Mission Statement Week 3: “Make Disciples” Weekend Service

Hey church family, it's good to be Hey church family, it's good to be together again. And I know that we are together again. And I know that we are together again. And I know that we are together in a digital space which is together in a digital space which is together in a digital space which is different and new. But I want to welcome different and new. But I want to welcome different and new. But I want to welcome you to it all the same. I uh as I'm you to it all the same. I uh as I'm you to it all the same. I uh as I'm looking at this camera even now, I'm I'm looking at this camera even now, I'm I'm looking at this camera even now, I'm I'm picturing hearts and stories and faces picturing hearts and stories and faces picturing hearts and stories and faces and names of our congregation. And I'm and names of our congregation. And I'm and names of our congregation. And I'm thankful uh really for the opportunity thankful uh really for the opportunity thankful uh really for the opportunity that we have during this campus that we have during this campus that we have during this campus disruption as we've had to shut some disruption as we've had to shut some disruption as we've had to shut some things down that we've still been able things down that we've still been able things down that we've still been able to kind of stir our souls as we have to kind of stir our souls as we have to kind of stir our souls as we have spent week one uh considering God's love spent week one uh considering God's love spent week one uh considering God's love for us and our response and loving him. for us and our response and loving him. for us and our response and loving him. Week two, we've had the opportunity to Week two, we've had the opportunity to Week two, we've had the opportunity to kind of look up from that and look kind of look up from that and look kind of look up from that and look around and see all these image bears around and see all these image bears around and see all these image bears that God has created, given us the heart that God has created, given us the heart that God has created, given us the heart and the opportunity to serve and love and the opportunity to serve and love and the opportunity to serve and love them. And this is completely connected them. And this is completely connected them. And this is completely connected to the great commandment and the great to the great commandment and the great to the great commandment and the great commission which is the heart of our commission which is the heart of our commission which is the heart of our mission statement. Love God, love mission statement. Love God, love mission statement. Love God, love people, make disciples of Jesus Christ. people, make disciples of Jesus Christ. people, make disciples of Jesus Christ. And this week we'll be focusing on And this week we'll be focusing on And this week we'll be focusing on making disciples. And the practice of making disciples. And the practice of making disciples. And the practice of making disciples is we have the making disciples is we have the making disciples is we have the opportunity to share. We've got a hope opportunity to share. We've got a hope opportunity to share. We've got a hope in us. You've got a hope in you. God has in us. You've got a hope in you. God has in us. You've got a hope in you. God has done a work in you and you have the done a work in you and you have the done a work in you and you have the opportunity to testify. Has he not been opportunity to testify. Has he not been opportunity to testify. Has he not been good to you? Has he not been kind to good to you? Has he not been kind to good to you? Has he not been kind to you? Has he not drawn you out, brought you? Has he not drawn you out, brought you? Has he not drawn you out, brought you from death to life, opened your you from death to life, opened your you from death to life, opened your eyes, given you ears to hear? He has eyes, given you ears to hear? He has eyes, given you ears to hear? He has been gracious to us. And we we have the been gracious to us. And we we have the been gracious to us. And we we have the privileged opportunity of inviting privileged opportunity of inviting privileged opportunity of inviting others to know their creator, the God

others to know their creator, the God others to know their creator, the God who redeems them and loves them. What a who redeems them and loves them. What a who redeems them and loves them. What a gift. Like what an absolute privilege it gift. Like what an absolute privilege it gift. Like what an absolute privilege it is. And so we're going to hear from the is. And so we're going to hear from the is. And so we're going to hear from the word. We're going to sing together. And word. We're going to sing together. And word. We're going to sing together. And I don't know what space that you're in I don't know what space that you're in I don't know what space that you're in right now, but wherever you are, car, on right now, but wherever you are, car, on right now, but wherever you are, car, on a walk, in a living room, in I I don't a walk, in a living room, in I I don't a walk, in a living room, in I I don't know, but I pray your heart is know, but I pray your heart is know, but I pray your heart is encouraged, provoked, and really that encouraged, provoked, and really that encouraged, provoked, and really that you're emboldened just with deep you're emboldened just with deep you're emboldened just with deep courageous faith to take a step towards courageous faith to take a step towards courageous faith to take a step towards somebody. If you think about it, somebody. If you think about it, somebody. If you think about it, somebody took a step towards you. somebody took a step towards you. somebody took a step towards you. Somebody came towards you with the hope Somebody came towards you with the hope Somebody came towards you with the hope of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Maybe it of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Maybe it of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Maybe it was a parent or a pastor or a friend or was a parent or a pastor or a friend or was a parent or a pastor or a friend or a co-orker or a stranger and you you a co-orker or a stranger and you you a co-orker or a stranger and you you have a role to play in somebody's life have a role to play in somebody's life have a role to play in somebody's life in this season that we find ourselves. in this season that we find ourselves. in this season that we find ourselves. So, we're we're here in the summer and So, we're we're here in the summer and So, we're we're here in the summer and as we're looking forward as a church as we're looking forward as a church as we're looking forward as a church family to our made alive weekend in family to our made alive weekend in family to our made alive weekend in August, we are praying. We're asking God August, we are praying. We're asking God August, we are praying. We're asking God to move profoundly in the hearts of our to move profoundly in the hearts of our to move profoundly in the hearts of our community. We'd love to see a harvest of community. We'd love to see a harvest of community. We'd love to see a harvest of people who come to faith. Well, that's people who come to faith. Well, that's people who come to faith. Well, that's that's going to happen if we are that's going to happen if we are that's going to happen if we are mobilized as a people to share. If mobilized as a people to share. If mobilized as a people to share. If you're mobilized to share with the you're mobilized to share with the you're mobilized to share with the people that God has entrusted to you in people that God has entrusted to you in people that God has entrusted to you in this season. I want to read this to you this season. I want to read this to you this season. I want to read this to you just as we begin to shift our hearts just as we begin to shift our hearts just as we begin to shift our hearts into worship. And I want you to hear into worship. And I want you to hear into worship. And I want you to hear what the psalmist says about the glory what the psalmist says about the glory what the psalmist says about the glory of God going out among the nations. And of God going out among the nations. And of God going out among the nations. And what's beautiful about this is when we

what's beautiful about this is when we what's beautiful about this is when we think about evangelism and sharing, think about evangelism and sharing, think about evangelism and sharing, we're often thinking about that through we're often thinking about that through we're often thinking about that through a New Testament lens. But this is a a New Testament lens. But this is a a New Testament lens. But this is a biblical reality from start to finish. biblical reality from start to finish. biblical reality from start to finish. God's people were meant to spread his God's people were meant to spread his God's people were meant to spread his glory and his fame and his renown to the glory and his fame and his renown to the glory and his fame and his renown to the ends of the year. So Psalm 96, ends of the year. So Psalm 96, ends of the year. So Psalm 96, sing a new song to the Lord. Let the sing a new song to the Lord. Let the sing a new song to the Lord. Let the whole earth whole earth whole earth sing to the Lord. Sing to the Lord. sing to the Lord. Sing to the Lord. sing to the Lord. Sing to the Lord. Bless his name. Proclaim his salvation Bless his name. Proclaim his salvation Bless his name. Proclaim his salvation from day to day. Declare his glory among from day to day. Declare his glory among from day to day. Declare his glory among the nations. His wondrous works among the nations. His wondrous works among the nations. His wondrous works among all peoples. You're worthy of every song we could You're worthy of every song we could ever sing.

Worthy of all the praise we could ever Worthy of all the praise we could ever bring. Worthy of every breath we could ever Worthy of every breath we could ever bring. We live for you. bring. We live for you. bring. We live for you. You alone, Jesus. Worthy of every breath we could ever Worthy of every breath we could ever breathe. We live for you. breathe. We live for you. breathe. We live for you. Holy Holy Holy living Jesus. living Jesus. living Jesus. Holy, Holy, Holy, there is no one like you. There is none there is no one like you. There is none there is no one like you. There is none beside you. Open up my eyes in wonder. beside you. Open up my eyes in wonder. beside you. Open up my eyes in wonder. Show me who you are and fill me with Show me who you are and fill me with Show me who you are and fill me with your heart and lead me in your love to your heart and lead me in your love to your heart and lead me in your love to those around those around those around me.

Worthy of every song we give. Worthy of every song we give. Yes, you are. Yes, you are. Yes, you are. You're worthy of all the praise we could You're worthy of all the praise we could You're worthy of all the praise we could ever bring. So we will ever bring. So we will ever bring. So we will worthy of every breath we could ever worthy of every breath we could ever worthy of every breath we could ever bring. We live for you. bring. We live for you. bring. We live for you. Have it all. Have it all. Have it all. Have it all. Jesus. Have it all. Jesus. Have it all. Jesus. Jesus. The name above every other. Jesus. The name above every other. Jesus. The name above every other. The only one. The only one. The only one. Jesus. The only one that could ever say. Jesus. The only one that could ever say. Jesus. The only one that could ever say. Worthy. Worthy. Worthy. Worthy of every breath we could ever Worthy of every breath we could ever Worthy of every breath we could ever bring. We live for you. bring. We live for you. bring. We live for you. Holy Holy Holy living living living Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, you're holy. you're holy. you're holy. There is no one like you. There is none There is no one like you. There is none There is no one like you. There is none beside you. Open up my eyes in wonder.

beside you. Open up my eyes in wonder. beside you. Open up my eyes in wonder. Show me who you are and fill me with Show me who you are and fill me with Show me who you are and fill me with your heart and lead me in love to those your heart and lead me in love to those your heart and lead me in love to those around you. You're holy. around you. You're holy. around you. You're holy. There is no one like you. There is none There is no one like you. There is none There is no one like you. There is none beside you. Open up my eyes and won't beside you. Open up my eyes and won't beside you. Open up my eyes and won't you show me who you are and fill me with you show me who you are and fill me with you show me who you are and fill me with your heart and lead me in your love to your heart and lead me in your love to your heart and lead me in your love to those around those around those around me. I give you my life. I give you my life. I give you my voice. I give you my voice. I give you my voice. I give you all of me, Jesus. I give you all of me, Jesus. I give you all of me, Jesus. Give you my life. Give you my life. Give you my life. I give you my voice.

All of me, Jesus. All of me, Jesus. And I will build my life And I will build my life And I will build my life upon your love. It is a firm foundation. upon your love. It is a firm foundation. upon your love. It is a firm foundation. And I will put my trust in you alone. And I will put my trust in you alone. And I will put my trust in you alone. And I will not be shen. And I will not be shen. And I will not be shen. And I will build my you are you are you are you are there is no one like you there is none there is no one like you there is none there is no one like you there is none beside you beside you beside you my eyes.

my eyes. my eyes. Won't you show me? Show me who you are Won't you show me? Show me who you are Won't you show me? Show me who you are with your heart. Heat. Heat. Heat. I will not be saved. You're all I will not be saved. You're all there is no one like you. There is none there is no one like you. There is none there is no one like you. There is none beside you. Open up my eyes in wonder beside you. Open up my eyes in wonder beside you. Open up my eyes in wonder and show me who you are and fill me with and show me who you are and fill me with and show me who you are and fill me with your heart and lead me in your love to your heart and lead me in your love to your heart and lead me in your love to those around those around those around me.

When I was lost and all alone, your When I was lost and all alone, your presence was where I found home. You presence was where I found home. You presence was where I found home. You were there and you're here right now. >> In every high and every low, you never >> In every high and every low, you never left me without hope. You were good and left me without hope. You were good and left me without hope. You were good and you're good right now. I've witnessed your faithfulness. I've witnessed your faithfulness. I've seen you breathe life within. So I've seen you breathe life within. So I've seen you breathe life within. So I'll pour out my praise again. You're I'll pour out my praise again. You're I'll pour out my praise again. You're worthy, God. You're worthy of all of it. worthy, God. You're worthy of all of it. worthy, God. You're worthy of all of it. Your promise is never fail. I've got Your promise is never fail. I've got Your promise is never fail. I've got stories I live to tell. So pour out my stories I live to tell. So pour out my stories I live to tell. So pour out my praise again. You're worthy, God. You're praise again. You're worthy, God. You're praise again. You're worthy, God. You're worthy of all of it.

Yes, you are. Yes, you are. >> You left the throne and chose the cross. >> You left the throne and chose the cross. >> You left the throne and chose the cross. Laid down your life to rescue us. The Laid down your life to rescue us. The Laid down your life to rescue us. The savior death and the savior now. But even death was not the end. You But even death was not the end. You conquered hell so I could live. conquered hell so I could live. conquered hell so I could live. Resurrecting. Resurrecting. Resurrecting. Resurrecting Resurrecting Resurrecting now. Resurrecting. Resurrecting. Resurrecting. I witness your faithfulness. I witness your faithfulness. I see you with my praise my praise your way. You're good and I've witnessed it.

You're good and I've witnessed it. You're strong and I've witnessed it. You're strong and I've witnessed it. You're strong and I've witnessed it. You're constant. I've witness it and I'm You're constant. I've witness it and I'm You're constant. I've witness it and I'm confident. confident. confident. I'll see it again and again. You loving, I'll see it again and again. You loving, I'll see it again and again. You loving, I've witnessed it. I've witnessed it. I've witnessed it. You healing, I've witnessed it. You healing, I've witnessed it. You healing, I've witnessed it. You save and I've witness it and I'm You save and I've witness it and I'm You save and I've witness it and I'm confident. confident. confident. I'll see it again and again. You're good I'll see it again and again. You're good I'll see it again and again. You're good and I'm witnessing. and I'm witnessing. and I'm witnessing. You're strong and I'm witnessing. You're strong and I'm witnessing. You're strong and I'm witnessing. You're constant. I've witness it and I'm You're constant. I've witness it and I'm You're constant. I've witness it and I'm confident. confident. confident. I'll see it again and again. You I'll see it again and again. You I'll see it again and again. You witness. witness. witness. You hearing the witness. You hearing the witness. You hearing the witness. You save. Heat.

Heat. Heat. Yeah. Yeah. Heat.

You are good. You are good. You are faithful. You are faithful. You are faithful. You are here. I've witnessed your faithfulness. I've witnessed your faithfulness. I've seen you breathe life within. So I've seen you breathe life within. So I've seen you breathe life within. So I'll pour out my praise again. You're I'll pour out my praise again. You're I'll pour out my praise again. You're worthy, God. You're worthy of all of it. worthy, God. You're worthy of all of it. worthy, God. You're worthy of all of it. Your promises never fail. Your promises never fail. Your promises never fail. >> I've got stories I live to tell. So I'll >> I've got stories I live to tell. So I'll >> I've got stories I live to tell. So I'll pour out my praise again. You're worthy, pour out my praise again. You're worthy, pour out my praise again. You're worthy, God. You're worthy of all of it. Shout Jesus from the mountains. Shout Jesus from the mountains. Jesus in the stream. Jesus in the stream. Jesus in the stream. Jesus in the darkness over every eneus for my family.

for my family. I speak the holy name I speak the holy name I speak the holy name Jesus. Jesus. Jesus. >> You're what they need. So you're what we >> You're what they need. So you're what we >> You're what they need. So you're what we bring. Lord, bring. Lord, bring. Lord, shout Jesus from a mountain shout Jesus from a mountain shout Jesus from a mountain and Jesus in the street. and Jesus in the street. and Jesus in the street. Jesus in the darkness over every end of Jesus in the darkness over every end of Jesus in the darkness over every end of you. you. you. Jesus for my family. I speak the holy Jesus for my family. I speak the holy Jesus for my family. I speak the holy name. name. name. Jesus. Jesus. Jesus. >> You're what they need. Secure what we'll >> You're what they need. Secure what we'll >> You're what they need. Secure what we'll bring. bring. bring. Shout Jesus from the mountain Shout Jesus from the mountain Shout Jesus from the mountain and Jesus in the street. and Jesus in the street. and Jesus in the street. Jesus in the darkness over every enmy. Jesus in the darkness over every enmy. Jesus in the darkness over every enmy. Jesus for my family. Jesus for my family. Jesus for my family. I speak the holy name I speak the holy name I speak the holy name Jesus.

Yeah, Lord, you are what we need. You Yeah, Lord, you are what we need. You are what the world needs. are what the world needs. are what the world needs. You are what I need. You are what I need. You are what I need. So Lord, find me. Find us more quickly So Lord, find me. Find us more quickly So Lord, find me. Find us more quickly calling on that name. calling on that name. calling on that name. For all of our anxieties, for all of our For all of our anxieties, for all of our For all of our anxieties, for all of our fears, fears, fears, for all the places we think we have it for all the places we think we have it for all the places we think we have it together and don't need anyone but together and don't need anyone but together and don't need anyone but actually do, Lord, find us calling on actually do, Lord, find us calling on actually do, Lord, find us calling on that name. And then as I recognize as we recognize And then as I recognize as we recognize how much we need you, how dependent on how much we need you, how dependent on how much we need you, how dependent on you we are. May we be a people who see you we are. May we be a people who see you we are. May we be a people who see others that way as well. In need of others that way as well. In need of others that way as well. In need of Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, in need of the gospel, in need of the in need of the gospel, in need of the in need of the gospel, in need of the good gift that you've given to us, the good gift that you've given to us, the good gift that you've given to us, the love you've lavished on us that we don't love you've lavished on us that we don't love you've lavished on us that we don't keep, that we don't hoard, but that we keep, that we don't hoard, but that we keep, that we don't hoard, but that we share and we spread and we herald. share and we spread and we herald. share and we spread and we herald. Lord, find us a people who are bold to Lord, find us a people who are bold to Lord, find us a people who are bold to praise you loudly, but then to proclaim praise you loudly, but then to proclaim praise you loudly, but then to proclaim the name of Jesus as well, to point to the name of Jesus as well, to point to the name of Jesus as well, to point to you without fear in every space we're you without fear in every space we're you without fear in every space we're in, in every moment we find ourselves in, in every moment we find ourselves in, in every moment we find ourselves in. Lord, you're worthy of all of that.

in. Lord, you're worthy of all of that. in. Lord, you're worthy of all of that. And you've given us so much more. So, we And you've given us so much more. So, we And you've given us so much more. So, we bring that little and offer it to you. bring that little and offer it to you. bring that little and offer it to you. Find us a people who speak the name of Find us a people who speak the name of Find us a people who speak the name of Jesus. It's in his name we pray. Amen. >> Uh hey, if I haven't met you yet, my >> Uh hey, if I haven't met you yet, my name is Trevor Joy. I'm one of the name is Trevor Joy. I'm one of the name is Trevor Joy. I'm one of the pastors and elders here. Uh and while I pastors and elders here. Uh and while I pastors and elders here. Uh and while I really do miss getting to gather as a really do miss getting to gather as a really do miss getting to gather as a church like we normally do every week, I church like we normally do every week, I church like we normally do every week, I really think that these couple of weeks really think that these couple of weeks really think that these couple of weeks can be just a divine disruption from the can be just a divine disruption from the can be just a divine disruption from the Lord. And I know there's a lot of Lord. And I know there's a lot of Lord. And I know there's a lot of different expressions of how people are different expressions of how people are different expressions of how people are gathering in these couple weeks. They're gathering in these couple weeks. They're gathering in these couple weeks. They're gathering as families and communities. gathering as families and communities. gathering as families and communities. So many different sizes and expressions. So many different sizes and expressions. So many different sizes and expressions. But what the church is looking like for But what the church is looking like for But what the church is looking like for TVC in these couple weeks is really what TVC in these couple weeks is really what TVC in these couple weeks is really what the church looks like for the rest of the church looks like for the rest of the church looks like for the rest of the most of the world. They don't have the most of the world. They don't have the most of the world. They don't have this building. They don't have these this building. They don't have these this building. They don't have these spaces. They don't have the freedom of spaces. They don't have the freedom of spaces. They don't have the freedom of worship to gather. And as we gather in worship to gather. And as we gather in worship to gather. And as we gather in these smaller pockets and homes, we get these smaller pockets and homes, we get these smaller pockets and homes, we get to reflect a lot of what the church to reflect a lot of what the church to reflect a lot of what the church looks like throughout the rest of the looks like throughout the rest of the looks like throughout the rest of the world. And I love that I get to preach world. And I love that I get to preach world. And I love that I get to preach to a church that's scattered. And I get to a church that's scattered. And I get to a church that's scattered. And I get to preach on evangelism to churches to preach on evangelism to churches to preach on evangelism to churches literally scattered throughout the rest literally scattered throughout the rest literally scattered throughout the rest of the community. But what we've decided of the community. But what we've decided of the community. But what we've decided to take these three weeks and focus on to take these three weeks and focus on to take these three weeks and focus on is our mission statement to love God, is our mission statement to love God, is 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 every week we've had a Christ. And every week we've had a Christ. And every week we've had a practical focus for each part of that practical focus for each part of that practical focus for each part of that mission statement. Week one, loving God mission statement. Week one, loving God mission statement. Week one, loving God was a practice of Sabbath. The next week was a practice of Sabbath. The next week was a practice of Sabbath. The next week was loving people and the practice was was loving people and the practice was was loving people and the practice was what it means to serve. And this week, what it means to serve. And this week, what it means to serve. And this week, we're talking about the command to make we're talking about the command to make we're talking about the command to make disciples and the practice is sharing disciples and the practice is sharing disciples and the practice is sharing your faith. So Mason when he began our your faith. So Mason when he began our your faith. So Mason when he began our first week on what it means to love God, first week on what it means to love God, first week on what it means to love God, we started there because the love of God

we started there because the love of God we started there because the love of God changes everything. The Bible says that changes everything. The Bible says that changes everything. The Bible says that for those who are in Christ, we are a for those who are in Christ, we are a for those who are in Christ, we are a new creation. Not refurbished, not new creation. Not refurbished, not new creation. Not refurbished, not dusted off, but new. Because the love of dusted off, but new. Because the love of dusted off, but new. Because the love of God changes everything about who we are. God changes everything about who we are. God changes everything about who we are. That's the good news of the gospel for That's the good news of the gospel for That's the good news of the gospel for me and for you. And the love of God me and for you. And the love of God me and for you. And the love of God doesn't just change who we are. It doesn't just change who we are. It doesn't just change who we are. It changes how we see and exist in the changes how we see and exist in the changes how we see and exist in the world. That we have something different world. That we have something different world. That we have something different that compels our life now. And our that compels our life now. And our that compels our life now. And our mission statement reads, "Love God than mission statement reads, "Love God than mission statement reads, "Love God than love people." because this is the flow love people." because this is the flow love people." because this is the flow of the gospel. God's love and the of the gospel. God's love and the of the gospel. God's love and the life-changing message of the gospel is life-changing message of the gospel is life-changing message of the gospel is never intended to stop with you, but to never intended to stop with you, but to never intended to stop with you, but to flow through you. And Nick talked about flow through you. And Nick talked about flow through you. And Nick talked about last week what it means for the love of last week what it means for the love of last week what it means for the love of God to move us towards people with that God to move us towards people with that God to move us towards people with that love. And as we're reconciled to God, love. And as we're reconciled to God, love. And as we're reconciled to God, we're brought into his kingdom. We begin we're brought into his kingdom. We begin we're brought into his kingdom. We begin living as a kingdom people both in how living as a kingdom people both in how living as a kingdom people both in how we see and live in the world. I love 2 we see and live in the world. I love 2 we see and live in the world. I love 2 Corinthians 5. It says that in Christ, Corinthians 5. It says that in Christ, Corinthians 5. It says that in Christ, God has reconciled the world to himself God has reconciled the world to himself God has reconciled the world to himself and made us messengers of and made us messengers of and made us messengers of reconciliation. God making his appeal reconciliation. God making his appeal reconciliation. God making his appeal through us. The kingdom of God doesn't through us. The kingdom of God doesn't through us. The kingdom of God doesn't advance through programs. It advances advance through programs. It advances advance through programs. It advances through people. That's God's strategy. through people. That's God's strategy. through people. That's God's strategy. And being Jesus to the world can and And being Jesus to the world can and And being Jesus to the world can and should take on a number of forms.

should take on a number of forms. should take on a number of forms. There's a ton of things in the world There's a ton of things in the world There's a ton of things in the world that God cares about so much and wants that God cares about so much and wants that God cares about so much and wants to see redeemed. And there are a lot of to see redeemed. And there are a lot of to see redeemed. And there are a lot of brokenness that exists in our own brokenness that exists in our own brokenness that exists in our own community that I know God wants to see community that I know God wants to see community that I know God wants to see healed and redeemed. But that's what go healed and redeemed. But that's what go healed and redeemed. But that's what go the gospel ultimately does. But the the gospel ultimately does. But the the gospel ultimately does. But the mission statement, our mission statement mission statement, our mission statement mission statement, our mission statement doesn't end with the great commandment doesn't end with the great commandment doesn't end with the great commandment for no reason. It ends with great for no reason. It ends with great for no reason. It ends with great commandment because it is the greatest commandment because it is the greatest commandment because it is the greatest commandment. Making disciples of Jesus commandment. Making disciples of Jesus commandment. Making disciples of Jesus Christ. That's the priority and the Christ. That's the priority and the Christ. That's the priority and the purpose for why the church exists in the purpose for why the church exists in the purpose for why the church exists in the world. The only true hope for sin and world. The only true hope for sin and world. The only true hope for sin and brokenness in a community is not money. brokenness in a community is not money. brokenness in a community is not money. It's not elections. It's not programs. It's not elections. It's not programs. It's not elections. It's not programs. The only real hope is the gospel The only real hope is the gospel The only real hope is the gospel penetrating the heart of every man, penetrating the heart of every man, penetrating the heart of every man, woman, and child in that community. You woman, and child in that community. You woman, and child in that community. You want to see change? The gospel is the want to see change? The gospel is the want to see change? The gospel is the only hope for true change. And hear me only hope for true change. And hear me only hope for true change. And hear me church. There are a number of great and church. There are a number of great and church. There are a number of great and worthy causes that can capture our time worthy causes that can capture our time worthy causes that can capture our time and our attention. But the primary task and our attention. But the primary task and our attention. But the primary task in the world for every follower of Jesus in the world for every follower of Jesus in the world for every follower of Jesus is to make more followers of Jesus. The is to make more followers of Jesus. The is to make more followers of Jesus. The reason you exist on the street where you reason you exist on the street where you reason you exist on the street where you live, the job you go to, the school you live, the job you go to, the school you live, the job you go to, the school you drop your kids at, the stores you shop drop your kids at, the stores you shop drop your kids at, the stores you shop at, is because our God desires that none at, is because our God desires that none at, is because our God desires that none would perish. But all the folks that would perish. But all the folks that would perish. But all the folks that inhabit those places who don't know his inhabit those places who don't know his inhabit those places who don't know his love would come to a saving knowledge of love would come to a saving knowledge of love would come to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. And you are his strategy Jesus Christ. And you are his strategy Jesus Christ. And you are his strategy for accomplishing that. My one big truth for accomplishing that. My one big truth for accomplishing that. My one big truth I want to leave with you from our time I want to leave with you from our time I want to leave with you from our time today. And this is it. And hopefully today. And this is it. And hopefully today. And this is it. And hopefully it's going to be on the screen for you it's going to be on the screen for you it's going to be on the screen for you to see. Making disciples is the primary to see. Making disciples is the primary to see. Making disciples is the primary way followers of Jesus advance his way followers of Jesus advance his way followers of Jesus advance his kingdom. I want to say it again because kingdom. I want to say it again because kingdom. I want to say it again because I want us to hear that. There are so I want us to hear that. There are so I want us to hear that. There are so many things grasping for our attention.

many things grasping for our attention. many things grasping for our attention. Making disciples is the primary way Making disciples is the primary way Making disciples is the primary way followers of Jesus advance his kingdom. followers of Jesus advance his kingdom. followers of Jesus advance his kingdom. And I want to start by sharing a really And I want to start by sharing a really And I want to start by sharing a really compelling story with you about two compelling story with you about two compelling story with you about two followers of Jesus. In 1932, followers of Jesus. In 1932, followers of Jesus. In 1932, John and Betty Stam sailed from US to John and Betty Stam sailed from US to John and Betty Stam sailed from US to China to serve as missionaries in the China to serve as missionaries in the China to serve as missionaries in the Anaheim province with China in the Anaheim province with China in the Anaheim province with China in the mission. This is when communism was mission. This is when communism was mission. This is when communism was continuing to grow and violence, continuing to grow and violence, continuing to grow and violence, especially among Christians, had been especially among Christians, had been especially among Christians, had been pretty severe. And in 1934, just after pretty severe. And in 1934, just after pretty severe. And in 1934, just after they had welcomed the birth of their they had welcomed the birth of their they had welcomed the birth of their daughter, Priscilla, the communist daughter, Priscilla, the communist daughter, Priscilla, the communist gerillas were attacking all throughout gerillas were attacking all throughout gerillas were attacking all throughout the countryside where they lived. The the countryside where they lived. The the countryside where they lived. The word had gotten to the stams that they word had gotten to the stams that they word had gotten to the stams that they were not safe and were going to need to were not safe and were going to need to were not safe and were going to need to evacuate the city where they lived. The evacuate the city where they lived. The evacuate the city where they lived. The next morning, John Stan woke up to a next morning, John Stan woke up to a next morning, John Stan woke up to a loud pounding on his door. Communist loud pounding on his door. Communist loud pounding on his door. Communist soldiers attacked them in their home and soldiers attacked them in their home and soldiers attacked them in their home and took the family prisoner. They took them took the family prisoner. They took them took the family prisoner. They took them on a grueling march to the next town on a grueling march to the next town on a grueling march to the next town where they held him captive, threatening where they held him captive, threatening where they held him captive, threatening to kill all of them. And that night, to kill all of them. And that night, to kill all of them. And that night, they told John, they said, "Hey, we want they told John, they said, "Hey, we want they told John, they said, "Hey, we want you to write a ransom letter to your you to write a ransom letter to your you to write a ransom letter to your missions organization requesting $20,000 missions organization requesting $20,000 missions organization requesting $20,000 in ransom." And the next day, the in ransom." And the next day, the in ransom." And the next day, the soldiers decided that an execution would soldiers decided that an execution would soldiers decided that an execution would do more for their cause than the ransom.

do more for their cause than the ransom. do more for their cause than the ransom. So that morning they took the newborn So that morning they took the newborn So that morning they took the newborn baby from John and Betty and they began baby from John and Betty and they began baby from John and Betty and they began stripped him naked and marched him stripped him naked and marched him stripped him naked and marched him through the streets and they paraded him through the streets and they paraded him through the streets and they paraded him through the streets to embarrass him and through the streets to embarrass him and through the streets to embarrass him and to an excited crowd. And on the way to to an excited crowd. And on the way to to an excited crowd. And on the way to their execution, John handed that their execution, John handed that their execution, John handed that crumbled letter that he had written the crumbled letter that he had written the crumbled letter that he had written the night before uh to one of his men night before uh to one of his men night before uh to one of his men standing outside and he asked him, "Hey, standing outside and he asked him, "Hey, standing outside and he asked him, "Hey, would you mail this?" Once a crowd would you mail this?" Once a crowd would you mail this?" Once a crowd gathered, they executed them in public gathered, they executed them in public gathered, they executed them in public on top of a hill and left their bodies on top of a hill and left their bodies on top of a hill and left their bodies there as a warning to the Christians. there as a warning to the Christians. there as a warning to the Christians. And one of these Chinese Christian And one of these Chinese Christian And one of these Chinese Christian leaders, his name was Pastor Low, was leaders, his name was Pastor Low, was leaders, his name was Pastor Low, was able to escape the mountains before the able to escape the mountains before the able to escape the mountains before the soldier came. He heard that the st the soldier came. He heard that the st the soldier came. He heard that the st the stamps had been executed. And he risked stamps had been executed. And he risked stamps had been executed. And he risked his life to go and see this for himself. his life to go and see this for himself. his life to go and see this for himself. And coming to the hill, he saw their And coming to the hill, he saw their And coming to the hill, he saw their bodies still lying there where the bodies still lying there where the bodies still lying there where the soldiers had left them. And standing soldiers had left them. And standing soldiers had left them. And standing over his brother and his sister who had over his brother and his sister who had over his brother and his sister who had just been martyed for the faith, filled just been martyed for the faith, filled just been martyed for the faith, filled with the Holy Spirit, Pastor Low prayed with the Holy Spirit, Pastor Low prayed with the Holy Spirit, Pastor Low prayed the gospel of grace would fill those the gospel of grace would fill those the gospel of grace would fill those streets. And he began to preach that streets. And he began to preach that streets. And he began to preach that gospel to the crowd who gathered there. gospel to the crowd who gathered there. gospel to the crowd who gathered there. This is what he said. He said, 'You've This is what he said. He said, 'You've This is what he said. He said, 'You've seen these wounded bodies and you pity seen these wounded bodies and you pity seen these wounded bodies and you pity our friends for their suffering and our friends for their suffering and our friends for their suffering and death, but you should know that they are death, but you should know that they are death, but you should know that they are children of God. Their spirits unharmed children of God. Their spirits unharmed children of God. Their spirits unharmed and are at this moment in the presence and are at this moment in the presence and are at this moment in the presence of their heavenly father. They came to of their heavenly father. They came to of their heavenly father. They came to China not for themselves but for you to China not for themselves but for you to China not for themselves but for you to tell you about the great love of God tell you about the great love of God tell you about the great love of God that you might believe in the Lord Jesus that you might believe in the Lord Jesus that you might believe in the Lord Jesus and be eternally saved. You've heard and be eternally saved. You've heard and be eternally saved. You've heard their message. Remember it is true that their message. Remember it is true that their message. Remember it is true that this death proves it so. Do not forget this death proves it so. Do not forget this death proves it so. Do not forget what they told you. Repent and believe what they told you. Repent and believe what they told you. Repent and believe the gospel.

the gospel. the gospel. But I want to read you the letter that But I want to read you the letter that But I want to read you the letter that John Stam wrote that night that he had John Stam wrote that night that he had John Stam wrote that night that he had mailed the next day right before he's mailed the next day right before he's mailed the next day right before he's executed. He said this. Dear brethren, executed. He said this. Dear brethren, executed. He said this. Dear brethren, my wife, baby, and myself are today in my wife, baby, and myself are today in my wife, baby, and myself are today in the hands of the communists in the city the hands of the communists in the city the hands of the communists in the city of of Jing. Their demand is 20,000 for of of Jing. Their demand is 20,000 for of of Jing. Their demand is 20,000 for our release. All of our possessions and our release. All of our possessions and our release. All of our possessions and stores are in their hands. But we praise stores are in their hands. But we praise stores are in their hands. But we praise God. We have peace in our hearts. And we God. We have peace in our hearts. And we God. We have peace in our hearts. And we had a meal tonight. God grant you wisdom had a meal tonight. God grant you wisdom had a meal tonight. God grant you wisdom in what you do. and us fortitude, in what you do. and us fortitude, in what you do. and us fortitude, courage, and peace of heart. He is able courage, and peace of heart. He is able courage, and peace of heart. He is able and a wonderful friend in such a time. and a wonderful friend in such a time. and a wonderful friend in such a time. Things happened so quickly this am. They Things happened so quickly this am. They Things happened so quickly this am. They were in the city just a few hours after were in the city just a few hours after were in the city just a few hours after the everpresent rumors really became the everpresent rumors really became the everpresent rumors really became alarming so that we could not prepare to alarming so that we could not prepare to alarming so that we could not prepare to leave in time. We were just too late. leave in time. We were just too late. leave in time. We were just too late. The Lord bless you and guide you. And as The Lord bless you and guide you. And as The Lord bless you and guide you. And as for us, may God be glorified whether by for us, may God be glorified whether by for us, may God be glorified whether by life or by death. life or by death. life or by death. And I wanted to share this story with And I wanted to share this story with And I wanted to share this story with you because when the gospel came to John you because when the gospel came to John you because when the gospel came to John and Betty Stam, it changed everything and Betty Stam, it changed everything and Betty Stam, it changed everything about who they were and how they saw about who they were and how they saw about who they were and how they saw their purpose in the world. When they their purpose in the world. When they their purpose in the world. When they encountered God's love, they were encountered God's love, they were encountered God's love, they were willing to risk everything that others willing to risk everything that others willing to risk everything that others might experience it, too. Because God's might experience it, too. Because God's might experience it, too. Because God's love is so great, it can't stay with love is so great, it can't stay with love is so great, it can't stay with them. That's what it means to have a them. That's what it means to have a them. That's what it means to have a life transformed by the power of the life transformed by the power of the life transformed by the power of the gospel. I can't experience the profound gospel. I can't experience the profound gospel. I can't experience the profound love of God and have every aspect of how love of God and have every aspect of how love of God and have every aspect of how I see the world not changed by it. Have I see the world not changed by it. Have I see the world not changed by it. Have every aspect of how I live in the world every aspect of how I live in the world every aspect of how I live in the world not changed by it. Because the love of not changed by it. Because the love of not changed by it. Because the love of God doesn't just mean forgiveness for my

God doesn't just mean forgiveness for my God doesn't just mean forgiveness for my past life. It gives purpose to my past life. It gives purpose to my past life. It gives purpose to my present life. The love of God doesn't present life. The love of God doesn't present life. The love of God doesn't invite just invite me into relationship invite just invite me into relationship invite just invite me into relationship with him. It invites me into with him. It invites me into with him. It invites me into participation with him. Because the participation with him. Because the participation with him. Because the gospel doesn't just create fans, it gospel doesn't just create fans, it gospel doesn't just create fans, it creates followers. creates followers. creates followers. And a concern I have for the Western And a concern I have for the Western And a concern I have for the Western church is that we've confused being a church is that we've confused being a church is that we've confused being a follower of Jesus with being a fan of follower of Jesus with being a fan of follower of Jesus with being a fan of Jesus. Jesus. Jesus. Fans, they give time, they give money, Fans, they give time, they give money, Fans, they give time, they give money, resources, even worship, but they never resources, even worship, but they never resources, even worship, but they never actually play. There are devoted fans, actually play. There are devoted fans, actually play. There are devoted fans, extreme fans, but it doesn't matter how extreme fans, but it doesn't matter how extreme fans, but it doesn't matter how much you rep the brand. Fans never do much you rep the brand. Fans never do much you rep the brand. Fans never do anything but watch. anything but watch. anything but watch. And we know how to be fans, but Jesus And we know how to be fans, but Jesus And we know how to be fans, but Jesus doesn't call us to be fans. He calls us doesn't call us to be fans. He calls us doesn't call us to be fans. He calls us to be followers. In fact, the New to be followers. In fact, the New to be followers. In fact, the New Testament doesn't have a paradigm for a Testament doesn't have a paradigm for a Testament doesn't have a paradigm for a disciple of Jesus that's not a follower disciple of Jesus that's not a follower disciple of Jesus that's not a follower of Jesus. of Jesus. of Jesus. We are a people who follow Jesus. Over We are a people who follow Jesus. Over We are a people who follow Jesus. Over 21 times in the New Testament alone, 21 times in the New Testament alone, 21 times in the New Testament alone, Jesus says the phrase, "Follow me." Jesus says the phrase, "Follow me." Jesus says the phrase, "Follow me." Here's just a couple. Matthew 4:19, Here's just a couple. Matthew 4:19, Here's just a couple. Matthew 4:19, "Follow me and I'll make you fishers of "Follow me and I'll make you fishers of "Follow me and I'll make you fishers of men." Luke 9. To another, he said, men." Luke 9. To another, he said, men." Luke 9. To another, he said, "Follow me." But he said, "Lord, let me "Follow me." But he said, "Lord, let me "Follow me." But he said, "Lord, let me first go and bury my father." And he first go and bury my father." And he first go and bury my father." And he said, "Follow me and let the dead bury said, "Follow me and let the dead bury said, "Follow me and let the dead bury the dead." Mark 2. After this, he went the dead." Mark 2. After this, he went the dead." Mark 2. After this, he went out and saw a tax collector named Levi out and saw a tax collector named Levi out and saw a tax collector named Levi sitting at tax booth. And he said to sitting at tax booth. And he said to sitting at tax booth. And he said to him, "Follow me." Matthew 16, "If anyone him, "Follow me." Matthew 16, "If anyone him, "Follow me." Matthew 16, "If anyone would come after me, let him deny would come after me, let him deny would come after me, let him deny himself, take up his cross, and follow himself, take up his cross, and follow himself, take up his cross, and follow me." Mark 10, Jesus said to him, "If you me." Mark 10, Jesus said to him, "If you me." Mark 10, Jesus said to him, "If you would go, if you would be perfect, go would go, if you would be perfect, go would go, if you would be perfect, go sell all you possess and give to the sell all you possess and give to the sell all you possess and give to the poor, and you'll have treasure in poor, and you'll have treasure in poor, and you'll have treasure in heaven, and come follow me." Luke 14, heaven, and come follow me." Luke 14, heaven, and come follow me." Luke 14, whoever does not bear his own cross and

whoever does not bear his own cross and whoever does not bear his own cross and follow after me cannot be my disciple. follow after me cannot be my disciple. follow after me cannot be my disciple. Life with Jesus was never intended to be Life with Jesus was never intended to be Life with Jesus was never intended to be experienced like a fan but a follower. experienced like a fan but a follower. experienced like a fan but a follower. And I want to let that sink in because And I want to let that sink in because And I want to let that sink in because there's a lot of places in the world there's a lot of places in the world there's a lot of places in the world where believing that will get you where believing that will get you where believing that will get you killed. killed. killed. John and Betty Stam died because they John and Betty Stam died because they John and Betty Stam died because they believed and followed Christ. And we believed and followed Christ. And we believed and followed Christ. And we have countless other brothers and have countless other brothers and have countless other brothers and sisters around the world today who are sisters around the world today who are sisters around the world today who are risking their lives because they follow risking their lives because they follow risking their lives because they follow Jesus. Jesus. Jesus. There's some hiding this very time There's some hiding this very time There's some hiding this very time you're watching this in forest and small you're watching this in forest and small you're watching this in forest and small rooms because following Jesus would cost rooms because following Jesus would cost rooms because following Jesus would cost them everything. But we are a people who them everything. But we are a people who them everything. But we are a people who follow Jesus Christ. We don't just follow Jesus Christ. We don't just follow Jesus Christ. We don't just admire him. We don't just sing to him. admire him. We don't just sing to him. admire him. We don't just sing to him. We don't just listen to other people We don't just listen to other people We don't just listen to other people talk about him. We follow him. And Jesus talk about him. We follow him. And Jesus talk about him. We follow him. And Jesus didn't endure the cross so you could didn't endure the cross so you could didn't endure the cross so you could watch the story of his kingdom unfold watch the story of his kingdom unfold watch the story of his kingdom unfold like an epic movie. He endured the cross like an epic movie. He endured the cross like an epic movie. He endured the cross to bring you into the kingdom and to bring you into the kingdom and to bring you into the kingdom and through you grow the kingdom. So the through you grow the kingdom. So the through you grow the kingdom. So the text I want to read together today is text I want to read together today is text I want to read together today is the same text that John and Betty Stan the same text that John and Betty Stan the same text that John and Betty Stan were confronted with while they were were confronted with while they were were confronted with while they were students at Moody College. They read students at Moody College. They read students at Moody College. They read this text and realized the only right this text and realized the only right this text and realized the only right response to the word of God. What it response to the word of God. What it response to the word of God. What it says here is a life devoted to following says here is a life devoted to following says here is a life devoted to following King Jesus and full surrender to his King Jesus and full surrender to his King Jesus and full surrender to his purposes. So as we read this text, as purposes. So as we read this text, as purposes. So as we read this text, as we're confronted with these same truths, we're confronted with these same truths, we're confronted with these same truths, my prayer is really there would be a my prayer is really there would be a my prayer is really there would be a revival among our church, revival among revival among our church, revival among revival among our church, revival among the church of single-minded devotion to the church of single-minded devotion to the church of single-minded devotion to King Jesus and what it means to follow King Jesus and what it means to follow King Jesus and what it means to follow him and his purposes. So read along with him and his purposes. So read along with him and his purposes. So read along with me in John 10 me in John 10 me in John 10 chapter 14 or chapter 10 14-16 chapter 14 or chapter 10 14-16 chapter 14 or chapter 10 14-16 says I am the good shepherd. I know my

says I am the good shepherd. I know my says I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me and just as the own and my own know me and just as the own and my own know me and just as the father knows me and I know the father father knows me and I know the father father knows me and I know the father and I lay down my life for the sheep and and I lay down my life for the sheep and and I lay down my life for the sheep and I have other sheep that are not of this I have other sheep that are not of this I have other sheep that are not of this fold and I must bring them in also and fold and I must bring them in also and fold and I must bring them in also and they will listen to my voice and so they will listen to my voice and so they will listen to my voice and so there will be one flock and one there will be one flock and one there will be one flock and one shepherd. Now I got three takeaways from shepherd. Now I got three takeaways from shepherd. Now I got three takeaways from this passage. I'm not in a hurry, but I this passage. I'm not in a hurry, but I this passage. I'm not in a hurry, but I do want to move with purp with purpose. do want to move with purp with purpose. do want to move with purp with purpose. And the first one is this. Everyone And the first one is this. Everyone And the first one is this. Everyone Jesus calls his, he paid for in full. Jesus calls his, he paid for in full. Jesus calls his, he paid for in full. It's the first point of this passage. It's the first point of this passage. It's the first point of this passage. Everyone who Jesus calls his, he paid Everyone who Jesus calls his, he paid Everyone who Jesus calls his, he paid for in full. Why? Jesus says, "I lay for in full. Why? Jesus says, "I lay for in full. Why? Jesus says, "I lay down my life for my sheep." I just took down my life for my sheep." I just took down my life for my sheep." I just took a group of boys a couple weeks ago to a group of boys a couple weeks ago to a group of boys a couple weeks ago to New York City, group of freshman boys on New York City, group of freshman boys on New York City, group of freshman boys on a mission trip. And we spent two days a mission trip. And we spent two days a mission trip. And we spent two days immersed in other cultures and immersed in other cultures and immersed in other cultures and religions. And we gave these boys, we religions. And we gave these boys, we religions. And we gave these boys, we gave them three questions that we want gave them three questions that we want gave them three questions that we want them to answer in every place that we them to answer in every place that we them to answer in every place that we went and spent time in. The first went and spent time in. The first went and spent time in. The first question was this. What does the gospel question was this. What does the gospel question was this. What does the gospel affirm about this culture? Then what affirm about this culture? Then what affirm about this culture? Then what does the gospel critique about this does the gospel critique about this does the gospel critique about this culture? And then what does the gospel culture? And then what does the gospel culture? And then what does the gospel redeem about this culture? And so they redeem about this culture? And so they redeem about this culture? And so they had these these three questions on their had these these three questions on their had these these three questions on their mind as they walked into and interacted mind as they walked into and interacted mind as they walked into and interacted with these people and these cultures and with these people and these cultures and with these people and these cultures and these religions. The first day we spent these religions. The first day we spent these religions. The first day we spent time in a Hindu temple watching how time in a Hindu temple watching how time in a Hindu temple watching how people worshiped and then we learned people worshiped and then we learned people worshiped and then we learned from the priest of that temple about from the priest of that temple about from the priest of that temple about what they believed. And we literally what they believed. And we literally what they believed. And we literally watched person after person go to these watched person after person go to these watched person after person go to these countless altars with gods who couldn't countless altars with gods who couldn't countless altars with gods who couldn't hear them, were powerless to do anything hear them, were powerless to do anything hear them, were powerless to do anything for them. But they were enslaved to the for them. But they were enslaved to the for them. But they were enslaved to the idea that they just had to keep coming idea that they just had to keep coming idea that they just had to keep coming back with more and offering more and back with more and offering more and back with more and offering more and they'd find fulfillment for whatever they'd find fulfillment for whatever they'd find fulfillment for whatever that God had promised that he would do.

that God had promised that he would do. that God had promised that he would do. They would lay their offering at the They would lay their offering at the They would lay their offering at the altar, then to the next, then to the altar, then to the next, then to the altar, then to the next, then to the next. Thousands of gods, all chaos, no next. Thousands of gods, all chaos, no next. Thousands of gods, all chaos, no power. The next day, we went into a power. The next day, we went into a power. The next day, we went into a Muslim mosque. We got to meet with an Muslim mosque. We got to meet with an Muslim mosque. We got to meet with an imam and hear what it mean uh the imam and hear what it mean uh the imam and hear what it mean uh the beliefs and the tenants of Islam. And beliefs and the tenants of Islam. And beliefs and the tenants of Islam. And afterwards, we debriefed that as a afterwards, we debriefed that as a afterwards, we debriefed that as a group. We debriefed that experience. And group. We debriefed that experience. And group. We debriefed that experience. And one of the boys said, "What stood out to one of the boys said, "What stood out to one of the boys said, "What stood out to him was the fact that Muslims believe, him was the fact that Muslims believe, him was the fact that Muslims believe, this is how the imam explained it, that this is how the imam explained it, that this is how the imam explained it, that when they're born, they're assigned two when they're born, they're assigned two when they're born, they're assigned two angels. And those two angels will keep a angels. And those two angels will keep a angels. And those two angels will keep a record in their life of the things they record in their life of the things they record in their life of the things they do well and the things that do the do well and the things that do the do well and the things that do the things they do right and the things they things they do right and the things they things they do right and the things they do wrong in the hopes that in the end do wrong in the hopes that in the end do wrong in the hopes that in the end that the the right column is stacked up that the the right column is stacked up that the the right column is stacked up and overwhelms the the bad column. But and overwhelms the the bad column. But and overwhelms the the bad column. But they don't know. You never know. And the they don't know. You never know. And the they don't know. You never know. And the more strict you adhere to the tenants of more strict you adhere to the tenants of more strict you adhere to the tenants of Islam, the more good you stack up. The Islam, the more good you stack up. The Islam, the more good you stack up. The hope in the end is that you've done hope in the end is that you've done hope in the end is that you've done enough good to cover the debt of the enough good to cover the debt of the enough good to cover the debt of the bad. And the students share how amazing bad. And the students share how amazing bad. And the students share how amazing it is that our God is so holy it is that our God is so holy it is that our God is so holy and just that all of our righteous acts and just that all of our righteous acts and just that all of our righteous acts are just rubbish to him. We could never are just rubbish to him. We could never are just rubbish to him. We could never satisfy the the debt that our sins satisfy the the debt that our sins satisfy the the debt that our sins created. There's nothing we could ever created. There's nothing we could ever created. There's nothing we could ever do to stack up to satisfy the sin of our do to stack up to satisfy the sin of our do to stack up to satisfy the sin of our or the debt of our sin. But he's also so or the debt of our sin. But he's also so or the debt of our sin. But he's also so loving and merciful that he was willing loving and merciful that he was willing loving and merciful that he was willing to die and pay our debt in full.

to die and pay our debt in full. to die and pay our debt in full. We earn nothing but receive everything. We earn nothing but receive everything. We earn nothing but receive everything. No other religion in all human history No other religion in all human history No other religion in all human history claims a God who out of love and mercy claims a God who out of love and mercy claims a God who out of love and mercy did for you and for me what we couldn't did for you and for me what we couldn't did for you and for me what we couldn't do for ourselves. do for ourselves. do for ourselves. We just studied this in Philippians a We just studied this in Philippians a We just studied this in Philippians a couple of weeks ago 2:5. having this couple of weeks ago 2:5. having this couple of weeks ago 2:5. having this mind you among yourselves which is yours mind you among yourselves which is yours mind you among yourselves which is yours in Christ Jesus who though he was in the in Christ Jesus who though he was in the in Christ Jesus who though he was in the form of God did not count equality with form of God did not count equality with form of God did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped but emptied God a thing to be grasped but emptied God a thing to be grasped but emptied himself by taking the form of a servant himself by taking the form of a servant himself by taking the form of a servant being born in the likeness of men and being born in the likeness of men and being born in the likeness of men and being found in human form he humbled being found in human form he humbled being found in human form 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 Jesus didn't hold back he was put to Jesus didn't hold back he was put to Jesus didn't hold back he was put to death for you and for me to pay the debt death for you and for me to pay the debt death for you and for me to pay the debt for your sin to pay the debt for my sin for your sin to pay the debt for my sin for your sin to pay the debt for my sin and he paid it in full and if you're and he paid it in full and if you're and he paid it in full and if you're watching this today if you're in here watching this today if you're in here watching this today if you're in here and you're not a follower of Jesus. I and you're not a follower of Jesus. I and you're not a follower of Jesus. I want you to hear this. There was a time want you to hear this. There was a time want you to hear this. There was a time in my life and I was far from God. I was in my life and I was far from God. I was in my life and I was far from God. I was anxious because there was so much in my anxious because there was so much in my anxious because there was so much in my life I couldn't control and I didn't life I couldn't control and I didn't life I couldn't control and I didn't feel like I belonged anywhere. Then feel like I belonged anywhere. Then feel like I belonged anywhere. Then somebody introduced me to Jesus, shared somebody introduced me to Jesus, shared somebody introduced me to Jesus, shared the gospel with me and I learned that the gospel with me and I learned that the gospel with me and I learned that through Christ I have forgiveness. I through Christ I have forgiveness. I through Christ I have forgiveness. I have freedom and eternal life from a God have freedom and eternal life from a God have freedom and eternal life from a God who is in complete control of everything who is in complete control of everything who is in complete control of everything and loves me. and that through Christ I and loves me. and that through Christ I and loves me. and that through Christ I actually belong not only to him but to a actually belong not only to him but to a actually belong not only to him but to a family and I don't have to walk this family and I don't have to walk this family and I don't have to walk this life alone. You're watching this and you life alone. You're watching this and you life alone. You're watching this and you all have a story like that. The beauty all have a story like that. The beauty all have a story like that. The beauty of the gospel is that you can. And the of the gospel is that you can. And the of the gospel is that you can. And the message of the gospel is that all those message of the gospel is that all those message of the gospel is that all those who Jesus calls his, he pays for in who Jesus calls his, he pays for in who Jesus calls his, he pays for in full. Now our next point is this. All full. Now our next point is this. All full. Now our next point is this. All that Jesus calls his are not represented

that Jesus calls his are not represented that Jesus calls his are not represented in our church or any other churches in our church or any other churches in our church or any other churches gathered in the world. Not all of them. gathered in the world. Not all of them. gathered in the world. Not all of them. Why? Because there are other sheep that Why? Because there are other sheep that Why? Because there are other sheep that are still yet to come. Jesus declares, are still yet to come. Jesus declares, are still yet to come. Jesus declares, "I have other sheep that aren't in this "I have other sheep that aren't in this "I have other sheep that aren't in this fold. I have others that I have paid for fold. I have others that I have paid for fold. I have others that I have paid for that have yet to come." that have yet to come." that have yet to come." Romans 10:13 says, "Everyone who calls Romans 10:13 says, "Everyone who calls Romans 10:13 says, "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved." on the name of the Lord will be saved." on the name of the Lord will be saved." How then will they call on him if How then will they call on him if How then will they call on him if they've not believed? And how are they they've not believed? And how are they they've not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they've never to believe in him of whom they've never to believe in him of whom they've never heard? And how are they to hear without heard? And how are they to hear without heard? And how are they to hear without somebody preaching? And how are they to somebody preaching? And how are they to somebody preaching? And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is preach unless they are sent? As it is preach unless they are sent? As it is written, how beautiful are the feet of written, how beautiful are the feet of written, how beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news. I want those who preach the good news. I want those who preach the good news. I want you to hear me on this. The biggest you to hear me on this. The biggest you to hear me on this. The biggest problem facing the church today is not problem facing the church today is not problem facing the church today is not gender. It's not politics or theological gender. It's not politics or theological gender. It's not politics or theological differences. The biggest problem facing differences. The biggest problem facing differences. The biggest problem facing the church today is at the same time we the church today is at the same time we the church today is at the same time we gather in these homes or we gather every gather in these homes or we gather every gather in these homes or we gather every week in our sanctuary celebrating the week in our sanctuary celebrating the week in our sanctuary celebrating the hope we have in Christ, far more people hope we have in Christ, far more people hope we have in Christ, far more people drive by every day in desperate need of drive by every day in desperate need of drive by every day in desperate need of the hope and don't have it.

the hope and don't have it. the hope and don't have it. But it's I'll just put some numbers to But it's I'll just put some numbers to But it's I'll just put some numbers to it to help make it real. Locally here, it to help make it real. Locally here, it to help make it real. Locally here, just in Denton County, there are over just in Denton County, there are over just in Denton County, there are over 977,000 977,000 977,000 people living in Denton County. Over people living in Denton County. Over people living in Denton County. Over half a million of those have no half a million of those have no half a million of those have no religious affiliation whatsoever. religious affiliation whatsoever. religious affiliation whatsoever. This means 4,000 people will die not This means 4,000 people will die not This means 4,000 people will die not saved every year in our local community. saved every year in our local community. saved every year in our local community. For perspective, that's as many that For perspective, that's as many that For perspective, that's as many that gather in our building every Sunday on a gather in our building every Sunday on a gather in our building every Sunday on a weekend will also die every year having weekend will also die every year having weekend will also die every year having never been reconciled to God. That's never been reconciled to God. That's never been reconciled to God. That's just in Denton County. just in Denton County. just in Denton County. Globally, there's roughly 5 billion Globally, there's roughly 5 billion Globally, there's roughly 5 billion people in the world today that don't people in the world today that don't people in the world today that don't know Jesus. 3.2 billion of those have no know Jesus. 3.2 billion of those have no know Jesus. 3.2 billion of those have no access to the gospel, have never heard access to the gospel, have never heard access to the gospel, have never heard the name of Jesus, and won't likely the name of Jesus, and won't likely the name of Jesus, and won't likely they'll likely go their entire life they'll likely go their entire life they'll likely go their entire life without ever meeting another Christian. without ever meeting another Christian. without ever meeting another Christian. Put in perspective, remember that number Put in perspective, remember that number Put in perspective, remember that number I gave to you of the amount of people I gave to you of the amount of people I gave to you of the amount of people that would die every year in Denton that would die every year in Denton that would die every year in Denton County? 4,000 people worldwide will die County? 4,000 people worldwide will die County? 4,000 people worldwide will die today while I'm preaching this message today while I'm preaching this message today while I'm preaching this message and enter a Christless eternity having and enter a Christless eternity having and enter a Christless eternity having never heard the gospel of Jesus Christ never heard the gospel of Jesus Christ never heard the gospel of Jesus Christ just in the time it takes you to listen just in the time it takes you to listen just in the time it takes you to listen to this message.

to this message. to this message. There are plenty of issues that we as There are plenty of issues that we as There are plenty of issues that we as Christians should be concerned for, Christians should be concerned for, Christians should be concerned for, involved in, but make no mistake, involved in, but make no mistake, involved in, but make no mistake, plundering hell is our greatest plundering hell is our greatest plundering hell is our greatest priority. Making disciples is our priority. Making disciples is our priority. Making disciples is our primary task. And the invitation to you primary task. And the invitation to you primary task. And the invitation to you and to me is to join God in what he's and to me is to join God in what he's and to me is to join God in what he's doing in redeeming and reconciling a doing in redeeming and reconciling a doing in redeeming and reconciling a world to himself. You have to quit world to himself. You have to quit world to himself. You have to quit watching and you have to start following watching and you have to start following watching and you have to start following it. That leads me to the last point. it. That leads me to the last point. it. That leads me to the last point. There are other sheep yet to come and There are other sheep yet to come and There are other sheep yet to come and they are a must to Jesus and not a they are a must to Jesus and not a they are a must to Jesus and not a maybe. There are other sheep yet to come maybe. There are other sheep yet to come maybe. There are other sheep yet to come and they are a must to Jesus. They are and they are a must to Jesus. They are and they are a must to Jesus. They are not a maybe. Second Peter 3:9, "The Lord not a maybe. Second Peter 3:9, "The Lord not a maybe. Second Peter 3:9, "The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise, as is not slow to fulfill his promise, as is not slow to fulfill his promise, as some count slowness, but is patient some count slowness, but is patient some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should toward you, not wishing that any should toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that should all reach perish, but that should all reach perish, but that should all reach repentance." A sure way to align your repentance." A sure way to align your repentance." A sure way to align your life to the will of God is to care about life to the will of God is to care about life to the will of God is to care about what God cares about. Align your desires what God cares about. Align your desires what God cares about. Align your desires with God desires. What does God desire? with God desires. What does God desire? with God desires. What does God desire? That none would perish. I love how John That none would perish. I love how John That none would perish. I love how John Piper says this. God sent a savior. What Piper says this. God sent a savior. What Piper says this. God sent a savior. What many people can't grasp is if they hear many people can't grasp is if they hear many people can't grasp is if they hear me say the wrath of God is resting upon me say the wrath of God is resting upon me say the wrath of God is resting upon unbelievers, they'll say, "Oh, I thought unbelievers, they'll say, "Oh, I thought unbelievers, they'll say, "Oh, I thought he was the God of love." Well, he is.

he was the God of love." Well, he is. he was the God of love." Well, he is. And therefore, he didn't leave it with And therefore, he didn't leave it with And therefore, he didn't leave it with just his wrath. He's now sending a son just his wrath. He's now sending a son just his wrath. He's now sending a son who's going to get under here. He's who's going to get under here. He's who's going to get under here. He's going to lift his own wrath. And that's going to lift his own wrath. And that's going to lift his own wrath. And that's what the world can't seem to handle. A what the world can't seem to handle. A what the world can't seem to handle. A God who is both wrathful and a God who's God who is both wrathful and a God who's God who is both wrathful and a God who's loving. A God who can not only threatens loving. A God who can not only threatens loving. A God who can not only threatens with his wrath, but then bears the wrath with his wrath, but then bears the wrath with his wrath, but then bears the wrath himself. himself. himself. So, let's watch for that. The saying is So, let's watch for that. The saying is So, let's watch for that. The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full trustworthy and deserving of full trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance. First Timothy says that acceptance. First Timothy says that acceptance. First Timothy says that Christ Jesus came in the world to save Christ Jesus came in the world to save Christ Jesus came in the world to save sinners. Beautiful central statement. sinners. Beautiful central statement. sinners. Beautiful central statement. Yes, we are all lost. Yes, we're all Yes, we are all lost. Yes, we're all Yes, we are all lost. Yes, we're all sinners. Yes, we all deserve hell. And sinners. Yes, we all deserve hell. And sinners. Yes, we all deserve hell. And nobody has to go there nobody has to go there nobody has to go there if they will have a savior. So reaching if they will have a savior. So reaching if they will have a savior. So reaching those other lost sheep here in our those other lost sheep here in our those other lost sheep here in our community and throughout the world is a community and throughout the world is a community and throughout the world is a must to Jesus. So it can't be a maybe to must to Jesus. So it can't be a maybe to must to Jesus. So it can't be a maybe to us. us. us. It doesn't say you need to be weight to It doesn't say you need to be weight to It doesn't say you need to be weight to be educated enough, have enough study be educated enough, have enough study be educated enough, have enough study under your belt. It says his sheep will under your belt. It says his sheep will under your belt. It says his sheep will hear his voice and they will listen to hear his voice and they will listen to hear his voice and they will listen to it. And our part is to go proclaim the it. And our part is to go proclaim the it. And our part is to go proclaim the message. His sheep will respond. We say message. His sheep will respond. We say message. His sheep will respond. We say yes to the invitation. God moves in yes to the invitation. God moves in yes to the invitation. God moves in power. New disciples are made. The power. New disciples are made. The power. New disciples are made. The kingdom advances. This is the everyday kingdom advances. This is the everyday kingdom advances. This is the everyday life of a follower of Jesus.

life of a follower of Jesus. life of a follower of Jesus. I want to leave you with these words I want to leave you with these words I want to leave you with these words from Betty Stam. When we consecrate from Betty Stam. When we consecrate from Betty Stam. When we consecrate ourselves to God, we think we are making ourselves to God, we think we are making ourselves to God, we think we are making a great sacrifice and doing lots for a great sacrifice and doing lots for a great sacrifice and doing lots for him. When we are really only letting go him. When we are really only letting go him. When we are really only letting go of some little bitsy trinkets we've been of some little bitsy trinkets we've been of some little bitsy trinkets we've been grabbing. And when our hands are empty, grabbing. And when our hands are empty, grabbing. And when our hands are empty, he fills him full of his treasures. he fills him full of his treasures. he fills him full of his treasures. So, when I close this, I'm going to pray So, when I close this, I'm going to pray So, when I close this, I'm going to pray here in a minute. There's going to be here in a minute. There's going to be here in a minute. There's going to be some prompts that come up uh on the some prompts that come up uh on the some prompts that come up uh on the screen for you as a community or you screen for you as a community or you screen for you as a community or you individually to begin to prayerfully individually to begin to prayerfully individually to begin to prayerfully consider how can I step into this? And consider how can I step into this? And consider how can I step into this? And the first one is this in prayer. And so the first one is this in prayer. And so the first one is this in prayer. And so here's what I want to challenge you. I here's what I want to challenge you. I here's what I want to challenge you. I just want you to take a few moments just want you to take a few moments just want you to take a few moments right where you are. And I want you to right where you are. And I want you to right where you are. And I want you to ask the Lord for the name of one person ask the Lord for the name of one person ask the Lord for the name of one person in your life that you know needs Jesus. in your life that you know needs Jesus. in your life that you know needs Jesus. One person in your life that you know One person in your life that you know One person in your life that you know needs Jesus. I want you to write that needs Jesus. I want you to write that needs Jesus. I want you to write that name down. Why don't you ask the Lord name down. Why don't you ask the Lord name down. Why don't you ask the Lord for it? And if you already know who that for it? And if you already know who that for it? And if you already know who that person is, I want you to begin praying person is, I want you to begin praying person is, I want you to begin praying for that person by name, asking God, for that person by name, asking God, for that person by name, asking God, would you save this person? And then a would you save this person? And then a would you save this person? And then a plan. I want you to write down one way plan. I want you to write down one way plan. I want you to write down one way today that you can move towards that today that you can move towards that today that you can move towards that person with the hope of the gospel. this person with the hope of the gospel. this person with the hope of the gospel. this month. And moving yourself with the month. And moving yourself with the month. And moving yourself with the gospel isn't just spending time around gospel isn't just spending time around gospel isn't just spending time around them. It's how can I bring Jesus into them. It's how can I bring Jesus into them. It's how can I bring Jesus into this relationship? How can I bring the this relationship? How can I bring the this relationship? How can I bring the hope of the gospel into this hope of the gospel into this hope of the gospel into this relationship? This can start as simple relationship? This can start as simple relationship? This can start as simple as asking them, hey, how can I pray for as asking them, hey, how can I pray for as asking them, hey, how can I pray for you? I believe my God answers prayer.

you? I believe my God answers prayer. you? I believe my God answers prayer. How can I pray for you? And ask, are you How can I pray for you? And ask, are you How can I pray for you? And ask, are you willing to bring me to pray for you willing to bring me to pray for you willing to bring me to pray for you right here? Then the last is practice. right here? Then the last is practice. right here? Then the last is practice. Invite others in your family or Invite others in your family or Invite others in your family or community to pray for you and hold you community to pray for you and hold you community to pray for you and hold you accountable to pursuing this one with accountable to pursuing this one with accountable to pursuing this one with the gospel. This month, I read a the gospel. This month, I read a the gospel. This month, I read a statistic recently that said uh and when statistic recently that said uh and when statistic recently that said uh and when it comes to evangelism, if you're in a it comes to evangelism, if you're in a it comes to evangelism, if you're in a community of people that are also community of people that are also community of people that are also committed to sharing your faith, you're committed to sharing your faith, you're committed to sharing your faith, you're 75% more likely to continue in doing it 75% more likely to continue in doing it 75% more likely to continue in doing it on a regular basis. We weren't ever on a regular basis. We weren't ever on a regular basis. We weren't ever intended to do this alone. But it's not intended to do this alone. But it's not intended to do this alone. But it's not just about accountability. It's about just about accountability. It's about just about accountability. It's about invitation and