Contemporary | 8:45 a.m. | 07.26.2026

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

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

[music] >> Woohoo! [music] [music] Heyoo! >> Good morning, St. Luke's. Will you

>> Good morning, St. Luke's. Will you please stand and worship with us? He's coming [music] on the clouds. He's He's coming [music] on the clouds. He's coming on the clouds. Kings and kingdoms coming on the clouds. Kings and kingdoms coming on the clouds. Kings and kingdoms will bow down [music] and every chain will break. His broken and every chain will break. His broken hearts declare his praise. For who hearts declare his praise. For who hearts declare his praise. For who [singing] can stop the Lord Almighty? [singing] can stop the Lord Almighty? [singing] can stop the Lord Almighty? Our God is the lion, the lion of Judah. Our God is the lion, the lion of Judah. Our God is the lion, the lion of Judah. [music] [music] [music] He's roaring with power and fighting our He's roaring with power and fighting our He's roaring with power and fighting our battles. And every knee will bow battles. And every knee will bow battles. And every knee will bow [singing] before him.

[singing] before him. [singing] before him. And our God is the lamb, the lamb that And our God is the lamb, the lamb that And our God is the lamb, the lamb that was slain for the sins of the world. His was slain for the sins of the world. His was slain for the sins of the world. His blood breaks the chains. And every knee blood breaks the chains. And every knee blood breaks the chains. And every knee will bow before the lion and will bow before the lion and will bow before the lion and [singing and music] the lamb. [singing and music] the lamb. [singing and music] the lamb. Every knee will bow before Every knee will bow before Every knee will bow before [music] the gates and pray before the King of the gates and pray before the King of Kings. [music] The God who comes to save is here to set The God who comes to save is here to set the captives free. For who can stop the the captives free. For who can stop the the captives free. For who can stop the Lord? Our God is the lion, the lion of truth. Our God is the lion, the lion of truth. He's raring with power and fighting He's raring with power and fighting He's raring with power and fighting battles and every evil will [music] bow battles and every evil will [music] bow battles and every evil will [music] bow before him.

before him. before him. Our God is the lamb, the lamb that was Our God is the lamb, the lamb that was Our God is the lamb, the lamb that was slain for the sins of the world. [music] slain for the sins of the world. [music] slain for the sins of the world. [music] His blood breaks the chains. And every His blood breaks the chains. And every His blood breaks the chains. And every knee will bow for the lion and the lamb. knee will bow for the lion and the lamb. knee will bow for the lion and the lamb. Every knee will [music] bow before. Who can stop [music] the Lord Almighty? Who can stop [music] the Lord Almighty? [singing] Who can stop [music] the Lord Almighty? Who can stop [music] the Lord Almighty? [singing] Who [music] can stop the Lord Almighty? Who [music] can stop the Lord Almighty? [singing] [music] Who can stop the Lord? Sing it [music] Who can stop the Lord? Sing it [singing] over the battle. Who can stop [singing] over the battle. Who can stop [singing] over the battle. Who can stop the Lord Almighty? Our God is the lion, the lion of Judah.

Our God is the lion, the lion of Judah. He's ruining the power and finding our He's ruining the power and finding our He's ruining the power and finding our battles and every knee will bow before battles and every knee will bow before battles and every knee will bow before him. him. him. Our God is the lamb. The lamb will save Our God is the lamb. The lamb will save Our God is the lamb. The lamb will save for the sins of the world. His blood for the sins of the world. His blood for the sins of the world. His blood breaks the chains and every [music] he breaks the chains and every [music] he breaks the chains and every [music] he will bow before. Amen. Good morning, St. Luke's. Amen. Good morning, St. Luke's. Good morning. And good morning to all of Good morning. And good morning to all of Good morning. And good morning to all of those who are worshiping with us online. those who are worshiping with us online. those who are worshiping with us online. It is such a pleasure to worship with It is such a pleasure to worship with It is such a pleasure to worship with you this morning. In lie of a little you this morning. In lie of a little you this morning. In lie of a little note about the sermon that's coming note about the sermon that's coming note about the sermon that's coming later, we have a very fun announcement later, we have a very fun announcement later, we have a very fun announcement this morning. Some of you may have this morning. Some of you may have this morning. Some of you may have noticed that our bass player was out for noticed that our bass player was out for noticed that our bass player was out for the last couple of weeks. And that's the last couple of weeks. And that's the last couple of weeks. And that's because I mean, I don't know how many of because I mean, I don't know how many of because I mean, I don't know how many of you have noticed the little one. We've you have noticed the little one. We've you have noticed the little one. We've basically watched learn to walk in in basically watched learn to walk in in basically watched learn to walk in in front of this stage, but he has a new front of this stage, but he has a new front of this stage, but he has a new little brother named Nathaniel Mark little brother named Nathaniel Mark little brother named Nathaniel Mark Martin. And we are so [music] excited Martin. And we are so [music] excited Martin. And we are so [music] excited that he is in this world and that we're that he is in this world and that we're that he is in this world and that we're able to train him up to be on this stage able to train him up to be on this stage able to train him up to be on this stage one day. You're making a whole new band one day. You're making a whole new band one day. You're making a whole new band for us [music] when we are ready to for us [music] when we are ready to for us [music] when we are ready to retire. Yes. Between the two the two

retire. Yes. Between the two the two retire. Yes. Between the two the two families. [music] We got it. We got it. families. [music] We got it. We got it. families. [music] We got it. We got it. Julia is going to be up here one day. Julia is going to be up here one day. Julia is going to be up here one day. Absolutely. Um so with the new baby in Absolutely. Um so with the new baby in Absolutely. Um so with the new baby in the congregation, I wanted to [music] the congregation, I wanted to [music] the congregation, I wanted to [music] extend an invitation to this extend an invitation to this extend an invitation to this congregation to support them with a bit congregation to support them with a bit congregation to support them with a bit of a diaper drive. [music] If any of you of a diaper drive. [music] If any of you of a diaper drive. [music] If any of you want to bring some diapers on Sunday want to bring some diapers on Sunday want to bring some diapers on Sunday morning to support this new um addition morning to support this new um addition morning to support this new um addition to the family or if you want to email to the family or if you want to email to the family or if you want to email me, I'm happy to send you an address to me, I'm happy to send you an address to me, I'm happy to send you an address to send them an Amazon delivery of diapers. send them an Amazon delivery of diapers. send them an Amazon delivery of diapers. [music] But we're just so excited for [music] But we're just so excited for [music] But we're just so excited for you guys. Congratulations. >> I searched the world >> I searched the world [music] [music] [music] but it couldn't [singing] fill me. Man's empty praise and treasures fade Man's empty praise and treasures fade are never enough.

And every desire is now And every desire is now [music and singing] satisfied [music and singing] satisfied [music and singing] satisfied here in your love. [music] Oh, there's [singing] nothing [music] Oh, there's [singing] nothing [music] better than you. There's [singing] better than you. There's [singing] better than you. There's [singing] nothing nothing nothing better than you, Lord. There's nothing. better than you, Lord. There's nothing. better than you, Lord. There's nothing. Nothing is better than you. to show [music] you my weakness. to show [music] you my weakness. [singing] My failures and flaws. Lord, you've seen My failures and flaws. Lord, you've seen them all and you [singing and music] them all and you [singing and music] them all and you [singing and music] still call me friend. still call me friend. still call me friend. Cuz the [music] God of [singing] the Cuz the [music] God of [singing] the Cuz the [music] God of [singing] the mountain, [music] And there's not a place your [music] And there's not a place your mercy and grace won't find mercy and grace won't find mercy and grace won't find [music and singing] me again.

Oh, there's [music] nothing Oh, there's [music] nothing better than you. There's nothing better than you. There's nothing better than you. There's nothing >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> better than you, Lord. There's nothing, >> better than you, Lord. There's nothing, >> better than you, Lord. There's nothing, nothing is better than you. No, there's nothing No, there's nothing better than you. There's nothing [music] better than you. There's nothing [music] better than you. There's nothing [music] better than you, Lord. There's nothing better than you, Lord. There's nothing better than you, Lord. There's nothing [music] You turn morning [music and singing] to You turn morning [music and singing] to dancing. You [music] turn shame into glory. You [music] turn shame into glory. You're the [singing] You're the [singing] You're the [singing] only one who can.

only one who can. only one who can. [music] [music] [music] You turn graves into gardens. You turn graves into gardens. You turn graves into gardens. [music] [music] [music] You turn homes into aries. You turn [music] seas into highways. You turn [music] seas into highways. You're the only one who can. You're the only one who can. You're the only one who can. You're [music] the only one who cares. You're [music] the only one who cares. You're [music] the only one who cares. Oh, there's nothing Oh, there's nothing Oh, there's nothing better than we're just speaking truth this morning. we're just speaking truth this morning. St. St. St. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> Oh, there's nothing >> Oh, there's nothing >> Oh, there's nothing better than you. There's nothing better than you. There's nothing better than you. There's nothing better than you, Lord. There's nothing better than you, Lord. There's nothing better than you, Lord. There's nothing [music] [music] [music] nothing is better than you.

>> Amen. >> Amen. You may take your seats. I love the sound of your singing. Oh my I love the sound of your singing. Oh my gosh, it's amazing. gosh, it's amazing. gosh, it's amazing. Let's pray. Holy God, Holy God, thank you for the gift of today. thank you for the gift of today. thank you for the gift of today. Thank you for waking us up this morning Thank you for waking us up this morning Thank you for waking us up this morning and starting us on another day's and starting us on another day's and starting us on another day's journey. journey. journey. Thank you for this church family for the Thank you for this church family for the Thank you for this church family for the opportunity to come together today to opportunity to come together today to opportunity to come together today to start a new week together worshiping start a new week together worshiping start a new week together worshiping you, centering ourselves on your you, centering ourselves on your you, centering ourselves on your presence. presence. presence. We know you're always with us, God, We know you're always with us, God, We know you're always with us, God, [music] but it's [music] but it's [music] but it's important. We feel it inside for us to important. We feel it inside for us to important. We feel it inside for us to remind ourselves that you are here, remind ourselves that you are here, remind ourselves that you are here, always here. always here. always here. and not only to soak in this time and not only to soak in this time and not only to soak in this time [music] of consciousness in your [music] of consciousness in your [music] of consciousness in your presence, but also to offer you praise, presence, but also to offer you praise, presence, but also to offer you praise, God, for who you are, for your God, for who you are, for your God, for who you are, for your faithfulness, your goodness, faithfulness, your goodness, faithfulness, your goodness, for your constancy that holds us steady for your constancy that holds us steady for your constancy that holds us steady wherever we are in life, for the way wherever we are in life, for the way wherever we are in life, for the way that you love us, God, better than that you love us, God, better than that you love us, God, better than anyone else can.

anyone else can. anyone else can. God, we praise you for who you are God, we praise you for who you are God, we praise you for who you are and we bring our burdens to you, God. and we bring our burdens to you, God. and we bring our burdens to you, God. the burdens that we're carrying and the the burdens that we're carrying and the the burdens that we're carrying and the burdens [music] that we're carrying on burdens [music] that we're carrying on burdens [music] that we're carrying on behalf of others. God, this morning we bring those to you, God, this morning we bring those to you, asking you to lift off from us that asking you to lift off from us that asking you to lift off from us that burden of carrying them more. burden of carrying them more. burden of carrying them more. God, for the situations that you know God, for the situations that you know God, for the situations that you know that we have prayed to you about over that we have prayed to you about over that we have prayed to you about over and over and over again, asking [music] and over and over again, asking [music] and over and over again, asking [music] you to move, begging you to do you to move, begging you to do you to move, begging you to do something. something. something. God, we boldly bring those to you again God, we boldly bring those to you again God, we boldly bring those to you again this morning. [music] Relentless in our this morning. [music] Relentless in our this morning. [music] Relentless in our ask, ask, ask, trusting, trying to trust, trying to trusting, trying to trust, trying to trusting, trying to trust, trying to believe [music] that you are at work, believe [music] that you are at work, believe [music] that you are at work, even where we can't see, even where we can't see, even where we can't see, even when the outcome isn't what we want even when the outcome isn't what we want even when the outcome isn't what we want it to be. God, we bring to you today, too, the the God, we bring to you today, too, the the new concerns that we have, the things new concerns that we have, the things new concerns that we have, the things that we're just becoming aware of that that we're just becoming aware of that that we're just becoming aware of that we know we need your help with. We need we know we need your help with. We need we know we need your help with. We need you to help us change the way we're you to help us change the way we're you to help us change the way we're thinking about something or change the thinking about something or change the thinking about something or change the way we're responding to someone.

God, as we spend this time in your God, as we spend this time in your presence, we become aware of the of the presence, we become aware of the of the presence, we become aware of the of the areas where we still need you areas where we still need you areas where we still need you or want to grow closer to you, want to or want to grow closer to you, want to or want to grow closer to you, want to become become become more fully the people that you've more fully the people that you've more fully the people that you've created us to be. And God, for the concerns we carry for And God, for the concerns we carry for people we love and [music] even people people we love and [music] even people people we love and [music] even people we don't really know but we feel we don't really know but we feel we don't really know but we feel connected to in some way. connected to in some way. connected to in some way. For people who are struggling with For people who are struggling with For people who are struggling with illness. illness. illness. For people who are grieving all kinds of For people who are grieving all kinds of For people who are grieving all kinds of different loss. For those who are battling a sense of For those who are battling a sense of unsafety. For those who are feeling worthless this For those who are feeling worthless this morning. For those feeling exhausted For those feeling exhausted or overwhelmed.

God, we are grateful that you hold space God, we are grateful that you hold space for us to bring everything on our hearts for us to bring everything on our hearts for us to bring everything on our hearts this morning. And so in [music] this this morning. And so in [music] this this morning. And so in [music] this time now, we come forward to light a time now, we come forward to light a time now, we come forward to light a candle or to get on our knees candle or to get on our knees candle or to get on our knees or to stay in our seats. [music] or to stay in our seats. [music] or to stay in our seats. [music] This time we offer to you, God, to This time we offer to you, God, to This time we offer to you, God, to continue this conversation with you, continue this conversation with you, continue this conversation with you, this holy dialogue, bringing to you the this holy dialogue, bringing to you the this holy dialogue, bringing to you the specific concerns on our hearts, knowing specific concerns on our hearts, knowing specific concerns on our hearts, knowing that you hear us.

[music] [music] >> offer no matter what we're feeling or >> offer no matter what we're feeling or >> offer no matter what we're feeling or going through to center [music] going through to center [music] going through to center [music] ourselves again. ourselves again. ourselves again. Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom [music] come, be thy name, thy kingdom [music] come, be thy name, thy kingdom [music] come, thy will be done on earth as it is in thy will be done on earth as it is in thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily heaven. Give us this day our daily heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses bread. And forgive us our trespasses bread. And forgive us our trespasses [music] [music] [music] as we forgive those who trespass against as we forgive those who trespass against as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not [music] into us. And lead us not [music] into us. And lead us not [music] into temptation, but deliver us from evil. temptation, but deliver us from evil. temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom and the power For thine is the kingdom and the power For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen. and the glory forever. Amen. and the glory forever. Amen. At this time, I'd like to invite Miss At this time, I'd like to invite Miss At this time, I'd like to invite Miss Lori and all our kids up for children's Lori and all our kids up for children's Lori and all our kids up for children's time. I like your shoes. I like your shoes. Good morning. Hi, friends. Max, you want Good morning. Hi, friends. Max, you want Good morning. Hi, friends. Max, you want to come through right here? You got some to come through right here? You got some to come through right here? You got some treasures, I see.

treasures, I see. treasures, I see. Hello. All right, friends. What is the All right, friends. What is the question? question? question? >> Let's see. Okay, I brought something >> Let's see. Okay, I brought something >> Let's see. Okay, I brought something that's kind of small. So, everybody get that's kind of small. So, everybody get that's kind of small. So, everybody get out your binoculars so you can see it. out your binoculars so you can see it. out your binoculars so you can see it. Okay, are you ready? Okay, are you ready? Okay, are you ready? >> Okay, here it is. What is it? >> Okay, here it is. What is it? >> Okay, here it is. What is it? >> Chicken. >> Chicken. >> Chicken. >> This is a chicken. Can y'all see it way >> This is a chicken. Can y'all see it way >> This is a chicken. Can y'all see it way down there? But this is a special kind down there? But this is a special kind down there? But this is a special kind of chicken. This is a mommy chicken. of chicken. This is a mommy chicken. of chicken. This is a mommy chicken. Does anyone know what we call a mommy Does anyone know what we call a mommy Does anyone know what we call a mommy chicken? Yeah, chicken? Yeah, chicken? Yeah, >> a hen. >> a hen. >> a hen. >> A hen. Excellent job. Okay, so if this >> A hen. Excellent job. Okay, so if this >> A hen. Excellent job. Okay, so if this is a hen, a mommy chicken, what is she is a hen, a mommy chicken, what is she is a hen, a mommy chicken, what is she missing? missing? missing? >> Her eggs. her eggs. And what do the eggs >> Her eggs. her eggs. And what do the eggs >> Her eggs. her eggs. And what do the eggs eventually turn into? eventually turn into? eventually turn into? >> Baby. >> Baby. >> Baby. >> Baby chickens, which are called >> Baby chickens, which are called >> Baby chickens, which are called >> chicks. >> chicks. >> chicks. >> Chicks. That's right. I They're very >> Chicks. That's right. I They're very >> Chicks. That's right. I They're very tiny. You thought these You thought this tiny. You thought these You thought this tiny. You thought these You thought this was little. Let's see if I can even find was little. Let's see if I can even find was little. Let's see if I can even find it in here. Oh, here we go. it in here. Oh, here we go. it in here. Oh, here we go. You'll see the cute little chicks. You'll see the cute little chicks. You'll see the cute little chicks. Awesome. Okay, I want you to remember a Awesome. Okay, I want you to remember a Awesome. Okay, I want you to remember a hen and chicks. We're going to talk hen and chicks. We're going to talk hen and chicks. We're going to talk about this more in just a minute. But about this more in just a minute. But about this more in just a minute. But today, we are going to wrap up the today, we are going to wrap up the today, we are going to wrap up the sermon series we've been learning about, sermon series we've been learning about, sermon series we've been learning about, which has been Holiday with Jesus. We which has been Holiday with Jesus. We which has been Holiday with Jesus. We have been learning about the places that have been learning about the places that have been learning about the places that Jesus traveled in the Bible and all the Jesus traveled in the Bible and all the Jesus traveled in the Bible and all the lessons that Jesus taught along the way.

lessons that Jesus taught along the way. lessons that Jesus taught along the way. And do you know where we are today? And do you know where we are today? And do you know where we are today? >> We are going to hear about Jesus in a >> We are going to hear about Jesus in a >> We are going to hear about Jesus in a city called Jerusalem. Jerusalem is a city called Jerusalem. Jerusalem is a city called Jerusalem. Jerusalem is a really big city and it's very important really big city and it's very important really big city and it's very important in the Bible. And as we read and learn, in the Bible. And as we read and learn, in the Bible. And as we read and learn, we find out that there's lots of people we find out that there's lots of people we find out that there's lots of people there that love God and worship God. And there that love God and worship God. And there that love God and worship God. And today we find out that Jesus loves the today we find out that Jesus loves the today we find out that Jesus loves the people in Jerusalem so very much. Okay. people in Jerusalem so very much. Okay. people in Jerusalem so very much. Okay. So now I'm holding these. So why did I So now I'm holding these. So why did I So now I'm holding these. So why did I bring these today? Well, in the bring these today? Well, in the bring these today? Well, in the scripture that we're going to read here scripture that we're going to read here scripture that we're going to read here in a little bit, Jesus talks about a hen in a little bit, Jesus talks about a hen in a little bit, Jesus talks about a hen and its chicks. And Jesus compares the and its chicks. And Jesus compares the and its chicks. And Jesus compares the love that a hen has for its chicks to love that a hen has for its chicks to love that a hen has for its chicks to the love that Jesus has for all the the love that Jesus has for all the the love that Jesus has for all the people in Jerusalem. So, that made me people in Jerusalem. So, that made me people in Jerusalem. So, that made me wonder, how does a hen love its chicks? wonder, how does a hen love its chicks? wonder, how does a hen love its chicks? What are things that it would do for its What are things that it would do for its What are things that it would do for its chicks? What do you all think? Yeah, chicks? What do you all think? Yeah, chicks? What do you all think? Yeah, >> if it I know it's a tricky one.

I know it's a tricky one. >> So, what does a chin do to take care of >> So, what does a chin do to take care of >> So, what does a chin do to take care of its chicks? Let's think about it like its chicks? Let's think about it like its chicks? Let's think about it like that. Yeah, Anna, that. Yeah, Anna, that. Yeah, Anna, >> feed them, give them water. >> feed them, give them water. >> feed them, give them water. >> Feed and give them water, of course. >> Feed and give them water, of course. >> Feed and give them water, of course. Anything else you can think of? Help Anything else you can think of? Help Anything else you can think of? Help them sleep. them sleep. them sleep. >> and help them sleep. That's exactly >> and help them sleep. That's exactly >> and help them sleep. That's exactly right. And you know what else the hen right. And you know what else the hen right. And you know what else the hen does? does? does? >> He makes sure the chicks don't get lost. >> He makes sure the chicks don't get lost. >> He makes sure the chicks don't get lost. A very important job for a mama chicken A very important job for a mama chicken A very important job for a mama chicken a hen. Okay. So, I want to show you a hen. Okay. So, I want to show you a hen. Okay. So, I want to show you something really cool and we can kind of something really cool and we can kind of something really cool and we can kind of use our hands to figure this out. So, use our hands to figure this out. So, use our hands to figure this out. So, when the chicks are really, really when the chicks are really, really when the chicks are really, really little, guess what the mama h the hen little, guess what the mama h the hen little, guess what the mama h the hen can do? Do you know? can do? Do you know? can do? Do you know? She spreads her wings like this. and she She spreads her wings like this. and she She spreads her wings like this. and she can get all of the chicks underneath the can get all of the chicks underneath the can get all of the chicks underneath the wings and they're tucked in and nobody wings and they're tucked in and nobody wings and they're tucked in and nobody can see them at all. They are so safe can see them at all. They are so safe can see them at all. They are so safe and warm in there. So, I like to imagine and warm in there. So, I like to imagine and warm in there. So, I like to imagine myself as a chick in that situation. How myself as a chick in that situation. How myself as a chick in that situation. How do you think they feel when they're do you think they feel when they're do you think they feel when they're tucked in there?

tucked in there? tucked in there? >> Yeah. You guys have any ideas? >> Yeah. You guys have any ideas? >> Yeah. You guys have any ideas? >> I think they're going to feel warm, >> I think they're going to feel warm, >> I think they're going to feel warm, right? right? right? >> Uhhuh. And then safe. It kind of reminds >> Uhhuh. And then safe. It kind of reminds >> Uhhuh. And then safe. It kind of reminds me when I get a hug from my mom or from me when I get a hug from my mom or from me when I get a hug from my mom or from my dad. I kind of feel that way too. So my dad. I kind of feel that way too. So my dad. I kind of feel that way too. So Jesus in the scripture says that he Jesus in the scripture says that he Jesus in the scripture says that he wants to gather all the people of wants to gather all the people of wants to gather all the people of Jerusalem under his wings just like Jerusalem under his wings just like Jerusalem under his wings just like that. He wants them to know how much that. He wants them to know how much that. He wants them to know how much they're loved and he wants to keep them they're loved and he wants to keep them they're loved and he wants to keep them that close to him which I think is such that close to him which I think is such that close to him which I think is such a cool way to think about it. So the a cool way to think about it. So the a cool way to think about it. So the most amazing part of the story is though most amazing part of the story is though most amazing part of the story is though that Jesus still loves us that exact that Jesus still loves us that exact that Jesus still loves us that exact same way today. Jesus wants us to get to same way today. Jesus wants us to get to same way today. Jesus wants us to get to know him to spend time with him and to know him to spend time with him and to know him to spend time with him and to remember that he is with us all the time remember that he is with us all the time remember that he is with us all the time no matter what. Jesus love is so amazing no matter what. Jesus love is so amazing no matter what. Jesus love is so amazing and so big. Okay. So let's when we think and so big. Okay. So let's when we think and so big. Okay. So let's when we think about a chicken now you can think about about a chicken now you can think about about a chicken now you can think about that too, right? Okay. I brought one that too, right? Okay. I brought one that too, right? Okay. I brought one more thing with me today. Let's pull it more thing with me today. Let's pull it more thing with me today. Let's pull it out.

out. out. Let's see. It's always at the bottom, Let's see. It's always at the bottom, Let's see. It's always at the bottom, isn't it? isn't it? isn't it? >> All right. So, these are our passport >> All right. So, these are our passport >> All right. So, these are our passport stamps. Do you all remember getting stamps. Do you all remember getting stamps. Do you all remember getting these another time? Yeah. Okay. So, this these another time? Yeah. Okay. So, this these another time? Yeah. Okay. So, this one says, "Welcome to Jerusalem. Design one says, "Welcome to Jerusalem. Design one says, "Welcome to Jerusalem. Design your passport stamp." It says, "To draw your passport stamp." It says, "To draw your passport stamp." It says, "To draw a big city." Can you think of a big a big city." Can you think of a big a big city." Can you think of a big city? city? city? >> Yeah, I can. I know how to draw a big >> Yeah, I can. I know how to draw a big >> Yeah, I can. I know how to draw a big city. city. city. >> She knows how to draw one. That's great. >> She knows how to draw one. That's great. >> She knows how to draw one. That's great. Yeah, Yeah, Yeah, >> you could like draw trees or like >> you could like draw trees or like >> you could like draw trees or like stumps. I know how to draw stumps. stumps. I know how to draw stumps. stumps. I know how to draw stumps. >> Oh, that's amazing. Yeah, even you know >> Oh, that's amazing. Yeah, even you know >> Oh, that's amazing. Yeah, even you know what? You could even draw Houston. This what? You could even draw Houston. This what? You could even draw Houston. This is a pretty big city, right? Yeah. Very is a pretty big city, right? Yeah. Very is a pretty big city, right? Yeah. Very good. Uhhuh. That's [laughter] right. good. Uhhuh. That's [laughter] right. good. Uhhuh. That's [laughter] right. Happy city. Okay. [gasps] And then you Happy city. Okay. [gasps] And then you Happy city. Okay. [gasps] And then you can draw a road and you can put some can draw a road and you can put some can draw a road and you can put some palm branches on it. And I love this. It palm branches on it. And I love this. It palm branches on it. And I love this. It says to draw Jesus on that road. And says to draw Jesus on that road. And says to draw Jesus on that road. And then it also says to put your best then it also says to put your best then it also says to put your best friend there. And all of this we can friend there. And all of this we can friend there. And all of this we can remember Jesus's amazing love for us. So remember Jesus's amazing love for us. So remember Jesus's amazing love for us. So in a minute we're going to say a prayer in a minute we're going to say a prayer in a minute we're going to say a prayer and then I'm going to pass one of these and then I'm going to pass one of these and then I'm going to pass one of these out to y'all. And that is exactly what I out to y'all. And that is exactly what I out to y'all. And that is exactly what I want you to do. I want you to remember want you to do. I want you to remember want you to do. I want you to remember this hen. I want you to remember Jesus's this hen. I want you to remember Jesus's this hen. I want you to remember Jesus's big amazing love for us. I want you to big amazing love for us. I want you to big amazing love for us. I want you to keep getting to know Jesus every single keep getting to know Jesus every single keep getting to know Jesus every single day and remember that Jesus is with us day and remember that Jesus is with us day and remember that Jesus is with us every single place everywhere we go.

every single place everywhere we go. every single place everywhere we go. Isn't that so neat? Isn't that so neat? Isn't that so neat? >> I think so, too. All right, let's go >> I think so, too. All right, let's go >> I think so, too. All right, let's go ahead and put our praying hands ahead and put our praying hands ahead and put our praying hands together. And you're going to repeat together. And you're going to repeat together. And you're going to repeat after me. Are you ready? after me. Are you ready? after me. Are you ready? >> Oh, yeah. >> Oh, yeah. >> Oh, yeah. >> All right. Dear God, >> All right. Dear God, >> All right. 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 Jesus. Thank you for Jesus. Thank you for Jesus. >> Thank you for >> Thank you for >> Thank you for >> help us get to know you. >> help us get to know you. >> help us get to know you. >> And your big >> And your big >> And your big >> amazing love. >> amazing love. >> amazing love. >> We love you. >> We love you. >> We love you. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> All right, I'll see y'all next time. >> All right, I'll see y'all next time. >> All right, I'll see y'all next time. Have a great day. Have a great day. Have a great day. >> Thank you, Miss Lori. And kids, we're so >> Thank you, Miss Lori. And kids, we're so >> Thank you, Miss Lori. And kids, we're so glad you're with us today. glad you're with us today. glad you're with us today. If you have not taken a moment yet, If you have not taken a moment yet, If you have not taken a moment yet, please go ahead and check in for please go ahead and check in for please go ahead and check in for worship. Let us know that you are here worship. Let us know that you are here worship. Let us know that you are here so that we can make your experience as a so that we can make your experience as a so that we can make your experience as a part of St. Luke's as personal as part of St. Luke's as personal as part of St. Luke's as personal as possible. Um there's a link there on possible. Um there's a link there on possible. Um there's a link there on your screen. There's also if you open your screen. There's also if you open your screen. There's also if you open our St. Luke's app, um you can check in our St. Luke's app, um you can check in our St. Luke's app, um you can check in that way and submit a prayer request that way and submit a prayer request that way and submit a prayer request while you're in there, check out a Bible while you're in there, check out a Bible while you're in there, check out a Bible study, check out some of our events study, check out some of our events study, check out some of our events going on. There's lots of great content going on. There's lots of great content going on. There's lots of great content in the app if you haven't downloaded it in the app if you haven't downloaded it in the app if you haven't downloaded it yet. Um, as we prepare to receive our yet. Um, as we prepare to receive our yet. Um, as we prepare to receive our offering, I want to encourage you to offering, I want to encourage you to offering, I want to encourage you to take a look at the back of our bulletin take a look at the back of our bulletin take a look at the back of our bulletin insert that you got when you come in if insert that you got when you come in if insert that you got when you come in if you're here with us in person. It has you're here with us in person. It has you're here with us in person. It has all kinds of amazing things happening all kinds of amazing things happening all kinds of amazing things happening that we just don't have the time to go that we just don't have the time to go that we just don't have the time to go through all the particulars. And so, through all the particulars. And so, through all the particulars. And so, sometime during the offering or sometime during the offering or sometime during the offering or throughout the service, take a glance at throughout the service, take a glance at throughout the service, take a glance at these and see if any of them stand out these and see if any of them stand out these and see if any of them stand out to you as a good next step for engaging

to you as a good next step for engaging to you as a good next step for engaging here at St. Luke's. And now as we here at St. Luke's. And now as we here at St. Luke's. And now as we receive our offering, let's do so with a receive our offering, let's do so with a receive our offering, let's do so with a spirit of inviting God. How do you want spirit of inviting God. How do you want spirit of inviting God. How do you want me to give today? Not just financially, me to give today? Not just financially, me to give today? Not just financially, not just those gifts, but how how do you not just those gifts, but how how do you not just those gifts, but how how do you want me to give of my time this week, my want me to give of my time this week, my want me to give of my time this week, my prayers this week? You walk the same old road and You walk the same old road and you [music] hear the same old tell the you [music] hear the same old tell the you [music] hear the same old tell the same old lies. same old lies. same old lies. If you're trying to fill the same old If you're trying to fill the same old If you're trying to fill the same old holes inside, [singing and music] there's a better life. there's a better life. There's a better life. There's a better life. There's a better life. [music] If you've got [singing] pain, [music] If you've got [singing] pain, [music] If you've got [singing] pain, he's a pain.

he's a pain. he's a pain. If you feel lost, [music] If you feel lost, [music] If you feel lost, [music] he's a way maker. he's a way maker. he's a way maker. If you need [music and singing] freedom If you need [music and singing] freedom If you need [music and singing] freedom or saving, he's a prison shaking. or saving, he's a prison shaking. or saving, he's a prison shaking. If you got chains, If you got chains, If you got chains, he's a chain breaker. [music] he's a chain breaker. [music] he's a chain breaker. [music] Please stand and join us. Please stand and join us. Please stand and join us. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> We've all searched for the light of day >> We've all searched for the light of day >> We've all searched for the light of day and the dead of night. and the dead of night. and the dead of night. And we've all found ourselves [music] And we've all found ourselves [music] And we've all found ourselves [music] worn out by the same old fire. worn out by the same old fire. worn out by the same old fire. [music] And we've all run to things we [music] And we've all run to things we [music] And we've all run to things we know just ain't [singing] right. know just ain't [singing] right. know just ain't [singing] right. But there's a better life. [music] But there's a better life. [music] But there's a better life. [music] There's a better life. There's a better life. There's a better life. If you've got pain, If you've got pain, If you've got pain, he's a pain taker. he's a pain taker. he's a pain taker. If you feel lost, If you feel lost, If you feel lost, he's [music] a way maker. he's [music] a way maker. he's [music] a way maker. If you need freedom or saving, he's a If you need freedom or saving, he's a If you need freedom or saving, he's a prison [music] prison [music] prison [music] shaking savior. If you got chains, shaking savior. If you got chains, shaking savior. If you got chains, he's a [music] chain breaker.

If you believe it, [music] If you believe it, [music] if you receive it, if you can feel it, if you receive it, if you can feel it, if you receive it, if you can feel it, somebody testify. somebody testify. somebody testify. Amen. Jesus, [music] if you believe it, Amen. Jesus, [music] if you believe it, Amen. Jesus, [music] if you believe it, if you receive it, if you can feel it, if you receive it, if you can feel it, if you receive it, if you can feel it, [music] somebody testify. Testify. [music] somebody testify. Testify. [music] somebody testify. Testify. [singing] If you believe it, If you believe it, if you receive it, [music] if you receive it, [music] if you receive it, [music] if you can feel it, somebody testify. if you can feel it, somebody testify. if you can feel it, somebody testify. If you got pain, [music] If you got pain, [music] If you got pain, [music] he's a pain. he's a pain. he's a pain. If you feel lost, [music] If you feel lost, [music] If you feel lost, [music] he's a way maker. he's a way maker. he's a way maker. If you need freedom If you need freedom If you need freedom saving, he's [music] a prison shaking saving, he's [music] a prison shaking saving, he's [music] a prison shaking savior. If you got chains, savior. If you got chains, savior. If you got chains, he's a chain breaker. he's a chain breaker. he's a chain breaker. [music] [music] [music] If you need freedom, If you need freedom, If you need freedom, Satan, he's a prison shaking savior. If Satan, he's a prison shaking savior. If Satan, he's a prison shaking savior. If you got chains, [music] you got chains, [music] you got chains, [music] he's a chain breaker.

>> Amen. You [music] may take your seats. >> Amen. You [music] may take your seats. >> All right. >> All right. >> All right. Thank you guys. Thank you guys. Thank you guys. >> That was awesome. >> That was awesome. >> That was awesome. Well, hey everybody. Let's pray Well, hey everybody. Let's pray Well, hey everybody. Let's pray together. together. together. Gracious and loving God, um, open us up Gracious and loving God, um, open us up Gracious and loving God, um, open us up today. today. today. Open our eyes that we might see and our Open our eyes that we might see and our Open our eyes that we might see and our ears that we might hear. Open our ears that we might hear. Open our ears that we might hear. Open our hearts, God, that we might feel. hearts, God, that we might feel. hearts, God, that we 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 and give and love. we might serve and give and love. we might serve and give and love. Amen. Amen. Amen. [clears throat] [clears throat] [clears throat] In 2011, a woman named Linda Castleton In 2011, a woman named Linda Castleton In 2011, a woman named Linda Castleton was snowshoeing through Minnesota when was snowshoeing through Minnesota when was snowshoeing through Minnesota when she came across a gray wolf that was she came across a gray wolf that was she came across a gray wolf that was caught in a foot uh trap. Foothold trap. caught in a foot uh trap. Foothold trap. caught in a foot uh trap. Foothold trap. Um you perhaps have seen them. Trapping Um you perhaps have seen them. Trapping Um you perhaps have seen them. Trapping is something they do in uh Minnesota, is something they do in uh Minnesota, is something they do in uh Minnesota, but greywolves are um protected species. but greywolves are um protected species. but greywolves are um protected species. And so she knew that it wasn't And so she knew that it wasn't And so she knew that it wasn't appropriate that this wolf had gotten appropriate that this wolf had gotten appropriate that this wolf had gotten caught. And so she determined that she caught. And so she determined that she caught. And so she determined that she was going to set it free. And uh so she was going to set it free. And uh so she was going to set it free. And uh so she approached the wolf and of course the approached the wolf and of course the approached the wolf and of course the wolf didn't know she was, you know, wolf didn't know she was, you know, wolf didn't know she was, you know, trying to help help him. and uh she uh trying to help help him. and uh she uh trying to help help him. and uh she uh uh kept working to try and get close and uh kept working to try and get close and uh kept working to try and get close and and used her snowshoes as sort of a and used her snowshoes as sort of a and used her snowshoes as sort of a shield and was uh was working on the shield and was uh was working on the shield and was uh was working on the foot of the of the grey wolf when he foot of the of the grey wolf when he foot of the of the grey wolf when he attacked her. He got hold of her forearm

attacked her. He got hold of her forearm attacked her. He got hold of her forearm and snapped it and then attacked or went and snapped it and then attacked or went and snapped it and then attacked or went for her uh throat. What was only got her for her uh throat. What was only got her for her uh throat. What was only got her shoulder uh and broke her shoulder and shoulder uh and broke her shoulder and shoulder uh and broke her shoulder and her collar bone and she was able to roll her collar bone and she was able to roll her collar bone and she was able to roll away and finally called the uh the away and finally called the uh the away and finally called the uh the rangers and they came and um they uh uh rangers and they came and um they uh uh rangers and they came and um they uh uh tested the greywolf to see if he had tested the greywolf to see if he had tested the greywolf to see if he had rabies and he did not. And she just kept rabies and he did not. And she just kept rabies and he did not. And she just kept saying, "Please don't destroy him. saying, "Please don't destroy him. saying, "Please don't destroy him. Please don't euthanize him. He was just Please don't euthanize him. He was just Please don't euthanize him. He was just he he just felt threatened and he was he he just felt threatened and he was he he just felt threatened and he was reaching out. He he did not know what he reaching out. He he did not know what he reaching out. He he did not know what he did not know what I was trying to do. He did not know what I was trying to do. He did not know what I was trying to do. He didn't know I was trying to save him. didn't know I was trying to save him. didn't know I was trying to save him. He he did not have rabies. They were He he did not have rabies. They were He he did not have rabies. They were able to set him free and she was able to set him free and she was able to set him free and she was grateful. grateful. grateful. It's kind of a analogy to our story It's kind of a analogy to our story It's kind of a analogy to our story today of a Jesus who just wanted to save today of a Jesus who just wanted to save today of a Jesus who just wanted to save us. us. us. All he wanted to do was save us. All he wanted to do was save us. All he wanted to do was save us. All he wanted to do was save Jerusalem.

All he wanted to do was save Jerusalem. All he wanted to do was save Jerusalem. And what did they do instead? They felt And what did they do instead? They felt And what did they do instead? They felt threatened. So, they attacked him. threatened. So, they attacked him. threatened. So, they attacked him. So, I want to u uh we've been this is So, I want to u uh we've been this is So, I want to u uh we've been this is the last in our series of sermons on the last in our series of sermons on the last in our series of sermons on geography. Those of you who are like, geography. Those of you who are like, geography. Those of you who are like, I'm tired of geography. I don't want to I'm tired of geography. I don't want to I'm tired of geography. I don't want to see another map if I can help it. Um you see another map if I can help it. Um you see another map if I can help it. Um you might look at your maps. We we he's might look at your maps. We we he's might look at your maps. We we he's coming from uh the north the very coming from uh the north the very coming from uh the north the very northern part of Israel, Cesaria northern part of Israel, Cesaria northern part of Israel, Cesaria Philippi. He's made a stop at the Mount Philippi. He's made a stop at the Mount Philippi. He's made a stop at the Mount of Transfiguration and he's on his way of Transfiguration and he's on his way of Transfiguration and he's on his way to Jerusalem. And he's been telling to Jerusalem. And he's been telling to Jerusalem. And he's been telling everybody he can talk to, I got to go to everybody he can talk to, I got to go to everybody he can talk to, I got to go to Jerusalem. I'm going to be crucified Jerusalem. I'm going to be crucified Jerusalem. I'm going to be crucified there. And along the way uh to there. And along the way uh to there. And along the way uh to Jerusalem, he comes across a uh uh some Jerusalem, he comes across a uh uh some Jerusalem, he comes across a uh uh some Pharisees um who some we don't know Pharisees um who some we don't know Pharisees um who some we don't know exactly where how far from Jerusalem he exactly where how far from Jerusalem he exactly where how far from Jerusalem he was, so we couldn't circle that on the was, so we couldn't circle that on the was, so we couldn't circle that on the map. But along the way, he comes across map. But along the way, he comes across map. But along the way, he comes across some Pharisees. And here's what they some Pharisees. And here's what they some Pharisees. And here's what they say. This is from Luke 13:31-35. At that very hour, some Pharisees came At that very hour, some Pharisees came and said, "Get away from here, for Herod and said, "Get away from here, for Herod and said, "Get away from here, for Herod wants to kill you." And he said to them, wants to kill you." And he said to them, wants to kill you." And he said to them, "Go and tell that fox for me." Listen, I "Go and tell that fox for me." Listen, I "Go and tell that fox for me." Listen, I am casting out demons and performing am casting out demons and performing am casting out demons and performing cures today and tomorrow. And on the cures today and tomorrow. And on the cures today and tomorrow. And on the third day, I finished my work. Yet third day, I finished my work. Yet third day, I finished my work. Yet today, tomorrow, and the next day, I today, tomorrow, and the next day, I today, tomorrow, and the next day, I must be on my way because it is must be on my way because it is must be on my way because it is impossible for a prophet to be killed impossible for a prophet to be killed impossible for a prophet to be killed outside Jerusalem.

outside Jerusalem. outside Jerusalem. Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who kills the prophets and stones those who kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it. The wolf, are sent to it. The wolf, are sent to it. The wolf, Jerusalem, the wolf. How often have I Jerusalem, the wolf. How often have I Jerusalem, the wolf. How often have I desired to gather your children together desired to gather your children together desired to gather your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her as a hen gathers her brood under her as a hen gathers her brood under her wings and you were not willing. See, wings and you were not willing. See, wings and you were not willing. See, your house is left to you. And I tell your house is left to you. And I tell your house is left to you. And I tell you, you will not see me until the time you, you will not see me until the time you, you will not see me until the time comes when you say, "Blessed is the one comes when you say, "Blessed is the one comes when you say, "Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord." who comes in the name of the Lord." who comes in the name of the Lord." So he continues on to Jerusalem and as So he continues on to Jerusalem and as So he continues on to Jerusalem and as he gets to the edge of the city, he he gets to the edge of the city, he he gets to the edge of the city, he begins he stops of course in um uh begins he stops of course in um uh begins he stops of course in um uh outside the city and and uh stays with outside the city and and uh stays with outside the city and and uh stays with Mary and Martha and uh and then on his Mary and Martha and uh and then on his Mary and Martha and uh and then on his way into the city as he's coming down way into the city as he's coming down way into the city as he's coming down the Mount of Olives, he stops. the Mount of Olives, he stops. the Mount of Olives, he stops. And here's what the scripture says And here's what the scripture says And here's what the scripture says from Luke 19. from Luke 19. from Luke 19. And as he came near the and saw the And as he came near the and saw the And as he came near the and saw the city, he wept over it. He wept over it.

city, he wept over it. He wept over it. city, he wept over it. He wept over it. Why was he weeping over the city of Why was he weeping over the city of Why was he weeping over the city of Jerusalem? Why was he weeping? Jerusalem? Why was he weeping? Jerusalem? Why was he weeping? Well, that's really what I want to talk Well, that's really what I want to talk Well, that's really what I want to talk about today. And um I want us to if to about today. And um I want us to if to about today. And um I want us to if to turn back to this first scripture that turn back to this first scripture that turn back to this first scripture that we read and I want to focus on uh verses we read and I want to focus on uh verses we read and I want to focus on uh verses 34 and 35 because within that is so much 34 and 35 because within that is so much 34 and 35 because within that is so much of what I want us to uh understand. of what I want us to uh understand. of what I want us to uh understand. He says He says He says Jerusalem Jerusalem the city that kills Jerusalem Jerusalem the city that kills Jerusalem Jerusalem the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are the prophets and stones those who are the prophets and stones those who are sent to it. sent to it. sent to it. How often have I desired to gather your How often have I desired to gather your How often have I desired to gather your children together as a hen gathers her children together as a hen gathers her children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings and you were not brood under her wings and you were not brood under her wings and you were not willing. willing. willing. See, your house is left to you. How See, your house is left to you. How See, your house is left to you. How often have I desired to gather your often have I desired to gather your often have I desired to gather your children together as a hen gathers her children together as a hen gathers her children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings? So, one of the brood under her wings? So, one of the brood under her wings? So, one of the neat things about being a pastor is if neat things about being a pastor is if neat things about being a pastor is if you're writing a sermon is that you can you're writing a sermon is that you can you're writing a sermon is that you can run down all sorts of ridiculous rabbit run down all sorts of ridiculous rabbit run down all sorts of ridiculous rabbit trails and count it as work. And so, uh, trails and count it as work. And so, uh, trails and count it as work. And so, uh, I [clears throat] spent, I don't know, I [clears throat] spent, I don't know, I [clears throat] spent, I don't know, couple hours looking at videos of hens couple hours looking at videos of hens couple hours looking at videos of hens gathering brood, their brood under their gathering brood, their brood under their gathering brood, their brood under their wings. Um, so check this one out. This wings. Um, so check this one out. This wings. Um, so check this one out. This is one of my favorites here.

Uh they're they're right there. What I Uh they're they're right there. What I love about that is that as she moves off love about that is that as she moves off love about that is that as she moves off the they're like, "Oh, but we better go. the they're like, "Oh, but we better go. the they're like, "Oh, but we better go. We better get going." Uh and I just keep We better get going." Uh and I just keep We better get going." Uh and I just keep thinking, "If if only we were that way, thinking, "If if only we were that way, thinking, "If if only we were that way, right? If only we were that way and we right? If only we were that way and we right? If only we were that way and we just decided, "Oh, let's follow. Let's just decided, "Oh, let's follow. Let's just decided, "Oh, let's follow. Let's follow." But no, no, not not so much. Uh follow." But no, no, not not so much. Uh follow." But no, no, not not so much. Uh we we we would not. If only if o h how we we we would not. If only if o h how we we we would not. If only if o h how often have I desired to gather your often have I desired to gather your often have I desired to gather your children together as a hen gathers her children together as a hen gathers her children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings and you were not brood under her wings and you were not brood under her wings and you were not willing. See your house is left to you. willing. See your house is left to you. willing. See your house is left to you. All right, here's a little um a little All right, here's a little um a little All right, here's a little um a little more intense Bible study for you today. more intense Bible study for you today. more intense Bible study for you today. Um if you have a New International Um if you have a New International Um if you have a New International Version of Scripture and are reading Version of Scripture and are reading Version of Scripture and are reading this passage, it reads this way. Uh see, this passage, it reads this way. Uh see, this passage, it reads this way. Uh see, your house is left to you desolate. your house is left to you desolate. your house is left to you desolate. Wow, that's that's different. your house Wow, that's that's different. your house Wow, that's that's different. your house is left to you desolate. If you go to is left to you desolate. If you go to is left to you desolate. If you go to the Greek, the word desolate is not the Greek, the word desolate is not the Greek, the word desolate is not there. Uh it is added and if you you'll there. Uh it is added and if you you'll there. Uh it is added and if you you'll note in most uh in scriptures that they note in most uh in scriptures that they note in most uh in scriptures that they don't include it. They put a little don't include it. They put a little don't include it. They put a little footnote that says the word desolate footnote that says the word desolate footnote that says the word desolate added um in later manuscripts. Well, why added um in later manuscripts. Well, why added um in later manuscripts. Well, why was it added? Well, because the focus it was it added? Well, because the focus it was it added? Well, because the focus it may because those interpreters were may because those interpreters were may because those interpreters were understanding Jesus's words as focusing understanding Jesus's words as focusing understanding Jesus's words as focusing on the destruction of Jerusalem. And if on the destruction of Jerusalem. And if on the destruction of Jerusalem. And if you read the ongoing context, you might you read the ongoing context, you might you read the ongoing context, you might believe that it it would seem that way.

believe that it it would seem that way. believe that it it would seem that way. It would seem that he's saying the the It would seem that he's saying the the It would seem that he's saying the the city because of you, the because you city because of you, the because you city because of you, the because you wouldn't listen to me, the city is going wouldn't listen to me, the city is going wouldn't listen to me, the city is going to be destroyed. And in fact, it was to be destroyed. And in fact, it was to be destroyed. And in fact, it was destroyed in 70 AD. And one of the destroyed in 70 AD. And one of the destroyed in 70 AD. And one of the reasons the scholars believe that maybe reasons the scholars believe that maybe reasons the scholars believe that maybe Jesus was focusing on that is because u Jesus was focusing on that is because u Jesus was focusing on that is because u most believe that Luke was written after most believe that Luke was written after most believe that Luke was written after 70 AD. that Luke wrote the the the the 70 AD. that Luke wrote the the the the 70 AD. that Luke wrote the the the the uh script the uh gospel after the city uh script the uh gospel after the city uh script the uh gospel after the city of Jerusalem was destroyed. So the focus of Jerusalem was destroyed. So the focus of Jerusalem was destroyed. So the focus is on that fact. But when you read the is on that fact. But when you read the is on that fact. But when you read the when you read the text, that's not what when you read the text, that's not what when you read the text, that's not what it says. It it is it if you add that it says. It it is it if you add that it says. It it is it if you add that word, it implies that Jesus is word, it implies that Jesus is word, it implies that Jesus is abandoning the city. I give up on you. abandoning the city. I give up on you. abandoning the city. I give up on you. I'm done with you is what it implies. I I'm done with you is what it implies. I I'm done with you is what it implies. I leave you desolate. leave you desolate. leave you desolate. That's not what he's saying. That's not what he's saying. That's not what he's saying. What he actually says is, "I leave it to What he actually says is, "I leave it to What he actually says is, "I leave it to you. you. you. It's up to you. It's your life, your It's up to you. It's your life, your It's up to you. It's your life, your choice. choice. choice. I want so much to gather you under my I want so much to gather you under my I want so much to gather you under my wings. I want so much for you to make. I wings. I want so much for you to make. I wings. I want so much for you to make. I am making you this offer." Here's what am making you this offer." Here's what am making you this offer." Here's what the the the basic premise of today's the the the basic premise of today's the the the basic premise of today's sermon is. Jesus is offering us a better sermon is. Jesus is offering us a better sermon is. Jesus is offering us a better way, the best way, way, the best way, way, the best way, but we continue to choose a lesser way.

but we continue to choose a lesser way. but we continue to choose a lesser way. >> We continue to choose a lesser way. >> We continue to choose a lesser way. >> We continue to choose a lesser way. When [clears throat] I was uh in 1981, I When [clears throat] I was uh in 1981, I When [clears throat] I was uh in 1981, I was a uh still in seminary. I was uh was a uh still in seminary. I was uh was a uh still in seminary. I was uh serving as the youth pastor of a church serving as the youth pastor of a church serving as the youth pastor of a church in Duncanville, Texas. And um uh D was in Duncanville, Texas. And um uh D was in Duncanville, Texas. And um uh D was expecting our first child and a very expecting our first child and a very expecting our first child and a very generous man in the church came to see generous man in the church came to see generous man in the church came to see me in my office one day and he said I me in my office one day and he said I me in my office one day and he said I you you're getting ready to have a baby. you you're getting ready to have a baby. you you're getting ready to have a baby. Um I think it's time for you and D to Um I think it's time for you and D to Um I think it's time for you and D to take a trip and I'd like to send you to take a trip and I'd like to send you to take a trip and I'd like to send you to London and you leave next week. And we London and you leave next week. And we London and you leave next week. And we said we leave next week? Oh my goodness. said we leave next week? Oh my goodness. said we leave next week? Oh my goodness. we didn't have passports and uh so um we we didn't have passports and uh so um we we didn't have passports and uh so um we uh we came to Houston, drove you had to uh we came to Houston, drove you had to uh we came to Houston, drove you had to at those days you could walk your at those days you could walk your at those days you could walk your passport request through in in the in a passport request through in in the in a passport request through in in the in a passport office. So we drove to Houston, passport office. So we drove to Houston, passport office. So we drove to Houston, walked it through, so to speak. Got our walked it through, so to speak. Got our walked it through, so to speak. Got our passports, went back. Uh we went to passports, went back. Uh we went to passports, went back. Uh we went to London. We I I I didn't have a credit London. We I I I didn't have a credit London. We I I I didn't have a credit card. We had no money. We didn't have a card. We had no money. We didn't have a card. We had no money. We didn't have a credit card. Um I had $140 in cash. I credit card. Um I had $140 in cash. I credit card. Um I had $140 in cash. I had um my dad had given me a letter of had um my dad had given me a letter of had um my dad had given me a letter of credit. If you really get in trouble, go credit. If you really get in trouble, go credit. If you really get in trouble, go to a London bank and give them this and to a London bank and give them this and to a London bank and give them this and maybe they'll they'll send you some maybe they'll they'll send you some maybe they'll they'll send you some money uh here. And so uh we we the the money uh here. And so uh we we the the money uh here. And so uh we we the the the trip included our airfare, a hotel, the trip included our airfare, a hotel, the trip included our airfare, a hotel, a uh one of those Euro passes that can a uh one of those Euro passes that can a uh one of those Euro passes that can let you ride the train around, and a a let you ride the train around, and a a let you ride the train around, and a a tour of Windsor Castle. And uh so we

tour of Windsor Castle. And uh so we tour of Windsor Castle. And uh so we took our $140 and we said we're going to took our $140 and we said we're going to took our $140 and we said we're going to be really careful with this. And so we be really careful with this. And so we be really careful with this. And so we had Wimpies every night. Wimpies is the had Wimpies every night. Wimpies is the had Wimpies every night. Wimpies is the like McDonald's there sort of I guess. like McDonald's there sort of I guess. like McDonald's there sort of I guess. And we had Wimpies every night. We'd go And we had Wimpies every night. We'd go And we had Wimpies every night. We'd go to Wimpies and uh De D we bought one to Wimpies and uh De D we bought one to Wimpies and uh De D we bought one souvenir a little wedgewood dish about souvenir a little wedgewood dish about souvenir a little wedgewood dish about this big around that D I'm sure still this big around that D I'm sure still this big around that D I'm sure still has somewhere. And uh so anyway, we had has somewhere. And uh so anyway, we had has somewhere. And uh so anyway, we had a good time. D was D was expecting in a good time. D was D was expecting in a good time. D was D was expecting in her first trimester and so she every her first trimester and so she every her first trimester and so she every time we sat down she would sleep just time we sat down she would sleep just time we sat down she would sleep just you know on the train in any place I saw you know on the train in any place I saw you know on the train in any place I saw her we were in in line at Windsor Castle her we were in in line at Windsor Castle her we were in in line at Windsor Castle and she's like this and then we'd come and she's like this and then we'd come and she's like this and then we'd come back to the hotel at at 5 and say let's back to the hotel at at 5 and say let's back to the hotel at at 5 and say let's just rest a little bit and we'll go back just rest a little bit and we'll go back just rest a little bit and we'll go back out. Nah, it was done. Anyway, so um out. Nah, it was done. Anyway, so um out. Nah, it was done. Anyway, so um we're checking out of the hotel and um I we're checking out of the hotel and um I we're checking out of the hotel and um I look over to the right and there's this look over to the right and there's this look over to the right and there's this conference room, this big banquet room, conference room, this big banquet room, conference room, this big banquet room, uh uh um yeah, I guess that's what you uh uh um yeah, I guess that's what you uh uh um yeah, I guess that's what you call it, party room way over there. And call it, party room way over there. And call it, party room way over there. And it's full of people. And I say to the it's full of people. And I say to the it's full of people. And I say to the person at the at the counter, um why are person at the at the counter, um why are person at the at the counter, um why are you guys having a conference here? Who you guys having a conference here? Who you guys having a conference here? Who are all these people? And then they are all these people? And then they are all these people? And then they said, she said, well, that's that's said, she said, well, that's that's said, she said, well, that's that's breakfast. It it comes with the room.

breakfast. It it comes with the room. breakfast. It it comes with the room. You you can have that every day. It's a You you can have that every day. It's a You you can have that every day. It's a English breakfast. You can eat anything English breakfast. You can eat anything English breakfast. You can eat anything you want. If we had known, if we had you want. If we had known, if we had you want. If we had known, if we had known, we would have been hiding things known, we would have been hiding things known, we would have been hiding things in our clothes. We would have been I in our clothes. We would have been I in our clothes. We would have been I mean, we would have been doing the whole mean, we would have been doing the whole mean, we would have been doing the whole thing. But but no, no, we we get wimpies thing. But but no, no, we we get wimpies thing. But but no, no, we we get wimpies when we have been offered an English when we have been offered an English when we have been offered an English buffet. buffet. buffet. I think that's the picture. I think that's the picture. I think that's the picture. God is offering us this incredible life God is offering us this incredible life God is offering us this incredible life in Christ. this incredible life. Oh, I in Christ. this incredible life. Oh, I in Christ. this incredible life. Oh, I would gather you under my wings. I take would gather you under my wings. I take would gather you under my wings. I take care of you. I uh I'm offering you this care of you. I uh I'm offering you this care of you. I uh I'm offering you this special life and you you're choosing special life and you you're choosing special life and you you're choosing wimpies. wimpies. wimpies. CS Lewis has a great um quote. It's CS Lewis has a great um quote. It's CS Lewis has a great um quote. It's always been one of my favorites from his always been one of my favorites from his always been one of my favorites from his uh book of essays called The Weight of uh book of essays called The Weight of uh book of essays called The Weight of Glory. Glory. Glory. It would seem that our Lord finds our It would seem that our Lord finds our It would seem that our Lord finds our desires not too strong but too weak. We desires not too strong but too weak. We desires not too strong but too weak. We are half-hearted creatures fooling are half-hearted creatures fooling are half-hearted creatures fooling around, fooling about with drink and sex around, fooling about with drink and sex around, fooling about with drink and sex and ambition when infinite joy is and ambition when infinite joy is and ambition when infinite joy is offered us like an ignorant child who offered us like an ignorant child who offered us like an ignorant child who wants to go on making mud pies in a slum wants to go on making mud pies in a slum wants to go on making mud pies in a slum because he cannot imagine what is meant because he cannot imagine what is meant because he cannot imagine what is meant by the offer of a holiday at the sea. We by the offer of a holiday at the sea. We by the offer of a holiday at the sea. We are far too easily pleased.

are far too easily pleased. are far too easily pleased. I just think that's such a perfect I just think that's such a perfect I just think that's such a perfect picture. picture. picture. So what is this uh English banquet that So what is this uh English banquet that So what is this uh English banquet that God has offered us? And I could go we God has offered us? And I could go we God has offered us? And I could go we could do a whole series of sermons on could do a whole series of sermons on could do a whole series of sermons on it. I just want to lift up two for you it. I just want to lift up two for you it. I just want to lift up two for you that I think uh are important. The first that I think uh are important. The first that I think uh are important. The first is that he's offers us a life of self is that he's offers us a life of self is that he's offers us a life of self forgetfulness. forgetfulness. forgetfulness. This incredible relief of self- This incredible relief of self- This incredible relief of self- forgetfulness forgetfulness forgetfulness and we instead choose a life of self. and we instead choose a life of self. and we instead choose a life of self. We were at uh the beach earlier this We were at uh the beach earlier this We were at uh the beach earlier this summer. Went to Cinnamon Shores with our summer. Went to Cinnamon Shores with our summer. Went to Cinnamon Shores with our uh extended family and my I we were uh extended family and my I we were uh extended family and my I we were having a a little campfire on the beach, having a a little campfire on the beach, having a a little campfire on the beach, a picnic at night and it was dusk and I a picnic at night and it was dusk and I a picnic at night and it was dusk and I saw my wife uh working with my saw my wife uh working with my saw my wife uh working with my grandchildren showing them how you can grandchildren showing them how you can grandchildren showing them how you can throw uh bread up in the air and the throw uh bread up in the air and the throw uh bread up in the air and the seagulls will will grab it, you know, seagulls will will grab it, you know, seagulls will will grab it, you know, and and of course they're squawking the and and of course they're squawking the and and of course they're squawking the whole time. And I could not help. Every whole time. And I could not help. Every whole time. And I could not help. Every time I see s seagulls, I think of the time I see s seagulls, I think of the time I see s seagulls, I think of the movie Finding Nemo. And some of you who movie Finding Nemo. And some of you who movie Finding Nemo. And some of you who haven't seen the movie, I'm sorry for haven't seen the movie, I'm sorry for haven't seen the movie, I'm sorry for you because it's one of the best. But in you because it's one of the best. But in you because it's one of the best. But in Finding Nemo, the seagulls are not just Finding Nemo, the seagulls are not just Finding Nemo, the seagulls are not just squawking, they're saying, "Mine, mine, squawking, they're saying, "Mine, mine, squawking, they're saying, "Mine, mine, mine, mine. These are mine, mine, mine."

mine, mine. These are mine, mine, mine." mine, mine. These are mine, mine, mine." And that's what I hear when I hear those And that's what I hear when I hear those And that's what I hear when I hear those seagulls squawking. Mine. I'm gonna get seagulls squawking. Mine. I'm gonna get seagulls squawking. Mine. I'm gonna get that one. That's for me. And that's how that one. That's for me. And that's how that one. That's for me. And that's how we live our lives. I want this. I want we live our lives. I want this. I want we live our lives. I want this. I want that. I want this. I want that. What that. I want this. I want that. What that. I want this. I want that. What about me? Is this good for me? Is this about me? Is this good for me? Is this about me? Is this good for me? Is this good for me? How do I look? Am I feeling good for me? How do I look? Am I feeling good for me? How do I look? Am I feeling good about myself? Am I doing this good about myself? Am I doing this good about myself? Am I doing this right? Am I in the right place? What right? Am I in the right place? What right? Am I in the right place? What what are people thinking of me? what are people thinking of me? what are people thinking of me? Um Tim Keller, Dr. Kim Tim Keller, the Um Tim Keller, Dr. Kim Tim Keller, the Um Tim Keller, Dr. Kim Tim Keller, the late Dr. Tim Keller has a a book um late Dr. Tim Keller has a a book um late Dr. Tim Keller has a a book um called The Joy of Selfforgetfulness or called The Joy of Selfforgetfulness or called The Joy of Selfforgetfulness or something like that. and uh he he he something like that. and uh he he he something like that. and uh he he he tells a story about Madonna and that she tells a story about Madonna and that she tells a story about Madonna and that she was being interviewed by Vogue magazine was being interviewed by Vogue magazine was being interviewed by Vogue magazine and here's what she says. My drive in and here's what she says. My drive in and here's what she says. My drive in life comes from a fear of being life comes from a fear of being life comes from a fear of being mediocre. I wonder how many of you does mediocre. I wonder how many of you does mediocre. I wonder how many of you does that ring true with that ring true with that ring true with that is always pushing me. I push past that is always pushing me. I push past that is always pushing me. I push past one spell of it and discover myself as a one spell of it and discover myself as a one spell of it and discover myself as a special human being, but then I feel I'm special human being, but then I feel I'm special human being, but then I feel I'm still mediocre and uninteresting unless still mediocre and uninteresting unless still mediocre and uninteresting unless I do something else. because even though I do something else. because even though I do something else. because even though I have become somebody, I still have to I have become somebody, I still have to I have become somebody, I still have to prove that I am somebody. My struggle prove that I am somebody. My struggle prove that I am somebody. My struggle has never ended and I guess it never has never ended and I guess it never has never ended and I guess it never will.

will. will. Uh he goes on to say that he has great Uh he goes on to say that he has great Uh he goes on to say that he has great respect for Madonna because she respect for Madonna because she respect for Madonna because she understands herself better than most of understands herself better than most of understands herself better than most of us do. us do. us do. And he goes on to sort of offer the And he goes on to sort of offer the And he goes on to sort of offer the alternative alternative alternative and he says gospel humility is not and he says gospel humility is not and he says gospel humility is not needing to think about myself. Think needing to think about myself. Think needing to think about myself. Think about that. Not needing to think about about that. Not needing to think about about that. Not needing to think about myself. myself. myself. not needing to connect things with not needing to connect things with not needing to connect things with myself. It is it is an end to such myself. It is it is an end to such myself. It is it is an end to such thoughts as am I in this room with these thoughts as am I in this room with these thoughts as am I in this room with these people? Does that make me look good? Do people? Does that make me look good? Do people? Does that make me look good? Do I want to be here? True gospel humility I want to be here? True gospel humility I want to be here? True gospel humility means I stop connecting every means I stop connecting every means I stop connecting every experience, every conversation with experience, every conversation with experience, every conversation with myself. In fact, I stopped thinking myself. In fact, I stopped thinking myself. In fact, I stopped thinking about myself. The freedom of self- about myself. The freedom of self- about myself. The freedom of self- forgetfulness, forgetfulness, forgetfulness, the blessed rest that only the blessed rest that only the blessed rest that only self-forgetfulness brings. self-forgetfulness brings. self-forgetfulness brings. Wouldn't that be amazing if we could Wouldn't that be amazing if we could Wouldn't that be amazing if we could really understand that we are loved so really understand that we are loved so really understand that we are loved so much we don't even need to think about much we don't even need to think about much we don't even need to think about ourselves anymore. ourselves anymore. ourselves anymore. All we need to do is think about others.

All we need to do is think about others. All we need to do is think about others. Constantly be in this. What a joy that Constantly be in this. What a joy that Constantly be in this. What a joy that would be. would be. would be. That's what we're offered That's what we're offered That's what we're offered here. Here's the second [clears throat] here. Here's the second [clears throat] here. Here's the second [clears throat] offering I think is for us. offering I think is for us. offering I think is for us. We are offered a life that's eternal We are offered a life that's eternal We are offered a life that's eternal and we choose a life that is temporal and we choose a life that is temporal and we choose a life that is temporal that is just in the here and now. that is just in the here and now. that is just in the here and now. Let me explain because I think this can Let me explain because I think this can Let me explain because I think this can be misunderstood. be misunderstood. be misunderstood. Let's pretend you had two bank accounts Let's pretend you had two bank accounts Let's pretend you had two bank accounts and one bank account. At the end of a and one bank account. At the end of a and one bank account. At the end of a year, everything you invested in it, year, everything you invested in it, year, everything you invested in it, everything you put into that, everything you put into that, everything you put into that, everything, all all the energy, all the everything, all all the energy, all the everything, all all the energy, all the money, everything that you put into that money, everything that you put into that money, everything that you put into that just went away at the end of the year. just went away at the end of the year. just went away at the end of the year. And what if the other bank account went And what if the other bank account went And what if the other bank account went on forever? Anything you invested in on forever? Anything you invested in on forever? Anything you invested in that, any time you put in that, any that, any time you put in that, any that, any time you put in that, any energy you put into that, any money you energy you put into that, any money you energy you put into that, any money you put into that, that wouldn't continue on put into that, that wouldn't continue on put into that, that wouldn't continue on forever. You could just it would just forever. You could just it would just forever. You could just it would just stay there. Which would you spend your stay there. Which would you spend your stay there. Which would you spend your energy and time investing in?

energy and time investing in? energy and time investing in? You're you're not fools. You'd invest in You're you're not fools. You'd invest in You're you're not fools. You'd invest in the one that goes on forever and ever. the one that goes on forever and ever. the one that goes on forever and ever. This one is going to go away pretty This one is going to go away pretty This one is going to go away pretty soon. I'm not going to put all my money soon. I'm not going to put all my money soon. I'm not going to put all my money in that one. in that one. in that one. What Jesus is saying to us is, look, What Jesus is saying to us is, look, What Jesus is saying to us is, look, [clears throat] these are the things [clears throat] these are the things [clears throat] these are the things that are eternal. Your relationship with that are eternal. Your relationship with that are eternal. Your relationship with God in Christ is eternal. God in Christ is eternal. God in Christ is eternal. Your love for your neighbor is eternal. Your love for your neighbor is eternal. Your love for your neighbor is eternal. Right? So faith, hope, love abide. These Right? So faith, hope, love abide. These Right? So faith, hope, love abide. These three, all the other things pass away. three, all the other things pass away. three, all the other things pass away. Everything else goes away. Faith, hope, Everything else goes away. Faith, hope, Everything else goes away. Faith, hope, love, abide. love, abide. love, abide. These three. The greatest of these is These three. The greatest of these is These three. The greatest of these is love. Right? We we have this realization love. Right? We we have this realization love. Right? We we have this realization that there are certain things that if we that there are certain things that if we that there are certain things that if we will invest our energy and time in those will invest our energy and time in those will invest our energy and time in those things then then then we'll be able to things then then then we'll be able to things then then then we'll be able to hold on to that forever. Now I don't hold on to that forever. Now I don't hold on to that forever. Now I don't want you to misunderstand. want you to misunderstand. want you to misunderstand. >> [clears throat] >> [clears throat] >> [clears throat] >> I'm not saying that those temporal >> I'm not saying that those temporal >> I'm not saying that those temporal things, the things that are in that are things, the things that are in that are things, the things that are in that are this moment and won't be here later are this moment and won't be here later are this moment and won't be here later are not important, not important, not important, but they just have to be understood in but they just have to be understood in but they just have to be understood in the right way.

the right way. the right way. If if if I have a incredible meal that If if if I have a incredible meal that If if if I have a incredible meal that makes me go ah if I have if I see a makes me go ah if I have if I see a makes me go ah if I have if I see a beautiful sunset, beautiful sunset, beautiful sunset, if I experience an incredible music, if I experience an incredible music, if I experience an incredible music, if I have a a wonderful if I have a a wonderful if I have a a wonderful great day playing golf, that's never great day playing golf, that's never great day playing golf, that's never happened, but if if if that ever happened, but if if if that ever happened, but if if if that ever happened, right? If I have this moment happened, right? If I have this moment happened, right? If I have this moment and I recognize that it is a gift from and I recognize that it is a gift from and I recognize that it is a gift from God God God and I recognize that it connects me to and I recognize that it connects me to and I recognize that it connects me to the giver of that gift, the giver of that gift, the giver of that gift, then it becomes something eternal, then then it becomes something eternal, then then it becomes something eternal, then it becomes something that ties us, that it becomes something that ties us, that it becomes something that ties us, that points us to the thing that will go on points us to the thing that will go on points us to the thing that will go on forever. forever. forever. I have a a set of um cufflinks that I I have a a set of um cufflinks that I I have a a set of um cufflinks that I think are beautiful. They have a teeny think are beautiful. They have a teeny think are beautiful. They have a teeny tiny little diamond chip in them. So tiny little diamond chip in them. So tiny little diamond chip in them. So small you have to have a magnifying small you have to have a magnifying small you have to have a magnifying glass to see it. I suspect at the pawn glass to see it. I suspect at the pawn glass to see it. I suspect at the pawn shop they're worth 20 bucks.

shop they're worth 20 bucks. shop they're worth 20 bucks. I love them. I love them. I love them. I love them because they were given to I love them because they were given to I love them because they were given to me by somebody I love. me by somebody I love. me by somebody I love. And when I put them on, I think not of And when I put them on, I think not of And when I put them on, I think not of the gift, but I think of the giver of the gift, but I think of the giver of the gift, but I think of the giver of the gift. the gift. the gift. and life, the temporal things of life, and life, the temporal things of life, and life, the temporal things of life, if we see them as something that comes if we see them as something that comes if we see them as something that comes from the giver, from the giver, from the giver, if we recognize that connection, if we recognize that connection, if we recognize that connection, then those become a part of investment then those become a part of investment then those become a part of investment in that which is eternal, in that which is eternal, in that which is eternal, that's what God is offering us. This that's what God is offering us. This that's what God is offering us. This gift of life that we can say, I'm going gift of life that we can say, I'm going gift of life that we can say, I'm going to take hold of that because it's a gift to take hold of that because it's a gift to take hold of that because it's a gift from God. All right. All right. So, we've been offered this this this So, we've been offered this this this So, we've been offered this this this these this wonderful life and we choose these this wonderful life and we choose these this wonderful life and we choose uh we choose to be graspers, uh we choose to be graspers, uh we choose to be graspers, to be takers.

to be takers. to be takers. You know, you'd think that Jesus is You know, you'd think that Jesus is You know, you'd think that Jesus is saying, you know, it's your life, your saying, you know, it's your life, your saying, you know, it's your life, your choice. But he doesn't quite end there, choice. But he doesn't quite end there, choice. But he doesn't quite end there, does he? Because there's one more does he? Because there's one more does he? Because there's one more scripture. Listen. Scripture says, "Father," and Jesus said, "Father, "Father," and Jesus said, "Father, forgive them for they do not know what forgive them for they do not know what forgive them for they do not know what they are doing, and they cast lots to they are doing, and they cast lots to they are doing, and they cast lots to divide his clothing." divide his clothing." divide his clothing." He still doesn't He still doesn't give He still doesn't He still doesn't give He still doesn't He still doesn't give up on us. up on us. up on us. He still He doesn't say, "They made He still He doesn't say, "They made He still He doesn't say, "They made their choice. their choice. their choice. They made their choice. Sorry." They made their choice. Sorry." They made their choice. Sorry." He says, "Father, forgive them. He says, "Father, forgive them. He says, "Father, forgive them. I am not going to abandon you. I am not going to abandon you. I am not going to abandon you. I'm offering I'm offering you I'm offering I'm offering you I'm offering I'm offering you forgiveness. forgiveness. forgiveness. And you can still make that choice." And you can still make that choice." And you can still make that choice." Every one of us can make that choice Every one of us can make that choice Every one of us can make that choice that it's ours to make. We get to that it's ours to make. We get to that it's ours to make. We get to decide. Will we take this life that decide. Will we take this life that decide. Will we take this life that Jesus is offering us?

Jesus is offering us? Jesus is offering us? this this abundant life, this eternal this this abundant life, this eternal this this abundant life, this eternal life, life, life, this life of self- forgetfulness of of this life of self- forgetfulness of of this life of self- forgetfulness of of of that blessed joy and rest. of that blessed joy and rest. of that blessed joy and rest. This life that when we reach the end of This life that when we reach the end of This life that when we reach the end of our days, we don't think, well, it was a our days, we don't think, well, it was a our days, we don't think, well, it was a good run, wasn't it? good run, wasn't it? good run, wasn't it? But we realize that we have invested in But we realize that we have invested in But we realize that we have invested in things that go on. things that go on. things that go on. It's your life. It's your choice. It's your life. It's your choice. It's your life. It's your choice. Gracious God, you are perhaps tugging on our you are perhaps tugging on our heartstrings even now, heartstrings even now, heartstrings even now, inviting us to make a choice for a inviting us to make a choice for a inviting us to make a choice for a better way. better way. better way. An English breakfast buffet An English breakfast buffet An English breakfast buffet of of a wonderful joyous [music] life of of a wonderful joyous [music] life of of a wonderful joyous [music] life filled with gifts from you that tie us filled with gifts from you that tie us filled with gifts from you that tie us to you. to you. to you. Oh God, give us the strength to make Oh God, give us the strength to make Oh God, give us the strength to make that choice to choose a life that's all that choice to choose a life that's all that choice to choose a life that's all about others.

about others. about others. A life that's that's eternal. A life that's that's eternal. A life that's that's eternal. A life that now and [music] forever is A life that now and [music] forever is A life that now and [music] forever is with you. with you. with you. In the name of Christ we pray. Amen. He breaks the power of sin and darkness. He breaks the power of sin and darkness. [music] [music] [music] Whose love is mighty and so much Whose love is mighty and so much Whose love is mighty and so much stronger. stronger. stronger. The King of glory, The King of glory, The King of glory, the King [music] above all kings. He shakes the whole earth with holy He shakes the whole earth with holy thunder and leaves us breathless in awe thunder and leaves us breathless in awe thunder and leaves us breathless in awe and wonder. The King glory, and wonder. The King glory, and wonder. The King glory, the King above all kings.

This is unfailing love. This is unfailing love. That you would take my place. That you would take my place. That you would take my place. [music] That you would bear my cross. Oh [music] Jesus, I sing for all that Oh [music] Jesus, I sing for all that you've done for [music] me. [music] Who brings chaos [music] Who brings chaos back into order? Who makes the orphan a back into order? Who makes the orphan a back into order? Who makes the orphan a [music] son and daughter? The king of [music] son and daughter? The king of [music] son and daughter? The king of glory. glory. glory. The king of glory. The king of glory. The king of glory. Who rules the nations with truth and Who rules the nations with truth and Who rules the nations with truth and justice. [music] justice. [music] justice. [music] Shines like the sun. Shines like the sun. Shines like the sun. All of its brilliance. The king of All of its brilliance. The king of All of its brilliance. The king of glory.

glory. glory. The king above [music] all kings. This is unfailing love This is unfailing love [music] that you would take my place. [music] that you would take my place. [music] that you would take my place. That you would bear my cross. Oh Jesus, I sing for [music] all that Oh Jesus, I sing for [music] all that you've done for me. >> So, as we come and gather together, >> So, as we come and gather together, whether here or online to worship and to whether here or online to worship and to whether here or online to worship and to be filled and to receive, one of my be filled and to receive, one of my be filled and to receive, one of my favorite things about St. Luke's is that favorite things about St. Luke's is that favorite things about St. Luke's is that we are also a church that leaves and we are also a church that leaves and we are also a church that leaves and lives and loves like Jesus. So, I just lives and loves like Jesus. So, I just lives and loves like Jesus. So, I just wanted to lift up a few ways that you wanted to lift up a few ways that you wanted to lift up a few ways that you can do that coming up. But first, a bit can do that coming up. But first, a bit can do that coming up. But first, a bit of a celebration. I want to celebrate of a celebration. I want to celebrate of a celebration. I want to celebrate that we raised $22,000

that we raised $22,000 that we raised $22,000 for Jenga Kinesisa. Thank you so much. for Jenga Kinesisa. Thank you so much. for Jenga Kinesisa. Thank you so much. Yes, for the generosity of the prayers Yes, for the generosity of the prayers Yes, for the generosity of the prayers and the donations of everyone in this and the donations of everyone in this and the donations of everyone in this room and in the church across all of its room and in the church across all of its room and in the church across all of its campuses. It's amazing. All right, so campuses. It's amazing. All right, so campuses. It's amazing. All right, so today is the last day to submit your today is the last day to submit your today is the last day to submit your responses for the community wellness responses for the community wellness responses for the community wellness survey. We want to make sure that we are survey. We want to make sure that we are survey. We want to make sure that we are a church that is feeding you on every a church that is feeding you on every a church that is feeding you on every level. So, I hope that if you haven't level. So, I hope that if you haven't level. So, I hope that if you haven't done that yet, you will let us know um done that yet, you will let us know um done that yet, you will let us know um how we can better support your wellness how we can better support your wellness how we can better support your wellness outside of these walls and outside of outside of these walls and outside of outside of these walls and outside of Sunday mornings. And then CCSC is still Sunday mornings. And then CCSC is still Sunday mornings. And then CCSC is still collecting food for Christmas in July. collecting food for Christmas in July. collecting food for Christmas in July. Um the summer is often a time when there Um the summer is often a time when there Um the summer is often a time when there is a greater need for food. There's more is a greater need for food. There's more is a greater need for food. There's more food insecurity when kids are not in food insecurity when kids are not in food insecurity when kids are not in school and getting those assisted meals. school and getting those assisted meals. school and getting those assisted meals. So, I hope that you will bring some um So, I hope that you will bring some um So, I hope that you will bring some um especially proteinrich, non-p perishable especially proteinrich, non-p perishable especially proteinrich, non-p perishable foods for CCSC. And then join us on foods for CCSC. And then join us on foods for CCSC. And then join us on kickoff Sunday is coming up in a couple kickoff Sunday is coming up in a couple kickoff Sunday is coming up in a couple of weeks, August 16th. Bring all of your of weeks, August 16th. Bring all of your of weeks, August 16th. Bring all of your backpacks. Bring all of your briefcases. backpacks. Bring all of your briefcases. backpacks. Bring all of your briefcases. We're blessing the adults, too. Not just We're blessing the adults, too. Not just We're blessing the adults, too. Not just the kids going back to school. And we the kids going back to school. And we the kids going back to school. And we can't wait to pray over everybody who is can't wait to pray over everybody who is can't wait to pray over everybody who is returning to a little bit of more of a returning to a little bit of more of a returning to a little bit of more of a normal life after the end of summer.

normal life after the end of summer. normal life after the end of summer. Now before these we leave this room, I Now before these we leave this room, I Now before these we leave this room, I hope that you will hear this benediction hope that you will hear this benediction hope that you will hear this benediction and take it with you into the week. May and take it with you into the week. May and take it with you into the week. May the love of God, the grace of Jesus the love of God, the grace of Jesus the love of God, the grace of Jesus Christ, and the fellowship of the Holy Christ, and the fellowship of the Holy Christ, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you now and always. Let's Spirit be with you now and always. Let's Spirit be with you now and always. Let's close with we will worship. >> We will worship the lamb of glory. >> We will worship the lamb of glory. We will worship the king [music] of We will worship the king [music] of We will worship the king [music] of kings. kings. 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. [music] come before you rejoicing. [music] come before you rejoicing. [music] With our hands lifted high to the sky, With our hands lifted high to the sky, With our hands lifted high to the sky, when the world wonders why, we'll just when the world wonders why, we'll just when the world wonders why, we'll just tell them we're loving our king. We'll tell them we're loving our king. We'll tell them we're loving our king. We'll just tell them we're [music] loving our just tell them we're [music] loving our just tell them we're [music] loving our king.

king. king. Everyone have such an amazing week and Everyone have such an amazing week and Everyone have such an amazing week and we will see you back here [music] next we will see you back here [music] next we will see you back here [music] next Tuesday, Tuesday, Tuesday, next Sunday.