Mission Statement Week 2: “Love People” Weekend Service

[music] [music] >> Church family, welcome. Welcome to this >> Church family, welcome. Welcome to this >> Church family, welcome. Welcome to this digital expression. digital expression. digital expression. We're not gathering, as you know, in We're not gathering, as you know, in We're not gathering, as you know, in person, but we are setting aside person, but we are setting aside person, but we are setting aside dedicated time. And I just want to dedicated time. And I just want to dedicated time. And I just want to welcome you to it. I want to welcome you welcome you to it. I want to welcome you welcome you to it. I want to welcome you into this space. I bless you. I'm into this space. I bless you. I'm into this space. I bless you. I'm thankful for you. Church family, I can't thankful for you. Church family, I can't thankful for you. Church family, I can't tell you how deeply encouraged I am and tell you how deeply encouraged I am and tell you how deeply encouraged I am and the rest of our leadership is just by the rest of our leadership is just by the rest of our leadership is just by your faithfulness, your generosity, your your faithfulness, your generosity, your your faithfulness, your generosity, your encouragement, your service, and it is a encouragement, your service, and it is a encouragement, your service, and it is a gift to serve a congregation like this. gift to serve a congregation like this. gift to serve a congregation like this. And I just want to take a few seconds And I just want to take a few seconds And I just want to take a few seconds here and say thank you. Thank you. here and say thank you. Thank you. here and say thank you. Thank you. And even your flexibility in these And even your flexibility in these And even your flexibility in these weekends is is a real gift. Obviously, weekends is is a real gift. Obviously, weekends is is a real gift. Obviously, we're closed down due to construction, we're closed down due to construction, we're closed down due to construction, but we find ourselves with a unique but we find ourselves with a unique but we find ourselves with a unique opportunity to gather however we're opportunity to gather however we're opportunity to gather however we're gathering around living rooms, or maybe gathering around living rooms, or maybe gathering around living rooms, or maybe we're taking walks and listening. we're taking walks and listening. we're taking walks and listening. However we're doing this, However we're doing this, However we're doing this, but but but you're you are where you are right now. you're you are where you are right now. you're you are where you are right now. And I want to recognize that it's it's And I want to recognize that it's it's And I want to recognize that it's it's unique and it's different. We want to unique and it's different. We want to unique and it's different. We want to invite the Lord into this space. And invite the Lord into this space. And invite the Lord into this space. And on this particular weekend, it's a full on this particular weekend, it's a full on this particular weekend, it's a full weekend. This is 4th of July weekend.

weekend. This is 4th of July weekend. weekend. This is 4th of July weekend. This is 250-year This is 250-year This is 250-year celebration of our country. There is a celebration of our country. There is a celebration of our country. There is a lot going on, a lot that's competing for lot going on, a lot that's competing for lot going on, a lot that's competing for our attention. A lot of it's really, our attention. A lot of it's really, our attention. A lot of it's really, really good. There's so much to really good. There's so much to really good. There's so much to celebrate, so much to be thankful for. celebrate, so much to be thankful for. celebrate, so much to be thankful for. I'm deeply thankful for our country, and I'm deeply thankful for our country, and I'm deeply thankful for our country, and I bless the Lord for 250 years of it. I bless the Lord for 250 years of it. I bless the Lord for 250 years of it. And I also know that there's parades and And I also know that there's parades and And I also know that there's parades and gatherings and pool parties. And many of gatherings and pool parties. And many of gatherings and pool parties. And many of you are traveling, and maybe you're you are traveling, and maybe you're you are traveling, and maybe you're listening to this from a hotel room or listening to this from a hotel room or listening to this from a hotel room or an Airbnb. It is we are scattered in an Airbnb. It is we are scattered in an Airbnb. It is we are scattered in every sense of the word. But if I could every sense of the word. But if I could every sense of the word. But if I could bring us and kind of rally us around bring us and kind of rally us around bring us and kind of rally us around this this moment now. You might be this this moment now. You might be this this moment now. You might be listening to this in the evening. listening to this in the evening. listening to this in the evening. Somebody else is listening to this in Somebody else is listening to this in Somebody else is listening to this in the morning. the morning. the morning. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> Would you just take a few seconds here >> Would you just take a few seconds here >> Would you just take a few seconds here just to invite the Lord to meet you in just to invite the Lord to meet you in just to invite the Lord to meet you in this space? this space? this space? Invite him into your car. Invite him Invite him into your car. Invite him Invite him into your car. Invite him into this living room. Invite him into into this living room. Invite him into into this living room. Invite him into this walk or this airplane ride. Like this walk or this airplane ride. Like this walk or this airplane ride. Like wherever it is. wherever it is. wherever it is. Lord, would you meet with us right now? Lord, would you meet with us right now? Lord, would you meet with us right now? We bless you for the for the opportunity We bless you for the for the opportunity We bless you for the for the opportunity to have this this advancement in to have this this advancement in to have this this advancement in technology for us to be able to do this.

technology for us to be able to do this. technology for us to be able to do this. It's a gift. It's a gift. It's a gift. Would you meet us? Would you meet us? Would you meet us? And then And then And then as we think about today's message and as we think about today's message and as we think about today's message and where we're heading, where where we're heading, where where we're heading, where we talked last week about God loving us we talked last week about God loving us we talked last week about God loving us first and then we get to love him back first and then we get to love him back first and then we get to love him back with our full hearts and everything with our full hearts and everything with our full hearts and everything that's in us and that's in us and that's in us and >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> in a way that we express our love to him >> in a way that we express our love to him >> in a way that we express our love to him is by serving people. Image bearers, is by serving people. Image bearers, is by serving people. Image bearers, people that he created, people that know people that he created, people that know people that he created, people that know him and don't know him. Any and all are him and don't know him. Any and all are him and don't know him. Any and all are created in the image of God, and I just created in the image of God, and I just created in the image of God, and I just want to put before you this question. want to put before you this question. want to put before you this question. This question comes out of Psalm 116 This question comes out of Psalm 116 This question comes out of Psalm 116 verse 12, and it verse 12, and it verse 12, and it it's a beautiful and somewhat haunting it's a beautiful and somewhat haunting it's a beautiful and somewhat haunting question. How can I repay the Lord for question. How can I repay the Lord for question. How can I repay the Lord for all the good he has done for me? all the good he has done for me? all the good he has done for me? How can I repay the Lord for all the How can I repay the Lord for all the How can I repay the Lord for all the good he has done for me? The question's good he has done for me? The question's good he has done for me? The question's >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> rhetorical in a sense, and I mean, the >> rhetorical in a sense, and I mean, the >> rhetorical in a sense, and I mean, the reality is we can't. [music] We can't reality is we can't. [music] We can't reality is we can't. [music] We can't repay. But what what the psalmist is repay. But what what the psalmist is repay. But what what the psalmist is getting at here is how good the Lord has getting at here is how good the Lord has getting at here is how good the Lord has been to me. How can I not? Like Lord, been to me. How can I not? Like Lord, been to me. How can I not? Like Lord, what are ways that I can move towards what are ways that I can move towards what are ways that I can move towards others? What are ways that I could serve others? What are ways that I could serve others? What are ways that I could serve you [music] you [music] you [music] out of an overflow of my heart, which is out of an overflow of my heart, which is out of an overflow of my heart, which is yielded to you? You have done so much yielded to you? You have done so much yielded to you? You have done so much for me. How can I not then with my life for me. How can I not then with my life for me. How can I not then with my life serve and sacrifice and give back?

serve and sacrifice and give back? serve and sacrifice and give back? So, our service isn't out of duty, it's So, our service isn't out of duty, it's So, our service isn't out of duty, it's out of delight. And then out of a out of delight. And then out of a out of delight. And then out of a delight that is an overflow of our love delight that is an overflow of our love delight that is an overflow of our love for him. And I give to you for him. And I give to you for him. And I give to you Psalm 103 as we begin to transition Psalm 103 as we begin to transition Psalm 103 as we begin to transition >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> into our time of singing. >> into our time of singing. >> into our time of singing. David says this, "My soul bless the Lord David says this, "My soul bless the Lord David says this, "My soul bless the Lord and all that is within me bless his holy and all that is within me bless his holy and all that is within me bless his holy name. name. name. My soul bless the Lord and do not forget My soul bless the Lord and do not forget My soul bless the Lord and do not forget his benefits. his benefits. his benefits. He forgives all your iniquity, heals all He forgives all your iniquity, heals all He forgives all your iniquity, heals all your diseases. [music] He redeems your your diseases. [music] He redeems your your diseases. [music] He redeems your life from the pit. life from the pit. life from the pit. He crowns you with faithful love and He crowns you with faithful love and He crowns you with faithful love and compassion. [music] compassion. [music] compassion. [music] He satisfies you with good things and He satisfies you with good things and He satisfies you with good things and your youth is renewed [music] like the your youth is renewed [music] like the your youth is renewed [music] like the eagle." You are You are >> [singing] >> [singing] >> [singing] >> worthy to be praised.

You are You are >> [singing] >> [singing] >> [singing] >> worthy to be praised, [music] >> worthy to be praised, [music] >> worthy to be praised, [music] our king. wisdom [singing] and power wisdom [singing] and power yours. Jesus, Jesus, Jesus. [music] Worthy [singing] is the name above all Worthy [singing] is the name above all names. Worthy is [singing and music] the name Worthy is [singing and music] the name above all names. Worthy [music and singing] is your name. Worthy [music and singing] is your name. Jesus. You [music] deserve the praise. You [music] deserve the praise. [singing] [singing] [singing] Worthy is your name. Worthy is your name. Worthy is your name. Worthy [music and singing] Worthy [music and singing] Worthy [music and singing] is your name. is your name. is your name. Jesus. Jesus. Jesus. >> [music and singing] >> [music and singing] >> [music and singing] >> You deserve the praise. >> You deserve the praise. >> You deserve the praise. Worthy [singing and music] is your name.

Worthy [singing and music] is your name. Worthy [singing and music] is your name. Worthy is your name. Worthy is your name. Worthy is your name. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> Jesus. >> Jesus. >> Jesus. >> [singing] >> [singing] >> [singing] >> You deserve [music] >> You deserve [music] >> You deserve [music] the praise. the praise. the praise. Worthy [singing] is your We sing again. Worthy [singing] is your We sing again. Worthy [singing] is your We sing again. Worthy is your name. Worthy is your name. Worthy is your name. Jesus. Jesus. Jesus. >> [music] >> You deserve the praise. >> You deserve the praise. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> Worthy Yes, you are. >> Worthy Yes, you are. >> Worthy Yes, you are. Worthy is your name. Worthy is your name. Worthy is your name. Jesus. >> [music] >> [music] >> You deserve the praise. >> You deserve the praise. >> You deserve the praise. Worthy is your [music] name. Worthy is your [music] name. Worthy is your [music] name. Worthy is your >> [music] >> [music] >> You deserve the praise. >> You deserve the praise. >> You deserve the praise. Worthy is your name. Worthy is your name. Worthy is your name. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> Worthy is your name.

No one [music and singing] else deserves No one [music and singing] else deserves this. >> Let it [singing and music] be our only >> Let it [singing and music] be our only prayer. Let it be [singing] Let it be [singing] our one desire. [music] Let it [singing] be our hope, our Let it [singing] be our hope, our longing that your name longing that your name longing that your name [music and singing] be lifted high. [music and singing] be lifted high. [music and singing] be lifted high. Only you, Jesus. Let it be [music and singing] our only Let it be [music and singing] our only prayer. Let it be [music] our [singing] one Let it be [music] our [singing] one desire. One thing we ask.

desire. One thing we ask. desire. One thing we ask. Let it be [music and singing] our hope, Let it be [music and singing] our hope, Let it be [music and singing] our hope, our longing that your name be lifted our longing that your name be lifted our longing that your name be lifted high. high. high. Be magnified, [music and singing] Be magnified, [music and singing] Be magnified, [music and singing] Jesus. Your kingdom Jesus. Your kingdom Jesus. Your kingdom come. come. come. Your will [music] be done. Your will [music] be done. Your will [music] be done. Here Here Here on on on earth as earth as earth as >> [singing] >> [singing] >> [singing] >> it is in >> it is in >> it is in >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> heaven. Your name Your name be lifted be lifted be lifted >> [music and singing] >> high. Be glorified. >> high. Be glorified. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> To you alone [singing] >> To you alone [singing] >> To you alone [singing] we sing. Let it be our only [music] Let it be our only [music] prayer. >> [music] >> [music] >> Let it be our >> Let it be our >> Let it be our one desire. Let it be [music and singing] Let it be [music and singing] our hope, our longing our hope, our longing our hope, our longing that your name be lifted [music] high.

that your name be lifted [music] high. that your name be lifted [music] high. That your name be lifted higher. That your name be lifted higher. That your name be lifted higher. Your kingdom [music] Your kingdom [music] Your kingdom [music] come. come. come. Your will be [music] done. Your will be [music] done. Your will be [music] done. Here be be lifted [music] high. lifted [music] high. lifted [music] high. Be glorified. Oh, you king to Oh, you king to >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> come. Your kingdom >> come. Your kingdom >> come. Your kingdom come. come. come. Your will Your will Your will >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> be >> be >> be done done done here on earth on earth in [music] heaven. be be >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> lifted high. >> lifted high. >> lifted high. Be Be Be glorified. glorified. glorified. >> [music] >> Oh, be glorified. >> Oh, be glorified. Be glorified.

Yes, you [music] Yes, you [music] are. Be are. Be are. Be glorified. >> [music] >> [music] >> Be glorified. >> Be glorified. >> Be glorified. Be glorified. Holy Holy >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> you. Holy you. Be >> [music] >> [music] >> Your kingdom >> Your kingdom >> Your kingdom come. come. come. Your will Your will Your will >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> be >> be >> be done done done >> [singing] >> [singing] >> [singing] >> here >> here >> here on on on >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> earth as it is in heaven. Your name be heaven. Your name be lifted lifted lifted high. high. high. >> [music] >> Your kingdom >> Your kingdom come. come. come. Your will Your will Your will be be be >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> done >> done >> done here on earth as it is in on earth as it is in >> [music] >> heaven. Your name >> heaven. Your name be lifted >> [music] >> [music] >> be lifted high.

>> be lifted high. >> be lifted high. Be glorified. Oh, Oh, >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> your kingdom >> your kingdom >> your kingdom come. come. come. Your Your Your will be will be will be done. done. done. Here Here Here on earth on earth on earth as it is in as it is in as it is in >> [singing] >> [singing] >> [singing] >> heaven. Your name Your name >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> be lifted [singing] high. high. Be glorified. Be glorified. Be glorified. >> [singing and music] >> No one [singing and music] else deserves >> No one [singing and music] else deserves the praise. No one [music and singing] else deserves No one [music and singing] else deserves our lives. our lives. our lives. It's only you, Jesus. It's only you, Jesus. It's only you, Jesus. All this [music] is for you. All this [music] is for you. All this [music] is for you. All this [singing] is to you.

>> And my whole life for your glory. My >> And my whole life for your glory. My [singing] whole world [singing] whole world [singing] whole world for you only. Everything [music] for you only. Everything [music] for you only. Everything [music] for the [singing] honor of your name. for the [singing] honor of your name. for the [singing] honor of your name. And if [singing] my days tell a story, And if [singing] my days tell a story, And if [singing] my days tell a story, let it [music] be let it [music] be let it [music] be of [singing] you only. Everything of [singing] you only. Everything of [singing] you only. Everything for the honor of your [music] name. for the honor of your [music] name. for the honor of your [music] name. And my [singing] whole life for your And my [singing] whole life for your And my [singing] whole life for your glory. My [music] whole world glory. My [music] whole world glory. My [music] whole world for you only. [singing] Everything for you only. [singing] Everything for you only. [singing] Everything for the [music] honor of your name. for the [music] honor of your name. for the [music] honor of your name. And if my days tell a And if my days tell a And if my days tell a [music and singing] story, let it be [music and singing] story, let it be [music and singing] story, let it be of you only, everything of you only, everything of you only, everything >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> for the honor of your >> for the honor of your >> for the honor of your >> [singing] >> name in [music] my whole >> name in [music] my whole life. For [singing] your glory, my life. For [singing] your glory, my life. For [singing] your glory, my >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> whole world.

>> whole world. >> whole world. For you only, everything For you only, everything For you only, everything for the honor [music and singing] for the honor [music and singing] for the honor [music and singing] of your of your of your name. name. name. And if my [music] And if my [music] And if my [music] days days days tell the story, tell the story, tell the story, let it be let it be let it be >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> of you only, >> of you only, >> of you only, everything everything everything for the honor for the honor for the honor >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> of your >> of your >> of your name name name in my in my in my whole whole whole life. For your glory, [music] life. For your glory, [music] life. For your glory, [music] my whole my whole my whole world. For you only, world. For you only, world. For you only, everything everything everything for the honor for the honor for the honor >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> of your >> [music] >> [music] >> the story, let it be of you only, of you only, everything everything everything for the honor for the honor for the honor of your of your of your name. name. name. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> Oh, how I love you. >> Oh, how I love >> Oh, how I love >> [singing and music] >> [singing and music] >> [singing and music] >> you.

>> you. >> you. Jesus, I love Jesus, I love Jesus, I love >> [singing] >> [singing] >> [singing] [music] [music] [music] >> you. >> you. >> you. Oh, how I love Oh, how I love Oh, how I love you. Lord. Lord. >> [singing] >> Oh, how I love >> Oh, how I love you. you. you. Jesus, [music] Jesus, [music] Jesus, [music] [singing] I love [singing] I love [singing] I love you. You love You love >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> me, Jesus. You love You love me, Jesus. >> You came to the [singing] world you >> You came to the [singing] world you created.

created. created. Traded [music] your crown [singing] Traded [music] your crown [singing] Traded [music] your crown [singing] for a cross. You willingly [singing and music] died. You willingly [singing and music] died. Your innocent life paid the cost. Counting [music and singing] your status Counting [music and singing] your status as nothing. as nothing. as nothing. The king of all [singing and music] The king of all [singing and music] The king of all [singing and music] kings came to serve. kings came to serve. kings came to serve. And washing [music] my feet, And washing [music] my feet, And washing [music] my feet, covering me [singing] covering me [singing] covering me [singing] with your love. Thank you. Thank you. If more of you If more of you If more of you >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> means less of me, >> means less of me, >> means less of me, take everything. [singing] >> [music] >> [music] >> Yes, [singing] all of you is all I need. >> Yes, [singing] all of you is all I need. >> Yes, [singing] all of you is all I need. Take everything. [singing and music] Take Take everything. everything. everything. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> Take it all. >> Take it all. >> Take it all. >> [singing] >> [singing] >> [singing] >> Take it all.

>> You are my life [music and singing] and >> You are my life [music and singing] and my treasure. my treasure. my treasure. The one that I can't live without. And here at your feet, my desires And here at your feet, my desires [music and singing] [music and singing] [music and singing] and dreams I lay down. >> [music] >> [music] >> Oh, here at your feet, my desires and >> Oh, here at your feet, my desires and >> Oh, here at your feet, my desires and dreams dreams dreams lay down. I lay them all I lay them all down down down if [music] more of you if [music] more of you if [music] more of you means means means less of me. less of me. less of me. Take Take Take everything. everything. everything. >> [music] >> Yes, >> Yes, all of you all of you all of you >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> is all >> is all >> is all I need. I need. I need. Take Take Take everything. If If >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> more of >> more of >> more of you you you means less of me. means less of me. means less of me. Take Take Take >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> everything. Yes, Yes, all of you all of you all of you is all I need.

is all I need. is all I need. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> Take >> Take >> Take everything. You can take everything. You can take everything. >> [music] >> [singing] >> [singing] [music] [music] [music] >> You can take everything, Lord. >> [music] >> [music] >> Change me like [singing] only you can. >> Change me like [singing] only you can. >> Change me like [singing] only you can. Here with my heart in your hands. Here with my heart in your hands. Here with my heart in your hands. Father, I pray make me more Father, I pray make me more Father, I pray make me more >> [singing] >> [singing] >> [singing] >> like Jesus >> like Jesus >> like Jesus in this [music] in this [music] in this [music] world.

world. world. It's dying to know who [singing] you It's dying to know who [singing] you It's dying to know who [singing] you are. are. are. You've You've us [music] the way to your You've You've us [music] the way to your You've You've us [music] the way to your heart. heart. heart. So, Father, I pray make me more So, Father, I pray make me more So, Father, I pray make me more [singing] [singing] [singing] like Jesus, like Jesus, like Jesus, [music] oh Lord. Change me like only [music] Change me like only [music] you can. you can. you can. Here with my heart in your [singing] Here with my heart in your [singing] Here with my heart in your [singing] hands. hands. hands. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> Oh, Father, I pray make me more is dying to know is dying to know who you are. You've shown us the way [music] to your You've shown us the way [music] to your heart. heart. heart. So, Father, I pray [music] So, Father, I pray [music] So, Father, I pray [music] make me more like Jesus.

like Jesus. >> [music] >> If more of you >> If more of you >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> means less of >> means less of >> means less of me, me, me, take everything. >> [music] >> [music] >> Yes, all of you >> Yes, all of you >> Yes, all of you is all I need. is all I need. is all I need. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> Take everything. Oh, take everything. If Oh, take everything. If >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> more of you >> more of you >> more of you means means means less of me, less of me, less of me, take everything. [music] Yes, [music] all of you Yes, [music] all of you is all I need. is all I need. is all I need. Take everything. Take everything. Take everything. >> [music] Would you take [singing] Would you take [singing] all, Jesus? >> [music] >> [music] >> Yes, King Jesus, you and you alone >> Yes, King Jesus, you and you alone >> Yes, King Jesus, you and you alone deserve the highest praise.

That you who were in the form of God That you who were in the form of God didn't count equality with God a thing didn't count equality with God a thing didn't count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but you to be grasped, but you to be grasped, but you humbled yourself. You made yourself humbled yourself. You made yourself humbled yourself. You made yourself [music] nothing. [music] nothing. [music] nothing. Coming down in human form, Coming down in human form, Coming down in human form, living a perfect life, suffering a living a perfect life, suffering a living a perfect life, suffering a brutal death on the cross [music] for brutal death on the cross [music] for brutal death on the cross [music] for our sins. Because of that that God has now highly Because of that that God has now highly exalted you and given you the name that exalted you and given you the name that exalted you and given you the name that is above every name, that at the name of is above every name, that at the name of is above every name, that at the name of Jesus [music] Jesus [music] Jesus [music] every knee would bow, every knee would bow, every knee would bow, every tongue will confess that he is every tongue will confess that he is every tongue will confess that he is Lord. So, Holy Spirit, [music] help us to look So, Holy Spirit, [music] help us to look more like Jesus as we see his example of more like Jesus as we see his example of more like Jesus as we see his example of humility. humility. humility. That we would humble ourselves. Our constant dependence on you, Jesus. Our constant dependence on you, Jesus. That we trust that your [music] spirit That we trust that your [music] spirit That we trust that your [music] spirit will continue to make us more and more will continue to make us more and more will continue to make us more and more like you. So, help us to [music] desire like you. So, help us to [music] desire like you. So, help us to [music] desire those things, Lord. Help us to seek your those things, Lord. Help us to seek your those things, Lord. Help us to seek your face face face and turn our attention away [music] from and turn our attention away [music] from and turn our attention away [music] from worldly things, Lord, that the world worldly things, Lord, that the world worldly things, Lord, that the world might know and see might know and see might know and see Jesus in us. [music] Be glorified in our lives.

Be glorified in our lives. We surrender everything to you. All this We surrender everything to you. All this We surrender everything to you. All this is for [music] your glory. is for [music] your glory. is for [music] your glory. We pray all these things in Jesus' name. We pray all these things in Jesus' name. We pray all these things in Jesus' name. Amen. >> Well, hello, everyone. I am truly glad >> Well, hello, everyone. I am truly glad that y'all are here. I get this kind of that y'all are here. I get this kind of that y'all are here. I get this kind of a fun, maybe not so novel task anymore, a fun, maybe not so novel task anymore, a fun, maybe not so novel task anymore, but fun task to preach a but fun task to preach a but fun task to preach a live message live message live message now in the present and into the future. now in the present and into the future. now in the present and into the future. So, by the time you guys are catching So, by the time you guys are catching So, by the time you guys are catching this, it's going to be close to this, it's going to be close to this, it's going to be close to Independence Day. So, I really pray and Independence Day. So, I really pray and Independence Day. So, I really pray and hope that you are enjoying the freedom hope that you are enjoying the freedom hope that you are enjoying the freedom that we get to enjoy in this great that we get to enjoy in this great that we get to enjoy in this great country of ours. country of ours. country of ours. But ultimately, the freedom that Jesus But ultimately, the freedom that Jesus But ultimately, the freedom that Jesus came to give us. He came to set the came to give us. He came to set the came to give us. He came to set the captives free and we were all in our captives free and we were all in our captives free and we were all in our captivity until that great moment when captivity until that great moment when captivity until that great moment when we met him for the very first time. So, we met him for the very first time. So, we met him for the very first time. So, I hope you are enjoying I hope you are enjoying I hope you are enjoying the Independence Day holiday and the Independence Day holiday and the Independence Day holiday and weekend. We are kind of in somewhat of a weekend. We are kind of in somewhat of a weekend. We are kind of in somewhat of a you would call it maybe a pardon our you would call it maybe a pardon our you would call it maybe a pardon our progress season as our worship center is progress season as our worship center is progress season as our worship center is is closed under renovation. And so, is closed under renovation. And so, is closed under renovation. And so, during these three weeks of our of this during these three weeks of our of this during these three weeks of our of this construction, we're taking the three construction, we're taking the three construction, we're taking the three phrases of our phrases of our phrases of our of our mission statement to love God, of our mission statement to love God, of our mission statement to love God, love people, and make disciples of Jesus love people, and make disciples of Jesus love people, and make disciples of Jesus Christ. And we are tacking a spiritual Christ. And we are tacking a spiritual Christ. And we are tacking a spiritual practice onto the end of them cuz we say practice onto the end of them cuz we say practice onto the end of them cuz we say it all the time. We don't go to church, it all the time. We don't go to church, it all the time. We don't go to church, y'all. We are the church. We belong to y'all. We are the church. We belong to y'all. We are the church. We belong to the church. So, we get to be the church the church. So, we get to be the church the church. So, we get to be the church outside of the walls even as we are outside of the walls even as we are outside of the walls even as we are under construction. Last week, Mason under construction. Last week, Mason under construction. Last week, Mason King hit you with loving God and he gave King hit you with loving God and he gave King hit you with loving God and he gave you the practice of the Sabbath. This

you the practice of the Sabbath. This you the practice of the Sabbath. This week, I'm going to hit you with loving week, I'm going to hit you with loving week, I'm going to hit you with loving people and we're going to talk about people and we're going to talk about people and we're going to talk about serving. Next week, stay tuned. serving. Next week, stay tuned. serving. Next week, stay tuned. We're going to talk about making We're going to talk about making We're going to talk about making disciples of Jesus Christ to the disciples of Jesus Christ to the disciples of Jesus Christ to the spiritual discipline discipline and spiritual discipline discipline and spiritual discipline discipline and practice of sharing the gospel. practice of sharing the gospel. practice of sharing the gospel. Now, as I mentioned, my name is Nick. I Now, as I mentioned, my name is Nick. I Now, as I mentioned, my name is Nick. I did not mention that I'm married to the did not mention that I'm married to the did not mention that I'm married to the beautiful and brilliant Kristen. We got beautiful and brilliant Kristen. We got beautiful and brilliant Kristen. We got three kids. three kids. three kids. Our oldest is Koi, our middle is Kennedy Our oldest is Koi, our middle is Kennedy Our oldest is Koi, our middle is Kennedy Vail, and our youngest, many of you know Vail, and our youngest, many of you know Vail, and our youngest, many of you know him, sweet Callie's our delightful him, sweet Callie's our delightful him, sweet Callie's our delightful surprise. Y'all know that he has kept us surprise. Y'all know that he has kept us surprise. Y'all know that he has kept us on our toes and on our knees. Well, on our toes and on our knees. Well, on our toes and on our knees. Well, Kristen and I earlier this year, we hit Kristen and I earlier this year, we hit Kristen and I earlier this year, we hit 15 years of marriage. That's not a 15 years of marriage. That's not a 15 years of marriage. That's not a lifetime. Uh but it's long enough to lifetime. Uh but it's long enough to lifetime. Uh but it's long enough to kind of go through some stuff, you know kind of go through some stuff, you know kind of go through some stuff, you know what I'm saying? Uh and as many of you what I'm saying? Uh and as many of you what I'm saying? Uh and as many of you are likely traveling and are on are likely traveling and are on are likely traveling and are on vacation, it reminds me of one of our vacation, it reminds me of one of our vacation, it reminds me of one of our very first vacations. Uh we planned this very first vacations. Uh we planned this very first vacations. Uh we planned this great trip to Sedona, Arizona and the great trip to Sedona, Arizona and the great trip to Sedona, Arizona and the planned parts were fantastic. They were planned parts were fantastic. They were planned parts were fantastic. They were fantastic. We saw the Grand Canyon. We fantastic. We saw the Grand Canyon. We fantastic. We saw the Grand Canyon. We hiked up [clears throat] to some ancient hiked up [clears throat] to some ancient hiked up [clears throat] to some ancient ruins. We had this beautiful panoramic ruins. We had this beautiful panoramic ruins. We had this beautiful panoramic day as the sun set behind some beautiful day as the sun set behind some beautiful day as the sun set behind some beautiful red rocks. The planned parts were red rocks. The planned parts were red rocks. The planned parts were awesome. The unplanned parts, well, they awesome. The unplanned parts, well, they awesome. The unplanned parts, well, they almost killed us.

almost killed us. almost killed us. Um one morning we we had an early uh Um one morning we we had an early uh Um one morning we we had an early uh thing. We went to kind of go look at thing. We went to kind of go look at thing. We went to kind of go look at those ancient ruins that I referenced. those ancient ruins that I referenced. those ancient ruins that I referenced. Uh and we're driving back to our hotel Uh and we're driving back to our hotel Uh and we're driving back to our hotel at high noon under the scorching hot sun at high noon under the scorching hot sun at high noon under the scorching hot sun of Arizona and we see a sign. We see a of Arizona and we see a sign. We see a of Arizona and we see a sign. We see a sign that catches our eye. Uh and so we sign that catches our eye. Uh and so we sign that catches our eye. Uh and so we just kind of like dip off and uh and and just kind of like dip off and uh and and just kind of like dip off and uh and and take take a little jaunt. Uh but we saw take take a little jaunt. Uh but we saw take take a little jaunt. Uh but we saw a sign to a trailhead uh that takes us a sign to a trailhead uh that takes us a sign to a trailhead uh that takes us up to this really natural beautiful red up to this really natural beautiful red up to this really natural beautiful red rock formation. It's a natural arch. Uh rock formation. It's a natural arch. Uh rock formation. It's a natural arch. Uh it's actually called the Devil's Bridge. it's actually called the Devil's Bridge. it's actually called the Devil's Bridge. Uh so don't don't hold me don't don't Uh so don't don't hold me don't don't Uh so don't don't hold me don't don't put that on me, but it was beautiful. We put that on me, but it was beautiful. We put that on me, but it was beautiful. We wanted to go see it and we thought we wanted to go see it and we thought we wanted to go see it and we thought we took the trailhead for the 1-mi hike. took the trailhead for the 1-mi hike. took the trailhead for the 1-mi hike. Unfortunately, we took the 4.6-mi hike Unfortunately, we took the 4.6-mi hike Unfortunately, we took the 4.6-mi hike uh under a heat advisory in the high sun uh under a heat advisory in the high sun uh under a heat advisory in the high sun of Arizona. It's 108° and this whole of Arizona. It's 108° and this whole of Arizona. It's 108° and this whole entire entire entire uh hike is completely exposed to the uh hike is completely exposed to the uh hike is completely exposed to the sun. Uh but we're young and what could sun. Uh but we're young and what could sun. Uh but we're young and what could go wrong with two couples, you know, uh go wrong with two couples, you know, uh go wrong with two couples, you know, uh frolicking and playing, holding hands, frolicking and playing, holding hands, frolicking and playing, holding hands, skipping through the Arizona desert.

skipping through the Arizona desert. skipping through the Arizona desert. What what could possibly go wrong under What what could possibly go wrong under What what could possibly go wrong under those circumstances, right? Uh the first those circumstances, right? Uh the first those circumstances, right? Uh the first mile, mile and a half was piece of cake. mile, mile and a half was piece of cake. mile, mile and a half was piece of cake. It was flat, a little dusty, but super It was flat, a little dusty, but super It was flat, a little dusty, but super flat and we were just we were making our flat and we were just we were making our flat and we were just we were making our merry way uh to see this natural rock merry way uh to see this natural rock merry way uh to see this natural rock formation. formation. formation. Soon, the trailhead narrowed and and we Soon, the trailhead narrowed and and we Soon, the trailhead narrowed and and we look up and we see the ascent uh that's look up and we see the ascent uh that's look up and we see the ascent uh that's now before us cuz we had reached what's now before us cuz we had reached what's now before us cuz we had reached what's called as what's called the the called as what's called the the called as what's called the the staircase. The staircase is a natural staircase. The staircase is a natural staircase. The staircase is a natural staircase staircase staircase that's involves a strenuous like quarter that's involves a strenuous like quarter that's involves a strenuous like quarter mile hike straight up hand and knee mile hike straight up hand and knee mile hike straight up hand and knee crawl up a natural rock staircase going crawl up a natural rock staircase going crawl up a natural rock staircase going straight up straight up straight up and it was at this point it dawned on and it was at this point it dawned on and it was at this point it dawned on me. We only had 3/4 of a bottle of water me. We only had 3/4 of a bottle of water me. We only had 3/4 of a bottle of water between us. between us. between us. It's hot. It's a 108° It's hot. It's a 108° It's hot. It's a 108° and we were and we were and we were we were starting to struggle but we were we were starting to struggle but we were we were starting to struggle but we were committed at this point so we worked our committed at this point so we worked our committed at this point so we worked our way up the staircase and we come up to way up the staircase and we come up to way up the staircase and we come up to the view and we're like there it is. the view and we're like there it is. the view and we're like there it is. There is the bridge. To top it off this There is the bridge. To top it off this There is the bridge. To top it off this thing's five stories high. If you happen thing's five stories high. If you happen thing's five stories high. If you happen to fall off of it it's not something to fall off of it it's not something to fall off of it it's not something you're going to limp away from you're going to limp away from you're going to limp away from and my wife is scared of heights but we and my wife is scared of heights but we and my wife is scared of heights but we did it y'all. We made it. We did it. We did it y'all. We made it. We did it. We did it y'all. We made it. We did it. We got to the thing. We took our selfie. We got to the thing. We took our selfie. We got to the thing. We took our selfie. We got the picture and we got the memory to got the picture and we got the memory to got the picture and we got the memory to prove it. We we did it. Um but then we prove it. We we did it. Um but then we prove it. We we did it. Um but then we had to turn back around and do it all had to turn back around and do it all had to turn back around and do it all again and we were bone dry. We were again and we were bone dry. We were again and we were bone dry. We were completely out of water. This journey completely out of water. This journey completely out of water. This journey that was supposed to replenish us left that was supposed to replenish us left that was supposed to replenish us left us completely drained.

us completely drained. us completely drained. We weren't prepared and we wound up with We weren't prepared and we wound up with We weren't prepared and we wound up with nothing left to pour out. I learned a nothing left to pour out. I learned a nothing left to pour out. I learned a valuable lesson on that hike. You can't valuable lesson on that hike. You can't valuable lesson on that hike. You can't pour from an empty cup. Just as Kristen pour from an empty cup. Just as Kristen pour from an empty cup. Just as Kristen and I were physically unable to give any and I were physically unable to give any and I were physically unable to give any more on that hike because our water more on that hike because our water more on that hike because our water source had run dry. source had run dry. source had run dry. We find ourselves spiritually unable to We find ourselves spiritually unable to We find ourselves spiritually unable to serve people well serve people well serve people well when we try to pour out of a reservoir when we try to pour out of a reservoir when we try to pour out of a reservoir that's not connected to the source. that's not connected to the source. that's not connected to the source. Deep down I know this is not a want to Deep down I know this is not a want to Deep down I know this is not a want to problem. It can be a how to problem. problem. It can be a how to problem. problem. It can be a how to problem. Deep down I know that we really do want Deep down I know that we really do want Deep down I know that we really do want to love people. to love people. to love people. We really do want to make a difference, We really do want to make a difference, We really do want to make a difference, leave a lasting legacy, spread the love leave a lasting legacy, spread the love leave a lasting legacy, spread the love of Jesus. Yes and amen. But if we aren't of Jesus. Yes and amen. But if we aren't of Jesus. Yes and amen. But if we aren't continually abiding in the love of God, continually abiding in the love of God, continually abiding in the love of God, we're going to have nothing of substance we're going to have nothing of substance we're going to have nothing of substance to give away. to give away. to give away. When the cup does empty, we tend to When the cup does empty, we tend to When the cup does empty, we tend to reach sideways for a sideways for a reach sideways for a sideways for a reach sideways for a sideways for a substitute. We numb out with mindless substitute. We numb out with mindless substitute. We numb out with mindless scrolling. We chase toxic achievement, scrolling. We chase toxic achievement, scrolling. We chase toxic achievement, and we hoard our time. and we hoard our time. and we hoard our time. We become self-protective because we're We become self-protective because we're We become self-protective because we're running on fumes.

running on fumes. running on fumes. And it's an interesting correlation too. And it's an interesting correlation too. And it's an interesting correlation too. If you do a little bit of research on If you do a little bit of research on If you do a little bit of research on this, you'll see that as anxiety and this, you'll see that as anxiety and this, you'll see that as anxiety and depression has continually increased in depression has continually increased in depression has continually increased in society, loving and serving others has society, loving and serving others has society, loving and serving others has actually decreased as individual actually decreased as individual actually decreased as individual volunteer hours have gone down across volunteer hours have gone down across volunteer hours have gone down across society. But studies measuring our society. But studies measuring our society. But studies measuring our biomarkers, uh they reveal that serving biomarkers, uh they reveal that serving biomarkers, uh they reveal that serving others actually lowers the primary others actually lowers the primary others actually lowers the primary stress uh uh chromo uh our our cortisol, stress uh uh chromo uh our our cortisol, stress uh uh chromo uh our our cortisol, it lowers us. There are significant it lowers us. There are significant it lowers us. There are significant physical and health benefits to this. It physical and health benefits to this. It physical and health benefits to this. It actually calms down our nervous systems actually calms down our nervous systems actually calms down our nervous systems when we love other people. when we love other people. when we love other people. And yet, when the anxiety flares and our And yet, when the anxiety flares and our And yet, when the anxiety flares and our breathing gets kind of shallow, we don't breathing gets kind of shallow, we don't breathing gets kind of shallow, we don't serve. serve. serve. We reach sideways for anything else to We reach sideways for anything else to We reach sideways for anything else to fill up our cups. fill up our cups. fill up our cups. I wonder if we've gotten the order I wonder if we've gotten the order I wonder if we've gotten the order wrong, and we're left pouring from empty wrong, and we're left pouring from empty wrong, and we're left pouring from empty cisterns that aren't holding any water. cisterns that aren't holding any water. cisterns that aren't holding any water. Jesus offers a better way. Jesus offers a better way. Jesus offers a better way. Loved people love people. Loved people love people. Loved people love people. Servanthood is the posture, and service Servanthood is the posture, and service Servanthood is the posture, and service is the practice. We're going to be in is the practice. We're going to be in is the practice. We're going to be in John 13 verses 34 to 35, so feel free to John 13 verses 34 to 35, so feel free to John 13 verses 34 to 35, so feel free to go ahead and turn in your Bibles. I'm go ahead and turn in your Bibles. I'm go ahead and turn in your Bibles. I'm going to camp out there. Um so again, going to camp out there. Um so again, going to camp out there. Um so again, we'll be in John 13 verses 34 and 35.

we'll be in John 13 verses 34 and 35. we'll be in John 13 verses 34 and 35. Jesus says, Jesus says, Jesus says, >> [clears throat] >> [clears throat] >> [clears throat] >> "I give you a new command. Love one >> "I give you a new command. Love one >> "I give you a new command. Love one another. another. another. Just as I have loved you, you are also Just as I have loved you, you are also Just as I have loved you, you are also to love one another. to love one another. to love one another. By this, everyone will know that you are By this, everyone will know that you are By this, everyone will know that you are my disciples if you love one another." my disciples if you love one another." my disciples if you love one another." Now, let's zero in on the timing. Uh the Now, let's zero in on the timing. Uh the Now, let's zero in on the timing. Uh the timing is essential to the context of timing is essential to the context of timing is essential to the context of this statement. Judas has just left the this statement. Judas has just left the this statement. Judas has just left the room to go off and betray Jesus. room to go off and betray Jesus. room to go off and betray Jesus. So, a new table is now set. So, a new table is now set. So, a new table is now set. It's a table that will extend from this It's a table that will extend from this It's a table that will extend from this point into eternity. point into eternity. point into eternity. Judas has left and Jesus is now left Judas has left and Jesus is now left Judas has left and Jesus is now left with his own. with his own. with his own. It's to his own that he issues his final It's to his own that he issues his final It's to his own that he issues his final instructions that will mark the new instructions that will mark the new instructions that will mark the new community of his followers forever. He community of his followers forever. He community of his followers forever. He begins with little children. begins with little children. begins with little children. Jesus doesn't use this term anywhere Jesus doesn't use this term anywhere Jesus doesn't use this term anywhere else in scripture. It's a term filled else in scripture. It's a term filled else in scripture. It's a term filled with deep care, tenderness, and concern with deep care, tenderness, and concern with deep care, tenderness, and concern for his own. He loved them even till the for his own. He loved them even till the for his own. He loved them even till the very end.

very end. very end. But, he's not leaving them alone. He's But, he's not leaving them alone. He's But, he's not leaving them alone. He's leaving them together. leaving them together. leaving them together. Because of their relationship with him, Because of their relationship with him, Because of their relationship with him, they now have deep relationship with one they now have deep relationship with one they now have deep relationship with one another. another. another. He addressed them as children, an He addressed them as children, an He addressed them as children, an intimate familial term. This is what intimate familial term. This is what intimate familial term. This is what he's leaving behind, a group he's leaving behind, a group he's leaving behind, a group of family, a group of brothers and of family, a group of brothers and of family, a group of brothers and sisters who serve one another in love. sisters who serve one another in love. sisters who serve one another in love. And he looks at them and says, "I give And he looks at them and says, "I give And he looks at them and says, "I give you a new command." you a new command." you a new command." So, what is it? What's about this new So, what is it? What's about this new So, what is it? What's about this new command? What is so new about this command? What is so new about this command? What is so new about this command? Well, first of all, it's not command? Well, first of all, it's not command? Well, first of all, it's not new content. new content. new content. It's certainly not a new concept. From It's certainly not a new concept. From It's certainly not a new concept. From Leviticus 19 to the great commandment Leviticus 19 to the great commandment Leviticus 19 to the great commandment issued by Jesus himself earlier in his issued by Jesus himself earlier in his issued by Jesus himself earlier in his life in Mark 12, loving people has life in Mark 12, loving people has life in Mark 12, loving people has always been the standard for the people always been the standard for the people always been the standard for the people of God. So, why is it so hard for them of God. So, why is it so hard for them of God. So, why is it so hard for them to practice it? to practice it? to practice it? Because content alone won't transform Because content alone won't transform Because content alone won't transform us. us. us. Information doesn't equate to Information doesn't equate to Information doesn't equate to transformation. You know this. transformation. You know this. transformation. You know this. Our inner form does not change simply by Our inner form does not change simply by Our inner form does not change simply by acquiring new data, and that is good acquiring new data, and that is good acquiring new data, and that is good news to the modern man.

news to the modern man. news to the modern man. Because roughly 90% of the data that Because roughly 90% of the data that Because roughly 90% of the data that exists today has been created in the exists today has been created in the exists today has been created in the last 2 years. We have more information last 2 years. We have more information last 2 years. We have more information and data at our fingertips than at any and data at our fingertips than at any and data at our fingertips than at any point in the history of the world. point in the history of the world. point in the history of the world. Content is not the differentiator of Content is not the differentiator of Content is not the differentiator of this new command. What differentiates this new command. What differentiates this new command. What differentiates the newness of this command is the the newness of this command is the the newness of this command is the community that Jesus both establishes community that Jesus both establishes community that Jesus both establishes and embodies. and embodies. and embodies. It's the new community that's going to It's the new community that's going to It's the new community that's going to transform the world. transform the world. transform the world. Now, look at the timing again. Again, Now, look at the timing again. Again, Now, look at the timing again. Again, Judas has just walked out in the night Judas has just walked out in the night Judas has just walked out in the night to sell Jesus out. The shadow of the to sell Jesus out. The shadow of the to sell Jesus out. The shadow of the cross is laying heavy over this dinner cross is laying heavy over this dinner cross is laying heavy over this dinner table, and Jesus looks at his friends, table, and Jesus looks at his friends, table, and Jesus looks at his friends, and again, he says, "I give you a new and again, he says, "I give you a new and again, he says, "I give you a new command. command. command. Loved people love people. And in this Loved people love people. And in this Loved people love people. And in this sense, you can't separate the vertical sense, you can't separate the vertical sense, you can't separate the vertical from the horizontal. You cannot give from the horizontal. You cannot give from the horizontal. You cannot give what you have not received. what you have not received. what you have not received. We love because he first loved us. If We love because he first loved us. If We love because he first loved us. If you try to love others out of your own you try to love others out of your own you try to love others out of your own self-sufficiency, you will dry up like a self-sufficiency, you will dry up like a self-sufficiency, you will dry up like a desert trail. The fuel has to flow from desert trail. The fuel has to flow from desert trail. The fuel has to flow from the inside out.

the inside out. the inside out. Jesus established this new community on Jesus established this new community on Jesus established this new community on a foundation of love for people, but not a foundation of love for people, but not a foundation of love for people, but not just any kind of love, a very specific just any kind of love, a very specific just any kind of love, a very specific kind of love. kind of love. kind of love. Beloved, Jesus' commands emerges through Beloved, Jesus' commands emerges through Beloved, Jesus' commands emerges through the concrete action of self-giving the concrete action of self-giving the concrete action of self-giving service. service. service. Jesus instructs the disciples to love Jesus instructs the disciples to love Jesus instructs the disciples to love one another just as one another just as one another just as I have loved you, you also are to love I have loved you, you also are to love I have loved you, you also are to love one another. The Greek word here for one another. The Greek word here for one another. The Greek word here for love is agape. love is agape. love is agape. It's not an emotion, it's a commitment. It's not an emotion, it's a commitment. It's not an emotion, it's a commitment. It implies the self-giving love of God It implies the self-giving love of God It implies the self-giving love of God who loved the so the world so much that who loved the so the world so much that who loved the so the world so much that he gave his only son. he gave his only son. he gave his only son. But Jesus doesn't just establish a new But Jesus doesn't just establish a new But Jesus doesn't just establish a new community on paper, he embodied it. He community on paper, he embodied it. He community on paper, he embodied it. He didn't merely say, "One, love one didn't merely say, "One, love one didn't merely say, "One, love one another." He demonstrated it. another." He demonstrated it. another." He demonstrated it. And God's action always proves his And God's action always proves his And God's action always proves his character. That's not always true with character. That's not always true with character. That's not always true with us. Praise God, but God's action always us. Praise God, but God's action always us. Praise God, but God's action always proves who he is. proves who he is. proves who he is. Now, I'm on screen for most of you Now, I'm on screen for most of you Now, I'm on screen for most of you today, but if we were together in today, but if we were together in today, but if we were together in person, you would not be impressed with person, you would not be impressed with person, you would not be impressed with my physical stature. You just you just my physical stature. You just you just my physical stature. You just you just wouldn't. Not a big guy. Not a big guy.

wouldn't. Not a big guy. Not a big guy. wouldn't. Not a big guy. Not a big guy. Regardless, I do image God. Regardless, I do image God. Regardless, I do image God. And as a father myself, I steward the And as a father myself, I steward the And as a father myself, I steward the father's voice and his character to my father's voice and his character to my father's voice and his character to my children. children. children. So, I mentioned our youngest earlier, So, I mentioned our youngest earlier, So, I mentioned our youngest earlier, Cal. He's awesome. He's such a joy Cal. He's awesome. He's such a joy Cal. He's awesome. He's such a joy bringer. He's got a superpower of just bringer. He's got a superpower of just bringer. He's got a superpower of just like lighting up rooms. If you hung out like lighting up rooms. If you hung out like lighting up rooms. If you hung out with him, you know that about him. If with him, you know that about him. If with him, you know that about him. If you haven't, then get around him on a you haven't, then get around him on a you haven't, then get around him on a rainy day cuz he'll brighten it up. rainy day cuz he'll brighten it up. rainy day cuz he'll brighten it up. But, he just turned three and I've had But, he just turned three and I've had But, he just turned three and I've had to get pretty creative with how I to get pretty creative with how I to get pretty creative with how I disciple sweet Cal. disciple sweet Cal. disciple sweet Cal. He can't talk much He can't talk much He can't talk much or read yet. So, how how do I engage him or read yet. So, how how do I engage him or read yet. So, how how do I engage him in the long lifelong process of in the long lifelong process of in the long lifelong process of discipleship? Well, I got to demonstrate discipleship? Well, I got to demonstrate discipleship? Well, I got to demonstrate it. it. it. I have to show him. So, I do what we I have to show him. So, I do what we I have to show him. So, I do what we call in our house Calisthenics. I take an attribute of God like his I take an attribute of God like his omnipotence and I physically demonstrate omnipotence and I physically demonstrate omnipotence and I physically demonstrate it. I want my son to know deep down in it. I want my son to know deep down in it. I want my son to know deep down in his bones that he has a father who's his bones that he has a father who's his bones that he has a father who's strong enough to love him, care for him, strong enough to love him, care for him, strong enough to love him, care for him, and provide for his needs. Because love and provide for his needs. Because love and provide for his needs. Because love is always more caught than it is taught, is always more caught than it is taught, is always more caught than it is taught, I show him these things. We get down on I show him these things. We get down on I show him these things. We get down on the floor and we work out.

the floor and we work out. the floor and we work out. Well, I'll do some push-ups and we'll Well, I'll do some push-ups and we'll Well, I'll do some push-ups and we'll count out the reps and every time we hit count out the reps and every time we hit count out the reps and every time we hit 10, we'll say, "Get strong!" He hypes me 10, we'll say, "Get strong!" He hypes me 10, we'll say, "Get strong!" He hypes me up and he loves it. It's great and I up and he loves it. It's great and I up and he loves it. It's great and I really do trust that he's catching more really do trust that he's catching more really do trust that he's catching more of this love in his heart because again, of this love in his heart because again, of this love in his heart because again, love is always more caught than it is love is always more caught than it is love is always more caught than it is taught. So, Jesus says, "Just as I have taught. So, Jesus says, "Just as I have taught. So, Jesus says, "Just as I have loved you, loved you, loved you, you are also to love one another." In you are also to love one another." In you are also to love one another." In other words, Jesus says, "Watch what I other words, Jesus says, "Watch what I other words, Jesus says, "Watch what I do do do and do what I do." He embodies the new and do what I do." He embodies the new and do what I do." He embodies the new community. He doesn't risk leaving this community. He doesn't risk leaving this community. He doesn't risk leaving this new command in the abstract. new command in the abstract. new command in the abstract. He embodies it. He embodies it. He embodies it. He fills their cup with his presence so He fills their cup with his presence so He fills their cup with his presence so that the love that they have to pour out that the love that they have to pour out that the love that they have to pour out is actually his, not their own. is actually his, not their own. is actually his, not their own. And he paints a picture And he paints a picture And he paints a picture of loving people as he loved them. The of loving people as he loved them. The of loving people as he loved them. The picture he shows us picture he shows us picture he shows us shows us three things. It shows us a shows us three things. It shows us a shows us three things. It shows us a person, it shows us a posture, and it person, it shows us a posture, and it person, it shows us a posture, and it shows us a practice. Jesus is the shows us a practice. Jesus is the shows us a practice. Jesus is the person. person. person. Jesus, the king of kings and lord of Jesus, the king of kings and lord of Jesus, the king of kings and lord of lords, stoops down to meet dirty people lords, stoops down to meet dirty people lords, stoops down to meet dirty people right at the level of their eyes.

right at the level of their eyes. right at the level of their eyes. No matter how dirty you are, Jesus sees No matter how dirty you are, Jesus sees No matter how dirty you are, Jesus sees you. He's the guy who loves you. He's you. He's the guy who loves you. He's you. He's the guy who loves you. He's the guy who cares for you. the guy who cares for you. the guy who cares for you. The Apostle Paul captures Jesus' supreme The Apostle Paul captures Jesus' supreme The Apostle Paul captures Jesus' supreme authority in a great majestic passage of authority in a great majestic passage of authority in a great majestic passage of Colossians 1:15-18. Colossians 1:15-18. Colossians 1:15-18. He reminds us that Jesus is the head of He reminds us that Jesus is the head of He reminds us that Jesus is the head of the church and he's preeminent over all the church and he's preeminent over all the church and he's preeminent over all things. That means he's first in rank. things. That means he's first in rank. things. That means he's first in rank. And so Jesus issues the new command not And so Jesus issues the new command not And so Jesus issues the new command not as a peer, but from his preeminence and as a peer, but from his preeminence and as a peer, but from his preeminence and his powerful authority. his powerful authority. his powerful authority. Jesus teaches servanthood not despite Jesus teaches servanthood not despite Jesus teaches servanthood not despite his supremacy, but because of it. his supremacy, but because of it. his supremacy, but because of it. His followers embody the posture of His followers embody the posture of His followers embody the posture of servanthood precisely because they servanthood precisely because they servanthood precisely because they recognize Jesus as lord of all. recognize Jesus as lord of all. recognize Jesus as lord of all. Servanthood is the posture. So how did Servanthood is the posture. So how did Servanthood is the posture. So how did Jesus love them? Jesus love them? Jesus love them? How did he show What's he showing them? How did he show What's he showing them? How did he show What's he showing them? Well, in our text, look back to John Well, in our text, look back to John Well, in our text, look back to John 13:4. Before Jesus spoke the new 13:4. Before Jesus spoke the new 13:4. Before Jesus spoke the new command, he did something scandalous in command, he did something scandalous in command, he did something scandalous in that day. that day. that day. The king of glory The king of glory The king of glory got up from supper. got up from supper. got up from supper. He laid aside his outer clothing. He He laid aside his outer clothing. He He laid aside his outer clothing. He took a towel and he tied it around took a towel and he tied it around took a towel and he tied it around himself.

himself. himself. Jesus embodied the posture of a servant. Jesus embodied the posture of a servant. Jesus embodied the posture of a servant. He got down on his knees He got down on his knees He got down on his knees and he held his followers' feet in his and he held his followers' feet in his and he held his followers' feet in his hands and he washed the dirt and the hands and he washed the dirt and the hands and he washed the dirt and the muck right off of them. muck right off of them. muck right off of them. >> [clears throat] >> [clears throat] >> [clears throat] >> Servanthood's the posture. To operate in >> Servanthood's the posture. To operate in >> Servanthood's the posture. To operate in the kingdom, you got to move from the kingdom, you got to move from the kingdom, you got to move from intellectual agreement to what Jesus is intellectual agreement to what Jesus is intellectual agreement to what Jesus is saying to practical surrender. You have saying to practical surrender. You have saying to practical surrender. You have to drop your resume, bend the knee, and to drop your resume, bend the knee, and to drop your resume, bend the knee, and take on the posture of the servant. In take on the posture of the servant. In take on the posture of the servant. In Philippians 2:5-8, Philippians 2:5-8, Philippians 2:5-8, the Apostle Paul points to this exact the Apostle Paul points to this exact the Apostle Paul points to this exact point posture of Jesus and says, "Do it point posture of Jesus and says, "Do it point posture of Jesus and says, "Do it like this." He says, "Adopt the same like this." He says, "Adopt the same like this." He says, "Adopt the same attitude as that of Christ Jesus, who attitude as that of Christ Jesus, who attitude as that of Christ Jesus, who existing in the form of God, did not existing in the form of God, did not existing in the form of God, did not count count count equality with God as something to be equality with God as something to be equality with God as something to be exploited. Instead, he emptied himself exploited. Instead, he emptied himself exploited. Instead, he emptied himself by assuming the form of a servant, by assuming the form of a servant, by assuming the form of a servant, taking on the likeness of humanity. And taking on the likeness of humanity. And taking on the likeness of humanity. And when he had come as a man, he humbled when he had come as a man, he humbled when he had come as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the himself by becoming obedient to the himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. point of death, even death on a cross. point of death, even death on a cross. At his core, Jesus is a servant.

At his core, Jesus is a servant. At his core, Jesus is a servant. He's the suffering servant of Isaiah 53 He's the suffering servant of Isaiah 53 He's the suffering servant of Isaiah 53 and and love is his motivating driver. and and love is his motivating driver. and and love is his motivating driver. Now, let's be honest. Now, let's be honest. Now, let's be honest. Most of us know that we're not going to Most of us know that we're not going to Most of us know that we're not going to be the greatest. We're we're not going be the greatest. We're we're not going be the greatest. We're we're not going to be the goat and we've kind of made to be the goat and we've kind of made to be the goat and we've kind of made peace with that. peace with that. peace with that. But few of us actually want to be the But few of us actually want to be the But few of us actually want to be the least. least. least. We don't want to be the least. Gathered We don't want to be the least. Gathered We don't want to be the least. Gathered them in the upper room for the Passover them in the upper room for the Passover them in the upper room for the Passover feast, the disciples knew that someone feast, the disciples knew that someone feast, the disciples knew that someone needed to wash the others' feet before needed to wash the others' feet before needed to wash the others' feet before they would eat this sacred meal. But they would eat this sacred meal. But they would eat this sacred meal. But that your job was reserved for the that your job was reserved for the that your job was reserved for the lowest, the least, and no one in that lowest, the least, and no one in that lowest, the least, and no one in that room wanted to be the least. room wanted to be the least. room wanted to be the least. So, there they sat So, there they sat So, there they sat in their dirty feet in their dirty feet in their dirty feet until Jesus took out a basin and a towel until Jesus took out a basin and a towel until Jesus took out a basin and a towel and he redefined greatness for all time. and he redefined greatness for all time. and he redefined greatness for all time. But let's pause here and look at the But let's pause here and look at the But let's pause here and look at the portrait that Christ gives. portrait that Christ gives. portrait that Christ gives. Before Jesus tells them to wash the feet Before Jesus tells them to wash the feet Before Jesus tells them to wash the feet of others, of others, of others, he washed theirs. he washed theirs. he washed theirs. Think about the scandal of the moment. Think about the scandal of the moment. Think about the scandal of the moment. The disciples didn't earn this washing. The disciples didn't earn this washing. The disciples didn't earn this washing. They had not passed some great holiness They had not passed some great holiness They had not passed some great holiness test. In fact, within mere hours, test. In fact, within mere hours, test. In fact, within mere hours, they're all going to leave him alone.

they're all going to leave him alone. they're all going to leave him alone. They're going to abandon him. The his They're going to abandon him. The his They're going to abandon him. The his his his good buddy Peter is going to his his good buddy Peter is going to his his good buddy Peter is going to going to deny multiple times. Judas going to deny multiple times. Judas going to deny multiple times. Judas would betray him and yet Jesus is here would betray him and yet Jesus is here would betray him and yet Jesus is here kneeling in front of them, taking their kneeling in front of them, taking their kneeling in front of them, taking their dirty feet in his in his hands, and dirty feet in his in his hands, and dirty feet in his in his hands, and washes them including Judas. washes them including Judas. washes them including Judas. He didn't hand them the towel and said, He didn't hand them the towel and said, He didn't hand them the towel and said, "Hey, I want you to prove your love by "Hey, I want you to prove your love by "Hey, I want you to prove your love by scrubbing hard on my feet." No, he did scrubbing hard on my feet." No, he did scrubbing hard on my feet." No, he did it for them. it for them. it for them. He looked at them and he served them He looked at them and he served them He looked at them and he served them first. You see, they had to receive the first. You see, they had to receive the first. You see, they had to receive the washing in its entirety washing in its entirety washing in its entirety before before could ever give it away. before before could ever give it away. before before could ever give it away. They had to be served by a loving king They had to be served by a loving king They had to be served by a loving king first. If you don't let Jesus love you in your If you don't let Jesus love you in your dirtiest, most exhausted places, you dirtiest, most exhausted places, you dirtiest, most exhausted places, you will never be able to serve anyone else will never be able to serve anyone else will never be able to serve anyone else without a hint of resentment. without a hint of resentment. without a hint of resentment. You must receive the washing first. You must receive the washing first. You must receive the washing first. In Matthew 20 verses verse 28, Jesus In Matthew 20 verses verse 28, Jesus In Matthew 20 verses verse 28, Jesus said, "Whoever be the great among you said, "Whoever be the great among you said, "Whoever be the great among you must be your servant, even as the Son of must be your servant, even as the Son of must be your servant, even as the Son of Man came not to be served, but to serve Man came not to be served, but to serve Man came not to be served, but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for and to give his life as a ransom for and to give his life as a ransom for many." Therefore, the spiritual many." Therefore, the spiritual many." Therefore, the spiritual authority of is an authority found not authority of is an authority found not authority of is an authority found not only in a position or or a title or a only in a position or or a title or a only in a position or or a title or a throne, but also in the towel.

throne, but also in the towel. throne, but also in the towel. The towel is a visible demonstration of The towel is a visible demonstration of The towel is a visible demonstration of the posture of a servant servant. In the posture of a servant servant. In the posture of a servant servant. In fact, the towel is baked into the very fact, the towel is baked into the very fact, the towel is baked into the very meaning of the word that we have for meaning of the word that we have for meaning of the word that we have for servant. The Greek word for deacon servant. The Greek word for deacon servant. The Greek word for deacon deacon means to wait tables, and it deacon means to wait tables, and it deacon means to wait tables, and it paints a word picture of an attendant paints a word picture of an attendant paints a word picture of an attendant serving a table with a towel draped serving a table with a towel draped serving a table with a towel draped draped around his or her arm. In the draped around his or her arm. In the draped around his or her arm. In the ancient world, serving tables was seen ancient world, serving tables was seen ancient world, serving tables was seen as undignified and lowly. as undignified and lowly. as undignified and lowly. But Jesus completely flips that script, But Jesus completely flips that script, But Jesus completely flips that script, posture himself as the one who serves. posture himself as the one who serves. posture himself as the one who serves. To take on the posture of a servant To take on the posture of a servant To take on the posture of a servant means to surrender and authority and means to surrender and authority and means to surrender and authority and come underneath the one that you're come underneath the one that you're come underneath the one that you're serving. serving. serving. And there's a massive difference between And there's a massive difference between And there's a massive difference between choosing to serve and choosing to be a choosing to serve and choosing to be a choosing to serve and choosing to be a servant. When we choose to serve, we're servant. When we choose to serve, we're servant. When we choose to serve, we're still in charge. still in charge. still in charge. We get to decide who we're going to We get to decide who we're going to We get to decide who we're going to serve, when we're going to to serve, and serve, when we're going to to serve, and serve, when we're going to to serve, and under what circumstances we might do under what circumstances we might do under what circumstances we might do that. But when we take on the posture of that. But when we take on the posture of that. But when we take on the posture of a servant, we surrender all of that. a servant, we surrender all of that. a servant, we surrender all of that. We yield. We give up the right to be in We yield. We give up the right to be in We yield. We give up the right to be in charge.

charge. charge. Now, in grad school, I got to I had a Now, in grad school, I got to I had a Now, in grad school, I got to I had a lot of jobs, but my favorite one is uh lot of jobs, but my favorite one is uh lot of jobs, but my favorite one is uh waiter tables. waiter tables. waiter tables. Uh I love that job. It was a fancy Uh I love that job. It was a fancy Uh I love that job. It was a fancy restaurant. It was the first time in my restaurant. It was the first time in my restaurant. It was the first time in my life I actually had uh folding money in life I actually had uh folding money in life I actually had uh folding money in my pocket, you know what I'm saying? Uh my pocket, you know what I'm saying? Uh my pocket, you know what I'm saying? Uh it was great. I'd go home. I felt like a it was great. I'd go home. I felt like a it was great. I'd go home. I felt like a rich guy. Uh I wasn't. Uh but I loved rich guy. Uh I wasn't. Uh but I loved rich guy. Uh I wasn't. Uh but I loved it. I I learned so much about people it. I I learned so much about people it. I I learned so much about people doing that job. Uh I learned uh to read doing that job. Uh I learned uh to read doing that job. Uh I learned uh to read the room. And I learned to pay attention the room. And I learned to pay attention the room. And I learned to pay attention to the tables that were before me cuz my to the tables that were before me cuz my to the tables that were before me cuz my job was to serve the table as their job was to serve the table as their job was to serve the table as their servant. So, I picked up really quickly servant. So, I picked up really quickly servant. So, I picked up really quickly some people wanted to party, so I would some people wanted to party, so I would some people wanted to party, so I would engage more. Uh I'd see a younger engage more. Uh I'd see a younger engage more. Uh I'd see a younger couple, they were clearly uh like saved couple, they were clearly uh like saved couple, they were clearly uh like saved up their money for this nice date, maybe up their money for this nice date, maybe up their money for this nice date, maybe like a like a you know, anniversary date like a like a you know, anniversary date like a like a you know, anniversary date or something like that. So, I would just or something like that. So, I would just or something like that. So, I would just take care of their needs and just kind take care of their needs and just kind take care of their needs and just kind of back off and give them their space. of back off and give them their space. of back off and give them their space. Again, my job was to serve the table. Again, my job was to serve the table. Again, my job was to serve the table. You see, as the servant, I never ever You see, as the servant, I never ever You see, as the servant, I never ever told them what to do or what to order. told them what to do or what to order. told them what to do or what to order. Now, I might offer a recommendation if Now, I might offer a recommendation if Now, I might offer a recommendation if they ask, but I never told them order they ask, but I never told them order they ask, but I never told them order the steak. I never did that. the steak. I never did that. the steak. I never did that. Because if I did that, I would have kind Because if I did that, I would have kind Because if I did that, I would have kind of missed it entirely. I would have of missed it entirely. I would have of missed it entirely. I would have taken I would have bypassed the posture taken I would have bypassed the posture taken I would have bypassed the posture that precedes the service. I wouldn't that precedes the service. I wouldn't that precedes the service. I wouldn't have been the servant. I would have have been the servant. I would have have been the servant. I would have stayed in charge. Hey, you eat my steak.

stayed in charge. Hey, you eat my steak. stayed in charge. Hey, you eat my steak. No, that's not what you do when you wait No, that's not what you do when you wait No, that's not what you do when you wait tables. You serve the table. You got to tables. You serve the table. You got to tables. You serve the table. You got to take on the posture of the servant. And take on the posture of the servant. And take on the posture of the servant. And Jesus had all authority and he yielded Jesus had all authority and he yielded Jesus had all authority and he yielded it as he took on that posture of a it as he took on that posture of a it as he took on that posture of a servant. servant. servant. And then service is the practice that he And then service is the practice that he And then service is the practice that he gives. The servant inaugurated a gives. The servant inaugurated a gives. The servant inaugurated a practice of service that would mark the practice of service that would mark the practice of service that would mark the new covenant, new community as a people new covenant, new community as a people new covenant, new community as a people of self-giving and sacrificial love for of self-giving and sacrificial love for of self-giving and sacrificial love for all time. Again, God came not to be all time. Again, God came not to be all time. Again, God came not to be served, but to serve and to give his served, but to serve and to give his served, but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many, establishing life as a ransom for many, establishing life as a ransom for many, establishing service as the ultimate expression of service as the ultimate expression of service as the ultimate expression of sacrificial love. Paul echoes this sacrificial love. Paul echoes this sacrificial love. Paul echoes this calling to believers in Galatians 5:13 calling to believers in Galatians 5:13 calling to believers in Galatians 5:13 when he says, "Serve one another through when he says, "Serve one another through when he says, "Serve one another through love." He frames service not as love." He frames service not as love." He frames service not as obligation, but as overflow. obligation, but as overflow. obligation, but as overflow. This anchors love not in warm This anchors love not in warm This anchors love not in warm sentiments, but in Christ demonstrated sentiments, but in Christ demonstrated sentiments, but in Christ demonstrated pattern, exemplified in the foot washing pattern, exemplified in the foot washing pattern, exemplified in the foot washing that he gave to his disciples, which that he gave to his disciples, which that he gave to his disciples, which ultimately points to his death that was ultimately points to his death that was ultimately points to his death that was quickly on its heels. quickly on its heels. quickly on its heels. And it's this sacrificial service that And it's this sacrificial service that And it's this sacrificial service that when lived out, it proclaims the true when lived out, it proclaims the true when lived out, it proclaims the true God to a watching world. Check out verse God to a watching world. Check out verse God to a watching world. Check out verse 35.

35. 35. Jesus says, "By this everyone will know Jesus says, "By this everyone will know Jesus says, "By this everyone will know that you are my disciples if you have that you are my disciples if you have that you are my disciples if you have love for one another." Look carefully at love for one another." Look carefully at love for one another." Look carefully at what Jesus says here. He doesn't say what Jesus says here. He doesn't say what Jesus says here. He doesn't say that the world's going to know you by that the world's going to know you by that the world's going to know you by your perfect doctrine your perfect doctrine your perfect doctrine uh or your political affiliations or uh or your political affiliations or uh or your political affiliations or your nice buildings. Now, all of those your nice buildings. Now, all of those your nice buildings. Now, all of those things can be important, things can be important, things can be important, but they're not the badge of the but they're not the badge of the but they're not the badge of the Christian. Love is the badge of the Christian. Love is the badge of the Christian. Love is the badge of the Christian. And a life that's been marked Christian. And a life that's been marked Christian. And a life that's been marked by love is a life that lives from the by love is a life that lives from the by love is a life that lives from the inside out, flowing in love to other inside out, flowing in love to other inside out, flowing in love to other people. people. people. He says, "The validation of your faith He says, "The validation of your faith He says, "The validation of your faith is your practice, how you actually is your practice, how you actually is your practice, how you actually handle one another in the mud, dirt, and handle one another in the mud, dirt, and handle one another in the mud, dirt, and tension of the real stuff of life." tension of the real stuff of life." tension of the real stuff of life." Service is not some abstract theory. Service is not some abstract theory. Service is not some abstract theory. It's a dirty towel and a basin of water. It's a dirty towel and a basin of water. It's a dirty towel and a basin of water. It's ensuring that we know what what we It's ensuring that we know what what we It's ensuring that we know what what we know and what we say is translated in know and what we say is translated in know and what we say is translated in what we do, because love is seen in its what we do, because love is seen in its what we do, because love is seen in its doing. doing. doing. That's the expression of the new That's the expression of the new That's the expression of the new community that Jesus gives and leaves community that Jesus gives and leaves community that Jesus gives and leaves us. us. us. Jesus says, "By this everyone will know Jesus says, "By this everyone will know Jesus says, "By this everyone will know you as my disciples by the love you have you as my disciples by the love you have you as my disciples by the love you have for one another." The new community that for one another." The new community that for one another." The new community that Jesus inaugurated embodies this love as Jesus inaugurated embodies this love as Jesus inaugurated embodies this love as its defining characteristic its defining characteristic its defining characteristic characteristic and our public witness.

characteristic and our public witness. characteristic and our public witness. Indeed, everyone will recognize Jesus' Indeed, everyone will recognize Jesus' Indeed, everyone will recognize Jesus' disciples if you have love for one disciples if you have love for one disciples if you have love for one another, making mutual love the another, making mutual love the another, making mutual love the community's visible identity marker. community's visible identity marker. community's visible identity marker. It's only by seeing the love shared It's only by seeing the love shared It's only by seeing the love shared among believers that a watching world among believers that a watching world among believers that a watching world recognizes them as Jesus' followers in recognizes them as Jesus' followers in recognizes them as Jesus' followers in the first place the first place the first place and makes the new community so and makes the new community so and makes the new community so irresistibly attractive to other people. irresistibly attractive to other people. irresistibly attractive to other people. Pay attention to the characters here in Pay attention to the characters here in Pay attention to the characters here in this verse because there's a subtle this verse because there's a subtle this verse because there's a subtle point in there that reveals God's heart point in there that reveals God's heart point in there that reveals God's heart for the world. The characters are these: for the world. The characters are these: for the world. The characters are these: everyone everyone everyone and my disciples. The gospel is for and my disciples. The gospel is for and my disciples. The gospel is for everyone. In fact, it's the exact same everyone. In fact, it's the exact same everyone. In fact, it's the exact same word that the Apostle Paul uses in the word that the Apostle Paul uses in the word that the Apostle Paul uses in the definition of the gospel he issues in definition of the gospel he issues in definition of the gospel he issues in Romans 1:16 when he says God when he Romans 1:16 when he says God when he Romans 1:16 when he says God when he defines the gospel as God's power for defines the gospel as God's power for defines the gospel as God's power for salvation to everyone who believes. salvation to everyone who believes. salvation to everyone who believes. So, the gospel's for everyone, the saved So, the gospel's for everyone, the saved So, the gospel's for everyone, the saved and the unsaved. We must continually and the unsaved. We must continually and the unsaved. We must continually fill our cups with it. fill our cups with it. fill our cups with it. And then you got Jesus's disciples. And then you got Jesus's disciples. And then you got Jesus's disciples. They're marked by love for one another. They're marked by love for one another. They're marked by love for one another. It's visible. It's not tucked away in It's visible. It's not tucked away in It's visible. It's not tucked away in the backyard behind the privacy fence.

the backyard behind the privacy fence. the backyard behind the privacy fence. It's out in the open and it's in front It's out in the open and it's in front It's out in the open and it's in front of others as the best piece of evidence of others as the best piece of evidence of others as the best piece of evidence that the gospel is real to a watching that the gospel is real to a watching that the gospel is real to a watching world. world. world. Content alone won't cut it. It's the Content alone won't cut it. It's the Content alone won't cut it. It's the expression of this new community that expression of this new community that expression of this new community that transforms the hearts of the world. So, transforms the hearts of the world. So, transforms the hearts of the world. So, what do we do? what do we do? what do we do? Loved people love people. Loved people Loved people love people. Loved people Loved people love people. Loved people love people. When we serve others, we love people. When we serve others, we love people. When we serve others, we actively choose to love them around us. actively choose to love them around us. actively choose to love them around us. It's the very act of preferring them It's the very act of preferring them It's the very act of preferring them over ourselves with our resources, our over ourselves with our resources, our over ourselves with our resources, our time, and the way we act. And this is time, and the way we act. And this is time, and the way we act. And this is core to the very pattern of evangelism. core to the very pattern of evangelism. core to the very pattern of evangelism. As a church, we're looking ahead to this As a church, we're looking ahead to this As a church, we're looking ahead to this catalytic weekend in just several weeks catalytic weekend in just several weeks catalytic weekend in just several weeks at the beginning of August. It's called at the beginning of August. It's called at the beginning of August. It's called Made Alive. We're actively praying into Made Alive. We're actively praying into Made Alive. We're actively praying into this as a harvest weekend where we this as a harvest weekend where we this as a harvest weekend where we gather the gospel fruit of sowing seeds gather the gospel fruit of sowing seeds gather the gospel fruit of sowing seeds of evangelism over a long season. But if of evangelism over a long season. But if of evangelism over a long season. But if the gospel is only words and no action, the gospel is only words and no action, the gospel is only words and no action, it can land flat, y'all. it can land flat, y'all. it can land flat, y'all. This is why Jesus instructs his This is why Jesus instructs his This is why Jesus instructs his disciples in the great evangelism disciples in the great evangelism disciples in the great evangelism passage of Luke 10 to enter with action passage of Luke 10 to enter with action passage of Luke 10 to enter with action and then validate it with words. He says and then validate it with words. He says and then validate it with words. He says in Luke 10:9, he says first, "Heal the in Luke 10:9, he says first, "Heal the in Luke 10:9, he says first, "Heal the sick."

sick." sick." Enter with action. And then he says, Enter with action. And then he says, Enter with action. And then he says, "Say this, the kingdom of God has come "Say this, the kingdom of God has come "Say this, the kingdom of God has come near to you." Validate with words. So, near to you." Validate with words. So, near to you." Validate with words. So, the biblical pattern is this, first meet the biblical pattern is this, first meet the biblical pattern is this, first meet a practical need. a practical need. a practical need. Then tell them why you did it. Then tell them why you did it. Then tell them why you did it. We demonstrate the gospel and we declare We demonstrate the gospel and we declare We demonstrate the gospel and we declare it. It's both. it. It's both. it. It's both. I love coaching baseball. I absolutely I love coaching baseball. I absolutely I love coaching baseball. I absolutely love it, man. I come alive when I'm love it, man. I come alive when I'm love it, man. I come alive when I'm coaching young men on this game that coaching young men on this game that coaching young men on this game that teaches you how to fail and get back up. teaches you how to fail and get back up. teaches you how to fail and get back up. I love it. But, I've learned that the I love it. But, I've learned that the I love it. But, I've learned that the best coaching strategy that I've ever best coaching strategy that I've ever best coaching strategy that I've ever had isn't pitching drills. It's not good had isn't pitching drills. It's not good had isn't pitching drills. It's not good hitting mechanics. It's not first and hitting mechanics. It's not first and hitting mechanics. It's not first and third defenses and teaching them how to third defenses and teaching them how to third defenses and teaching them how to bunt. No, it's loving people. When I bunt. No, it's loving people. When I bunt. No, it's loving people. When I love the players in front of their love the players in front of their love the players in front of their parents, their parents come to me. parents, their parents come to me. parents, their parents come to me. They approach me asking the real They approach me asking the real They approach me asking the real questions that are haunting them. questions that are haunting them. questions that are haunting them. And I've had some of the most fruitful And I've had some of the most fruitful And I've had some of the most fruitful ministry of my life on a baseball field ministry of my life on a baseball field ministry of my life on a baseball field as those parents came to me with tears as those parents came to me with tears as those parents came to me with tears in their eyes and a rock in their heart. in their eyes and a rock in their heart. in their eyes and a rock in their heart. They approach me asking these questions They approach me asking these questions They approach me asking these questions that they don't know who else to ask cuz that they don't know who else to ask cuz that they don't know who else to ask cuz they don't know who to trust, but they they don't know who to trust, but they they don't know who to trust, but they trust me because I loved somebody else trust me because I loved somebody else trust me because I loved somebody else their kids in front of them, and then their kids in front of them, and then their kids in front of them, and then they came to me like a magnet.

they came to me like a magnet. they came to me like a magnet. Love works just like that. It's the best Love works just like that. It's the best Love works just like that. It's the best apologetic for the gospel that there is. apologetic for the gospel that there is. apologetic for the gospel that there is. Now, baseball season just ended for my Now, baseball season just ended for my Now, baseball season just ended for my for my oldest Coy, and he's looking for for my oldest Coy, and he's looking for for my oldest Coy, and he's looking for a new team. Now, he's a pretty good a new team. Now, he's a pretty good a new team. Now, he's a pretty good player, too, so he's kind of getting player, too, so he's kind of getting player, too, so he's kind of getting recruited a little bit by recruited a little bit by recruited a little bit by some teams around the area. some teams around the area. some teams around the area. We worked out with the team recently, We worked out with the team recently, We worked out with the team recently, and after the practice, I went to go and after the practice, I went to go and after the practice, I went to go meet the coach, and I had some questions meet the coach, and I had some questions meet the coach, and I had some questions for him. If I'm going to give him my for him. If I'm going to give him my for him. If I'm going to give him my son, I kind of know who this guy is, you son, I kind of know who this guy is, you son, I kind of know who this guy is, you know what I'm saying? know what I'm saying? know what I'm saying? So, I said, "Hey, what's your So, I said, "Hey, what's your So, I said, "Hey, what's your background? Talk to me. What are your background? Talk to me. What are your background? Talk to me. What are your values that you have for the team? How values that you have for the team? How values that you have for the team? How do you run the team?" And as he do you run the team?" And as he do you run the team?" And as he answered, it came very clear to me that answered, it came very clear to me that answered, it came very clear to me that he did not know who he was. he did not know who he was. he did not know who he was. He was incredibly insecure, but not like He was incredibly insecure, but not like He was incredibly insecure, but not like in a like a small way, but like in a in a like a small way, but like in a in a like a small way, but like in a really big puffed up kind of way. He did really big puffed up kind of way. He did really big puffed up kind of way. He did not know who he was. So, I looked at not know who he was. So, I looked at not know who he was. So, I looked at Kristen as we drove home, and I told Kristen as we drove home, and I told Kristen as we drove home, and I told her, "I'm not going to give him my son her, "I'm not going to give him my son her, "I'm not going to give him my son to find out." to find out." to find out." This guy's cup was entirely empty. And This guy's cup was entirely empty. And This guy's cup was entirely empty. And because his cup was empty, I'm not going because his cup was empty, I'm not going because his cup was empty, I'm not going to let him use my son to fill it. to let him use my son to fill it. to let him use my son to fill it. So, I got to ask you, how full is your So, I got to ask you, how full is your So, I got to ask you, how full is your cup?

cup? cup? How is your heart, really? How is your heart, really? How is your heart, really? Jesus wants to meet you at the level of Jesus wants to meet you at the level of Jesus wants to meet you at the level of your eyes today. your eyes today. your eyes today. Could you bring your real and tired Could you bring your real and tired Could you bring your real and tired heart to him? heart to him? heart to him? We often try We often try We often try to fill our cups with the applause of to fill our cups with the applause of to fill our cups with the applause of others, the approval of our peers, or others, the approval of our peers, or others, the approval of our peers, or the frantic busyness of our schedules, the frantic busyness of our schedules, the frantic busyness of our schedules, but those are holes. They're not wells. but those are holes. They're not wells. but those are holes. They're not wells. They drain us. They don't fill us. Let's They drain us. They don't fill us. Let's They drain us. They don't fill us. Let's go a layer deeper. What are you go a layer deeper. What are you go a layer deeper. What are you currently using to fill your cup? That's currently using to fill your cup? That's currently using to fill your cup? That's keeping you addicted to emptiness. keeping you addicted to emptiness. keeping you addicted to emptiness. What are you currently using to fill What are you currently using to fill What are you currently using to fill your cup? your cup? your cup? That's keeping you addicted to That's keeping you addicted to That's keeping you addicted to emptiness. emptiness. emptiness. It's the If it's Maybe it's the rush of It's the If it's Maybe it's the rush of It's the If it's Maybe it's the rush of being needed. It's the validation of being needed. It's the validation of being needed. It's the validation of that packed calendar. Maybe it's the that packed calendar. Maybe it's the that packed calendar. Maybe it's the illusion of control. If you aren't illusion of control. If you aren't illusion of control. If you aren't letting yourself be loved by God, you letting yourself be loved by God, you letting yourself be loved by God, you will inevitably take your empty cup and will inevitably take your empty cup and will inevitably take your empty cup and use someone else to fill it for you. use someone else to fill it for you. use someone else to fill it for you. We see this pattern all the way back in We see this pattern all the way back in We see this pattern all the way back in Genesis 3:9. After the fall, God walks Genesis 3:9. After the fall, God walks Genesis 3:9. After the fall, God walks into the garden and he says, "Where are into the garden and he says, "Where are into the garden and he says, "Where are you, Adam?"

you, Adam?" you, Adam?" And Adam said he was afraid, so he hid. And Adam said he was afraid, so he hid. And Adam said he was afraid, so he hid. He was too fearful to bring his broken He was too fearful to bring his broken He was too fearful to bring his broken heart to God, so he tucked himself away heart to God, so he tucked himself away heart to God, so he tucked himself away in the woods. And he tried to cover his in the woods. And he tried to cover his in the woods. And he tried to cover his nakedness with fig leaves, but God wants nakedness with fig leaves, but God wants nakedness with fig leaves, but God wants you to bring your broken heart to him, you to bring your broken heart to him, you to bring your broken heart to him, not to hide it, not to cover it up with not to hide it, not to cover it up with not to hide it, not to cover it up with your achievements, your achievements, your achievements, not to reach sideways for something, not to reach sideways for something, not to reach sideways for something, anything else other than him. anything else other than him. anything else other than him. As we wrap up, As we wrap up, As we wrap up, I want us to take some time to put a I want us to take some time to put a I want us to take some time to put a little plan into action. little plan into action. little plan into action. To put this To put this To put this uh uh uh call, this clarion call of loving people call, this clarion call of loving people call, this clarion call of loving people in to practice. And we always begin with in to practice. And we always begin with in to practice. And we always begin with prayer. prayer. prayer. Uh I commend a great book to you. And Uh I commend a great book to you. And Uh I commend a great book to you. And it's kind of like a seminal book on the it's kind of like a seminal book on the it's kind of like a seminal book on the spiritual disciplines. It's called The spiritual disciplines. It's called The spiritual disciplines. It's called The Celebration of Discipline by Richard Celebration of Discipline by Richard Celebration of Discipline by Richard Foster. And in that, he tells you to Foster. And in that, he tells you to Foster. And in that, he tells you to start with this daily prayer. He says, start with this daily prayer. He says, start with this daily prayer. He says, "Lord Jesus, "Lord Jesus, "Lord Jesus, as it would please you, as it would please you, as it would please you, bring me someone today whom I can bring me someone today whom I can bring me someone today whom I can serve." It's a daily prayer. Jesus, serve." It's a daily prayer. Jesus, serve." It's a daily prayer. Jesus, put someone in my path today that I can put someone in my path today that I can put someone in my path today that I can serve. Look, we got ample opportunity.

serve. Look, we got ample opportunity. serve. Look, we got ample opportunity. The opportunities to serve people The opportunities to serve people The opportunities to serve people surround us. We just got to listen to surround us. We just got to listen to surround us. We just got to listen to God so that he'll help us notice them. God so that he'll help us notice them. God so that he'll help us notice them. Remember, we're doing this because our Remember, we're doing this because our Remember, we're doing this because our cups are full of the grace that we've cups are full of the grace that we've cups are full of the grace that we've received received received from the king who washed our feet. So, from the king who washed our feet. So, from the king who washed our feet. So, let's make a plan. This isn't let's make a plan. This isn't let's make a plan. This isn't obligation. This is overflow. So, I'm obligation. This is overflow. So, I'm obligation. This is overflow. So, I'm going to give you a few examples to just going to give you a few examples to just going to give you a few examples to just kind of kind of kind of maybe consider. maybe consider. maybe consider. Example one, Example one, Example one, take out the list of things you got to take out the list of things you got to take out the list of things you got to do around the house. do around the house. do around the house. Pick one and call a friend. Tackle that Pick one and call a friend. Tackle that Pick one and call a friend. Tackle that thing together. Love one another, but thing together. Love one another, but thing together. Love one another, but invite somebody into it with you. invite somebody into it with you. invite somebody into it with you. You When you do that, you demonstrate You When you do that, you demonstrate You When you do that, you demonstrate the humility that you have a need and the humility that you have a need and the humility that you have a need and you're letting them love you, too. That you're letting them love you, too. That you're letting them love you, too. That That's That's huge as a gospel witness, That's That's huge as a gospel witness, That's That's huge as a gospel witness, y'all. y'all. y'all. Uh second example, examine what you Uh second example, examine what you Uh second example, examine what you really care about. What's your heart really care about. What's your heart really care about. What's your heart burdened for? What does it beat for? burdened for? What does it beat for? burdened for? What does it beat for? Maybe it's fostering. Maybe it's special Maybe it's fostering. Maybe it's special Maybe it's fostering. Maybe it's special needs family. Maybe it's kids or serving needs family. Maybe it's kids or serving needs family. Maybe it's kids or serving the community, young men. Maybe you want the community, young men. Maybe you want the community, young men. Maybe you want to demonstrate the love of God by to demonstrate the love of God by to demonstrate the love of God by discipling other women. Whatever it is, discipling other women. Whatever it is, discipling other women. Whatever it is, get in that lane and throw yourself into get in that lane and throw yourself into get in that lane and throw yourself into it because I promise you, if you throw it because I promise you, if you throw it because I promise you, if you throw yourself into the way that God wired you yourself into the way that God wired you yourself into the way that God wired you to serve, you will your cup will be to serve, you will your cup will be to serve, you will your cup will be filled up even as you pour out.

filled up even as you pour out. filled up even as you pour out. >> [clears throat] >> [clears throat] >> [clears throat] >> Third example, this is an exercise we >> Third example, this is an exercise we >> Third example, this is an exercise we use in our house. use in our house. use in our house. Draw a tic-tac-toe board. Draw a tic-tac-toe board. Draw a tic-tac-toe board. Put your house in the center. Put your house in the center. Put your house in the center. And then write in the names of your And then write in the names of your And then write in the names of your neighbors in the surrounding circles. neighbors in the surrounding circles. neighbors in the surrounding circles. Commit to pray for opportunities to Commit to pray for opportunities to Commit to pray for opportunities to demonstrate the gospel to the people who demonstrate the gospel to the people who demonstrate the gospel to the people who are nearest to you. are nearest to you. are nearest to you. Think, are there any needs that I'm Think, are there any needs that I'm Think, are there any needs that I'm aware of? aware of? aware of? How can my family or my home group serve How can my family or my home group serve How can my family or my home group serve them? them? them? What is one relationship in my What is one relationship in my What is one relationship in my neighborhood that I could deepen? neighborhood that I could deepen? neighborhood that I could deepen? Where do you think God's already working Where do you think God's already working Where do you think God's already working and is there anyone who could come with and is there anyone who could come with and is there anyone who could come with you? you? you? We were recently out in our front yard We were recently out in our front yard We were recently out in our front yard as the sun was setting and it's getting as the sun was setting and it's getting as the sun was setting and it's getting a little cool in the evenings. About to a little cool in the evenings. About to a little cool in the evenings. About to lose that. But we were out in the front lose that. But we were out in the front lose that. But we were out in the front yard recently and our neighbor walked yard recently and our neighbor walked yard recently and our neighbor walked over. Uh he and I don't see eye to eye over. Uh he and I don't see eye to eye over. Uh he and I don't see eye to eye on everything but but he I think he on everything but but he I think he on everything but but he I think he knows me as a guy that he can trust. So knows me as a guy that he can trust. So knows me as a guy that he can trust. So he comes over and he shares that he's he comes over and he shares that he's he comes over and he shares that he's about to have about to have about to have a major heart procedure and he's really a major heart procedure and he's really a major heart procedure and he's really nervous about it. Uh and he's like kind nervous about it. Uh and he's like kind nervous about it. Uh and he's like kind of stressed out about the recovery of stressed out about the recovery of stressed out about the recovery that's going to take.

that's going to take. that's going to take. So we offered to take care of his yard So we offered to take care of his yard So we offered to take care of his yard while he's recovering. And my oldest while he's recovering. And my oldest while he's recovering. And my oldest boy, that good baseball player, he's boy, that good baseball player, he's boy, that good baseball player, he's also a good servant. also a good servant. also a good servant. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> He was the very one who stepped up and >> He was the very one who stepped up and >> He was the very one who stepped up and volunteered to cut my neighbor's yard. volunteered to cut my neighbor's yard. volunteered to cut my neighbor's yard. That's not a chore for my son. That's not a chore for my son. That's not a chore for my son. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> It's the overflow from a from a young >> It's the overflow from a from a young >> It's the overflow from a from a young guy's heart who knows what it's like to guy's heart who knows what it's like to guy's heart who knows what it's like to be loved. Loved people love people. So be loved. Loved people love people. So be loved. Loved people love people. So let's take action and actively practice let's take action and actively practice let's take action and actively practice the [music] spiritual discipline this the [music] spiritual discipline this the [music] spiritual discipline this weekend. We are not the fountain. We are weekend. We are not the fountain. We are weekend. We are not the fountain. We are the cup. We must keep ourselves the cup. We must keep ourselves the cup. We must keep ourselves positioned directly underneath the positioned directly underneath the positioned directly underneath the waterfall of God's grace. So that waterfall of God's grace. So that waterfall of God's grace. So that [music] when we pour out, it is his [music] when we pour out, it is his [music] when we pour out, it is his endless grace and not our own exhaustion endless grace and not our own exhaustion endless grace and not our own exhaustion that flows into the lives of the people that flows into the lives of the people that flows into the lives of the people all around us. Let's pray. all around us. Let's pray. all around us. Let's pray. Father, thank you. Father, thank you. Father, thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. You loved us first so that when we can You loved us first so that when we can You loved us first so that when we can go and turn around and love other go and turn around and love other go and turn around and love other people. Thank you for loving the world people. Thank you for loving the world people. Thank you for loving the world so much that you would give so much that you would give so much that you would give >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> sacrificially your own son. Thank you. >> sacrificially your own son. Thank you. >> sacrificially your own son. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. You're the one who Thank you. Thank you. You're the one who Thank you. Thank you. You're the one who first loved us. So would you inhabit our first loved us. So would you inhabit our first loved us. So would you inhabit our love, Holy Spirit, as we [music] pour love, Holy Spirit, as we [music] pour love, Holy Spirit, as we [music] pour that out on our community, on our that out on our community, on our that out on our community, on our family, on our church. Lord, would you family, on our church. Lord, would you family, on our church. Lord, would you make this community transformed because make this community transformed because make this community transformed because of the love you put in us. Holy Spirit, of the love you put in us. Holy Spirit, of the love you put in us. Holy Spirit, would you carry that forth and do would you carry that forth and do would you carry that forth and do powerful work in our in our in our day.

powerful work in our in our in our day. powerful work in our in our in our day. We love you and we pray all these things We love you and we pray all these things We love you and we pray all these things in your son's [music] name. Amen.