The Summit Church August 2, 2026 1h 43m The Book of Jude

FULL WEEKEND SERVICE - 8/2/2026 - The Book of Jude| "Hey, Jude!" | J.D. Greear

Name: FULL WEEKEND SERVICE - 8/2/2026 - The Book of Jude| "Hey, Jude!" | J.D. Greear
Uploaded: 2026-08-02T17:12:32+00:00
Duration: 1 h 43 min 59 s
Description: The sermon focuses on the church's mission to train the next generation to love and share God. It highlights the success of kids' and middle school camps, attributing their positive impact to the prayers of the congregation. The practical takeaway is to continue praying for these ministries and for the spiritual growth of the young people involved.

Read full transcript 78 segments

[music] [music] >> Heat. [music] [music] >> Heat.
>> Heat. Heat. >> Heat. Heat. [music] >> Hey, good morning Summit online. Happy
>> Hey, good morning Summit online. Happy Sunday. I'm so glad you guys are joining Sunday. I'm so glad you guys are joining Sunday. I'm so glad you guys are joining us this morning. I'm Lauren Thompson, us this morning. I'm Lauren Thompson, us this morning. I'm Lauren Thompson, Summit online coordinator and I'm glad Summit online coordinator and I'm glad Summit online coordinator and I'm glad you're here. Hey, I just want to say if you're here. Hey, I just want to say if you're here. Hey, I just want to say if this is your first time joining us, I'm this is your first time joining us, I'm this is your first time joining us, I'm so glad and I would love to connect with so glad and I would love to connect with so glad and I would love to connect with you. If [snorts] you text welcome to you. If [snorts] you text welcome to you. If [snorts] you text welcome to 33933, you can let us know that you're 33933, you can let us know that you're 33933, you can let us know that you're here and then we would love to send you here and then we would love to send you here and then we would love to send you kind of a free gospel devotional and kind of a free gospel devotional and kind of a free gospel devotional and just be able to connect and uh see if just be able to connect and uh see if just be able to connect and uh see if there's any ways that we can help out. there's any ways that we can help out. there's any ways that we can help out. So feel free to text welcome to 33933 if So feel free to text welcome to 33933 if So feel free to text welcome to 33933 if it's your first time here or if you've it's your first time here or if you've it's your first time here or if you've never uh gotten connected with us here never uh gotten connected with us here never uh gotten connected with us here at Summit. We'd love to talk with you. at Summit. We'd love to talk with you. at Summit. We'd love to talk with you. And if it's not your first time and And if it's not your first time and And if it's not your first time and you're back, welcome back. We're glad you're back, welcome back. We're glad you're back, welcome back. We're glad you're joining. We have a great morning you're joining. We have a great morning you're joining. We have a great morning ahead of us. Um we're starting a new ahead of us. Um we're starting a new ahead of us. Um we're starting a new series today and we've just got some series today and we've just got some series today and we've just got some great things, some great worship. So uh great things, some great worship. So uh great things, some great worship. So uh before that, just a few announcements before that, just a few announcements before that, just a few announcements and reminders and updates. So, first and reminders and updates. So, first and reminders and updates. So, first off, we are wrapping up our middle off, we are wrapping up our middle off, we are wrapping up our middle school and kids camp. So, I know we've school and kids camp. So, I know we've school and kids camp. So, I know we've talked about camps all summer. We've talked about camps all summer. We've talked about camps all summer. We've been asking for prayer and I first off been asking for prayer and I first off been asking for prayer and I first off just want to say if you've been praying just want to say if you've been praying just want to say if you've been praying with us, thank you. We have heard so with us, thank you. We have heard so with us, thank you. We have heard so many amazing stories of how God is many amazing stories of how God is many amazing stories of how God is moving in the lives of these students moving in the lives of these students moving in the lives of these students and kids. Um, and it's just incredible.
and kids. Um, and it's just incredible. and kids. Um, and it's just incredible. Honestly, this is this is the mission. Honestly, this is this is the mission. Honestly, this is this is the mission. This is what we are here to do is uh to This is what we are here to do is uh to This is what we are here to do is uh to serve God and help it train up people in serve God and help it train up people in serve God and help it train up people in the next generation to love him and the next generation to love him and the next generation to love him and share. And so, uh, I just want to say share. And so, uh, I just want to say share. And so, uh, I just want to say thank you for praying with us. And then thank you for praying with us. And then thank you for praying with us. And then continue to pray. So, middle schoolers continue to pray. So, middle schoolers continue to pray. So, middle schoolers and the last session of kids camp is and the last session of kids camp is and the last session of kids camp is wrapping up this week. And so, just pray wrapping up this week. And so, just pray wrapping up this week. And so, just pray for their safe return. Pray for those for their safe return. Pray for those for their safe return. Pray for those last few days of middle school camp that last few days of middle school camp that last few days of middle school camp that um, you know, they would be able to hear um, you know, they would be able to hear um, you know, they would be able to hear from the Lord. And for those kids that from the Lord. And for those kids that from the Lord. And for those kids that don't know Jesus that they would, uh, don't know Jesus that they would, uh, don't know Jesus that they would, uh, you know, submit their lives to Jesus you know, submit their lives to Jesus you know, submit their lives to Jesus and they'd come to a relationship with and they'd come to a relationship with and they'd come to a relationship with him. So, uh, keep praying. But, as we're him. So, uh, keep praying. But, as we're him. So, uh, keep praying. But, as we're wrapping up camps, just want to wrapping up camps, just want to wrapping up camps, just want to celebrate what God has done and just say celebrate what God has done and just say celebrate what God has done and just say thank you for praying with us. Um, all thank you for praying with us. Um, all thank you for praying with us. Um, all right, guys. Well, we also have, right, guys. Well, we also have, right, guys. Well, we also have, speaking of prayer, another opportunity speaking of prayer, another opportunity speaking of prayer, another opportunity coming up in a few weeks. We're going to coming up in a few weeks. We're going to coming up in a few weeks. We're going to kick off 21 days of prayer this fall. We kick off 21 days of prayer this fall. We kick off 21 days of prayer this fall. We typically do it at the beginning of the typically do it at the beginning of the typically do it at the beginning of the year, but we also want to take time this year, but we also want to take time this year, but we also want to take time this fall to come together and pray because fall to come together and pray because fall to come together and pray because we we say here that prayer uh we pray we we say here that prayer uh we pray we we say here that prayer uh we pray first, second, and third, and that first, second, and third, and that first, second, and third, and that prayer is the mission. And so, it is so prayer is the mission. And so, it is so prayer is the mission. And so, it is so important for us to come together as a important for us to come together as a important for us to come together as a church body and pray together. So, if church body and pray together. So, if church body and pray together. So, if you want to find out more information you want to find out more information you want to find out more information about when it starts, what we're going about when it starts, what we're going about when it starts, what we're going to be doing, we're going to have to be doing, we're going to have to be doing, we're going to have opportunities to if you want to come opportunities to if you want to come opportunities to if you want to come pray in person at our campuses on pray in person at our campuses on pray in person at our campuses on Thursdays, those are going to be Thursdays, those are going to be Thursdays, those are going to be options. So, you can go to options. So, you can go to options. So, you can go to summiturch.com/p summiturch.com/p summiturch.com/p prayer or scan that QR code to be able prayer or scan that QR code to be able prayer or scan that QR code to be able to find out more. Uh, but I hope that to find out more. Uh, but I hope that to find out more. Uh, but I hope that you'll join us. And we'll have prayer you'll join us. And we'll have prayer you'll join us. And we'll have prayer prompts in our daily revival in the prompts in our daily revival in the prompts in our daily revival in the Summit Church app. So, if you want to
Summit Church app. So, if you want to Summit Church app. So, if you want to download the Summit Church app and uh be download the Summit Church app and uh be download the Summit Church app and uh be prepared, that's where a lot of our prepared, that's where a lot of our prepared, that's where a lot of our prayer prompts will be as we go through prayer prompts will be as we go through prayer prompts will be as we go through 21 days of prayer together. 21 days of prayer together. 21 days of prayer together. >> All right, guys. Well, like I mentioned, >> All right, guys. Well, like I mentioned, >> All right, guys. Well, like I mentioned, we're actually going to be in a new we're actually going to be in a new we're actually going to be in a new sermon series for the next few weeks in sermon series for the next few weeks in sermon series for the next few weeks in the book of [clears throat] Jude. So, the book of [clears throat] Jude. So, the book of [clears throat] Jude. So, Pastor JD is going to kick us off today Pastor JD is going to kick us off today Pastor JD is going to kick us off today going through the first few verses of going through the first few verses of going through the first few verses of Jude. Um, it's a great message. I will Jude. Um, it's a great message. I will Jude. Um, it's a great message. I will say it there, uh, there is some PG-13 say it there, uh, there is some PG-13 say it there, uh, there is some PG-13 type content. So, if you're watching type content. So, if you're watching type content. So, if you're watching with kids, just be aware. uh you may with kids, just be aware. uh you may with kids, just be aware. uh you may want to, you know, come back and watch want to, you know, come back and watch want to, you know, come back and watch this later. But all right. Well, we're this later. But all right. Well, we're this later. But all right. Well, we're close to our service. So, if you want to close to our service. So, if you want to close to our service. So, if you want to and you're able to, why don't you stand and you're able to, why don't you stand and you're able to, why don't you stand up and we'll go into worship now. up and we'll go into worship now. up and we'll go into worship now. [music] Good morning, Summit family. If you are Good morning, Summit family. If you are able, would you stand with me as we able, would you stand with me as we able, would you stand with me as we sing, as we declare that Jesus Christ is sing, as we declare that Jesus Christ is sing, as we declare that Jesus Christ is Lord this morning? As you're standing, Lord this morning? As you're standing, Lord this morning? As you're standing, [music] go ahead, scoot. Make some more [music] go ahead, scoot. Make some more [music] go ahead, scoot. Make some more room. people coming in this morning to room. people coming in this morning to room. people coming in this morning to come worship with us. God is worthy.
come worship with us. God is worthy. come worship with us. God is worthy. Let's clap our [music] hands. [music] Come on, sing. This is the day [music] Come on, sing. This is the day [music and singing] you made. [music and singing] you made. [music and singing] you made. So I'll rejoice and be glad. Rejoice So I'll rejoice and be glad. Rejoice So I'll rejoice and be glad. Rejoice [music] and be glad. It is. >> [music] >> [music] >> This is >> This is >> This is where I believe. Help me believe that where I believe. Help me believe that where I believe. Help me believe that you are more [music] than enough. You're you are more [music] than enough. You're you are more [music] than enough. You're more than enough for me. [music] more than enough for me. [music] more than enough for me. [music] Cuz you are faithful to your [singing] Cuz you are faithful to your [singing] Cuz you are faithful to your [singing] promise. You are strong when I [music] promise. You are strong when I [music] promise. You are strong when I [music] am weak. And when I'm standing in your am weak. And when I'm standing in your am weak. And when I'm standing in your presence, I [music] have everything I presence, I [music] have everything I presence, I [music] have everything I need. need. need. The joy of [music] the Lord. The joy of The joy of [music] the Lord. The joy of The joy of [music] the Lord. The joy of the Lord is my strength. the Lord is my strength. the Lord is my strength. Yeah. [music] Yeah. [music] Yeah. [music] The joy of the Lord. The joy of the Lord The joy of the Lord. The joy of the Lord The joy of the Lord. The joy of the Lord is my [music] strength. Take oh my soul.
is my [music] strength. Take oh my soul. is my [music] strength. Take oh my soul. Oh my soul. We bless [music] his name. Oh my soul. We bless [music] his name. Oh my soul. We bless [music] his name. All that is within me say the joy of the All that is within me say the joy of the All that is within me say the joy of the Lord. The joy of the Lord is my Lord. The joy of the Lord is my Lord. The joy of the Lord is my strength. strength. strength. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> Oh, help me to believe it. >> Oh, help me to believe it. >> Oh, help me to believe it. Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, come what [music] may, come what [music] may, come what [music] may, for you are worthy [music] of all. for you are worthy [music] of all. for you are worthy [music] of all. You're worthy of all my praise. You're worthy of all my praise. You're worthy of all my praise. [singing] [singing] [singing] And you are faithful to your promise. And you are faithful to your promise. And you are faithful to your promise. [music] [music] [music] You are strong and I am weak. And when You are strong and I am weak. And when You are strong and I am weak. And when I'm standing in your presence, [music] I'm standing in your presence, [music] I'm standing in your presence, [music] I have everything I need. See, the joy I have everything I need. See, the joy I have everything I need. See, the joy of the Lord. [music] Oh, the joy of the of the Lord. [music] Oh, the joy of the of the Lord. [music] Oh, the joy of the Lord is my strength. Lord is my strength. Lord is my strength. Hey, Hey, Hey, the joy [music] of the Lord, the joy of the joy [music] of the Lord, the joy of the joy [music] of the Lord, the joy of the Lord is my [singing] strength.
[music] Oh my soul, bless his name. All [music] Oh my soul, bless his name. All that is within [music] me say the joy of that is within [music] me say the joy of that is within [music] me say the joy of the Lord. The joy of the Lord is my the Lord. The joy of the Lord is my the Lord. The joy of the Lord is my strength. [singing] strength. [singing] strength. [singing] Oh today and every day. Oh today and every day. Oh today and every day. Help us to believe it. [music] Help us to believe it. [music] Help us to believe it. [music] Can we sing this as a prayer together? Can we sing this as a prayer together? Can we sing this as a prayer together? Let it rise up Let it rise up Let it rise up [music] like a river Holy Spirit [music] Holy Spirit [music] and let it pour out and let it pour out and let it pour out with no living [music] overflow on me. overflow on me. Holy Spirit, [music] he let it rise up Holy Spirit, [music] he let it rise up Holy Spirit, [music] he let it rise up like a river [music] till I'm overflowing till I'm overflowing [music] with the Holy Spirit. [singing] [music] with the Holy Spirit. [singing] [music] with the Holy Spirit. [singing] until I'm pouring out [music] until I'm pouring out [music] until I'm pouring out [music] with no limit.
with no limit. with no limit. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> overflowing >> overflowing >> overflowing with love. with love. with love. With the Holy Spirit [music] oh oh [music] the joy [music] of the Lord, the joy of the joy [music] of the Lord, the joy of the Lord is my strength. the Lord is my strength. the Lord is my strength. Oh yes it is. The joy Oh yes it is. The joy Oh yes it is. The joy [music and singing] of the Lord. The joy [music and singing] of the Lord. The joy [music and singing] of the Lord. The joy of the Lord is my strength. Sing oh my of the Lord is my strength. Sing oh my of the Lord is my strength. Sing oh my soul. Oh [music] my soul. Bless his soul. Oh [music] my soul. Bless his soul. Oh [music] my soul. Bless his name. All name. All name. All [music] [music] [music] sing my soul. Bless his name. All I sing my soul. Bless his name. All I sing my soul. Bless his name. All I need. [music] need. [music] need. [music] Sing myself. Oh my bless his name. Sing myself. Oh my bless his name. Sing myself. Oh my bless his name. [music] and all that. Everything within [music] and all that. Everything within [music] and all that. Everything within me say the joy of the Lord. The joy of me say the joy of the Lord. The joy of me say the joy of the Lord. The joy of the Lord is [music] my strength.
the Lord is [music] my strength. the Lord is [music] my strength. Come on, give him praise. Come on, give him praise. Come on, give him praise. Amen. Amen. [music] Amen. Amen. [music] Amen. Amen. [music] So, it's so good to worship with you So, it's so good to worship with you So, it's so good to worship with you guys. As we're standing, there's a lot guys. As we're standing, there's a lot guys. As we're standing, there's a lot more people coming in. The Bible's more people coming in. The Bible's more people coming in. The Bible's pretty clear. It says, "Leave the pretty clear. It says, "Leave the pretty clear. It says, "Leave the margins of your field open, right? So margins of your field open, right? So margins of your field open, right? So that people can come in, [music] right?" that people can come in, [music] right?" that people can come in, [music] right?" >> Say that. [laughter] >> Say that. [laughter] >> Say that. [laughter] There's a lot like we want to make room There's a lot like we want to make room There's a lot like we want to make room for people to worship. So you can move for people to worship. So you can move for people to worship. So you can move to the middle of your rows. We can fit a to the middle of your rows. We can fit a to the middle of your rows. We can fit a lot more people in here. More voices to lot more people in here. More voices to lot more people in here. More voices to lift up the name of Jesus. lift up the name of Jesus. lift up the name of Jesus. >> Leave the margins open. Leave. She said >> Leave the margins open. Leave. She said >> Leave the margins open. Leave. She said [laughter] leave the margins open. Come [laughter] leave the margins open. Come [laughter] leave the margins open. Come on now. on now. on now. >> So good to talk about our redemption >> So good to talk about our redemption >> So good to talk about our redemption through Jesus's blood this morning. Can through Jesus's blood this morning. Can through Jesus's blood this morning. Can we look at Ephesians 1:7 together? Read we look at Ephesians 1:7 together? Read we look at Ephesians 1:7 together? Read this with me. In him we have redemption this with me. In him we have redemption this with me. In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of through his blood, the forgiveness of through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses according to the riches our trespasses according to the riches our trespasses according to the riches of his grace. That word redemption, you of his grace. That word redemption, you of his grace. That word redemption, you know what that means? That means we've know what that means? That means we've know what that means? That means we've been bought back. been bought back. been bought back. >> We've been bought back by the blood of >> We've been bought back by the blood of >> We've been bought back by the blood of Jesus. That's a weird thing to say, Jesus. That's a weird thing to say, Jesus. That's a weird thing to say, right? Because in the Old Testament, right? Because in the Old Testament, right? Because in the Old Testament, especially if you're new to Bible especially if you're new to Bible especially if you're new to Bible [music] reading, in the Old Testament, [music] reading, in the Old Testament, [music] reading, in the Old Testament, if you were bleeding or even if you if you were bleeding or even if you if you were bleeding or even if you touched somebody that had blood on their touched somebody that had blood on their touched somebody that had blood on their body, that made you unclean. [music] If body, that made you unclean. [music] If body, that made you unclean. [music] If you were the one bleeding, you were you were the one bleeding, you were you were the one bleeding, you were unclean. But even if you touch that unclean. But even if you touch that unclean. But even if you touch that person, you were unclean. So, do you person, you were unclean. So, do you person, you were unclean. So, do you know what [music] Jesus did? Do you know know what [music] Jesus did? Do you know know what [music] Jesus did? Do you know why we are redeemed through his blood?
why we are redeemed through his blood? why we are redeemed through his blood? Because in this [music] case, the Because in this [music] case, the Because in this [music] case, the reverse happens. When we touch him, we reverse happens. When we touch him, we reverse happens. When we touch him, we are made clean. are made clean. are made clean. >> We are not unclean. When we touch him by >> We are not unclean. When we touch him by >> We are not unclean. When we touch him by the power of his blood that makes us the power of his blood that makes us the power of his blood that makes us clean and redeemed through the blood of clean and redeemed through the blood of clean and redeemed through the blood of Jesus. [music] Jesus. [music] Jesus. [music] >> That's what yet who's somebody one >> That's what yet who's somebody one >> That's what yet who's somebody one person is clapping. Thank you Anita. person is clapping. Thank you Anita. person is clapping. Thank you Anita. That is why we come in and sing and That is why we come in and sing and That is why we come in and sing and worship and sing loudly and bring him worship and sing loudly and bring him worship and sing loudly and bring him our song because we're redeemed by his our song because we're redeemed by his our song because we're redeemed by his blood. So as we sing a new song this blood. So as we sing a new song this blood. So as we sing a new song this morning as Hank's going to lead us, morning as Hank's going to lead us, morning as Hank's going to lead us, we're going to plead the blood together we're going to plead the blood together we're going to plead the blood together as a family [music] that that sacrifice as a family [music] that that sacrifice as a family [music] that that sacrifice was made for us and we're claiming it was made for us and we're claiming it was made for us and we're claiming it for ourselves. for ourselves. for ourselves. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> So let's sing He's Worthy. Lift him up. >> So let's sing He's Worthy. Lift him up. >> So let's sing He's Worthy. Lift him up. >> Yes, Lord. We thank you for the [music] >> Yes, Lord. We thank you for the [music] >> Yes, Lord. We thank you for the [music] power of your blood that has changed power of your blood that has changed power of your blood that has changed everything about us. Come on, let's sing everything about us. Come on, let's sing everything about us. Come on, let's sing a new song. a new song. a new song. Everything changed. [music] Everything changed. [music] Everything changed. [music] It's getting harder to recognize It's getting harder to recognize It's getting harder to recognize the [music] person I was the [music] person I was the [music] person I was before I encountered Christ. I don't before I encountered Christ. I don't before I encountered Christ. I don't walk like I used to. I don't talk like I walk like I used to. I don't talk like I walk like I used to. I don't talk like I used to. I've been washed from [music] used to. I've been washed from [music] used to. I've been washed from [music] the inside.
the inside. the inside. I've been washed from the inside. I've been washed from the inside. I've been washed from the inside. We're going to sing that much again. I We're going to sing that much again. I We're going to sing that much again. I want you to think about your own heart, want you to think about your own heart, want you to think about your own heart, your own testimony [music] with Jesus. your own testimony [music] with Jesus. your own testimony [music] with Jesus. And come on, let's testify all over the And come on, let's testify all over the And come on, let's testify all over the room. Say, "Everything changed." [music] room. Say, "Everything changed." [music] room. Say, "Everything changed." [music] Yeah. Everything changed. Everything changed. It's [music] getting harder to recognize It's [music] getting harder to recognize It's [music] getting harder to recognize the person I was the person I was the person I was before [music] I encountered Christ. I before [music] I encountered Christ. I before [music] I encountered Christ. I don't walk like I used to and I [music] don't walk like I used to and I [music] don't walk like I used to and I [music] don't talk like I used to. I've been don't talk like I used to. I've been don't talk like I used to. I've been washed from the inside. washed from the inside. washed from the inside. I've [music] been washed from the I've [music] been washed from the I've [music] been washed from the inside. inside. inside. Hallelu. Hallelu. Hallelu. [music] [music] [music] Hallelu. I know it was the blood. It could have I know it was the blood. It could have only [music] been the blood. only [music] been the blood. only [music] been the blood. Hallelu. Hallelu. [music] Hallelu. [music] I know it [singing] was the blood. It I know it [singing] was the blood. It I know it [singing] was the blood. It could have only been the blood. Come on.
could have only been the blood. Come on. could have only been the blood. Come on. If [music] you're thankful for the blood If [music] you're thankful for the blood If [music] you're thankful for the blood of Jesus, just put your hands together of Jesus, just put your hands together of Jesus, just put your hands together right there. Somebody praise him. right there. Somebody praise him. right there. Somebody praise him. [music] Say, I cannot explain it. Say, I cannot explain it. I cannot [music] explain. I cannot [music] explain. I cannot [music] explain. But nothing's more real than this. In But nothing's more real than this. In But nothing's more real than this. In the presence of God. the presence of God. the presence of God. [music] Oh, when my heart experience. [music] Oh, when my heart experience. [music] Oh, when my heart experience. When my shame hit the wayside When my shame hit the wayside When my shame hit the wayside and my sin [music] met the most high. and my sin [music] met the most high. and my sin [music] met the most high. I've been washed from the inside. I've been washed from the inside. I've been washed from the inside. I've been [music] washed from the I've been [music] washed from the I've been [music] washed from the inside. inside. inside. Hallelu. Hallelu. Hallelu. [music] [music] [music] I know it was [singing] the blind. It I know it was [singing] the blind. It I know it was [singing] the blind. It could have only been the blind. could have only been the blind. could have only been the blind. Hallelu. Hallelu. Hallelu. [music] [music] [music] Hallelu. I know [music] it was the blood. It I know [music] it was the blood. It could have only been the blood. [music] could have only been the blood. [music] could have only been the blood. [music] Oh, the precious, precious blood of Oh, the precious, precious blood of Oh, the precious, precious blood of Jesus. [music] Jesus. [music] Jesus. [music] Listen, this is the good news about the Listen, this is the good news about the Listen, this is the good news about the blood for everyone in the room. [music] blood for everyone in the room. [music] blood for everyone in the room. [music] It's never been about performance, It's never been about performance, It's never been about performance, perfection, or striving for acceptance.
perfection, or striving for acceptance. perfection, or striving for acceptance. Let me tell you, it's only by the blood. Let me tell you, it's only by the blood. Let me tell you, it's only by the blood. Hallelujah. It's never been about Hallelujah. It's never been about Hallelujah. It's never been about deserving deserving deserving or earning. It's a gift that's freely or earning. It's a gift that's freely or earning. It's a gift that's freely [music] given, let me tell you. Oh, [music] given, let me tell you. Oh, [music] given, let me tell you. Oh, that's got to be good news to somebody that's got to be good news to somebody that's got to be good news to somebody in here. Let's say [music] it again. in here. Let's say [music] it again. in here. Let's say [music] it again. It's never been about performance, It's never been about performance, It's never been about performance, perfection, or [music] striving for perfection, or [music] striving for perfection, or [music] striving for acceptance. Let me tell you, it's only acceptance. Let me tell you, it's only acceptance. Let me tell you, it's only by the blood. by the blood. by the blood. It's never been about deserving or It's never been about deserving or It's never been about deserving or earning. It's a gift. And you can earning. It's a gift. And you can earning. It's a gift. And you can receive it today. Let me tell you, it's receive it today. Let me tell you, it's receive it today. Let me tell you, it's only [music] by the blood. Ooh. Does only [music] by the blood. Ooh. Does only [music] by the blood. Ooh. Does anybody want to be holy and righteous, anybody want to be holy and righteous, anybody want to be holy and righteous, [music] [music] [music] purified and spotless? Let me tell you, purified and spotless? Let me tell you, purified and spotless? Let me tell you, it's only He takes us from unworthy to it's only He takes us from unworthy to it's only He takes us from unworthy to [music] worthy. [music] worthy. [music] worthy. Worthy, forgiven, Worthy, forgiven, Worthy, forgiven, justified. [music] justified. [music] justified. [music] Really living. Let me tell you, it's Really living. Let me tell you, it's Really living. Let me tell you, it's only by the blood.
[music] [music] Hallelu. Hallelu. Hallelu. [music] [music] [music] I know it was the blood. It could have I know it was the blood. It could have I know it was the blood. It could have [music] only been the blood. [music] only been the blood. [music] only been the blood. Hallelu. Hallelu. Hallelu. [music] [music] [music] Hallelu. I know it was the blood. It could have I know it was the blood. It could have only been [music] the blood. only been [music] the blood. only been [music] the blood. Hallelujah. I know it was the blood. It could have I know it was the blood. It could have only been the blood. only been the blood. only been the blood. Hallelu. I know [music] it was the blood. It I know [music] it was the blood. It could have only been could have only been could have only been the blood. [music] the blood. [music] the blood. [music] Oh Jesus, it's not what we've done. It's Oh Jesus, it's not what we've done. It's Oh Jesus, it's not what we've done. It's nothing that we've done. It's everything nothing that we've done. It's everything nothing that we've done. It's everything you've done, Lord.
you've done, Lord. you've done, Lord. So when I think of all you've done and So when I think of all you've done and So when I think of all you've done and all the battles you've brought me over. all the battles you've brought me over. all the battles you've brought me over. Hallelujah. Oh, come on. Just think Hallelujah. Oh, come on. Just think Hallelujah. Oh, come on. Just think about the power of [music] his blood in about the power of [music] his blood in about the power of [music] his blood in your life. And let's say that again. your life. And let's say that again. your life. And let's say that again. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. When I think of all you've done [music] When I think of all you've done [music] When I think of all you've done [music] and all the battles you've brought me and all the battles you've brought me and all the battles you've brought me over. Hallelujah. [music] Victory over. Hallelujah. [music] Victory over. Hallelujah. [music] Victory belongs to Jesus. Say, how he never Come belongs to Jesus. Say, how he never Come belongs to Jesus. Say, how he never Come on. But how he never [music] let me on. But how he never [music] let me on. But how he never [music] let me fall. Now unto him who is able. fall. Now unto him who is able. fall. Now unto him who is able. Hallelujah. Oh, he's able to keep Hallelujah. Oh, he's able to keep Hallelujah. Oh, he's able to keep [music] us from stumbling, to present us [music] us from stumbling, to present us [music] us from stumbling, to present us blameless. So let there never be a day. blameless. So let there never be a day. blameless. So let there never be a day. be [music] be [music] be [music] a day that I don't rise to bring you a day that I don't rise to bring you a day that I don't rise to bring you praise, [music] praise, [music] praise, [music] honey. Yeah. honey. Yeah. honey. Yeah. >> Oh, come on. Think about what he's done >> Oh, come on. Think about what he's done >> Oh, come on. Think about what he's done for you. All his goodness. Say, when I for you. All his goodness. Say, when I for you. All his goodness. Say, when I think [music] think [music] think [music] when I think of all [singing] you done when I think of all [singing] you done when I think of all [singing] you done and all the bad you brought me.
and all the bad you brought me. and all the bad you brought me. [music and singing] [music and singing] [music and singing] >> Oh yes. How he never let me fall. >> Oh yes. How he never let me fall. >> Oh yes. How he never let me fall. [music] [music] [music] how he never [singing] fall. Hallelujah. [music] Hallelujah. [music] >> To him who is able to keep you from >> To him who is able to keep you from >> To him who is able to keep you from stumbling to present you blameless stumbling to present you blameless stumbling to present you blameless before the father. [music] Let there before the father. [music] Let there before the father. [music] Let there never be a day that I don't rise [music] never be a day that I don't rise [music] never be a day that I don't rise [music] to bring you praise. Hallelujah. to bring you praise. Hallelujah. to bring you praise. Hallelujah. Stay right there. [music] Say Stay right there. [music] Say Stay right there. [music] Say hallelujah. Say hallelujah. hallelujah. Say hallelujah. hallelujah. Say hallelujah. >> Hallelujah. >> Hallelujah. >> Hallelujah. Hallelujah. [music] Hallelujah. [music] Hallelujah. [music] >> Hallelujah. >> Hallelujah. >> Hallelujah. >> Hallelujah. >> Hallelujah. >> Hallelujah. >> What else is there to say but >> What else is there to say but >> What else is there to say but hallelujah? hallelujah? hallelujah? >> What else is there to say [music] but >> What else is there to say [music] but >> What else is there to say [music] but hallelujah? Say hallelujah. hallelujah? Say hallelujah. hallelujah? Say hallelujah. >> Hallelujah. >> Hallelujah. >> Hallelujah. >> Oh, from deep down in your heart, say >> Oh, from deep down in your heart, say >> Oh, from deep down in your heart, say hallelujah. Oh yeah. [music] Hallelujah. hallelujah. Oh yeah. [music] Hallelujah. hallelujah. Oh yeah. [music] Hallelujah. >> I can't help but praise you. >> I can't help but praise you. >> I can't help but praise you. Say be praised. Be [music] praised.
Say be praised. Be [music] praised. Say be praised. Be [music] praised. Yes, Lord. We We want you. We want you Yes, Lord. We We want you. We want you Yes, Lord. We We want you. We want you to. to. to. From my heart [music] to your heart, From my heart [music] to your heart, From my heart [music] to your heart, Lord. From my heart to your heart, Lord. Lord. From my heart to your heart, Lord. Lord. From my heart to your heart, Lord. From [music] my heart to your heart, From [music] my heart to your heart, From [music] my heart to your heart, Jesus. Jesus. Jesus. Say, "Forever." Say, "Forever." Say, "Forever." Forever [music] and always. Come on, praise [music] him. Oh, come Come on, praise [music] him. Oh, come on, praise him. You can do better than on, praise him. You can do better than on, praise him. You can do better than that. This is Jesus. The power of his that. This is Jesus. The power of his that. This is Jesus. The power of his blood. blood. blood. Somebody worship him. All our hope, All our hope, everything. [music] We abandon all else. everything. [music] We abandon all else. everything. [music] We abandon all else. We abandon all else. We abandon all else. We abandon all else. Only the power of Jesus. Only the person Only the power of Jesus. Only the person Only the power of Jesus. Only the person of [music] Jesus and his glorious gospel of [music] Jesus and his glorious gospel of [music] Jesus and his glorious gospel that saves. Let's sing it. that saves. Let's sing it. that saves. Let's sing it. In Christ [music] alone In Christ [music] alone In Christ [music] alone my hope is found.
my hope is found. my hope is found. He is my light, my strength, [music] He is my light, my strength, [music] He is my light, my strength, [music] my soul. my soul. my soul. This corner storm This corner storm This corner storm this solid ground. [music and singing] this solid ground. [music and singing] this solid ground. [music and singing] Firm through the fiercest drought Firm through the fiercest drought Firm through the fiercest drought and storm. and storm. and storm. What [music] heights of love, What [music] heights of love, What [music] heights of love, what depths of peace. what depths of peace. what depths of peace. When fears are still, When fears are still, When fears are still, when striving tease, when striving tease, when striving tease, my comforter, [music] my comforter, [music] my comforter, [music] my all in all, my all in all, my all in all, here in a love of [music and singing] here in a love of [music and singing] here in a love of [music and singing] Christ, Christ, Christ, I stand [music] [music] Christ alone. Christ alone. Christ alone. who took on [music and singing] flesh who took on [music and singing] flesh who took on [music and singing] flesh the fullness of God in helpless the fullness of God in helpless the fullness of God in helpless faith.
faith. faith. These gifts [music and singing] These gifts [music and singing] These gifts [music and singing] of love of love of love and righteousness and righteousness and righteousness he [music] was formed by the [singing] he [music] was formed by the [singing] he [music] was formed by the [singing] ones he came to save. [music] ones he came to save. [music] ones he came to save. [music] Still on [singing] that cross Still on [singing] that cross Still on [singing] that cross as [music] Jesus died, as [music] Jesus died, as [music] Jesus died, the wrath [singing] of God was [music] the wrath [singing] of God was [music] the wrath [singing] of God was [music] satisfied satisfied satisfied for every [singing] for every [singing] for every [singing] sin. sin. sin. On [music] you was slain. On [music] you was slain. On [music] you was slain. Here in the death of Christ [music] I Here in the death of Christ [music] I Here in the death of Christ [music] I live. >> [music] >> [music] >> Only fire on there. >> Only fire on there. >> Only fire on there. There in the ground There in the ground There in the ground his body [music] his body [music] his body [music] [singing] laid. [singing] laid. [singing] laid. Light of the world by darkness Light of the world by darkness Light of the world by darkness lain. lain. lain. Then bursting [music] Then bursting [music] Then bursting [music] forth forth forth in glorious day.
in glorious day. in glorious day. Up from the grave. He [music] rose again Up from the grave. He [music] rose again Up from the grave. He [music] rose again as he says as he says as he says his victory. [music] his victory. [music] his victory. [music] Since curse have lost his [music] Since curse have lost his [music] Since curse have lost his [music] me for I am his me for I am his me for I am his inde. inde. inde. [music] [music] [music] I'm born with the precious blood I'm born with the precious blood I'm born with the precious blood of Christ. >> [music] >> [music] >> Holy by the blood of Jesus. >> Holy by the blood of Jesus. >> Holy by the blood of Jesus. Holy by the blood. [music] Holy by the Holy by the blood. [music] Holy by the Holy by the blood. [music] Holy by the blood. No guilt in [music] life. No guilt in [music] life. No fear in death. No fear in death. No fear in death. This is [music and singing] the power of This is [music and singing] the power of This is [music and singing] the power of Christ Christ Christ in me.
in me. in me. From life's [music] first cry till final From life's [music] first cry till final From life's [music] first cry till final breath, [singing] breath, [singing] breath, [singing] Jesus [music] commands my destiny. No power [music and singing] of hell, No power [music and singing] of hell, no scheme of man no scheme of man no scheme of man can ever pluck [music] can ever pluck [music] can ever pluck [music] me from his sin till he me from his sin till he me from his sin till he [music and singing] returns [music and singing] returns [music and singing] returns or calls me home. or calls me home. or calls me home. Here in the power of Christ [music] Here in the power of Christ [music] Here in the power of Christ [music] I stand. [music] [music] I'll stand [singing] in the power of I'll stand [singing] in the power of I'll stand [singing] in the power of Christ. Thank you, Jesus. Well, church, if I want you to know one Well, church, if I want you to know one thing this morning, it would be the thing this morning, it would be the thing this morning, it would be the message that we sang through [music] all message that we sang through [music] all message that we sang through [music] all three of those songs. three of those songs. three of those songs. that the life that you long for, that the life that you long for, that the life that you long for, that the long that we're actually the that the long that we're actually the that the long that we're actually the life that we're actually designed to life that we're actually designed to life that we're actually designed to have is found in one place and in one have is found in one place and in one have is found in one place and in one place only, place only, place only, and that is [music] in Jesus Christ.
and that is [music] in Jesus Christ. and that is [music] in Jesus Christ. It's the joy of the Lord that gives It's the joy of the Lord that gives It's the joy of the Lord that gives [music] us strength. It is only by the [music] us strength. It is only by the [music] us strength. It is only by the blood blood blood that we have salvation. that we have salvation. that we have salvation. that is in Christ alone that the hope of that is in Christ alone that the hope of that is in Christ alone that the hope of the human heart is found in only that the human heart is found in only that the human heart is found in only that place. It's not in [music] a marriage. place. It's not in [music] a marriage. place. It's not in [music] a marriage. It's not in kids. It's not in the praise It's not in kids. It's not in the praise It's not in kids. It's not in the praise of people. It's not in a great career. of people. It's not in a great career. of people. It's not in a great career. Those are good things, but those are Those are good things, but those are Those are good things, but those are designed so that you pour your life into designed so that you pour your life into designed so that you pour your life into those. But you do need a source of life. those. But you do need a source of life. those. But you do need a source of life. You need something that fills you up. You need something that fills you up. You need something that fills you up. But that's only found in one place, and But that's only found in one place, and But that's only found in one place, and that's in Christ. That's what this that's in Christ. That's what this that's in Christ. That's what this church is all about. And every single church is all about. And every single church is all about. And every single thing we do, whatever it is, we [music] thing we do, whatever it is, we [music] thing we do, whatever it is, we [music] want to exalt him so that all of our want to exalt him so that all of our want to exalt him so that all of our eyes go there because we want you to eyes go there because we want you to eyes go there because we want you to know it deeply in your head, but we want know it deeply in your head, but we want know it deeply in your head, but we want that message driven deep into your that message driven deep into your that message driven deep into your hearts. That's why we exist. [music] Go hearts. That's why we exist. [music] Go hearts. That's why we exist. [music] Go ahead and take a seat and scooch in a ahead and take a seat and scooch in a ahead and take a seat and scooch in a little bit more. We've got more people little bit more. We've got more people little bit more. We've got more people coming in. And one of the ways that we coming in. And one of the ways that we coming in. And one of the ways that we can exalt Christ is we can make room for can exalt Christ is we can make room for can exalt Christ is we can make room for people that are coming into our church.
people that are coming into our church. people that are coming into our church. I do want to tell you that part of part I do want to tell you that part of part I do want to tell you that part of part of the way that we help you of the way that we help you of the way that we help you get that message, the good news of Jesus get that message, the good news of Jesus get that message, the good news of Jesus into your head and heart is through into your head and heart is through into your head and heart is through prayer. That's one of God's avenues prayer. That's one of God's avenues prayer. That's one of God's avenues [music] that he gives us to grow in [music] that he gives us to grow in [music] that he gives us to grow in that. Uh it's one of the ways that you that. Uh it's one of the ways that you that. Uh it's one of the ways that you grow as a worshipper is through prayer. grow as a worshipper is through prayer. grow as a worshipper is through prayer. And so every now and then we want to And so every now and then we want to And so every now and then we want to have seasons where we really focus on have seasons where we really focus on have seasons where we really focus on it. We have one of those coming up. It's it. We have one of those coming up. It's it. We have one of those coming up. It's going to start on August 17th. It's going to start on August 17th. It's going to start on August 17th. It's going to be called 21 days of prayer. going to be called 21 days of prayer. going to be called 21 days of prayer. Um, you're probably familiar, if you've Um, you're probably familiar, if you've Um, you're probably familiar, if you've been around here for a while, you're been around here for a while, you're been around here for a while, you're familiar with it. Uh, we're going to familiar with it. Uh, we're going to familiar with it. Uh, we're going to [music] do it two times this year. We [music] do it two times this year. We [music] do it two times this year. We feel like it's that powerful. It's going feel like it's that powerful. It's going feel like it's that powerful. It's going to start on August 17th, and there's a to start on August 17th, and there's a to start on August 17th, and there's a couple of ways that you can engage in couple of ways that you can engage in couple of ways that you can engage in it, and we want everyone to engage in it, and we want everyone to engage in it, and we want everyone to engage in it. Number one is download the Summit it. Number one is download the Summit it. Number one is download the Summit app and start using this thing called app and start using this thing called app and start using this thing called Daily Revival on there. Uh, Daily Daily Revival on there. Uh, Daily Daily Revival on there. Uh, Daily Revival is a Bible reading plan and a Revival is a Bible reading plan and a Revival is a Bible reading plan and a prayer plan. So, we've got an Old prayer plan. So, we've got an Old prayer plan. So, we've got an Old Testament passage, a New Testament Testament passage, a New Testament Testament passage, a New Testament passage. Um, we're in the book of Acts passage. Um, we're in the book of Acts passage. Um, we're in the book of Acts right now in the New Testament. It was right now in the New Testament. It was right now in the New Testament. It was great this morning. Um, and then we've great this morning. Um, and then we've great this morning. Um, and then we've got a couple of prayer prompts. Just got a couple of prayer prompts. Just got a couple of prayer prompts. Just something to pray about something that's something to pray about something that's something to pray about something that's going on in the life of the church. Um, going on in the life of the church. Um, going on in the life of the church. Um, pray prayer for our people that are pray prayer for our people that are pray prayer for our people that are overseas. Um, we got more than 260 of overseas. Um, we got more than 260 of overseas. Um, we got more than 260 of our people living overseas and they're our people living overseas and they're our people living overseas and they're on there and we want to be praying for on there and we want to be praying for on there and we want to be praying for them. And then we've got a place for you them. And then we've got a place for you them. And then we've got a place for you to pray for other people in the to pray for other people in the to pray for other people in the congregation and put your own prayer congregation and put your own prayer congregation and put your own prayer request in. So download that, join us in request in. So download that, join us in request in. So download that, join us in that. And then every single Thursday that. And then every single Thursday that. And then every single Thursday through the 21 [music] days, we're going through the 21 [music] days, we're going through the 21 [music] days, we're going to have uh an open room at one of our to have uh an open room at one of our to have uh an open room at one of our campuses. It's it's just a prayer room campuses. It's it's just a prayer room campuses. It's it's just a prayer room for you to come in. Uh it's going to for you to come in. Uh it's going to for you to come in. Uh it's going to open at 6:00. It'll close at 8, but we
open at 6:00. It'll close at 8, but we open at 6:00. It'll close at 8, but we would love to have you come and join us. would love to have you come and join us. would love to have you come and join us. We'll have actually scheduled like like We'll have actually scheduled like like We'll have actually scheduled like like led prayers at [music] 6:00 in the led prayers at [music] 6:00 in the led prayers at [music] 6:00 in the morning, noon, and then at 7:00. Uh and morning, noon, and then at 7:00. Uh and morning, noon, and then at 7:00. Uh and then the rest of the day is just going then the rest of the day is just going then the rest of the day is just going to be open. Uh it was one of the most to be open. Uh it was one of the most to be open. Uh it was one of the most powerful things we did uh last January powerful things we did uh last January powerful things we did uh last January during 21 days. We'd love to have you during 21 days. We'd love to have you during 21 days. We'd love to have you join us uh for that. So, thank you uh so join us uh for that. So, thank you uh so join us uh for that. So, thank you uh so much for for for those of you who pray much for for for those of you who pray much for for for those of you who pray for our church, you pray for our middle for our church, you pray for our middle for our church, you pray for our middle school students right now that are at school students right now that are at school students right now that are at camp. And um and thank you for your camp. And um and thank you for your camp. And um and thank you for your generosity to this church. Uh if you if generosity to this church. Uh if you if generosity to this church. Uh if you if you want to start giving, we would love you want to start giving, we would love you want to start giving, we would love that. Uh you can join with me, my that. Uh you can join with me, my that. Uh you can join with me, my family, so many other people in this family, so many other people in this family, so many other people in this room that give generously to this room that give generously to this room that give generously to this church. You can give at the back on the church. You can give at the back on the church. You can give at the back on the way out. You can text the word give uh way out. You can text the word give uh way out. You can text the word give uh to 33933 or you can give online. Uh it's to 33933 or you can give online. Uh it's to 33933 or you can give online. Uh it's your generosity that allows all of our your generosity that allows all of our your generosity that allows all of our ministries to happen and flourish. And ministries to happen and flourish. And ministries to happen and flourish. And one of those ministries that we take one of those ministries that we take one of those ministries that we take really seriously [music] is sending really seriously [music] is sending really seriously [music] is sending people all over the world so that the people all over the world so that the people all over the world so that the kingdom of God can grow in other kingdom of God can grow in other kingdom of God can grow in other countries. Uh and we we send people out countries. Uh and we we send people out countries. Uh and we we send people out a lot. We typically send our best and a lot. We typically send our best and a lot. We typically send our best and we're going to do that this morning. So we're going to do that this morning. So we're going to do that this morning. So Anna, will you join me up here on stage? Anna, will you join me up here on stage? Anna, will you join me up here on stage? Will you put your hands together for Will you put your hands together for Will you put your hands together for Anna Ashley? She has been an amazing Anna Ashley? She has been an amazing Anna Ashley? She has been an amazing part of our staff here at Capitol Hills.
part of our staff here at Capitol Hills. part of our staff here at Capitol Hills. [applause] [applause] [applause] And Anna put her yes on the table and And Anna put her yes on the table and And Anna put her yes on the table and God decided to to move where you're God decided to to move where you're God decided to to move where you're going to be on the map. And so, will you going to be on the map. And so, will you going to be on the map. And so, will you tell us just a little bit about what God tell us just a little bit about what God tell us just a little bit about what God did in your life and maybe a couple did in your life and maybe a couple did in your life and maybe a couple things we can pray for you as you leave? things we can pray for you as you leave? things we can pray for you as you leave? >> Sounds good. Hello. If I've not met you >> Sounds good. Hello. If I've not met you >> Sounds good. Hello. If I've not met you yet, my name is Anna. I'm known as Anna yet, my name is Anna. I'm known as Anna yet, my name is Anna. I'm known as Anna from Ghana campus. Um, I've been on from Ghana campus. Um, I've been on from Ghana campus. Um, I've been on full-time staff at the summit since full-time staff at the summit since full-time staff at the summit since 2021. But it all started for me on a 2021. But it all started for me on a 2021. But it all started for me on a short-term trip to South Asia where the short-term trip to South Asia where the short-term trip to South Asia where the Lord gripped my heart for mission. And Lord gripped my heart for mission. And Lord gripped my heart for mission. And it's been a process of putting my yes on it's been a process of putting my yes on it's been a process of putting my yes on the table and praying and waiting and the table and praying and waiting and the table and praying and waiting and see where he puts it on the map. And he see where he puts it on the map. And he see where he puts it on the map. And he has put it on the map to Japan. And he's has put it on the map to Japan. And he's has put it on the map to Japan. And he's called me to Japan to be a part of the called me to Japan to be a part of the called me to Japan to be a part of the work that he's doing there. Um if work that he's doing there. Um if work that he's doing there. Um if there's one verse that summarized all there's one verse that summarized all there's one verse that summarized all that for me is in Matthew 4:19 when he that for me is in Matthew 4:19 when he that for me is in Matthew 4:19 when he said come follow me and I will send you said come follow me and I will send you said come follow me and I will send you out uh to fish people. So that's what out uh to fish people. So that's what out uh to fish people. So that's what I'm going to do in Japan with Jesus. So I'm going to do in Japan with Jesus. So I'm going to do in Japan with Jesus. So I would love prayer for that. Um I also I would love prayer for that. Um I also I would love prayer for that. Um I also there is only 1% of believers currently there is only 1% of believers currently there is only 1% of believers currently in Japan. So my prayer is that that the in Japan. So my prayer is that that the in Japan. So my prayer is that that the knowledge of the glory of God will cover knowledge of the glory of God will cover knowledge of the glory of God will cover Japan as the waters covers the sea that Japan as the waters covers the sea that Japan as the waters covers the sea that the people of Japan will come to know the people of Japan will come to know the people of Japan will come to know Jesus. I'm also in the process of Jesus. I'm also in the process of Jesus. I'm also in the process of developing prayer and financial developing prayer and financial developing prayer and financial partners. So I'm praying that the go partners. So I'm praying that the go partners. So I'm praying that the go Lord will provide abundantly more than I Lord will provide abundantly more than I Lord will provide abundantly more than I can ask or imagine. Thank you.
can ask or imagine. Thank you. can ask or imagine. Thank you. >> Okay, >> Okay, >> Okay, that's amazing. that's amazing. that's amazing. Um, well, I want everybody to go ahead Um, well, I want everybody to go ahead Um, well, I want everybody to go ahead and stand back up. Um, we're going to and stand back up. Um, we're going to and stand back up. Um, we're going to stand as we pray and then we're going to stand as we pray and then we're going to stand as we pray and then we're going to stand as reading for the word. But what stand as reading for the word. But what stand as reading for the word. But what I want us to do is I want all of us to I want us to do is I want all of us to I want us to do is I want all of us to pray out loud. Um, if you're not super pray out loud. Um, if you're not super pray out loud. Um, if you're not super comfortable with it, you can just kind comfortable with it, you can just kind comfortable with it, you can just kind of softly say a prayer. But we do want of softly say a prayer. But we do want of softly say a prayer. But we do want Anna to hear our prayers because one of Anna to hear our prayers because one of Anna to hear our prayers because one of the ones she just said that's super the ones she just said that's super the ones she just said that's super important is Japan has almost no important is Japan has almost no important is Japan has almost no believers. And that's not we're not believers. And that's not we're not believers. And that's not we're not we're not going to see the the kingdom we're not going to see the the kingdom we're not going to see the the kingdom of God grow there through [music] great of God grow there through [music] great of God grow there through [music] great evangelistic strategy. It'll it people evangelistic strategy. It'll it people evangelistic strategy. It'll it people will become Christians if God moves. will become Christians if God moves. will become Christians if God moves. >> And typically God moves when we pray. So >> And typically God moves when we pray. So >> And typically God moves when we pray. So let's pray that out loud. We've got some let's pray that out loud. We've got some let's pray that out loud. We've got some prayer prompts up there and then I'll prayer prompts up there and then I'll prayer prompts up there and then I'll close us in just a second. [music] God. close us in just a second. [music] God. close us in just a second. [music] God. Huh?
Father, we pray that you would be with Father, we pray that you would be with Anna. God, I join with all my brothers Anna. God, I join with all my brothers Anna. God, I join with all my brothers and sisters that have been praying. I and sisters that have been praying. I and sisters that have been praying. I pray you would answer all of those pray you would answer all of those pray you would answer all of those prayers with a yes, but let her walk prayers with a yes, but let her walk prayers with a yes, but let her walk deeply with you. And then, God, make her deeply with you. And then, God, make her deeply with you. And then, God, make her incredibly effective so that your incredibly effective so that your incredibly effective so that your kingdom would grow in Japan and you kingdom would grow in Japan and you kingdom would grow in Japan and you would win many to yourself [music] who would win many to yourself [music] who would win many to yourself [music] who then become disciple makers. God, we then become disciple makers. God, we then become disciple makers. God, we thank you and we love you and we pray thank you and we love you and we pray thank you and we love you and we pray all this in your name. Amen. Can we give all this in your name. Amen. Can we give all this in your name. Amen. Can we give one more hand for Anna? We love you. one more hand for Anna? We love you. one more hand for Anna? We love you. We're going to miss you. Um, so we're going to have one of our Um, so we're going to have one of our members come up here and uh and and read members come up here and uh and and read members come up here and uh and and read the word. Um, but I do want to just say the word. Um, but I do want to just say the word. Um, but I do want to just say that um uh Pastor JD does talk about a that um uh Pastor JD does talk about a that um uh Pastor JD does talk about a couple of sensitive things in the book couple of sensitive things in the book couple of sensitive things in the book of Jude. It's just kind of where it is. of Jude. It's just kind of where it is. of Jude. It's just kind of where it is. Um, so we do, if you want to take your Um, so we do, if you want to take your Um, so we do, if you want to take your kids and take them to Summit Kids or kids and take them to Summit Kids or kids and take them to Summit Kids or take them to Summit [music] Students, we take them to Summit [music] Students, we take them to Summit [music] Students, we do have that. I will tell you this, just do have that. I will tell you this, just do have that. I will tell you this, just as a pastor, um, reading the transcript as a pastor, um, reading the transcript as a pastor, um, reading the transcript and then also hearing the sermon, I and then also hearing the sermon, I and then also hearing the sermon, I would leave my kids in here. Um, I want would leave my kids in here. Um, I want would leave my kids in here. Um, I want my kids to hear some of the hard truths, my kids to hear some of the hard truths, my kids to hear some of the hard truths, um, that are in the word. I want to be um, that are in the word. I want to be um, that are in the word. I want to be [music] able to walk with them as a [music] able to walk with them as a [music] able to walk with them as a parent. Uh, I want them to know that I'm parent. Uh, I want them to know that I'm parent. Uh, I want them to know that I'm a trusted source to be able to talk a trusted source to be able to talk a trusted source to be able to talk about those things, but I also want them about those things, but I also want them about those things, but I also want them to know that this church is a trusted to know that this church is a trusted to know that this church is a trusted source. Uh, what they're going to hear source. Uh, what they're going to hear source. Uh, what they're going to hear from here is true. Um, it's a safe place from here is true. Um, it's a safe place from here is true. Um, it's a safe place to hear it. It's a good place to hear it to hear it. It's a good place to hear it to hear it. It's a good place to hear it and what they're going to hear is real and what they're going to hear is real and what they're going to hear is real and true. So, I just want to tell you and true. So, I just want to tell you and true. So, I just want to tell you that. Um, but if you do want to take that. Um, but if you do want to take that. Um, but if you do want to take your kids out, no shame. You can go your kids out, no shame. You can go your kids out, no shame. You can go ahead and take them now. Um, let's ahead and take them now. Um, let's ahead and take them now. Um, let's prepare our hearts uh for the preaching prepare our hearts uh for the preaching prepare our hearts uh for the preaching of God's word.
My name is John Kim and I've called the My name is John Kim and I've called the summit home for the past 8 years. And summit home for the past 8 years. And summit home for the past 8 years. And today we'll be reading from Jude 1 verse today we'll be reading from Jude 1 verse today we'll be reading from Jude 1 verse 1-4. 1-4. 1-4. Jude, a servant of Jesus Christ and Jude, a servant of Jesus Christ and Jude, a servant of Jesus Christ and brother of James. To those who are brother of James. To those who are brother of James. To those who are called beloved in God the Father and called beloved in God the Father and called beloved in God the Father and kept [music] for Jesus Christ. May kept [music] for Jesus Christ. May kept [music] for Jesus Christ. May mercy, peace, and love be multiplied to mercy, peace, and love be multiplied to mercy, peace, and love be multiplied to you. Beloved, although I was very eager you. Beloved, although I was very eager you. Beloved, although I was very eager to write to you about our common to write to you about our common to write to you about our common salvation, I found it necessary to write salvation, I found it necessary to write salvation, I found it necessary to write appealing to you to contend for the appealing to you to contend for the appealing to you to contend for the faith that was once for all delivered to faith that was once for all delivered to faith that was once for all delivered to the saints. For certain people have the saints. For certain people have the saints. For certain people have crept in unnoticed, who long ago were crept in unnoticed, who long ago were crept in unnoticed, who long ago were designated for this condemnation, designated for this condemnation, designated for this condemnation, [music] [music] [music] who pervert the grace of our God into who pervert the grace of our God into who pervert the grace of our God into sensuality, and deny our only master and sensuality, and deny our only master and sensuality, and deny our only master and lord Jesus Christ. This is the word of lord Jesus Christ. This is the word of lord Jesus Christ. This is the word of God for the people of God. God for the people of God. God for the people of God. >> Thanks be to God. You may be seated. good morning everybody. I haven't seen good morning everybody. I haven't seen you for a couple of weeks because I have you for a couple of weeks because I have you for a couple of weeks because I have been at student camp. Uh, one story I been at student camp. Uh, one story I been at student camp. Uh, one story I think captured the essence of student think captured the essence of student think captured the essence of student camp for me. Uh, one of our student camp for me. Uh, one of our student camp for me. Uh, one of our student pastors, Reagan Jones, at our Apex pastors, Reagan Jones, at our Apex pastors, Reagan Jones, at our Apex campus was doing one of those audience campus was doing one of those audience campus was doing one of those audience participation things in the morning participation things in the morning participation things in the morning where he just choose random students to where he just choose random students to where he just choose random students to stand up and give a high and a low from stand up and give a high and a low from stand up and give a high and a low from the previous day and he puts the mic in the previous day and he puts the mic in the previous day and he puts the mic in one kid's face and the kid said, "Well, one kid's face and the kid said, "Well, one kid's face and the kid said, "Well, my high was watching so and so, another
my high was watching so and so, another my high was watching so and so, another kid in their cabin survived this week kid in their cabin survived this week kid in their cabin survived this week with no sheets and no pillow and no with no sheets and no pillow and no with no sheets and no pillow and no bedding of any kind." Uh, kids were bedding of any kind." Uh, kids were bedding of any kind." Uh, kids were supposed to bring their bedding and this supposed to bring their bedding and this supposed to bring their bedding and this kid hadn't. And he also didn't bother to kid hadn't. And he also didn't bother to kid hadn't. And he also didn't bother to tell anybody he hadn't. So he slept tell anybody he hadn't. So he slept tell anybody he hadn't. So he slept every night on a bald polyine mattress every night on a bald polyine mattress every night on a bald polyine mattress that's been slept on by literally that's been slept on by literally that's been slept on by literally thousands of kids before him. And so thousands of kids before him. And so thousands of kids before him. And so when his friend said that, this kid that when his friend said that, this kid that when his friend said that, this kid that he was talking about spoke up and said, he was talking about spoke up and said, he was talking about spoke up and said, "Yeah, but I remember to bring my "Yeah, but I remember to bring my "Yeah, but I remember to bring my Bible." And that just kind of sums up Bible." And that just kind of sums up Bible." And that just kind of sums up student camp for me. Okay. No bedding. student camp for me. Okay. No bedding. student camp for me. Okay. No bedding. Many of these kids, listen, I talked to Many of these kids, listen, I talked to Many of these kids, listen, I talked to a couple ninth grade boys that I was a couple ninth grade boys that I was a couple ninth grade boys that I was convinced they had not showered the convinced they had not showered the convinced they had not showered the entire week. I know that for a fact. But entire week. I know that for a fact. But entire week. I know that for a fact. But they had their Bibles. Um, y'all, they had their Bibles. Um, y'all, they had their Bibles. Um, y'all, student camp is a thing, okay? It is not student camp is a thing, okay? It is not student camp is a thing, okay? It is not for the faint of heart. I will go ahead for the faint of heart. I will go ahead for the faint of heart. I will go ahead and tell you that. But these students and tell you that. But these students and tell you that. But these students were eager to hear God's word. They were were eager to hear God's word. They were were eager to hear God's word. They were hungry for God's presence. It was one of hungry for God's presence. It was one of hungry for God's presence. It was one of the most incredible things I've ever the most incredible things I've ever the most incredible things I've ever experienced here, and I've been around experienced here, and I've been around experienced here, and I've been around for a while here and seen a lot. A for a while here and seen a lot. A for a while here and seen a lot. A couple of nights after the service was couple of nights after the service was couple of nights after the service was over. After the invitation was given, over. After the invitation was given, over. After the invitation was given, we'd have 100 to 150 students just stay we'd have 100 to 150 students just stay we'd have 100 to 150 students just stay around in groups just praying around the around in groups just praying around the around in groups just praying around the altar and wanting to be in the presence altar and wanting to be in the presence altar and wanting to be in the presence of God. They stayed there for over an of God. They stayed there for over an of God. They stayed there for over an hour. Uh worship team was unplugged just hour. Uh worship team was unplugged just hour. Uh worship team was unplugged just spontaneously leading through extended spontaneously leading through extended spontaneously leading through extended worship times in response to the Holy worship times in response to the Holy worship times in response to the Holy Spirit's presence. Um y'all, God is Spirit's presence. Um y'all, God is Spirit's presence. Um y'all, God is doing something in our students and doing something in our students and doing something in our students and students, we are ready for you to students, we are ready for you to students, we are ready for you to inspire us and to lead us. If you agree inspire us and to lead us. If you agree inspire us and to lead us. If you agree with that summit, would you put your with that summit, would you put your with that summit, would you put your hands together? And uh for all of our hands together? And uh for all of our hands together? And uh for all of our student ministries [applause]
and all of our volunteers, we just got and all of our volunteers, we just got done this week with three sessions of done this week with three sessions of done this week with three sessions of kids camp this week. And I want you to kids camp this week. And I want you to kids camp this week. And I want you to remember to keep praying for middle remember to keep praying for middle remember to keep praying for middle school camp, which is this week. In school camp, which is this week. In school camp, which is this week. In fact, right now, uh they are meeting um fact, right now, uh they are meeting um fact, right now, uh they are meeting um this morning. And so, in fact, let's this morning. And so, in fact, let's this morning. And so, in fact, let's take a moment, could we? At all of our take a moment, could we? At all of our take a moment, could we? At all of our campuses, let's bow our heads once more campuses, let's bow our heads once more campuses, let's bow our heads once more and let me voice a prayer. Um God, we and let me voice a prayer. Um God, we and let me voice a prayer. Um God, we just pray by your Holy Spirit that you just pray by your Holy Spirit that you just pray by your Holy Spirit that you would be in that room where those kids would be in that room where those kids would be in that room where those kids are meeting. And I pray that you would are meeting. And I pray that you would are meeting. And I pray that you would speak to these sixth, seventh, and speak to these sixth, seventh, and speak to these sixth, seventh, and eighth graders. Let them hear your eighth graders. Let them hear your eighth graders. Let them hear your voice, God. Call them to yourself. Show voice, God. Call them to yourself. Show voice, God. Call them to yourself. Show them what eternity is. Show them what them what eternity is. Show them what them what eternity is. Show them what the gospel, the value of it is. Show the gospel, the value of it is. Show the gospel, the value of it is. Show them what the truth is. And God, let them what the truth is. And God, let them what the truth is. And God, let them value the gospel above all earthly them value the gospel above all earthly them value the gospel above all earthly things. May the things of earth grow things. May the things of earth grow things. May the things of earth grow strangely dim in the light of his glory strangely dim in the light of his glory strangely dim in the light of his glory and grace. We pray that believing it in and grace. We pray that believing it in and grace. We pray that believing it in Jesus' name. If you grew that, say, Jesus' name. If you grew that, say, Jesus' name. If you grew that, say, "Amen." "Amen." "Amen." >> Amen. Okay, if you got your Bibles this >> Amen. Okay, if you got your Bibles this >> Amen. Okay, if you got your Bibles this morning, and I hope that you do, I want morning, and I hope that you do, I want morning, and I hope that you do, I want you to open them to the book of Jude. If you to open them to the book of Jude. If you to open them to the book of Jude. If you have not done so already, Jude's you have not done so already, Jude's you have not done so already, Jude's short little letter. It's only one short little letter. It's only one short little letter. It's only one chapter long, is toward the very end of chapter long, is toward the very end of chapter long, is toward the very end of your Bibles. It is just before the book your Bibles. It is just before the book your Bibles. It is just before the book of Revelation. So, if you got a Bible, of Revelation. So, if you got a Bible, of Revelation. So, if you got a Bible, look toward the very end of it. If you look toward the very end of it. If you look toward the very end of it. If you encounter a set of maps that look like encounter a set of maps that look like encounter a set of maps that look like they are chronicling the journeys of they are chronicling the journeys of they are chronicling the journeys of Odysius, then you have gone too far. Uh, Odysius, then you have gone too far. Uh, Odysius, then you have gone too far. Uh, but it is right before the book of but it is right before the book of but it is right before the book of Revelation. How many of you have had the Revelation. How many of you have had the Revelation. How many of you have had the rather unpleasant experience rather unpleasant experience rather unpleasant experience of discovering termites in your home?
of discovering termites in your home? of discovering termites in your home? Raise your hand. The problem with Raise your hand. The problem with Raise your hand. The problem with termites is that by the time you notice termites is that by the time you notice termites is that by the time you notice the sagging floor, bubbling paint, or a the sagging floor, bubbling paint, or a the sagging floor, bubbling paint, or a door that just won't close right, the door that just won't close right, the door that just won't close right, the damage is done. The wood underneath damage is done. The wood underneath damage is done. The wood underneath those things is nothing more often than those things is nothing more often than those things is nothing more often than a hollowedout shell. And some of you a hollowedout shell. And some of you a hollowedout shell. And some of you know this from painful firsthand know this from painful firsthand know this from painful firsthand experience. Most homeowners policies experience. Most homeowners policies experience. Most homeowners policies exclude termite damage because it is exclude termite damage because it is exclude termite damage because it is considered preventable through regular considered preventable through regular considered preventable through regular inspection. And I notice some of you inspection. And I notice some of you inspection. And I notice some of you right now are making a note check on right now are making a note check on right now are making a note check on termite inspection. That's probably a termite inspection. That's probably a termite inspection. That's probably a good idea. Jude writes this letter in good idea. Jude writes this letter in good idea. Jude writes this letter in your Bible because he is concerned about your Bible because he is concerned about your Bible because he is concerned about a similar phenomenon happening in his a similar phenomenon happening in his a similar phenomenon happening in his church. Jude's letter just might be the church. Jude's letter just might be the church. Jude's letter just might be the most neglected part of our entire Bible, most neglected part of our entire Bible, most neglected part of our entire Bible, including neglected by me in 25 [snorts] including neglected by me in 25 [snorts] including neglected by me in 25 [snorts] years here as your pastor. I've never years here as your pastor. I've never years here as your pastor. I've never one time preached on it. So, today we one time preached on it. So, today we one time preached on it. So, today we are going to give Jude some attention. are going to give Jude some attention. are going to give Jude some attention. So, everybody look at your Bibles right So, everybody look at your Bibles right So, everybody look at your Bibles right now and say, "Hey, Jude." Hey, Jude. All now and say, "Hey, Jude." Hey, Jude. All now and say, "Hey, Jude." Hey, Jude. All right. I'm going to be walking through right. I'm going to be walking through right. I'm going to be walking through the opening and the conclusion of this the opening and the conclusion of this the opening and the conclusion of this letter, and I'm going to leave the letter, and I'm going to leave the letter, and I'm going to leave the really difficult middle part for our really difficult middle part for our really difficult middle part for our teaching team next weekend. Uh let's teaching team next weekend. Uh let's teaching team next weekend. Uh let's look together right now if we could at look together right now if we could at look together right now if we could at verse one. Jude. Jude, a servant of verse one. Jude. Jude, a servant of verse one. Jude. Jude, a servant of Jesus Christ and a brother of James.
Jesus Christ and a brother of James. Jesus Christ and a brother of James. Now, Jude's name would have been Now, Jude's name would have been Now, Jude's name would have been pronounced Judas in Greek. Jude was not pronounced Judas in Greek. Jude was not pronounced Judas in Greek. Jude was not a name back then, but our English Bible a name back then, but our English Bible a name back then, but our English Bible translators just a few years ago decided translators just a few years ago decided translators just a few years ago decided they were going to shorten Judas's name they were going to shorten Judas's name they were going to shorten Judas's name to Jude so that the author of this book to Jude so that the author of this book to Jude so that the author of this book would not be confused with Judas the would not be confused with Judas the would not be confused with Judas the betrayer. Jude was one of Jesus's four betrayer. Jude was one of Jesus's four betrayer. Jude was one of Jesus's four half-brothers who we see mentioned in half-brothers who we see mentioned in half-brothers who we see mentioned in both Matthew and Mark. Some of you say both Matthew and Mark. Some of you say both Matthew and Mark. Some of you say Jesus had brothers. Yes. Scripture makes Jesus had brothers. Yes. Scripture makes Jesus had brothers. Yes. Scripture makes clear that Jesus had four halfb clear that Jesus had four halfb clear that Jesus had four halfb brotherthers. And I say half brothers of brotherthers. And I say half brothers of brotherthers. And I say half brothers of course because none of Jesus's brothers course because none of Jesus's brothers course because none of Jesus's brothers had the same father that Jesus did since had the same father that Jesus did since had the same father that Jesus did since Jesus was of course born of a virgin. Jesus was of course born of a virgin. Jesus was of course born of a virgin. But Mary had other children through But Mary had other children through But Mary had other children through Joseph after she had conceived Jesus by Joseph after she had conceived Jesus by Joseph after she had conceived Jesus by the Holy Spirit. Those were Jesus's half the Holy Spirit. Those were Jesus's half the Holy Spirit. Those were Jesus's half brothers. The gospel writers make clear brothers. The gospel writers make clear brothers. The gospel writers make clear that none of Jesus's brothers at first, that none of Jesus's brothers at first, that none of Jesus's brothers at first, none of them believed Jesus was the none of them believed Jesus was the none of them believed Jesus was the Messiah, including Jude. It was only Messiah, including Jude. It was only Messiah, including Jude. It was only after that Jude and these other guys had after that Jude and these other guys had after that Jude and these other guys had seen Jesus resurrected that they came to seen Jesus resurrected that they came to seen Jesus resurrected that they came to believe. In 1 Corinthians 15, Paul says believe. In 1 Corinthians 15, Paul says believe. In 1 Corinthians 15, Paul says that Jesus appeared specifically to some that Jesus appeared specifically to some that Jesus appeared specifically to some of Jesus's brothers and that all of his of Jesus's brothers and that all of his of Jesus's brothers and that all of his brothers came to believe. In fact, three brothers came to believe. In fact, three brothers came to believe. In fact, three of Jesus's half brothers became of Jesus's half brothers became of Jesus's half brothers became recognized leaders in the early church.
recognized leaders in the early church. recognized leaders in the early church. And two of Jesus's brothers even wrote And two of Jesus's brothers even wrote And two of Jesus's brothers even wrote Bible books, Jude and James, which by Bible books, Jude and James, which by Bible books, Jude and James, which by the way, when you think about it, is a the way, when you think about it, is a the way, when you think about it, is a pretty strong argument for the pretty strong argument for the pretty strong argument for the resurrection, right? I mean, just think resurrection, right? I mean, just think resurrection, right? I mean, just think of it this way. Raise your hand if you of it this way. Raise your hand if you of it this way. Raise your hand if you have an older brother. Raise your hand. have an older brother. Raise your hand. have an older brother. Raise your hand. What would it take you? What would it What would it take you? What would it What would it take you? What would it take to convince you to start worshiping take to convince you to start worshiping take to convince you to start worshiping your older brother as God? You say, "Ah, your older brother as God? You say, "Ah, your older brother as God? You say, "Ah, son of God." Hardly. Son of the devil, son of God." Hardly. Son of the devil, son of God." Hardly. Son of the devil, maybe. Okay. What was it that convinced maybe. Okay. What was it that convinced maybe. Okay. What was it that convinced James and Jude that Jesus, this brother James and Jude that Jesus, this brother James and Jude that Jesus, this brother whom they'd grown up with, who'd slept whom they'd grown up with, who'd slept whom they'd grown up with, who'd slept in the bed next to them, convinced them in the bed next to them, convinced them in the bed next to them, convinced them that he was God in the flesh and the that he was God in the flesh and the that he was God in the flesh and the only savior of the world? Y'all, there's only savior of the world? Y'all, there's only savior of the world? Y'all, there's only one thing that could do that, and only one thing that could do that, and only one thing that could do that, and that is the resurrection of Jesus that is the resurrection of Jesus that is the resurrection of Jesus Christ. I want you to notice that Jude Christ. I want you to notice that Jude Christ. I want you to notice that Jude calls himself in these opening verses, calls himself in these opening verses, calls himself in these opening verses, he calls himself the servant of Jesus he calls himself the servant of Jesus he calls himself the servant of Jesus Christ. The word that Jude uses for Christ. The word that Jude uses for Christ. The word that Jude uses for servant is dulas, which is the lowest servant is dulas, which is the lowest servant is dulas, which is the lowest kind of servant. Think bondervant or kind of servant. Think bondervant or kind of servant. Think bondervant or slave. Jude could have used the much slave. Jude could have used the much slave. Jude could have used the much more respectable diacinas, which means more respectable diacinas, which means more respectable diacinas, which means household servant, assistant to the household servant, assistant to the household servant, assistant to the regional manager. But instead, Jude goes regional manager. But instead, Jude goes regional manager. But instead, Jude goes right for the bottom, putting himself right for the bottom, putting himself right for the bottom, putting himself squarely at the feet of Jesus. Jude squarely at the feet of Jesus. Jude squarely at the feet of Jesus. Jude never even mentions, by the way, in this never even mentions, by the way, in this never even mentions, by the way, in this letter that Jesus was his halfbrother, letter that Jesus was his halfbrother, letter that Jesus was his halfbrother, which, to be honest, if I were the which, to be honest, if I were the which, to be honest, if I were the biological halfbrother of Jesus, any biological halfbrother of Jesus, any biological halfbrother of Jesus, any letter I wrote would open with J. D, letter I wrote would open with J. D, letter I wrote would open with J. D, who, just to remind you, is related to
who, just to remind you, is related to who, just to remind you, is related to Jesus. Yet Jude never mentions his Jesus. Yet Jude never mentions his Jesus. Yet Jude never mentions his biological connection to Jesus, not even biological connection to Jesus, not even biological connection to Jesus, not even one time. And that of course speaks to one time. And that of course speaks to one time. And that of course speaks to his humility. He just says, "Hey, like his humility. He just says, "Hey, like his humility. He just says, "Hey, like all of you, I'm just the slave. I'm the all of you, I'm just the slave. I'm the all of you, I'm just the slave. I'm the bond servant of Jesus." To those, he bond servant of Jesus." To those, he bond servant of Jesus." To those, he says, who are called to those who are says, who are called to those who are says, who are called to those who are called beloved in God the Father and called beloved in God the Father and called beloved in God the Father and kept for Jesus Christ. One of the things kept for Jesus Christ. One of the things kept for Jesus Christ. One of the things you'll notice in Jude is that Jude does you'll notice in Jude is that Jude does you'll notice in Jude is that Jude does everything in threes. And this is the everything in threes. And this is the everything in threes. And this is the first set of those threes. Believers are first set of those threes. Believers are first set of those threes. Believers are called, beloved, and kept. Those are not called, beloved, and kept. Those are not called, beloved, and kept. Those are not three random words that Jude just pulled three random words that Jude just pulled three random words that Jude just pulled out of the air either. Called, beloved, out of the air either. Called, beloved, out of the air either. Called, beloved, and kept are the three words that the and kept are the three words that the and kept are the three words that the prophet Isaiah repeatedly ascribes to prophet Isaiah repeatedly ascribes to prophet Isaiah repeatedly ascribes to the servant of Jehovah in Isaiah 40-55, the servant of Jehovah in Isaiah 40-55, the servant of Jehovah in Isaiah 40-55, which is Isaiah's famous prophecy about which is Isaiah's famous prophecy about which is Isaiah's famous prophecy about the coming Messiah. Jude now takes those the coming Messiah. Jude now takes those the coming Messiah. Jude now takes those three words and says, "These apply not three words and says, "These apply not three words and says, "These apply not just to Jesus, they apply to you, his just to Jesus, they apply to you, his just to Jesus, they apply to you, his followers, the church." followers, the church." followers, the church." So, let's take a minute and let's think So, let's take a minute and let's think So, let's take a minute and let's think about what those words mean because about what those words mean because about what those words mean because they're going to serve as a kind of they're going to serve as a kind of they're going to serve as a kind of anchor point for the warnings that Jude anchor point for the warnings that Jude anchor point for the warnings that Jude is going to give throughout the rest of is going to give throughout the rest of is going to give throughout the rest of his letter. First, he says, "You are his letter. First, he says, "You are his letter. First, he says, "You are called. You are called. God called you called. You are called. God called you called. You are called. God called you out to be his own." Which is a pretty out to be his own." Which is a pretty out to be his own." Which is a pretty amazing thought. The initiative for amazing thought. The initiative for amazing thought. The initiative for salvation didn't come from you. It came salvation didn't come from you. It came salvation didn't come from you. It came from God. That's an very important part from God. That's an very important part from God. That's an very important part of your self-standing. It's a very of your self-standing. It's a very of your self-standing. It's a very important part of your confidence. It's important part of your confidence. It's important part of your confidence. It's a very important part of your hope. Some a very important part of your hope. Some a very important part of your hope. Some of you college football fans might know of you college football fans might know of you college football fans might know the famous story of how Texas Tech was
the famous story of how Texas Tech was the famous story of how Texas Tech was really struggling one season in the really struggling one season in the really struggling one season in the early 2000s, struggling specifically early 2000s, struggling specifically early 2000s, struggling specifically with their kicking game. And during one with their kicking game. And during one with their kicking game. And during one of those between quarter audience of those between quarter audience of those between quarter audience participation games, a random student participation games, a random student participation games, a random student fan from Texas Tech got selected to try fan from Texas Tech got selected to try fan from Texas Tech got selected to try and kick a field goal. And the deal was and kick a field goal. And the deal was and kick a field goal. And the deal was if he made the field goal, he would get if he made the field goal, he would get if he made the field goal, he would get free room and board for a year. Well, free room and board for a year. Well, free room and board for a year. Well, the guy they randomly chose out of the guy they randomly chose out of the guy they randomly chose out of 50,000 fans in the audience that day, 50,000 fans in the audience that day, 50,000 fans in the audience that day, the guy they randomly chose was Matt the guy they randomly chose was Matt the guy they randomly chose was Matt Williams, who was a freshman who had Williams, who was a freshman who had Williams, who was a freshman who had played soccer in high school, and he played soccer in high school, and he played soccer in high school, and he went out and blasted a field goal went out and blasted a field goal went out and blasted a field goal through the Uprights. The place went through the Uprights. The place went through the Uprights. The place went nuts and coach Mike Leachch sent an nuts and coach Mike Leachch sent an nuts and coach Mike Leachch sent an assistant coach to find out who this kid assistant coach to find out who this kid assistant coach to find out who this kid was and invited him on the spot to play was and invited him on the spot to play was and invited him on the spot to play on the team. This kid singlehandedly on the team. This kid singlehandedly on the team. This kid singlehandedly turned around their kicking game that turned around their kicking game that turned around their kicking game that season. Y'all, I love it. Out of 50,000 season. Y'all, I love it. Out of 50,000 season. Y'all, I love it. Out of 50,000 fans, this one kid, Matt, got called fans, this one kid, Matt, got called fans, this one kid, Matt, got called out. That is what happened to us in the out. That is what happened to us in the out. That is what happened to us in the church. Jude says, though some of the church. Jude says, though some of the church. Jude says, though some of the details of our story are quite details of our story are quite details of our story are quite different, God's choice of us was not different, God's choice of us was not different, God's choice of us was not random at all. And God did not call us random at all. And God did not call us random at all. And God did not call us out because of our great abilities. In out because of our great abilities. In out because of our great abilities. In fact, we were utterly unable when he fact, we were utterly unable when he fact, we were utterly unable when he called us. He did not call us out called us. He did not call us out called us. He did not call us out because we were able. He made us able because we were able. He made us able because we were able. He made us able after he called us. And that brings us after he called us. And that brings us after he called us. And that brings us to the next word in our little triad, to the next word in our little triad, to the next word in our little triad, and that is the word beloved. We are not and that is the word beloved. We are not and that is the word beloved. We are not just called, we are beloved. God chose just called, we are beloved. God chose just called, we are beloved. God chose to set his love on us, not because of to set his love on us, not because of to set his love on us, not because of some worthy thing we had done, but some worthy thing we had done, but some worthy thing we had done, but simply because he loved us. It's like simply because he loved us. It's like simply because he loved us. It's like adoption. You just choose to set your adoption. You just choose to set your adoption. You just choose to set your love on that son or daughter. And that love on that son or daughter. And that love on that son or daughter. And that love became the source of our
love became the source of our love became the source of our worthiness. In fact, I love how Martin worthiness. In fact, I love how Martin worthiness. In fact, I love how Martin Luther always said it. He said, "God's Luther always said it. He said, "God's Luther always said it. He said, "God's love does not find in us, but creates in love does not find in us, but creates in love does not find in us, but creates in us that which he finds lovely." Y'all, I us that which he finds lovely." Y'all, I us that which he finds lovely." Y'all, I remember years ago hearing the story remember years ago hearing the story remember years ago hearing the story about a couple who was about to adopt a about a couple who was about to adopt a about a couple who was about to adopt a child, but they found out just before child, but they found out just before child, but they found out just before the child was born that she was going to the child was born that she was going to the child was born that she was going to be born with a pretty severe case of be born with a pretty severe case of be born with a pretty severe case of spobipida. The adoption agency said, spobipida. The adoption agency said, spobipida. The adoption agency said, "Hey, we'll understand if you you guys "Hey, we'll understand if you you guys "Hey, we'll understand if you you guys want to back out because for the rest of want to back out because for the rest of want to back out because for the rest of this child's life, she's going to have this child's life, she's going to have this child's life, she's going to have significant challenges." The couple was significant challenges." The couple was significant challenges." The couple was really struggling with the decision. But really struggling with the decision. But really struggling with the decision. But one night, the wife said she had a one night, the wife said she had a one night, the wife said she had a dream. And in this dream, she was in a dream. And in this dream, she was in a dream. And in this dream, she was in a gigantic stadium, like think football gigantic stadium, like think football gigantic stadium, like think football stadium, where all these beautiful stadium, where all these beautiful stadium, where all these beautiful babies were being brought up on the babies were being brought up on the babies were being brought up on the stage for adoption. And as each baby was stage for adoption. And as each baby was stage for adoption. And as each baby was brought forward, the host would look at brought forward, the host would look at brought forward, the host would look at this big audience and he would say, "Who this big audience and he would say, "Who this big audience and he would say, "Who wants this one?" Various parents in the wants this one?" Various parents in the wants this one?" Various parents in the stands would volunteer to take the stands would volunteer to take the stands would volunteer to take the particular child that the host was particular child that the host was particular child that the host was holding up. But then the host brought holding up. But then the host brought holding up. But then the host brought forward one child who was disfigured and forward one child who was disfigured and forward one child who was disfigured and diseased and maimed and ugly. And the diseased and maimed and ugly. And the diseased and maimed and ugly. And the host child said, "Who wants this one?"
host child said, "Who wants this one?" host child said, "Who wants this one?" And the crowd in this woman's dream, she And the crowd in this woman's dream, she And the crowd in this woman's dream, she said. It just went deafly silent. Nobody said. It just went deafly silent. Nobody said. It just went deafly silent. Nobody stepped forward to take the baby for stepped forward to take the baby for stepped forward to take the baby for several long moments. Finally, she said, several long moments. Finally, she said, several long moments. Finally, she said, somebody in the crowd stood up and said, somebody in the crowd stood up and said, somebody in the crowd stood up and said, "I'll take that one." She said, "I "I'll take that one." She said, "I "I'll take that one." She said, "I looked and in my dream, the man walking looked and in my dream, the man walking looked and in my dream, the man walking forward was Jesus. He walked forward to forward was Jesus. He walked forward to forward was Jesus. He walked forward to take that child." Now, at that point in take that child." Now, at that point in take that child." Now, at that point in the story, I interrupted and I said, the story, I interrupted and I said, the story, I interrupted and I said, "Whoa, that is so powerful." She said, "Whoa, that is so powerful." She said, "Whoa, that is so powerful." She said, "Oh, I'm not done yet." Right? Just be "Oh, I'm not done yet." Right? Just be "Oh, I'm not done yet." Right? Just be quiet. In my dream, quiet. In my dream, quiet. In my dream, when Jesus went down to get that baby, when Jesus went down to get that baby, when Jesus went down to get that baby, she said, "I got a glimpse of that she said, "I got a glimpse of that she said, "I got a glimpse of that baby's face. This baby that was all baby's face. This baby that was all baby's face. This baby that was all marred and disfigured," she said. And I marred and disfigured," she said. And I marred and disfigured," she said. And I saw that it was my face. The truth is saw that it was my face. The truth is saw that it was my face. The truth is that Jesus adopted me when I was that Jesus adopted me when I was that Jesus adopted me when I was disfigured and wrecked by sin. And now I disfigured and wrecked by sin. And now I disfigured and wrecked by sin. And now I know he wants me and my husband to take know he wants me and my husband to take know he wants me and my husband to take in this child as he took in us. Now, in this child as he took in us. Now, in this child as he took in us. Now, please hear me. I am not saying there's please hear me. I am not saying there's please hear me. I am not saying there's never a time for an adopting parent to never a time for an adopting parent to never a time for an adopting parent to choose not to go forward. Those are very choose not to go forward. Those are very choose not to go forward. Those are very difficult and complex decisions and you difficult and complex decisions and you difficult and complex decisions and you should always do them with a lot of should always do them with a lot of should always do them with a lot of counsel and there's a lot of times it's counsel and there's a lot of times it's counsel and there's a lot of times it's wiser to to not go forward with it. I'm wiser to to not go forward with it. I'm wiser to to not go forward with it. I'm just saying it is very true that when just saying it is very true that when just saying it is very true that when you and I were at our lowest Jesus loved you and I were at our lowest Jesus loved you and I were at our lowest Jesus loved us and took us in and Jude says you were us and took us in and Jude says you were us and took us in and Jude says you were beloved not because of your worthiness beloved not because of your worthiness beloved not because of your worthiness but because he sets his love on you. And but because he sets his love on you. And but because he sets his love on you. And that brings us to our last word kept. We that brings us to our last word kept. We that brings us to our last word kept. We are kept for Jesus Christ. The other day are kept for Jesus Christ. The other day are kept for Jesus Christ. The other day I was looking through some old pictures.
I was looking through some old pictures. I was looking through some old pictures. I was getting ready for my dad's 80th I was getting ready for my dad's 80th I was getting ready for my dad's 80th birthday party and for about half an birthday party and for about half an birthday party and for about half an hour I got sucked down memory lane. You hour I got sucked down memory lane. You hour I got sucked down memory lane. You know how that works, right? You look at know how that works, right? You look at know how that works, right? You look at old pictures and next thing you know old pictures and next thing you know old pictures and next thing you know it's an hour later and and uh I love it's an hour later and and uh I love it's an hour later and and uh I love seeing old pictures where I'm holding seeing old pictures where I'm holding seeing old pictures where I'm holding one of my kids in the pool. I'm standing one of my kids in the pool. I'm standing one of my kids in the pool. I'm standing there with them in my arms in water that there with them in my arms in water that there with them in my arms in water that is way above their heads and they're is way above their heads and they're is way above their heads and they're holding on to me for dear life. If I holding on to me for dear life. If I holding on to me for dear life. If I dropped them, they would drown. but they dropped them, they would drown. but they dropped them, they would drown. but they look so happy and so peaceful because look so happy and so peaceful because look so happy and so peaceful because they're holding on to me or were waiting they're holding on to me or were waiting they're holding on to me or were waiting out into the waves at the beach and out into the waves at the beach and out into the waves at the beach and they're holding on to one of my hands they're holding on to one of my hands they're holding on to one of my hands for all their worth so that the waves for all their worth so that the waves for all their worth so that the waves don't sweep them away. Now you parents don't sweep them away. Now you parents don't sweep them away. Now you parents understand the truth is of course in understand the truth is of course in understand the truth is of course in both of those situations they're secure both of those situations they're secure both of those situations they're secure not because they're holding on to me. not because they're holding on to me. not because they're holding on to me. They're secure because I'm holding on to They're secure because I'm holding on to They're secure because I'm holding on to them. It is the strength of my grip, not them. It is the strength of my grip, not them. It is the strength of my grip, not the strength of theirs that is keeping the strength of theirs that is keeping the strength of theirs that is keeping them safe. Jude says, "Church, this is them safe. Jude says, "Church, this is them safe. Jude says, "Church, this is you. In the midst of all these attacks you. In the midst of all these attacks you. In the midst of all these attacks you're going through, I want you to you're going through, I want you to you're going through, I want you to remember you're chosen. You are beloved remember you're chosen. You are beloved remember you're chosen. You are beloved and you are kept by Jesus. It's his and you are kept by Jesus. It's his and you are kept by Jesus. It's his initiative, not yours. And at the end of initiative, not yours. And at the end of initiative, not yours. And at the end of the day, it's his strength, not yours, the day, it's his strength, not yours, the day, it's his strength, not yours, that is going to keep you from going that is going to keep you from going that is going to keep you from going astray." That is the anchor point of astray." That is the anchor point of astray." That is the anchor point of your salvation. It is the anchor point your salvation. It is the anchor point your salvation. It is the anchor point Jude is going to come back to at the end Jude is going to come back to at the end Jude is going to come back to at the end of all of his warnings. It is his reason of all of his warnings. It is his reason of all of his warnings. It is his reason for hope. Beloved, he says verse three, for hope. Beloved, he says verse three, for hope. Beloved, he says verse three, although I was very eager to write to although I was very eager to write to although I was very eager to write to you about our common salvation. Ah, you about our common salvation. Ah, you about our common salvation. Ah, alas, I found it necessary to write
alas, I found it necessary to write alas, I found it necessary to write instead appealing to you to contend for instead appealing to you to contend for instead appealing to you to contend for the faith that was once for all the faith that was once for all the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints. For certain delivered to the saints. For certain delivered to the saints. For certain people have crept in unnoticed like people have crept in unnoticed like people have crept in unnoticed like termites termites termites who long ago were designated for who long ago were designated for who long ago were designated for condemnation. condemnation. condemnation. ungodly people who pervert the grace of ungodly people who pervert the grace of ungodly people who pervert the grace of our God into sensuality and deny our our God into sensuality and deny our our God into sensuality and deny our only master and lord Jesus Christ. Jude only master and lord Jesus Christ. Jude only master and lord Jesus Christ. Jude was like, "Listen y'all, I had every was like, "Listen y'all, I had every was like, "Listen y'all, I had every intention of writing you this amazing, intention of writing you this amazing, intention of writing you this amazing, encouraging letter with all these encouraging letter with all these encouraging letter with all these amazing quotable lines that for the next amazing quotable lines that for the next amazing quotable lines that for the next 2,000 years, Christians are going to put 2,000 years, Christians are going to put 2,000 years, Christians are going to put up on their Instagram stories with a up on their Instagram stories with a up on their Instagram stories with a picture of a deer drinking beside a picture of a deer drinking beside a picture of a deer drinking beside a brook and a sappy worship song playing brook and a sappy worship song playing brook and a sappy worship song playing in the background." That was what I was in the background." That was what I was in the background." That was what I was going to write. It was going to be going to write. It was going to be going to write. It was going to be awesome. I was going to be popular. But awesome. I was going to be popular. But awesome. I was going to be popular. But instead, you people have forced me into instead, you people have forced me into instead, you people have forced me into writing a salty letter that people are writing a salty letter that people are writing a salty letter that people are basically going to ignore for the next basically going to ignore for the next basically going to ignore for the next 2,000 years because it is so unpleasant. 2,000 years because it is so unpleasant. 2,000 years because it is so unpleasant. But see, hear me. See, sometimes that's But see, hear me. See, sometimes that's But see, hear me. See, sometimes that's what it means to be a Christian leader.
what it means to be a Christian leader. what it means to be a Christian leader. You got to move beyond the warm fuzzies You got to move beyond the warm fuzzies You got to move beyond the warm fuzzies and you got to say hard things. It's not and you got to say hard things. It's not and you got to say hard things. It's not just the role of a leader. Just the role just the role of a leader. Just the role just the role of a leader. Just the role of a faithful friend and witness is to of a faithful friend and witness is to of a faithful friend and witness is to do this. Religion is not a paliotative do this. Religion is not a paliotative do this. Religion is not a paliotative for the masses. It is a spiritual for the masses. It is a spiritual for the masses. It is a spiritual battle. Jude says a battle against battle. Jude says a battle against battle. Jude says a battle against forces of evil. A battle against false forces of evil. A battle against false forces of evil. A battle against false teachers who like termites have teachers who like termites have teachers who like termites have infiltrated the church. That's no infiltrated the church. That's no infiltrated the church. That's no surprise, Jude says, because that's surprise, Jude says, because that's surprise, Jude says, because that's exactly what Jesus and the apostles exactly what Jesus and the apostles exactly what Jesus and the apostles predicted was going to happen in the predicted was going to happen in the predicted was going to happen in the church. This is not like something's church. This is not like something's church. This is not like something's gone wrong and Jesus has, you know, lost gone wrong and Jesus has, you know, lost gone wrong and Jesus has, you know, lost control. Check out verse 17. You must control. Check out verse 17. You must control. Check out verse 17. You must remember, beloved, he says, you must remember, beloved, he says, you must remember, beloved, he says, you must remember the predictions of the apostles remember the predictions of the apostles remember the predictions of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ. Yeah, they of our Lord Jesus Christ. Yeah, they of our Lord Jesus Christ. Yeah, they very clearly said to you and me in the very clearly said to you and me in the very clearly said to you and me in the last times, there are going to be last times, there are going to be last times, there are going to be scoffers following their own ungodly scoffers following their own ungodly scoffers following their own ungodly passions. So, while this is disturbing passions. So, while this is disturbing passions. So, while this is disturbing and alarming, Jude says it's not and alarming, Jude says it's not and alarming, Jude says it's not surprising. And so, verse three, I found surprising. And so, verse three, I found surprising. And so, verse three, I found it necessary to write appealing to you it necessary to write appealing to you it necessary to write appealing to you to say this word with me, contend for to say this word with me, contend for to say this word with me, contend for the faith. That word contend in Greek is the faith. That word contend in Greek is the faith. That word contend in Greek is ep agonidzo from which we get our word ep agonidzo from which we get our word ep agonidzo from which we get our word agonize.
agonize. agonize. Agony. Ep aagono is a word literally Agony. Ep aagono is a word literally Agony. Ep aagono is a word literally taken from the world of wrestling back taken from the world of wrestling back taken from the world of wrestling back then. Jude says we've got to wrestle. We then. Jude says we've got to wrestle. We then. Jude says we've got to wrestle. We got to jiujitsu. We got to fight for the got to jiujitsu. We got to fight for the got to jiujitsu. We got to fight for the faith. Listen y'all, the church should faith. Listen y'all, the church should faith. Listen y'all, the church should be a place of warmth. It should be a be a place of warmth. It should be a be a place of warmth. It should be a place of acceptance. It should be a place of acceptance. It should be a place of acceptance. It should be a place of grace. That is the number one place of grace. That is the number one place of grace. That is the number one thing you should feel walking in here. thing you should feel walking in here. thing you should feel walking in here. But Christian leadership is more than But Christian leadership is more than But Christian leadership is more than simply providing a nice guy touchyfey simply providing a nice guy touchyfey simply providing a nice guy touchyfey shoulder to cry on presence in shoulder to cry on presence in shoulder to cry on presence in somebody's life. Sometimes Christian somebody's life. Sometimes Christian somebody's life. Sometimes Christian leadership means standing up for leadership means standing up for leadership means standing up for fighting for agonizedly contending for fighting for agonizedly contending for fighting for agonizedly contending for the integrity of the faith. That means the integrity of the faith. That means the integrity of the faith. That means speaking out against error. It means speaking out against error. It means speaking out against error. It means making enemies. It means getting savaged making enemies. It means getting savaged making enemies. It means getting savaged on social media. And that is because the on social media. And that is because the on social media. And that is because the Christian faith is worth protecting. The Christian faith is worth protecting. The Christian faith is worth protecting. The Christian faith is the most precious Christian faith is the most precious Christian faith is the most precious gift in all the world. But if you walk gift in all the world. But if you walk gift in all the world. But if you walk into an art museum and there are no into an art museum and there are no into an art museum and there are no guards and there's no kind of security guards and there's no kind of security guards and there's no kind of security system, you're going to probably system, you're going to probably system, you're going to probably conclude that this isn't very valuable conclude that this isn't very valuable conclude that this isn't very valuable art. If you don't have any stomach for art. If you don't have any stomach for art. If you don't have any stomach for controversy, the question I would ask is controversy, the question I would ask is controversy, the question I would ask is whether you see the faith as something whether you see the faith as something whether you see the faith as something so valuable that it's worth fighting so valuable that it's worth fighting so valuable that it's worth fighting for. Or how about this? If you hear your for. Or how about this? If you hear your for. Or how about this? If you hear your friends say wrong things and you just friends say wrong things and you just friends say wrong things and you just don't care enough to correct them, don't care enough to correct them, don't care enough to correct them, you're like, "Well, to each his own."
you're like, "Well, to each his own." you're like, "Well, to each his own." You don't correct them because you think You don't correct them because you think You don't correct them because you think it might be awkward. Do you really it might be awkward. Do you really it might be awkward. Do you really understand how precious this faith is? understand how precious this faith is? understand how precious this faith is? Specifically, Jude says still in verse Specifically, Jude says still in verse Specifically, Jude says still in verse three, "We are fighting to preserve the three, "We are fighting to preserve the three, "We are fighting to preserve the faith that was once for all delivered to faith that was once for all delivered to faith that was once for all delivered to the saints." That is a very interesting the saints." That is a very interesting the saints." That is a very interesting phrase. Some of you are going to wonder phrase. Some of you are going to wonder phrase. Some of you are going to wonder for about 30 seconds, what in the world, for about 30 seconds, what in the world, for about 30 seconds, what in the world, where is he going with this? And then where is he going with this? And then where is he going with this? And then I'm going to turn it and you're like, I'm going to turn it and you're like, I'm going to turn it and you're like, "Oh, there's where he's going." Okay. "Oh, there's where he's going." Okay. "Oh, there's where he's going." Okay. There's one central basic message given There's one central basic message given There's one central basic message given to us by Jesus through the earliest to us by Jesus through the earliest to us by Jesus through the earliest apostles once for all that needed to be apostles once for all that needed to be apostles once for all that needed to be safeguarded down through the centuries. safeguarded down through the centuries. safeguarded down through the centuries. I want you to look at the exact wording. I want you to look at the exact wording. I want you to look at the exact wording. A faith delivered once for all to the A faith delivered once for all to the A faith delivered once for all to the saints. Not a faith delivered peace by saints. Not a faith delivered peace by saints. Not a faith delivered peace by piece over the centuries. piece over the centuries. piece over the centuries. You see, some of our Roman Catholic You see, some of our Roman Catholic You see, some of our Roman Catholic friends say that the way God preserves friends say that the way God preserves friends say that the way God preserves the integrity of his church is through a the integrity of his church is through a the integrity of his church is through a succession of popes to whom he gives his succession of popes to whom he gives his succession of popes to whom he gives his authority to establish the word of God authority to establish the word of God authority to establish the word of God as we go along. But that is not how God as we go along. But that is not how God as we go along. But that is not how God promised to preserve his truth in his promised to preserve his truth in his promised to preserve his truth in his church. He said there was a faith church. He said there was a faith church. He said there was a faith delivered once for all to the saints.
delivered once for all to the saints. delivered once for all to the saints. That is a clear reference to the Bible. That is a clear reference to the Bible. That is a clear reference to the Bible. Jesus promised John 14 to establish Jesus promised John 14 to establish Jesus promised John 14 to establish through the apostles his message. And through the apostles his message. And through the apostles his message. And they wrote it down once for all in a they wrote it down once for all in a they wrote it down once for all in a book. We are to measure every new idea. book. We are to measure every new idea. book. We are to measure every new idea. We are to measure every new question by We are to measure every new question by We are to measure every new question by this faith. This is our rule. It's why this faith. This is our rule. It's why this faith. This is our rule. It's why we call it the canon because it's the we call it the canon because it's the we call it the canon because it's the rule of our faith. It was delivered once rule of our faith. It was delivered once rule of our faith. It was delivered once for all. Sometimes Roman Catholic for all. Sometimes Roman Catholic for all. Sometimes Roman Catholic friends will say to me, "Well, you friends will say to me, "Well, you friends will say to me, "Well, you wouldn't have a Bible unless early wouldn't have a Bible unless early wouldn't have a Bible unless early Catholic authorities decided what got Catholic authorities decided what got Catholic authorities decided what got put into it." to which I always say, put into it." to which I always say, put into it." to which I always say, "Yeah, but the early church fathers did "Yeah, but the early church fathers did "Yeah, but the early church fathers did not make anything the word of God, as in not make anything the word of God, as in not make anything the word of God, as in it wasn't the word of God until they it wasn't the word of God until they it wasn't the word of God until they declared it to be so." Rather, the early declared it to be so." Rather, the early declared it to be so." Rather, the early church fathers simply recognized the church fathers simply recognized the church fathers simply recognized the books that had been authored by the Holy books that had been authored by the Holy books that had been authored by the Holy Spirit through the apostles. They knew Spirit through the apostles. They knew Spirit through the apostles. They knew Jesus's promise in John 14 that he would Jesus's promise in John 14 that he would Jesus's promise in John 14 that he would deliver the faith once for all to the deliver the faith once for all to the deliver the faith once for all to the saints through the apostles. And so they saints through the apostles. And so they saints through the apostles. And so they recognized which books had been written recognized which books had been written recognized which books had been written by the apostolic community and they by the apostolic community and they by the apostolic community and they recognized that as the fulfillment of recognized that as the fulfillment of recognized that as the fulfillment of Jesus's promises. Thus, all future Jesus's promises. Thus, all future Jesus's promises. Thus, all future iterations of the church were to go back iterations of the church were to go back iterations of the church were to go back and compare what they believed with what and compare what they believed with what and compare what they believed with what the apostles recorded here. You're not the apostles recorded here. You're not the apostles recorded here. You're not checking with me on what you believe.
checking with me on what you believe. checking with me on what you believe. We're not checking with somebody in We're not checking with somebody in We're not checking with somebody in Rome. We're going here. So at this Rome. We're going here. So at this Rome. We're going here. So at this church, the final and ultimate authority church, the final and ultimate authority church, the final and ultimate authority for what we believe is what is recorded for what we believe is what is recorded for what we believe is what is recorded here. This faith delivered once for all here. This faith delivered once for all here. This faith delivered once for all to the saints. Yes. Okay. to the saints. Yes. Okay. to the saints. Yes. Okay. We are informed and influenced by We are informed and influenced by We are informed and influenced by traditions. Of course we are. Traditions traditions. Of course we are. Traditions traditions. Of course we are. Traditions are important. They're great starting are important. They're great starting are important. They're great starting points. But our final authority is these points. But our final authority is these points. But our final authority is these scriptures delivered once for all to the scriptures delivered once for all to the scriptures delivered once for all to the saints. It's why, by the way, we quote saints. It's why, by the way, we quote saints. It's why, by the way, we quote the Apostles Creed here. I know that's a the Apostles Creed here. I know that's a the Apostles Creed here. I know that's a bold that what I'm about to say is a bold that what I'm about to say is a bold that what I'm about to say is a bold claim. But at this church, we bold claim. But at this church, we bold claim. But at this church, we basically believe essentially the same basically believe essentially the same basically believe essentially the same thing that believers in those first thing that believers in those first thing that believers in those first centuries in the first churches in the centuries in the first churches in the centuries in the first churches in the first century believed. It's basically first century believed. It's basically first century believed. It's basically the same. And the reason for that is the same. And the reason for that is the same. And the reason for that is because we base our beliefs on theirs because we base our beliefs on theirs because we base our beliefs on theirs and we correct our beliefs by theirs and we correct our beliefs by theirs and we correct our beliefs by theirs because this is a faith delivered once because this is a faith delivered once because this is a faith delivered once for all to the saints. This is also, by for all to the saints. This is also, by for all to the saints. This is also, by the way, why we do not accept later the way, why we do not accept later the way, why we do not accept later revelations by supposed prophets who revelations by supposed prophets who revelations by supposed prophets who attempt to add something to the attempt to add something to the attempt to add something to the scriptures like Muhammad of the Muslims scriptures like Muhammad of the Muslims scriptures like Muhammad of the Muslims or Joseph Smith of the Mormons. We or Joseph Smith of the Mormons. We or Joseph Smith of the Mormons. We reject that because this was a faith reject that because this was a faith reject that because this was a faith delivered once for all to the saints, delivered once for all to the saints, delivered once for all to the saints, not a faith delivered in installments not a faith delivered in installments not a faith delivered in installments over the years. Plus, a lot of what over the years. Plus, a lot of what over the years. Plus, a lot of what those guys attempted to add flatly those guys attempted to add flatly those guys attempted to add flatly contradicts what was written in this contradicts what was written in this contradicts what was written in this book. This was a faith delivered book. This was a faith delivered book. This was a faith delivered correctly once for all to the saints, correctly once for all to the saints, correctly once for all to the saints, not a faith that needed to be improved not a faith that needed to be improved not a faith that needed to be improved upon later. So, that's a small little upon later. So, that's a small little upon later. So, that's a small little phrase there in Jude, y'all, but it's phrase there in Jude, y'all, but it's phrase there in Jude, y'all, but it's crucially important. And then from crucially important. And then from crucially important. And then from there, Jude goes on to build out his there, Jude goes on to build out his there, Jude goes on to build out his claim that there are termites, and there claim that there are termites, and there claim that there are termites, and there going to be termites in every generation
going to be termites in every generation going to be termites in every generation seeking to eat away at this foundation. seeking to eat away at this foundation. seeking to eat away at this foundation. Again, verse four, look at it. For Again, verse four, look at it. For Again, verse four, look at it. For certain people have crept in unnoticed, certain people have crept in unnoticed, certain people have crept in unnoticed, like termites, ungodly people who like termites, ungodly people who like termites, ungodly people who pervert the grace of our God into pervert the grace of our God into pervert the grace of our God into sensuality and deny our only master and sensuality and deny our only master and sensuality and deny our only master and Lord Jesus Christ. Notice he says, Lord Jesus Christ. Notice he says, Lord Jesus Christ. Notice he says, "These false teachers do two primary "These false teachers do two primary "These false teachers do two primary things." See it? First, they pervert the things." See it? First, they pervert the things." See it? First, they pervert the grace of God into sensuality. grace of God into sensuality. grace of God into sensuality. Characteristic number one. In other Characteristic number one. In other Characteristic number one. In other words, they take God's grace, which was words, they take God's grace, which was words, they take God's grace, which was meant to produce holiness and a love for meant to produce holiness and a love for meant to produce holiness and a love for God, and they instead twist it into God, and they instead twist it into God, and they instead twist it into something that serves fleshly desires. something that serves fleshly desires. something that serves fleshly desires. Second, he says, they deny our only Second, he says, they deny our only Second, he says, they deny our only master and Lord Jesus Christ. In other master and Lord Jesus Christ. In other master and Lord Jesus Christ. In other words, they stop submitting to Jesus's words, they stop submitting to Jesus's words, they stop submitting to Jesus's authority as expressed in his Bible and authority as expressed in his Bible and authority as expressed in his Bible and they become their own authority. in they become their own authority. in they become their own authority. in Jude's day. Stay with me. This looked Jude's day. Stay with me. This looked Jude's day. Stay with me. This looked like two things. This is totally like two things. This is totally like two things. This is totally irrelevant to you because we don't live irrelevant to you because we don't live irrelevant to you because we don't live in Jude's day, but just hang with me in Jude's day, but just hang with me in Jude's day, but just hang with me because that's going to be important for because that's going to be important for because that's going to be important for what's going to come next. Two things. what's going to come next. Two things. what's going to come next. Two things. We know from historians that some were We know from historians that some were We know from historians that some were saying that God's forgiveness of our saying that God's forgiveness of our saying that God's forgiveness of our sins and the fact that he had freed us sins and the fact that he had freed us sins and the fact that he had freed us from the Old Testament law. There were from the Old Testament law. There were from the Old Testament law. There were people in Jude's day saying that means people in Jude's day saying that means people in Jude's day saying that means Christians who've been saved are now Christians who've been saved are now Christians who've been saved are now free to engage in sexual immorality on free to engage in sexual immorality on free to engage in sexual immorality on their own terms. All the rules are off.
their own terms. All the rules are off. their own terms. All the rules are off. They said love is love. Maybe it is more They said love is love. Maybe it is more They said love is love. Maybe it is more relevant to this age than I'm thinking. relevant to this age than I'm thinking. relevant to this age than I'm thinking. But love is love and thus all kinds of But love is love and thus all kinds of But love is love and thus all kinds of sexual variations are permissible. We sexual variations are permissible. We sexual variations are permissible. We also know number two that from Paul's also know number two that from Paul's also know number two that from Paul's letters, we know that there were a lot letters, we know that there were a lot letters, we know that there were a lot of Jewish believers at the time saying of Jewish believers at the time saying of Jewish believers at the time saying that to be faithful to God meant that to be faithful to God meant that to be faithful to God meant embracing Jewish culture as the embracing Jewish culture as the embracing Jewish culture as the foundation of the church. And that a key foundation of the church. And that a key foundation of the church. And that a key component of the mission of God was component of the mission of God was component of the mission of God was working to establish a global Jewish working to establish a global Jewish working to establish a global Jewish kingdom on earth. So to be a Christian, kingdom on earth. So to be a Christian, kingdom on earth. So to be a Christian, you weren't just spreading the gospel, you weren't just spreading the gospel, you weren't just spreading the gospel, you were spreading Jewishness. you were spreading Jewishness. you were spreading Jewishness. that was then 2,000 years ago. Much more that was then 2,000 years ago. Much more that was then 2,000 years ago. Much more important is for us to ask where we see important is for us to ask where we see important is for us to ask where we see these two things happening in the church these two things happening in the church these two things happening in the church now because Jesus predicted that this now because Jesus predicted that this now because Jesus predicted that this kind of corruption would happen in every kind of corruption would happen in every kind of corruption would happen in every generation. So yeah, we can learn about generation. So yeah, we can learn about generation. So yeah, we can learn about what was happening in Jude's day as a what was happening in Jude's day as a what was happening in Jude's day as a matter of interest, but what we should matter of interest, but what we should matter of interest, but what we should really be asking is where do we see really be asking is where do we see really be asking is where do we see these same two things happening today? these same two things happening today? these same two things happening today? In other words, how do we keep our In other words, how do we keep our In other words, how do we keep our termite inspection up to date? Didn't termite inspection up to date? Didn't termite inspection up to date? Didn't matter that you didn't have termites matter that you didn't have termites matter that you didn't have termites when you bought the house. Question is, when you bought the house. Question is, when you bought the house. Question is, do you have now? Where do we see paint do you have now? Where do we see paint do you have now? Where do we see paint bubbling and the floor sagging? Now, bubbling and the floor sagging? Now, bubbling and the floor sagging? Now, follow this. Honestly, I'm a little follow this. Honestly, I'm a little follow this. Honestly, I'm a little nervous about what's about to come next nervous about what's about to come next nervous about what's about to come next because it might get a little offensive, because it might get a little offensive, because it might get a little offensive, but I care about you. And like Jude but I care about you. And like Jude but I care about you. And like Jude says, Christian leadership means says, Christian leadership means says, Christian leadership means sometimes calling these things out. So, sometimes calling these things out. So, sometimes calling these things out. So, I say all this because I love you, okay?
I say all this because I love you, okay? I say all this because I love you, okay? I really do. But here we go. Corruption I really do. But here we go. Corruption I really do. But here we go. Corruption number one, therapeutic Christianity. number one, therapeutic Christianity. number one, therapeutic Christianity. In therapeutic Christianity, In therapeutic Christianity, In therapeutic Christianity, personal flourishing becomes the main personal flourishing becomes the main personal flourishing becomes the main point of the gospel. point of the gospel. point of the gospel. Christianity becomes primarily about Christianity becomes primarily about Christianity becomes primarily about achieving happier, healthier, more achieving happier, healthier, more achieving happier, healthier, more successful, and more emotionally successful, and more emotionally successful, and more emotionally fulfilled lives. To be clear, I am not fulfilled lives. To be clear, I am not fulfilled lives. To be clear, I am not against therapy. Therapy can be really against therapy. Therapy can be really against therapy. Therapy can be really helpful. God really does want us to helpful. God really does want us to helpful. God really does want us to flourish. Doing things God's way always flourish. Doing things God's way always flourish. Doing things God's way always leads you to flourish. But when you leads you to flourish. But when you leads you to flourish. But when you primarily see Jesus as a means to primarily see Jesus as a means to primarily see Jesus as a means to becoming happier and healthier rather becoming happier and healthier rather becoming happier and healthier rather than seeing him as a treasure greater than seeing him as a treasure greater than seeing him as a treasure greater than anything else in your life and than anything else in your life and than anything else in your life and worth laying your life down for, then worth laying your life down for, then worth laying your life down for, then you have done what Jude warned against. you have done what Jude warned against. you have done what Jude warned against. You have swapped out a heavenly agenda You have swapped out a heavenly agenda You have swapped out a heavenly agenda for an earthly one. The cross, you see, for an earthly one. The cross, you see, for an earthly one. The cross, you see, is not primarily a tool for is not primarily a tool for is not primarily a tool for self-fulfillment. The cross was a self-fulfillment. The cross was a self-fulfillment. The cross was a sacrifice that reconciled you to God. a sacrifice that reconciled you to God. a sacrifice that reconciled you to God. a cross you were supposed to pick up and cross you were supposed to pick up and cross you were supposed to pick up and carry to the world. In therapeutic carry to the world. In therapeutic carry to the world. In therapeutic Christianity, grace gets perverted.
Christianity, grace gets perverted. Christianity, grace gets perverted. Instead of God accepts me by his grace Instead of God accepts me by his grace Instead of God accepts me by his grace and then works to make me holy, grace and then works to make me holy, grace and then works to make me holy, grace gets perverted to say God accepts me gets perverted to say God accepts me gets perverted to say God accepts me exactly as I am and celebrates me that exactly as I am and celebrates me that exactly as I am and celebrates me that way. way. way. >> In therapeutic Christianity, you won't >> In therapeutic Christianity, you won't >> In therapeutic Christianity, you won't find a lot of talk about sin or find a lot of talk about sin or find a lot of talk about sin or repentance or laying your life down for repentance or laying your life down for repentance or laying your life down for the cause of the gospel. Rather, you'll the cause of the gospel. Rather, you'll the cause of the gospel. Rather, you'll find a lot of talk about a happier, find a lot of talk about a happier, find a lot of talk about a happier, healthier you. Finding healing to your healthier you. Finding healing to your healthier you. Finding healing to your brokenness, finding balance, achieving brokenness, finding balance, achieving brokenness, finding balance, achieving the good life, discovering the beautiful the good life, discovering the beautiful the good life, discovering the beautiful you. You, snowflake, you unique color in you. You, snowflake, you unique color in you. You, snowflake, you unique color in God's rainbow. You one of a kind skittle God's rainbow. You one of a kind skittle God's rainbow. You one of a kind skittle in God's great candy jar. in God's great candy jar. in God's great candy jar. I've noticed that in a lot of the big I've noticed that in a lot of the big I've noticed that in a lot of the big college and young adult Christian college and young adult Christian college and young adult Christian conferences, this is how termites work, conferences, this is how termites work, conferences, this is how termites work, right? Doesn't start with a cradle right? Doesn't start with a cradle right? Doesn't start with a cradle change. I've just noticed that in a lot change. I've just noticed that in a lot change. I've just noticed that in a lot of the young adult Christian of the young adult Christian of the young adult Christian conferences, college conferences around conferences, college conferences around conferences, college conferences around the country, the talks used to be about the country, the talks used to be about the country, the talks used to be about the urgency of the great commission and the urgency of the great commission and the urgency of the great commission and why you should lay your life down so why you should lay your life down so why you should lay your life down so that people around the world could hear that people around the world could hear that people around the world could hear the gospel. Now, the bulk of the talks the gospel. Now, the bulk of the talks the gospel. Now, the bulk of the talks are about your brokenness and why you're are about your brokenness and why you're are about your brokenness and why you're beautiful and how God makes you whole.
beautiful and how God makes you whole. beautiful and how God makes you whole. And hear me, that is an important part And hear me, that is an important part And hear me, that is an important part of our message. I try to regularly of our message. I try to regularly of our message. I try to regularly preach on that. But therapeutic preach on that. But therapeutic preach on that. But therapeutic Christianity can very quickly become a Christianity can very quickly become a Christianity can very quickly become a counterfeit for real disciplehip because counterfeit for real disciplehip because counterfeit for real disciplehip because it switches out Jesus's primary agenda it switches out Jesus's primary agenda it switches out Jesus's primary agenda for an earthly one. Number two, for an earthly one. Number two, for an earthly one. Number two, Build-A-Bear Christianity. Build-A-Bear Christianity. Build-A-Bear Christianity. You remember anybody remember the whole You remember anybody remember the whole You remember anybody remember the whole Build-A-Bear thing when you were a kid? Build-A-Bear thing when you were a kid? Build-A-Bear thing when you were a kid? Remember that? Do they even have that Remember that? Do they even have that Remember that? Do they even have that anymore? Is that a thing or is that just anymore? Is that a thing or is that just anymore? Is that a thing or is that just Okay, so back in the day, back in the Okay, so back in the day, back in the Okay, so back in the day, back in the day, maybe today, I don't know, you'd day, maybe today, I don't know, you'd day, maybe today, I don't know, you'd take your kid to the Build-A-Bear store take your kid to the Build-A-Bear store take your kid to the Build-A-Bear store in the mall and there they would build in the mall and there they would build in the mall and there they would build the bear that they wanted to snuggle the bear that they wanted to snuggle the bear that they wanted to snuggle with at night. They got to choose the with at night. They got to choose the with at night. They got to choose the size. They got to choose the color, the size. They got to choose the color, the size. They got to choose the color, the features. You want a bear with two features. You want a bear with two features. You want a bear with two different color eyes? Fine. You want a different color eyes? Fine. You want a different color eyes? Fine. You want a bear with both eyes on the left side of bear with both eyes on the left side of bear with both eyes on the left side of his face? Go ahead, Picasso. You do you. his face? Go ahead, Picasso. You do you. his face? Go ahead, Picasso. You do you. And I guess that's fine when it comes to And I guess that's fine when it comes to And I guess that's fine when it comes to assembling a fake bear to cuddle with at assembling a fake bear to cuddle with at assembling a fake bear to cuddle with at night. But that is not how we approach night. But that is not how we approach night. But that is not how we approach God. And yet, and that is exactly what God. And yet, and that is exactly what God. And yet, and that is exactly what people attempt to do with Jesus. They people attempt to do with Jesus. They people attempt to do with Jesus. They learn about Jesus and they're like, learn about Jesus and they're like, learn about Jesus and they're like, "Ooh, I like this." And oo, I like that.
"Ooh, I like this." And oo, I like that. "Ooh, I like this." And oo, I like that. And ooh, I don't like this. But y'all, And ooh, I don't like this. But y'all, And ooh, I don't like this. But y'all, the Bible is not a salad bar where you the Bible is not a salad bar where you the Bible is not a salad bar where you take the ingredients you like and leave take the ingredients you like and leave take the ingredients you like and leave the ones you don't. This is not Burger the ones you don't. This is not Burger the ones you don't. This is not Burger King where you can have your Jesus your King where you can have your Jesus your King where you can have your Jesus your way. I remember being on a college way. I remember being on a college way. I remember being on a college campus one time talking to a young lady campus one time talking to a young lady campus one time talking to a young lady about Jesus and I I I I'd show her about Jesus and I I I I'd show her about Jesus and I I I I'd show her something in the Bible and she would something in the Bible and she would something in the Bible and she would say, "Well, my Jesus wouldn't say that." say, "Well, my Jesus wouldn't say that." say, "Well, my Jesus wouldn't say that." And then she go, "My Jesus wouldn't And then she go, "My Jesus wouldn't And then she go, "My Jesus wouldn't think that." And eventually I told her, think that." And eventually I told her, think that." And eventually I told her, "You don't get your own personal Jesus. "You don't get your own personal Jesus. "You don't get your own personal Jesus. There's one Jesus." And you either There's one Jesus." And you either There's one Jesus." And you either submit to his lordship or you reject submit to his lordship or you reject submit to his lordship or you reject him. him. him. >> This is what Jude was talking about. >> This is what Jude was talking about. >> This is what Jude was talking about. People who deny the lordship of Christ. People who deny the lordship of Christ. People who deny the lordship of Christ. By the way, the place build-abar By the way, the place build-abar By the way, the place build-abar theology shows up most often both in theology shows up most often both in theology shows up most often both in Jude's day and in our day is in regard Jude's day and in our day is in regard Jude's day and in our day is in regard to sexual issues. It's the main thing to sexual issues. It's the main thing to sexual issues. It's the main thing Jude's going to bring up in his letter. Jude's going to bring up in his letter. Jude's going to bring up in his letter. Listen to me. Sexual perversions are the Listen to me. Sexual perversions are the Listen to me. Sexual perversions are the enemy's prime battleground in every enemy's prime battleground in every enemy's prime battleground in every generation.
generation. generation. And just like in Jude's day, we're told And just like in Jude's day, we're told And just like in Jude's day, we're told by many today, oh yeah, the Christian by many today, oh yeah, the Christian by many today, oh yeah, the Christian way is not about adhering to archaic way is not about adhering to archaic way is not about adhering to archaic sexual mores. Those people are sexual mores. Those people are sexual mores. Those people are primitive. primitive. primitive. They were doing the best they could, but They were doing the best they could, but They were doing the best they could, but we're advanced. No, Jesus. Living for we're advanced. No, Jesus. Living for we're advanced. No, Jesus. Living for Jesus is about discovering and living in Jesus is about discovering and living in Jesus is about discovering and living in love and acceptance. And hey, love is love and acceptance. And hey, love is love and acceptance. And hey, love is love. Do it your way. And so we see a love. Do it your way. And so we see a love. Do it your way. And so we see a lot of sectors of the church where lot of sectors of the church where lot of sectors of the church where homosexuality is affirmed. They homosexuality is affirmed. They homosexuality is affirmed. They literally call themselves affirming literally call themselves affirming literally call themselves affirming churches because they proudly and churches because they proudly and churches because they proudly and brazenly affirm what Christ and his brazenly affirm what Christ and his brazenly affirm what Christ and his apostles forbid. apostles forbid. apostles forbid. Or churches who feel free to redefine Or churches who feel free to redefine Or churches who feel free to redefine marriage differently than God's marriage differently than God's marriage differently than God's prescription, which is one man with one prescription, which is one man with one prescription, which is one man with one woman for life. or churches where woman for life. or churches where woman for life. or churches where transitioning gender is affirmed and transitioning gender is affirmed and transitioning gender is affirmed and celebrated as if gender were a choice celebrated as if gender were a choice celebrated as if gender were a choice and not something God wrote into our and not something God wrote into our and not something God wrote into our very DNA. very DNA. very DNA. Churches where pornography is treated Churches where pornography is treated Churches where pornography is treated casually or as a part of casually or as a part of casually or as a part of self-expression. self-expression. self-expression. And by the way, maybe some of you say, And by the way, maybe some of you say, And by the way, maybe some of you say, "Well, I don't look at porn."
"Well, I don't look at porn." "Well, I don't look at porn." Yeah, but I know Christians who seem Yeah, but I know Christians who seem Yeah, but I know Christians who seem incredibly unbothered watching shows incredibly unbothered watching shows incredibly unbothered watching shows with graphic and sinful sex scenes. with graphic and sinful sex scenes. with graphic and sinful sex scenes. Hello, Game of Thrones fans. Hello, Game of Thrones fans. Hello, Game of Thrones fans. And I hesitate naming shows like that And I hesitate naming shows like that And I hesitate naming shows like that because I don't want you to feel judged. because I don't want you to feel judged. because I don't want you to feel judged. I just feel like the Holy Spirit is I just feel like the Holy Spirit is I just feel like the Holy Spirit is really grieved by what some of us watch really grieved by what some of us watch really grieved by what some of us watch and fill our minds with. And Christians and fill our minds with. And Christians and fill our minds with. And Christians talk about these shows without even the talk about these shows without even the talk about these shows without even the slightest flesh of embarrassment. Or slightest flesh of embarrassment. Or slightest flesh of embarrassment. Or churches where cohabitation before churches where cohabitation before churches where cohabitation before marriage is just accepted as a reality marriage is just accepted as a reality marriage is just accepted as a reality of our culture, even though God calls it of our culture, even though God calls it of our culture, even though God calls it sin. Churches where adultery is sin. Churches where adultery is sin. Churches where adultery is justified in some situations as a quest justified in some situations as a quest justified in some situations as a quest to find true happiness. to find true happiness. to find true happiness. In churches like these, these kinds of In churches like these, these kinds of In churches like these, these kinds of things are embraced in the name of love things are embraced in the name of love things are embraced in the name of love and acceptance and grace. But these and acceptance and grace. But these and acceptance and grace. But these things pervert the grace of God into things pervert the grace of God into things pervert the grace of God into sensuality and they deny the lordship of sensuality and they deny the lordship of sensuality and they deny the lordship of Christ. Just like Jude said, number Christ. Just like Jude said, number Christ. Just like Jude said, number three, prosperity theology. three, prosperity theology. three, prosperity theology. Prosperity theology. Again, this is Prosperity theology. Again, this is Prosperity theology. Again, this is another one Jude mentioned specifically another one Jude mentioned specifically another one Jude mentioned specifically in verses 11, 12, and 16. I won't read in verses 11, 12, and 16. I won't read in verses 11, 12, and 16. I won't read those verses because we'll get to them those verses because we'll get to them those verses because we'll get to them next week, but Jude talks about people next week, but Jude talks about people next week, but Jude talks about people who use the gospel for personal wealthy who use the gospel for personal wealthy who use the gospel for personal wealthy gain.
gain. gain. In prosperity theology, the core message In prosperity theology, the core message In prosperity theology, the core message becomes Jesus exists to make you rich becomes Jesus exists to make you rich becomes Jesus exists to make you rich rather than Jesus is your riches and is rather than Jesus is your riches and is rather than Jesus is your riches and is worth leaving the whole world behind worth leaving the whole world behind worth leaving the whole world behind for. for. for. >> Interestingly, in verse 12, Jude talks >> Interestingly, in verse 12, Jude talks >> Interestingly, in verse 12, Jude talks about churches like this who are led by about churches like this who are led by about churches like this who are led by shepherds who feed themselves rather shepherds who feed themselves rather shepherds who feed themselves rather than the flock. When you look into than the flock. When you look into than the flock. When you look into prosperity gospel churches, this is prosperity gospel churches, this is prosperity gospel churches, this is often exactly what you'll find. leaders often exactly what you'll find. leaders often exactly what you'll find. leaders living at at extravagant levels, living at at extravagant levels, living at at extravagant levels, manipulating congregants to give them manipulating congregants to give them manipulating congregants to give them money so they can live exorbitantly. money so they can live exorbitantly. money so they can live exorbitantly. In fact, I once got to know a pastor in In fact, I once got to know a pastor in In fact, I once got to know a pastor in this tradition and I went to his office this tradition and I went to his office this tradition and I went to his office to have lunch with him and in his to have lunch with him and in his to have lunch with him and in his parking lot was a 40ft stretch limo. So, parking lot was a 40ft stretch limo. So, parking lot was a 40ft stretch limo. So, I asked, "Is somebody famous here? Like, I asked, "Is somebody famous here? Like, I asked, "Is somebody famous here? Like, did Matt Damon swing by for a visit?" did Matt Damon swing by for a visit?" did Matt Damon swing by for a visit?" He's like, "No, this is how we show He's like, "No, this is how we show He's like, "No, this is how we show God's prophets, you know, the church's God's prophets, you know, the church's God's prophets, you know, the church's pastors. This is how we show them pastors. This is how we show them pastors. This is how we show them honor." I went into his bathroom. He had honor." I went into his bathroom. He had honor." I went into his bathroom. He had all these exotic colog from around the all these exotic colog from around the all these exotic colog from around the world. Y'all, I'm not a fragrance guy. I world. Y'all, I'm not a fragrance guy. I world. Y'all, I'm not a fragrance guy. I couldn't even pronounce the words on couldn't even pronounce the words on couldn't even pronounce the words on most of the bottles, but I recognize most of the bottles, but I recognize most of the bottles, but I recognize money when I see it.
money when I see it. money when I see it. And here's the thing, their church was And here's the thing, their church was And here's the thing, their church was not even that big. I thought, man, this not even that big. I thought, man, this not even that big. I thought, man, this congregation is way smaller than ours, congregation is way smaller than ours, congregation is way smaller than ours, and he seems to have way more money than and he seems to have way more money than and he seems to have way more money than we do. So, I just asked him, I was like, we do. So, I just asked him, I was like, we do. So, I just asked him, I was like, hey, do you like have a bunch of hey, do you like have a bunch of hey, do you like have a bunch of millionaires in your church? He was millionaires in your church? He was millionaires in your church? He was like, no. But then he explained that like, no. But then he explained that like, no. But then he explained that basically the whole offering of their basically the whole offering of their basically the whole offering of their church went to him personally to spend church went to him personally to spend church went to him personally to spend as he saw fit. And what's more, whenever as he saw fit. And what's more, whenever as he saw fit. And what's more, whenever their church planted a church, which to their church planted a church, which to their church planted a church, which to their credit they were doing a lot of, their credit they were doing a lot of, their credit they were doing a lot of, they taught this new church that this they taught this new church that this they taught this new church that this new church was under his spiritual new church was under his spiritual new church was under his spiritual covering. And so they therefore needed covering. And so they therefore needed covering. And so they therefore needed to honor him by tithing 10% of their to honor him by tithing 10% of their to honor him by tithing 10% of their church budget back to him personally church budget back to him personally church budget back to him personally throughout the rest of their existence. throughout the rest of their existence. throughout the rest of their existence. And I thought, man, am I doing this all And I thought, man, am I doing this all And I thought, man, am I doing this all wrong? wrong? wrong? I mean, I'm always like, if we had more I mean, I'm always like, if we had more I mean, I'm always like, if we had more money, I'd plant more churches. This money, I'd plant more churches. This money, I'd plant more churches. This guy's like, "Mama wants a new Cadillac. guy's like, "Mama wants a new Cadillac. guy's like, "Mama wants a new Cadillac. I'll go plant some more churches." I'll go plant some more churches." I'll go plant some more churches." Of course, I'm joking. Y'all, when I say Of course, I'm joking. Y'all, when I say Of course, I'm joking. Y'all, when I say that, I know we're not doing it wrong. that, I know we're not doing it wrong. that, I know we're not doing it wrong. But suffice it to say that there are a But suffice it to say that there are a But suffice it to say that there are a lot of leaders who turn the church into lot of leaders who turn the church into lot of leaders who turn the church into their own personal piggy bank. We've their own personal piggy bank. We've their own personal piggy bank. We've never wanted to be that there. It's why never wanted to be that there. It's why never wanted to be that there. It's why it's a group of lay people, not other it's a group of lay people, not other it's a group of lay people, not other staff, not of the pastor, group of lay staff, not of the pastor, group of lay staff, not of the pastor, group of lay people that set my salary. It's why people that set my salary. It's why people that set my salary. It's why we're very fidious on all the we're very fidious on all the we're very fidious on all the accounting. It's just it's just we know accounting. It's just it's just we know accounting. It's just it's just we know that we don't exist to be enriched off that we don't exist to be enriched off that we don't exist to be enriched off of the church. We exist to lead the of the church. We exist to lead the of the church. We exist to lead the church to pours life out for the world.
church to pours life out for the world. church to pours life out for the world. It's why my wife and I have always It's why my wife and I have always It's why my wife and I have always striven to be exemplary, beyond striven to be exemplary, beyond striven to be exemplary, beyond exemplary in our giving. And I want to exemplary in our giving. And I want to exemplary in our giving. And I want to be one of the lead givers in the church, be one of the lead givers in the church, be one of the lead givers in the church, not just in amount, but in percentage not just in amount, but in percentage not just in amount, but in percentage because I want to model for you. This is because I want to model for you. This is because I want to model for you. This is what it looks like to give your life what it looks like to give your life what it looks like to give your life away for the gospel. Like Jude explains, away for the gospel. Like Jude explains, away for the gospel. Like Jude explains, bad doctrine leads to sinful living. Let bad doctrine leads to sinful living. Let bad doctrine leads to sinful living. Let me just say, I know there are scandals me just say, I know there are scandals me just say, I know there are scandals in the church everywhere. I I get that, in the church everywhere. I I get that, in the church everywhere. I I get that, including churches that believe just including churches that believe just including churches that believe just like us. Wherever you got humans and like us. Wherever you got humans and like us. Wherever you got humans and money, you're going to have corruption money, you're going to have corruption money, you're going to have corruption and scandal. and scandal. and scandal. But still, scandal seems to be But still, scandal seems to be But still, scandal seems to be particularly bad in prosperity theology particularly bad in prosperity theology particularly bad in prosperity theology churches. And that is because doctrinal churches. And that is because doctrinal churches. And that is because doctrinal and moral corruption often go together. and moral corruption often go together. and moral corruption often go together. Bad doctrine leads to sinful living. Bad doctrine leads to sinful living. Bad doctrine leads to sinful living. Number four, earthly kingdom Number four, earthly kingdom Number four, earthly kingdom Christianity Christianity Christianity is your fourth corruption. That's where is your fourth corruption. That's where is your fourth corruption. That's where we replace a focus on building Christ we replace a focus on building Christ we replace a focus on building Christ spiritual heavenly kingdom with a focus spiritual heavenly kingdom with a focus spiritual heavenly kingdom with a focus on building an earthly political one. on building an earthly political one. on building an earthly political one. Now I want to be super careful here, Now I want to be super careful here, Now I want to be super careful here, right? So, if you're going to clip this right? So, if you're going to clip this right? So, if you're going to clip this online, start here, okay? [laughter] online, start here, okay? [laughter] online, start here, okay? [laughter] Because Christians are supposed to be Because Christians are supposed to be Because Christians are supposed to be involved in politics.
involved in politics. involved in politics. It's part of how we love our neighbor. It's part of how we love our neighbor. It's part of how we love our neighbor. It's part of how we publicly witness to It's part of how we publicly witness to It's part of how we publicly witness to our community. And when a nation's our community. And when a nation's our community. And when a nation's constitution and when its moral constitution and when its moral constitution and when its moral framework are built on God's created framework are built on God's created framework are built on God's created order, the nation flourishes. So, we order, the nation flourishes. So, we order, the nation flourishes. So, we should vote for candidates whom we should vote for candidates whom we should vote for candidates whom we believe will rule and establish laws believe will rule and establish laws believe will rule and establish laws according to God's vision for the world. according to God's vision for the world. according to God's vision for the world. And if neither one of the candidates And if neither one of the candidates And if neither one of the candidates does it perfectly, you need to vote for does it perfectly, you need to vote for does it perfectly, you need to vote for the one that is closest. At the same the one that is closest. At the same the one that is closest. At the same time, Jesus's agenda until Christ until time, Jesus's agenda until Christ until time, Jesus's agenda until Christ until he returns, his agenda is not to he returns, his agenda is not to he returns, his agenda is not to establish a political reign on earth. establish a political reign on earth. establish a political reign on earth. The apostles asked Jesus this very The apostles asked Jesus this very The apostles asked Jesus this very question specifically just before he question specifically just before he question specifically just before he ascended. Acts 1:6, as he was leaving, ascended. Acts 1:6, as he was leaving, ascended. Acts 1:6, as he was leaving, they were like, "Hey, so are you going they were like, "Hey, so are you going they were like, "Hey, so are you going to have us build your kingdom on earth to have us build your kingdom on earth to have us build your kingdom on earth now?" And Jesus said, "Your now?" And Jesus said, "Your now?" And Jesus said, "Your responsibility right now is not that. It responsibility right now is not that. It responsibility right now is not that. It is instead acts 18 to be my witnesses is instead acts 18 to be my witnesses is instead acts 18 to be my witnesses and to take this gospel to all the and to take this gospel to all the and to take this gospel to all the nations on the earth. Meaning our nations on the earth. Meaning our nations on the earth. Meaning our primary responsibility is the primary responsibility is the primary responsibility is the proclamation of the gospel to every proclamation of the gospel to every proclamation of the gospel to every person in every nation on earth. Full person in every nation on earth. Full person in every nation on earth. Full stop. Hard period.
stop. Hard period. stop. Hard period. >> I love how theologian Michael Horton >> I love how theologian Michael Horton >> I love how theologian Michael Horton explains it. We are not to yield to explains it. We are not to yield to explains it. We are not to yield to Caesar a single jewel from Christ crown. Caesar a single jewel from Christ crown. Caesar a single jewel from Christ crown. Identifying Christ with any nation today Identifying Christ with any nation today Identifying Christ with any nation today risks blasphemy. Christ identifies risks blasphemy. Christ identifies risks blasphemy. Christ identifies himself only with the holy nation of the himself only with the holy nation of the himself only with the holy nation of the church which is comprised of peoples church which is comprised of peoples church which is comprised of peoples from every nation. Trying to build a from every nation. Trying to build a from every nation. Trying to build a theocratic Christian kingdom on earth theocratic Christian kingdom on earth theocratic Christian kingdom on earth swaps Jesus's agenda for a fleshly one swaps Jesus's agenda for a fleshly one swaps Jesus's agenda for a fleshly one just like Jude warned against. Anytime just like Jude warned against. Anytime just like Jude warned against. Anytime we begin to believe that the primary we begin to believe that the primary we begin to believe that the primary mission of the church is winning mission of the church is winning mission of the church is winning elections, elections, elections, defeating progressives, defeating defeating progressives, defeating defeating progressives, defeating conservative extremism, saving western conservative extremism, saving western conservative extremism, saving western civilization, taking America back. That civilization, taking America back. That civilization, taking America back. That is exactly what we've done. Again, it's is exactly what we've done. Again, it's is exactly what we've done. Again, it's not that we shouldn't want to see not that we shouldn't want to see not that we shouldn't want to see Christian values influence our laws. Christian values influence our laws. Christian values influence our laws. It's not that we shouldn't want to see It's not that we shouldn't want to see It's not that we shouldn't want to see society become more just, society become more just, society become more just, but ideologies like critical theory and but ideologies like critical theory and but ideologies like critical theory and cultural Marxism or theocratic Christian cultural Marxism or theocratic Christian cultural Marxism or theocratic Christian nationalism subtly redefine the mission nationalism subtly redefine the mission nationalism subtly redefine the mission of the church. of the church. of the church. >> That's right. >> That's right. >> That's right. >> Mark my words. When somebody starts to >> Mark my words. When somebody starts to >> Mark my words. When somebody starts to preach politics from the pulpit, they preach politics from the pulpit, they preach politics from the pulpit, they will almost always very soon stop will almost always very soon stop will almost always very soon stop preaching the gospel because they begin preaching the gospel because they begin preaching the gospel because they begin to assume that the preservation of their to assume that the preservation of their to assume that the preservation of their nation is more important than the nation is more important than the nation is more important than the salvation of souls in that nation.
salvation of souls in that nation. salvation of souls in that nation. >> Y'all hear me? Listen. I love America. I >> Y'all hear me? Listen. I love America. I >> Y'all hear me? Listen. I love America. I own more things with stars and stripes own more things with stars and stripes own more things with stars and stripes on them than any human should. My on them than any human should. My on them than any human should. My Spotify algorithm thinks every other Spotify algorithm thinks every other Spotify algorithm thinks every other song should involve a pickup truck or song should involve a pickup truck or song should involve a pickup truck or freedom or both. Okay? And I want to see freedom or both. Okay? And I want to see freedom or both. Okay? And I want to see America renewed and reformed. But as a America renewed and reformed. But as a America renewed and reformed. But as a pastor, Jesus did not make my first pastor, Jesus did not make my first pastor, Jesus did not make my first assignment saving America, but calling assignment saving America, but calling assignment saving America, but calling Americans to salvation. Whether they're Americans to salvation. Whether they're Americans to salvation. Whether they're Democrats or Republicans, progressive or Democrats or Republicans, progressive or Democrats or Republicans, progressive or conservative, black or white or rich or conservative, black or white or rich or conservative, black or white or rich or poor, that is what we do. Okay? [applause] [applause] Earthly kingdom Christianity swaps out Earthly kingdom Christianity swaps out Earthly kingdom Christianity swaps out Christ's mission for an earthly one. Christ's mission for an earthly one. Christ's mission for an earthly one. Last one, number five, consumer Last one, number five, consumer Last one, number five, consumer Christianity. Christianity. Christianity. and consumer Christianity. Christians and consumer Christianity. Christians and consumer Christianity. Christians treat the church like it primarily treat the church like it primarily treat the church like it primarily exists to meet their preferences. exists to meet their preferences. exists to meet their preferences. So they approach their local church with So they approach their local church with So they approach their local church with the attitude, I'll stay here as long as the attitude, I'll stay here as long as the attitude, I'll stay here as long as I like the music, the worship pastor I like the music, the worship pastor I like the music, the worship pastor don't talk too long, the people are cool don't talk too long, the people are cool don't talk too long, the people are cool and fun, my kids are entertained, and and fun, my kids are entertained, and and fun, my kids are entertained, and the sermons inspire me, and the programs the sermons inspire me, and the programs the sermons inspire me, and the programs serve me, and nobody annoys me.
serve me, and nobody annoys me. serve me, and nobody annoys me. As long as people anticipate my needs As long as people anticipate my needs As long as people anticipate my needs and they meet them. as long as the and they meet them. as long as the and they meet them. as long as the pastor never offends me or talks about pastor never offends me or talks about pastor never offends me or talks about money. And I get it. Some of these money. And I get it. Some of these money. And I get it. Some of these things are part of why you choose the things are part of why you choose the things are part of why you choose the church. You like the church and it church. You like the church and it church. You like the church and it worked for your family. Nothing wrong worked for your family. Nothing wrong worked for your family. Nothing wrong with that. But in consumer Christianity, with that. But in consumer Christianity, with that. But in consumer Christianity, these things remain central in your these things remain central in your these things remain central in your relationship with the church. So you've relationship with the church. So you've relationship with the church. So you've been here 2, three years and you're been here 2, three years and you're been here 2, three years and you're still asking, "How's the church meeting still asking, "How's the church meeting still asking, "How's the church meeting my needs?" rather than how am I supposed my needs?" rather than how am I supposed my needs?" rather than how am I supposed to be laying down my life for the to be laying down my life for the to be laying down my life for the church. church. church. >> I mentioned the other night we >> I mentioned the other night we >> I mentioned the other night we celebrated my dad's 80th birthday. We celebrated my dad's 80th birthday. We celebrated my dad's 80th birthday. We did it with a small group of family and did it with a small group of family and did it with a small group of family and friends. And there was a point where a friends. And there was a point where a friends. And there was a point where a few of us said some, you know, grateful few of us said some, you know, grateful few of us said some, you know, grateful words about my dad. And one of the words about my dad. And one of the words about my dad. And one of the things I said was that I'm so grateful things I said was that I'm so grateful things I said was that I'm so grateful now. now. now. What I learned from him watching him and What I learned from him watching him and What I learned from him watching him and my mom growing up because he basically my mom growing up because he basically my mom growing up because he basically lived out for me the opposite of lived out for me the opposite of lived out for me the opposite of consumer Christianity. He and my mom consumer Christianity. He and my mom consumer Christianity. He and my mom were members of the same church in were members of the same church in were members of the same church in Winston Salem for 41 years until they Winston Salem for 41 years until they Winston Salem for 41 years until they moved to become members here. Since the moved to become members here. Since the moved to become members here. Since the reason he did that is because he figured reason he did that is because he figured reason he did that is because he figured he had a really good in with the pastor he had a really good in with the pastor he had a really good in with the pastor here. Okay.
here. Okay. here. Okay. that church they were part of for 41 that church they were part of for 41 that church they were part of for 41 years in Winston Salem went through years in Winston Salem went through years in Winston Salem went through cycles like every church does. Seasons cycles like every church does. Seasons cycles like every church does. Seasons of decline, hard times, boring spells, of decline, hard times, boring spells, of decline, hard times, boring spells, bad sermon series, bad leadership, and bad sermon series, bad leadership, and bad sermon series, bad leadership, and yet my mom and dad stayed through all of yet my mom and dad stayed through all of yet my mom and dad stayed through all of it because that's what you do when it because that's what you do when it because that's what you do when you're committed to something. Hear me. you're committed to something. Hear me. you're committed to something. Hear me. I'm not saying there's never a time to I'm not saying there's never a time to I'm not saying there's never a time to leave a church and find a new one. I'm leave a church and find a new one. I'm leave a church and find a new one. I'm not saying that. There is. But I also not saying that. There is. But I also not saying that. There is. But I also know that our generation operates in all know that our generation operates in all know that our generation operates in all spheres of our lives with a deep spheres of our lives with a deep spheres of our lives with a deep consumer mentality. And I guess that's consumer mentality. And I guess that's consumer mentality. And I guess that's fine if we're talking about fast food. fine if we're talking about fast food. fine if we're talking about fast food. If my burger doesn't taste that good or If my burger doesn't taste that good or If my burger doesn't taste that good or my fries are not hot enough or the my fries are not hot enough or the my fries are not hot enough or the customer service is bad, then I'm out of customer service is bad, then I'm out of customer service is bad, then I'm out of here. But that is not how you're here. But that is not how you're here. But that is not how you're supposed to treat a marriage or a supposed to treat a marriage or a supposed to treat a marriage or a family. I sincerely hope none of you family. I sincerely hope none of you family. I sincerely hope none of you parents ever say to your kids, "You parents ever say to your kids, "You parents ever say to your kids, "You know, conversation around the dinner know, conversation around the dinner know, conversation around the dinner table is a little flat right now. You table is a little flat right now. You table is a little flat right now. You kids are really starting to annoy me. kids are really starting to annoy me. kids are really starting to annoy me. Always asking me for money. So, I'm Always asking me for money. So, I'm Always asking me for money. So, I'm going to go out and try a different going to go out and try a different going to go out and try a different family for a few weeks just to see if family for a few weeks just to see if family for a few weeks just to see if something fits better. That's not how something fits better. That's not how something fits better. That's not how you're supposed to be with the family of you're supposed to be with the family of you're supposed to be with the family of God either. God either. God either. So, from my dad, I learned that you So, from my dad, I learned that you So, from my dad, I learned that you stay. You stay during the hard times.
stay. You stay during the hard times. stay. You stay during the hard times. You stay during the boring times. You You stay during the boring times. You You stay during the boring times. You stay through the problems. You stay stay through the problems. You stay stay through the problems. You stay through the challenges because that's through the challenges because that's through the challenges because that's what Jesus did for the church. You love what Jesus did for the church. You love what Jesus did for the church. You love people through the problems. people through the problems. people through the problems. That's the opposite of consumer That's the opposite of consumer That's the opposite of consumer Christianity, which builds faith around Christianity, which builds faith around Christianity, which builds faith around catering to the desires of the flesh. catering to the desires of the flesh. catering to the desires of the flesh. So, there you go. So, there you go. So, there you go. giving you five ways Jude's warning giving you five ways Jude's warning giving you five ways Jude's warning about termites in the church manifest about termites in the church manifest about termites in the church manifest today. Therapeutic Christianity, today. Therapeutic Christianity, today. Therapeutic Christianity, Build-A-Bear Christianity, prosperity Build-A-Bear Christianity, prosperity Build-A-Bear Christianity, prosperity theology, earthly kingdom Christianity, theology, earthly kingdom Christianity, theology, earthly kingdom Christianity, and consumer Christianity. I'm sure and consumer Christianity. I'm sure and consumer Christianity. I'm sure there are more. The point is, in every there are more. The point is, in every there are more. The point is, in every age, we have bad leaders reshaping age, we have bad leaders reshaping age, we have bad leaders reshaping Jesus's message around fleshly desires, Jesus's message around fleshly desires, Jesus's message around fleshly desires, swapping out Christ's agenda for theirs, swapping out Christ's agenda for theirs, swapping out Christ's agenda for theirs, and perverting grace. By the way, I and perverting grace. By the way, I and perverting grace. By the way, I think that phrase in verse four is super think that phrase in verse four is super think that phrase in verse four is super important. important. important. These termites pervert the grace of God. These termites pervert the grace of God. These termites pervert the grace of God. They don't deny it. They just redefine They don't deny it. They just redefine They don't deny it. They just redefine it. They're like, "Grace means you don't it. They're like, "Grace means you don't it. They're like, "Grace means you don't have to repent. Grace means God affirms have to repent. Grace means God affirms have to repent. Grace means God affirms you as you are. Grace means God's you as you are. Grace means God's you as you are. Grace means God's highest priority is making you highest priority is making you highest priority is making you comfortable and rich." And so when their comfortable and rich." And so when their comfortable and rich." And so when their hands are up and they're singing about hands are up and they're singing about hands are up and they're singing about amazing grace, they're thinking about amazing grace, they're thinking about amazing grace, they're thinking about something different. Grace means God something different. Grace means God something different. Grace means God exists to fulfill your dreams. Grace exists to fulfill your dreams. Grace exists to fulfill your dreams. Grace means God wants your tribe to thrive and means God wants your tribe to thrive and means God wants your tribe to thrive and your culture to prosper. And Jude says, your culture to prosper. And Jude says, your culture to prosper. And Jude says, "No." Grace brings you to God. Grace "No." Grace brings you to God. Grace "No." Grace brings you to God. Grace doesn't feed your flesh. Grace teaches doesn't feed your flesh. Grace teaches doesn't feed your flesh. Grace teaches you to deny it. Grace doesn't diminish you to deny it. Grace doesn't diminish you to deny it. Grace doesn't diminish Jesus's lordship. Grace establishes it.
Jesus's lordship. Grace establishes it. Jesus's lordship. Grace establishes it. Grace doesn't fulfill your agenda. Grace Grace doesn't fulfill your agenda. Grace Grace doesn't fulfill your agenda. Grace teaches you to surrender your agenda to teaches you to surrender your agenda to teaches you to surrender your agenda to his. Grace is not about pampering your his. Grace is not about pampering your his. Grace is not about pampering your flesh. Grace is about restoring you to flesh. Grace is about restoring you to flesh. Grace is about restoring you to the greatest reality in the universe, the greatest reality in the universe, the greatest reality in the universe, fellowship with God. fellowship with God. fellowship with God. Y'all, the genius of false teaching. The Y'all, the genius of false teaching. The Y'all, the genius of false teaching. The reason it creeps in unnoticed like reason it creeps in unnoticed like reason it creeps in unnoticed like termites is that it almost never asks termites is that it almost never asks termites is that it almost never asks you to reject Jesus. you to reject Jesus. you to reject Jesus. It simply asks you to attach a different It simply asks you to attach a different It simply asks you to attach a different agenda to Jesus. agenda to Jesus. agenda to Jesus. Sexual freedom, politics, money, Sexual freedom, politics, money, Sexual freedom, politics, money, comfort, power, identity, therapy, comfort, power, identity, therapy, comfort, power, identity, therapy, success, false teaching doesn't remove success, false teaching doesn't remove success, false teaching doesn't remove Jesus. It just rearranges him. It makes Jesus. It just rearranges him. It makes Jesus. It just rearranges him. It makes Jesus a useful means to an end rather Jesus a useful means to an end rather Jesus a useful means to an end rather than the beautiful end in himself. And than the beautiful end in himself. And than the beautiful end in himself. And whenever that happens, y'all, termites whenever that happens, y'all, termites whenever that happens, y'all, termites are in the walls. are in the walls. are in the walls. Church, we got to be clear. Church, we got to be clear. Church, we got to be clear. We got to be clear above all things on We got to be clear above all things on We got to be clear above all things on what the true gospel is. What is the what the true gospel is. What is the what the true gospel is. What is the essence of that faith delivered once for essence of that faith delivered once for essence of that faith delivered once for all to the saints. all to the saints. all to the saints. So, let me close by defining the gospel So, let me close by defining the gospel So, let me close by defining the gospel for you. And I'm going to use the words for you. And I'm going to use the words for you. And I'm going to use the words of the Apostle Paul where Paul said, of the Apostle Paul where Paul said, of the Apostle Paul where Paul said, "I'm going to do it." This, by the way, "I'm going to do it." This, by the way, "I'm going to do it." This, by the way, is what Jude said he wanted to write is what Jude said he wanted to write is what Jude said he wanted to write about, but the church wouldn't let him.
about, but the church wouldn't let him. about, but the church wouldn't let him. way to write this other letter. So, way to write this other letter. So, way to write this other letter. So, we're going to pull this in from Paul. we're going to pull this in from Paul. we're going to pull this in from Paul. Paul says, "I delivered unto you as of Paul says, "I delivered unto you as of Paul says, "I delivered unto you as of first importance that which I also first importance that which I also first importance that which I also received received received that Christ died for our sins in that Christ died for our sins in that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the scripture." This is accordance with the scripture." This is accordance with the scripture." This is the faith that I receive once for all to the faith that I receive once for all to the faith that I receive once for all to the saint. This is the most important the saint. This is the most important the saint. This is the most important thing about the first important thing. thing about the first important thing. thing about the first important thing. Christ died for sin just like the Bible Christ died for sin just like the Bible Christ died for sin just like the Bible always said he would. Next verse. He was always said he would. Next verse. He was always said he would. Next verse. He was buried that he was raised on the third buried that he was raised on the third buried that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the scriptures. day in accordance with the scriptures. day in accordance with the scriptures. The gospel is the good news that God The gospel is the good news that God The gospel is the good news that God sent his son to suffer for your sin and sent his son to suffer for your sin and sent his son to suffer for your sin and my sin in our place so that we could be my sin in our place so that we could be my sin in our place so that we could be reconciled to God and thereafter live reconciled to God and thereafter live reconciled to God and thereafter live holy lives in fellowship with him. holy lives in fellowship with him. holy lives in fellowship with him. [music] The gospel is that we could not [music] The gospel is that we could not [music] The gospel is that we could not save ourselves. So God did not give us a save ourselves. So God did not give us a save ourselves. So God did not give us a rescue plan that we could execute by him rescue plan that we could execute by him rescue plan that we could execute by him ourselves. He did it. [music] He gave us ourselves. He did it. [music] He gave us ourselves. He did it. [music] He gave us a plan that he did all by himself that a plan that he did all by himself that a plan that he did all by himself that you could only receive as a gift. And in you could only receive as a gift. And in you could only receive as a gift. And in response to that gift, you owe him response to that gift, you owe him response to that gift, you owe him everything. When you embrace this and everything. When you embrace this and everything. When you embrace this and then you focus your whole life on then you focus your whole life on then you focus your whole life on proclaiming it, that's what it looks proclaiming it, that's what it looks proclaiming it, that's what it looks like to be called, loved, and kept. The like to be called, loved, and kept. The like to be called, loved, and kept. The thought of his beloved church losing thought of his beloved church losing thought of his beloved church losing that is what provoked Jude to write this that is what provoked Jude to write this that is what provoked Jude to write this letter so that he might [music] contend letter so that he might [music] contend letter so that he might [music] contend for that faith delivered once for all to for that faith delivered once for all to for that faith delivered once for all to the saints.
the saints. the saints. So, here's the obvious question this So, here's the obvious question this So, here's the obvious question this morning. morning. morning. Have you received this gospel Have you received this gospel Have you received this gospel personally? personally? personally? See, it's an individual offer made to See, it's an individual offer made to See, it's an individual offer made to you personally. This is what Jude's so you personally. This is what Jude's so you personally. This is what Jude's so fired up about. You got to receive it fired up about. You got to receive it fired up about. You got to receive it personally. And there's no other message personally. And there's no other message personally. And there's no other message that I ever want to get in the way of that I ever want to get in the way of that I ever want to get in the way of this one. It's what this whole thing is this one. It's what this whole thing is this one. It's what this whole thing is about. You receive this gospel and you about. You receive this gospel and you about. You receive this gospel and you join this church. You can become a part join this church. You can become a part join this church. You can become a part of the family of God committed to of the family of God committed to of the family of God committed to spreading this gospel. spreading this gospel. spreading this gospel. You can [music] receive that offer of You can [music] receive that offer of You can [music] receive that offer of salvation. You can do it today, right salvation. You can do it today, right salvation. You can do it today, right now. Now, if you never have, [music] now. Now, if you never have, [music] now. Now, if you never have, [music] see, if that's you, if you've never see, if that's you, if you've never see, if that's you, if you've never received Jesus personally, never received Jesus personally, never received Jesus personally, never received the gospel personally, you're received the gospel personally, you're received the gospel personally, you're not sure that you have, you got not sure that you have, you got not sure that you have, you got questions, here's my invitation to you. questions, here's my invitation to you. questions, here's my invitation to you. I want you to take your phone out. I I want you to take your phone out. I I want you to take your phone out. I want you to text the word ready to want you to text the word ready to want you to text the word ready to 33933. 33933. 33933. Somebody will follow up with you. We'll Somebody will follow up with you. We'll Somebody will follow up with you. We'll start to explore those questions. By the start to explore those questions. By the start to explore those questions. By the way, I met somebody at our church who way, I met somebody at our church who way, I met somebody at our church who got saved, got baptized here, who got a got saved, got baptized here, who got a got saved, got baptized here, who got a tattoo, and they had 3393 in the tattoo.
tattoo, and they had 3393 in the tattoo. tattoo, and they had 3393 in the tattoo. And I was like, what is that? Because And I was like, what is that? Because And I was like, what is that? Because that's how I started the conversation that's how I started the conversation that's how I started the conversation about salvation as I texted this number. about salvation as I texted this number. about salvation as I texted this number. That's my salvation number, right? You That's my salvation number, right? You That's my salvation number, right? You don't have to get it tattooed to you, don't have to get it tattooed to you, don't have to get it tattooed to you, but it can be your salvation number. but it can be your salvation number. but it can be your salvation number. It's where you can start. Okay? It's It's where you can start. Okay? It's It's where you can start. Okay? It's where you can start this conversation. where you can start this conversation. where you can start this conversation. [music] Just do it right now. Hey, maybe [music] Just do it right now. Hey, maybe [music] Just do it right now. Hey, maybe even better. Come to our explore the even better. Come to our explore the even better. Come to our explore the summit, which happens the first Sunday summit, which happens the first Sunday summit, which happens the first Sunday of each month, which is this Sunday. In of each month, which is this Sunday. In of each month, which is this Sunday. In fact, it's happening at many campuses fact, it's happening at many campuses fact, it's happening at many campuses today. You can ask questions about the today. You can ask questions about the today. You can ask questions about the church or Christianity in a church or Christianity in a church or Christianity in a non-threatening environment. You should non-threatening environment. You should non-threatening environment. You should do that. And if it's, you know, that do that. And if it's, you know, that do that. And if it's, you know, that again, after some of our services there, again, after some of our services there, again, after some of our services there, there'll still be one. So, I want you to there'll still be one. So, I want you to there'll still be one. So, I want you to act in that way or just talk to the act in that way or just talk to the act in that way or just talk to the person who brought you and say, "Show me person who brought you and say, "Show me person who brought you and say, "Show me more about this. I'm interested in more about this. I'm interested in more about this. I'm interested in Jesus." [snorts] Jesus." [snorts] Jesus." [snorts] Father, I pray Father, I pray Father, I pray that you would teach us deep in our that you would teach us deep in our that you would teach us deep in our souls about the value of the gospel. God, let us think it's worth fighting God, let us think it's worth fighting for, contending for. Give us for, contending for. Give us for, contending for. Give us supernatural understanding. And I may supernatural understanding. And I may supernatural understanding. And I may whether it's from the pulpit whether it's from the pulpit whether it's from the pulpit or God in cubicles and coffee shops all or God in cubicles and coffee shops all or God in cubicles and coffee shops all around the triangle, let us speak it around the triangle, let us speak it around the triangle, let us speak it accurately [music] so that we can be faithful to our so that we can be faithful to our generation of what the gospel really is.
generation of what the gospel really is. generation of what the gospel really is. I pray and ask that in Jesus name. In I pray and ask that in Jesus name. In I pray and ask that in Jesus name. In Jesus name. Summit church, let's stand Jesus name. Summit church, let's stand Jesus name. Summit church, let's stand at all of our campuses together. worship at all of our campuses together. worship at all of our campuses together. worship teams are going to come and we're going teams are going to come and we're going teams are going to come and we're going to sing, "Oh, praise the name of our to sing, "Oh, praise the name of our to sing, "Oh, praise the name of our great God and Savior Jesus, who's given great God and Savior Jesus, who's given great God and Savior Jesus, who's given us this message and promises to preserve us this message and promises to preserve us this message and promises to preserve and keep us as we look to him." I want and keep us as we look to him." I want and keep us as we look to him." I want you to take a moment, [music] prepare you to take a moment, [music] prepare you to take a moment, [music] prepare your heart, think about what the Holy your heart, think about what the Holy your heart, think about what the Holy Spirit is saying to you. And in just a Spirit is saying to you. And in just a Spirit is saying to you. And in just a moment, they will come and they'll lead moment, they will come and they'll lead moment, they will come and they'll lead you >> I cast my mind [music] >> I cast my mind [music] to Calvary to Calvary to Calvary where [music] Jesus bled where [music] Jesus bled where [music] Jesus bled and died for me. and died for me. and died for me. I see his wounds, I see his wounds, 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 cursed tree. His body bound His body bound and drenched [music] in tears. and drenched [music] in tears. and drenched [music] in tears. They laid him down They laid him down They laid him down in Joseph's tomb. in Joseph's tomb. in Joseph's tomb. The entrance [music] seal The entrance [music] seal The entrance [music] seal by heavy stone. by heavy stone. by heavy stone. Messiah still Messiah still Messiah still and all alone. and all alone. and all alone. Glorious gospel. [music] Come on, let's Glorious gospel. [music] Come on, let's Glorious gospel. [music] Come on, let's sing. Oh, praise the name of the Lord sing. Oh, praise the name of the Lord sing. Oh, praise the name of the Lord our God. our God. our God. Oh, praise [music] his name forever Oh, praise [music] his name forever Oh, praise [music] his name forever more. more. more. For endless days we will [music] sing For endless days we will [music] sing For endless days we will [music] sing your praise, oh Lord. Oh [singing] Lord your praise, oh Lord. Oh [singing] Lord your praise, oh Lord. Oh [singing] Lord our [music] God.
Then on the third Then on the third at break [music] of dawn, at break [music] of dawn, at break [music] of dawn, the son of heaven the son of heaven the son of heaven rose again. rose again. rose again. [music] Oh tremble death. [music] Oh tremble death. [music] Oh tremble death. Where is your sting? Where is your sting? Where is your sting? The angels [music] roar The angels [music] roar The angels [music] roar for Christ the king. for Christ the king. for Christ the king. Worthy [music] is the lamb who is slain Worthy [music] is the lamb who is slain Worthy [music] is the lamb who is slain for us. Oh, praise the name [music] of for us. Oh, praise the name [music] of for us. Oh, praise the name [music] of the [singing] Lord our God. Oh, praise the [singing] Lord our God. Oh, praise the [singing] Lord our God. Oh, praise his name forever [music] his name forever [music] his name forever [music] more. more. more. Foreless Foreless Foreless days we will sing [music] your praise. days we will sing [music] your praise. days we will sing [music] your praise. Oh Lord, oh Lord, [music] Christ has Oh Lord, oh Lord, [music] Christ has Oh Lord, oh Lord, [music] Christ has died. Christ is risen and he's coming died. Christ is risen and he's coming died. Christ is risen and he's coming again. Come on, listen. again. Come on, listen. again. Come on, listen. [music] He shall return [music] He shall return [music] He shall return in robes of white.
in robes of white. in robes of white. The blazing sun [singing] The blazing sun [singing] The blazing sun [singing] shall pierce the night shall pierce the night shall pierce the night and I will rise [music] and I will rise [music] and I will rise [music] among the saints. among the saints. among the saints. My gaze transfixed [music] on Jesus fame. on Jesus fame. Don't take your eyes off him. [music] Don't take your eyes off him. [music] Don't take your eyes off him. [music] Don't take your eyes off him. Don't take Don't take your eyes off him. Don't take Don't take your eyes off him. Don't take your eyes off him, church. One day there your eyes off him, church. One day there your eyes off him, church. One day there won't be any need for faith. We'll just won't be any need for faith. We'll just won't be any need for faith. We'll just [music] see him face to face. We'll be [music] see him face to face. We'll be [music] see him face to face. We'll be with him face to face forever. But until with him face to face forever. But until with him face to face forever. But until then, we're going to contend for this then, we're going to contend for this then, we're going to contend for this faith even [music] by singing. faith even [music] by singing. faith even [music] by singing. So, let's just keep the chorus going. So, let's just keep the chorus going. So, let's just keep the chorus going. Come on. Goes [music] like this. Oh, Come on. Goes [music] like this. Oh, Come on. Goes [music] like this. Oh, praise the name of the Lord our God praise the name of the Lord our God praise the name of the Lord our God Jesus Christ. Let's say, "Oh, praise Jesus Christ. Let's say, "Oh, praise Jesus Christ. Let's say, "Oh, praise [music] [music] [music] 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 his name [music] his name [music] his name [music] forever forever forever more. For in [music] more. For in [music] more. For in [music] last days we will sing your praise. Oh last days we will sing your praise. Oh last days we will sing your praise. Oh Lord.
Lord. Lord. Oh Lord [music] Oh Lord [music] Oh Lord [music] our God. our God. our God. Oh all praise. [music] Praise the name of Jesus [music] Praise the name of Jesus forever [music] and ever and ever. Amen. forever [music] and ever and ever. Amen. forever [music] and ever and ever. Amen. For endless For endless For endless days we will sing. [music] days we will sing. [music] days we will sing. [music] You're worthy Lord. Oh Lord. Oh Lord You're worthy Lord. Oh Lord. Oh Lord You're worthy Lord. Oh Lord. Oh Lord [singing] [singing] [singing] our God. our God. our God. Oh [music] Lord. Oh Lord our God. >> He is worthy of all of our praise >> He is worthy of all of our praise because our salvation comes through him because our salvation comes through him because our salvation comes through him and him alone. Man, I want you this week and him alone. Man, I want you this week and him alone. Man, I want you this week [music] to meditate on that. I want us [music] to meditate on that. I want us [music] to meditate on that. I want us to be driven deep in your heart and I to be driven deep in your heart and I to be driven deep in your heart and I want you to be transformed by that want you to be transformed by that want you to be transformed by that message. I want us to go out [music] and message. I want us to go out [music] and message. I want us to go out [music] and and sew that message, tell that message and sew that message, tell that message and sew that message, tell that message very generously across the triangle. I very generously across the triangle. I very generously across the triangle. I also have one special thing and can if also have one special thing and can if also have one special thing and can if you were blessed by that message and you you were blessed by that message and you you were blessed by that message and you are thankful for [music] are thankful for [music] are thankful for [music] a pastor that doesn't just preach a a pastor that doesn't just preach a a pastor that doesn't just preach a message that makes us feel good but message that makes us feel good but message that makes us feel good but actually points us to Christ, will you actually points us to Christ, will you actually points us to Christ, will you just give him a hand, man? I love just give him a hand, man? I love just give him a hand, man? I love [applause and music] I love being at a church that makes me a I love being at a church that makes me a little uncomfortable sometimes. I'm little uncomfortable sometimes. I'm little uncomfortable sometimes. I'm about to make you a little uncomfortable
about to make you a little uncomfortable about to make you a little uncomfortable because I we need for some of you to because I we need for some of you to because I we need for some of you to move out of 9:45 move out of 9:45 move out of 9:45 cuz here's what's about to happen. We're cuz here's what's about to happen. We're cuz here's what's about to happen. We're about to come into a season where a lot about to come into a season where a lot about to come into a season where a lot of people who are on the fringes are are of people who are on the fringes are are of people who are on the fringes are are going to be willing to come to church. going to be willing to come to church. going to be willing to come to church. Some of them are going to be your Some of them are going to be your Some of them are going to be your friends. friends. friends. We've got to have space in the services We've got to have space in the services We've got to have space in the services most popular. We also are never going to most popular. We also are never going to most popular. We also are never going to give up the mission of reaching people give up the mission of reaching people give up the mission of reaching people in RDU. In fact, our goal this year as a in RDU. In fact, our goal this year as a in RDU. In fact, our goal this year as a church is to grow by 10%. Not just church is to grow by 10%. Not just church is to grow by 10%. Not just people moving from other churches. They people moving from other churches. They people moving from other churches. They can if they want. That's fine. But can if they want. That's fine. But can if they want. That's fine. But reaching lost people with the gospel. reaching lost people with the gospel. reaching lost people with the gospel. That's the primary reason we exist. That's the primary reason we exist. That's the primary reason we exist. [applause and music] [applause and music] [applause and music] I'm glad you're clapping because unless I'm glad you're clapping because unless I'm glad you're clapping because unless you serve at 8 or 11:30 you serve at 8 or 11:30 you serve at 8 or 11:30 or maybe you're new, hey, if you're new or maybe you're new, hey, if you're new or maybe you're new, hey, if you're new to the faith like or you're like kind of to the faith like or you're like kind of to the faith like or you're like kind of searching, this is your service. But searching, this is your service. But searching, this is your service. But everybody else, unless you've got a everybody else, unless you've got a everybody else, unless you've got a really, really good reason, I [music] really, really good reason, I [music] really, really good reason, I [music] need for you to potentially move to 8 or need for you to potentially move to 8 or need for you to potentially move to 8 or better yet, Thursday. And I'm going to better yet, Thursday. And I'm going to better yet, Thursday. And I'm going to go and tell you, Thursday is our best go and tell you, Thursday is our best go and tell you, Thursday is our best service.
service. service. She comes to both. She comes to both. She comes to both. It really Thursday is the best service. It really Thursday is the best service. It really Thursday is the best service. I'm not I'm not lying. It really is. I I'm not I'm not lying. It really is. I I'm not I'm not lying. It really is. I don't know why. I haven't figured it out don't know why. I haven't figured it out don't know why. I haven't figured it out yet, but it's amazing. Could you please yet, but it's amazing. Could you please yet, but it's amazing. Could you please put this service on the table? Like when put this service on the table? Like when put this service on the table? Like when we say you are sent, what happened with we say you are sent, what happened with we say you are sent, what happened with Anna is she didn't just make a decision Anna is she didn't just make a decision Anna is she didn't just make a decision one day to go overseas. [music] There one day to go overseas. [music] There one day to go overseas. [music] There was a lot of little decisions she made was a lot of little decisions she made was a lot of little decisions she made where she was like, I'm going to put where she was like, I'm going to put where she was like, I'm going to put this on the table. I'm going to put this this on the table. I'm going to put this this on the table. I'm going to put this on the table. And then God sent her on the table. And then God sent her on the table. And then God sent her overseas. But he sent there's a ton of overseas. But he sent there's a ton of overseas. But he sent there's a ton of there's like probably a hundred little there's like probably a hundred little there's like probably a hundred little scent decisions that she submitted scent decisions that she submitted scent decisions that she submitted before God and God said, "Make that one. before God and God said, "Make that one. before God and God said, "Make that one. Make that one. This could be one for Make that one. This could be one for Make that one. This could be one for you. Can you [music] please do that for you. Can you [music] please do that for you. Can you [music] please do that for the sake of the great commission? Can the sake of the great commission? Can the sake of the great commission? Can you please do that so that we can you please do that so that we can you please do that so that we can continue to reach lost people with the continue to reach lost people with the continue to reach lost people with the gospel? gospel? gospel? Okay, no one's saying yes to that. Okay, no one's saying yes to that. Okay, no one's saying yes to that. [music] All right. Thanks. All right. [music] All right. Thanks. All right. [music] All right. Thanks. All right. Now, I'm going to read two things to Now, I'm going to read two things to Now, I'm going to read two things to send us out that Pastor JD said. I send us out that Pastor JD said. I send us out that Pastor JD said. I normally don't pull out my my phone, but normally don't pull out my my phone, but normally don't pull out my my phone, but I just loved how he said them, and I I just loved how he said them, and I I just loved how he said them, and I want to send you out with this. [music] want to send you out with this. [music] want to send you out with this. [music] The good news of Jesus is the most The good news of Jesus is the most The good news of Jesus is the most precious gift in all the world.
precious gift in all the world. precious gift in all the world. And believers are called by Jesus And believers are called by Jesus And believers are called by Jesus [music] to be his witnesses to the whole [music] to be his witnesses to the whole [music] to be his witnesses to the whole world. That's why our church exists to world. That's why our church exists to world. That's why our church exists to be disciplemakers. Summit [music] be disciplemakers. Summit [music] be disciplemakers. Summit [music] with that you are sent. Heat. [music]
Heat. [music] Heat. Heat. Hey. Hey. >> [music] >> Hey you.
>> Hey you. [music] [music] [music] Hey, [music] [music] hey, hey. hey, hey. hey, hey. Heat. Heat. N. [music] [music]
[music] >> Hey, hey, hey. [music] [music] Heat. Heat. >> Heat. Heat.
>> Heat. Heat. [music]

Summary

The sermon focuses on the church's mission to train the next generation to love and share God. It highlights the success of kids' and middle school camps, attributing their positive impact to the prayers of the congregation. The practical takeaway is to continue praying for these ministries and for the spiritual growth of the young people involved.

Bible Verses

Reference	Timestamp
Matthew 4:19
Jude 1:1-4
1 Corinthians 15
Isaiah 40-55
John 14
Acts 1:6
Acts 1:8

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