follower of Jesus? Am I a follower of Jesus? Oh, we long for we our expectation is Oh, we long for we our expectation is Oh, we long for we our expectation is that if we choose to follow Jesus, that if we choose to follow Jesus, that if we choose to follow Jesus, there is that um reward. there is that um reward. there is that um reward. The scripture says truly they have their The scripture says truly they have their The scripture says truly they have their reward. yours is coming. Now, reward. yours is coming. Now, reward. yours is coming. Now, there's one fourth that I think there's one fourth that I think there's one fourth that I think resonates with me the most, and that is resonates with me the most, and that is resonates with me the most, and that is that they sought to live a meaningful that they sought to live a meaningful that they sought to live a meaningful and transformed life.

and transformed life. and transformed life. They chose to follow Jesus because they They chose to follow Jesus because they They chose to follow Jesus because they had this sense that the life they were had this sense that the life they were had this sense that the life they were living was not all that there is and living was not all that there is and living was not all that there is and that there was something more for them. that there was something more for them. that there was something more for them. And I I mean I just can imagine they're And I I mean I just can imagine they're And I I mean I just can imagine they're in the boat and uh James and John are in the boat and uh James and John are in the boat and uh James and John are mending their nets like the most tedious mending their nets like the most tedious mending their nets like the most tedious part of commercial fishing. And they've part of commercial fishing. And they've part of commercial fishing. And they've been, you know, these fishermen are are been, you know, these fishermen are are been, you know, these fishermen are are are fishing and and Jesus says to them, are fishing and and Jesus says to them, are fishing and and Jesus says to them, "Hey, "Hey, "Hey, repent. Live a different life. I'll make repent. Live a different life. I'll make repent. Live a different life. I'll make you fish for people. you fish for people. you fish for people. I'll give you something to live for. I kept uh thinking about this passage I kept uh thinking about this passage when I was uh as I was thinking about when I was uh as I was thinking about when I was uh as I was thinking about this passage, it reminded me of the song this passage, it reminded me of the song this passage, it reminded me of the song that I learned to play on the guitar that I learned to play on the guitar that I learned to play on the guitar early in my um uh younger days by Cat early in my um uh younger days by Cat early in my um uh younger days by Cat Stevens called Father and Son. Some of Stevens called Father and Son. Some of Stevens called Father and Son. Some of you know that. I don't want to work away you know that. I don't want to work away you know that. I don't want to work away doing what they all say, "Work hard, doing what they all say, "Work hard, doing what they all say, "Work hard, boy. One day you'll find you have a job boy. One day you'll find you have a job boy. One day you'll find you have a job like mine." Like, is that all there is?

like mine." Like, is that all there is? like mine." Like, is that all there is? And so they're in that tedious place and And so they're in that tedious place and And so they're in that tedious place and Jesus says, "Come on, let's go live a Jesus says, "Come on, let's go live a Jesus says, "Come on, let's go live a life of meaning. Let's go do something life of meaning. Let's go do something life of meaning. Let's go do something that matters." And so they say, "Yep, that matters." And so they say, "Yep, that matters." And so they say, "Yep, I'm in." And they step away and that's I'm in." And they step away and that's I'm in." And they step away and that's what they choose to live. And that's what they choose to live. And that's what they choose to live. And that's what they expect. And here's what what they expect. And here's what what they expect. And here's what happens. happens. happens. They do live that life of meaning. They do live that life of meaning. They do live that life of meaning. They they do live that. So first, I They they do live that. So first, I They they do live that. So first, I think, you know, I came to Christ. I was think, you know, I came to Christ. I was think, you know, I came to Christ. I was loved into the kingdom. And uh by that I loved into the kingdom. And uh by that I loved into the kingdom. And uh by that I mean I was given a place to belong, a mean I was given a place to belong, a mean I was given a place to belong, a real sense of community that I hadn't real sense of community that I hadn't real sense of community that I hadn't experienced before. And that sense of experienced before. And that sense of experienced before. And that sense of community, my goodness, that is uh a community, my goodness, that is uh a community, my goodness, that is uh a blessing in and of itself. blessing in and of itself. blessing in and of itself. That is a life of meaning just to have That is a life of meaning just to have That is a life of meaning just to have that sense of relationship. that sense of relationship. that sense of relationship. And and then And and then And and then when I was uh young, I was really when I was uh young, I was really when I was uh young, I was really idealistic idealistic idealistic and I really believed that I was signing and I really believed that I was signing and I really believed that I was signing on to change the world. on to change the world. on to change the world. I I I was going to going to feed the I I I was going to going to feed the I I I was going to going to feed the hungry and we were going to clothe the hungry and we were going to clothe the hungry and we were going to clothe the naked and we were going to give people a naked and we were going to give people a naked and we were going to give people a life of meaning and purpose and and um life of meaning and purpose and and um life of meaning and purpose and and um the world was going to be different. And the world was going to be different. And the world was going to be different. And I've experienced some of that.

I've experienced some of that. I've experienced some of that. But but I also have experienced days But but I also have experienced days But but I also have experienced days where it feels a little like Cisphus where it feels a little like Cisphus where it feels a little like Cisphus rolling the rock up the hill and it rolling the rock up the hill and it rolling the rock up the hill and it comes right back down again. And we look comes right back down again. And we look comes right back down again. And we look around and we think, you know, all this around and we think, you know, all this around and we think, you know, all this effort, has the needle really moved? Is effort, has the needle really moved? Is effort, has the needle really moved? Is the world really a better place? And you the world really a better place? And you the world really a better place? And you begin to think, yeah, well, so begin to think, yeah, well, so begin to think, yeah, well, so but we have this life of hope because we but we have this life of hope because we but we have this life of hope because we have been given a promise. And that have been given a promise. And that have been given a promise. And that promise is that one day it's that that I promise is that one day it's that that I promise is that one day it's that that I don't have to think it's up to me don't have to think it's up to me don't have to think it's up to me that that God will ultimately bring that that that God will ultimately bring that that that God will ultimately bring that to pass and I just get to be a part of to pass and I just get to be a part of to pass and I just get to be a part of it, right? I I don't have to believe it, right? I I don't have to believe it, right? I I don't have to believe that if if I work hard enough someday that if if I work hard enough someday that if if I work hard enough someday the the world will change. No, I I can the the world will change. No, I I can the the world will change. No, I I can believe that. I'm going to do my part believe that. I'm going to do my part believe that. I'm going to do my part and give myself to it and one day. and give myself to it and one day. and give myself to it and one day. That's why Paul writes at the end of 1 That's why Paul writes at the end of 1 That's why Paul writes at the end of 1 Corinthians 15, he says, uh uh so don't Corinthians 15, he says, uh uh so don't Corinthians 15, he says, uh uh so don't give up on the work and don't ever think give up on the work and don't ever think give up on the work and don't ever think that your work is in vain because it that your work is in vain because it that your work is in vain because it ultimately will come to pass. To be a ultimately will come to pass. To be a ultimately will come to pass. To be a part of that, to live that kind of life part of that, to live that kind of life part of that, to live that kind of life of meaning even when it seems so of meaning even when it seems so of meaning even when it seems so difficult is a life of hope.

difficult is a life of hope. difficult is a life of hope. And of course there is that heaven thing And of course there is that heaven thing And of course there is that heaven thing that heaven thing that that even is uh that heaven thing that that even is uh that heaven thing that that even is uh reminds us that what's ahead for us as reminds us that what's ahead for us as reminds us that what's ahead for us as we face death is in fact we face death is in fact we face death is in fact something awesome something awesome something awesome more than we could ever imagine. And finally, when we commit to this life And finally, when we commit to this life of meaning, this and transformed life of of meaning, this and transformed life of of meaning, this and transformed life of meaning, what we experience meaning, what we experience meaning, what we experience is a a life of humbling love. is a a life of humbling love. is a a life of humbling love. A humbling love. If if you really say, A humbling love. If if you really say, A humbling love. If if you really say, "I'm going to be a follower of Jesus." "I'm going to be a follower of Jesus." "I'm going to be a follower of Jesus." Here's one thing I I promise that you Here's one thing I I promise that you Here's one thing I I promise that you will experience. will experience. will experience. Oh, man. I'm not doing it. Oh, man. I'm not doing it. Oh, man. I'm not doing it. I have I am falling so far short of the I have I am falling so far short of the I have I am falling so far short of the call on my life. I haven't sold all that call on my life. I haven't sold all that call on my life. I haven't sold all that I have and given my money to the poor. I I have and given my money to the poor. I I have and given my money to the poor. I don't put other people's interests ahead don't put other people's interests ahead don't put other people's interests ahead of my own all the time.

of my own all the time. of my own all the time. I still pursue those materialistic I still pursue those materialistic I still pursue those materialistic desires that seem to matter so much. All desires that seem to matter so much. All desires that seem to matter so much. All of those things are not who I I I've of those things are not who I I I've of those things are not who I I I've signed up to be, but but that's what I'm signed up to be, but but that's what I'm signed up to be, but but that's what I'm doing. And yet, even in the midst of doing. And yet, even in the midst of doing. And yet, even in the midst of that, I experience that this humbling that, I experience that this humbling that, I experience that this humbling love that God loves me just as I am love that God loves me just as I am love that God loves me just as I am anyway. anyway. anyway. It is an amazing feeling to realize that It is an amazing feeling to realize that It is an amazing feeling to realize that when when you fall short, God's love is when when you fall short, God's love is when when you fall short, God's love is still there for you. still there for you. still there for you. You're never promised a life of ease. In You're never promised a life of ease. In You're never promised a life of ease. In fact, just the opposite. In this world, fact, just the opposite. In this world, fact, just the opposite. In this world, you will have trouble. you will have trouble. you will have trouble. We're never promised a a a protective We're never promised a a a protective We're never promised a a a protective hedge that will keep all difficulties hedge that will keep all difficulties hedge that will keep all difficulties from us. from us. from us. But we are promised a God who loves us But we are promised a God who loves us But we are promised a God who loves us so much that it'll never forsake us. so much that it'll never forsake us. so much that it'll never forsake us. So if we want to experience that life of So if we want to experience that life of So if we want to experience that life of meaning and purpose, we have a decision meaning and purpose, we have a decision meaning and purpose, we have a decision to make.

to make. to make. Will we choose not just to be a believer Will we choose not just to be a believer Will we choose not just to be a believer in Jesus, but to be a disciple, a in Jesus, but to be a disciple, a in Jesus, but to be a disciple, a follower, one who lives and loves as follower, one who lives and loves as follower, one who lives and loves as Jesus did? And if we sign on for that, Jesus did? And if we sign on for that, Jesus did? And if we sign on for that, even when we fall short, even when we fall short, even when we fall short, we will in fact experience that life of we will in fact experience that life of we will in fact experience that life of amazing community, of hope, amazing community, of hope, amazing community, of hope, hope in this life and in the next, hope in this life and in the next, hope in this life and in the next, and a life of humbling and a life of humbling and a life of humbling love and God's presence. love and God's presence. love and God's presence. But first, But first, But first, we have to make a decision. we have to make a decision. we have to make a decision. Gracious God, you know what we expect, what what we you know what we expect, what what we expect expect expect at the core of our our hearts as we've at the core of our our hearts as we've at the core of our our hearts as we've chosen to follow Jesus. chosen to follow Jesus. chosen to follow Jesus. You know what's there. You know what's there. You know what's there. But I believe God, we believe that But I believe God, we believe that But I believe God, we believe that you've promised us a a a life that is you've promised us a a a life that is you've promised us a a a life that is full of meaning and purpose, a full of meaning and purpose, a full of meaning and purpose, a transformed life if we will just take transformed life if we will just take transformed life if we will just take the step of choosing to follow you.

the step of choosing to follow you. the step of choosing to follow you. So God, give us that life of community, So God, give us that life of community, So God, give us that life of community, of hope, of humbling love, of hope, of humbling love, of hope, of humbling love, of your presence with us in good times of your presence with us in good times of your presence with us in good times and in bad. and in bad. and in bad. that in fact those expectations that in fact those expectations that in fact those expectations would be met would be met in you. would be met would be met in you. would be met would be met in you. We pray in Christ's name. Amen. So, here's a few ways to pl practically So, here's a few ways to pl practically put your faith into action this week. put your faith into action this week. put your faith into action this week. First of all, Venezuela, as many of you First of all, Venezuela, as many of you First of all, Venezuela, as many of you have seen on the news, they are have seen on the news, they are have seen on the news, they are experiencing just unimaginable grief and experiencing just unimaginable grief and experiencing just unimaginable grief and suffering and destruction. And so, we suffering and destruction. And so, we suffering and destruction. And so, we want to support them. If you feel called want to support them. If you feel called want to support them. If you feel called to join us in that, you can go to the to join us in that, you can go to the to join us in that, you can go to the link found on your screen. This link found on your screen. This link found on your screen. This particularly hits home for us because we particularly hits home for us because we particularly hits home for us because we have several members of our Gethsemane have several members of our Gethsemane have several members of our Gethsemane community um who are from Venezuela or community um who are from Venezuela or community um who are from Venezuela or have family or friends who are currently have family or friends who are currently have family or friends who are currently living there. And so, this means a lot living there. And so, this means a lot living there. And so, this means a lot to us. This isn't just some place um on to us. This isn't just some place um on to us. This isn't just some place um on the globe, but it's part of our family.

the globe, but it's part of our family. the globe, but it's part of our family. And so, if you feel called to give um we And so, if you feel called to give um we And so, if you feel called to give um we are directing all of our donations to are directing all of our donations to are directing all of our donations to World Central Kitchen um because World Central Kitchen um because World Central Kitchen um because nourishment for people right now is one nourishment for people right now is one nourishment for people right now is one of the best first steps that we can of the best first steps that we can of the best first steps that we can offer. So, if you feel called, please offer. So, if you feel called, please offer. So, if you feel called, please give. Also, you can volunteer. If you give. Also, you can volunteer. If you give. Also, you can volunteer. If you are looking for an opportunity to live are looking for an opportunity to live are looking for an opportunity to live out your faith this week, you can out your faith this week, you can out your faith this week, you can volunteer at our Mercy Closet. We have volunteer at our Mercy Closet. We have volunteer at our Mercy Closet. We have opportunities during the weekday. You opportunities during the weekday. You opportunities during the weekday. You can stop by our Gethsemane campus, fold can stop by our Gethsemane campus, fold can stop by our Gethsemane campus, fold clothes for a little while, um help clothes for a little while, um help clothes for a little while, um help people pick out an outfit that makes people pick out an outfit that makes people pick out an outfit that makes them feel confident as a child of God them feel confident as a child of God them feel confident as a child of God who is worthy and deserving of love and who is worthy and deserving of love and who is worthy and deserving of love and value. Um we'd love to have you join us value. Um we'd love to have you join us value. Um we'd love to have you join us for that or donate if you have men's or for that or donate if you have men's or for that or donate if you have men's or boys gently used clothes. You can bring boys gently used clothes. You can bring boys gently used clothes. You can bring it by the church and we'd love to it by the church and we'd love to it by the church and we'd love to receive that and get that into the receive that and get that into the receive that and get that into the community. community. community. Finally, um Tiny Jesus is traveling this Finally, um Tiny Jesus is traveling this Finally, um Tiny Jesus is traveling this summer. We've gotten a few awesome summer. We've gotten a few awesome summer. We've gotten a few awesome pictures of him out and about in the pictures of him out and about in the pictures of him out and about in the world. And so if you have Tiny Jesus or world. And so if you have Tiny Jesus or world. And so if you have Tiny Jesus or want to grab one today, we have those want to grab one today, we have those want to grab one today, we have those available. It's just a fun way to not available. It's just a fun way to not available. It's just a fun way to not only capture where we are this summer so only capture where we are this summer so only capture where we are this summer so we can stay connected to each other on we can stay connected to each other on we can stay connected to each other on this journey. Um but also just to remind this journey. Um but also just to remind this journey. Um but also just to remind us that God is with us everywhere we us that God is with us everywhere we us that God is with us everywhere we are, wherever we go. Um and so join us are, wherever we go. Um and so join us are, wherever we go. Um and so join us in our tiny Jesus travels if you like.

in our tiny Jesus travels if you like. in our tiny Jesus travels if you like. Now receive this benediction followed by Now receive this benediction followed by Now receive this benediction followed by we will worship. we will worship. we will worship. May God give you clarity and courage to May God give you clarity and courage to May God give you clarity and courage to hear his call and follow him on this hear his call and follow him on this hear his call and follow him on this adventure. Amen. 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're loving our King. we're loving our King. We'll just tell them we're Amen. Everyone have such an amazing week Amen. Everyone have such an amazing week and we will see you back here next and we will see you back here next and we will see you back here next Sunday.