WEEKEND SERVICE AUGUST 30, 2026

>> Hey, good Morning, Summit Online. Happy >> Hey, good Morning, Summit Online. Happy Sunday. I am so glad you're joining us Sunday. I am so glad you're joining us Sunday. I am so glad you're joining us this morning. I'm Lauren Thompson, our this morning. I'm Lauren Thompson, our this morning. I'm Lauren Thompson, our Summit online coordinator, and I'm so Summit online coordinator, and I'm so Summit online coordinator, and I'm so excited because I have a fellow Thompson excited because I have a fellow Thompson excited because I have a fellow Thompson here at Gio Thompson. Hey, good morning. here at Gio Thompson. Hey, good morning. here at Gio Thompson. Hey, good morning. >> Excited to be here. Excited to be here. >> Excited to be here. Excited to be here. >> Excited to be here. Excited to be here. Absolutely. With the uh the Thompson and Absolutely. With the uh the Thompson and Absolutely. With the uh the Thompson and Thompson takeover. Thompson takeover. Thompson takeover. >> I love it. Yeah, let's let's do it. >> I love it. Yeah, let's let's do it. >> I love it. Yeah, let's let's do it. Yeah. [laughter] Yeah. [laughter] Yeah. [laughter] >> Um well, we've got a great morning ahead >> Um well, we've got a great morning ahead >> Um well, we've got a great morning ahead of us. I am excited you guys are of us. I am excited you guys are of us. I am excited you guys are joining. Uh so, Gio, tell us a little joining. Uh so, Gio, tell us a little joining. Uh so, Gio, tell us a little bit about yourself. What do you do here bit about yourself. What do you do here bit about yourself. What do you do here at Summit? How long have you been here? at Summit? How long have you been here? at Summit? How long have you been here? >> Yeah. Yeah. So, I'm the small groups >> Yeah. Yeah. So, I'm the small groups >> Yeah. Yeah. So, I'm the small groups director here uh here at the Capitol director here uh here at the Capitol director here uh here at the Capitol Hills campus and I oversee getting Hills campus and I oversee getting Hills campus and I oversee getting people connected to small groups as well people connected to small groups as well people connected to small groups as well as a lot of our leadership development as a lot of our leadership development as a lot of our leadership development with our small group leaders and with our small group leaders and with our small group leaders and coaches. coaches. coaches. >> That's awesome. >> That's awesome. >> That's awesome. >> Yeah. So, I've been here for the last >> Yeah. So, I've been here for the last >> Yeah. So, I've been here for the last four years, which is crazy how time four years, which is crazy how time four years, which is crazy how time flies. flies. flies. >> Yeah. Yeah. And you're here at the >> Yeah. Yeah. And you're here at the >> Yeah. Yeah. And you're here at the Capitol Hills campus, right? Okay. Capitol Hills campus, right? Okay. Capitol Hills campus, right? Okay. >> Absolutely. Absolutely. >> Absolutely. Absolutely. >> Absolutely. Absolutely. >> Um well, I know. Shout out to my small >> Um well, I know. Shout out to my small >> Um well, I know. Shout out to my small group. I love my small group. I've been group. I love my small group. I've been group. I love my small group. I've been at a small group for like 10 years and at a small group for like 10 years and at a small group for like 10 years and it's fantastic. They're like my family it's fantastic. They're like my family it's fantastic. They're like my family here. Uh but for those people who may here. Uh but for those people who may here. Uh but for those people who may not know what a small group is or like not know what a small group is or like not know what a small group is or like what happens at small group can you what happens at small group can you what happens at small group can you share a little bit more about that?

share a little bit more about that? share a little bit more about that? >> Yeah absolutely. So what we like to say >> Yeah absolutely. So what we like to say >> Yeah absolutely. So what we like to say here is that small groups exist to build here is that small groups exist to build here is that small groups exist to build disciples through relationships. Uh the disciples through relationships. Uh the disciples through relationships. Uh the way that we define a disciple is through way that we define a disciple is through way that we define a disciple is through um in our five identities which is um in our five identities which is um in our five identities which is worshipper, family member, servant, worshipper, family member, servant, worshipper, family member, servant, steward, witness. And so we want in steward, witness. And so we want in steward, witness. And so we want in small groups for you to grow in those uh small groups for you to grow in those uh small groups for you to grow in those uh identities as a disciple. And the way identities as a disciple. And the way identities as a disciple. And the way that we do that is through our four that we do that is through our four that we do that is through our four rhythms, which is Bible discussion, rhythms, which is Bible discussion, rhythms, which is Bible discussion, being in the word, through family time, being in the word, through family time, being in the word, through family time, being with each other, through uh droup, being with each other, through uh droup, being with each other, through uh droup, which is being transparent, and through which is being transparent, and through which is being transparent, and through missions, which is being out there in missions, which is being out there in missions, which is being out there in our neighborhoods and community. So, uh our neighborhoods and community. So, uh our neighborhoods and community. So, uh a good place to to get connected and to a good place to to get connected and to a good place to to get connected and to be in community and to to grow in our be in community and to to grow in our be in community and to to grow in our desire to walk with God. desire to walk with God. desire to walk with God. >> Absolutely. Yeah. Yeah. Well, so uh if >> Absolutely. Yeah. Yeah. Well, so uh if >> Absolutely. Yeah. Yeah. Well, so uh if someone lives here locally, they can someone lives here locally, they can someone lives here locally, they can obviously find a small group here obviously find a small group here obviously find a small group here locally, but how how would they find locally, but how how would they find locally, but how how would they find one? And how would they get involved? one? And how would they get involved? one? And how would they get involved? >> Yeah, absolutely. The best way to get >> Yeah, absolutely. The best way to get >> Yeah, absolutely. The best way to get connected to a small group is at your connected to a small group is at your connected to a small group is at your local campuses. Uh go to your next step local campuses. Uh go to your next step local campuses. Uh go to your next step uh table and ask about inquire about uh table and ask about inquire about uh table and ask about inquire about that and they can get you connected or that and they can get you connected or that and they can get you connected or go to our website which is on the go to our website which is on the go to our website which is on the screen.

screen. screen. >> Yeah. Yeah. The link's down there um to >> Yeah. Yeah. The link's down there um to >> Yeah. Yeah. The link's down there um to fill out an interest form if you are fill out an interest form if you are fill out an interest form if you are interested in joining a small group. So, interested in joining a small group. So, interested in joining a small group. So, >> um, and I'll just say for you guys who >> um, and I'll just say for you guys who >> um, and I'll just say for you guys who join us regularly online that are not join us regularly online that are not join us regularly online that are not here in the triangle, uh, we want to here in the triangle, uh, we want to here in the triangle, uh, we want to connect with you as a Summit online team connect with you as a Summit online team connect with you as a Summit online team as we're starting to develop things. Um, as we're starting to develop things. Um, as we're starting to develop things. Um, so definitely text welcome to 33933. If so definitely text welcome to 33933. If so definitely text welcome to 33933. If you are not already connected to Summit you are not already connected to Summit you are not already connected to Summit online and you don't live here in the online and you don't live here in the online and you don't live here in the triangle, that is the best way to triangle, that is the best way to triangle, that is the best way to connect with us to hear what's coming up connect with us to hear what's coming up connect with us to hear what's coming up for uh, some stuff with Summit online. for uh, some stuff with Summit online. for uh, some stuff with Summit online. And um we'll have some extra resources And um we'll have some extra resources And um we'll have some extra resources we're sending out for you guys to engage we're sending out for you guys to engage we're sending out for you guys to engage with people uh around you. So I would with people uh around you. So I would with people uh around you. So I would encourage you to text welcome to 33933. encourage you to text welcome to 33933. encourage you to text welcome to 33933. Let us know that you're joining. Let us Let us know that you're joining. Let us Let us know that you're joining. Let us know that you're joining online and we know that you're joining online and we know that you're joining online and we would be glad to connect with you that would be glad to connect with you that would be glad to connect with you that way as well. Uh well yeah, small groups way as well. Uh well yeah, small groups way as well. Uh well yeah, small groups are great. I love it. Uh one of the ways are great. I love it. Uh one of the ways are great. I love it. Uh one of the ways that you mentioned is being a family that you mentioned is being a family that you mentioned is being a family member. And I think as a church, we've member. And I think as a church, we've member. And I think as a church, we've been going through 21 days of prayer, been going through 21 days of prayer, been going through 21 days of prayer, which is uh just been awesome to like which is uh just been awesome to like which is uh just been awesome to like come together as a church family and come together as a church family and come together as a church family and like pray through the same prompt. So like pray through the same prompt. So like pray through the same prompt. So I'm curious, how's it been for you and I'm curious, how's it been for you and I'm curious, how's it been for you and your family?

your family? your family? >> Yeah. Yeah, it's been awesome with our >> Yeah. Yeah, it's been awesome with our >> Yeah. Yeah, it's been awesome with our family. Uh I think just walking uh last, family. Uh I think just walking uh last, family. Uh I think just walking uh last, you know, two weeks through uh man, the you know, two weeks through uh man, the you know, two weeks through uh man, the Lord's Prayer has been really sweet for Lord's Prayer has been really sweet for Lord's Prayer has been really sweet for us just to be able to dive into each us just to be able to dive into each us just to be able to dive into each section and really understand, man, the section and really understand, man, the section and really understand, man, the heart of God and where he wants us to heart of God and where he wants us to heart of God and where he wants us to reenter our lives. And so for us, it's reenter our lives. And so for us, it's reenter our lives. And so for us, it's just been awesome to to spend more time just been awesome to to spend more time just been awesome to to spend more time abiding in that. abiding in that. abiding in that. >> Yeah. Yeah, I agree. I think um you >> Yeah. Yeah, I agree. I think um you >> Yeah. Yeah, I agree. I think um you know, the first week there were a lot of know, the first week there were a lot of know, the first week there were a lot of prompts that I feel like were uh I was prompts that I feel like were uh I was prompts that I feel like were uh I was praying through stuff personally with praying through stuff personally with praying through stuff personally with the Lord. And then this week I feel like the Lord. And then this week I feel like the Lord. And then this week I feel like there were a lot that were uh focused on there were a lot that were uh focused on there were a lot that were uh focused on community and our church and people community and our church and people community and our church and people around us. And um I just love that. I around us. And um I just love that. I around us. And um I just love that. I love that knowing that we as a church love that knowing that we as a church love that knowing that we as a church together are praying these things for together are praying these things for together are praying these things for ourselves, for our community, for our uh ourselves, for our community, for our uh ourselves, for our community, for our uh brothers and sisters in Christ. And so, brothers and sisters in Christ. And so, brothers and sisters in Christ. And so, um, yeah, guys, I would encourage you, um, yeah, guys, I would encourage you, um, yeah, guys, I would encourage you, we still got one more week of 21 days of we still got one more week of 21 days of we still got one more week of 21 days of prayer. Uh, you can join us by prayer. Uh, you can join us by prayer. Uh, you can join us by downloading the Summit Church app and downloading the Summit Church app and downloading the Summit Church app and going through it in daily revival or go going through it in daily revival or go going through it in daily revival or go to summiturch.com/per. to summiturch.com/per. to summiturch.com/per. But it really is impactful. And one of But it really is impactful. And one of But it really is impactful. And one of the best ways that we kind of like the best ways that we kind of like the best ways that we kind of like finish up is through a night of prayer finish up is through a night of prayer finish up is through a night of prayer and worship that's coming up this week.

and worship that's coming up this week. and worship that's coming up this week. >> Yeah, I'm super excited about that just >> Yeah, I'm super excited about that just >> Yeah, I'm super excited about that just for our entire church to come together, for our entire church to come together, for our entire church to come together, worship, anticipation of the Lord worship, anticipation of the Lord worship, anticipation of the Lord answering a lot of our prayers through answering a lot of our prayers through answering a lot of our prayers through this time. So, it feels like just a this time. So, it feels like just a this time. So, it feels like just a culmination of our prayer time. So, culmination of our prayer time. So, culmination of our prayer time. So, excited about that. excited about that. excited about that. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. Me, too. I always love uh when we >> Yeah. Me, too. I always love uh when we >> Yeah. Me, too. I always love uh when we get to do a night of prayer and worship get to do a night of prayer and worship get to do a night of prayer and worship together. Um so, I would encourage you together. Um so, I would encourage you together. Um so, I would encourage you if you live here in the Triangle, check if you live here in the Triangle, check if you live here in the Triangle, check out uh you can scan that QR code to find out uh you can scan that QR code to find out uh you can scan that QR code to find which we have four permanent locations which we have four permanent locations which we have four permanent locations that are hosting it on Thursday, this that are hosting it on Thursday, this that are hosting it on Thursday, this Thursday, September 3rd. And uh I would Thursday, September 3rd. And uh I would Thursday, September 3rd. And uh I would really encourage you to try to come. really encourage you to try to come. really encourage you to try to come. Even if you can't make it for the whole Even if you can't make it for the whole Even if you can't make it for the whole time, just come for what you can and time, just come for what you can and time, just come for what you can and spend some time in in community praying. spend some time in in community praying. spend some time in in community praying. We'll pray through uh things We'll pray through uh things We'll pray through uh things individually. We'll pray through things individually. We'll pray through things individually. We'll pray through things together. We'll pray for our city and together. We'll pray for our city and together. We'll pray for our city and the people around us. Um so I would the people around us. Um so I would the people around us. Um so I would encourage you to do that. But if you are encourage you to do that. But if you are encourage you to do that. But if you are not here locally, uh we do have an not here locally, uh we do have an not here locally, uh we do have an option. Again, if you connect with us option. Again, if you connect with us option. Again, if you connect with us with Summit online and you are connected with Summit online and you are connected with Summit online and you are connected with our Summit online uh email group, with our Summit online uh email group, with our Summit online uh email group, we'll be sending out a resource as well we'll be sending out a resource as well we'll be sending out a resource as well that you can participate at home and that you can participate at home and that you can participate at home and with people there. Um if you are joining with people there. Um if you are joining with people there. Um if you are joining us, you know, outside of the triangle us, you know, outside of the triangle us, you know, outside of the triangle and you're part of our summit online uh and you're part of our summit online uh and you're part of our summit online uh viewers. So, yeah. Yeah. Anyway, all viewers. So, yeah. Yeah. Anyway, all viewers. So, yeah. Yeah. Anyway, all right. Well, we are getting back into right. Well, we are getting back into right. Well, we are getting back into Ecclesiastes today. Pastor JD kicked it Ecclesiastes today. Pastor JD kicked it Ecclesiastes today. Pastor JD kicked it off last week and he is going to be off last week and he is going to be off last week and he is going to be teaching from Ecclesiastes 3 today. Uh teaching from Ecclesiastes 3 today. Uh teaching from Ecclesiastes 3 today. Uh I'm curious, you know, first sermon last I'm curious, you know, first sermon last I'm curious, you know, first sermon last week, how did you feel? What anything week, how did you feel? What anything week, how did you feel? What anything stand out to you?

stand out to you? stand out to you? >> Yeah, I thought it was awesome. Uh we >> Yeah, I thought it was awesome. Uh we >> Yeah, I thought it was awesome. Uh we are had an opportunity to invite some are had an opportunity to invite some are had an opportunity to invite some neighbors to the sermon last last week neighbors to the sermon last last week neighbors to the sermon last last week and it was awesome just to have that be and it was awesome just to have that be and it was awesome just to have that be the kind of prep and kickoff for them to the kind of prep and kickoff for them to the kind of prep and kickoff for them to understanding what faith is and kind of understanding what faith is and kind of understanding what faith is and kind of what we believe. So super thankful for what we believe. So super thankful for what we believe. So super thankful for >> that that sermon. Yeah. >> that that sermon. Yeah. >> that that sermon. Yeah. >> Yeah, it was a really really good >> Yeah, it was a really really good >> Yeah, it was a really really good message. a really clear like gospel message. a really clear like gospel message. a really clear like gospel presentation and um this this week's presentation and um this this week's presentation and um this this week's message is fantastic too and really message is fantastic too and really message is fantastic too and really excited for you guys to hear that. So, excited for you guys to hear that. So, excited for you guys to hear that. So, but if you missed last week, we have a but if you missed last week, we have a but if you missed last week, we have a quick recap that we're going to show and quick recap that we're going to show and quick recap that we're going to show and then we'll go straight into service. Um then we'll go straight into service. Um then we'll go straight into service. Um so, Gio, thanks for being here. I so, Gio, thanks for being here. I so, Gio, thanks for being here. I appreciate you uh sharing about small appreciate you uh sharing about small appreciate you uh sharing about small groups and absolutely. groups and absolutely. groups and absolutely. >> So, guys, why don't we watch this recap >> So, guys, why don't we watch this recap >> So, guys, why don't we watch this recap from last week? [music] [music] >> You understand the difference? The first >> You understand the difference? The first >> You understand the difference? The first one treats [music] pleasure like it's one treats [music] pleasure like it's one treats [music] pleasure like it's the substance of life. Party it up the substance of life. Party it up the substance of life. Party it up because this is all we got. The one because this is all we got. The one because this is all we got. The one says, "No, no, no. Pleasure is not all says, "No, no, no. Pleasure is not all says, "No, no, no. Pleasure is not all we have. It's not the whole substance of we have. It's not the whole substance of we have. It's not the whole substance of our lives. The substance of our lives is our lives. The substance of our lives is our lives. The substance of our lives is God and eternity. But these are good God and eternity. But these are good God and eternity. But these are good gifts of [music] God that he gives us gifts of [music] God that he gives us gifts of [music] God that he gives us right now to be enjoyed to the fools who right now to be enjoyed to the fools who right now to be enjoyed to the fools who eat and drink and be married." Because eat and drink and be married." Because eat and drink and be married." Because this is what you have into the futility this is what you have into the futility this is what you have into the futility of this cursed world. step the author of of this cursed world. step the author of of this cursed world. step the author of life himself and on a cross. The only life himself and on a cross. The only life himself and on a cross. The only one who actually was fully fulfilled, one who actually was fully fulfilled, one who actually was fully fulfilled, the only one who was not temporary, the the only one who was not temporary, the the only one who was not temporary, the only one who had life in himself in only one who had life in himself in only one who had life in himself in whose presence was the fullness of joy

whose presence was the fullness of joy whose presence was the fullness of joy and at whose right hand are pleasures and at whose right hand are pleasures and at whose right hand are pleasures forever more. On a cross, he absorbed forever more. On a cross, he absorbed forever more. On a cross, he absorbed the heart of the curse, ultimate the heart of the curse, ultimate the heart of the curse, ultimate futility. Death itself went into him. futility. Death itself went into him. futility. Death itself went into him. [music] The only perfect person who had [music] The only perfect person who had [music] The only perfect person who had ever walked on earth took our futility, ever walked on earth took our futility, ever walked on earth took our futility, the curse for our sin [music] into the curse for our sin [music] into the curse for our sin [music] into himself. And he carried it into the himself. And he carried it into the himself. And he carried it into the cold, dark, meaningless grave. And then cold, dark, meaningless grave. And then cold, dark, meaningless grave. And then [music] he walked out 3 days later, [music] he walked out 3 days later, [music] he walked out 3 days later, breaking the power of the curse and breaking the power of the curse and breaking the power of the curse and guaranteeing that life and labor in him guaranteeing that life and labor in him guaranteeing that life and labor in him will not end in [music] futility. You will not end in [music] futility. You will not end in [music] futility. You see, he says it all ends here. The see, he says it all ends here. The see, he says it all ends here. The resurrection says no, it doesn't. He resurrection says no, it doesn't. He resurrection says no, it doesn't. He says this is all there is. As the says this is all there is. As the says this is all there is. As the resurrection says, there is more. resurrection says, there is more. resurrection says, there is more. [music] [music] [music] He says nothing matters. Paul, the He says nothing matters. Paul, the He says nothing matters. Paul, the Apostle Paul, stands on the other side Apostle Paul, stands on the other side Apostle Paul, stands on the other side of an empty [music] tomb and he says, of an empty [music] tomb and he says, of an empty [music] tomb and he says, "No, everything matters. Be steadfast, "No, everything matters. Be steadfast, "No, everything matters. Be steadfast, therefore, immovable, always abounding therefore, immovable, always abounding therefore, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor in the Lord is not in vain, your labor in the Lord is not in vain, your labor in the Lord is not in vain, and that is for one reason," Paul says, and that is for one reason," Paul says, and that is for one reason," Paul says, and that [music] reason is the and that [music] reason is the and that [music] reason is the resurrection. resurrection. resurrection. The resurrection changes everything. The The resurrection changes everything. The The resurrection changes everything. The resurrection ends [music] ultimate resurrection ends [music] ultimate resurrection ends [music] ultimate futility.

>> Summit family, it is so good to see you >> Summit family, it is so good to see you and be with [music] you on a Sunday and be with [music] you on a Sunday and be with [music] you on a Sunday morning again. Like, can we stand morning again. Like, can we stand morning again. Like, can we stand together in this place? together in this place? together in this place? So good to be with the spirit of God and So good to be with the spirit of God and So good to be with the spirit of God and the people of God. the people of God. the people of God. And I see a lot of us still coming in. And I see a lot of us still coming in. And I see a lot of us still coming in. And let's make sure that [music] we're And let's make sure that [music] we're And let's make sure that [music] we're scooting to the middle family so we can scooting to the middle family so we can scooting to the middle family so we can get everybody in the room uh a seat. get everybody in the room uh a seat. get everybody in the room uh a seat. Listen, if you're a first- time guest Listen, if you're a first- time guest Listen, if you're a first- time guest with us, we want to welcome you to the with us, we want to welcome you to the with us, we want to welcome you to the Summit Church and we want to welcome you Summit Church and we want to welcome you Summit Church and we want to welcome you to the gathering of God's people to to the gathering of God's people to to the gathering of God's people to worship Jesus. [music] worship Jesus. [music] worship Jesus. [music] We are so excited that you decided to uh We are so excited that you decided to uh We are so excited that you decided to uh join us today. If you haven't gone by join us today. If you haven't gone by join us today. If you haven't gone by our first time guest tent, which is our first time guest tent, which is our first time guest tent, which is outside these doors, [music] we would outside these doors, [music] we would outside these doors, [music] we would love for you to do that. We have a gift love for you to do that. We have a gift love for you to do that. We have a gift for you and would love to connect with for you and would love to connect with for you and would love to connect with you. Uh listen, if you haven't yet, turn you. Uh listen, if you haven't yet, turn you. Uh listen, if you haven't yet, turn to somebody around you, say what's up, to somebody around you, say what's up, to somebody around you, say what's up, greet them in the name of the Lord, greet them in the name of the Lord, greet them in the name of the Lord, handshakes and hugs, maybe dap somebody handshakes and hugs, maybe dap somebody handshakes and hugs, maybe dap somebody up, [music] just smile at somebody, you up, [music] just smile at somebody, you up, [music] just smile at somebody, you know, let them know you're glad to see know, let them know you're glad to see know, let them know you're glad to see them. And so is Jesus. Good morning, my them. And so is Jesus. Good morning, my them. And so is Jesus. Good morning, my sister. Good morning. Good morning.

[music] [music] >> Praise the Lord. Listen, before we uh >> Praise the Lord. Listen, before we uh >> Praise the Lord. Listen, before we uh sing together in just a moment, we're sing together in just a moment, we're sing together in just a moment, we're going to sing the truth and worship going to sing the truth and worship going to sing the truth and worship together that there is nobody like together that there is nobody like together that there is nobody like Jesus. Before we do that, we're going to Jesus. Before we do that, we're going to Jesus. Before we do that, we're going to look at the book of Revelation together look at the book of Revelation together look at the book of Revelation together and do uh what's called a responsive and do uh what's called a responsive and do uh what's called a responsive reading. So, [music] uh real simple. reading. So, [music] uh real simple. reading. So, [music] uh real simple. I'll have a part and I'll start and then I'll have a part and I'll start and then I'll have a part and I'll start and then you'll have a part and we'll go back and you'll have a part and we'll go back and you'll have a part and we'll go back and forth. Before we do this though, I'm forth. Before we do this though, I'm forth. Before we do this though, I'm inviting you not to just read something inviting you not to just read something inviting you not to just read something monotonously like we're at church and monotonously like we're at church and monotonously like we're at church and this is just the lurggical thing that this is just the lurggical thing that this is just the lurggical thing that we're doing and no, no, that's not what we're doing and no, no, that's not what we're doing and no, no, that's not what we're going to do. I want you to see we're going to do. I want you to see we're going to do. I want you to see these words and savor these words and these words and savor these words and these words and savor these words and hope in the truth of these words. I want hope in the truth of these words. I want hope in the truth of these words. I want us to worship as we [music] do this. Can us to worship as we [music] do this. Can us to worship as we [music] do this. Can we do that? we do that? we do that? Can Can we do that? Can Can we do that? Can Can we do that? >> Are y'all like this is a conversation? >> Are y'all like this is a conversation? >> Are y'all like this is a conversation? You know what I'm saying? I'm not just You know what I'm saying? I'm not just You know what I'm saying? I'm not just flapping my gums just for me. [music] flapping my gums just for me. [music] flapping my gums just for me. [music] Okay. So, are we going to do that? Okay. So, are we going to do that? Okay. So, are we going to do that? >> Can we worship together? All right. The >> Can we worship together? All right. The >> Can we worship together? All right. The book of Revelation.

book of Revelation. book of Revelation. Let's catch this vision. Then I looked Let's catch this vision. Then I looked Let's catch this vision. Then I looked and I heard around the throne and the and I heard around the throne and the and I heard around the throne and the living creatures and the elders the living creatures and the elders the living creatures and the elders the voice of many angels [music] voice of many angels [music] voice of many angels [music] numbering myriads of myriads and numbering myriads of myriads and numbering myriads of myriads and thousands of thousands saying with a thousands of thousands saying with a thousands of thousands saying with a loud voice, [music] loud voice, [music] loud voice, [music] worthy worthy worthy slain to receive power slain to receive power slain to receive power and [music] gloryless. gloryless. And I heard every creature in heaven and And I heard every creature in heaven and And I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the on earth and under the earth and in the on earth and under the earth and in the sea and all that is in them saying, sea and all that is in them saying, sea and all that is in them saying, [music] [music] And now can we sing and worship [music] And now can we sing and worship the lamb who is on the throne. [music] >> I am an instrument [music] >> I am an instrument [music] of exaltation [singing] and I was [music] born to lift your name and I was [music] born to lift your name above all names. [music] above all names. [music] above all names. [music] You hear the melody You hear the melody You hear the melody of all creation, [music] but there's a song of praise [singing] but there's a song of praise [singing] that only [music] I can bring.

that only [music] I can bring. that only [music] I can bring. Who else is worthy? Who else is worthy? Who else is worthy? [music] Who else is worthy? There is no one, There is no one, only you, Jesus. [music] Who else is worthy? Who else is worthy? Who [music] else is [singing] worthy? There is no one. [music] There is no one. [music] Only is [singing] Jesus. Only is [singing] Jesus. Only is [singing] Jesus. [music] You are the infinite [music] You are the infinite [music] You are the infinite God of the aes. [music] God of the aes. [music] God of the aes. [music] Yet you chose to make my heart your Yet you chose to make my heart your Yet you chose to make my heart your dwelling place. [singing and music] dwelling place. [singing and music] dwelling place. [singing and music] You healed my brokenness. You healed my brokenness. You healed my brokenness. Show [music] me your [singing] glory. Show [music] me your [singing] glory. Show [music] me your [singing] glory. So I have songs of [singing] things So I have songs of [singing] things So I have songs of [singing] things [music] not even angels sing. [music] not even angels sing. [music] not even angels sing. Who else [music] is worthy?

Who else [music] is worthy? Who else [music] is worthy? Who else is worthy? [music] There is no one [music] There is no one [music] Jesus. Jesus. Jesus. Who else is worthy? [music] Who else is worthy? Who else is worthy? [music] [music] [music] There is no one There is no one There is no one only Jesus. [music] Who else is worthy? Who else is worthy? Who [music] else is worthy? There is no [singing] There is no [singing] only Jesus. [music] only Jesus. [music] only Jesus. [music] Who else is worthy? Who else is worthy? Who else is worthy? Who else is worthy? It's for [music] you and you alone that It's for [music] you and you alone that we sing. It's for you, Jesus.

we sing. It's for you, Jesus. we sing. It's for you, Jesus. Open our mouths. [music] Do it for us, Open our mouths. [music] Do it for us, Open our mouths. [music] Do it for us, God. Help us to sing. You see everything God. Help us to sing. You see everything God. Help us to sing. You see everything in our hearts and you love us in our hearts and you love us in our hearts and you love us completely. God, we sing [music] to you completely. God, we sing [music] to you completely. God, we sing [music] to you as we open our mouths to sing about the as we open our mouths to sing about the as we open our mouths to sing about the lamb of God. lamb of God. lamb of God. The lamb [music] of God. We sing. The lamb [music] of God. We sing. The lamb [music] of God. We sing. [singing] Lamb of God, [music] anointed [singing] Lamb of God, [music] anointed [singing] Lamb of God, [music] anointed one who was and is and is to [music] one who was and is and is to [music] one who was and is and is to [music] come. Seated on [singing] the throne come. Seated on [singing] the throne come. Seated on [singing] the throne above. Holy, above. Holy, above. Holy, holy, [music] rightous one who shed his holy, [music] rightous one who shed his holy, [music] rightous one who shed his blood and prove to us the father's love. blood and prove to us the father's love. blood and prove to us the father's love. [music] Jesus Christ be lifted up. Holy, [music] Jesus Christ be lifted up. Holy, [music] Jesus Christ be lifted up. Holy, holy, holy, holy, [music] God, anointed one who was and is [music] God, anointed one who was and is [music] God, anointed one who was and is [music] to come. [music] to come. [music] to come. on [singing] the throne. on [singing] the throne. on [singing] the throne. [music] Holy, [music] Holy, [music] Holy, holy, holy, holy, right right right [music] [music] [music] to prove to us the father is Jesus to prove to us the father is Jesus to prove to us the father is Jesus Christ.

[music] [music] Who else is worthy of who else is Who else is worthy of who else is Who else is worthy of who else is worthy? [music] [music] [music] Only you Jesus. Only [music] you Jesus. Only [music] you Jesus. Yes Lord. Fix our eyes on you and you Yes Lord. Fix our eyes on you and you Yes Lord. Fix our eyes on you and you alone Jesus [music] this morning. Help alone Jesus [music] this morning. Help alone Jesus [music] this morning. Help us now as we go to the cross Lord to see us now as we go to the cross Lord to see us now as we go to the cross Lord to see your love, oh God. To see your glory, to your love, oh God. To see your glory, to your love, oh God. To see your glory, to see your grace. see your grace. see your grace. [music] [music] [music] Yes. I cast my mind Yes. I cast my mind Yes. I cast my mind to Calary [music] where Jesus bled where Jesus bled and died for me.

and died for me. and died for me. [music] I see his wounds, [music] I see his wounds, [music] I see his wounds, his hands, his feet, his hands, his feet, his hands, his feet, my savior on my savior on my savior on that cursing. [music] Come on. As we that cursing. [music] Come on. As we that cursing. [music] Come on. As we sing this, just make his love personal sing this, just make his love personal sing this, just make his love personal for you today. Come on. His [music] body for you today. Come on. His [music] body for you today. Come on. His [music] body bound bound bound and drenched in tears. and drenched in tears. and drenched in tears. They laid [singing] him down They laid [singing] him down They laid [singing] him down in [music] Joseph's tomb. in [music] Joseph's tomb. in [music] Joseph's tomb. The entrance The entrance The entrance [music] by heavy stone. [music] by heavy stone. [music] by heavy stone. Messiah is still Messiah is still Messiah is still [music] and all alone. [music] and all alone. [music] and all alone. Oh praise. So praise. [music] Oh praise. So praise. [music] Oh praise. So praise. [music] Oh, praise the name of the Lord our God. Oh, praise the name of the Lord our God. Oh, praise the name of the Lord our God. Oh, praise [music] his name forever Oh, praise [music] his name forever Oh, praise [music] his name forever more.

more. more. Forever endless [music] days. We will Forever endless [music] days. We will Forever endless [music] days. We will sing your praise, oh Lord. [music] sing your praise, oh Lord. [music] sing your praise, oh Lord. [music] Oh Lord our God. Oh Lord our God. Oh Lord our God. [music] [music] [music] Yes. Then on [music] the third Then on [music] the third at break of dawn victory the son [music] at break of dawn victory the son [music] at break of dawn victory the son [music] of heaven of heaven of heaven rose again [music] rose again [music] rose again [music] will tremble dead will tremble dead will tremble dead where is your sting where is your sting where is your sting the angel [music and singing] roar the angel [music and singing] roar the angel [music and singing] roar for Christ our king they don't hold back for Christ our king they don't hold back for Christ our king they don't hold back their worship you don't Come on, back their worship you don't Come on, back their worship you don't Come on, back yours [music] today. Come on. Oh, praise yours [music] today. Come on. Oh, praise yours [music] today. Come on. Oh, praise the name of the Lord our [music] God. the name of the Lord our [music] God. the name of the Lord our [music] God. Oh, praise [singing] his name forever Oh, praise [singing] his name forever Oh, praise [singing] his name forever [music] [music] [music] forever.

forever. forever. We will [music] sing your praise. Oh We will [music] sing your praise. Oh We will [music] sing your praise. Oh Lord, Lord, Lord, oh Lord. Christ has died. [music] Christ oh Lord. Christ has died. [music] Christ oh Lord. Christ has died. [music] Christ is risen. Christ will come again. is risen. Christ will come again. is risen. Christ will come again. He shall return He shall return He shall return [music] in robes of white. [music] in robes of white. [music] in robes of white. The blazing sun The blazing sun The blazing sun shall pierce the night. [music] W and I shall pierce the night. [music] W and I shall pierce the night. [music] W and I will rise will rise will rise among the [music] shames. among the [music] shames. among the [music] shames. My gaze transfixed My gaze transfixed My gaze transfixed on Jesus. on Jesus. on Jesus. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> Oh, I just feel like we'll never be able >> Oh, I just feel like we'll never be able >> Oh, I just feel like we'll never be able to take our eyes off of him. Come on. to take our eyes off of him. Come on. to take our eyes off of him. Come on. Oh, praise the [music] >> Oh Lord. Oh Lord our God. Oh. [music] Oh >> Oh Lord. Oh Lord our God. Oh. [music] Oh praise.

Jesus. Jesus. [music] >> We will see your praise. [music] >> We will see your praise. [music] [singing] Isn't he worthy? Isn't he worthy? Isn't he worthy? [music] [music] Amen. Church, let me voice a prayer for Amen. Church, let me voice a prayer for Amen. Church, let me voice a prayer for us as we praise God. Let me praise him us as we praise God. Let me praise him us as we praise God. Let me praise him with our voice. Father, we praise you, with our voice. Father, we praise you, with our voice. Father, we praise you, Lord. We praise you. Even though we are Lord. We praise you. Even though we are Lord. We praise you. Even though we are walking through trials and sufferings, walking through trials and sufferings, walking through trials and sufferings, we choose to praise you, Lord. We choose we choose to praise you, Lord. We choose we choose to praise you, Lord. We choose to praise you over our homes, over our to praise you over our homes, over our to praise you over our homes, over our children, over our careers, over our children, over our careers, over our children, over our careers, over our dreams, our hopes, our plans, our dreams, our hopes, our plans, our dreams, our hopes, our plans, our marriages, Lord, [music] our marriages, Lord, [music] our marriages, Lord, [music] our relationships. We praise you, Lord. We relationships. We praise you, Lord. We relationships. We praise you, Lord. We praise you not to get anything from you, praise you not to get anything from you, praise you not to get anything from you, but because we have been given but because we have been given but because we have been given everything through your son, Jesus everything through your son, Jesus everything through your son, Jesus Christ. Lord, we praise you because you Christ. Lord, we praise you because you Christ. Lord, we praise you because you didn't count our sin against us. You didn't count our sin against us. You didn't count our sin against us. You counted it against the cross. Lord, we counted it against the cross. Lord, we counted it against the cross. Lord, we praise you because your promises are praise you because your promises are praise you because your promises are alive. Your mercies are new. Your grace alive. Your mercies are new. Your grace alive. Your mercies are new. Your grace is being poured out. Lord, we praise you is being poured out. Lord, we praise you is being poured out. Lord, we praise you because you were good and you were holy because you were good and you were holy because you were good and you were holy and you [music] were just and we can and you [music] were just and we can and you [music] were just and we can call you father, Lord. So we praise you call you father, Lord. So we praise you call you father, Lord. So we praise you in Jesus name. Amen. Amen. Church, it is in Jesus name. Amen. Amen. Church, it is in Jesus name. Amen. Amen. Church, it is so good to be with y'all today. Can we so good to be with y'all today. Can we so good to be with y'all today. Can we praise God with our hands one more time?

praise God with our hands one more time? praise God with our hands one more time? [applause and music] Look, I also want you to praise him by Look, I also want you to praise him by scooting in and filling every in every scooting in and filling every in every scooting in and filling every in every available seat. Y'all go ahead and sit available seat. Y'all go ahead and sit available seat. Y'all go ahead and sit down so we can see where the open seats down so we can see where the open seats down so we can see where the open seats are. And those of you that did not are. And those of you that did not are. And those of you that did not scoot, that's the reason I'm sitting you scoot, that's the reason I'm sitting you scoot, that's the reason I'm sitting you down right now, cuz I'm going to stand down right now, cuz I'm going to stand down right now, cuz I'm going to stand you right back up. So, just go ahead and you right back up. So, just go ahead and you right back up. So, just go ahead and set [music] set your mind to that and set [music] set your mind to that and set [music] set your mind to that and stretch your ham hamstrings. All right. stretch your ham hamstrings. All right. stretch your ham hamstrings. All right. Look, we gather here not because we earn Look, we gather here not because we earn Look, we gather here not because we earn anything from God. Not to not to come anything from God. Not to not to come anything from God. Not to not to come here and please God, but we gather here here and please God, but we gather here here and please God, but we gather here because Jesus Christ has done everything because Jesus Christ has done everything because Jesus Christ has done everything necessary to please God. He's done necessary to please God. He's done necessary to please God. He's done everything necessary to save us. And we everything necessary to save us. And we everything necessary to save us. And we gather here to praise out of that gather here to praise out of that gather here to praise out of that security, out of that assurance, out of security, out of that assurance, out of security, out of that assurance, out of that love. And so if you were new to that love. And so if you were new to that love. And so if you were new to church, new to Christianity, I'm so glad church, new to Christianity, I'm so glad church, new to Christianity, I'm so glad that you came here. If you're just that you came here. If you're just that you came here. If you're just investigating who this man [music] investigating who this man [music] investigating who this man [music] called Jesus is, I'm so glad that you called Jesus is, I'm so glad that you called Jesus is, I'm so glad that you came here. This is a place you can bring came here. This is a place you can bring came here. This is a place you can bring your doubts and your fears and your your doubts and your fears and your your doubts and your fears and your questions and even your hurts and your questions and even your hurts and your questions and even your hurts and your pains. We want you to come here. We want pains. We want you to come here. We want pains. We want you to come here. We want you to be a part of this. said, "Look, you to be a part of this. said, "Look, you to be a part of this. said, "Look, if you have never surrendered your life if you have never surrendered your life if you have never surrendered your life to Jesus Christ, then look, I just want to Jesus Christ, then look, I just want to Jesus Christ, then look, I just want you today to lean in, I want you to you today to lean in, I want you to you today to lean in, I want you to consider the truths and doubt your consider the truths and doubt your consider the truths and doubt your [music] doubts, and I want you just to [music] doubts, and I want you just to [music] doubts, and I want you just to ask, could this be real? Could God have ask, could this be real? Could God have ask, could this be real? Could God have loved me so much that [music] he sent loved me so much that [music] he sent loved me so much that [music] he sent his son Jesus Christ for me?" Look, we his son Jesus Christ for me?" Look, we his son Jesus Christ for me?" Look, we as Christians believe that that is true.

as Christians believe that that is true. as Christians believe that that is true. And so, we gather here not to earn And so, we gather here not to earn And so, we gather here not to earn anything from God, but because God has anything from God, but because God has anything from God, but because God has not withheld anything from us. That's not withheld anything from us. That's not withheld anything from us. That's why we don't withhold anything from him why we don't withhold anything from him why we don't withhold anything from him in our lives. That's why we choose to in our lives. That's why we choose to in our lives. That's why we choose to give and put God first, especially in give and put God first, especially in give and put God first, especially in our generosity. That's why at each of our generosity. That's why at each of our generosity. That's why at each of our ser services, we praise God like we our ser services, we praise God like we our ser services, we praise God like we just sang through the giving of our just sang through the giving of our just sang through the giving of our tithes and offerings. And so, if you tithes and offerings. And so, if you tithes and offerings. And so, if you brought those with you today, you can brought those with you today, you can brought those with you today, you can give at the door on your way out. You give at the door on your way out. You give at the door on your way out. You can also follow the instructions on the can also follow the instructions on the can also follow the instructions on the screen behind me to give through text or screen behind me to give through text or screen behind me to give through text or to give online. And those of you that to give online. And those of you that to give online. And those of you that are members in the room, you know that are members in the room, you know that are members in the room, you know that today is our member vote. You can go on today is our member vote. You can go on today is our member vote. You can go on our app and place your vote there. our app and place your vote there. our app and place your vote there. That'll be open until the end of the That'll be open until the end of the That'll be open until the end of the day. And then for all the families in day. And then for all the families in day. And then for all the families in the room, our wana club is starting next the room, our wana club is starting next the room, our wana club is starting next month in September. You see the table in month in September. You see the table in month in September. You see the table in the lobby. We want you to be a part of the lobby. We want you to be a part of the lobby. We want you to be a part of that and we want your kids to be that and we want your kids to be that and we want your kids to be involved in that. We want to stuff involved in that. We want to stuff involved in that. We want to stuff scripture into their hearts and into scripture into their hearts and into scripture into their hearts and into their lives. So we say around here their lives. So we say around here their lives. So we say around here whenever life cuts them that they bleed whenever life cuts them that they bleed whenever life cuts them that they bleed the word of God. And I know adults that the word of God. And I know adults that the word of God. And I know adults that are my age that still quote [music] are my age that still quote [music] are my age that still quote [music] scriptures and believe truths and scriptures and believe truths and scriptures and believe truths and promises that they learned in Awanas.

promises that they learned in Awanas. promises that they learned in Awanas. And so I want you to make sure your kids And so I want you to make sure your kids And so I want you to make sure your kids are involved. And then I want you to are involved. And then I want you to are involved. And then I want you to serve. I want you to be a part of serve. I want you to be a part of serve. I want you to be a part of discipling our kids. And I know that all discipling our kids. And I know that all discipling our kids. And I know that all of you have been engaged in our 21 days of you have been engaged in our 21 days of you have been engaged in our 21 days of prayer that has been happening. This of prayer that has been happening. This of prayer that has been happening. This is day 14. Today, day 21 is going to be is day 14. Today, day 21 is going to be is day 14. Today, day 21 is going to be next Sunday. But this coming Thursday next Sunday. But this coming Thursday next Sunday. But this coming Thursday night, we are going to gather for our night, we are going to gather for our night, we are going to gather for our night of prayer. Thursday night at 6:30. night of prayer. Thursday night at 6:30. night of prayer. Thursday night at 6:30. And look, just by a show of hands, if And look, just by a show of hands, if And look, just by a show of hands, if y'all want to praise with Hank, y'all want to praise with Hank, y'all want to praise with Hank, [applause] [applause] [applause] [music] just by show of hands, I would [music] just by show of hands, I would [music] just by show of hands, I would love to see how many of y'all How many love to see how many of y'all How many love to see how many of y'all How many of you have a need that you need God to of you have a need that you need God to of you have a need that you need God to meet? By show of hands, keep your hands meet? By show of hands, keep your hands meet? By show of hands, keep your hands raised. How many of y'all have someone raised. How many of y'all have someone raised. How many of y'all have someone in your life that God needs to move on in your life that God needs to move on in your life that God needs to move on and God needs to save? How many of y'all and God needs to save? How many of y'all and God needs to save? How many of y'all have something in your life that unless have something in your life that unless have something in your life that unless God moves, nothing's going to change? God moves, nothing's going to change? God moves, nothing's going to change? Look, all of us that have our hands Look, all of us that have our hands Look, all of us that have our hands raised are also saying we need to be at raised are also saying we need to be at raised are also saying we need to be at night of prayer. All of us that our night of prayer. All of us that our night of prayer. All of us that our hands are raised, you have needs. Y'all hands are raised, you have needs. Y'all hands are raised, you have needs. Y'all can put your h [snorts] hands down. You can put your h [snorts] hands down. You can put your h [snorts] hands down. You were saying that you need God to move in were saying that you need God to move in were saying that you need God to move in your life. I believe that when the your life. I believe that when the your life. I believe that when the people of God gather, he moves. That's people of God gather, he moves. That's people of God gather, he moves. That's why we have nights of prayer, not to why we have nights of prayer, not to why we have nights of prayer, not to entertain you, but to corporately bring entertain you, but to corporately bring entertain you, but to corporately bring our lives before the Lord. [music] And our lives before the Lord. [music] And our lives before the Lord. [music] And so we want you to be there with us this so we want you to be there with us this so we want you to be there with us this Thursday night at 6:30 because we are Thursday night at 6:30 because we are Thursday night at 6:30 because we are going to pray and we are going to do going to pray and we are going to do going to pray and we are going to do just that. And right now I want us to just that. And right now I want us to just that. And right now I want us to taste a little bit of that together taste a little bit of that together taste a little bit of that together right now. And so I would love for you.

right now. And so I would love for you. right now. And so I would love for you. Promised you that [music] I would do Promised you that [music] I would do Promised you that [music] I would do this. Stand back to your feet because this. Stand back to your feet because this. Stand back to your feet because we're going to pray and then we're going we're going to pray and then we're going we're going to pray and then we're going to sing another song. Some of y'all need to sing another song. Some of y'all need to sing another song. Some of y'all need to stretch. Y'all stood up way too slow. to stretch. Y'all stood up way too slow. to stretch. Y'all stood up way too slow. Those those knees are hurting and it's Those those knees are hurting and it's Those those knees are hurting and it's not even cold out yet, man. not even cold out yet, man. not even cold out yet, man. Look, I know I know that as you walk Look, I know I know that as you walk Look, I know I know that as you walk through life, life is hard. But I through life, life is hard. But I through life, life is hard. But I believe the word of God is true when it believe the word of God is true when it believe the word of God is true when it says that God will fill our souls. So says that God will fill our souls. So says that God will fill our souls. So I'm going to read this verse, this I'm going to read this verse, this I'm going to read this verse, this promise for us from the book of Jer promise for us from the book of Jer promise for us from the book of Jer Jeremiah. And then I'm going to pray out Jeremiah. And then I'm going to pray out Jeremiah. And then I'm going to pray out of it for us. Jeremiah 31:25 says, "For of it for us. Jeremiah 31:25 says, "For of it for us. Jeremiah 31:25 says, "For I will satisfy the weary soul and every I will satisfy the weary soul and every I will satisfy the weary soul and every languishing soul I will replenish. For I languishing soul I will replenish. For I languishing soul I will replenish. For I will satisfy the weary soul and every will satisfy the weary soul and every will satisfy the weary soul and every languishing soul I will [music] languishing soul I will [music] languishing soul I will [music] replenish. I'd love for you to join me replenish. I'd love for you to join me replenish. I'd love for you to join me in prayer. Close your eyes. Get into a in prayer. Close your eyes. Get into a in prayer. Close your eyes. Get into a posture of prayer. [music] And if you posture of prayer. [music] And if you posture of prayer. [music] And if you would be so bold and honest right now.

would be so bold and honest right now. would be so bold and honest right now. If your soul is weary, If your soul is weary, If your soul is weary, if your soul is languishing, if your soul is languishing, if your soul is languishing, if you went to bed last [music] night if you went to bed last [music] night if you went to bed last [music] night and thought, I don't know how I'm going and thought, I don't know how I'm going and thought, I don't know how I'm going to wake up tomorrow. If you got to the to wake up tomorrow. If you got to the to wake up tomorrow. If you got to the end of last week and you said, "I don't end of last week and you said, "I don't end of last week and you said, "I don't know how I can face Monday." Maybe you know how I can face Monday." Maybe you know how I can face Monday." Maybe you entered into 2026 and thought, "I can't entered into 2026 and thought, "I can't entered into 2026 and thought, "I can't go through another year like 2025 go through another year like 2025 go through another year like 2025 again." Yet, here you are. If your soul again." Yet, here you are. If your soul again." Yet, here you are. If your soul is weary and your soul is [music] is weary and your soul is [music] is weary and your soul is [music] languishing, languishing, languishing, would you just raise your hand? Would would you just raise your hand? Would would you just raise your hand? Would you just raise your hand right now? Your you just raise your hand right now? Your you just raise your hand right now? Your soul is weary. Life is hard. soul is weary. Life is hard. soul is weary. Life is hard. Marriage is hard. Being a parent is Marriage is hard. Being a parent is Marriage is hard. Being a parent is hard. Being a single mom is hard. Being hard. Being a single mom is hard. Being hard. Being a single mom is hard. Being a widow is hard. a widow is hard. a widow is hard. Losing your job is hard. If your soul is Losing your job is hard. If your soul is Losing your job is hard. If your soul is weary and your soul is languishing, weary and your soul is languishing, weary and your soul is languishing, God promises to fill those. And we God promises to fill those. And we God promises to fill those. And we declare that by lifting your hands or if declare that by lifting your hands or if declare that by lifting your hands or if your soul is weary, if your soul is your soul is weary, if your soul is your soul is weary, if your soul is languishing, if there's an area in your languishing, if there's an area in your languishing, if there's an area in your life that feels empty, would you just life that feels empty, would you just life that feels empty, would you just raise your hand right now? I want to raise your hand right now? I want to raise your hand right now? I want to pray over you. God, I pray for the hands pray over you. God, I pray for the hands pray over you. God, I pray for the hands that are raised here and on online.

that are raised here and on online. that are raised here and on online. Lord, I ask in Jesus name, I claim the Lord, I ask in Jesus name, I claim the Lord, I ask in Jesus name, I claim the truth that your prophet Jeremiah says truth that your prophet Jeremiah says truth that your prophet Jeremiah says that you will. Lord, that you when that that you will. Lord, that you when that that you will. Lord, that you when that verse says, [music] I will replenish. I verse says, [music] I will replenish. I verse says, [music] I will replenish. I will fill. And so, Lord, I ask by the will fill. And so, Lord, I ask by the will fill. And so, Lord, I ask by the power [music] of your spirit right now, power [music] of your spirit right now, power [music] of your spirit right now, those that have their hands raised and those that have their hands raised and those that have their hands raised and those that don't, Lord, I pray that you those that don't, Lord, I pray that you those that don't, Lord, I pray that you would fill their souls. Lord, I pray would fill their souls. Lord, I pray would fill their souls. Lord, I pray that you would fill their weary souls that you would fill their weary souls that you would fill their weary souls and their weary eyes. That you would and their weary eyes. That you would and their weary eyes. That you would wipe the tears. That you would lift wipe the tears. That you would lift wipe the tears. That you would lift their face that they may see you and their face that they may see you and their face that they may see you and Holy Spirit. that you would pour out in Holy Spirit. that you would pour out in Holy Spirit. that you would pour out in power and in presence upon them. God, I power and in presence upon them. God, I power and in presence upon them. God, I ask in Jesus' name that you would fill ask in Jesus' name that you would fill ask in Jesus' name that you would fill them, that you would replenish them, them, that you would replenish them, them, that you would replenish them, that right now [music] they would feel that right now [music] they would feel that right now [music] they would feel their soul lifted, that holy spirit, you their soul lifted, that holy spirit, you their soul lifted, that holy spirit, you would remind them of a truth and a would remind them of a truth and a would remind them of a truth and a promise that you have given to them, of promise that you have given to them, of promise that you have given to them, of the love that the father has for them. the love that the father has for them. the love that the father has for them. And Lord, I pray in Jesus' name that you And Lord, I pray in Jesus' name that you And Lord, I pray in Jesus' name that you would fill our night of prayer with your would fill our night of prayer with your would fill our night of prayer with your spirit. spirit. spirit. Lord, I [music] pray as the prophet Lord, I [music] pray as the prophet Lord, I [music] pray as the prophet Elisha prayed for a double portion of Elisha prayed for a double portion of Elisha prayed for a double portion of your spirit that night. Lord, I pray your spirit that night. Lord, I pray your spirit that night. Lord, I pray that you would pour out [music] yourself that you would pour out [music] yourself that you would pour out [music] yourself in power that you would breathe upon us in power that you would breathe upon us in power that you would breathe upon us today and then Lord that you would draw today and then Lord that you would draw today and then Lord that you would draw us to yourself. Father, I pray that you us to yourself. Father, I pray that you us to yourself. Father, I pray that you move [music] in Jesus name we pray.

move [music] in Jesus name we pray. move [music] in Jesus name we pray. Amen. Amen. We're going to sing a new song together We're going to sing a new song together today. today. today. A song that's [music] going to help us A song that's [music] going to help us A song that's [music] going to help us pray. [music] [music] Our Father in heaven, Our Father in heaven, Our Father in heaven, holy [music] is your name. Your kingdom holy [music] is your name. Your kingdom holy [music] is your name. Your kingdom among us, among us, among us, your will [music] be done today. your will [music] be done today. your will [music] be done today. As it is in heaven, As it is in heaven, As it is in heaven, let it be here now. [music] let it be here now. [music] let it be here now. [music] As it is in heaven, As it is in heaven, As it is in heaven, let it be here now. Just like that, let it be here now. Just like that, let it be here now. Just like that, [music] we're going to say, "Our father, [music] we're going to say, "Our father, [music] we're going to say, "Our father, provider, our father, provider, provider, our father, provider, provider, our father, provider, [music] give us daily bread in wanting, [music] give us daily bread in wanting, [music] give us daily bread in wanting, in waiting.

in waiting. in waiting. Lead [music] us by your hand. Lead [music] us by your hand. Lead [music] us by your hand. Everything we need, Everything we need, Everything we need, you will satisfy. you will satisfy. you will satisfy. [music] [music] [music] everything we need. everything we need. everything we need. You're the bread of life. You're the bread of life. You're the bread of life. Yes, [music] Lord Jesus. Yes, [music] Lord Jesus. Yes, [music] Lord Jesus. This is how we pray. This is how we pray. This is how we pray. We want [music] to know you more. We want [music] to know you more. We want [music] to know you more. Longing to be close in the presence of Longing to be close in the presence of Longing to be close in the presence of the Lord. [music] the Lord. [music] the Lord. [music] We bow before your throne. We bow before your throne. We bow before your throne. Your kingdom [music] Your kingdom [music] Your kingdom [music] not our own. not our own. not our own. Glory to your name. [music] Glory to your name. [music] Glory to your name. [music] Let your will be done in all the earth. Let your will be done in all the earth. Let your will be done in all the earth. [music] Yeah, [music] Yeah, [music] Yeah, this is how we pray.

Our Father, [music] forgive us Our Father, [music] forgive us for the debt we [singing] owe as we for the debt we [singing] owe as we for the debt we [singing] owe as we forgive [music] others. forgive [music] others. forgive [music] others. Your mercy overflows, [music] so keep us Your mercy overflows, [music] so keep us Your mercy overflows, [music] so keep us from temptation from temptation from temptation from the enemy. from the enemy. from the enemy. [music] [music] [music] There's a kingdom coming There's a kingdom coming There's a kingdom coming and there's a reigning [music] king. and there's a reigning [music] king. and there's a reigning [music] king. [singing] [singing] [singing] Yes. This [music] is how we pray. Yes. This [music] is how we pray. Yes. This [music] is how we pray. We want to know you more. We want to know you more. We want to know you more. [music] Longing to be close in the [music] Longing to be close in the [music] Longing to be close in the presence of the Lord. presence of the Lord. presence of the Lord. We bow [music] before your throne. We bow [music] before your throne. We bow [music] before your throne. Your kingdom not alone. [music] Your kingdom not alone. [music] Your kingdom not alone. [music] All glory to your name. All glory to your name. All glory to your name. as your [music] will be done in all the as your [music] will be done in all the as your [music] will be done in all the earth. earth. earth. That's what we want. Oh, Father, [music] That's what we want. Oh, Father, [music] That's what we want. Oh, Father, [music] this is how we pray.

this is how we pray. this is how we pray. [music] [music] [music] Oh, Oh, Oh, you're everything we want, you're everything we want, you're everything we want, everything [music] we need. everything [music] we need. everything [music] we need. God, you're satisfied God, you're satisfied God, you're satisfied every [music] longing. every [music] longing. every [music] longing. There's a coming day [music] There's a coming day [music] There's a coming day [music] when every knee will bow. when every knee will bow. when every knee will bow. Hear the nation shout, Hear the nation shout, Hear the nation shout, "Holy, holy." [music] Come on, can we "Holy, holy." [music] Come on, can we "Holy, holy." [music] Come on, can we cry out together? You're everything we cry out together? You're everything we cry out together? You're everything we want. You are everything [music] we want. You are everything [music] we want. You are everything [music] we need. need. need. Oh God, you satisfy [singing] every [music] longing. every [music] longing. Oh, there's a coming day Oh, there's a coming day Oh, there's a coming day and every knee will bow. [music] and every knee will bow. [music] and every knee will bow. [music] Hear the nation shout. Hear the nation shout. Hear the nation shout. Holy, holy, [music] Holy, holy, [music] Holy, holy, [music] this is how we pray. this is how we pray. this is how we pray. We [music] want to know you more.

We [music] want to know you more. We [music] want to know you more. longing to be close in the presence of longing to be close in the presence of longing to be close in the presence of the Lord. the Lord. the Lord. We bow before [music and singing] We bow before [music and singing] We bow before [music and singing] your throne. your throne. your throne. Your kingdom not. Your kingdom not. Your kingdom not. Glory to your name. Glory to your name. Glory to your name. [music] Let your will be done. Oh, this [music] Let your will be done. Oh, this [music] Let your will be done. Oh, this is [music] how we is [music] how we is [music] how we want to [singing] know you. want to [singing] know you. want to [singing] know you. We want [music] to be clothed in the We want [music] to be clothed in the We want [music] to be clothed in the presence of the Lord. presence of the Lord. presence of the Lord. We bow before your throne. [music] Your We bow before your throne. [music] Your We bow before your throne. [music] Your kingdom not all. Glory to this one. We kingdom not all. Glory to this one. We kingdom not all. Glory to this one. We want Lord. Let your will be done [music] want Lord. Let your will be done [music] want Lord. Let your will be done [music] in all the earth. in all the earth. in all the earth. Oh, let your kingdom come, Lord. that Oh, let your kingdom come, Lord. that Oh, let your kingdom come, Lord. that your will [music] be done in my life. In your will [music] be done in my life. In your will [music] be done in my life. In my life, let it be.

my life, let it be. my life, let it be. [music] [music] [music] Our Father in heaven, Our Father in heaven, Our Father in heaven, holy is [music] your name. Your kingdom holy is [music] your name. Your kingdom holy is [music] your name. Your kingdom among us. among us. among us. Your will be done [music] Your will be done [music] Your will be done [music] today today today as it is in heaven. as it is in heaven. as it is in heaven. Let [music] it be here now Let [music] it be here now Let [music] it be here now as it is in heaven. as it is in heaven. as it is in heaven. Let it be [music] here now. Let it be [music] here now. Let it be [music] here now. Please, Lord. Please, Lord. Please, Lord. Amen. [music] Amen. [music] Amen. [music] Would you just remain standing for just Would you just remain standing for just Would you just remain standing for just a moment as we hear the word of God a moment as we hear the word of God a moment as we hear the word of God together? >> My name is Gina and I've called the >> My name is Gina and I've called the summit home for 5 years. Today we will summit home for 5 years. Today we will summit home for 5 years. Today we will be reading from Ecclesiastes 3. be reading from Ecclesiastes 3. be reading from Ecclesiastes 3. For everything there is a season and a For everything there is a season and a For everything there is a season and a time [music] for every matter under time [music] for every matter under time [music] for every matter under heaven. A time to be born and a time to heaven. A time to be born and a time to heaven. A time to be born and a time to die. A time to [music] plant and a time die. A time to [music] plant and a time die. A time to [music] plant and a time to pluck up what is planted. A time to to pluck up what is planted. A time to to pluck up what is planted. A time to kill and [music] a time to heal. A time kill and [music] a time to heal. A time kill and [music] a time to heal. A time to break down and a time to build up. A to break down and a time to build up. A to break down and a time to build up. A time to weep and a time to [music] time to weep and a time to [music] time to weep and a time to [music] laugh. A time to mourn and a time to laugh. A time to mourn and a time to laugh. A time to mourn and a time to dance. A time to cast away stones and a dance. A time to cast away stones and a dance. A time to cast away stones and a time to gather stones together. [music] time to gather stones together. [music] time to gather stones together. [music] A time to embrace and a time to refrain A time to embrace and a time to refrain A time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing. A time [music] to seek from embracing. A time [music] to seek from embracing. A time [music] to seek and a time to lose. A time to keep and a

and a time to lose. A time to keep and a and a time to lose. A time to keep and a time [music] to cast away. A time to time [music] to cast away. A time to time [music] to cast away. A time to tear and a time to sew. A time to keep tear and a time to sew. A time to keep tear and a time to sew. A time to keep silence and a time to [music] speak. A silence and a time to [music] speak. A silence and a time to [music] speak. A time to love and a time to hate. A time time to love and a time to hate. A time time to love and a time to hate. A time for war and a time for peace. [music] for war and a time for peace. [music] for war and a time for peace. [music] What gain has the worker from his toil? What gain has the worker from his toil? What gain has the worker from his toil? I have seen the business that God has I have seen the business that God has I have seen the business that God has given to the children [music] of man to given to the children [music] of man to given to the children [music] of man to be busy with. He has made everything be busy with. He has made everything be busy with. He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also, he has put beautiful in its time. Also, he has put beautiful in its time. Also, he has put [music] eternity into man's heart, yet [music] eternity into man's heart, yet [music] eternity into man's heart, yet so that he cannot find out what God has so that he cannot find out what God has so that he cannot find out what God has done from the beginning [music] to the done from the beginning [music] to the done from the beginning [music] to the end. I have perceived that there is end. I have perceived that there is end. I have perceived that there is nothing better for them [music] to be nothing better for them [music] to be nothing better for them [music] to be than to be joyful and to do good as long than to be joyful and to do good as long than to be joyful and to do good as long as they live. Also [music] that everyone as they live. Also [music] that everyone as they live. Also [music] that everyone should eat and drink and take pleasure should eat and drink and take pleasure should eat and drink and take pleasure in all his toil. [music] This is God's in all his toil. [music] This is God's in all his toil. [music] This is God's gift to man. This is the word of God for gift to man. This is the word of God for gift to man. This is the word of God for the people of God.

the people of God. the people of God. You may be seated. [music] >> Well, Ecclesiastes chapter 3, if you >> Well, Ecclesiastes chapter 3, if you have not already turned there in your have not already turned there in your have not already turned there in your Bible, please do that. as you do that. Bible, please do that. as you do that. Bible, please do that. as you do that. Summit Church, that song that we just Summit Church, that song that we just Summit Church, that song that we just sang at all of our different locations, sang at all of our different locations, sang at all of our different locations, the Lord's Prayer, uh that was written the Lord's Prayer, uh that was written the Lord's Prayer, uh that was written by our summit worship team here, they do by our summit worship team here, they do by our summit worship team here, they do not do it for your applause, but could not do it for your applause, but could not do it for your applause, but could you express your appreciation to them you express your appreciation to them you express your appreciation to them for how [applause] how they lead us and enrich our walk how they lead us and enrich our walk with him? And let me just add this with him? And let me just add this with him? And let me just add this Thursday night, I really do want you to Thursday night, I really do want you to Thursday night, I really do want you to be there. Um that is y'all. It is the be there. Um that is y'all. It is the be there. Um that is y'all. It is the most important thing that we do as a most important thing that we do as a most important thing that we do as a church coming together to pray together church coming together to pray together church coming together to pray together and being in the presence of the Lord. and being in the presence of the Lord. and being in the presence of the Lord. It's a special night. So please make It's a special night. So please make It's a special night. So please make plans uh to be there. Um Ecclesiastes plans uh to be there. Um Ecclesiastes plans uh to be there. Um Ecclesiastes chapter 3. One of the things that I hate chapter 3. One of the things that I hate chapter 3. One of the things that I hate the most is trying to assemble a piece the most is trying to assemble a piece the most is trying to assemble a piece of furniture that I bought online.

of furniture that I bought online. of furniture that I bought online. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen to [snorts] that. You dump out all >> Amen to [snorts] that. You dump out all >> Amen to [snorts] that. You dump out all the pieces. As you stare at the the pieces. As you stare at the the pieces. As you stare at the instructions trying to figure out if instructions trying to figure out if instructions trying to figure out if somebody for whom English was their somebody for whom English was their somebody for whom English was their first language or any language wrote first language or any language wrote first language or any language wrote those instructions and just wondering 5 those instructions and just wondering 5 those instructions and just wondering 5 minutes in I'm wondering how much money minutes in I'm wondering how much money minutes in I'm wondering how much money did I actually save doing it this way. I did I actually save doing it this way. I did I actually save doing it this way. I will spend an hour trying to figure out will spend an hour trying to figure out will spend an hour trying to figure out what the difference is between pole B what the difference is between pole B what the difference is between pole B and pole C because they look exactly and pole C because they look exactly and pole C because they look exactly alike to me and why. There are so many alike to me and why. There are so many alike to me and why. There are so many extra screws and inevitably when I'm extra screws and inevitably when I'm extra screws and inevitably when I'm almost finished I will realize that I almost finished I will realize that I almost finished I will realize that I have put some piece on backwards and I have put some piece on backwards and I have put some piece on backwards and I will have to disassemble the whole thing will have to disassemble the whole thing will have to disassemble the whole thing and put it all back together. Anybody and put it all back together. Anybody and put it all back together. Anybody else have this problem? That is exactly else have this problem? That is exactly else have this problem? That is exactly how the teacher in Ecclesiastes feels how the teacher in Ecclesiastes feels how the teacher in Ecclesiastes feels about his life. He's looking around at about his life. He's looking around at about his life. He's looking around at all the pieces, the joys, the tragedies, all the pieces, the joys, the tragedies, all the pieces, the joys, the tragedies, the injustices, the unanswered the injustices, the unanswered the injustices, the unanswered questions, and he is asking, "How does questions, and he is asking, "How does questions, and he is asking, "How does any of this fit together?" I don't know any of this fit together?" I don't know any of this fit together?" I don't know anybody who has any age on them who anybody who has any age on them who anybody who has any age on them who understands how all the pieces of their understands how all the pieces of their understands how all the pieces of their lives fit. We all have these mysterious lives fit. We all have these mysterious lives fit. We all have these mysterious chapters, things that that seem painful chapters, things that that seem painful chapters, things that that seem painful and pointless and impossible to explain.

and pointless and impossible to explain. and pointless and impossible to explain. And we wonder, if there really is a And we wonder, if there really is a And we wonder, if there really is a good, sovereign God directing all of good, sovereign God directing all of good, sovereign God directing all of this, why doesn't he show up more often? this, why doesn't he show up more often? this, why doesn't he show up more often? Why doesn't any of this make sense? Why doesn't any of this make sense? Why doesn't any of this make sense? In the 1980s, there was a Jewish rabbi In the 1980s, there was a Jewish rabbi In the 1980s, there was a Jewish rabbi named Harold Kushner who wrote a New named Harold Kushner who wrote a New named Harold Kushner who wrote a New York Times best-selling book called When York Times best-selling book called When York Times best-selling book called When Bad Things Happen to Good People. It was Bad Things Happen to Good People. It was Bad Things Happen to Good People. It was prompted by the tragic and untimely prompted by the tragic and untimely prompted by the tragic and untimely death of his teenage son. It became a death of his teenage son. It became a death of his teenage son. It became a classic book in our culture, one that's classic book in our culture, one that's classic book in our culture, one that's still referenced down to this day. In still referenced down to this day. In still referenced down to this day. In this book, Rabbi Kushner reasoned after this book, Rabbi Kushner reasoned after this book, Rabbi Kushner reasoned after the death of his son that God had to the death of his son that God had to the death of his son that God had to either be and his reasoning had to be either be and his reasoning had to be either be and his reasoning had to be loving enough to want to stop the pain loving enough to want to stop the pain loving enough to want to stop the pain and yet powerless to do so or he said and yet powerless to do so or he said and yet powerless to do so or he said the only other alternative is God is the only other alternative is God is the only other alternative is God is powerful enough to stop the pain but powerful enough to stop the pain but powerful enough to stop the pain but just didn't care enough to bother just didn't care enough to bother just didn't care enough to bother himself with our problems. Well, that himself with our problems. Well, that himself with our problems. Well, that last option didn't seem right. Rabbi last option didn't seem right. Rabbi last option didn't seem right. Rabbi Kushner said he could not believe Kushner said he could not believe Kushner said he could not believe and an uncaring God. And so he concluded and an uncaring God. And so he concluded and an uncaring God. And so he concluded that God had God had created a world that God had God had created a world that God had God had created a world that he was somehow now incapable of that he was somehow now incapable of that he was somehow now incapable of intervening in.

intervening in. intervening in. Ecclesiastes 3 provides a fundamentally Ecclesiastes 3 provides a fundamentally Ecclesiastes 3 provides a fundamentally different answer to that dilemma. I different answer to that dilemma. I different answer to that dilemma. I should add that Ecclesiastes 3 1-8 is should add that Ecclesiastes 3 1-8 is should add that Ecclesiastes 3 1-8 is one of the most recognized passages in one of the most recognized passages in one of the most recognized passages in the Bible. In fact, for some of you, it the Bible. In fact, for some of you, it the Bible. In fact, for some of you, it was all you could do to when we were was all you could do to when we were was all you could do to when we were reading it, not start singing at the reading it, not start singing at the reading it, not start singing at the end. Right? Go ahead, boomers, get it end. Right? Go ahead, boomers, get it end. Right? Go ahead, boomers, get it out of your system. Do everything turn, out of your system. Do everything turn, out of your system. Do everything turn, turn, right? Okay. Ecclesiastes 3 1-8 is turn, right? Okay. Ecclesiastes 3 1-8 is turn, right? Okay. Ecclesiastes 3 1-8 is a popular passage that people will a popular passage that people will a popular passage that people will sometimes read at funerals, even for sometimes read at funerals, even for sometimes read at funerals, even for people who are not Christians. These people who are not Christians. These people who are not Christians. These eight verses are a poem about the eight verses are a poem about the eight verses are a poem about the cyclical nature of life. For all of us, cyclical nature of life. For all of us, cyclical nature of life. For all of us, whether we are Christians or not, life whether we are Christians or not, life whether we are Christians or not, life unfolds in seasons. Some are good, some unfolds in seasons. Some are good, some unfolds in seasons. Some are good, some are bad. There's a time for birth, are bad. There's a time for birth, are bad. There's a time for birth, there's a time for death. There's a time there's a time for death. There's a time there's a time for death. There's a time to laugh and a time to weep. There's a to laugh and a time to weep. There's a to laugh and a time to weep. There's a time to build up and a time to tear time to build up and a time to tear time to build up and a time to tear down. All told, in these eight verses, down. All told, in these eight verses, down. All told, in these eight verses, Solomon is going to give us 14 of these Solomon is going to give us 14 of these Solomon is going to give us 14 of these dualistic pairs or two sets of seven, dualistic pairs or two sets of seven, dualistic pairs or two sets of seven, which is a Hebrew way of signaling which is a Hebrew way of signaling which is a Hebrew way of signaling perfection, completion. In other words, perfection, completion. In other words, perfection, completion. In other words, the very shape of the poem is declaring the very shape of the poem is declaring the very shape of the poem is declaring to you this is the totality of life. The to you this is the totality of life. The to you this is the totality of life. The seasons, the cycles, this is life. And seasons, the cycles, this is life. And seasons, the cycles, this is life. And just like the actual seasons, none of us just like the actual seasons, none of us just like the actual seasons, none of us can change or predict or control them.

can change or predict or control them. can change or predict or control them. Listen, I love the fall here in North Listen, I love the fall here in North Listen, I love the fall here in North Carolina. It literally cannot get here Carolina. It literally cannot get here Carolina. It literally cannot get here soon enough for me. The temperature is soon enough for me. The temperature is soon enough for me. The temperature is perfect. The leaves start to change and perfect. The leaves start to change and perfect. The leaves start to change and there is no pollen. Spring is okay. there is no pollen. Spring is okay. there is no pollen. Spring is okay. Okay, it's okay. The pollen just about Okay, it's okay. The pollen just about Okay, it's okay. The pollen just about ruins it for me. These muggy, humid ruins it for me. These muggy, humid ruins it for me. These muggy, humid summer months are something I could summer months are something I could summer months are something I could forever leave behind. Now, my wife is forever leave behind. Now, my wife is forever leave behind. Now, my wife is almost the exact opposite. But of almost the exact opposite. But of almost the exact opposite. But of course, our preferences don't change course, our preferences don't change course, our preferences don't change anything in regards to when the seasons anything in regards to when the seasons anything in regards to when the seasons come or how long they last. In the same come or how long they last. In the same come or how long they last. In the same way, all the money in the world cannot way, all the money in the world cannot way, all the money in the world cannot stop life's biggest changes. Your body stop life's biggest changes. Your body stop life's biggest changes. Your body aging, your kids growing up, things in aging, your kids growing up, things in aging, your kids growing up, things in your life changing, friends moving away, your life changing, friends moving away, your life changing, friends moving away, relationships falling apart, economies relationships falling apart, economies relationships falling apart, economies crashing, prostates developing, cancer, crashing, prostates developing, cancer, crashing, prostates developing, cancer, a loved one dying. Money can do a lot. a loved one dying. Money can do a lot. a loved one dying. Money can do a lot. It can do a lot, but it cannot change or It can do a lot, but it cannot change or It can do a lot, but it cannot change or alter the biggest seasons of life. This alter the biggest seasons of life. This alter the biggest seasons of life. This is life. You parents know what it's like is life. You parents know what it's like is life. You parents know what it's like to talk with one of your kids and to talk with one of your kids and to talk with one of your kids and they're complaining about something they're complaining about something they're complaining about something unfortunate happening to them or unfortunate happening to them or unfortunate happening to them or something unfair. And what do we something unfair. And what do we something unfair. And what do we sometimes say parents? We say, "Well, sometimes say parents? We say, "Well, sometimes say parents? We say, "Well, kid, that's just life." When we say kid, that's just life." When we say kid, that's just life." When we say that, we're simply summarizing that, we're simply summarizing that, we're simply summarizing Ecclesiastes 3 1-8. In fact, this poem Ecclesiastes 3 1-8. In fact, this poem Ecclesiastes 3 1-8. In fact, this poem expresses that word picture that I gave expresses that word picture that I gave expresses that word picture that I gave you last week that I told you I came up you last week that I told you I came up you last week that I told you I came up with as I was reading through with as I was reading through with as I was reading through Ecclesiastes earlier in the year. I

Ecclesiastes earlier in the year. I Ecclesiastes earlier in the year. I said, ' imagine life as if you were said, ' imagine life as if you were said, ' imagine life as if you were sitting on a beach. And on some days, sitting on a beach. And on some days, sitting on a beach. And on some days, the ocean that you're sitting in front the ocean that you're sitting in front the ocean that you're sitting in front of brings you good, pleasant waves, and of brings you good, pleasant waves, and of brings you good, pleasant waves, and on other days, it brings you big, angry on other days, it brings you big, angry on other days, it brings you big, angry waves. There's nowhere else you can go. waves. There's nowhere else you can go. waves. There's nowhere else you can go. You have to stay on the beach. There's You have to stay on the beach. There's You have to stay on the beach. There's nothing you can do to change, predict, nothing you can do to change, predict, nothing you can do to change, predict, or control what that ocean brings. The or control what that ocean brings. The or control what that ocean brings. The ocean is too vast, too uncontrollable ocean is too vast, too uncontrollable ocean is too vast, too uncontrollable for you to predict anything. So, you for you to predict anything. So, you for you to predict anything. So, you might as well enjoy the days of good might as well enjoy the days of good might as well enjoy the days of good waves to the fullest because you can't waves to the fullest because you can't waves to the fullest because you can't bottle them up and save them for later. bottle them up and save them for later. bottle them up and save them for later. And on the bad days, you should pray for And on the bad days, you should pray for And on the bad days, you should pray for strength to endure them and thank God strength to endure them and thank God strength to endure them and thank God that they don't last forever either. that they don't last forever either. that they don't last forever either. Verses 1-8 are an encapsulation of our Verses 1-8 are an encapsulation of our Verses 1-8 are an encapsulation of our lives. But sadly, lives. But sadly, lives. But sadly, sadly, whenever this poem is read at sadly, whenever this poem is read at sadly, whenever this poem is read at funerals or sung by hit bands in the funerals or sung by hit bands in the funerals or sung by hit bands in the 1960s, people usually stop at verse 8. 1960s, people usually stop at verse 8. 1960s, people usually stop at verse 8. And that is tragic because you see And that is tragic because you see And that is tragic because you see verses 9- 22 explain and interpret the verses 9- 22 explain and interpret the verses 9- 22 explain and interpret the poem of verses 1-8. Because life goes in poem of verses 1-8. Because life goes in poem of verses 1-8. Because life goes in cycles and in seasons for all of us, the cycles and in seasons for all of us, the cycles and in seasons for all of us, the teacher says, "And because none of us teacher says, "And because none of us teacher says, "And because none of us can control, change, avoid or hold on to can control, change, avoid or hold on to can control, change, avoid or hold on to those seasons." He asks, "What gain has those seasons." He asks, "What gain has those seasons." He asks, "What gain has the worker from his toil?"

the worker from his toil?" the worker from his toil?" Remember this is the guiding question of Remember this is the guiding question of Remember this is the guiding question of the book of Ecclesiastes. What gain is the book of Ecclesiastes. What gain is the book of Ecclesiastes. What gain is there? What permanence is there? What there? What permanence is there? What there? What permanence is there? What can you hold on to in the midst of a a can you hold on to in the midst of a a can you hold on to in the midst of a a life you cannot control or hang on to? life you cannot control or hang on to? life you cannot control or hang on to? Well, for the next 13 verses, Solomon Well, for the next 13 verses, Solomon Well, for the next 13 verses, Solomon gives us counsel on how we can make gives us counsel on how we can make gives us counsel on how we can make sense of such a life. I'm going to give sense of such a life. I'm going to give sense of such a life. I'm going to give you three pegs that Solomon organizes you three pegs that Solomon organizes you three pegs that Solomon organizes his counsel around in these 13 verses. his counsel around in these 13 verses. his counsel around in these 13 verses. They're usually signified by Solomon They're usually signified by Solomon They're usually signified by Solomon saying, "I perceive this or I I saying, "I perceive this or I I saying, "I perceive this or I I concluded this." The first peg is in concluded this." The first peg is in concluded this." The first peg is in verse 11. He says, "I've got to trust in verse 11. He says, "I've got to trust in verse 11. He says, "I've got to trust in a redeeming God with a beautiful plan." a redeeming God with a beautiful plan." a redeeming God with a beautiful plan." Look at verse 11. God, he says, has made Look at verse 11. God, he says, has made Look at verse 11. God, he says, has made everything beautiful. Look at this. in everything beautiful. Look at this. in everything beautiful. Look at this. in its time. The teacher says that with all its time. The teacher says that with all its time. The teacher says that with all these pieces, all these disperate these pieces, all these disperate these pieces, all these disperate pieces, all these seemingly disconnected pieces, all these seemingly disconnected pieces, all these seemingly disconnected strands, he said, "There is a good God strands, he said, "There is a good God strands, he said, "There is a good God who is piecing together a beautiful who is piecing together a beautiful who is piecing together a beautiful piece of art that you likely are unable piece of art that you likely are unable piece of art that you likely are unable to see yet. You may look at your life to see yet. You may look at your life to see yet. You may look at your life and feel like it's a bunch of random and feel like it's a bunch of random and feel like it's a bunch of random hardware and that there is no difference hardware and that there is no difference hardware and that there is no difference between pole B and pole C, but God knows between pole B and pole C, but God knows between pole B and pole C, but God knows what he's doing.

what he's doing. what he's doing. Tim Keller said that life sometimes Tim Keller said that life sometimes Tim Keller said that life sometimes feels like we're walking in the midst of feels like we're walking in the midst of feels like we're walking in the midst of shrubbery, like you're walking through a shrubbery, like you're walking through a shrubbery, like you're walking through a garden and somebody standing on top of a garden and somebody standing on top of a garden and somebody standing on top of a building tells you that the the building tells you that the the building tells you that the the shrubbery that you're walking among shrubbery that you're walking among shrubbery that you're walking among actually forms part of a word, but you actually forms part of a word, but you actually forms part of a word, but you don't know what the word is and you don't know what the word is and you don't know what the word is and you can't even tell what letter you're in. can't even tell what letter you're in. can't even tell what letter you're in. History only makes sense, Keller says, History only makes sense, Keller says, History only makes sense, Keller says, from the perspective of the air, from from the perspective of the air, from from the perspective of the air, from the perspective of eternity. Wisdom. the perspective of eternity. Wisdom. the perspective of eternity. Wisdom. Listen to this. Wisdom doesn't mean Listen to this. Wisdom doesn't mean Listen to this. Wisdom doesn't mean grasping how life always makes sense. grasping how life always makes sense. grasping how life always makes sense. Wisdom is trusting that God makes sense Wisdom is trusting that God makes sense Wisdom is trusting that God makes sense even when life doesn't. even when life doesn't. even when life doesn't. You see, look at verse 11. Look at the You see, look at verse 11. Look at the You see, look at verse 11. Look at the next part of it. Also, he has put next part of it. Also, he has put next part of it. Also, he has put eternity in the man's heart yet so that eternity in the man's heart yet so that eternity in the man's heart yet so that he cannot he cannot he cannot cannot find out what God has done from cannot find out what God has done from cannot find out what God has done from the beginning to the end. In other the beginning to the end. In other the beginning to the end. In other words, there are some things you will words, there are some things you will words, there are some things you will not understand not understand not understand until you have the perspective until you have the perspective until you have the perspective of eternity.

of eternity. of eternity. Is that so hard to believe? I mean, ask Is that so hard to believe? I mean, ask Is that so hard to believe? I mean, ask yourself, how many of you How many of yourself, how many of you How many of yourself, how many of you How many of you right now can look back at some you right now can look back at some you right now can look back at some season of your life where you really season of your life where you really season of your life where you really wanted God to do something? and you were wanted God to do something? and you were wanted God to do something? and you were praying for him to change something in praying for him to change something in praying for him to change something in your life and you prayed and it seemed your life and you prayed and it seemed your life and you prayed and it seemed right and you were sure of it and your right and you were sure of it and your right and you were sure of it and your friends were praying but God didn't friends were praying but God didn't friends were praying but God didn't change it and at the time you just could change it and at the time you just could change it and at the time you just could not understand it. But now now in your not understand it. But now now in your not understand it. But now now in your your older age from a wiser perspective your older age from a wiser perspective your older age from a wiser perspective now you're actually grateful that he now you're actually grateful that he now you're actually grateful that he didn't change that thing you wanted him didn't change that thing you wanted him didn't change that thing you wanted him to change because now you can see the to change because now you can see the to change because now you can see the good that he produced in you through it. good that he produced in you through it. good that he produced in you through it. Raise your hands if you have at least Raise your hands if you have at least Raise your hands if you have at least one of those in your life right now. one of those in your life right now. one of those in your life right now. Y'all, I both hands of mine are raised Y'all, I both hands of mine are raised Y'all, I both hands of mine are raised because I got a bazillion of those because I got a bazillion of those because I got a bazillion of those things. Things I did not want to go things. Things I did not want to go things. Things I did not want to go through. Seasons I would have preferred through. Seasons I would have preferred through. Seasons I would have preferred to avoid. Seasons where I prayed that to avoid. Seasons where I prayed that to avoid. Seasons where I prayed that God would take me out of them God would take me out of them God would take me out of them immediately. But now, now I see how God immediately. But now, now I see how God immediately. But now, now I see how God was at work in those seasons. And I see was at work in those seasons. And I see was at work in those seasons. And I see the good that came through them. And in the good that came through them. And in the good that came through them. And in one sense, I would never want to go one sense, I would never want to go one sense, I would never want to go through them again. But in another, I through them again. But in another, I through them again. But in another, I wouldn't trade them for the world.

wouldn't trade them for the world. wouldn't trade them for the world. Turns out that great theologian in the Turns out that great theologian in the Turns out that great theologian in the 1990s, G. Brooks was right all along. We 1990s, G. Brooks was right all along. We 1990s, G. Brooks was right all along. We can all thank God for unanswered can all thank God for unanswered can all thank God for unanswered prayers. Amen. You see, we all recognize prayers. Amen. You see, we all recognize prayers. Amen. You see, we all recognize that the most beautiful, rich stories, that the most beautiful, rich stories, that the most beautiful, rich stories, they require chapters of pain. Y'all, they require chapters of pain. Y'all, they require chapters of pain. Y'all, even Hollywood understands this. I mean, even Hollywood understands this. I mean, even Hollywood understands this. I mean, think about it. In the best movies, in think about it. In the best movies, in think about it. In the best movies, in your favorite movies, the hero usually your favorite movies, the hero usually your favorite movies, the hero usually has to go through something terrible, has to go through something terrible, has to go through something terrible, something they never wanted. And yet the something they never wanted. And yet the something they never wanted. And yet the things that he or she learns through things that he or she learns through things that he or she learns through that tragedy makes him or her so much that tragedy makes him or her so much that tragedy makes him or her so much richer, so much deeper, so much better richer, so much deeper, so much better richer, so much deeper, so much better of a character. In the end, Spider-Man of a character. In the end, Spider-Man of a character. In the end, Spider-Man has to lose Aunt May or Uncle Ben or MJ has to lose Aunt May or Uncle Ben or MJ has to lose Aunt May or Uncle Ben or MJ or somebody. All right, make up your or somebody. All right, make up your or somebody. All right, make up your mind, Marvel writers. But it's only mind, Marvel writers. But it's only mind, Marvel writers. But it's only through that loss that Spider-Man learns through that loss that Spider-Man learns through that loss that Spider-Man learns that love requires sacrifice and that that love requires sacrifice and that that love requires sacrifice and that mercy, though it's much harder, is mercy, though it's much harder, is mercy, though it's much harder, is ultimately better than revenge. ultimately better than revenge. ultimately better than revenge. already you can see how God has done already you can see how God has done already you can see how God has done that with some of the painful things in that with some of the painful things in that with some of the painful things in your life. Ecclesiastes asks, "If your life. Ecclesiastes asks, "If your life. Ecclesiastes asks, "If already with only a little bit of time already with only a little bit of time already with only a little bit of time and perspective, you can see some of the and perspective, you can see some of the and perspective, you can see some of the good things God brought through pain, good things God brought through pain, good things God brought through pain, don't you think given the perspective of don't you think given the perspective of don't you think given the perspective of eternity, you will see the reason for eternity, you will see the reason for eternity, you will see the reason for all of it?" Look at verse 11. Teacher all of it?" Look at verse 11. Teacher all of it?" Look at verse 11. Teacher says, "Some things are not going to be says, "Some things are not going to be says, "Some things are not going to be discovered until eternity." You know, discovered until eternity." You know, discovered until eternity." You know, it's really interesting. Revelation says it's really interesting. Revelation says it's really interesting. Revelation says in heaven Jesus will wipe away every in heaven Jesus will wipe away every in heaven Jesus will wipe away every tear from our eyes. That's an amazing

tear from our eyes. That's an amazing tear from our eyes. That's an amazing promise. But you know what it means? It promise. But you know what it means? It promise. But you know what it means? It means we enter heaven with tears. You enter heaven still with tears of You enter heaven still with tears of things that don't make sense. And in things that don't make sense. And in things that don't make sense. And in that moment that moment that moment from the perspective of eternity and from the perspective of eternity and from the perspective of eternity and through the power of the resurrection, through the power of the resurrection, through the power of the resurrection, you're going to better understand you're going to better understand you're going to better understand because eternity and the resurrection because eternity and the resurrection because eternity and the resurrection heals every broken heart. Y'all listen. heals every broken heart. Y'all listen. heals every broken heart. Y'all listen. I know. I know because I talked to you. I know. I know because I talked to you. I know. I know because I talked to you. I know that some of you struggle to I know that some of you struggle to I know that some of you struggle to trust God with chapters you can't see trust God with chapters you can't see trust God with chapters you can't see any purpose for. any purpose for. any purpose for. That's what Rabbi Kushner struggled That's what Rabbi Kushner struggled That's what Rabbi Kushner struggled with. By the way, philosophers and with. By the way, philosophers and with. By the way, philosophers and thinkers have given this problem a name. thinkers have given this problem a name. thinkers have given this problem a name. They call it the problem of evil. It's They call it the problem of evil. It's They call it the problem of evil. It's the number one reason people lose their the number one reason people lose their the number one reason people lose their faith. People have talked about this faith. People have talked about this faith. People have talked about this problem for all of recorded human problem for all of recorded human problem for all of recorded human history. In fact, the classic version of history. In fact, the classic version of history. In fact, the classic version of the problem was put forward by the Greek the problem was put forward by the Greek the problem was put forward by the Greek philosopher Epicurus in the fifth philosopher Epicurus in the fifth philosopher Epicurus in the fifth century BC. And it goes like this. century BC. And it goes like this. century BC. And it goes like this. Epicurus reason. If God is all loving, Epicurus reason. If God is all loving, Epicurus reason. If God is all loving, he would want to eliminate evil. If God he would want to eliminate evil. If God he would want to eliminate evil. If God is all powerful, he would be able to is all powerful, he would be able to is all powerful, he would be able to eliminate evil. But evil exists.

eliminate evil. But evil exists. eliminate evil. But evil exists. Therefore, either God is not all loving Therefore, either God is not all loving Therefore, either God is not all loving or he's not all powerful. or he's not all powerful. or he's not all powerful. And at first glance, I will admit to you And at first glance, I will admit to you And at first glance, I will admit to you that feels airtight. And yet, and yet that feels airtight. And yet, and yet that feels airtight. And yet, and yet I've told you there is a crucial missing I've told you there is a crucial missing I've told you there is a crucial missing premise in that argument, isn't there? premise in that argument, isn't there? premise in that argument, isn't there? You see, the argument assumes that if You see, the argument assumes that if You see, the argument assumes that if God is all loving and all powerful that God is all loving and all powerful that God is all loving and all powerful that you and I would always be able to you and I would always be able to you and I would always be able to perceive what his love and power looked perceive what his love and power looked perceive what his love and power looked like in action. But why would we assume like in action. But why would we assume like in action. But why would we assume that? I mean, a God who is infinitely that? I mean, a God who is infinitely that? I mean, a God who is infinitely loving and infinitely powerful would loving and infinitely powerful would loving and infinitely powerful would also be infinitely wise. also be infinitely wise. also be infinitely wise. And just think about it. If God's wisdom And just think about it. If God's wisdom And just think about it. If God's wisdom is as far above mine is as far above mine is as far above mine as his power is beyond mine, as his power is beyond mine, as his power is beyond mine, why does it surprise me that a lot of why does it surprise me that a lot of why does it surprise me that a lot of what he's doing is simply beyond my what he's doing is simply beyond my what he's doing is simply beyond my grasp of understand at least for the grasp of understand at least for the grasp of understand at least for the time being? I mean, just think for a time being? I mean, just think for a time being? I mean, just think for a minute. Do a mental experiment about how minute. Do a mental experiment about how minute. Do a mental experiment about how much greater God's power is than yours.

much greater God's power is than yours. much greater God's power is than yours. One of the stars in the night sky, one One of the stars in the night sky, one One of the stars in the night sky, one of the stars in the night sky we look at of the stars in the night sky we look at of the stars in the night sky we look at every night is UI Scooty, which by the every night is UI Scooty, which by the every night is UI Scooty, which by the way, coolest name for a star ever, way, coolest name for a star ever, way, coolest name for a star ever, right? Uy Scooty sounds more like a right? Uy Scooty sounds more like a right? Uy Scooty sounds more like a rapper name than a star name. UI, if I rapper name than a star name. UI, if I rapper name than a star name. UI, if I ever become a rapper, I call dibs on UI ever become a rapper, I call dibs on UI ever become a rapper, I call dibs on UI Scooty. Okay, Uy Scooty is 1700 Scooty. Okay, Uy Scooty is 1700 Scooty. Okay, Uy Scooty is 1700 times larger than our sun. times larger than our sun. times larger than our sun. They say that if you put UI Scooty in They say that if you put UI Scooty in They say that if you put UI Scooty in the place of our sun at the center of the place of our sun at the center of the place of our sun at the center of our solar system, its outer edge would our solar system, its outer edge would our solar system, its outer edge would extend past Jupiter. extend past Jupiter. extend past Jupiter. Its energy output is million, literally Its energy output is million, literally Its energy output is million, literally millions of times greater than our suns. millions of times greater than our suns. millions of times greater than our suns. God created UI Scooty simply by saying, God created UI Scooty simply by saying, God created UI Scooty simply by saying, "Let there be light." I want you to "Let there be light." I want you to "Let there be light." I want you to contrast that with my power. contrast that with my power. contrast that with my power. I spent five minutes the other day I spent five minutes the other day I spent five minutes the other day trying to open a pickle jar and trying to open a pickle jar and trying to open a pickle jar and eventually had to hand it to Veronica. eventually had to hand it to Veronica. eventually had to hand it to Veronica. [laughter] [laughter] [laughter] If the gap between God's power and mine If the gap between God's power and mine If the gap between God's power and mine is that great, is that great, is that great, why would I assume the gap between God's why would I assume the gap between God's why would I assume the gap between God's wisdom and mine is a lot smaller?

wisdom and mine is a lot smaller? wisdom and mine is a lot smaller? I can't properly assemble a piece of I can't properly assemble a piece of I can't properly assemble a piece of IKEA furniture and I'm questioning the IKEA furniture and I'm questioning the IKEA furniture and I'm questioning the God of the universe. God of the universe. God of the universe. This is where I think people like like This is where I think people like like This is where I think people like like Bartman over at UNCC make a crucial Bartman over at UNCC make a crucial Bartman over at UNCC make a crucial mistake. You see, Dr. Man always mistake. You see, Dr. Man always mistake. You see, Dr. Man always explains to his freshman class at UNCC explains to his freshman class at UNCC explains to his freshman class at UNCC that he lost his faith faith because of that he lost his faith faith because of that he lost his faith faith because of the presence of his words, purposeless the presence of his words, purposeless the presence of his words, purposeless evil. evil. evil. Purposeless evil in the world, tragic Purposeless evil in the world, tragic Purposeless evil in the world, tragic things for which Dr. Man could see no things for which Dr. Man could see no things for which Dr. Man could see no discernable purpose. Charles Darwin said discernable purpose. Charles Darwin said discernable purpose. Charles Darwin said the same thing, by the way. But I want the same thing, by the way. But I want the same thing, by the way. But I want you to notice the assumption behind this you to notice the assumption behind this you to notice the assumption behind this phrase. phrase. phrase. How does he know it's purposeless? How does he know it's purposeless? How does he know it's purposeless? The only way he could know suffering is The only way he could know suffering is The only way he could know suffering is purposeless is if he possessed enough purposeless is if he possessed enough purposeless is if he possessed enough knowledge to rule out every possible knowledge to rule out every possible knowledge to rule out every possible purpose that an infinitely wise God purpose that an infinitely wise God purpose that an infinitely wise God might have. That is an awfully big boast might have. That is an awfully big boast might have. That is an awfully big boast for people who can't always open a for people who can't always open a for people who can't always open a pickle jar. pickle jar. pickle jar. So I will ask you again, if already with So I will ask you again, if already with So I will ask you again, if already with only a little time and distance, you can only a little time and distance, you can only a little time and distance, you can already look back and see the purpose already look back and see the purpose already look back and see the purpose behind some of the pain in your life, behind some of the pain in your life, behind some of the pain in your life, don't you think that given an eternal don't you think that given an eternal don't you think that given an eternal perspective, you might see the reason perspective, you might see the reason perspective, you might see the reason for all of it? Ecclesiastes 3 says, "We for all of it? Ecclesiastes 3 says, "We for all of it? Ecclesiastes 3 says, "We cannot avoid the bad chapters, and we cannot avoid the bad chapters, and we cannot avoid the bad chapters, and we really shouldn't want to because see, really shouldn't want to because see, really shouldn't want to because see, it's part of how God makes everything it's part of how God makes everything it's part of how God makes everything beautiful. He has made everything beautiful. He has made everything beautiful. He has made everything beautiful in its time." By the way, you beautiful in its time." By the way, you beautiful in its time." By the way, you and I can see that even more clearly and I can see that even more clearly and I can see that even more clearly than Solomon did because we know that a than Solomon did because we know that a than Solomon did because we know that a thousand years after Solomon wrote these

thousand years after Solomon wrote these thousand years after Solomon wrote these words, God himself entered into the words, God himself entered into the words, God himself entered into the world and entered into the he of our world and entered into the he of our world and entered into the he of our pain. On the cross, he absorbed the pain. On the cross, he absorbed the pain. On the cross, he absorbed the ultimate source of that pain, which was ultimate source of that pain, which was ultimate source of that pain, which was sin. And then he defeated it and sin. And then he defeated it and sin. And then he defeated it and overturned it to the resurrection. And overturned it to the resurrection. And overturned it to the resurrection. And now we see he's doing similar things in now we see he's doing similar things in now we see he's doing similar things in our pain that he did in Jesus's our pain that he did in Jesus's our pain that he did in Jesus's resurrection. Every cross in the moment resurrection. Every cross in the moment resurrection. Every cross in the moment feels pointless. But then God transforms feels pointless. But then God transforms feels pointless. But then God transforms it through resurrection, making it through resurrection, making it through resurrection, making everything beautiful in its time. Here everything beautiful in its time. Here everything beautiful in its time. Here is the first big question that is the first big question that is the first big question that Ecclesiastes 3 asks you. Are you willing Ecclesiastes 3 asks you. Are you willing Ecclesiastes 3 asks you. Are you willing to trust the God of the cross and to trust the God of the cross and to trust the God of the cross and resurrection with the seasons of your resurrection with the seasons of your resurrection with the seasons of your life? life? life? I think I've told you about one of my I think I've told you about one of my I think I've told you about one of my worst parenting experiences ever. It was worst parenting experiences ever. It was worst parenting experiences ever. It was when my first daughter went in for a when my first daughter went in for a when my first daughter went in for a third round of vaccine shots. If I third round of vaccine shots. If I third round of vaccine shots. If I remember right, she was about a year and remember right, she was about a year and remember right, she was about a year and a half old. Veronica usually took our a half old. Veronica usually took our a half old. Veronica usually took our kids to the doctor, but she told me that kids to the doctor, but she told me that kids to the doctor, but she told me that this one I had to do all by myself, and this one I had to do all by myself, and this one I had to do all by myself, and she did not tell me why. Five minutes she did not tell me why. Five minutes she did not tell me why. Five minutes into this appointment, I figured out into this appointment, I figured out into this appointment, I figured out why. When that doctor stuck her with why. When that doctor stuck her with why. When that doctor stuck her with that first needle, Caris let out a cry that first needle, Caris let out a cry that first needle, Caris let out a cry of despair that would have woken the of despair that would have woken the of despair that would have woken the dead. So, the doctor said, "Hey, I for dead. So, the doctor said, "Hey, I for dead. So, the doctor said, "Hey, I for the next couple shots, I need you to the next couple shots, I need you to the next couple shots, I need you to hold her still."

hold her still." hold her still." So, I took my baby girl in my arms and I So, I took my baby girl in my arms and I So, I took my baby girl in my arms and I comforted her, y'all. And when I held comforted her, y'all. And when I held comforted her, y'all. And when I held her, I felt her whole body relax. She her, I felt her whole body relax. She her, I felt her whole body relax. She felt so safe. She was in her daddy's felt so safe. She was in her daddy's felt so safe. She was in her daddy's arms. And then arms. And then arms. And then as I held her still, that doctor gave as I held her still, that doctor gave as I held her still, that doctor gave her those second and third shots. her those second and third shots. her those second and third shots. That look of betrayal in her eyes is That look of betrayal in her eyes is That look of betrayal in her eyes is something that will haunt me for the something that will haunt me for the something that will haunt me for the rest of my life. As she screamed, she rest of my life. As she screamed, she rest of my life. As she screamed, she looked nowhere except right in my eyes looked nowhere except right in my eyes looked nowhere except right in my eyes as if to say, "How could you, daddy? Not as if to say, "How could you, daddy? Not as if to say, "How could you, daddy? Not only are you not protecting me from that only are you not protecting me from that only are you not protecting me from that evil man, you're enabling him." And of evil man, you're enabling him." And of evil man, you're enabling him." And of course, I wanted to explain to her that course, I wanted to explain to her that course, I wanted to explain to her that this was for her good. She couldn't this was for her good. She couldn't this was for her good. She couldn't grasp that yet. From her perspective, grasp that yet. From her perspective, grasp that yet. From her perspective, her loving daddy had suddenly become her loving daddy had suddenly become her loving daddy had suddenly become cruel. cruel. cruel. But you and I know that there was a But you and I know that there was a But you and I know that there was a another explanation. And that is her another explanation. And that is her another explanation. And that is her loving father had a good reason for loving father had a good reason for loving father had a good reason for allowing that pain.

allowing that pain. allowing that pain. One she simply couldn't understand yet. One she simply couldn't understand yet. One she simply couldn't understand yet. The problem wasn't with my love. The The problem wasn't with my love. The The problem wasn't with my love. The problem was with her perspective. problem was with her perspective. problem was with her perspective. Every day, every day when you encounter Every day, every day when you encounter Every day, every day when you encounter suffering that you cannot explain, suffering that you cannot explain, suffering that you cannot explain, you're confronted with those same two you're confronted with those same two you're confronted with those same two explanations. Either your loving father explanations. Either your loving father explanations. Either your loving father has ceased to be good has ceased to be good has ceased to be good or there is a wisdom beyond what you can or there is a wisdom beyond what you can or there is a wisdom beyond what you can presently see. The teacher urges us to presently see. The teacher urges us to presently see. The teacher urges us to go with the latter to trust a redeeming go with the latter to trust a redeeming go with the latter to trust a redeeming God with a beautiful plan who will make God with a beautiful plan who will make God with a beautiful plan who will make everything beautiful in its time everything beautiful in its time everything beautiful in its time just like the resurrection promises that just like the resurrection promises that just like the resurrection promises that he will. Number two, he encourages us he will. Number two, he encourages us he will. Number two, he encourages us secondly in these verses to enjoy life secondly in these verses to enjoy life secondly in these verses to enjoy life as a gift. Enjoy life as a gift. Watch as a gift. Enjoy life as a gift. Watch as a gift. Enjoy life as a gift. Watch this. I perceived that there's nothing this. I perceived that there's nothing this. I perceived that there's nothing better for us than to be joyful better for us than to be joyful better for us than to be joyful and to do good as long as they live. and to do good as long as they live. and to do good as long as they live. Also verse 13, that everyone should eat Also verse 13, that everyone should eat Also verse 13, that everyone should eat and drink and take pleasure in all his and drink and take pleasure in all his and drink and take pleasure in all his toil. This is God's gift to man. Now toil. This is God's gift to man. Now toil. This is God's gift to man. Now this is maybe the most repeated this is maybe the most repeated this is maybe the most repeated and most surprising theme of and most surprising theme of and most surprising theme of Ecclesiastes.

Ecclesiastes. Ecclesiastes. God really wants you, God really wants you, God really wants you, he commands you to enjoy your life he commands you to enjoy your life he commands you to enjoy your life and do good and do good and do good, and do good and do good and do good, and do good and do good and do good, which means fulfill the purpose God has which means fulfill the purpose God has which means fulfill the purpose God has for you. God has a specific mission and for you. God has a specific mission and for you. God has a specific mission and a calling for you that he wants you to a calling for you that he wants you to a calling for you that he wants you to fulfill. Enjoy life and do good is fulfill. Enjoy life and do good is fulfill. Enjoy life and do good is basically the whole message of basically the whole message of basically the whole message of Ecclesiastes in one verse. We're going Ecclesiastes in one verse. We're going Ecclesiastes in one verse. We're going to focus on that last idea. Do good in to focus on that last idea. Do good in to focus on that last idea. Do good in later chapters. For right now, I want to later chapters. For right now, I want to later chapters. For right now, I want to zero in on that first part, which is I zero in on that first part, which is I zero in on that first part, which is I perceive there's nothing better for them perceive there's nothing better for them perceive there's nothing better for them than to be joyful, to take pleasure in than to be joyful, to take pleasure in than to be joyful, to take pleasure in what they're eating and drinking and what they're eating and drinking and what they're eating and drinking and what they're doing because that is God's what they're doing because that is God's what they're doing because that is God's gift to you. Now, you see, I grew up in gift to you. Now, you see, I grew up in gift to you. Now, you see, I grew up in a Christian subculture, and so do many a Christian subculture, and so do many a Christian subculture, and so do many of you, that emphasize self-denial and of you, that emphasize self-denial and of you, that emphasize self-denial and sacrifice, sacrifice, sacrifice, deny the impulses of your flesh, pick up deny the impulses of your flesh, pick up deny the impulses of your flesh, pick up the cross, lay it all down for the the cross, lay it all down for the the cross, lay it all down for the mission, give it all away. And hear me, mission, give it all away. And hear me, mission, give it all away. And hear me, that is a crucial, indispensable part of that is a crucial, indispensable part of that is a crucial, indispensable part of following Jesus. Jesus said, after all, following Jesus. Jesus said, after all, following Jesus. Jesus said, after all, if any man would come after me, he's got if any man would come after me, he's got if any man would come after me, he's got to deny himself, take up his cross, and to deny himself, take up his cross, and to deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me. But but follow me. But but follow me. But but I realize now that in our haste to I realize now that in our haste to I realize now that in our haste to emphasize this part of the disciplehip emphasize this part of the disciplehip emphasize this part of the disciplehip message, message, message, we overlooked another crucial part, we overlooked another crucial part, we overlooked another crucial part, namely namely namely that God is a good father and creator that God is a good father and creator that God is a good father and creator who gives us richly all things to enjoy who gives us richly all things to enjoy who gives us richly all things to enjoy and he delights in our enjoyment of and he delights in our enjoyment of and he delights in our enjoyment of those things. You see, we focused in my those things. You see, we focused in my those things. You see, we focused in my Christian subculture, we focused on only

Christian subculture, we focused on only Christian subculture, we focused on only half of the truth. We focused on the half of the truth. We focused on the half of the truth. We focused on the part about what we were to to deny, but part about what we were to to deny, but part about what we were to to deny, but we were largely unaware of what we were we were largely unaware of what we were we were largely unaware of what we were supposed to enjoy. Here's the whole supposed to enjoy. Here's the whole supposed to enjoy. Here's the whole truth. God created the world first for truth. God created the world first for truth. God created the world first for us to enjoy and only secondly to die to. us to enjoy and only secondly to die to. us to enjoy and only secondly to die to. You see, I want you to consider this, You see, I want you to consider this, You see, I want you to consider this, okay? Jesus denied himself more than any okay? Jesus denied himself more than any okay? Jesus denied himself more than any other human being ever has. Right? He other human being ever has. Right? He other human being ever has. Right? He took on the role of a servant. He took on the role of a servant. He took on the role of a servant. He voluntarily died on a cross. And yet, voluntarily died on a cross. And yet, voluntarily died on a cross. And yet, and yet, look at how he lived the rest and yet, look at how he lived the rest and yet, look at how he lived the rest of his life. He attended parties. He of his life. He attended parties. He of his life. He attended parties. He made excellent wine, the best party wine made excellent wine, the best party wine made excellent wine, the best party wine people had ever tasted. He enjoyed people had ever tasted. He enjoyed people had ever tasted. He enjoyed woodworking. He noticed birds. He woodworking. He noticed birds. He woodworking. He noticed birds. He admired flowers. He enjoyed amazing admired flowers. He enjoyed amazing admired flowers. He enjoyed amazing meals with friends. Scholars point out meals with friends. Scholars point out meals with friends. Scholars point out that almost all the stories in the that almost all the stories in the that almost all the stories in the Gospel of Luke center around meals. In Gospel of Luke center around meals. In Gospel of Luke center around meals. In fact, one of them said, "Jesus basically fact, one of them said, "Jesus basically fact, one of them said, "Jesus basically ate his way through the Gospel of Luke." ate his way through the Gospel of Luke." ate his way through the Gospel of Luke." Now, y'all, that's a savior I can Now, y'all, that's a savior I can Now, y'all, that's a savior I can follow. Amen. follow. Amen. follow. Amen. Jesus once compared himself to the Jesus once compared himself to the Jesus once compared himself to the bridegroom at a wedding. And there is bridegroom at a wedding. And there is bridegroom at a wedding. And there is nobody at a wedding happier than that nobody at a wedding happier than that nobody at a wedding happier than that guy. Hebrews 1:9, I love this verse.

guy. Hebrews 1:9, I love this verse. guy. Hebrews 1:9, I love this verse. Says that Jesus was anointed with the Says that Jesus was anointed with the Says that Jesus was anointed with the oil of gladness beyond his companions. oil of gladness beyond his companions. oil of gladness beyond his companions. You know what that means? Jesus was You know what that means? Jesus was You know what that means? Jesus was always the happiest dude in the room. always the happiest dude in the room. always the happiest dude in the room. He'd be the happiest person you would He'd be the happiest person you would He'd be the happiest person you would ever meet. Get your mind around this. ever meet. Get your mind around this. ever meet. Get your mind around this. The most self-denying person who has The most self-denying person who has The most self-denying person who has ever lived was also the most profoundly ever lived was also the most profoundly ever lived was also the most profoundly alive. alive. alive. The savior who carried a cross also knew The savior who carried a cross also knew The savior who carried a cross also knew how to enjoy the world as a gift. how to enjoy the world as a gift. how to enjoy the world as a gift. God did not create taste buds because God did not create taste buds because God did not create taste buds because calories needed somewhere to land. calories needed somewhere to land. calories needed somewhere to land. [laughter] [laughter] [laughter] He did so because he's generous. He did so because he's generous. He did so because he's generous. And the God who invented strawberries And the God who invented strawberries And the God who invented strawberries and warm chocolate chip cookies and and warm chocolate chip cookies and and warm chocolate chip cookies and mountain sunsets and jazz music and mountain sunsets and jazz music and mountain sunsets and jazz music and Labrador retrievers and smoked brisket Labrador retrievers and smoked brisket Labrador retrievers and smoked brisket hallelujah is not embarrassed. hallelujah is not embarrassed. hallelujah is not embarrassed. >> And he's not surprised when we enjoy >> And he's not surprised when we enjoy >> And he's not surprised when we enjoy them. I mean, not to make this PG-13, them. I mean, not to make this PG-13, them. I mean, not to make this PG-13, but God invented sex, but God invented sex, but God invented sex, right? I mean, God didn't Yeah. Okay. right? I mean, God didn't Yeah. Okay. right? I mean, God didn't Yeah. Okay. That's right. Don't get too excited That's right. Don't get too excited That's right. Don't get too excited about it, but about it, but about it, but God did not look down from heaven and God did not look down from heaven and God did not look down from heaven and go, go, go, "Wait a minute. They're enjoying this. I "Wait a minute. They're enjoying this. I "Wait a minute. They're enjoying this. I just meant it for procreation. Now, just meant it for procreation. Now, just meant it for procreation. Now, we're going to have to make some rules."

we're going to have to make some rules." we're going to have to make some rules." No. God delights No. God delights No. God delights when we enjoy his gifts, and he is when we enjoy his gifts, and he is when we enjoy his gifts, and he is glorified when we enjoy them. Imagine glorified when we enjoy them. Imagine glorified when we enjoy them. Imagine you parents spent months picking out the you parents spent months picking out the you parents spent months picking out the perfect perfect birthday gift for your perfect perfect birthday gift for your perfect perfect birthday gift for your child. child. child. Your kid opens it, he looks at it, he Your kid opens it, he looks at it, he Your kid opens it, he looks at it, he says, "Oh, thank you, daddy." And he says, "Oh, thank you, daddy." And he says, "Oh, thank you, daddy." And he puts it back in the box and puts it away puts it back in the box and puts it away puts it back in the box and puts it away up on the shelf because he thinks up on the shelf because he thinks up on the shelf because he thinks enjoying it would be selfish. enjoying it would be selfish. enjoying it would be selfish. As a parent, you wouldn't say, "No, no, As a parent, you wouldn't say, "No, no, As a parent, you wouldn't say, "No, no, no, no. Now, you wouldn't say, "No, now no, no. Now, you wouldn't say, "No, now no, no. Now, you wouldn't say, "No, now you're really honoring me, son, by you're really honoring me, son, by you're really honoring me, son, by putting it away." You say, "Son, no. Go putting it away." You say, "Son, no. Go putting it away." You say, "Son, no. Go enjoy it. That's why I bought it for enjoy it. That's why I bought it for enjoy it. That's why I bought it for you. In a similar way, God gives us you. In a similar way, God gives us you. In a similar way, God gives us friendships and meals and laughter and friendships and meals and laughter and friendships and meals and laughter and vacations and children and music and vacations and children and music and vacations and children and music and hobbies as expressions of his fatherly hobbies as expressions of his fatherly hobbies as expressions of his fatherly love that he wants us to enjoy. love that he wants us to enjoy. love that he wants us to enjoy. So Solomon says, "Enjoy each day to the So Solomon says, "Enjoy each day to the So Solomon says, "Enjoy each day to the fullest." Not like the hedenist for whom fullest." Not like the hedenist for whom fullest." Not like the hedenist for whom pleasure is the whole substance of their pleasure is the whole substance of their pleasure is the whole substance of their lives, but like the Christian for whom lives, but like the Christian for whom lives, but like the Christian for whom life is a gift. Remember from last week, life is a gift. Remember from last week, life is a gift. Remember from last week, the hedenist says, "Eat, drink, and be the hedenist says, "Eat, drink, and be the hedenist says, "Eat, drink, and be merry, for this is all we have."

merry, for this is all we have." merry, for this is all we have." Ecclesiastes says, "No, eat, drink, and Ecclesiastes says, "No, eat, drink, and Ecclesiastes says, "No, eat, drink, and be merry because this is what we have." be merry because this is what we have." be merry because this is what we have." You understand the difference in those? You understand the difference in those? You understand the difference in those? Solomon says, "These gifts are not all Solomon says, "These gifts are not all Solomon says, "These gifts are not all we have. God is the basis of our lives. we have. God is the basis of our lives. we have. God is the basis of our lives. There is an eternity with him. This There is an eternity with him. This There is an eternity with him. This world is not all there is, but these are world is not all there is, but these are world is not all there is, but these are gifts that God gave us to enjoy today. gifts that God gave us to enjoy today. gifts that God gave us to enjoy today. So enjoy each one of them to the So enjoy each one of them to the So enjoy each one of them to the fullest. fullest. fullest. Just never mistake one of God's gifts Just never mistake one of God's gifts Just never mistake one of God's gifts for God himself. for God himself. for God himself. Enjoy life as a gift. By the way, don't Enjoy life as a gift. By the way, don't Enjoy life as a gift. By the way, don't miss how this point miss how this point miss how this point pairs with this point. Ecclesiastes pairs with this point. Ecclesiastes pairs with this point. Ecclesiastes presents point one, trust God, together presents point one, trust God, together presents point one, trust God, together with point two because they go together with point two because they go together with point two because they go together as a pair. You will never enjoy life. as a pair. You will never enjoy life. as a pair. You will never enjoy life. Listen, you will never enjoy life Listen, you will never enjoy life Listen, you will never enjoy life until you trust God. until you trust God. until you trust God. The anxious person cannot enjoy their The anxious person cannot enjoy their The anxious person cannot enjoy their life today because they're worried about life today because they're worried about life today because they're worried about tomorrow. tomorrow. tomorrow. You're trying to cling to things in the You're trying to cling to things in the You're trying to cling to things in the world. You're trying to stockpile them world. You're trying to stockpile them world. You're trying to stockpile them or you're looking around at what or you're looking around at what or you're looking around at what everybody else has and comparing everybody else has and comparing everybody else has and comparing yourself to those other people. And in yourself to those other people. And in yourself to those other people. And in both cases, the joys of life rather than both cases, the joys of life rather than both cases, the joys of life rather than mean joys, they become he. It's like my mean joys, they become he. It's like my mean joys, they become he. It's like my friend Bobby Jameson says, enjoy is a friend Bobby Jameson says, enjoy is a friend Bobby Jameson says, enjoy is a present tense verb. And to do it, you present tense verb. And to do it, you present tense verb. And to do it, you must be present and not tense.

must be present and not tense. must be present and not tense. which is so cheesy but so awesome. In which is so cheesy but so awesome. In which is so cheesy but so awesome. In fact, I text him and said that is the fact, I text him and said that is the fact, I text him and said that is the cheesiest equal parts cheesy and awesome cheesiest equal parts cheesy and awesome cheesiest equal parts cheesy and awesome at the same time. at the same time. at the same time. Because I trust God as my sufficiency Because I trust God as my sufficiency Because I trust God as my sufficiency for today and as my supply for tomorrow, for today and as my supply for tomorrow, for today and as my supply for tomorrow, I can enjoy the abundance that he puts I can enjoy the abundance that he puts I can enjoy the abundance that he puts into my life today because I appreciate into my life today because I appreciate into my life today because I appreciate them for what they are and that is his them for what they are and that is his them for what they are and that is his gifts and his goodness, but not the gifts and his goodness, but not the gifts and his goodness, but not the substance and foundation of my life. substance and foundation of my life. substance and foundation of my life. I perceive that there is nothing better I perceive that there is nothing better I perceive that there is nothing better for them than to be joyful and to do for them than to be joyful and to do for them than to be joyful and to do good as long as they live. I told you good as long as they live. I told you good as long as they live. I told you last week. I'm 53 years old now. And last week. I'm 53 years old now. And last week. I'm 53 years old now. And sometimes I look at Veronica, sometimes I look at Veronica, sometimes I look at Veronica, my wife, she's way younger than me, of my wife, she's way younger than me, of my wife, she's way younger than me, of course. I mean, when we got married, we course. I mean, when we got married, we course. I mean, when we got married, we were only like four and a half years were only like four and a half years were only like four and a half years apart, but somehow now I'm two decades apart, but somehow now I'm two decades apart, but somehow now I'm two decades older than she is. Okay? It's like we older than she is. Okay? It's like we older than she is. Okay? It's like we were in that movie Interstellar where I were in that movie Interstellar where I were in that movie Interstellar where I age at one rate and she ages at another. age at one rate and she ages at another. age at one rate and she ages at another. But we're both still healthy. And But we're both still healthy. And But we're both still healthy. And sometimes I look at her now and I think, sometimes I look at her now and I think, sometimes I look at her now and I think, I know, I know, I know this era of I know, I know, I know this era of I know, I know, I know this era of youthfulness and energy, I know it's not youthfulness and energy, I know it's not youthfulness and energy, I know it's not going to last forever.

going to last forever. going to last forever. And see, it's really easy now for us to And see, it's really easy now for us to And see, it's really easy now for us to look forward to something in the future, look forward to something in the future, look forward to something in the future, some financial goal we want to hit, some financial goal we want to hit, some financial goal we want to hit, being able to purchase something we've being able to purchase something we've being able to purchase something we've always dreamed of owning, the freedom of always dreamed of owning, the freedom of always dreamed of owning, the freedom of retirement, the joy of grandkids. retirement, the joy of grandkids. retirement, the joy of grandkids. But I bet you I bet you when we get But I bet you I bet you when we get But I bet you I bet you when we get there, there, there, we'll look back from there and wish we'd we'll look back from there and wish we'd we'll look back from there and wish we'd better enjoyed the days of our youth and better enjoyed the days of our youth and better enjoyed the days of our youth and our health. our health. our health. Wish we'd not taken for granted what it Wish we'd not taken for granted what it Wish we'd not taken for granted what it was like to be full of energy and to go was like to be full of energy and to go was like to be full of energy and to go wherever we wanted. And of course, one wherever we wanted. And of course, one wherever we wanted. And of course, one day, one day, one of us will will bury day, one day, one of us will will bury day, one day, one of us will will bury the other one. the other one. the other one. And I bet at that moment we would give And I bet at that moment we would give And I bet at that moment we would give anything anything anything just to be able to go back and be able just to be able to go back and be able just to be able to go back and be able to take a hike through the woods to take a hike through the woods to take a hike through the woods together again or to fall asleep together again or to fall asleep together again or to fall asleep watching Seinfeld together one more watching Seinfeld together one more watching Seinfeld together one more time. time. time. And so I want to enjoy every moment I And so I want to enjoy every moment I And so I want to enjoy every moment I have right now with all of its have right now with all of its have right now with all of its blessings. I want to enjoy them to the blessings. I want to enjoy them to the blessings. I want to enjoy them to the fullest. Not because this is all I have.

fullest. Not because this is all I have. fullest. Not because this is all I have. No, I have God and I have an eternity No, I have God and I have an eternity No, I have God and I have an eternity promised to me. but because it is what I promised to me. but because it is what I promised to me. but because it is what I have right now. These are the good old have right now. These are the good old have right now. These are the good old days. Every era is the good old days. days. Every era is the good old days. days. Every era is the good old days. Every day is a once-in-a-lifetime Every day is a once-in-a-lifetime Every day is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. And until you think that, opportunity. And until you think that, opportunity. And until you think that, you are never going to be fulfilled. you are never going to be fulfilled. you are never going to be fulfilled. Please, would you stop thinking that Please, would you stop thinking that Please, would you stop thinking that happiness and contentment is found in happiness and contentment is found in happiness and contentment is found in some future state that you might get to? some future state that you might get to? some future state that you might get to? Oh, it's going to be great if I can ever Oh, it's going to be great if I can ever Oh, it's going to be great if I can ever just get married. when we have kids, just get married. when we have kids, just get married. when we have kids, when I get to this career success, when when I get to this career success, when when I get to this career success, when I have this amount of wealth, when I'm I have this amount of wealth, when I'm I have this amount of wealth, when I'm finally done being sick, when I get finally done being sick, when I get finally done being sick, when I get tenured as a professor, when I go pro, tenured as a professor, when I go pro, tenured as a professor, when I go pro, if you think that when you get there, if you think that when you get there, if you think that when you get there, you're going to find out it's hell. I you're going to find out it's hell. I you're going to find out it's hell. I promise you, there is no future state promise you, there is no future state promise you, there is no future state that can make you happier than you have that can make you happier than you have that can make you happier than you have the capability of being right now. the capability of being right now. the capability of being right now. Contentment is about how you relate to Contentment is about how you relate to Contentment is about how you relate to God today, not about things you might God today, not about things you might God today, not about things you might own tomorrow. You get that? Contentment own tomorrow. You get that? Contentment own tomorrow. You get that? Contentment is about your posture toward God, not is about your posture toward God, not is about your posture toward God, not about the amount of your possessions.

about the amount of your possessions. about the amount of your possessions. [snorts] [snorts] [snorts] And it's only when you think that that And it's only when you think that that And it's only when you think that that you will stop rushing through the days you will stop rushing through the days you will stop rushing through the days and you'll just start enjoying them. and you'll just start enjoying them. and you'll just start enjoying them. Like I've heard it said, Like I've heard it said, Like I've heard it said, life is like a snow day. You can't life is like a snow day. You can't life is like a snow day. You can't schedule it. You can't control it. schedule it. You can't control it. schedule it. You can't control it. Sometimes the timing of a snow day feels Sometimes the timing of a snow day feels Sometimes the timing of a snow day feels perfect. If you're a kid, it always perfect. If you're a kid, it always perfect. If you're a kid, it always feels that way. Other times it is super feels that way. Other times it is super feels that way. Other times it is super inconvenient. inconvenient. inconvenient. What you should really do when it comes What you should really do when it comes What you should really do when it comes is just enjoy it. Go out and play with is just enjoy it. Go out and play with is just enjoy it. Go out and play with your kids in the snow. your kids in the snow. your kids in the snow. Solomon says you need to trust in a Solomon says you need to trust in a Solomon says you need to trust in a redeeming God with a beautiful plan. redeeming God with a beautiful plan. redeeming God with a beautiful plan. Number two, you need to enjoy every day Number two, you need to enjoy every day Number two, you need to enjoy every day as a gift. as a gift. as a gift. Number three, you need to embrace life Number three, you need to embrace life Number three, you need to embrace life above the sun is the only satisfying above the sun is the only satisfying above the sun is the only satisfying answer for life under the sun. answer for life under the sun. answer for life under the sun. This is what we introduced last week This is what we introduced last week This is what we introduced last week that I told you was that I told you was that I told you was the theme of the book. the theme of the book. the theme of the book. You see, for the rest of this chapter, You see, for the rest of this chapter, You see, for the rest of this chapter, chapter three, the writer muses about chapter three, the writer muses about chapter three, the writer muses about how maddeningly disappointing it is when how maddeningly disappointing it is when how maddeningly disappointing it is when you cling to life under the sun for you cling to life under the sun for you cling to life under the sun for satisfaction. For example, verse 16, satisfaction. For example, verse 16, satisfaction. For example, verse 16, he talks about how often this world's he talks about how often this world's he talks about how often this world's justice systems let us down. Moreover, justice systems let us down. Moreover, justice systems let us down. Moreover, he said, I saw under the sun that in the he said, I saw under the sun that in the he said, I saw under the sun that in the place of justice, even there was place of justice, even there was place of justice, even there was wickedness. In the place of wickedness. In the place of wickedness. In the place of righteousness, even there was righteousness, even there was righteousness, even there was wickedness. There are few things in life wickedness. There are few things in life wickedness. There are few things in life more bewildering than to encounter more bewildering than to encounter more bewildering than to encounter wickedness in the places that justice wickedness in the places that justice wickedness in the places that justice and righteousness is supposed to reign.

and righteousness is supposed to reign. and righteousness is supposed to reign. Like in a perverted court of law Like in a perverted court of law Like in a perverted court of law or in a church where you experience or in a church where you experience or in a church where you experience abusive leadership or in a home where abusive leadership or in a home where abusive leadership or in a home where your parents are abusive. your parents are abusive. your parents are abusive. law courts and homes and churches were law courts and homes and churches were law courts and homes and churches were supposed to be places of respite and supposed to be places of respite and supposed to be places of respite and refuge where you could experience a refuge where you could experience a refuge where you could experience a little bit of heaven. And when somebody little bit of heaven. And when somebody little bit of heaven. And when somebody gets denied justice in court or they get gets denied justice in court or they get gets denied justice in court or they get mistreated in one of those other places mistreated in one of those other places mistreated in one of those other places where they get let me use court as an where they get let me use court as an where they get let me use court as an example. When you get um when you don't example. When you get um when you don't example. When you get um when you don't get justice in court because somebody get justice in court because somebody get justice in court because somebody else manipulated the process with their else manipulated the process with their else manipulated the process with their money. Whether it's parents being denied money. Whether it's parents being denied money. Whether it's parents being denied justice for their child's killer or justice for their child's killer or justice for their child's killer or groups whose rights and dignity get groups whose rights and dignity get groups whose rights and dignity get trampled on. We look at that in trampled on. We look at that in trampled on. We look at that in bewilderment and despair and we say well bewilderment and despair and we say well bewilderment and despair and we say well things never be right. things never be right. things never be right. Teacher says in that moment you got to Teacher says in that moment you got to Teacher says in that moment you got to look to life above the sun for an look to life above the sun for an look to life above the sun for an answer. So I said in my heart God will answer. So I said in my heart God will answer. So I said in my heart God will judge the righteous and the wicked and judge the righteous and the wicked and judge the righteous and the wicked and there is a time for every matter and for there is a time for every matter and for there is a time for every matter and for every work. Pastor Ray Ortland recounts every work. Pastor Ray Ortland recounts every work. Pastor Ray Ortland recounts hearing an interview with a woman hearing an interview with a woman hearing an interview with a woman involved in rescuing girls from the sex involved in rescuing girls from the sex involved in rescuing girls from the sex trade.

trade. trade. And the interviewer asked this lady how And the interviewer asked this lady how And the interviewer asked this lady how she could endure hearing such horrific she could endure hearing such horrific she could endure hearing such horrific stories day after day after day. And her stories day after day after day. And her stories day after day after day. And her answer was, "There is one reason I can answer was, "There is one reason I can answer was, "There is one reason I can do that. And that is because I believe do that. And that is because I believe do that. And that is because I believe in a God of judgment. And I believe in a God of judgment. And I believe in a God of judgment. And I believe there is a God who will have the final there is a God who will have the final there is a God who will have the final world for every single one of these world for every single one of these world for every single one of these girls." girls." girls." Let me just tell you this, and I say Let me just tell you this, and I say Let me just tell you this, and I say this not from a place of cynicism, from this not from a place of cynicism, from this not from a place of cynicism, from a place of reality. a place of reality. a place of reality. If you are counting on justice under the If you are counting on justice under the If you are counting on justice under the sun, you are going to be disappointed sun, you are going to be disappointed sun, you are going to be disappointed and you are going to end up bitter. The and you are going to end up bitter. The and you are going to end up bitter. The simple fact of the matter is, listen, simple fact of the matter is, listen, simple fact of the matter is, listen, you're going to see this the older you you're going to see this the older you you're going to see this the older you get. The good guy does not always win. get. The good guy does not always win. get. The good guy does not always win. The honorable business partner sometimes The honorable business partner sometimes The honorable business partner sometimes gets cheated. The faithful parent gets gets cheated. The faithful parent gets gets cheated. The faithful parent gets blamed. blamed. blamed. Human justice systems disappoint. And if Human justice systems disappoint. And if Human justice systems disappoint. And if all you have is hope under the sun, all you have is hope under the sun, all you have is hope under the sun, you're going to see with rage and you're you're going to see with rage and you're you're going to see with rage and you're going to languish with despair. Despair going to languish with despair. Despair going to languish with despair. Despair that can literally poison your soul. But that can literally poison your soul. But that can literally poison your soul. But but if you believe what Solomon clung to but if you believe what Solomon clung to but if you believe what Solomon clung to that God has the last word, it will give that God has the last word, it will give that God has the last word, it will give you a sense of peace. That didn't mean you a sense of peace. That didn't mean you a sense of peace. That didn't mean you ever stop fighting for justice here.

you ever stop fighting for justice here. you ever stop fighting for justice here. Just gives you a way not to end up in Just gives you a way not to end up in Just gives you a way not to end up in madness or despair. madness or despair. madness or despair. There's one other way Solomon points to There's one other way Solomon points to There's one other way Solomon points to life above the sun as the only answer to life above the sun as the only answer to life above the sun as the only answer to life under the sun. And it's back in life under the sun. And it's back in life under the sun. And it's back in verse 11. verse 11. verse 11. Solomon says, "He has put eternity into Solomon says, "He has put eternity into Solomon says, "He has put eternity into man's heart. man's heart. man's heart. There is something eternal inside of you There is something eternal inside of you There is something eternal inside of you that only something infinite can fill." that only something infinite can fill." that only something infinite can fill." I want you to think about it. I've I want you to think about it. I've I want you to think about it. I've already done one cheesy thing. Let me do already done one cheesy thing. Let me do already done one cheesy thing. Let me do another one here. Put your hand on your another one here. Put your hand on your another one here. Put your hand on your heart for a minute. Feel fill this right heart for a minute. Feel fill this right heart for a minute. Feel fill this right here. here. here. There is a gap right there There is a gap right there There is a gap right there that only eternity can fill. that only eternity can fill. that only eternity can fill. Let me illustrate it this way. Every Let me illustrate it this way. Every Let me illustrate it this way. Every time you shower, you use about 15 to 20 time you shower, you use about 15 to 20 time you shower, you use about 15 to 20 gallons of water, they say. For me, it's gallons of water, they say. For me, it's gallons of water, they say. For me, it's probably 15 gallons. For each of my probably 15 gallons. For each of my probably 15 gallons. For each of my daughters, I'm guessing it's closer to daughters, I'm guessing it's closer to daughters, I'm guessing it's closer to 50. Okay, 50. Okay, 50. Okay, that may sound like a lot, but it's that may sound like a lot, but it's that may sound like a lot, but it's actually just a small percentage of the actually just a small percentage of the actually just a small percentage of the water that we use daily. The average water that we use daily. The average water that we use daily. The average American family of four, they say, uses American family of four, they say, uses American family of four, they say, uses about 400 gallons of water every day.

about 400 gallons of water every day. about 400 gallons of water every day. 400 gallons every day. If I had a on 400 gallons every day. If I had a on 400 gallons every day. If I had a on stage a bucket that was large enough to stage a bucket that was large enough to stage a bucket that was large enough to contain the 400 gallons that your family contain the 400 gallons that your family contain the 400 gallons that your family of four uses every day, that gallon that of four uses every day, that gallon that of four uses every day, that gallon that that bucket would need need to be about that bucket would need need to be about that bucket would need need to be about the size of a pickup truck bed. I tried the size of a pickup truck bed. I tried the size of a pickup truck bed. I tried to actually back one in here for this, to actually back one in here for this, to actually back one in here for this, but the production team all threatened but the production team all threatened but the production team all threatened to quit. So, you're just going to have to quit. So, you're just going to have to quit. So, you're just going to have to use your imagination. Okay. A pickup to use your imagination. Okay. A pickup to use your imagination. Okay. A pickup truck beds size bucket is all the water truck beds size bucket is all the water truck beds size bucket is all the water that you use in a day. Now I want you to that you use in a day. Now I want you to that you use in a day. Now I want you to try to imagine try to imagine try to imagine a bucket that could hold the water from a bucket that could hold the water from a bucket that could hold the water from a midsize lake a midsize lake a midsize lake kind of lake that nobody outside of our kind of lake that nobody outside of our kind of lake that nobody outside of our area [snorts] would have ever heard of area [snorts] would have ever heard of area [snorts] would have ever heard of like Haiko Lake just north of here. Lake like Haiko Lake just north of here. Lake like Haiko Lake just north of here. Lake Haiko contains I think it's my numbers Haiko contains I think it's my numbers Haiko contains I think it's my numbers right 25 what is that billion gallons of right 25 what is that billion gallons of right 25 what is that billion gallons of water 25 billion gallons of water to water 25 billion gallons of water to water 25 billion gallons of water to hold all the water in Lake Haiko in a hold all the water in Lake Haiko in a hold all the water in Lake Haiko in a bucket your bucket would need to go from bucket your bucket would need to go from bucket your bucket would need to go from being the size of a pickup truck bed it being the size of a pickup truck bed it being the size of a pickup truck bed it would need to go to the size of would need to go to the size of would need to go to the size of Manhattan with sides six feet tall Manhattan with sides six feet tall Manhattan with sides six feet tall if you wanted a bucket that contained if you wanted a bucket that contained if you wanted a bucket that contained all the water on earth [snorts] all the water on earth [snorts] all the water on earth [snorts] total amount of water on earth is 366 total amount of water on earth is 366 total amount of water on earth is 366 quintilion quintilion quintilion 200 quillion no quadrillion gallons of 200 quillion no quadrillion gallons of 200 quillion no quadrillion gallons of water. If you wanted a bucket big enough water. If you wanted a bucket big enough water. If you wanted a bucket big enough to hold all that water, you would need to hold all that water, you would need to hold all that water, you would need to construct a wall around the to construct a wall around the to construct a wall around the continental United States that reached continental United States that reached continental United States that reached 103 mi high or a bucket the size of the

103 mi high or a bucket the size of the 103 mi high or a bucket the size of the US that extended halfway to the space US that extended halfway to the space US that extended halfway to the space station. station. station. Now, I want you to imagine a bucket so Now, I want you to imagine a bucket so Now, I want you to imagine a bucket so big that all the water in the world big that all the water in the world big that all the water in the world wouldn't even cover the surface area of wouldn't even cover the surface area of wouldn't even cover the surface area of the bottom. the bottom. the bottom. That bucket, Solomon says, That bucket, Solomon says, That bucket, Solomon says, is your soul. And some of you wonder And some of you wonder why after obtaining so many things that why after obtaining so many things that why after obtaining so many things that you have wanted, why you are still you have wanted, why you are still you have wanted, why you are still unhappy. It is because you have an unhappy. It is because you have an unhappy. It is because you have an eternity-sized bucket in that heart of eternity-sized bucket in that heart of eternity-sized bucket in that heart of yours and you keep trying to fill it up yours and you keep trying to fill it up yours and you keep trying to fill it up with little Dixie cups of water. with little Dixie cups of water. with little Dixie cups of water. Our hearts are restless. St. Augustine Our hearts are restless. St. Augustine Our hearts are restless. St. Augustine said they're restless until they find said they're restless until they find said they're restless until they find the rest in you. We crave permanence. We the rest in you. We crave permanence. We the rest in you. We crave permanence. We crave justice. We crave beauty that does crave justice. We crave beauty that does crave justice. We crave beauty that does not fray fade. Friends who will never not fray fade. Friends who will never not fray fade. Friends who will never leave. Love that never ends. We crave leave. Love that never ends. We crave leave. Love that never ends. We crave significance that death cannot erase. significance that death cannot erase. significance that death cannot erase. Y'all, these are not bugs in the system.

Y'all, these are not bugs in the system. Y'all, these are not bugs in the system. These are not illusions created by These are not illusions created by These are not illusions created by Darwinistic evolution that help us Darwinistic evolution that help us Darwinistic evolution that help us survive. They are evidence that you were survive. They are evidence that you were survive. They are evidence that you were built for eternity, not for Earth. built for eternity, not for Earth. built for eternity, not for Earth. Some of you are trying to fill that void Some of you are trying to fill that void Some of you are trying to fill that void of yours with little Dixie cupsiz of yours with little Dixie cupsiz of yours with little Dixie cupsiz amounts of water. That promotion at amounts of water. That promotion at amounts of water. That promotion at work, yeah, it was awesome, but it was work, yeah, it was awesome, but it was work, yeah, it was awesome, but it was just a Dixie cup. That vacation, another just a Dixie cup. That vacation, another just a Dixie cup. That vacation, another Dixie cup. every championship, every Dixie cup. every championship, every Dixie cup. every championship, every romance, every new boyfriend, every new romance, every new boyfriend, every new romance, every new boyfriend, every new house, every new grandchild, every house, every new grandchild, every house, every new grandchild, every standing ovation. Wonderful gifts, real standing ovation. Wonderful gifts, real standing ovation. Wonderful gifts, real gifts, good gifts from a good God, but gifts, good gifts from a good God, but gifts, good gifts from a good God, but still just Dixie cups. still just Dixie cups. still just Dixie cups. You were made to hold an ocean. You were made to hold an ocean. You were made to hold an ocean. When are you going to understand this? When are you going to understand this? When are you going to understand this? You were not created for things down You were not created for things down You were not created for things down here. here. here. Jonathan Edwards said, "The enjoyment of Jonathan Edwards said, "The enjoyment of Jonathan Edwards said, "The enjoyment of God is the only happiness with which our God is the only happiness with which our God is the only happiness with which our souls can be satisfied." All the joys of souls can be satisfied." All the joys of souls can be satisfied." All the joys of the world, strawberries and jazz music the world, strawberries and jazz music the world, strawberries and jazz music and husbands and wives and and husbands and wives and and husbands and wives and grandchildren, they only exist to awaken grandchildren, they only exist to awaken grandchildren, they only exist to awaken in us a hunger for the one who made them in us a hunger for the one who made them in us a hunger for the one who made them as expression of the one who made them.

as expression of the one who made them. as expression of the one who made them. They are good gifts as substitutes for They are good gifts as substitutes for They are good gifts as substitutes for him. They're hevil. him. They're hevil. him. They're hevil. Jesus is the one that your soul is Jesus is the one that your soul is Jesus is the one that your soul is missing. Your heart is always going to missing. Your heart is always going to missing. Your heart is always going to feel restless until you find your rest feel restless until you find your rest feel restless until you find your rest in him. That's why Christianity, hear in him. That's why Christianity, hear in him. That's why Christianity, hear me, that's why Christianity is not first me, that's why Christianity is not first me, that's why Christianity is not first and foremost about giving you advice for and foremost about giving you advice for and foremost about giving you advice for how to live better under the sun. how to live better under the sun. how to live better under the sun. Christianity is about introducing you to Christianity is about introducing you to Christianity is about introducing you to the only one big enough to satisfy that the only one big enough to satisfy that the only one big enough to satisfy that eternal void that God put inside you. eternal void that God put inside you. eternal void that God put inside you. I don't preach a religion. I don't I don't preach a religion. I don't I don't preach a religion. I don't preach a Christian code. I preach Jesus. preach a Christian code. I preach Jesus. preach a Christian code. I preach Jesus. Which brings me which brings me to the good news of which brings me to the good news of Ecclesiastes. Ecclesiastes. Ecclesiastes. A thousand years after Solomon wrote A thousand years after Solomon wrote A thousand years after Solomon wrote this book, this book, this book, one of Solomon's great great great great one of Solomon's great great great great one of Solomon's great great great great great great great grandsons, great great great grandsons, great great great grandsons, the son of God himself entered into the son of God himself entered into the son of God himself entered into Solomon's heaven and mine and yours. Solomon's heaven and mine and yours. Solomon's heaven and mine and yours. You realize that Jesus experienced every You realize that Jesus experienced every You realize that Jesus experienced every every season of Ecclesiastes 3. He was every season of Ecclesiastes 3. He was every season of Ecclesiastes 3. He was born. He laughed. He wept. He built up.

born. He laughed. He wept. He built up. born. He laughed. He wept. He built up. He was torn down. He loved. He lost. He He was torn down. He loved. He lost. He He was torn down. He loved. He lost. He was betrayed. He died. was betrayed. He died. was betrayed. He died. And then in the greatest miscarriage And then in the greatest miscarriage And then in the greatest miscarriage [music] of justice the world has ever [music] of justice the world has ever [music] of justice the world has ever known, known, known, the only truly righteous man was the only truly righteous man was the only truly righteous man was condemned in an unjust court. condemned in an unjust court. condemned in an unjust court. Jesus experienced wickedness in the Jesus experienced wickedness in the Jesus experienced wickedness in the courts of justice in ways that very few courts of justice in ways that very few courts of justice in ways that very few of us ever will. But he did it [music] of us ever will. But he did it [music] of us ever will. But he did it [music] joyfully because his heart was filled joyfully because his heart was filled joyfully because his heart was filled with infinite love for us. The kind of with infinite love for us. The kind of with infinite love for us. The kind of love that can satisfy that eternal hole love that can satisfy that eternal hole love that can satisfy that eternal hole in our hearts. in our hearts. in our hearts. You see, that brings me back to where we You see, that brings me back to where we You see, that brings me back to where we started. Some of you have all the parts started. Some of you have all the parts started. Some of you have all the parts of your life spread out in the floor and of your life spread out in the floor and of your life spread out in the floor and you can't figure out why you can't make you can't figure out why you can't make you can't figure out why you can't make it all work. You got career and you got it all work. You got career and you got it all work. You got career and you got marriage and you got kids and you got marriage and you got kids and you got marriage and you got kids and you got money, vacations, and friendships. Every money, vacations, and friendships. Every money, vacations, and friendships. Every piece is spread out on the floor and piece is spread out on the floor and piece is spread out on the floor and you're still wondering why life won't you're still wondering why life won't you're still wondering why life won't come together. It's because you've left come together. It's because you've left come together. It's because you've left out the one piece that brings all of out the one piece that brings all of out the one piece that brings all of them together and that's Jesus.

It was a story I used to tell when I was It was a story I used to tell when I was a youth pastor. a youth pastor. a youth pastor. I heard it as a true story. I guess I I heard it as a true story. I guess I I heard it as a true story. I guess I can't verify whether it's true, but it can't verify whether it's true, but it can't verify whether it's true, but it went like this. went like this. went like this. Dr. Leo Winters was the most notable ER Dr. Leo Winters was the most notable ER Dr. Leo Winters was the most notable ER doctor in Chicago. doctor in Chicago. doctor in Chicago. Dr. Winters got a call at his home late Dr. Winters got a call at his home late Dr. Winters got a call at his home late one evening about a young boy who'd been one evening about a young boy who'd been one evening about a young boy who'd been severely injured in an accident. severely injured in an accident. severely injured in an accident. After asking a few questions, Dr. After asking a few questions, Dr. After asking a few questions, Dr. Winters knew he had to go to the ER Winters knew he had to go to the ER Winters knew he had to go to the ER immediately because his hands might be immediately because his hands might be immediately because his hands might be the only hands that were capable of the only hands that were capable of the only hands that were capable of saving this little boy's life. saving this little boy's life. saving this little boy's life. So, he jumped out of bed, he got So, he jumped out of bed, he got So, he jumped out of bed, he got dressed, got into his car, and headed dressed, got into his car, and headed dressed, got into his car, and headed for the hospital. Time was critical. for the hospital. Time was critical. for the hospital. Time was critical. So, Dr. Wyers decided to take a shortcut So, Dr. Wyers decided to take a shortcut So, Dr. Wyers decided to take a shortcut through one of the rougher parts of through one of the rougher parts of through one of the rougher parts of Chicago. Chicago. Chicago. At a red light, his car door was At a red light, his car door was At a red light, his car door was suddenly yanked open suddenly yanked open suddenly yanked open and a man in a gray hat and an old and a man in a gray hat and an old and a man in a gray hat and an old flannel shirt grabbed Dr. Wyers and flannel shirt grabbed Dr. Wyers and flannel shirt grabbed Dr. Wyers and started to pull him out of the car. Dr. started to pull him out of the car. Dr. started to pull him out of the car. Dr. Wyers tried to explain, "I'm a doctor.

Wyers tried to explain, "I'm a doctor. Wyers tried to explain, "I'm a doctor. I'm a doctor. There's a boy dying at the I'm a doctor. There's a boy dying at the I'm a doctor. There's a boy dying at the hospital. I have to get there." But the hospital. I have to get there." But the hospital. I have to get there." But the man wouldn't listen. just shoved them man wouldn't listen. just shoved them man wouldn't listen. just shoved them out of the car, hopped in and sped away. out of the car, hopped in and sped away. out of the car, hopped in and sped away. By the time Dr. Winters finally found By the time Dr. Winters finally found By the time Dr. Winters finally found another way to the hospital, it was too another way to the hospital, it was too another way to the hospital, it was too late. The boy had [music] died about 30 late. The boy had [music] died about 30 late. The boy had [music] died about 30 minutes before Dr. Winters got there. minutes before Dr. Winters got there. minutes before Dr. Winters got there. When Dr. Winters walked in, the nurse When Dr. Winters walked in, the nurse When Dr. Winters walked in, the nurse told him the boy's father was just told him the boy's father was just told him the boy's father was just devastated. devastated. devastated. He's terribly upset. He's terribly upset. He's terribly upset. He just doesn't understand why you never He just doesn't understand why you never He just doesn't understand why you never showed up. showed up. showed up. Dr. Winter said, "Well, where is he at? Dr. Winter said, "Well, where is he at? Dr. Winter said, "Well, where is he at? I at least want to go and explain I at least want to go and explain I at least want to go and explain explain why I couldn't get here. She explain why I couldn't get here. She explain why I couldn't get here. She said, "Well, he's down in the the said, "Well, he's down in the the said, "Well, he's down in the the chapel." So, Dr. Winters walks down the chapel." So, Dr. Winters walks down the chapel." So, Dr. Winters walks down the hallway, enters into this dimly lit hallway, enters into this dimly lit hallway, enters into this dimly lit chapel, and he goes in. There's only one chapel, and he goes in. There's only one chapel, and he goes in. There's only one man inside. His head is in his hands. man inside. His head is in his hands. man inside. His head is in his hands. He's weeping. He's weeping. He's weeping. When the man looks up, Dr. Winters When the man looks up, Dr. Winters When the man looks up, Dr. Winters recognizes him immediately. [music] recognizes him immediately. [music] recognizes him immediately. [music] He was wearing the same gray hat, the He was wearing the same gray hat, the He was wearing the same gray hat, the same old flannel shirt as the guy who same old flannel shirt as the guy who same old flannel shirt as the guy who pulled him out of his car.

pulled him out of his car. pulled him out of his car. that father had carjacked the one man that father had carjacked the one man that father had carjacked the one man who could have saved his son. who could have saved his son. who could have saved his son. You see, some of us are doing something You see, some of us are doing something You see, some of us are doing something tragically similar tragically similar tragically similar with God. with God. with God. You're doing the same thing with Jesus. You're doing the same thing with Jesus. You're doing the same thing with Jesus. You keep pushing away. You keep pushing away. You keep pushing away. The very one you're looking for, the The very one you're looking for, the The very one you're looking for, the only one who's actually big enough to only one who's actually big enough to only one who's actually big enough to satisfy the eternity he has put inside satisfy the eternity he has put inside satisfy the eternity he has put inside your heart. your heart. your heart. You don't want to give up control cuz You don't want to give up control cuz You don't want to give up control cuz that scares you. But I'm just telling that scares you. But I'm just telling that scares you. But I'm just telling you, it's not the new marriage. It's not you, it's not the new marriage. It's not you, it's not the new marriage. It's not the new car. It's not the new boyfriend. the new car. It's not the new boyfriend. the new car. It's not the new boyfriend. It's not going to be the new job. It's It's not going to be the new job. It's It's not going to be the new job. It's not the new promotion. It's not [music] not the new promotion. It's not [music] not the new promotion. It's not [music] the change. Not moving to Florida. It's the change. Not moving to Florida. It's the change. Not moving to Florida. It's not retiring in Hawaii. It's just Jesus not retiring in Hawaii. It's just Jesus not retiring in Hawaii. It's just Jesus you're looking for. It's always been you're looking for. It's always been you're looking for. It's always been him. Jesus is the answer to the he of him. Jesus is the answer to the he of him. Jesus is the answer to the he of Ecclesiastes. I want you to bow your heads at all of I want you to bow your heads at all of our campuses if [music] you would. I our campuses if [music] you would. I our campuses if [music] you would. I want to want to want to I want to extend two invitations to you.

I want to extend two invitations to you. I want to extend two invitations to you. The first is I want to offer a a number The first is I want to offer a a number The first is I want to offer a a number of you a chance for you to surrender to of you a chance for you to surrender to of you a chance for you to surrender to Jesus. You [music] see, I believe right Jesus. You [music] see, I believe right Jesus. You [music] see, I believe right now I am talking to now I am talking to now I am talking to several people several people several people that you've yet to surrender your life that you've yet to surrender your life that you've yet to surrender your life to Jesus completely and totally and to Jesus completely and totally and to Jesus completely and totally and trust. If that's you, if you feel like, I've If that's you, if you feel like, I've never fully surrendered my life to never fully surrendered my life to never fully surrendered my life to Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, could you just raise your hand? I'm the could you just raise your hand? I'm the could you just raise your hand? I'm the only one looking around. I'm not doing only one looking around. I'm not doing only one looking around. I'm not doing this to embarrass you, but you're like, this to embarrass you, but you're like, this to embarrass you, but you're like, I haven't done it, and I would like to I haven't done it, and I would like to I haven't done it, and I would like to do it this morning. There lots of you, do it this morning. There lots of you, do it this morning. There lots of you, whether I can see or not, you put them whether I can see or not, you put them whether I can see or not, you put them down. Salvation Salvation is when you surrender your life fully to is when you surrender your life fully to is when you surrender your life fully to Jesus and you receive him Jesus and you receive him Jesus and you receive him as your savior. You see, the gospel is as your savior. You see, the gospel is as your savior. You see, the gospel is that you couldn't save yourself by being that you couldn't save yourself by being that you couldn't save yourself by being good enough. So Jesus did it in your good enough. So Jesus did it in your good enough. So Jesus did it in your place and [music] he offers that as a place and [music] he offers that as a place and [music] he offers that as a free gift. free gift. free gift. So if you have never received Jesus and So if you have never received Jesus and So if you have never received Jesus and surrendered to him, I want you to say surrendered to him, I want you to say surrendered to him, I want you to say right now, save this from your heart. right now, save this from your heart. right now, save this from your heart. It's got to come from your heart, but It's got to come from your heart, but It's got to come from your heart, but you can use these words.

you can use these words. you can use these words. Jesus, I know only you can save me. Jesus, I know only you can save me. Jesus, I know only you can save me. I receive the gift of salvation Here's my second [music] invitation. Here's my second [music] invitation. There's some of you who have already There's some of you who have already There's some of you who have already received, surrendered your life to received, surrendered your life to received, surrendered your life to Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, but you're at a place in your life where but you're at a place in your life where but you're at a place in your life where you just need to come to Jesus to tell you just need to come to Jesus to tell you just need to come to Jesus to tell him that you trust him. him that you trust him. him that you trust him. That you trust him. That you don't That you trust him. That you don't That you trust him. That you don't understand, but you trust him. understand, but you trust him. understand, but you trust him. And I'm going to invite you to come down And I'm going to invite you to come down And I'm going to invite you to come down at your campus to kneel in prayer around at your campus to kneel in prayer around at your campus to kneel in prayer around our altars at the front and just make a our altars at the front and just make a our altars at the front and just make a declaration that you're going to trust declaration that you're going to trust declaration that you're going to trust in a redeeming God with a beautiful in a redeeming God with a beautiful in a redeeming God with a beautiful plan. Even though you don't understand plan. Even though you don't understand plan. Even though you don't understand it, you understand wisdom. it, you understand wisdom. it, you understand wisdom. It's not knowing how life makes sense. It's not knowing how life makes sense. It's not knowing how life makes sense. It's trusting that God makes sense even It's trusting that God makes sense even It's trusting that God makes sense even when life doesn't. when life doesn't. when life doesn't. And I want you to declare that. You say, And I want you to declare that. You say, And I want you to declare that. You say, "Well, I mean, can I do that here in my "Well, I mean, can I do that here in my "Well, I mean, can I do that here in my seat?" Of course you can. Of course you seat?" Of course you can. Of course you seat?" Of course you can. Of course you can.

can. can. But some of you need to make that But some of you need to make that But some of you need to make that declaration. You need to say, "God, I'm I'm just You need to say, "God, I'm I'm just going to receive life as a gift. I'm going to receive life as a gift. I'm going to receive life as a gift. I'm going to enjoy every day. And I'm going going to enjoy every day. And I'm going going to enjoy every day. And I'm going to trust that you, [music] the God of to trust that you, [music] the God of to trust that you, [music] the God of the cross and the resurrection, the cross and the resurrection, the cross and the resurrection, has a beautiful plan. Here's what I want us to do. I want us Here's what I want us to do. I want us at all of our campuses to stand to our at all of our campuses to stand to our at all of our campuses to stand to our feet right now. Everybody at all feet right now. Everybody at all feet right now. Everybody at all campuses, stand to your feet. I'm going campuses, stand to your feet. I'm going campuses, stand to your feet. I'm going to pray over us and then I'm going to invite you to and then I'm going to invite you to respond to the Holy Spirit. Father, I respond to the Holy Spirit. Father, I respond to the Holy Spirit. Father, I pray in Jesus name. pray in Jesus name. pray in Jesus name. Come Holy Spirit, you're the real Come Holy Spirit, you're the real Come Holy Spirit, you're the real preacher, not me. So apply this in ways preacher, not me. So apply this in ways preacher, not me. So apply this in ways that I cannot and draw people to the that I cannot and draw people to the that I cannot and draw people to the rest and the joy that is in you. I pray rest and the joy that is in you. I pray rest and the joy that is in you. I pray that in Jesus name. In Jesus name. I'm that in Jesus name. In Jesus name. I'm that in Jesus name. In Jesus name. I'm going to ask right now at all of our going to ask right now at all of our going to ask right now at all of our campuses for our prayer teams to come campuses for our prayer teams to come campuses for our prayer teams to come up. They're going to move right now. I'm up. They're going to move right now. I'm up. They're going to move right now. I'm going to invite you just go ahead and going to invite you just go ahead and going to invite you just go ahead and come. You don't need to wait on the come. You don't need to wait on the come. You don't need to wait on the worship team. You just come right now. worship team. You just come right now. worship team. You just come right now. If you want to pray with one of them, If you want to pray with one of them, If you want to pray with one of them, you just go right to them. If you just you just go right to them. If you just you just go right to them. If you just want to kneel around the altar, grab want to kneel around the altar, grab want to kneel around the altar, grab somebody, come, you kneel. You do that somebody, come, you kneel. You do that somebody, come, you kneel. You do that right now. If you prayed with me a right now. If you prayed with me a right now. If you prayed with me a moment ago to surrender your life to moment ago to surrender your life to moment ago to surrender your life to Jesus, I'm going to ask you that you Jesus, I'm going to ask you that you Jesus, I'm going to ask you that you make your way to one of these people on make your way to one of these people on make your way to one of these people on the right or left and just say, "I the right or left and just say, "I the right or left and just say, "I prayed to receive Jesus." But right now prayed to receive Jesus." But right now prayed to receive Jesus." But right now at all of our campuses as our worship at all of our campuses as our worship at all of our campuses as our worship team comes, would you respond to the team comes, would you respond to the team comes, would you respond to the Holy Spirit and give him the trust?

Holy Spirit and give him the trust? Holy Spirit and give him the trust? Maybe that means coming forward to do Maybe that means coming forward to do Maybe that means coming forward to do that. Bring us somebody. You come right that. Bring us somebody. You come right that. Bring us somebody. You come right now as our worship teams come. The altar is [music] open. The altar is [music] open. As we sing, we invite you to come and As we sing, we invite you to come and As we sing, we invite you to come and pray. pray. pray. Just respond to the Holy Spirit. He's been my fourth [music] man in He's been my fourth [music] man in [singing] the fire time after time.

[singing] the fire time after time. [singing] the fire time after time. [music] Born [singing] of his spirit, And [music] what he did for me on And [music] what he did for me on [singing] Calvary is more [music] than [singing] Calvary is more [music] than [singing] Calvary is more [music] than enough. enough. enough. So I trust in God. [music] So I trust in God. [music] So I trust in God. [music] He's my savior. [singing] He's my savior. [singing] He's my savior. [singing] The one The one The one who will [music] never who will [music] never who will [music] never fail. fail. fail. [singing and music] [singing and music] [singing and music] He will never fail. He will never fail. He will never fail. [music] [music] [music] I trust in God. I trust in God. I trust in God. He's my savior. [singing] He's my savior. [singing] He's my savior. [singing] are the one [music] are the one [music] are the one [music] who will never who will never who will never fail. [music] He will never [singing] fail. He will never [singing] fail. [music] I know the author of tomorrow. [music] I know the author of tomorrow. [music] [singing] Praising my rising king and savior

Praising my rising king and savior [music] [music] [music] all day long. I trust [music] in God. I trust [music] in God. You're my savior. You're my savior. You're my savior. [singing] The one [singing] The one [singing] The one who [music] will never [singing] who [music] will never [singing] who [music] will never [singing] fail. [music] My trust in God, [music] My trust in God, my [singing] savior, my [singing] savior, my [singing] savior, the one [music] the one [music] the one [music] who will never who will never who will never fail. [music] [music] He will never fail. You can never fail God. You can never fail God. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> I can trust your [singing] character, >> I can trust your [singing] character, >> I can trust your [singing] character, God. God. God. Never [music] fail me before.

Let's clear this together [music] today. Let's clear this together [music] today. I saw the Lord. I saw the Lord and he I saw the Lord. I saw the Lord and he I saw the Lord. I saw the Lord and he heard and he answered. heard and he answered. heard and he answered. [music and singing] [music and singing] [music and singing] I saw the Lord and he heard and he I saw the Lord and he heard and he I saw the Lord and he heard and he answered. I saw the Lord and he heard answered. I saw the Lord and he heard answered. I saw the Lord and he heard [music] and he answered. [singing] [music] and he answered. [singing] [music] and he answered. [singing] That's why I trust him. That's why I That's why I trust him. That's why I That's why I trust him. That's why I trust him. [music] I saw the Lord and he trust him. [music] I saw the Lord and he trust him. [music] I saw the Lord and he heard and he answered. I saw [music] the heard and he answered. I saw [music] the heard and he answered. I saw [music] the Lord and he heard and he answered. I saw Lord and he heard and he answered. I saw Lord and he heard and he answered. I saw the Lord [music] and he heard and he the Lord [music] and he heard and he the Lord [music] and he heard and he answered. That's [singing] when I answered. That's [singing] when I answered. That's [singing] when I trusted. That's when I trusted. I saw trusted. That's when I trusted. I saw trusted. That's when I trusted. I saw the Lord [music] the Lord [music] the Lord [music] and he heard and he answered. I and he heard and he answered. I and he heard and he answered. I [singing] love [singing] love [singing] love [music] [music] [music] that's why I trust you. That's why I that's why I trust you. That's why I that's why I trust you. That's why I trust you. [music] I saw the trust you. [music] I saw the trust you. [music] I saw the answer. I [music] saw the answer. I [music] saw the answer. I [music] saw the answer. Heat. Heat. [music] I [music] trust in God.

I [music] trust in God. You're my savior. You're my savior. You're my savior. The one [music] The one [music] The one [music] who will never who will never who will never fail. church, if you [music] would just stay church, if you [music] would just stay in this moment with me. I feel like the in this moment with me. I feel like the in this moment with me. I feel like the Holy Spirit's speaking to many of you. Holy Spirit's speaking to many of you. Holy Spirit's speaking to many of you. And look, here's what we're going to do. And look, here's what we're going to do. And look, here's what we're going to do. The band Hank, if y'all y'all don't mind The band Hank, if y'all y'all don't mind The band Hank, if y'all y'all don't mind if y'all play through that song one more if y'all play through that song one more if y'all play through that song one more time. I'm going to go right down here time. I'm going to go right down here time. I'm going to go right down here and pray. Feel like the Holy Spirit's and pray. Feel like the Holy Spirit's and pray. Feel like the Holy Spirit's calling me to do that. I feel like there calling me to do that. I feel like there calling me to do that. I feel like there are many of you that need to do that as are many of you that need to do that as are many of you that need to do that as well. Maybe you feel more comfortable well. Maybe you feel more comfortable well. Maybe you feel more comfortable responding to the Holy Spirit in your responding to the Holy Spirit in your responding to the Holy Spirit in your seat. [music] You can do that as well. seat. [music] You can do that as well. seat. [music] You can do that as well. If you want somebody to pray over you, If you want somebody to pray over you, If you want somebody to pray over you, we would love to do that. But I just we would love to do that. But I just we would love to do that. But I just want us to respond to the Holy Spirit's want us to respond to the Holy Spirit's want us to respond to the Holy Spirit's leading right right now. and respond to leading right right now. and respond to leading right right now. and respond to him in prayer [music] and respond to him him in prayer [music] and respond to him him in prayer [music] and respond to him in praise. Join me downfront praying. in praise. Join me downfront praying. in praise. Join me downfront praying. Look, I want you to be able to have that Look, I want you to be able to have that Look, I want you to be able to have that space to do that right now. And for the space to do that right now. And for the space to do that right now. And for the rest of you, if you need to go, you got rest of you, if you need to go, you got rest of you, if you need to go, you got got to do what you need to do. I send got to do what you need to do. I send got to do what you need to do. I send you out though and the hope of the one you out though and the hope of the one you out though and the hope of the one that is above the sun that we can trust that is above the sun that we can trust that is above the sun that we can trust him with everything under the sun. And him with everything under the sun. And him with everything under the sun. And that should change everything about our that should change everything about our that should change everything about our lives. And we should [music] go this lives. And we should [music] go this lives. And we should [music] go this week and tell someone about that. If you week and tell someone about that. If you week and tell someone about that. If you want to come and pray, if you want to want to come and pray, if you want to want to come and pray, if you want to remain in your seat and pray and praise, remain in your seat and pray and praise, remain in your seat and pray and praise, continue to do that. Sum it. You were continue to do that. Sum it. You were continue to do that. Sum it. You were loved and [music] you were sent.

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

>> Heat. Heat. >> Heat. Heat. [music] >> Heat. Heat. >> Heat. Heat. [music] just just [music] [music] [music] want to