Traditional | 8:30 a.m. | 07.26.2026

[music] [music] >> into your service. >> into your service. >> into your service. [music] [music] [music] >> Sorry. [music] [music] >> I >> [bell] >> [bell] [music] [music]

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

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

Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. [music] [music] [music] Heat. Heat. Heat. [music] [music] Heat. Heat. Heat. to me. to me. [music] Heat. Heat. Heat.

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

[music] >> Please be seated. Good morning to all of you. I'm so glad Good morning to all of you. I'm so glad you're here worshiping with us. Welcome you're here worshiping with us. Welcome you're here worshiping with us. Welcome to those of you worshiping with us on to those of you worshiping with us on to those of you worshiping with us on live stream as well. It's been so fun live stream as well. It's been so fun live stream as well. It's been so fun this summer to see people sending this summer to see people sending this summer to see people sending pictures of all their tiny Jesuses from pictures of all their tiny Jesuses from pictures of all their tiny Jesuses from wherever you've been traveling around. wherever you've been traveling around. wherever you've been traveling around. even right here in Houston. I one of my even right here in Houston. I one of my even right here in Houston. I one of my favorites was uh one of our members had favorites was uh one of our members had favorites was uh one of our members had it on her uh hospital band uh when she it on her uh hospital band uh when she it on her uh hospital band uh when she was having surgery was having surgery was having surgery had it put it right there so she would had it put it right there so she would had it put it right there so she would know I have tiny Jesus with me uh as I'm know I have tiny Jesus with me uh as I'm know I have tiny Jesus with me uh as I'm having uh surgery. So anyway, uh what having uh surgery. So anyway, uh what having uh surgery. So anyway, uh what what how much fun we've been having with what how much fun we've been having with what how much fun we've been having with that this uh this summer and we're glad that this uh this summer and we're glad that this uh this summer and we're glad those of you who are are traveling today those of you who are are traveling today those of you who are are traveling today are worshiping with us. Um if you would are worshiping with us. Um if you would are worshiping with us. Um if you would register your attendance um that helps register your attendance um that helps register your attendance um that helps us a lot. You can do that using St. us a lot. You can do that using St. us a lot. You can do that using St. Luke's app. If you're here in the Luke's app. If you're here in the Luke's app. If you're here in the sanctuary, there's a card in your pew sanctuary, there's a card in your pew sanctuary, there's a card in your pew pocket that says welcome and you can put pocket that says welcome and you can put pocket that says welcome and you can put contact information on that and drop it contact information on that and drop it contact information on that and drop it in the offering plate later in the in the offering plate later in the in the offering plate later in the service. Um, if you're online, there's a service. Um, if you're online, there's a service. Um, if you're online, there's a on our website platform, there's a on our website platform, there's a on our website platform, there's a little tab that says check in and really little tab that says check in and really little tab that says check in and really helps us if we know uh that you're a helps us if we know uh that you're a helps us if we know uh that you're a part of us. And then after the service, part of us. And then after the service, part of us. And then after the service, if you're here in the sanctuary, come on if you're here in the sanctuary, come on if you're here in the sanctuary, come on out to the gathering room and enjoy some out to the gathering room and enjoy some out to the gathering room and enjoy some refreshments and um just uh connect with refreshments and um just uh connect with refreshments and um just uh connect with somebody. Maybe you're on your way to a somebody. Maybe you're on your way to a somebody. Maybe you're on your way to a Sunday school class, but uh stop out Sunday school class, but uh stop out Sunday school class, but uh stop out there and and say hello to others. Um there and and say hello to others. Um there and and say hello to others. Um the number of things I just want to lift the number of things I just want to lift the number of things I just want to lift up. Please look at all those things in up. Please look at all those things in up. Please look at all those things in the back of your bulletin. Uh but note the back of your bulletin. Uh but note the back of your bulletin. Uh but note today's the last day to do the community today's the last day to do the community today's the last day to do the community wellness survey. We had over 300 wellness survey. We had over 300 wellness survey. We had over 300 responses so far, but uh this is really

responses so far, but uh this is really responses so far, but uh this is really helping us as we um really try and helping us as we um really try and helping us as we um really try and develop a focus on on developing a develop a focus on on developing a develop a focus on on developing a holistic wellness as part of our holistic wellness as part of our holistic wellness as part of our Christian walk. and uh you can um talk Christian walk. and uh you can um talk Christian walk. and uh you can um talk about some of the issues that you feel about some of the issues that you feel about some of the issues that you feel like our community is facing on in that like our community is facing on in that like our community is facing on in that uh survey. Takes just 5 minutes, but uh survey. Takes just 5 minutes, but uh survey. Takes just 5 minutes, but today's the last day. I want to say today's the last day. I want to say today's the last day. I want to say thank you to everyone who was so thank you to everyone who was so thank you to everyone who was so supportive of our Jenga Canisa build a supportive of our Jenga Canisa build a supportive of our Jenga Canisa build a church in the Congo where we're helping church in the Congo where we're helping church in the Congo where we're helping three communities, three congregations three communities, three congregations three communities, three congregations build new facilities by helping to fund build new facilities by helping to fund build new facilities by helping to fund their the materials they need, their the materials they need, their the materials they need, specifically concrete, bags of concrete. specifically concrete, bags of concrete. specifically concrete, bags of concrete. We raised over $22,000 to support that We raised over $22,000 to support that We raised over $22,000 to support that over almost 500 bags of concrete. Uh over almost 500 bags of concrete. Uh over almost 500 bags of concrete. Uh that's going to make such a difference that's going to make such a difference that's going to make such a difference for them and and we're we're sure for them and and we're we're sure for them and and we're we're sure grateful. We join with many other United grateful. We join with many other United grateful. We join with many other United Methodist churches around the Texas Methodist churches around the Texas Methodist churches around the Texas annual conference uh to to build this annual conference uh to to build this annual conference uh to to build this partnership with the folks in in the partnership with the folks in in the partnership with the folks in in the Congo. And so uh that's really a a great Congo. And so uh that's really a a great Congo. And so uh that's really a a great thing. And then uh just remember that uh thing. And then uh just remember that uh thing. And then uh just remember that uh we during the month of July are we during the month of July are we during the month of July are practicing Christmas in July for practicing Christmas in July for practicing Christmas in July for Christian Community Service Center and Christian Community Service Center and Christian Community Service Center and helping to support their food pantry helping to support their food pantry helping to support their food pantry with some non-p perishable items. And with some non-p perishable items. And with some non-p perishable items. And you can bring anytime uh during the you can bring anytime uh during the you can bring anytime uh during the week, anytime you're at the church, week, anytime you're at the church, week, anytime you're at the church, bring um a couple of bags with some bring um a couple of bags with some bring um a couple of bags with some non-p perishable items and uh you can non-p perishable items and uh you can non-p perishable items and uh you can leave them out in the gathering room in leave them out in the gathering room in leave them out in the gathering room in the bin there and we'll get them to uh the bin there and we'll get them to uh the bin there and we'll get them to uh CCSC. Um so, uh out after the service, I CCSC. Um so, uh out after the service, I CCSC. Um so, uh out after the service, I hope you'll stop by the ministry hope you'll stop by the ministry hope you'll stop by the ministry spotlight table. We're we're focusing

spotlight table. We're we're focusing spotlight table. We're we're focusing this week on um on our children's this week on um on our children's this week on um on our children's ministry, but but very specifically ministry, but but very specifically ministry, but but very specifically looking for some volunteers, not to looking for some volunteers, not to looking for some volunteers, not to teach, but to help uh support with teach, but to help uh support with teach, but to help uh support with hospitality and uh to serve hospitality and uh to serve hospitality and uh to serve approximately once a month on Sundays approximately once a month on Sundays approximately once a month on Sundays from 10:45 to 12:15. So, um, you don't from 10:45 to 12:15. So, um, you don't from 10:45 to 12:15. So, um, you don't you don't you're not teaching, you don't you don't you're not teaching, you don't you don't you're not teaching, you don't need need to do a lesson prep. This is need need to do a lesson prep. This is need need to do a lesson prep. This is just a way to welcome parents, welcome just a way to welcome parents, welcome just a way to welcome parents, welcome children, and uh and be a part of children, and uh and be a part of children, and uh and be a part of supporting that. So, if you feel like supporting that. So, if you feel like supporting that. So, if you feel like maybe, oh gosh, I I want to do maybe, oh gosh, I I want to do maybe, oh gosh, I I want to do something, but I can't teach, and this something, but I can't teach, and this something, but I can't teach, and this is something you can do. So, stop by the is something you can do. So, stop by the is something you can do. So, stop by the ministry spotlight table and uh and ministry spotlight table and uh and ministry spotlight table and uh and check that out. Before we uh finish uh check that out. Before we uh finish uh check that out. Before we uh finish uh uh say a word about today's sermon, uh uh say a word about today's sermon, uh uh say a word about today's sermon, uh next week we're going to start just a next week we're going to start just a next week we're going to start just a really brief two-week series called Push really brief two-week series called Push really brief two-week series called Push Pause. As we head into, you know, the Pause. As we head into, you know, the Pause. As we head into, you know, the fall tends to activities sort of ramp up fall tends to activities sort of ramp up fall tends to activities sort of ramp up and um God has given us in scripture a and um God has given us in scripture a and um God has given us in scripture a sort of rhythm for life in [snorts] sort of rhythm for life in [snorts] sort of rhythm for life in [snorts] which we pause, we stop. The the word is which we pause, we stop. The the word is which we pause, we stop. The the word is Sabbath, which literally means stoppage.

Sabbath, which literally means stoppage. Sabbath, which literally means stoppage. And um uh how do we how do we stop and And um uh how do we how do we stop and And um uh how do we how do we stop and and step out of the whirlwind for just and step out of the whirlwind for just and step out of the whirlwind for just long enough um to make sure we have our long enough um to make sure we have our long enough um to make sure we have our life and our priorities all in order. life and our priorities all in order. life and our priorities all in order. We're going to be talking about that for We're going to be talking about that for We're going to be talking about that for the next two weeks. So um hope you'll the next two weeks. So um hope you'll the next two weeks. So um hope you'll plan on on being a part of that and and plan on on being a part of that and and plan on on being a part of that and and maybe head into the fall establishing maybe head into the fall establishing maybe head into the fall establishing that kind of rhythm uh uh for your life. that kind of rhythm uh uh for your life. that kind of rhythm uh uh for your life. Okay. Today is the last day in our Okay. Today is the last day in our Okay. Today is the last day in our series of sermon holiday with Jesus as series of sermon holiday with Jesus as series of sermon holiday with Jesus as we've looked at his travels all over um we've looked at his travels all over um we've looked at his travels all over um uh Israel and the surrounding area and uh Israel and the surrounding area and uh Israel and the surrounding area and and today we reach the real climax as he and today we reach the real climax as he and today we reach the real climax as he u as he heads to Jerusalem. Listen now u as he heads to Jerusalem. Listen now u as he heads to Jerusalem. Listen now as we hear our scripture read this as we hear our scripture read this as we hear our scripture read this morning. morning. morning. >> Our scripture reading this morning uh >> Our scripture reading this morning uh >> Our scripture reading this morning uh comes from a selection out of the Gospel comes from a selection out of the Gospel comes from a selection out of the Gospel of Luke. Our first reading comes out of of Luke. Our first reading comes out of of Luke. Our first reading comes out of chapter 13:es 31-35. chapter 13:es 31-35. chapter 13:es 31-35. At that very hour, some Pharisees came At that very hour, some Pharisees came At that very hour, some Pharisees came and said to him, "Get away from here, and said to him, "Get away from here, and said to him, "Get away from here, for Herod wants to kill you." He said to for Herod wants to kill you." He said to for Herod wants to kill you." He said to them, "Go and tell that fox for me.

them, "Go and tell that fox for me. them, "Go and tell that fox for me. Listen, I am casting out demons and Listen, I am casting out demons and Listen, I am casting out demons and performing cures today and tomorrow, and performing cures today and tomorrow, and performing cures today and tomorrow, and on the third day I finish my work." Yet on the third day I finish my work." Yet on the third day I finish 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 impossible impossible for a prophet to be killed outside of for a prophet to be killed outside of for a prophet to be killed outside of Jerusalem. Jerusalem. 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. How often have I desired are sent to it. How often have I desired are sent to it. How often have I desired to gather your children together, as a to gather your children together, as a to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, hen gathers her brood under her wings, hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing. See, your and you were not willing. See, your and you were not willing. See, your house is left to you and I tell you, you house is left to you and I tell you, you house is left to you and I tell you, you will not see me until the time comes will not see me until the time comes will not see me until the time comes when you say, "Blessed is the one who when you say, "Blessed is the one who when you say, "Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord." Second comes in the name of the Lord." Second comes in the name of the Lord." Second reading comes out of the Gospel of Luke reading comes out of the Gospel of Luke reading comes out of the Gospel of Luke 19:41. 19:41. 19:41. As he came near and saw the city, he As he came near and saw the city, he As he came near and saw the city, he wept over it.

wept over it. wept over it. Our last reading comes out of Luke Our last reading comes out of Luke Our last reading comes out of Luke 23:34. Then Jesus said, "Father, forgive them Then Jesus said, "Father, forgive them for they do not know what they are for they do not know what they are for they do not know what they are doing." And they cast lots to divide his doing." And they cast lots to divide his doing." And they cast lots to divide his clothing. The word of God for the people clothing. The word of God for the people clothing. The word of God for the people of God. Thanks be to God. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. [music] Glory. Glory. [singing] [singing] [singing] [music] So So the [singing and music] straight [music] [music] [singing] was

great. great. >> [music] [singing] [singing] [music] >> Gracious, loving and merciful God, >> Gracious, loving and merciful God, we thank you for revealing yourself to we thank you for revealing yourself to we thank you for revealing yourself to us in the life of Jesus in your word us in the life of Jesus in your word us in the life of Jesus in your word and in your spirit. and in your spirit. and in your spirit. Thank you for showing us a path of Thank you for showing us a path of Thank you for showing us a path of compassion, courage, mercy, and love. compassion, courage, mercy, and love. compassion, courage, mercy, and love. And thank you for calling us and guiding And thank you for calling us and guiding And thank you for calling us and guiding us with your grace. us with your grace. us with your grace. Lord, we know we do not always follow Lord, we know we do not always follow Lord, we know we do not always follow your lead. your lead. your lead. We sometimes ignore your voice. We sometimes ignore your voice. We sometimes ignore your voice. We resist your will. We resist your will. We resist your will. We may choose comfort and convenience We may choose comfort and convenience We may choose comfort and convenience over what is faithful to you. over what is faithful to you. over what is faithful to you. And sometimes we do not know what we are And sometimes we do not know what we are And sometimes we do not know what we are doing. Our doing. Our doing. Our words, our choices, our silence, our words, our choices, our silence, our words, our choices, our silence, our indifference. indifference. indifference. Sometimes they harm ourselves and others Sometimes they harm ourselves and others Sometimes they harm ourselves and others in ways we do not recognize.

in ways we do not recognize. in ways we do not recognize. Lord, forgive us. Lord, forgive us. Lord, forgive us. God, we lay our burdens before you, our God, we lay our burdens before you, our God, we lay our burdens before you, our fears, our difficulties, fears, our difficulties, fears, our difficulties, those decisions that we just don't know those decisions that we just don't know those decisions that we just don't know how to make. God, we turn them over to how to make. God, we turn them over to how to make. God, we turn them over to you. you. you. Give us courage to persevere and to take Give us courage to persevere and to take Give us courage to persevere and to take whatever next step you would have each whatever next step you would have each whatever next step you would have each of us take. And Lord, this morning we pray for our And Lord, this morning we pray for our communities, our country, in our world, communities, our country, in our world, communities, our country, in our world, places in crisis, places in crisis, places in crisis, violence, injustice, violence, injustice, violence, injustice, hatred, hunger, and war. hatred, hunger, and war. hatred, hunger, and war. as Jesus wept over Jerusalem. God, teach as Jesus wept over Jerusalem. God, teach as Jesus wept over Jerusalem. God, teach us to to weep for what breaks your heart us to to weep for what breaks your heart us to to weep for what breaks your heart and then give us strength and wisdom to and then give us strength and wisdom to and then give us strength and wisdom to work toward reconciliation and healing. God, we know that failure is not the end God, we know that failure is not the end of the story and that you continue to of the story and that you continue to of the story and that you continue to pour your love, your mercy, and your pour your love, your mercy, and your pour your love, your mercy, and your forgiveness over each of us.

forgiveness over each of us. forgiveness over each of us. continue to lead us in your path, continue to lead us in your path, continue to lead us in your path, forming us into people of forgiveness, forming us into people of forgiveness, forming us into people of forgiveness, compassion, and peace. compassion, and peace. compassion, and peace. We lift all this up in your son's holy We lift all this up in your son's holy We lift all this up in your son's holy name. Amen. Amen. name. Amen. Amen. name. Amen. Amen. [clears throat] [clears throat] [clears throat] Amen. Thank you, Ryan. In In 2011, a woman named Linda Castleton was 2011, a woman named Linda Castleton was 2011, a woman named Linda Castleton was snowshoeing uh through Minnesota when snowshoeing uh through Minnesota when snowshoeing uh through Minnesota when she came across a gray fox uh excuse me, she came across a gray fox uh excuse me, she came across a gray fox uh excuse me, a grey wolf that was caught in a uh uh a grey wolf that was caught in a uh uh a grey wolf that was caught in a uh uh foothold trap. Now, gray uh wolves are foothold trap. Now, gray uh wolves are foothold trap. Now, gray uh wolves are endangered species in Minnesota. And so endangered species in Minnesota. And so endangered species in Minnesota. And so she knew that it was not appropriate she knew that it was not appropriate she knew that it was not appropriate that this um wolf be caught in this that this um wolf be caught in this that this um wolf be caught in this trap. And so uh she decided she would trap. And so uh she decided she would trap. And so uh she decided she would set the wolf free. And um as she did set the wolf free. And um as she did set the wolf free. And um as she did that, of course, the wolf wasn't didn't that, of course, the wolf wasn't didn't that, of course, the wolf wasn't didn't know what she was trying to do. And um know what she was trying to do. And um know what she was trying to do. And um uh as she uh kept working to get hold of uh as she uh kept working to get hold of uh as she uh kept working to get hold of the wolf's foot, the [snorts] wolf the wolf's foot, the [snorts] wolf the wolf's foot, the [snorts] wolf turned and attacked her and um got hold turned and attacked her and um got hold turned and attacked her and um got hold of her forearm and snapped her uh of her forearm and snapped her uh of her forearm and snapped her uh forearm and then lunged for her neck. Uh forearm and then lunged for her neck. Uh forearm and then lunged for her neck. Uh ultimately got just her shoulder and she ultimately got just her shoulder and she ultimately got just her shoulder and she was able to roll away and um and call was able to roll away and um and call was able to roll away and um and call the Rangers. And when the rangers came, the Rangers. And when the rangers came, the Rangers. And when the rangers came, her biggest fear was that they would um

her biggest fear was that they would um her biggest fear was that they would um uh they would euthanize the the wolf. Um uh they would euthanize the the wolf. Um uh they would euthanize the the wolf. Um and she just kept saying, "He just felt and she just kept saying, "He just felt and she just kept saying, "He just felt threatened. He just felt threatened. Um threatened. He just felt threatened. Um threatened. He just felt threatened. Um don't hurt him. Please don't hurt him." don't hurt him. Please don't hurt him." don't hurt him. Please don't hurt him." And um ultimately the rangers were able And um ultimately the rangers were able And um ultimately the rangers were able to set him free. They actually took him to set him free. They actually took him to set him free. They actually took him and made sure he didn't have rabies or and made sure he didn't have rabies or and made sure he didn't have rabies or there wasn't anything wrong with him, there wasn't anything wrong with him, there wasn't anything wrong with him, but uh then u set him free. but uh then u set him free. but uh then u set him free. I think it's an interesting kind of I think it's an interesting kind of I think it's an interesting kind of picture that may help us understand um picture that may help us understand um picture that may help us understand um Jesus approach to the city of Jerusalem Jesus approach to the city of Jerusalem Jesus approach to the city of Jerusalem and those who were there. Uh all he was and those who were there. Uh all he was and those who were there. Uh all he was wanting to do was save them. All he wanting to do was save them. All he wanting to do was save them. All he wanted to do was save them. wanted to do was save them. wanted to do was save them. All he really wanted to do was set them All he really wanted to do was set them All he really wanted to do was set them free. free. free. And yet they felt threatened. And yet they felt threatened. And yet they felt threatened. And so they attacked him and they killed And so they attacked him and they killed And so they attacked him and they killed him. him. him. That's the the heart of our message That's the the heart of our message That's the the heart of our message today and and Jesus response to that. Um today and and Jesus response to that. Um today and and Jesus response to that. Um so if you will let's look at the so if you will let's look at the so if you will let's look at the geography one more time. Last time those geography one more time. Last time those geography one more time. Last time those of you who are like oh I'm so tired of of you who are like oh I'm so tired of of you who are like oh I'm so tired of geography uh one last time I by the way geography uh one last time I by the way geography uh one last time I by the way I thought it's really fun to have all of I thought it's really fun to have all of I thought it's really fun to have all of those stamps on the front of the those stamps on the front of the those stamps on the front of the bulletin each week as where we visited.

bulletin each week as where we visited. bulletin each week as where we visited. And um this week Jesus has uh remember And um this week Jesus has uh remember And um this week Jesus has uh remember Jesus has left the mount of Jesus has left the mount of Jesus has left the mount of transfiguration. He's he has turned from transfiguration. He's he has turned from transfiguration. He's he has turned from Cesaria Philippi up in the far north of Cesaria Philippi up in the far north of Cesaria Philippi up in the far north of uh Israel and has been heading towards uh Israel and has been heading towards uh Israel and has been heading towards Jerusalem. And he's been telling his Jerusalem. And he's been telling his Jerusalem. And he's been telling his disciples and everybody he sees, hey, disciples and everybody he sees, hey, disciples and everybody he sees, hey, I've got to go to Jerusalem. I've got to I've got to go to Jerusalem. I've got to I've got to go to Jerusalem. I've got to go to Jerusalem. That's where they're go to Jerusalem. That's where they're go to Jerusalem. That's where they're going to crucify me. The third day I'll going to crucify me. The third day I'll going to crucify me. The third day I'll be raised. And he gets to the one point be raised. And he gets to the one point be raised. And he gets to the one point along the way. And Herod, some of the along the way. And Herod, some of the along the way. And Herod, some of the Pharisees came to him and say, "Herod Pharisees came to him and say, "Herod Pharisees came to him and say, "Herod wants to kill you." And and he says, wants to kill you." And and he says, wants to kill you." And and he says, "Uh, yes, I I know that. That's where "Uh, yes, I I know that. That's where "Uh, yes, I I know that. That's where I've got to go." And just just remember I've got to go." And just just remember I've got to go." And just just remember what he what he says to them. He says, what he what he says to them. He says, what he what he says to them. He says, you know, um uh uh that's that's where you know, um uh uh that's that's where you know, um uh uh that's that's where prophets are killed is in Jerusalem. And prophets are killed is in Jerusalem. And prophets are killed is in Jerusalem. And so that's where I've got to go. so that's where I've got to go. so that's where I've got to go. Uh and he goes a little farther along Uh and he goes a little farther along Uh and he goes a little farther along the way. And then he uh when he gets to the way. And then he uh when he gets to the way. And then he uh when he gets to Jerusalem and he's coming down on that Jerusalem and he's coming down on that Jerusalem and he's coming down on that Palm Sunday on the Mount of Olives and Palm Sunday on the Mount of Olives and Palm Sunday on the Mount of Olives and he he comes down and he he stops and he he he comes down and he he stops and he he he comes down and he he stops and he weeps over the city of Jerusalem.

weeps over the city of Jerusalem. weeps over the city of Jerusalem. And then finally he heads into the city And then finally he heads into the city And then finally he heads into the city and and goes to the cross. and and goes to the cross. and and goes to the cross. What I want to do today is take a look What I want to do today is take a look What I want to do today is take a look at at at at at at ask ourselves the question just why was ask ourselves the question just why was ask ourselves the question just why was he weeping? he weeping? he weeping? Why was why was Jesus weeping over the Why was why was Jesus weeping over the Why was why was Jesus weeping over the city? [snorts] And so look with me at city? [snorts] And so look with me at city? [snorts] And so look with me at this uh at this scripture that is um in this uh at this scripture that is um in this uh at this scripture that is um in in Luke 13. And I just want to focus on in Luke 13. And I just want to focus on in Luke 13. And I just want to focus on verses 34 and 35. verses 34 and 35. verses 34 and 35. Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who kills the prophets and stones those who kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it. are sent to it. are sent to it. Right? Uh this is the greywolf at work. Right? Uh this is the greywolf at work. Right? Uh this is the greywolf at work. The city of Jerusalem attacking those The city of Jerusalem attacking those The city of Jerusalem attacking those who have been sent. How often have I who have been sent. How often have I who have been sent. 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. Isn't that a your house is left to you. Isn't that a your house is left to you. Isn't that a beautiful image of this hen? I don't beautiful image of this hen? I don't beautiful image of this hen? I don't know if you've uh sent me I had this joy know if you've uh sent me I had this joy know if you've uh sent me I had this joy this week of getting to, you know, it's this week of getting to, you know, it's this week of getting to, you know, it's a nice thing to be a pastor. You you get a nice thing to be a pastor. You you get a nice thing to be a pastor. You you get to just follow all sorts of rabbit to just follow all sorts of rabbit to just follow all sorts of rabbit trails and count them as work. And so I trails and count them as work. And so I trails and count them as work. And so I watched dozens of videos of hens watched dozens of videos of hens watched dozens of videos of hens gathering their uh their uh chicks under gathering their uh their uh chicks under gathering their uh their uh chicks under their under their wings. And they don't their under their wings. And they don't their under their wings. And they don't really just gather them under their really just gather them under their really just gather them under their wings. They sit on them. They they sit wings. They sit on them. They they sit wings. They sit on them. They they sit on them and then uh they'll get up and on them and then uh they'll get up and on them and then uh they'll get up and move and then you see the little chicks move and then you see the little chicks move and then you see the little chicks like what what's happening? And then like what what's happening? And then like what what's happening? And then they start chasing the mother hen so they start chasing the mother hen so they start chasing the mother hen so that they can get back under there. It's

that they can get back under there. It's that they can get back under there. It's just a beautiful picture of of maybe just a beautiful picture of of maybe just a beautiful picture of of maybe what it means to be the follower of of what it means to be the follower of of what it means to be the follower of of Jesus, the one who is uh there to Jesus, the one who is uh there to Jesus, the one who is uh there to protect us and love us. So uh this is he protect us and love us. So uh this is he protect us and love us. So uh this is he says, "Oh, I would so much have wanted says, "Oh, I would so much have wanted says, "Oh, I would so much have wanted to gather you under my wings as a hen to gather you under my wings as a hen to gather you under my wings as a hen gathers her brood under her wings and gathers her brood under her wings and gathers her brood under her wings and you were not willing. See, your house is you were not willing. See, your house is you were not willing. See, your house is left to you." Now, here's what's so left to you." Now, here's what's so left to you." Now, here's what's so interesting. What does this what does interesting. What does this what does interesting. What does this what does this mean? Your house is left to you. this mean? Your house is left to you. this mean? Your house is left to you. Um, if you have a New International Um, if you have a New International Um, if you have a New International Version Bible and are reading this very Version Bible and are reading this very Version Bible and are reading this very passage, it reads this way. Uh, see, passage, it reads this way. Uh, see, 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. Your house is left to you desolate. If Your house is left to you desolate. If Your house is left to you desolate. If you go into the Greek, the word desolate you go into the Greek, the word desolate you go into the Greek, the word desolate is not there. It is uh it was added is not there. It is uh it was added is not there. It is uh it was added later on by some who and so some later later on by some who and so some later later on by some who and so some later manuscripts as they say include this manuscripts as they say include this manuscripts as they say include this word desolate. And the implication is word desolate. And the implication is word desolate. And the implication is that Jesus is sort of cursing the city that Jesus is sort of cursing the city that Jesus is sort of cursing the city or or maybe abandoning the city of or or maybe abandoning the city of or or maybe abandoning the city of Jerusalem and saying uh that he's he's Jerusalem and saying uh that he's he's Jerusalem and saying uh that he's he's prophesying that the city will be prophesying that the city will be prophesying that the city will be destroyed which it was in 70 AD. Many destroyed which it was in 70 AD. Many destroyed which it was in 70 AD. Many scholars focus on that because and and scholars focus on that because and and scholars focus on that because and and and that's why the word desolate is and that's why the word desolate is and that's why the word desolate is added is is because Jerusalem was added is is because Jerusalem was added is is because Jerusalem was destroyed in 70 AD and many think Luke destroyed in 70 AD and many think Luke destroyed in 70 AD and many think Luke was written after the destruction of of was written after the destruction of of was written after the destruction of of Jerusalem. So that the that Luke wrote Jerusalem. So that the that Luke wrote Jerusalem. So that the that Luke wrote his gospel that far that much later able

his gospel that far that much later able his gospel that far that much later able to look back and and and see that to look back and and and see that to look back and and and see that Jerusalem was in fact destroyed. I I Jerusalem was in fact destroyed. I I Jerusalem was in fact destroyed. I I when I read it and and realize that that when I read it and and realize that that when I read it and and realize that that word desolate is is left out. I don't word desolate is is left out. I don't word desolate is is left out. I don't think that's I don't think he's cursing think that's I don't think he's cursing think that's I don't think he's cursing the city. I don't think he's abandoning the city. I don't think he's abandoning the city. I don't think he's abandoning the city. I think here's here's here's the city. I think here's here's here's the city. I think here's here's here's what what Jesus is saying. He's saying, what what Jesus is saying. He's saying, what what Jesus is saying. He's saying, "Look, I have offered you a better way "Look, I have offered you a better way "Look, I have offered you a better way of life. I have offered you the very of life. I have offered you the very of life. I have offered you the very best way of life. best way of life. best way of life. And yet you continually choose the And yet you continually choose the And yet you continually choose the lesser way. lesser way. lesser way. It's your life. It's your choice. It's your life. It's your choice. It's your life. It's your choice. I can't make you come. I can't make you I can't make you come. I can't make you I can't make you come. I can't make you follow. I can't make you choose this follow. I can't make you choose this follow. I can't make you choose this better way. better way. better way. You have to choose it. And so You have to choose it. And so You have to choose it. And so I leave it to you. I leave it to you. I leave it to you. That's what he's saying to us That's what he's saying to us That's what he's saying to us that I I'm offering you this incredible that I I'm offering you this incredible that I I'm offering you this incredible way.

way. way. Um, in the spring of 1981, Um, in the spring of 1981, Um, in the spring of 1981, um, uh, my wife was, um, expecting our um, uh, my wife was, um, expecting our um, uh, my wife was, um, expecting our first child and I was serving as the first child and I was serving as the first child and I was serving as the youth pastor. I was in seminary, but youth pastor. I was in seminary, but youth pastor. I was in seminary, but serving as a youth pastor in serving as a youth pastor in serving as a youth pastor in Duncanville, Texas. And a really Duncanville, Texas. And a really Duncanville, Texas. And a really generous man from the church came to us generous man from the church came to us generous man from the church came to us and said, "Um, you know, uh, you're and said, "Um, you know, uh, you're and said, "Um, you know, uh, you're going to have a baby soon and, uh, I going to have a baby soon and, uh, I going to have a baby soon and, uh, I think you should take a trip and I'd think you should take a trip and I'd think you should take a trip and I'd like to send you to London and I'm going like to send you to London and I'm going like to send you to London and I'm going to pay your way and, uh, you leave next to pay your way and, uh, you leave next to pay your way and, uh, you leave next week and I've already made your week and I've already made your week and I've already made your reservations." And I was like, "Uh, reservations." And I was like, "Uh, reservations." And I was like, "Uh, okay." And we didn't have passports. So, okay." And we didn't have passports. So, okay." And we didn't have passports. So, I mean, in those days, you could drive I I mean, in those days, you could drive I I mean, in those days, you could drive I live in in near Dallas, so we drove to live in in near Dallas, so we drove to live in in near Dallas, so we drove to Houston. You there was a passport office Houston. You there was a passport office Houston. You there was a passport office here. you could walk it through. So, we here. you could walk it through. So, we here. you could walk it through. So, we walked our passports through and we went walked our passports through and we went walked our passports through and we went back and we got and so we we fly to back and we got and so we we fly to back and we got and so we we fly to London. Um, and here's the thing, we London. Um, and here's the thing, we London. Um, and here's the thing, we were really poor. I mean, we were we I I were really poor. I mean, we were we I I were really poor. I mean, we were we I I I literally I didn't have a credit card I literally I didn't have a credit card I literally I didn't have a credit card and I had $140 and so we left uh with and I had $140 and so we left uh with and I had $140 and so we left uh with $140. We went to London for 4 days. Now, $140. We went to London for 4 days. Now, $140. We went to London for 4 days. Now, they had paid for our hotel. They had they had paid for our hotel. They had they had paid for our hotel. They had paid for one of those Europass things paid for one of those Europass things paid for one of those Europass things that you could ride the train that you could ride the train that you could ride the train everywhere. And uh they had paid for a everywhere. And uh they had paid for a everywhere. And uh they had paid for a tour of Windsor Castle. So all of those tour of Windsor Castle. So all of those tour of Windsor Castle. So all of those were included and the hotel was on were included and the hotel was on were included and the hotel was on Piccadilli Circus. I can still remember Piccadilli Circus. I can still remember Piccadilli Circus. I can still remember this. And so with $140, we couldn't be this. And so with $140, we couldn't be this. And so with $140, we couldn't be very extravagant, right, on our London very extravagant, right, on our London very extravagant, right, on our London trip. So we ate wimpies every night. Now

trip. So we ate wimpies every night. Now trip. So we ate wimpies every night. Now Wimpies is their McDonald's sort ofish Wimpies is their McDonald's sort ofish Wimpies is their McDonald's sort ofish uh place. It's a hamburger place. So we uh place. It's a hamburger place. So we uh place. It's a hamburger place. So we ate wimpies all the time. That's what we ate wimpies all the time. That's what we ate wimpies all the time. That's what we ate. Now, De was in her first trimester, ate. Now, De was in her first trimester, ate. Now, De was in her first trimester, so she slept every moment we sat down uh so she slept every moment we sat down uh so she slept every moment we sat down uh on every train, everything. We would on every train, everything. We would on every train, everything. We would come back to the at at 5:00 to the hotel come back to the at at 5:00 to the hotel come back to the at at 5:00 to the hotel and say, "Let's just rest a little." And and say, "Let's just rest a little." And and say, "Let's just rest a little." And then she was that was it for the rest of then she was that was it for the rest of then she was that was it for the rest of the night. And I'd wander around by the night. And I'd wander around by the night. And I'd wander around by myself later in the evening. So, we're myself later in the evening. So, we're myself later in the evening. So, we're checking out of the hotel and at checking out of the hotel and at checking out of the hotel and at Piccadilly Circus on the last day Piccadilly Circus on the last day Piccadilly Circus on the last day feeling with I don't know $10 left or feeling with I don't know $10 left or feeling with I don't know $10 left or something. Uh De had actually bought a something. Uh De had actually bought a something. Uh De had actually bought a little blue wedgewood dish about this little blue wedgewood dish about this little blue wedgewood dish about this big. That was our only souvenir. And I big. That was our only souvenir. And I big. That was our only souvenir. And I look over and there's this um conference look over and there's this um conference look over and there's this um conference room, this big like ballroom over there room, this big like ballroom over there room, this big like ballroom over there where the doors are open and um and it's where the doors are open and um and it's where the doors are open and um and it's full of people. And I say to the lady full of people. And I say to the lady full of people. And I say to the lady checking out, I say, "Uh, oh, you have checking out, I say, "Uh, oh, you have checking out, I say, "Uh, oh, you have some conference here or something." And some conference here or something." And some conference here or something." And she says, "No, that's the breakfast room she says, "No, that's the breakfast room she says, "No, that's the breakfast room that comes with your room. that comes with your room. that comes with your room. I could have had this full English I could have had this full English I could have had this full English breakfast every day with bacon and eggs breakfast every day with bacon and eggs breakfast every day with bacon and eggs and all of those things that they serve and all of those things that they serve and all of those things that they serve at an English breakfast as it was a at an English breakfast as it was a at an English breakfast as it was a buffet all you could eat. We could have buffet all you could eat. We could have buffet all you could eat. We could have hidden stuff inside our clothes. I mean, hidden stuff inside our clothes. I mean, hidden stuff inside our clothes. I mean, it it could have been so wonderful, but it it could have been so wonderful, but it it could have been so wonderful, but we instead chose wimpies.

we instead chose wimpies. we instead chose wimpies. We chose wimpies. We lived on wimpies We chose wimpies. We lived on wimpies We chose wimpies. We lived on wimpies when we could have had this incredible when we could have had this incredible when we could have had this incredible smorgus board. [snorts] I think that's smorgus board. [snorts] I think that's smorgus board. [snorts] I think that's what God is is saying to us in this what God is is saying to us in this what God is is saying to us in this thing. Look, I'm offering you the the thing. Look, I'm offering you the the thing. Look, I'm offering you the the best way. This this way of life that is best way. This this way of life that is best way. This this way of life that is so much better than the way of life that so much better than the way of life that so much better than the way of life that you choose, you choose, you choose, but I can't make you take it. but I can't make you take it. but I can't make you take it. I can't make you. I can't make you. I can't make you. CS Lewis um in his uh essays, he's got a CS Lewis um in his uh essays, he's got a CS Lewis um in his uh essays, he's got a book of essays called The Weight of book of essays called The Weight of book of essays called The Weight of Glory. He writes these words. It's Glory. He writes these words. It's Glory. He writes these words. It's always been one of my favorite quotes. always been one of my favorite quotes. always been one of my favorite quotes. 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 with drink and sex and ambition around with drink and sex and ambition around with drink and sex and ambition when infinite joy is offered us. like an when infinite joy is offered us. like an when infinite joy is offered us. like an ignorant child who wants to go on making ignorant child who wants to go on making ignorant child who wants to go on making med pies, mud pies in a slum because he med pies, mud pies in a slum because he med pies, mud pies in a slum because he cannot imagine what is meant by the cannot imagine what is meant by the cannot imagine what is meant by the offer of a holiday at the sea. We are offer of a holiday at the sea. We are offer of a holiday at the sea. We are far too easily pleased.

far too easily pleased. far too easily pleased. We have been offered this incredible way We have been offered this incredible way We have been offered this incredible way of life, this way of life following of life, this way of life following of life, this way of life following Jesus. Jesus. Jesus. What What does that life look like? Let What What does that life look like? Let What What does that life look like? Let me just share a a couple there. I could me just share a a couple there. I could me just share a a couple there. I could go on over and over of all the things go on over and over of all the things go on over and over of all the things that are so wonderful about the about that are so wonderful about the about that are so wonderful about the about choosing this life following Jesus, but choosing this life following Jesus, but choosing this life following Jesus, but let me just share two. let me just share two. let me just share two. Here's the first. He offers us a life of Here's the first. He offers us a life of Here's the first. He offers us a life of self forgetfulness. self forgetfulness. self forgetfulness. A life of of selfforgetfulness. A life of of selfforgetfulness. A life of of selfforgetfulness. Well, we were at um we went uh to um Well, we were at um we went uh to um Well, we were at um we went uh to um Cinnamon Shores, a beach down in Porto Cinnamon Shores, a beach down in Porto Cinnamon Shores, a beach down in Porto Ranzis earlier this summer with all of Ranzis earlier this summer with all of Ranzis earlier this summer with all of our family and we were having a um sort our family and we were having a um sort our family and we were having a um sort of a picnic on the beach at the one of of a picnic on the beach at the one of of a picnic on the beach at the one of the nights. They make a little campfire the nights. They make a little campfire the nights. They make a little campfire for you and you can roast marshmallows for you and you can roast marshmallows for you and you can roast marshmallows and stuff. And I I looked over and my and stuff. And I I looked over and my and stuff. And I I looked over and my wife was teaching my grandchildren how wife was teaching my grandchildren how wife was teaching my grandchildren how to throw bread up to the seagulls, you to throw bread up to the seagulls, you to throw bread up to the seagulls, you know, and so there's this flock of know, and so there's this flock of know, and so there's this flock of seagulls around. And I could not help seagulls around. And I could not help seagulls around. And I could not help but think every time I see seagulls like but think every time I see seagulls like but think every time I see seagulls like that, I cannot help but think of of uh that, I cannot help but think of of uh that, I cannot help but think of of uh Finding the movie Finding Nemo. And in Finding the movie Finding Nemo. And in Finding the movie Finding Nemo. And in in the movie Finding Nemo, this the in the movie Finding Nemo, this the in the movie Finding Nemo, this the seagulls are swarming around and they're seagulls are swarming around and they're seagulls are swarming around and they're squawking and the and of course that was squawking and the and of course that was squawking and the and of course that was what was happening on the beach. But in what was happening on the beach. But in what was happening on the beach. But in in the movie, they're not just in the movie, they're not just in the movie, they're not just squawking. They're saying, "Mine, mine, squawking. They're saying, "Mine, mine, squawking. They're saying, "Mine, mine, mine, mine, mine." And that's what it mine, mine, mine." And that's what it mine, mine, mine." And that's what it that's what it's like. They're just this that's what it's like. They're just this that's what it's like. They're just this one's mine. And they're diving for it one's mine. And they're diving for it one's mine. And they're diving for it and trying to beat the other person out.

and trying to beat the other person out. and trying to beat the other person out. And it it just feels like so much of our And it it just feels like so much of our And it it just feels like so much of our life is mine, mine, mine, mine. We spend life is mine, mine, mine, mine. We spend life is mine, mine, mine, mine. We spend our life grasping, trying to grab stuff, our life grasping, trying to grab stuff, our life grasping, trying to grab stuff, see what we can get. [sighs] see what we can get. [sighs] see what we can get. [sighs] Wh What would it be like? What a blessed Wh What would it be like? What a blessed Wh What would it be like? What a blessed joy would it be if we could let go of joy would it be if we could let go of joy would it be if we could let go of all of our sense of what about me? all of our sense of what about me? all of our sense of what about me? What about me? Tim Keller uh wrote a a wonderful um Tim Keller uh wrote a a wonderful um little book and it uh his title is um little book and it uh his title is um little book and it uh his title is um the way of self- forgetfulness. the way of self- forgetfulness. the way of self- forgetfulness. And in it he tells uh he lifts up a And in it he tells uh he lifts up a And in it he tells uh he lifts up a quote by Madonna. And here's what quote by Madonna. And here's what quote by Madonna. And here's what Madonna said. My drive in life comes Madonna said. My drive in life comes Madonna said. My drive in life comes from a fear of being mediocre from a fear of being mediocre from a fear of being mediocre 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. He goes on to say that um he has great He goes on to say that um he has great He goes on to say that um he has great respect for her because she knows respect for her because she knows respect for her because she knows herself better than most of us do. And herself better than most of us do. And herself better than most of us do. And listen, here's his quote. Gospel listen, here's his quote. Gospel listen, here's his quote. Gospel humility is not needing to think about humility is not needing to think about humility is 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's an end to thoughts such as myself. It's an end to thoughts such as myself. It's an end to thoughts such as I'm in this room with these people. Does I'm in this room with these people. Does I'm in this room with these people. Does that make me look good? Do I want to be that make me look good? Do I want to be that make me look good? Do I want to be here? True gospel humility means stop here? True gospel humility means stop here? True gospel humility means stop connecting everything. It means I stop connecting everything. It means I stop connecting everything. It means I stop connecting every experience, every connecting every experience, every connecting every experience, every conversation with myself. In fact, I conversation with myself. In fact, I conversation with myself. In fact, I stop thinking about myself. The freedom stop thinking about myself. The freedom stop thinking about myself. The freedom of self- forgetfulness, of self- forgetfulness, of self- forgetfulness, the blessed rest that only self the blessed rest that only self the blessed rest that only self forgetfulness brings. forgetfulness brings. forgetfulness brings. Wouldn't it be great Wouldn't it be great Wouldn't it be great to be able to just let go of that sense to be able to just let go of that sense to be able to just let go of that sense of am I enough? Am I doing what? How am of am I enough? Am I doing what? How am of am I enough? Am I doing what? How am I of contemplating our neighbors of I of contemplating our neighbors of I of contemplating our neighbors of taking our temperature all the time to taking our temperature all the time to taking our temperature all the time to see how am I doing?

see how am I doing? see how am I doing? That's the offer to us. That's the offer to us. That's the offer to us. Jesus says, "Quit thinking about Jesus says, "Quit thinking about Jesus says, "Quit thinking about yourself all the time and turn your yourself all the time and turn your yourself all the time and turn your focus to think only about others focus to think only about others focus to think only about others and you will have an incredible sense of and you will have an incredible sense of and you will have an incredible sense of joy and relief." joy and relief." joy and relief." All right. Here's here's the second All right. Here's here's the second All right. Here's here's the second thing. thing. thing. Jesus offers us a life that is eternal Jesus offers us a life that is eternal Jesus offers us a life that is eternal and we always want to choose a life and we always want to choose a life and we always want to choose a life that's just temporal. that's just temporal. that's just temporal. Let me say it again. Jesus offers us a Let me say it again. Jesus offers us a Let me say it again. Jesus offers us a life that's eternal and we choose a life life that's eternal and we choose a life life that's eternal and we choose a life that is just temporal, temporary right that is just temporal, temporary right that is just temporal, temporary right here, right now. here, right now. here, right now. Imagine that you had two bank accounts Imagine that you had two bank accounts Imagine that 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 would uh go away. Everything you year would uh go away. Everything you year would uh go away. Everything you put in it would just disappear. put in it would just disappear. put in it would just disappear. And another bank account at the end of And another bank account at the end of And another bank account at the end of the year would just continue on and you the year would just continue on and you the year would just continue on and you would always have anything you put in would always have anything you put in would always have anything you put in that bank account. Anything that that that bank account. Anything that that that bank account. Anything that that you put in that bank account, you would you put in that bank account, you would you put in that bank account, you would you would just get to keep it all the you would just get to keep it all the you would just get to keep it all the time. [snorts] But anything you put in time. [snorts] But anything you put in time. [snorts] But anything you put in that first bank account, that first bank account, that first bank account, that would just go away after a year. So that would just go away after a year. So that would just go away after a year. So what would you do? Where would you put what would you do? Where would you put what would you do? Where would you put your energy? Where would you put your your energy? Where would you put your your energy? Where would you put your time?

time? time? Well, you would put your time in the Well, you would put your time in the Well, you would put your time in the things the place that would the bank things the place that would the bank things the place that would the bank account that that uh went on forever, account that that uh went on forever, account that that uh went on forever, not in the things that would only last a not in the things that would only last a not in the things that would only last a second. second. second. Right? And that's what Jesus is trying Right? And that's what Jesus is trying Right? And that's what Jesus is trying to say to us when he says, "Seek first to say to us when he says, "Seek first to say to us when he says, "Seek first the kingdom of God and all these other the kingdom of God and all these other the kingdom of God and all these other things will take their own place." things will take their own place." things will take their own place." Right? You want to focus on this life Right? You want to focus on this life Right? You want to focus on this life that's eternal. Now, I don't want you to that's eternal. Now, I don't want you to that's eternal. Now, I don't want you to misunderstand me. Not he's [snorts] not misunderstand me. Not he's [snorts] not misunderstand me. Not he's [snorts] not saying that that um that the things of saying that that um that the things of saying that that um that the things of this world don't matter. It's only the this world don't matter. It's only the this world don't matter. It's only the things of the next world that matters. things of the next world that matters. things of the next world that matters. Um that's not what he's saying at all. Um that's not what he's saying at all. Um that's not what he's saying at all. But he is saying that there are some But he is saying that there are some But he is saying that there are some things that are going to continue like things that are going to continue like things that are going to continue like we hear in first Corinthians don't we? we hear in first Corinthians don't we? we hear in first Corinthians don't we? Now faith, hope and love abide. These Now faith, hope and love abide. These Now faith, hope and love abide. These three but the greatest of these is love. three but the greatest of these is love. three but the greatest of these is love. All the other things are going to pass All the other things are going to pass All the other things are going to pass away. Prophecies will pass away. Um away. Prophecies will pass away. Um away. Prophecies will pass away. Um tongues will cease. You know how much tongues will cease. You know how much tongues will cease. You know how much money you have will go away. everything money you have will go away. everything money you have will go away. everything else will go away. But but there are else will go away. But but there are else will go away. But but there are certain things, certain investments that certain things, certain investments that certain things, certain investments that we make of our energy and our time that we make of our energy and our time that we make of our energy and our time that go on forever.

go on forever. go on forever. Our focus on our relationship with God Our focus on our relationship with God Our focus on our relationship with God in Christ, in Christ, in Christ, our love for our neighbors, our love for our neighbors, our love for our neighbors, all of those things abide, continue. all of those things abide, continue. all of those things abide, continue. So, so what it means is that even those So, so what it means is that even those So, so what it means is that even those temporary things, if we understand them temporary things, if we understand them temporary things, if we understand them as connected in some way to the eternal, as connected in some way to the eternal, as connected in some way to the eternal, if they turn our energy towards if they turn our energy towards if they turn our energy towards something or our our focus towards that something or our our focus towards that something or our our focus towards that which is eternal, then even those have which is eternal, then even those have which is eternal, then even those have power for us. Let me um a a beautiful power for us. Let me um a a beautiful power for us. Let me um a a beautiful sunset, an incredible piece of art. sunset, an incredible piece of art. sunset, an incredible piece of art. A a look out over a vista of that is of A a look out over a vista of that is of A a look out over a vista of that is of mountains and valleys. A look at the mountains and valleys. A look at the mountains and valleys. A look at the stars at night. A a beautiful music that stars at night. A a beautiful music that stars at night. A a beautiful music that uh speaks to us. uh speaks to us. uh speaks to us. um an an amazing meal that makes you go, um an an amazing meal that makes you go, um an an amazing meal that makes you go, "Ah, [gasps] "Ah, [gasps] "Ah, [gasps] so those things are temporary, of so those things are temporary, of so those things are temporary, of course." But here's the thing. If we see course." But here's the thing. If we see course." But here's the thing. If we see them as gifts from that which is them as gifts from that which is them as gifts from that which is eternal, if they focus us, if they eternal, if they focus us, if they eternal, if they focus us, if they connect us to that which is eternal, connect us to that which is eternal, connect us to that which is eternal, then they have power, too. I have a a then they have power, too. I have a a then they have power, too. I have a a amazing beautiful set of cufflinks at amazing beautiful set of cufflinks at amazing beautiful set of cufflinks at home that have a little teeny tiny home that have a little teeny tiny home that have a little teeny tiny diamond chip in them. Little I mean so diamond chip in them. Little I mean so diamond chip in them. Little I mean so small that you know you'd have to get small that you know you'd have to get small that you know you'd have to get like a magnifying glass. And I love like a magnifying glass. And I love like a magnifying glass. And I love them. Uh they are so beautiful.

them. Uh they are so beautiful. them. Uh they are so beautiful. They're not beautiful because they're They're not beautiful because they're They're not beautiful because they're just so beautiful because of little tin. just so beautiful because of little tin. just so beautiful because of little tin. They don't have value to me because of a They don't have value to me because of a They don't have value to me because of a little tiny diamond chip. They have little tiny diamond chip. They have little tiny diamond chip. They have value to me because they were given to value to me because they were given to value to me because they were given to me by someone I love very much. me by someone I love very much. me by someone I love very much. And so when I put those on, I think of And so when I put those on, I think of And so when I put those on, I think of the giver, not just the gift, right? I the giver, not just the gift, right? I the giver, not just the gift, right? I think of the giver, not just the gift. think of the giver, not just the gift. think of the giver, not just the gift. When we experience a sunset and think of When we experience a sunset and think of When we experience a sunset and think of the giver, not the gift, the giver, not the gift, the giver, not the gift, that's eternal. When we eat an amazing that's eternal. When we eat an amazing that's eternal. When we eat an amazing meal and and acknowledge the giver as as meal and and acknowledge the giver as as meal and and acknowledge the giver as as the one who provides us everything, the one who provides us everything, the one who provides us everything, then that's eternal, not temporal. then that's eternal, not temporal. then that's eternal, not temporal. Uh friends, Jesus is offering us this Uh friends, Jesus is offering us this Uh friends, Jesus is offering us this way of life that is so much better than way of life that is so much better than way of life that is so much better than the than the ambition and grasping and the than the ambition and grasping and the than the ambition and grasping and and just um just trying to fill the and just um just trying to fill the and just um just trying to fill the emptiness inside us.

emptiness inside us. emptiness inside us. All right. There's one more one more All right. There's one more one more All right. There's one more one more moment of this. Of course, moment of this. Of course, moment of this. Of course, Jesus has said to us, "Look, it's your Jesus has said to us, "Look, it's your Jesus has said to us, "Look, it's your life. It's your choice." life. It's your choice." life. It's your choice." But even even then, when we get to the But even even then, when we get to the But even even then, when we get to the cross, cross, cross, he doesn't stop there. he doesn't stop there. he doesn't stop there. He intercedes for us one more time. He intercedes for us one more time. He intercedes for us one more time. And he says, "Father, And he says, "Father, And he says, "Father, forgive them. forgive them. forgive them. They don't know what they're doing. They don't know what they're doing. They don't know what they're doing. And he's he's not just talking about the And he's he's not just talking about the And he's he's not just talking about the crucifixion itself. crucifixion itself. crucifixion itself. He he's talking about he's talking about He he's talking about he's talking about He he's talking about he's talking about the the fact that we don't seem to the the fact that we don't seem to the the fact that we don't seem to understand just what this new life, this understand just what this new life, this understand just what this new life, this incredible life that God's offering us incredible life that God's offering us incredible life that God's offering us is like. is like. is like. And he's saying, "Even though you have And he's saying, "Even though you have And he's saying, "Even though you have turned away, I still will not abandon turned away, I still will not abandon turned away, I still will not abandon you. you. you. I am waiting for you. I am waiting for you. I am waiting for you. I want you. I want you to come home.

I want you. I want you to come home. I want you. I want you to come home. I want you even now as I'm hanging on I want you even now as I'm hanging on I want you even now as I'm hanging on this cross. I I want you to understand this cross. I I want you to understand this cross. I I want you to understand this life that I'm offering you. this life that I'm offering you. this life that I'm offering you. Friends, I just want to tell you today Friends, I just want to tell you today Friends, I just want to tell you today that it's never too late to make that that it's never too late to make that that it's never too late to make that choice. Sure, we choice. Sure, we choice. Sure, we we're never quite there, are we? We we're never quite there, are we? We we're never quite there, are we? We never quite really know what we're doing never quite really know what we're doing never quite really know what we're doing as Jesus says, as Jesus says, as Jesus says, but we can keep taking steps to say, you but we can keep taking steps to say, you but we can keep taking steps to say, you know, God, I want to live this life know, God, I want to live this life know, God, I want to live this life you've offered rather than the one the you've offered rather than the one the you've offered rather than the one the world is offering me. I want to take world is offering me. I want to take world is offering me. I want to take hold of this life of self- hold of this life of self- hold of this life of self- forgetfulness, of of joy. I want to take forgetfulness, of of joy. I want to take forgetfulness, of of joy. I want to take hold of this life that is eternal and hold of this life that is eternal and hold of this life that is eternal and not just in this moment. not just in this moment. not just in this moment. It's your life. It's your life. It's your life. It's your choice It's your choice It's your choice even now. even now. even now. Gracious and loving God. Gracious and loving God. Gracious and loving God. How we thank you that you you don't How we thank you that you you don't How we thank you that you you don't abandon Jerusalem. You don't abandon us.

abandon Jerusalem. You don't abandon us. abandon Jerusalem. You don't abandon us. But we recognize that you you can't make But we recognize that you you can't make But we recognize that you you can't make us make the right choice. us make the right choice. us make the right choice. You can continue to offer us this life You can continue to offer us this life You can continue to offer us this life that is full of of joy that that is such that is full of of joy that that is such that is full of of joy that that is such a relief of this constant sense of a relief of this constant sense of a relief of this constant sense of pursuing what we think is good for us pursuing what we think is good for us pursuing what we think is good for us and instead we can uh we can take the um and instead we can uh we can take the um and instead we can uh we can take the um can take this offer that you make for us can take this offer that you make for us can take this offer that you make for us of of a life that is full and joyful and of of a life that is full and joyful and of of a life that is full and joyful and self-forgetful and eternal. self-forgetful and eternal. self-forgetful and eternal. So God, speak into our hearts today and So God, speak into our hearts today and So God, speak into our hearts today and help us today and then again tomorrow help us today and then again tomorrow help us today and then again tomorrow and then again the next day and then again the next day and then again the next day to make that choice. to make that choice. to make that choice. Choose to follow you. Choose to follow you. Choose to follow you. In the name of Christ we pray. In the name of Christ we pray. In the name of Christ we pray. Amen. Amen. Amen. I want to invite our ushers to come I want to invite our ushers to come I want to invite our ushers to come forward now as we present to God our forward now as we present to God our forward now as we present to God our morning offering.

[music] [music] >> I want peace >> I want peace >> I want peace like the river. like the river. like the river. I want peace. [music] I want peace. [music] I want peace. [music] [singing] I want peace like the river [music] in I want peace like the river [music] in my soul. I [music] got peace I [music] got peace by the river. [singing] by the river. [singing] by the river. [singing] I got peace [music] by the river. I got peace [music] by the river. I got peace [music] by the river. I' got [singing] peace I' got [singing] peace I' got [singing] peace by [music] the river by [music] the river by [music] the river in my soul. I've [singing] got faith [music] I've [singing] got faith [music] like a river. like a river. like a river. I've got faith [singing] I've got faith [singing] I've got faith [singing] like a river. like a river. like a river. I've got faith [music] I've got faith [music] I've got faith [music] [singing] [singing] [singing] like a river in [music] my soul.

I've got faith [music] I've got faith [music] like a [singing] river. like a [singing] river. like a [singing] river. I've got faith like a river. I've got faith like a river. I've got faith like a river. I've got [music] faith [singing] I've got [music] faith [singing] I've got [music] faith [singing] like a river in [music] my soul. I've got [music] hope [singing] like a I've got [music] hope [singing] like a river. river. river. I've got hope like [music and singing] I've got hope like [music and singing] I've got hope like [music and singing] a river. a river. a river. I've got hope like [singing] a river in I've got hope like [singing] a river in I've got hope like [singing] a river in my soul. [music] I [music and singing] got I [music and singing] got like a river. like a river. like a river. I've got [music] home like [singing] a I've got [music] home like [singing] a I've got [music] home like [singing] a river. river. river. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> I've got hope >> I've got hope >> I've got hope like [singing] a river in my soul like [singing] a river in my soul like [singing] a river in my soul [music] like a river like a river [singing] [singing] [singing] [music] like a river [music] like a river [music] like a river My God [music] My God [music] My God [music] [singing] [singing] [singing] to you to you to you my soul.

I [music and singing] got I [music and singing] got my river. my river. my river. My God, My God, My God, [singing] [singing] [singing] my [music] my [music] my [music] God, God, God, my [music] [music] I've got [singing] I've got [singing] I've got [singing] faith like a river. faith like a river. faith like a river. I've got hope [music] I've got hope [music] I've got hope [music] like a river. like a river. like a river. I've got love [singing] I've got love [singing] I've got love [singing] like [music] like [music] like [music] a river in my soul. a river in my soul. a river in my soul. [music] [music] My [music] My soul [music] [music] [singing] Peace [music] Peace [music] in [singing] Christ.

[music] [music] Heat. [music] [music] Heat. Heat. Heat. [music] >> Please be seated. >> Please be seated. Friends, as we come together at Christ's Friends, as we come together at Christ's Friends, as we come together at Christ's table, I want you to know that everyone table, I want you to know that everyone table, I want you to know that everyone is welcome here at this table. If you is welcome here at this table. If you is welcome here at this table. If you are joining us online, please gather are joining us online, please gather are joining us online, please gather some crackers or bread and and juice or some crackers or bread and and juice or some crackers or bread and and juice or or uh whatever you have available and or uh whatever you have available and or uh whatever you have available and join us here at Christ's table. If this join us here at Christ's table. If this join us here at Christ's table. If this is your first time at St. Luke's, uh you is your first time at St. Luke's, uh you is your first time at St. Luke's, uh you are certainly welcome and an usher will are certainly welcome and an usher will are certainly welcome and an usher will let you know when it's time to come let you know when it's time to come let you know when it's time to come forward. And when you come forward, you forward. And when you come forward, you forward. And when you come forward, you can just hold out your hand and we will can just hold out your hand and we will can just hold out your hand and we will place a wafer in your hand. And then you place a wafer in your hand. And then you place a wafer in your hand. And then you take that wafer, dip it in the cup, and take that wafer, dip it in the cup, and take that wafer, dip it in the cup, and take it into your body. You're free to

take it into your body. You're free to take it into your body. You're free to uh pray at the kneelers afterwards or uh uh pray at the kneelers afterwards or uh uh pray at the kneelers afterwards or uh return to your seat. And if you need return to your seat. And if you need return to your seat. And if you need gluten-free elements, we have those gluten-free elements, we have those gluten-free elements, we have those available. Just let your uh server know available. Just let your uh server know available. Just let your uh server know and we will uh get those for you. Uh and and we will uh get those for you. Uh and and we will uh get those for you. Uh and then if you would like to be served then if you would like to be served then if you would like to be served where you are seated, just let an usher where you are seated, just let an usher where you are seated, just let an usher know and we will meet you where you are. know and we will meet you where you are. know and we will meet you where you are. So Christ our Lord invites to his table So Christ our Lord invites to his table So Christ our Lord invites to his table all who love him, who earnestly repent all who love him, who earnestly repent all who love him, who earnestly repent of their sin and seek to live in peace of their sin and seek to live in peace of their sin and seek to live in peace with one another. Therefore, let us with one another. Therefore, let us with one another. Therefore, let us confess our sin before God and one confess our sin before God and one confess our sin before God and one another. Gracious God, your scriptures another. Gracious God, your scriptures another. Gracious God, your scriptures tell us that you have swallowed up death tell us that you have swallowed up death tell us that you have swallowed up death in victory. This glorious truth we begin in victory. This glorious truth we begin in victory. This glorious truth we begin to understand with our minds. But when to understand with our minds. But when to understand with our minds. But when push comes to shove, we are still driven push comes to shove, we are still driven push comes to shove, we are still driven by fear. Even though death has lost its by fear. Even though death has lost its by fear. Even though death has lost its sting, we often live as though sin still sting, we often live as though sin still sting, we often live as though sin still has sway over us. Lord, we confess that has sway over us. Lord, we confess that has sway over us. Lord, we confess that we trust our own strength and our own we trust our own strength and our own we trust our own strength and our own paths instead of your resurrection paths instead of your resurrection paths instead of your resurrection power. Change our hearts, oh God.

power. Change our hearts, oh God. power. Change our hearts, oh God. Cleanse us from all unrighteousness Cleanse us from all unrighteousness Cleanse us from all unrighteousness and restore us to a complete and and restore us to a complete and and restore us to a complete and steadfast trust in Jesus. We pray this steadfast trust in Jesus. We pray this steadfast trust in Jesus. We pray this humbly in Christ's name. Amen. Hear the humbly in Christ's name. Amen. Hear the humbly in Christ's name. Amen. Hear the good news. Christ died while we were yet good news. Christ died while we were yet good news. Christ died while we were yet sinners. That proves God's love toward sinners. That proves God's love toward sinners. That proves God's love toward us. In the name of Jesus Christ, you are us. In the name of Jesus Christ, you are us. In the name of Jesus Christ, you are forgiven. forgiven. forgiven. >> In the name of Jesus Christ. >> In the name of Jesus Christ. >> In the name of Jesus Christ. >> Glory to God. Amen. The Lord be with >> Glory to God. Amen. The Lord be with >> Glory to God. Amen. The Lord be with you. And you. And you. And >> also with you. >> also with you. >> also with you. >> Lift up your hearts. >> Lift up your hearts. >> Lift up your hearts. >> Lift them up to the Lord. >> Lift them up to the Lord. >> Lift them up to the Lord. >> Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. >> It is right and a good and joyful thing >> It is right and a good and joyful thing always and everywhere to give thanks to always and everywhere to give thanks to always and everywhere to give thanks to you, Father Almighty, creator of heaven you, Father Almighty, creator of heaven you, Father Almighty, creator of heaven and earth. And so with your people on and earth. And so with your people on and earth. And so with your people on earth and all the company in heaven, we earth and all the company in heaven, we earth and all the company in heaven, we praise your name and join in their praise your name and join in their praise your name and join in their unending hymn. Holy, [music] holy, holy Holy, [music] holy, holy God.

Heaven and [music] earth are full of Heaven and [music] earth are full of your gloryana your gloryana your gloryana [music] in the highest. in the highest. Blessed is [music] he who comes in the Blessed is [music] he who comes in the Blessed is [music] he who comes in the name of the Lord. On the night in which Christ gave On the night in which Christ gave himself up for us, he was having dinner himself up for us, he was having dinner himself up for us, he was having dinner with his his disciples, he took the with his his disciples, he took the with his his disciples, he took the bread and he broke it, giving thanks to bread and he broke it, giving thanks to bread and he broke it, giving thanks to God and then giving it to his disciples, God and then giving it to his disciples, God and then giving it to his disciples, saying, "This is my body given for you." saying, "This is my body given for you." saying, "This is my body given for you." And when the meal was over, Jesus took And when the meal was over, Jesus took And when the meal was over, Jesus took the cup. He gave thanks to God and he the cup. He gave thanks to God and he the cup. He gave thanks to God and he gave it to his disciples, saying, "This gave it to his disciples, saying, "This gave it to his disciples, saying, "This is my blood of the new covenant poured is my blood of the new covenant poured is my blood of the new covenant poured out for you and for many for the out for you and for many for the out for you and for many for the forgiveness of sins. Do this as often as forgiveness of sins. Do this as often as forgiveness of sins. Do this as often as you drink it in remembrance of me."

you drink it in remembrance of me." you drink it in remembrance of me." And so in remembrance of these your And so in remembrance of these your And so in remembrance of these your mighty acts in Jesus Christ, we offer mighty acts in Jesus Christ, we offer mighty acts in Jesus Christ, we offer ourselves in praise and thanksgiving as ourselves in praise and thanksgiving as ourselves in praise and thanksgiving as a holy and living sacrifice in union a holy and living sacrifice in union a holy and living sacrifice in union with Christ's offering for us as we with Christ's offering for us as we with Christ's offering for us as we proclaim the mystery of faith. Gracious God, pour out your holy spirit Gracious God, pour out your holy spirit on us gathered here and on these gifts on us gathered here and on these gifts on us gathered here and on these gifts of bread and cup. Make them be for us of bread and cup. Make them be for us of bread and cup. Make them be for us the body and blood of Christ that we may the body and blood of Christ that we may the body and blood of Christ that we may be for the world the body of Christ be for the world the body of Christ be for the world the body of Christ redeemed by his blood. By your spirit redeemed by his blood. By your spirit redeemed by his blood. By your spirit make us one with Christ, one with each make us one with Christ, one with each make us one with Christ, one with each other and one in ministry to all the other and one in ministry to all the other and one in ministry to all the world until Christ comes in final world until Christ comes in final world until Christ comes in final victory and we feast at his heavenly victory and we feast at his heavenly victory and we feast at his heavenly banquet. through your son Jesus Christ banquet. through your son Jesus Christ banquet. through your son Jesus Christ with the Holy Spirit in your holy with the Holy Spirit in your holy with the Holy Spirit in your holy church. All honor and glory is yours church. All honor and glory is yours church. All honor and glory is yours almighty father now and forever.

Now with the confidence of children of Now with the confidence of children of God, let us pray together the prayer God, let us pray together the prayer God, let us pray together the prayer Jesus taught us to pray, saying, "Our Jesus taught us to pray, saying, "Our Jesus taught us to pray, saying, "Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give done on earth as it is in heaven. Give done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us this day our daily bread. And forgive us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those us our trespasses as we forgive those us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not who trespass against us. And lead us not who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from into temptation, but deliver us from into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom and the evil. For thine is the kingdom and the evil. For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen. power and the glory forever. Amen. power and the glory forever. Amen. Friends, our hymn of preparation is Friends, our hymn of preparation is Friends, our hymn of preparation is number 118 in your himnil. It's the care number 118 in your himnil. It's the care number 118 in your himnil. It's the care the eagles gives her young. Would you the eagles gives her young. Would you the eagles gives her young. Would you please stand and sing? save save all [music] of of [music] God.

of [music] God. for your heart. for your heart. for your heart. [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> to >> to >> to Jes. to Bright [music] to Bright [music] s to to us. [music] I come with joy to meet [music] my Lord I come with joy to meet [music] my Lord and

and and we all we all we all his life down for me. [music] his life down for me. [music] his life down for me. [music] His life went down for me. I come with Christians [music] I come with Christians [music] for for for find find find the community [music] the community [music] the community [music] in Christ. in in the love [music and singing] that makes the love [music and singing] that makes the love [music and singing] that makes us and strangers us and strangers us and strangers and strangers [singing] and strangers [singing] and strangers [singing] [music] at lost with joy he meets the Lord. His at lost with joy he meets the Lord. His presence always [music] there. Is this presence always [music] there. Is this presence always [music] there. Is this his friendship? his friendship? his friendship? We see and praise him here. We [music] We see and praise him here. We [music] We see and praise him here. We [music] see and praise him.

Together [music] Together [music] we [music] [music] will hear and speak his praise. will hear and speak his praise. will hear and speak his praise. We will give us his praise. [music] >> Please join me in Our prayer after

>> Please join me in Our prayer after communion. communion. communion. Gracious God, we thank you that in this Gracious God, we thank you that in this Gracious God, we thank you that in this sacrament you assure us of your goodness sacrament you assure us of your goodness sacrament you assure us of your goodness and love. Accept our sacrifice of praise and love. Accept our sacrifice of praise and love. Accept our sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving and help us to grow in and thanksgiving and help us to grow in and thanksgiving and help us to grow in love and obedience that we may serve you love and obedience that we may serve you love and obedience that we may serve you in the world and finally be brought to in the world and finally be brought to in the world and finally be brought to that table where all your saints feast that table where all your saints feast that table where all your saints feast with you forever. with you forever. with you forever. Father, we offer ourselves to you as a Father, we offer ourselves to you as a Father, we offer ourselves to you as a living sacrifice through Jesus Christ living sacrifice through Jesus Christ living sacrifice through Jesus Christ our Lord. Send us out in the power of our Lord. Send us out in the power of our Lord. Send us out in the power of your spirit to live and work for your your spirit to live and work for your your spirit to live and work for your praise and glory. Our hymn of commitment praise and glory. Our hymn of commitment praise and glory. Our hymn of commitment is number 348. We will be singing verses is number 348. We will be singing verses is number 348. We will be singing verses 1 and four. Please stand. >> Jesus is >> Jesus is calling calling calling you [music] for

Amen. Amen. Oh, Oh, Oh, you you you [music] Jesus is calling [music] Jesus is calling [music] calling. All of the he has [music] promised All of the he has [music] promised to you for me. [music] mercy [music] mercy [music] and to [music] to [music] Jesus is Jesus is Jesus is holy holy holy [music] savior.

Friends, today is a day to live and love Friends, today is a day to live and love like Jesus and to live into that call like Jesus and to live into that call like Jesus and to live into that call which he has on our lives and that um which he has on our lives and that um which he has on our lives and that um just that wonderful life that he has in just that wonderful life that he has in just that wonderful life that he has in store for us that we sometimes choose to store for us that we sometimes choose to store for us that we sometimes choose to avoid. avoid. avoid. So go in peace and may the God of hope So go in peace and may the God of hope So go in peace and may the God of hope fill you with all the peace and joy and fill you with all the peace and joy and fill you with all the peace and joy and believing so that you may abound in hope believing so that you may abound in hope believing so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. In the by the power of the Holy Spirit. In the by the power of the Holy Spirit. In the name of the Father and the Son and the name of the Father and the Son and the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen. Heat.

Heat. [music]