Sunday Service - 8/30/2026 - 11:15 am

Hey, good morning church family. Would Hey, good morning church family. Would you stand for the reading of God's word you stand for the reading of God's word you stand for the reading of God's word as we begin? As we lift our eyes to our as we begin? As we lift our eyes to our as we begin? As we lift our eyes to our hope, to our savior, we remember what hope, to our savior, we remember what hope, to our savior, we remember what he's done. Ephesians 1 says this. He he's done. Ephesians 1 says this. He he's done. Ephesians 1 says this. He says, "Blessed is the God and Father of says, "Blessed is the God and Father of says, "Blessed is the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the us with every spiritual blessing in the us with every spiritual blessing in the heavens in Christ, for he chose us in heavens in Christ, for he chose us in heavens in Christ, for he chose us in him before the foundations of the world him before the foundations of the world him before the foundations of the world to be holy and blameless in love before to be holy and blameless in love before to be holy and blameless in love before him. He predestined us to be adopted as him. He predestined us to be adopted as him. He predestined us to be adopted as sons through Jesus Christ for himself sons through Jesus Christ for himself sons through Jesus Christ for himself according to the good pleasure of his according to the good pleasure of his according to the good pleasure of his will to the praise of his glorious grace will to the praise of his glorious grace will to the praise of his glorious grace that he lavished on us in the beloved that he lavished on us in the beloved that he lavished on us in the beloved one. In him we have the redemption one. In him we have the redemption one. In him we have the redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of through his blood, the forgiveness of through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses according to the riches our trespasses according to the riches our trespasses according to the riches of his grace which he richly poured out of his grace which he richly poured out of his grace which he richly poured out on us with all wisdom and understanding. on us with all wisdom and understanding. on us with all wisdom and understanding. and he made known to us the mystery of and he made known to us the mystery of and he made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure his will according to his good pleasure his will according to his good pleasure that he purposed in Christ as a plan for that he purposed in Christ as a plan for that he purposed in Christ as a plan for the right time to bring everything the right time to bring everything the right time to bring everything together in Christ both things in heaven together in Christ both things in heaven together in Christ both things in heaven and things on earth in him and in him we and things on earth in him and in him we and things on earth in him and in him we also receive an inheritance because we also receive an inheritance because we also receive an inheritance because we were predestined according to the plan were predestined according to the plan were predestined according to the plan of the one who works out everything in of the one who works out everything in of the one who works out everything in agreement with the purpose of his will agreement with the purpose of his will agreement with the purpose of his will so that we who had already put our hope so that we who had already put our hope so that we who had already put our hope in Christ might bring praise to his in Christ might bring praise to his in Christ might bring praise to his glory. And in him, you also were sealed

glory. And in him, you also were sealed glory. And in him, you also were sealed with the promise of the Holy Spirit when with the promise of the Holy Spirit when with the promise of the Holy Spirit when you heard the word of truth, the gospel you heard the word of truth, the gospel you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. And when you of your salvation. And when you of your salvation. And when you believed, the Holy Spirit is the down believed, the Holy Spirit is the down believed, the Holy Spirit is the down payment of our inheritance until the payment of our inheritance until the payment of our inheritance until the redemption of the possession to the redemption of the possession to the redemption of the possession to the praise of his glory. So for that truth praise of his glory. So for that truth praise of his glory. So for that truth that he's given us what we couldn't that he's given us what we couldn't that he's given us what we couldn't earn, what we give back today is our earn, what we give back today is our earn, what we give back today is our praise, our hallelujah, our thanks that praise, our hallelujah, our thanks that praise, our hallelujah, our thanks that everything has changed. Everything has everything has changed. Everything has everything has changed. Everything has changed in my life, because of this changed in my life, because of this changed in my life, because of this savior, because of our God, because of savior, because of our God, because of savior, because of our God, because of what he's done that I could not. So look what he's done that I could not. So look what he's done that I could not. So look to him. Lift your eyes to him. to him. Lift your eyes to him. to him. Lift your eyes to him. Everything changed. Everything changed. Everything changed. Oh, everything changed. Oh, everything changed. Oh, everything changed. It's getting harder to recognize It's getting harder to recognize It's getting harder to recognize the person I was the person I was the person I was before I encountered Christ. And I don't before I encountered Christ. And I don't before I encountered Christ. And I don't walk like I used to. And I don't talk walk like I used to. And I don't talk walk like I used to. And I don't talk like I used to. I've been washed from like I used to. I've been washed from like I used to. I've been washed from the inside. Thank you, Lord. I've been the inside. Thank you, Lord. I've been the inside. Thank you, Lord. I've been washed from the inside out. Hallelu.

Hallelu. Hallelu. I know. I know it was the blood. Could I know. I know it was the blood. Could I know. I know it was the blood. Could have only been the blood. So hallelu. I know it was the blood. Could have only I know it was the blood. Could have only been the blood. We thank you, Jesus, We thank you, Jesus, for what he's done that we didn't for what he's done that we didn't for what he's done that we didn't deserve. We can't explain. And I cannot explain. And I cannot explain. But nothing's more real than this. In But nothing's more real than this. In But nothing's more real than this. In the presence of God the presence of God the presence of God who my heart experienced who my heart experienced who my heart experienced when my shame hit the wayside when my shame hit the wayside when my shame hit the wayside and my sin met the most high. I was and my sin met the most high. I was and my sin met the most high. I was washed from it. Thank you Lord. I was washed from it. Thank you Lord. I was washed from it. Thank you Lord. I was washed from the inside. washed from the inside. washed from the inside. And hallelujah And hallelujah And hallelujah we say hallelu.

I know it was the blood. Could have only I know it was the blood. Could have only been the blood. been the blood. been the blood. Hallelujah. I know it was the blood. Could have only I know it was the blood. Could have only been the Jesus. Jesus. Jesus. I know I know it could have only been the it could have only been the it could have only been the Nothing I bring, nothing I've done. We Nothing I bring, nothing I've done. We Nothing I bring, nothing I've done. We turn to Christ. We have hope in him, turn to Christ. We have hope in him, turn to Christ. We have hope in him, security in him. So notice security in him. So notice security in him. So notice about performance, about performance, about performance, perfection, perfection, perfection, striving for. Thank you, Lord. striving for. Thank you, Lord. striving for. Thank you, Lord. only by the blood only by the blood only by the blood and it's nothing deserve to give is free. Let me tell you to give is free. Let me tell you it's only by the blood.

it's only by the blood. it's only by the blood. So does anybody want to be holy and So does anybody want to be holy and So does anybody want to be holy and righteous righteous righteous purify his body? Let me tell you it's purify his body? Let me tell you it's purify his body? Let me tell you it's only only only does anybody want to be worthy if I really believe it. Let me tell you if I really believe it. Let me tell you by the blood. by the blood. by the blood. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. I know I know I know it was the hallelujah. hallelujah. Hallelujah. It was It was could have only been the blood could have only been the blood could have only been the blood of Jesus of Jesus of Jesus of Jesus.

of Jesus. of Jesus. Thank you. It could have only been the blood of It could have only been the blood of Jesus. Jesus. Jesus. So, thanks be to God. That's what So, thanks be to God. That's what So, thanks be to God. That's what hallelujah means. So, raise it up. hallelujah means. So, raise it up. hallelujah means. So, raise it up. Hallelu. Hallelu. Hallelu. I know. I know. It was the blood could I know. I know. It was the blood could I know. I know. It was the blood could have only been. Thank you, Lord. have only been. Thank you, Lord. have only been. Thank you, Lord. Hallelu. I know it was the blood. Could have only I know it was the blood. Could have only been the blood. been the blood. been the blood. Thank you, Lord. Thank you, Lord. Thank you, Lord. Again and again, the psalmist praise Again and again, the psalmist praise Again and again, the psalmist praise this. Lord, would you restore in me the this. Lord, would you restore in me the this. Lord, would you restore in me the joy of my salvation? joy of my salvation? joy of my salvation? Lord, that absurd truth Lord, that absurd truth Lord, that absurd truth that in our betrayal and our sin and our that in our betrayal and our sin and our that in our betrayal and our sin and our brokenness, what you met us with brokenness, what you met us with brokenness, what you met us with was Christ's blood, Christ's was Christ's blood, Christ's was Christ's blood, Christ's righteousness, Christ's identity in our righteousness, Christ's identity in our righteousness, Christ's identity in our place.

place. place. How wild that we have a God who would How wild that we have a God who would How wild that we have a God who would love us in that way, who would sacrifice love us in that way, who would sacrifice love us in that way, who would sacrifice for his own creation. for his own creation. for his own creation. Lift our eyes to believe that more Lift our eyes to believe that more Lift our eyes to believe that more fully, more deeply. lift our hearts to fully, more deeply. lift our hearts to fully, more deeply. lift our hearts to have a joy that can't be held back. have a joy that can't be held back. have a joy that can't be held back. Let hallelujah be the posture of our Let hallelujah be the posture of our Let hallelujah be the posture of our lives. Say it one more time. Sing it lives. Say it one more time. Sing it lives. Say it one more time. Sing it out. It's thanks to him. out. It's thanks to him. out. It's thanks to him. Hallelu. I know it was the blood. It's the only I know it was the blood. It's the only way. Could have only been. One more way. Could have only been. One more way. Could have only been. One more time. Hallelujah. time. Hallelujah. time. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. I know it was the blood I know it was the blood could have only been. I may not understand, I may not understand, but I can hardly stand in your presence.

but I can hardly stand in your presence. but I can hardly stand in your presence. I fall to my knees. The weight of endless glory. The weight of endless glory. It's almost too much for me to bear. It's almost too much for me to bear. It's almost too much for me to bear. What else could What else could What else could >> So again, our response is hallelujah. >> So again, our response is hallelujah. >> So again, our response is hallelujah. >> It's what you're worthy of, Lord. >> It's what you're worthy of, Lord. >> It's what you're worthy of, Lord. >> That's what you're worthy of, Lord. >> That's what you're worthy of, Lord. >> That's what you're worthy of, Lord. >> Sing how I love. have it all. >> Sing how I love. have it all. >> Sing how I love. have it all. >> I love you >> I love you >> I love you fall short and I have nothing fall short and I have nothing fall short and I have nothing more. Let my whole life sing how I love. more. Let my whole life sing how I love. more. Let my whole life sing how I love. I love you. >> Spirit, stir up that response within us >> Spirit, stir up that response within us more than comes naturally. Increase our more than comes naturally. Increase our more than comes naturally. Increase our thanks. Increase our gratitude. thanks. Increase our gratitude. thanks. Increase our gratitude. increase our worship.

>> There's nothing left to pray. It's your >> There's nothing left to pray. It's your spirit spirit spirit that rise is within me. that rise is within me. that rise is within me. It's deeper than my thoughts It's deeper than my thoughts It's deeper than my thoughts and better than my best of intentions. and better than my best of intentions. and better than my best of intentions. Oh dear. Christ to deep. So let my Oh dear. Christ to deep. So let my Oh dear. Christ to deep. So let my heartal heartal heartal be a heart surrender. be a heart surrender. be a heart surrender. Let my whole life sing. How I love you. Let my whole life sing. How I love you. Let my whole life sing. How I love you. I love you. Let my words fall short. And I love you. Let my words fall short. And I love you. Let my words fall short. And I have nothing I have nothing I have nothing more. Let my whole life sing. I love more. Let my whole life sing. I love more. Let my whole life sing. I love you. I love you, Lord. With my whole life. I love you, Lord. With my whole life. I love you, Lord. Every moment, every season. Every moment, every season. Every moment, every season. You can have it all. You can have all my You can have it all. You can have all my You can have it all. You can have all my moments, moments, moments, all my days. I give you all my worship.

all my days. I give you all my worship. all my days. I give you all my worship. >> Lord, where that's not true yet. Make it >> Lord, where that's not true yet. Make it >> Lord, where that's not true yet. Make it true. true. true. >> You can have all my moments, all my >> You can have all my moments, all my >> You can have all my moments, all my days. I give you all my worship. days. I give you all my worship. days. I give you all my worship. >> Well, that's not what we bring yet. >> Well, that's not what we bring yet. >> Well, that's not what we bring yet. Lord, make it true. You can have. Lord, make it true. You can have. Lord, make it true. You can have. >> This is our dedication. >> This is our dedication. >> This is our dedication. >> This is our commitment. >> This is our commitment. >> This is our commitment. >> This is what you're worthy of, Father. >> This is what you're worthy of, Father. >> This is what you're worthy of, Father. >> This is what you're worthy of, Jesus. >> You can have all my moments, >> You can have all my moments, all my days. I give you all my worship. all my days. I give you all my worship. all my days. I give you all my worship. Jesus. Jesus. Jesus. So you can have all my moments, all my So you can have all my moments, all my So you can have all my moments, all my days. I give you all my worship. Jesy, my heart my heart sing how I love you. I love you with my sing how I love you. I love you with my sing how I love you. I love you with my voice.

voice. voice. I have Jesus,

Jesus, you are worthy of it all. You are You are and you are and you are and you are you You are worthy of you You are worthy of you Jesus. Jesus. Jesus. for you are for you are for you are into your We believe it. We believe it. You We believe it. We believe it. You deserve the glory. deserve the glory. deserve the glory. We believe it. You deserve the praise.

We believe it. You deserve the praise. We believe it. You deserve the praise. >> We commit as a church. we commit as a >> We commit as a church. we commit as a >> We commit as a church. we commit as a people here and now. This is what will people here and now. This is what will people here and now. This is what will bring worship like incense that fills bring worship like incense that fills bring worship like incense that fills this room, but lives like incense that this room, but lives like incense that this room, but lives like incense that fill our communities, our families, fill our communities, our families, fill our communities, our families, every space. So declare this day and every space. So declare this day and every space. So declare this day and night, night, night, >> day and night, night and day. >> day and night, night and day. >> day and night, night and day. >> We lift it up in this room. >> We lift it up in this room. >> We lift it up in this room. >> It's what he's worthy of. >> It's what he's worthy of. >> It's what he's worthy of. >> Day and night, night and day. >> Day and night, night and day. >> Day and night, night and day. >> So we won't hold it back. Lord, have >> So we won't hold it back. Lord, have >> So we won't hold it back. Lord, have what you're worthy of and night and day what you're worthy of and night and day what you're worthy of and night and day in arise. in arise. in arise. Day and night, night and day, Day and night, night and day, Day and night, night and day, day and night, day and night, day and night, day and night, night and day. Let it day and night, night and day. Let it day and night, night and day. Let it sense. sense. sense. Day and night, night and day, let it Day and night, night and day, let it Day and night, night and day, let it >> Holy Spirit make it true. Day and night >> Holy Spirit make it true. Day and night >> Holy Spirit make it true. Day and night and day.

Jesus Jesus for you are for you are for you are you are you are you are you deserve For you are all For you are all and to you are all things. and to you are all things. and to you are all things. You deserve the glory. You deserve the glory. You deserve the glory. So our voices together again we say So our voices together again we say So our voices together again we say worthy of all worthy of all worthy of all our king our God. You are worthy of it our king our God. You are worthy of it our king our God. You are worthy of it all. all. all. >> It's what he gave for us. So our >> It's what he gave for us. So our >> It's what he gave for us. So our response for from you are all things and response for from you are all things and response for from you are all things and to you are all things.

to you are all things. to you are all things. >> You deserve the glory. >> You deserve the glory. >> You deserve the glory. >> One more time. >> One more time. >> One more time. >> You are worthy, Lord. >> You are worthy, Lord. >> You are worthy, Lord. >> You are worthy of it all. >> You are worthy of it all. >> You are worthy of it all. >> So we bring it all right now in worship. >> So we bring it all right now in worship. >> So we bring it all right now in worship. >> You are worthy of it all. His breath >> You are worthy of it all. His breath >> You are worthy of it all. His breath itself is from him. So it's for him. itself is from him. So it's for him. itself is from him. So it's for him. >> For from you are all things and you are >> For from you are all things and you are >> For from you are all things and you are all things all things all things you deserve. you deserve. you deserve. >> So here and now, family, let's give him >> So here and now, family, let's give him >> So here and now, family, let's give him the praise. Let's give him the glory. the praise. Let's give him the glory. the praise. Let's give him the glory. Let's give him the worship that he's Let's give him the worship that he's Let's give him the worship that he's worthy of. worthy of. worthy of. God, we name you as the one who's worthy God, we name you as the one who's worthy God, we name you as the one who's worthy of our worship and worthy of our praise. of our worship and worthy of our praise. of our worship and worthy of our praise. So in this room be glorified in the name So in this room be glorified in the name So in this room be glorified in the name of Christ be lifted high be honored. Be of Christ be lifted high be honored. Be of Christ be lifted high be honored. Be put in its rightful place as ruler and put in its rightful place as ruler and put in its rightful place as ruler and lord over this people over our hearts. lord over this people over our hearts. lord over this people over our hearts. We pray that beyond these walls as well.

We pray that beyond these walls as well. We pray that beyond these walls as well. May incense arise that can't be ignored. May incense arise that can't be ignored. May incense arise that can't be ignored. That's a sweet aroma to you our God and That's a sweet aroma to you our God and That's a sweet aroma to you our God and king. But but that is noticeable king. But but that is noticeable king. But but that is noticeable to our communities to our neighbors. to our communities to our neighbors. to our communities to our neighbors. those who see something different as we those who see something different as we those who see something different as we choose to live like Christ who made less choose to live like Christ who made less choose to live like Christ who made less of himself of himself of himself to serve his own creation to serve his to serve his own creation to serve his to serve his own creation to serve his people that's what we want Lord lead people that's what we want Lord lead people that's what we want Lord lead this time it's yours we pray all these this time it's yours we pray all these this time it's yours we pray all these things in Jesus name amen you can go ahead and have uh a seat uh I you can go ahead and have uh a seat uh I get the privilege of celebrating a get the privilege of celebrating a get the privilege of celebrating a couple of praiseworthy men before you uh couple of praiseworthy men before you uh couple of praiseworthy men before you uh if If you look at the village church on if If you look at the village church on if If you look at the village church on the surface, it's going to look like uh the surface, it's going to look like uh the surface, it's going to look like uh re really frenetic activity, right? Like re really frenetic activity, right? Like re really frenetic activity, right? Like you just had to get in here and then you you just had to get in here and then you you just had to get in here and then you got to get out of here. And I mean 1,500 got to get out of here. And I mean 1,500 got to get out of here. And I mean 1,500 people in Bible studies this week and people in Bible studies this week and people in Bible studies this week and home groups and recovery and all this home groups and recovery and all this home groups and recovery and all this ministry happening. Uh and then I if you ministry happening. Uh and then I if you ministry happening. Uh and then I if you got underneath kind of the frenetic got underneath kind of the frenetic got underneath kind of the frenetic energy uh you you would find uh a group energy uh you you would find uh a group energy uh you you would find uh a group of men uh who elder this church under of men uh who elder this church under of men uh who elder this church under the lordship of Christ. And so if you the lordship of Christ. And so if you the lordship of Christ. And so if you don't have a church background, the don't have a church background, the don't have a church background, the elders aren't some sort of Jedi council.

elders aren't some sort of Jedi council. elders aren't some sort of Jedi council. They don't have like special powers. They don't have like special powers. They don't have like special powers. That was for you nerds. And um but they That was for you nerds. And um but they That was for you nerds. And um but they are men are men are men uh who have been willing to enter both uh who have been willing to enter both uh who have been willing to enter both the joy and sorrow of our community uh the joy and sorrow of our community uh the joy and sorrow of our community uh to show up at the hospital, to show up to show up at the hospital, to show up to show up at the hospital, to show up at the morg, to show up uh at the at the morg, to show up uh at the at the morg, to show up uh at the graduation, to pray, to serve, and to graduation, to pray, to serve, and to graduation, to pray, to serve, and to carry the weight of carry the weight of carry the weight of our community of faith. like uh the our community of faith. like uh the our community of faith. like uh the apostle Paul 2 Corinthians 11 has this apostle Paul 2 Corinthians 11 has this apostle Paul 2 Corinthians 11 has this long list of sufferings and then he ends long list of sufferings and then he ends long list of sufferings and then he ends it in verse 28 by saying plus the daily it in verse 28 by saying plus the daily it in verse 28 by saying plus the daily concern for the churches and and when concern for the churches and and when concern for the churches and and when elders sign up here they're signing up elders sign up here they're signing up elders sign up here they're signing up to carry the neverending to carry the neverending to carry the neverending something's always on fire concerns of something's always on fire concerns of something's always on fire concerns of our church uh they are vetted over a our church uh they are vetted over a our church uh they are vetted over a long period of time uh before they long period of time uh before they long period of time uh before they become elders and then we put them in become elders and then we put them in become elders and then we put them in front of you and say we've done our best front of you and say we've done our best front of you and say we've done our best is this brother shady is this brother shady is this brother shady email us if this guy has deceived us all email us if this guy has deceived us all email us if this guy has deceived us all like I'm wondering how many of you would like I'm wondering how many of you would like I'm wondering how many of you would be willing to do that like stand up here be willing to do that like stand up here be willing to do that like stand up here in front of across the weekend 4,000 in front of across the weekend 4,000 in front of across the weekend 4,000 people and go anybody seen this guy people and go anybody seen this guy people and go anybody seen this guy behave in such a way that we would behave in such a way that we would behave in such a way that we would question his integrity and spiritual question his integrity and spiritual question his integrity and spiritual maturity and and men are willing to do

maturity and and men are willing to do maturity and and men are willing to do this. So they work their 50hour weeks this. So they work their 50hour weeks this. So they work their 50hour weeks and then they come and they stay late and then they come and they stay late and then they come and they stay late into the night with us uh and sometimes into the night with us uh and sometimes into the night with us uh and sometimes get up very early in the morning to us get up very early in the morning to us get up very early in the morning to us always uh to protect the doctrinal always uh to protect the doctrinal always uh to protect the doctrinal fidelity of this place to make sure fidelity of this place to make sure fidelity of this place to make sure we're gospel forward always and then to we're gospel forward always and then to we're gospel forward always and then to serve and shepherd us well. Their term serve and shepherd us well. Their term serve and shepherd us well. Their term is five to eight years. Uh, and I get is five to eight years. Uh, and I get is five to eight years. Uh, and I get the privilege of celebrating two men who the privilege of celebrating two men who the privilege of celebrating two men who are rolling off the board. Uh, Stinson are rolling off the board. Uh, Stinson are rolling off the board. Uh, Stinson Matthi who has served for eight and a Matthi who has served for eight and a Matthi who has served for eight and a half years. Uh, and Pastor Michael half years. Uh, and Pastor Michael half years. Uh, and Pastor Michael Morrison who has served for seven and a Morrison who has served for seven and a Morrison who has served for seven and a half. I'm going to invite them up and half. I'm going to invite them up and half. I'm going to invite them up and their families out so we can honor them their families out so we can honor them their families out so we can honor them and thank them. Um what a privilege like you you there's Um what a privilege like you you there's a brotherhood formed a brotherhood formed a brotherhood formed uh of the joy and sorrow of this room uh of the joy and sorrow of this room uh of the joy and sorrow of this room and these men have presided over a room and these men have presided over a room and these men have presided over a room that has endured much. If you think that has endured much. If you think that has endured much. If you think about the last eight years, you're about the last eight years, you're about the last eight years, you're thinking about a massive building thinking about a massive building thinking about a massive building campaign. You're you're thinking about campaign. You're you're thinking about campaign. You're you're thinking about my leave in 22. You you're thinking my leave in 22. You you're thinking my leave in 22. You you're thinking about a complete reorg of our staff. uh about a complete reorg of our staff. uh about a complete reorg of our staff. uh the 2030 vision leaning into that on top the 2030 vision leaning into that on top the 2030 vision leaning into that on top of hundreds and hundreds of cancer of hundreds and hundreds of cancer of hundreds and hundreds of cancer diagnosises diagnosises diagnosises of broken marriages of I could just keep

of broken marriages of I could just keep of broken marriages of I could just keep going and they've done it all with joy going and they've done it all with joy going and they've done it all with joy and we are blessed to have them and so and we are blessed to have them and so and we are blessed to have them and so just want to say public oh they jked me just want to say public oh they jked me just want to say public oh they jked me it's been the other way the whole time it's been the other way the whole time it's been the other way the whole time so I want to say publicly some things so I want to say publicly some things so I want to say publicly some things I've said privately um one, I want to I've said privately um one, I want to I've said privately um one, I want to speak to you first, Miss Deb. Um, the speak to you first, Miss Deb. Um, the speak to you first, Miss Deb. Um, the the way that you and your man have loved the way that you and your man have loved the way that you and your man have loved and welcomed and greeted in this and welcomed and greeted in this and welcomed and greeted in this community has left a mark. And I I want community has left a mark. And I I want community has left a mark. And I I want to show you again for the third service. to show you again for the third service. to show you again for the third service. If you've walked into these doors and If you've walked into these doors and If you've walked into these doors and been met by one of these smiling faces, been met by one of these smiling faces, been met by one of these smiling faces, would you just lift your hand up high? would you just lift your hand up high? would you just lift your hand up high? There it is again. There it is again. There it is again. There it is again. There it is again. There it is again. Welcoming home. You guys have been Welcoming home. You guys have been Welcoming home. You guys have been ambassadors of that. Uh, Michael, you ambassadors of that. Uh, Michael, you ambassadors of that. Uh, Michael, you have faithfully proclaimed and preached have faithfully proclaimed and preached have faithfully proclaimed and preached God's word here on multiple occasions God's word here on multiple occasions God's word here on multiple occasions and and brother, the Lord's put you in and and brother, the Lord's put you in and and brother, the Lord's put you in my heart and so I love you. Um, the my heart and so I love you. Um, the my heart and so I love you. Um, the Mias, come on. And this white kid that Mias, come on. And this white kid that Mias, come on. And this white kid that that's not the Mias end right there. Um, that's not the Mias end right there. Um, that's not the Mias end right there. Um, he's not a foster kid. It's a long story he's not a foster kid. It's a long story he's not a foster kid. It's a long story and we'll talk about that when we have and we'll talk about that when we have and we'll talk about that when we have more time. Something's wrong with me. I more time. Something's wrong with me. I more time. Something's wrong with me. I know I'm in therapy. It'll work. I'll know I'm in therapy. It'll work. I'll know I'm in therapy. It'll work. I'll gospel it out. Hopefully not all of it.

gospel it out. Hopefully not all of it. gospel it out. Hopefully not all of it. Um I said this um to Sten and Suda last Um I said this um to Sten and Suda last Um I said this um to Sten and Suda last night at our elder dinner. Um the the night at our elder dinner. Um the the night at our elder dinner. Um the the Matias, the whole family, uh they're Matias, the whole family, uh they're Matias, the whole family, uh they're just a picture of the playfulness and just a picture of the playfulness and just a picture of the playfulness and joy of God. We don't tend to think about joy of God. We don't tend to think about joy of God. We don't tend to think about the Lord that way, but man, just so fun, the Lord that way, but man, just so fun, the Lord that way, but man, just so fun, so playful, deep wells. Uh you've served so playful, deep wells. Uh you've served so playful, deep wells. Uh you've served us and I've I've spoken to you three in us and I've I've spoken to you three in us and I've I've spoken to you three in every service. I I have three kids. I every service. I I have three kids. I every service. I I have three kids. I know what this role requires. Then and I know what this role requires. Then and I know what this role requires. Then and I know you lent us your daddy for eight know you lent us your daddy for eight know you lent us your daddy for eight and a half years. And I'm looking at and a half years. And I'm looking at and a half years. And I'm looking at your ages. Those were significant years. your ages. Those were significant years. your ages. Those were significant years. Uh and I know he's a good daddy. And I Uh and I know he's a good daddy. And I Uh and I know he's a good daddy. And I know you always were in his heart. There know you always were in his heart. There know you always were in his heart. There were times he left meetings early or were times he left meetings early or were times he left meetings early or didn't come to a meeting because you didn't come to a meeting because you didn't come to a meeting because you guys had huge things coming on. Uh just guys had huge things coming on. Uh just guys had huge things coming on. Uh just such a faithful man. So for Suda, Deb, such a faithful man. So for Suda, Deb, such a faithful man. So for Suda, Deb, and the girls for the sacrifice that you and the girls for the sacrifice that you and the girls for the sacrifice that you made so that your daddies could love us, made so that your daddies could love us, made so that your daddies could love us, love me, love this community. Well, love me, love this community. Well, love me, love this community. Well, thank you. I'm going to invite the rest thank you. I'm going to invite the rest thank you. I'm going to invite the rest of the elders out. Will you thank these of the elders out. Will you thank these of the elders out. Will you thank these two uh for their long service here?

two uh for their long service here? two uh for their long service here? Yeah. Uh we're going to pray a blessing over Uh we're going to pray a blessing over them. If you'll just kind of extend your them. If you'll just kind of extend your them. If you'll just kind of extend your hand while we do that. Let's pray. hand while we do that. Let's pray. hand while we do that. Let's pray. Church. Father in heaven, we do we do Church. Father in heaven, we do we do Church. Father in heaven, we do we do honor you first and foremost. You are honor you first and foremost. You are honor you first and foremost. You are the giver of every good and perfect the giver of every good and perfect the giver of every good and perfect gift. And you have given our church good gift. And you have given our church good gift. And you have given our church good gifts in these two families. And we're gifts in these two families. And we're gifts in these two families. And we're grateful that they're not going grateful that they're not going grateful that they're not going anywhere. uh that they're here and anywhere. uh that they're here and anywhere. uh that they're here and they'll remain and continue to serve and they'll remain and continue to serve and they'll remain and continue to serve and love and be who they have been for so love and be who they have been for so love and be who they have been for so many years. And we do pray favor and many years. And we do pray favor and many years. And we do pray favor and blessing over them. We pray all the blessing over them. We pray all the blessing over them. We pray all the years of sacrifice that you would just years of sacrifice that you would just years of sacrifice that you would just reap a harvest in their hearts and in reap a harvest in their hearts and in reap a harvest in their hearts and in their homes and in their marriages and their homes and in their marriages and their homes and in their marriages and upcoming marriages and all the things upcoming marriages and all the things upcoming marriages and all the things that are happening. that are happening. that are happening. Yeah. Lord, we love you. I thank you for Yeah. Lord, we love you. I thank you for Yeah. Lord, we love you. I thank you for how I have personally been shaped by how I have personally been shaped by how I have personally been shaped by both of these families, both of these both of these families, both of these both of these families, both of these men, and how they've invested in me, men, and how they've invested in me, men, and how they've invested in me, cared for my family.

cared for my family. cared for my family. And Lord, they have held your gospel in And Lord, they have held your gospel in And Lord, they have held your gospel in their hearts for us. They have held to their hearts for us. They have held to their hearts for us. They have held to your word. They have held the deep your word. They have held the deep your word. They have held the deep concern of the church in their hearts. concern of the church in their hearts. concern of the church in their hearts. They have carried us with them, and They have carried us with them, and They have carried us with them, and they'll continue to do so. But we do they'll continue to do so. But we do they'll continue to do so. But we do want to honor them for their eight years want to honor them for their eight years want to honor them for their eight years of deep sacrificial investment in us as of deep sacrificial investment in us as of deep sacrificial investment in us as a family. And we bless you and thank you a family. And we bless you and thank you a family. And we bless you and thank you for them in Jesus's name. Amen. for them in Jesus's name. Amen. for them in Jesus's name. Amen. You thank them one last time. Thanks, You thank them one last time. Thanks, You thank them one last time. Thanks, guys. And now with um two rolling out, we are And now with um two rolling out, we are going to introduce you to uh a new one. going to introduce you to uh a new one. going to introduce you to uh a new one. We we've got more coming in the We we've got more coming in the We we've got more coming in the pipeline. We've got to replace the two pipeline. We've got to replace the two pipeline. We've got to replace the two with two. If you don't know, we have a with two. If you don't know, we have a with two. If you don't know, we have a plus one majority in the elder room, plus one majority in the elder room, plus one majority in the elder room, which means we have five staff elders which means we have five staff elders which means we have five staff elders and and we'll have six lay elders uh and and we'll have six lay elders uh and and we'll have six lay elders uh that partner with them for that five to that partner with them for that five to that partner with them for that five to eight year run. And so I'm going to eight year run. And so I'm going to eight year run. And so I'm going to invite uh Thomas Baker and his family invite uh Thomas Baker and his family invite uh Thomas Baker and his family up.

up. up. >> Yeah, you can sit down. I know that's >> Yeah, you can sit down. I know that's >> Yeah, you can sit down. I know that's you did the standing O and then trapped you did the standing O and then trapped you did the standing O and then trapped yourself. Yeah. Here comes the baker. So yourself. Yeah. Here comes the baker. So yourself. Yeah. Here comes the baker. So Thomas and Natasha have been at the Thomas and Natasha have been at the Thomas and Natasha have been at the village church for two decades. Uh they village church for two decades. Uh they village church for two decades. Uh they have served in just about every have served in just about every have served in just about every capacity. Um so the way this process capacity. Um so the way this process capacity. Um so the way this process always begins is who is already doing always begins is who is already doing always begins is who is already doing this work. Uh who is already kind of this work. Uh who is already kind of this work. Uh who is already kind of eldering without the title and then the eldering without the title and then the eldering without the title and then the vetting begins. Uh and so Thomas and vetting begins. Uh and so Thomas and vetting begins. Uh and so Thomas and Natasha like I said they've been here Natasha like I said they've been here Natasha like I said they've been here two decades. uh recovery little village two decades. uh recovery little village two decades. uh recovery little village students like they they have just served students like they they have just served students like they they have just served everywhere faithfully uh and we're everywhere faithfully uh and we're everywhere faithfully uh and we're really eager. Thomas has been in the really eager. Thomas has been in the really eager. Thomas has been in the room with us for a while. Uh this kind room with us for a while. Uh this kind room with us for a while. Uh this kind of sets the official Thomas is an elder. of sets the official Thomas is an elder. of sets the official Thomas is an elder. His family is an elder family. And so His family is an elder family. And so His family is an elder family. And so all that means is that you would be all that means is that you would be all that means is that you would be prayerful. There's a lot of spiritual prayerful. There's a lot of spiritual prayerful. There's a lot of spiritual warfare in this position that you would warfare in this position that you would warfare in this position that you would be prayerful for Thomas and his family.

be prayerful for Thomas and his family. be prayerful for Thomas and his family. uh that you would encourage and love on uh that you would encourage and love on uh that you would encourage and love on them uh as you see them uh around and them uh as you see them uh around and them uh as you see them uh around and about here in the building or outside uh about here in the building or outside uh about here in the building or outside uh these walls. And so we're going to just these walls. And so we're going to just these walls. And so we're going to just pray a blessing uh over this family uh pray a blessing uh over this family uh pray a blessing uh over this family uh and then the good uh good Bishop and then the good uh good Bishop and then the good uh good Bishop Morrison is going to preach the word to Morrison is going to preach the word to Morrison is going to preach the word to us this morning. And so, uh, Trevor, >> hey church, if you, uh, agree and affirm >> hey church, if you, uh, agree and affirm with us this morning, can you extend a with us this morning, can you extend a with us this morning, can you extend a hand as we pray for the Baker family? hand as we pray for the Baker family? hand as we pray for the Baker family? Father in heaven, God, thank you that we Father in heaven, God, thank you that we Father in heaven, God, thank you that we get to take part in the work of the get to take part in the work of the get to take part in the work of the church this morning. Spirit of God, you church this morning. Spirit of God, you church this morning. Spirit of God, you have raised up another faithful worker have raised up another faithful worker have raised up another faithful worker for the harvest. God, thank you that you for the harvest. God, thank you that you for the harvest. God, thank you that you have been faithful season after season have been faithful season after season have been faithful season after season to raise up faithful shepherds to care to raise up faithful shepherds to care to raise up faithful shepherds to care for your flock here. and we couldn't for your flock here. and we couldn't for your flock here. and we couldn't begin to comprehend the love you have begin to comprehend the love you have begin to comprehend the love you have for your church, but to get this morning for your church, but to get this morning for your church, but to get this morning to see an expression of that love you to see an expression of that love you to see an expression of that love you have for this body and that you have for this body and that you have for this body and that you continually raise up faithful men and continually raise up faithful men and continually raise up faithful men and women here to lead and care here. And we women here to lead and care here. And we women here to lead and care here. And we have that in this family. We have that have that in this family. We have that have that in this family. We have that in this man. And we're grateful and we in this man. And we're grateful and we in this man. And we're grateful and we affirm that. We speak blessing and affirm that. We speak blessing and affirm that. We speak blessing and affirmation over him as a man of God.

affirmation over him as a man of God. affirmation over him as a man of God. And God, we're grateful that you've And God, we're grateful that you've And God, we're grateful that you've raised him up for such a time as this. raised him up for such a time as this. raised him up for such a time as this. His giftings, his life, and this family His giftings, his life, and this family His giftings, his life, and this family to serve and care for this body. And so to serve and care for this body. And so to serve and care for this body. And so we receive him in that. We affirm him in we receive him in that. We affirm him in we receive him in that. We affirm him in that. God, we pray blessing over him, that. God, we pray blessing over him, that. God, we pray blessing over him, over his family. In Jesus name, we pray over his family. In Jesus name, we pray over his family. In Jesus name, we pray protection. God, as he steps into this protection. God, as he steps into this protection. God, as he steps into this role, faithfully serves, God, I ask that role, faithfully serves, God, I ask that role, faithfully serves, God, I ask that as he faithfully shepherds this body, as he faithfully shepherds this body, as he faithfully shepherds this body, that his uh his kids, his wife, his home that his uh his kids, his wife, his home that his uh his kids, his wife, his home uh experiences him as a shepherd even uh experiences him as a shepherd even uh experiences him as a shepherd even more. And so, God, we ask uh protection more. And so, God, we ask uh protection more. And so, God, we ask uh protection over that. Uh we ask, God, as he steps over that. Uh we ask, God, as he steps over that. Uh we ask, God, as he steps in with wisdom and discernment and in with wisdom and discernment and in with wisdom and discernment and courage and insight, God, that he'd be courage and insight, God, that he'd be courage and insight, God, that he'd be used by you in profound ways. And so used by you in profound ways. And so used by you in profound ways. And so God, we pray the fruit of his hands God, we pray the fruit of his hands God, we pray the fruit of his hands would multiply both at home and here and would multiply both at home and here and would multiply both at home and here and to the ends of the earth. We ask it in to the ends of the earth. We ask it in to the ends of the earth. We ask it in Jesus name. And all God's people said, Jesus name. And all God's people said, Jesus name. And all God's people said, "Amen." "Amen." "Amen." All right, let's do it. Hey, would you All right, let's do it. Hey, would you All right, let's do it. Hey, would you stand with me now for the reading of stand with me now for the reading of stand with me now for the reading of God's word. I get to introduce my good God's word. I get to introduce my good God's word. I get to introduce my good friend Shandria. If you don't know her, friend Shandria. If you don't know her, friend Shandria. If you don't know her, you have heard her.

>> I'm very quiet, y'all. Okay. >> I'm very quiet, y'all. Okay. Well, praise the Lord, saints. Well, praise the Lord, saints. Well, praise the Lord, saints. All right. Um before I read the word, um All right. Um before I read the word, um All right. Um before I read the word, um I'm just going to give an hour of I'm just going to give an hour of I'm just going to give an hour of testimony. Josh. Amen. No, I'm just testimony. Josh. Amen. No, I'm just testimony. Josh. Amen. No, I'm just playing. Um so, um before Christ, um you playing. Um so, um before Christ, um you playing. Um so, um before Christ, um you all, I had a lot of issues as all of us, all, I had a lot of issues as all of us, all, I had a lot of issues as all of us, right? Um I was abandoned at six weeks right? Um I was abandoned at six weeks right? Um I was abandoned at six weeks old, left at a house where they were old, left at a house where they were old, left at a house where they were known to gamble. um a stranger took me known to gamble. um a stranger took me known to gamble. um a stranger took me in and you know they did the best they in and you know they did the best they in and you know they did the best they could but I was physically abused from could but I was physically abused from could but I was physically abused from the time I was like my earliest memor is the time I was like my earliest memor is the time I was like my earliest memor is probably like five all the way up to probably like five all the way up to probably like five all the way up to like my um senior year in high school like my um senior year in high school like my um senior year in high school when I can fight back. And so because of when I can fight back. And so because of when I can fight back. And so because of all of that, it left me obviously with a all of that, it left me obviously with a all of that, it left me obviously with a lot of hurts. It left me angry. It left lot of hurts. It left me angry. It left lot of hurts. It left me angry. It left me rebellious. It left me um feeling no me rebellious. It left me um feeling no me rebellious. It left me um feeling no sense of value, no sense of worth, sense of value, no sense of worth, sense of value, no sense of worth, unloved and also dealing with suicidal unloved and also dealing with suicidal unloved and also dealing with suicidal tendencies. Um, but God, Miss Dale, but tendencies. Um, but God, Miss Dale, but tendencies. Um, but God, Miss Dale, but God, um, I always like to say like God, um, I always like to say like God, um, I always like to say like Hagar, Leia, and the Samaritan woman, Hagar, Leia, and the Samaritan woman, Hagar, Leia, and the Samaritan woman, the woman at the well, uh, Jesus the woman at the well, uh, Jesus the woman at the well, uh, Jesus intentionally and purposely found me and intentionally and purposely found me and intentionally and purposely found me and he had compassion upon me and he saved he had compassion upon me and he saved he had compassion upon me and he saved my soul and he is making me whole. Amen.

my soul and he is making me whole. Amen. my soul and he is making me whole. Amen. All right. So the scripture that we're going to So the scripture that we're going to read is Matthew 9 um 35-38. read is Matthew 9 um 35-38. read is Matthew 9 um 35-38. And it says, "Jesus continued going And it says, "Jesus continued going And it says, "Jesus continued going around to all the towns and villages, around to all the towns and villages, around to all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching teaching in their synagogues, preaching teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news of the kingdom and healing the good news of the kingdom and healing the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and every sickness." When every disease and every sickness." When every disease and every sickness." When he saw the crowds, he felt compassion he saw the crowds, he felt compassion he saw the crowds, he felt compassion for them because they were distressed for them because they were distressed for them because they were distressed and dejected like sheep without a and dejected like sheep without a and dejected like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, "The harvest is abundant, but the "The harvest is abundant, but the "The harvest is abundant, but the workers are few. Therefore, pray to the workers are few. Therefore, pray to the workers are few. Therefore, pray to the Lord of the harvest to send out workers Lord of the harvest to send out workers Lord of the harvest to send out workers into the harvest." This is the word of into the harvest." This is the word of into the harvest." This is the word of the Lord. >> Thank you, my sister. >> Thank you, my sister. >> Good morning. Good morning, village >> Good morning. Good morning, village >> Good morning. Good morning, village church and friends. How are you all church and friends. How are you all church and friends. How are you all doing this morning?

doing this morning? doing this morning? >> Good. Good. >> Good. Good. >> Good. Good. First time I stood up here to preach, I First time I stood up here to preach, I First time I stood up here to preach, I think it was April 2021, think it was April 2021, think it was April 2021, I was so nervous I was so nervous I was so nervous that I felt like I'd swallowed a cup of that I felt like I'd swallowed a cup of that I felt like I'd swallowed a cup of sand. sand. sand. Finally, someone came from this side and Finally, someone came from this side and Finally, someone came from this side and brought me a bottle of water. Brought my own water this time and Brought my own water this time and plenty of it. plenty of it. plenty of it. Second time I stood up here, I had to do Second time I stood up here, I had to do Second time I stood up here, I had to do communion at the end of the service. communion at the end of the service. communion at the end of the service. I was so nervous I dropped my wafer. I was so nervous I dropped my wafer. I was so nervous I dropped my wafer. Someone had to come from this side Someone had to come from this side Someone had to come from this side again, give me a wafer. again, give me a wafer. again, give me a wafer. Next time I stood up here, Next time I stood up here, Next time I stood up here, one of the pages of my notes came loose one of the pages of my notes came loose one of the pages of my notes came loose and fell to the floor. Someone had to and fell to the floor. Someone had to and fell to the floor. Someone had to pick it up and hand me my notes. I pick it up and hand me my notes. I pick it up and hand me my notes. I stapled them together this time.

Then there was a time my iPad went blank Then there was a time my iPad went blank on me. on me. on me. Then there was a time that my microphone Then there was a time that my microphone Then there was a time that my microphone my beard was pretty stout and my my beard was pretty stout and my my beard was pretty stout and my microphone was rubbing against it and it microphone was rubbing against it and it microphone was rubbing against it and it was just crack cro crack. Wes had to was just crack cro crack. Wes had to was just crack cro crack. Wes had to come out and adjust my microphone. come out and adjust my microphone. come out and adjust my microphone. Well, today Well, today Well, today I don't know what we're in for. >> Okay, Deborah said preach, honey. Okay, >> Okay, Deborah said preach, honey. Okay, before I do, let me let me just say before I do, let me let me just say before I do, let me let me just say this. Serving you, our sisters and this. Serving you, our sisters and this. Serving you, our sisters and brothers here at the Village Church has brothers here at the Village Church has brothers here at the Village Church has been one of the greatest joys of our been one of the greatest joys of our been one of the greatest joys of our lives. lives. lives. And our hearts today are overflowing And our hearts today are overflowing And our hearts today are overflowing with gratitude to the Lord for this with gratitude to the Lord for this with gratitude to the Lord for this privilege. When Deb and I, the bride of privilege. When Deb and I, the bride of privilege. When Deb and I, the bride of my youth, we've been married now 52 my youth, we've been married now 52 my youth, we've been married now 52 years. years. years. Thank you. When we arrived here in January of 2014, When we arrived here in January of 2014, we did so with the absolute confidence we did so with the absolute confidence we did so with the absolute confidence that this community of faith was his that this community of faith was his that this community of faith was his plan, his placement, and his purpose for plan, his placement, and his purpose for plan, his placement, and his purpose for us. especially since after 13 years uh us. especially since after 13 years uh us. especially since after 13 years uh we had been sort of sitting on the bench we had been sort of sitting on the bench we had been sort of sitting on the bench at another church and that was the at another church and that was the at another church and that was the ordering of the Lord I believe and and ordering of the Lord I believe and and ordering of the Lord I believe and and we were sitting there after having been we were sitting there after having been we were sitting there after having been involved in ministry of one sort of involved in ministry of one sort of involved in ministry of one sort of another uh for since we were pre-teens

another uh for since we were pre-teens another uh for since we were pre-teens we both came to know the Lord uh before we both came to know the Lord uh before we both came to know the Lord uh before we were teenagers and we'd been sitting we were teenagers and we'd been sitting we were teenagers and we'd been sitting for 13 years before we came here for 13 years before we came here for 13 years before we came here Uh while no one pursues the Lord's path Uh while no one pursues the Lord's path Uh while no one pursues the Lord's path without trouble and obstacles, the without trouble and obstacles, the without trouble and obstacles, the profound love and acceptance that you profound love and acceptance that you profound love and acceptance that you showered on us here at the village showered on us here at the village showered on us here at the village church has made every significant church has made every significant church has made every significant challenge that we've faced since we've challenge that we've faced since we've challenge that we've faced since we've been here, Matt referred to some of been here, Matt referred to some of been here, Matt referred to some of those on the elder board, look like those on the elder board, look like those on the elder board, look like pebbles in Lake Lewisville. They've pebbles in Lake Lewisville. They've pebbles in Lake Lewisville. They've become so small because of your love and become so small because of your love and become so small because of your love and for that we are grateful. Reflecting on for that we are grateful. Reflecting on for that we are grateful. Reflecting on my time serving on the board, it truly my time serving on the board, it truly my time serving on the board, it truly has been, as Charles Dickens says, the has been, as Charles Dickens says, the has been, as Charles Dickens says, the best of times and best of times and best of times and the worst of times. the worst of times. the worst of times. However, Moses prayed in Psalms 90. He However, Moses prayed in Psalms 90. He However, Moses prayed in Psalms 90. He said, "Lord, make us glad for as many said, "Lord, make us glad for as many said, "Lord, make us glad for as many days as you have afflicted us." days as you have afflicted us." days as you have afflicted us." And we have ultimately had far more days And we have ultimately had far more days And we have ultimately had far more days rejoicing than we have weeping. Looking rejoicing than we have weeping. Looking rejoicing than we have weeping. Looking ahead, we have no plans other than to ahead, we have no plans other than to ahead, we have no plans other than to continue our proc the process of our continue our proc the process of our continue our proc the process of our sanctification right here alongside you sanctification right here alongside you sanctification right here alongside you at the Village Church. Village Church, at the Village Church. Village Church, at the Village Church. Village Church, we love you. God bless you.

we love you. God bless you. we love you. God bless you. Thank you. Let's pray. Let's pray. Heavenly Father, Almighty God, creator Heavenly Father, Almighty God, creator Heavenly Father, Almighty God, creator of all things, as we gather before you of all things, as we gather before you of all things, as we gather before you today to honor your holy name and today to honor your holy name and today to honor your holy name and acknowledge the supreme power of your acknowledge the supreme power of your acknowledge the supreme power of your word. word. word. It's by your voice that the heavens were It's by your voice that the heavens were It's by your voice that the heavens were made. By your breath, you sustain all made. By your breath, you sustain all made. By your breath, you sustain all life, and your word is living, active, life, and your word is living, active, life, and your word is living, active, and powerful in all its workings. Lord, and powerful in all its workings. Lord, and powerful in all its workings. Lord, we confess that throughout this past we confess that throughout this past we confess that throughout this past week, our ears have been flooded with week, our ears have been flooded with week, our ears have been flooded with many voices and many words. We've many voices and many words. We've many voices and many words. We've listened to the noise of our culture and listened to the noise of our culture and listened to the noise of our culture and some captivated by social media. We've some captivated by social media. We've some captivated by social media. We've heard the demands of our jobs and the heard the demands of our jobs and the heard the demands of our jobs and the work that we do. And we've listened to work that we do. And we've listened to work that we do. And we've listened to the opinions of others and even the the opinions of others and even the the opinions of others and even the anxious thoughts of our own minds. But anxious thoughts of our own minds. But anxious thoughts of our own minds. But today, we pause and declare that your today, we pause and declare that your today, we pause and declare that your word matters most. Your truth is the word matters most. Your truth is the word matters most. Your truth is the anchor we need in these times when the anchor we need in these times when the anchor we need in these times when the wind is tossing our world to and fro. We wind is tossing our world to and fro. We wind is tossing our world to and fro. We humbly ask that you grant us a deep humbly ask that you grant us a deep humbly ask that you grant us a deep reverence for your word, the Holy Bible.

reverence for your word, the Holy Bible. reverence for your word, the Holy Bible. Give us ears that hear your truth, free Give us ears that hear your truth, free Give us ears that hear your truth, free from distractions. Give us soft and from distractions. Give us soft and from distractions. Give us soft and fertile hearts, ready to receive your fertile hearts, ready to receive your fertile hearts, ready to receive your message. Casting aside all of our pride, message. Casting aside all of our pride, message. Casting aside all of our pride, our prejudice, and our preconceptions. our prejudice, and our preconceptions. our prejudice, and our preconceptions. May the preaching of your word today May the preaching of your word today May the preaching of your word today radically change our lives. Let us not radically change our lives. Let us not radically change our lives. Let us not leave this place the same as we entered. leave this place the same as we entered. leave this place the same as we entered. We pray that our lives would be We pray that our lives would be We pray that our lives would be irrevocably changed by what we hear irrevocably changed by what we hear irrevocably changed by what we hear transforming us into the image and transforming us into the image and transforming us into the image and likeness of your son. Holy Spirit, likeness of your son. Holy Spirit, likeness of your son. Holy Spirit, empower us to walk out into the culture empower us to walk out into the culture empower us to walk out into the culture as shining lights, reflecting the truth as shining lights, reflecting the truth as shining lights, reflecting the truth and love of Jesus Christ. Father, we ask and love of Jesus Christ. Father, we ask and love of Jesus Christ. Father, we ask it all for the honor and the glory of it all for the honor and the glory of it all for the honor and the glory of your name. And it is in the powerful, your name. And it is in the powerful, your name. And it is in the powerful, majestic name of Jesus Christ, our Lord, majestic name of Jesus Christ, our Lord, majestic name of Jesus Christ, our Lord, that we pray. Amen. that we pray. Amen. that we pray. Amen. I'd like for you to imagine with me for I'd like for you to imagine with me for I'd like for you to imagine with me for a moment. Use your imagination. a moment. Use your imagination. a moment. Use your imagination. Imagine the sun beating down. That part Imagine the sun beating down. That part Imagine the sun beating down. That part doesn't require a whole lot here in doesn't require a whole lot here in doesn't require a whole lot here in Texas. But imagine the sun beating down Texas. But imagine the sun beating down Texas. But imagine the sun beating down uh ruthlessly on the chaotic bustling uh ruthlessly on the chaotic bustling uh ruthlessly on the chaotic bustling streets of the seaside town of streets of the seaside town of streets of the seaside town of Capernium.

Capernium. Capernium. The air humming with the tense energy of The air humming with the tense energy of The air humming with the tense energy of commerce. Fatefully at his post, Matthew commerce. Fatefully at his post, Matthew commerce. Fatefully at his post, Matthew the tax collector watches the coins the tax collector watches the coins the tax collector watches the coins rolling in. Kids to today would say rolling in. Kids to today would say rolling in. Kids to today would say stacking that paper stacking that paper stacking that paper knowing that each piece of coin knowing that each piece of coin knowing that each piece of coin represented three things. Number one, represented three things. Number one, represented three things. Number one, his personal wealth accumulation. his personal wealth accumulation. his personal wealth accumulation. Tax collectors were one of the Tax collectors were one of the Tax collectors were one of the wealthiest in their community. It also wealthiest in their community. It also wealthiest in their community. It also represented a disloyalty to his people represented a disloyalty to his people represented a disloyalty to his people and the nation that he represented. and the nation that he represented. and the nation that he represented. And thirdly, it represented support for And thirdly, it represented support for And thirdly, it represented support for the occupying Roman Empire. the occupying Roman Empire. the occupying Roman Empire. Crowds of his own people walking past Crowds of his own people walking past Crowds of his own people walking past Matthew's booth either sped on the Matthew's booth either sped on the Matthew's booth either sped on the ground or turned their heads and faces ground or turned their heads and faces ground or turned their heads and faces in deep disgust at his betrayal. Though in deep disgust at his betrayal. Though in deep disgust at his betrayal. Though his bag was full with filthy lucer, his his bag was full with filthy lucer, his his bag was full with filthy lucer, his soul was empty. Or as Gen Z would say soul was empty. Or as Gen Z would say soul was empty. Or as Gen Z would say it, bro got the bag full of dirty racks, it, bro got the bag full of dirty racks, it, bro got the bag full of dirty racks, but his soul was completely hollow. No but his soul was completely hollow. No but his soul was completely hollow. No cap. He's down bad. Okay.

cap. He's down bad. Okay. cap. He's down bad. Okay. Then one day walks Jesus through the Then one day walks Jesus through the Then one day walks Jesus through the busy markets of Capernaum busy markets of Capernaum busy markets of Capernaum with dust on his feets and a profound with dust on his feets and a profound with dust on his feets and a profound deep love in his innermost being. While deep love in his innermost being. While deep love in his innermost being. While others looked at Matthew the tax others looked at Matthew the tax others looked at Matthew the tax collector and saw a thief, a traitor, collector and saw a thief, a traitor, collector and saw a thief, a traitor, and a sinner, Jesus saw a lost son who and a sinner, Jesus saw a lost son who and a sinner, Jesus saw a lost son who desperately needed a way home, breaking desperately needed a way home, breaking desperately needed a way home, breaking every social and religious rule of the every social and religious rule of the every social and religious rule of the day. Jesus stopped right in front of day. Jesus stopped right in front of day. Jesus stopped right in front of Matthew's booth, looked directly at him, Matthew's booth, looked directly at him, Matthew's booth, looked directly at him, seeing beyond the facade on his face. seeing beyond the facade on his face. seeing beyond the facade on his face. And if any of you watched The Chosen, And if any of you watched The Chosen, And if any of you watched The Chosen, and I'm sure many of you have, uh, and I'm sure many of you have, uh, and I'm sure many of you have, uh, Matthew is not only uh uh considered a Matthew is not only uh uh considered a Matthew is not only uh uh considered a sinner, but some thought that he had sinner, but some thought that he had sinner, but some thought that he had Asperers syndrome or was on the autism Asperers syndrome or was on the autism Asperers syndrome or was on the autism spectrum. According to the chosen, Jesus spectrum. According to the chosen, Jesus spectrum. According to the chosen, Jesus saw none of that. What he saw was the saw none of that. What he saw was the saw none of that. What he saw was the weariness of Matthew's soul.

weariness of Matthew's soul. weariness of Matthew's soul. Jesus speaks two simple words uh packed Jesus speaks two simple words uh packed Jesus speaks two simple words uh packed with lifealtering with lifealtering with lifealtering uh impact or power to Matthew. He simply uh impact or power to Matthew. He simply uh impact or power to Matthew. He simply says, "Follow me." Without a moment's says, "Follow me." Without a moment's says, "Follow me." Without a moment's hesitation, Matthew did not pause to hesitation, Matthew did not pause to hesitation, Matthew did not pause to count his coins one last time. He stood count his coins one last time. He stood count his coins one last time. He stood up, left his financial security behind, up, left his financial security behind, up, left his financial security behind, and stepped into a brand new destiny. a and stepped into a brand new destiny. a and stepped into a brand new destiny. a brand new life. This same Jesus today brand new life. This same Jesus today brand new life. This same Jesus today looks beyond our faults, our failures, looks beyond our faults, our failures, looks beyond our faults, our failures, our facades and sees who we can become our facades and sees who we can become our facades and sees who we can become and offers offers us that very same and offers offers us that very same and offers offers us that very same call. Follow me. That same Matthew who call. Follow me. That same Matthew who call. Follow me. That same Matthew who stood up from the tax table and left stood up from the tax table and left stood up from the tax table and left everything behind is the very man who everything behind is the very man who everything behind is the very man who recorded the words that we read here a recorded the words that we read here a recorded the words that we read here a moment ago. He didn't just write a moment ago. He didn't just write a moment ago. He didn't just write a biography of Jesus. He wrote from biography of Jesus. He wrote from biography of Jesus. He wrote from firthand experience about the heart of a firthand experience about the heart of a firthand experience about the heart of a savior who looks at the broken, busted, savior who looks at the broken, busted, savior who looks at the broken, busted, weary, wounded, beat down, confused, and weary, wounded, beat down, confused, and weary, wounded, beat down, confused, and disheveled people of our day.

disheveled people of our day. disheveled people of our day. He looks at us with gutwrenching He looks at us with gutwrenching He looks at us with gutwrenching compassion. compassion. compassion. As Matthew followed Jesus through the As Matthew followed Jesus through the As Matthew followed Jesus through the towns and villages, towns and villages, towns and villages, he watched the very mercy that saved him he watched the very mercy that saved him he watched the very mercy that saved him expand to the multitudes. expand to the multitudes. expand to the multitudes. Let's open our Bibles and look at those Let's open our Bibles and look at those Let's open our Bibles and look at those verses again or your apps. Matthew verses again or your apps. Matthew verses again or your apps. Matthew 9:35-38. 9:35-38. 9:35-38. And look at what Matthew has to say And look at what Matthew has to say And look at what Matthew has to say about the compassion of Jesus. And it reads, "Jesus continued going And it reads, "Jesus continued going around to all the towns and villages, around to all the towns and villages, around to all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogue, preaching teaching in their synagogue, preaching teaching in their synagogue, preaching the good news of the kingdom, and the good news of the kingdom, and the good news of the kingdom, and healing every disease and every healing every disease and every healing every disease and every sickness." Jesus's me mission then and sickness." Jesus's me mission then and sickness." Jesus's me mission then and now beckons him to engagement. In every now beckons him to engagement. In every now beckons him to engagement. In every place there are humans gathered. place there are humans gathered. place there are humans gathered. Every one-horse podunk hick town, every Every one-horse podunk hick town, every Every one-horse podunk hick town, every burb, every lakeside or gated community, burb, every lakeside or gated community, burb, every lakeside or gated community, every hood, every ghetto, every slum, every hood, every ghetto, every slum, every hood, every ghetto, every slum, every asphalt jungle, and every bustling every asphalt jungle, and every bustling every asphalt jungle, and every bustling metroplex, metroplex, metroplex, even DFW.

even DFW. even DFW. Wherever there are earthlings, Jesus Wherever there are earthlings, Jesus Wherever there are earthlings, Jesus wants to engage in those situations. It wants to engage in those situations. It wants to engage in those situations. It says all the towns and villages. There says all the towns and villages. There says all the towns and villages. There were over 240 towns and villages in the were over 240 towns and villages in the were over 240 towns and villages in the region of Galilee. And basically it says region of Galilee. And basically it says region of Galilee. And basically it says that Jesus went to every one of them. that Jesus went to every one of them. that Jesus went to every one of them. You had little towns like Nazareth which You had little towns like Nazareth which You had little towns like Nazareth which where Jesus mother and father were from where Jesus mother and father were from where Jesus mother and father were from or his earthly father were from. They or his earthly father were from. They or his earthly father were from. They estimate it was about 150 maybe 200 estimate it was about 150 maybe 200 estimate it was about 150 maybe 200 folks there or you had Capernium a folks there or you had Capernium a folks there or you had Capernium a seaside village which may have had seaside village which may have had seaside village which may have had 12,000 which would probably have been 12,000 which would probably have been 12,000 which would probably have been the tops of most of the cities in that the tops of most of the cities in that the tops of most of the cities in that day and there were all types of towns day and there were all types of towns day and there were all types of towns and villages in between and we know some and villages in between and we know some and villages in between and we know some of the places by some of the people that of the places by some of the people that of the places by some of the people that came from them. You remember the story came from them. You remember the story came from them. You remember the story of Mary Magdalene? Well, she was from of Mary Magdalene? Well, she was from of Mary Magdalene? Well, she was from Magdala. It was one of those cities. Magdala. It was one of those cities. Magdala. It was one of those cities. Mary Magdalene. The story we know is Mary Magdalene. The story we know is Mary Magdalene. The story we know is that Jesus cast out seven demons from that Jesus cast out seven demons from that Jesus cast out seven demons from her, which would give us some indication her, which would give us some indication her, which would give us some indication that there was some nefarious demonic that there was some nefarious demonic that there was some nefarious demonic stuff going on in Magdala.

stuff going on in Magdala. stuff going on in Magdala. He he talked to the towns of Charasan He he talked to the towns of Charasan He he talked to the towns of Charasan and said, "Hey, if the miracles that had and said, "Hey, if the miracles that had and said, "Hey, if the miracles that had been done in you had been done in Sodom, been done in you had been done in Sodom, been done in you had been done in Sodom, Gomorra, it would still be here today." Gomorra, it would still be here today." Gomorra, it would still be here today." There was all kinds of stuff going on in There was all kinds of stuff going on in There was all kinds of stuff going on in these places where Jesus went, but he these places where Jesus went, but he these places where Jesus went, but he had no compulsions about going to. It had no compulsions about going to. It had no compulsions about going to. It didn't matter whether the people there didn't matter whether the people there didn't matter whether the people there were poor or rich. They were sick or were poor or rich. They were sick or were poor or rich. They were sick or healthy. They were the not so healthy. They were the not so healthy. They were the not so sophisticated or the most sophisticated, sophisticated or the most sophisticated, sophisticated or the most sophisticated, the illiterate or the educated, what we the illiterate or the educated, what we the illiterate or the educated, what we would call the rank sinners or the would call the rank sinners or the would call the rank sinners or the religious people of that day. Uh, our religious people of that day. Uh, our religious people of that day. Uh, our kids today would probably refer to the kids today would probably refer to the kids today would probably refer to the goss or the jots. Jesus didn't goss or the jots. Jesus didn't goss or the jots. Jesus didn't discriminate. discriminate. discriminate. Wherever there were people, there was Wherever there were people, there was Wherever there were people, there was Jesus. He went to the extreme Jesus. He went to the extreme Jesus. He went to the extreme right-wingers and to the extreme right-wingers and to the extreme right-wingers and to the extreme left-wingers. That's not a indication of left-wingers. That's not a indication of left-wingers. That's not a indication of anybody here today, but that's that's anybody here today, but that's that's anybody here today, but that's that's when you look at his disciples, he chose when you look at his disciples, he chose when you look at his disciples, he chose Simon the Zealot. He would be considered Simon the Zealot. He would be considered Simon the Zealot. He would be considered a right-winger today. He chose Matthew a right-winger today. He chose Matthew a right-winger today. He chose Matthew the tax collector. He would be the tax collector. He would be the tax collector. He would be considered among the left-wingers today.

considered among the left-wingers today. considered among the left-wingers today. And on the extremes of those, Jesus went And on the extremes of those, Jesus went And on the extremes of those, Jesus went to where there were people. He went to to where there were people. He went to to where there were people. He went to the incrowd, to the outcrowd, to the the incrowd, to the outcrowd, to the the incrowd, to the outcrowd, to the pretty people, to the not so pretty pretty people, to the not so pretty pretty people, to the not so pretty people, to the dominant majority as well people, to the dominant majority as well people, to the dominant majority as well as the despised minority. You remember as the despised minority. You remember as the despised minority. You remember him saying, "I've got to go through him saying, "I've got to go through him saying, "I've got to go through Samaria." Samaria." Samaria." The Jews would normally just skirt by. The Jews would normally just skirt by. The Jews would normally just skirt by. They would go way out of their way if They would go way out of their way if They would go way out of their way if they're going down to Jerusalem from they're going down to Jerusalem from they're going down to Jerusalem from Galilee to bypass the Samaritans. Jesus Galilee to bypass the Samaritans. Jesus Galilee to bypass the Samaritans. Jesus says, "I've got to go there." Why did he says, "I've got to go there." Why did he says, "I've got to go there." Why did he have to go there? have to go there? have to go there? There was a lady in Samaria that needed There was a lady in Samaria that needed There was a lady in Samaria that needed what he had. He would have gone today to what he had. He would have gone today to what he had. He would have gone today to the multi-million dollar mansions as the multi-million dollar mansions as the multi-million dollar mansions as well as the homeless tent cities under well as the homeless tent cities under well as the homeless tent cities under the bridges of many of our cities. the bridges of many of our cities. the bridges of many of our cities. Everywhere that there were homo sapiens, Everywhere that there were homo sapiens, Everywhere that there were homo sapiens, the heart of Jesus long to be in the the heart of Jesus long to be in the the heart of Jesus long to be in the mix. >> Scripture says he's the same yesterday, >> Scripture says he's the same yesterday, today, and forever. I just want to throw today, and forever. I just want to throw today, and forever. I just want to throw that out there. Jesus's relentless that out there. Jesus's relentless that out there. Jesus's relentless insistence on engaging all types of insistence on engaging all types of insistence on engaging all types of people. Speaks to his mission as people. Speaks to his mission as people. Speaks to his mission as recorded in John 10 and 10. Jesus says, recorded in John 10 and 10. Jesus says, recorded in John 10 and 10. Jesus says, "The thief comes to rob, to steal, and "The thief comes to rob, to steal, and "The thief comes to rob, to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I am come that to kill, and to destroy. I am come that to kill, and to destroy. I am come that they might have life, and that more they might have life, and that more they might have life, and that more abundantly, full life." Man, isn't that abundantly, full life." Man, isn't that abundantly, full life." Man, isn't that something we all long for? There's, you

something we all long for? There's, you something we all long for? There's, you know, I remember EMTT Smith after know, I remember EMTT Smith after know, I remember EMTT Smith after winning one of his Super Bowls, that's winning one of his Super Bowls, that's winning one of his Super Bowls, that's been a long time ago. He said, "There's got to be more to it He said, "There's got to be more to it than this." How many times have you than this." How many times have you than this." How many times have you climbed the ladder or tried to climb the climbed the ladder or tried to climb the climbed the ladder or tried to climb the ladder or set your your focus and your ladder or set your your focus and your ladder or set your your focus and your attention on acquiring something and you attention on acquiring something and you attention on acquiring something and you get it? Uh, you know, there was a time get it? Uh, you know, there was a time get it? Uh, you know, there was a time when, and I'm still a San Antonio Spur when, and I'm still a San Antonio Spur when, and I'm still a San Antonio Spur fan, but there are times when, man, they fan, but there are times when, man, they fan, but there are times when, man, they were winning the the championships and were winning the the championships and were winning the the championships and man, I'd be so happy when they won the man, I'd be so happy when they won the man, I'd be so happy when they won the championships and then is this it? championships and then is this it? championships and then is this it? They may be still uh rejoicing over They may be still uh rejoicing over They may be still uh rejoicing over that, but in my own soul, that, but in my own soul, that, but in my own soul, is this it? Yeah. And that's where many is this it? Yeah. And that's where many is this it? Yeah. And that's where many people are today. In the New Testament, people are today. In the New Testament, people are today. In the New Testament, there are two main words uh used for there are two main words uh used for there are two main words uh used for life. One is bios which speaks of our life. One is bios which speaks of our life. One is bios which speaks of our biology or physical existence and the biology or physical existence and the biology or physical existence and the other is Zoe. Zoe speaks not of our other is Zoe. Zoe speaks not of our other is Zoe. Zoe speaks not of our physical existence but it speaks of the physical existence but it speaks of the physical existence but it speaks of the unccreated life of God. That life that unccreated life of God. That life that unccreated life of God. That life that comes from knowing Christ.

comes from knowing Christ. comes from knowing Christ. Peter said it like this. Peter said it like this. Peter said it like this. We have become partakers of his divine We have become partakers of his divine We have become partakers of his divine nature. And when you are born of the nature. And when you are born of the nature. And when you are born of the spirit, born again, we have the very spirit, born again, we have the very spirit, born again, we have the very nature, the Zoey life of God indwelling nature, the Zoey life of God indwelling nature, the Zoey life of God indwelling us. It is a vibrant life. It is eternal It is a vibrant life. It is eternal life. It is God himself animating our life. It is God himself animating our life. It is God himself animating our soul. It is a life of deep peace, soul. It is a life of deep peace, soul. It is a life of deep peace, contentment, comfort, joy, purpose, and contentment, comfort, joy, purpose, and contentment, comfort, joy, purpose, and relationship with our creator. relationship with our creator. relationship with our creator. So Jesus goes about all the towns and So Jesus goes about all the towns and So Jesus goes about all the towns and cities and he's doing three things. His cities and he's doing three things. His cities and he's doing three things. His ministry, Peter again says, he came ministry, Peter again says, he came ministry, Peter again says, he came forth, he was manifested, he was born forth, he was manifested, he was born forth, he was manifested, he was born into this earth that he might destroy into this earth that he might destroy into this earth that he might destroy the works of the devil. He did that the works of the devil. He did that the works of the devil. He did that three primary ways. Teaching, preaching, three primary ways. Teaching, preaching, three primary ways. Teaching, preaching, and healing. Uh the thief, Jesus says, and healing. Uh the thief, Jesus says, and healing. Uh the thief, Jesus says, came to destroy people through his lies.

came to destroy people through his lies. came to destroy people through his lies. The despair that he produced within the The despair that he produced within the The despair that he produced within the hearts of people, the hopelessness that hearts of people, the hopelessness that hearts of people, the hopelessness that he produces as well as physical he produces as well as physical he produces as well as physical sickness. But Jesus came to crush all sickness. But Jesus came to crush all sickness. But Jesus came to crush all the diabolical plans of the enemy. And the diabolical plans of the enemy. And the diabolical plans of the enemy. And he did it through teaching, preaching, he did it through teaching, preaching, he did it through teaching, preaching, and healing. He taught Jesus countered and healing. He taught Jesus countered and healing. He taught Jesus countered the enemy's lies and confusion by the enemy's lies and confusion by the enemy's lies and confusion by grounding people in the absolute truth, grounding people in the absolute truth, grounding people in the absolute truth, giving them a firm and mental spiritual giving them a firm and mental spiritual giving them a firm and mental spiritual foundation for full living. He preached, foundation for full living. He preached, foundation for full living. He preached, he announced the arrival of the kingdom he announced the arrival of the kingdom he announced the arrival of the kingdom of God, replacing the enemy's message of of God, replacing the enemy's message of of God, replacing the enemy's message of despair, destruction, and repeating that despair, destruction, and repeating that despair, destruction, and repeating that cycle again and again with the ultimate cycle again and again with the ultimate cycle again and again with the ultimate hope of the good news. hope of the good news. hope of the good news. You know, our world would love and there You know, our world would love and there You know, our world would love and there are those in our world who are so hitty are those in our world who are so hitty are those in our world who are so hitty and they have envisioned this utopia. and they have envisioned this utopia. and they have envisioned this utopia. It never happened, y'all. And Jesus It never happened, y'all. And Jesus It never happened, y'all. And Jesus says, "Hey, you want to live forever.

says, "Hey, you want to live forever. says, "Hey, you want to live forever. You want eternal life. You want full You want eternal life. You want full You want eternal life. You want full satisfaction, full joy, full contentment satisfaction, full joy, full contentment satisfaction, full joy, full contentment in your deepest most being. in your deepest most being. in your deepest most being. It's by adhering and hearing and It's by adhering and hearing and It's by adhering and hearing and responding to the good news of the responding to the good news of the responding to the good news of the kingdom." And finally, he healed. Jesus kingdom." And finally, he healed. Jesus kingdom." And finally, he healed. Jesus physically reversed the damage of a physically reversed the damage of a physically reversed the damage of a broken world, directly pushing back broken world, directly pushing back broken world, directly pushing back against the sickness and destruction the against the sickness and destruction the against the sickness and destruction the thief brought into human lives. And I'll thief brought into human lives. And I'll thief brought into human lives. And I'll repeat it again. He's the same repeat it again. He's the same repeat it again. He's the same yesterday, today, and forever. Anything yesterday, today, and forever. Anything yesterday, today, and forever. Anything he's done in the past, he can do today he's done in the past, he can do today he's done in the past, he can do today and he will do forever more, except for and he will do forever more, except for and he will do forever more, except for when we're in the eternal kingdom. And when we're in the eternal kingdom. And when we're in the eternal kingdom. And it won't be necessary for healing it won't be necessary for healing it won't be necessary for healing because we will be all made whole. because we will be all made whole. because we will be all made whole. Verse 36 says, "When he saw the crowds, Verse 36 says, "When he saw the crowds, Verse 36 says, "When he saw the crowds, he felt compassion for them because they he felt compassion for them because they he felt compassion for them because they were harassed and helped like sheep were harassed and helped like sheep were harassed and helped like sheep without a shepherd." without a shepherd." without a shepherd." Uh, the CSV uses a couple other words, Uh, the CSV uses a couple other words, Uh, the CSV uses a couple other words, but I want to focus on those words but I want to focus on those words but I want to focus on those words harassed and helpless because they are harassed and helpless because they are harassed and helpless because they are more pictorial. They give us a better more pictorial. They give us a better more pictorial. They give us a better picture, a more vivid picture of what picture, a more vivid picture of what picture, a more vivid picture of what Jesus saw when he saw the crowds.

Jesus saw when he saw the crowds. Jesus saw when he saw the crowds. Because he taught like no other, Because he taught like no other, Because he taught like no other, preached the good news in a world of preached the good news in a world of preached the good news in a world of darkness and despair, and healed the darkness and despair, and healed the darkness and despair, and healed the disease afflicted and demonpossessed. disease afflicted and demonpossessed. disease afflicted and demonpossessed. Everywhere Jesus went, the crowds Everywhere Jesus went, the crowds Everywhere Jesus went, the crowds gathered. gathered. gathered. He saw the crowds. He didn't turn away He saw the crowds. He didn't turn away He saw the crowds. He didn't turn away from the crowds. He didn't ignore the from the crowds. He didn't ignore the from the crowds. He didn't ignore the crowds. He looked gazingly upon the crowds. He looked gazingly upon the crowds. He looked gazingly upon the crowds. The religious leaders of his day crowds. The religious leaders of his day crowds. The religious leaders of his day saw the crowds as a burden and a saw the crowds as a burden and a saw the crowds as a burden and a paycheck. paycheck. paycheck. The Roman government saw the crowd as The Roman government saw the crowd as The Roman government saw the crowd as subjects to be controlled and revenue subjects to be controlled and revenue subjects to be controlled and revenue for their coffers. Why Matthew was hired for their coffers. Why Matthew was hired for their coffers. Why Matthew was hired as a tax collector. Today, many see as a tax collector. Today, many see as a tax collector. Today, many see crowds as a means to an end. It's what's crowds as a means to an end. It's what's crowds as a means to an end. It's what's necessary in order to boost their necessary in order to boost their necessary in order to boost their personal egos. personal egos. personal egos. We find that among many of our We find that among many of our We find that among many of our politicians. I can tell you a little politicians. I can tell you a little politicians. I can tell you a little about that. I taught political science about that. I taught political science about that. I taught political science for a long time. I don't want to get off for a long time. I don't want to get off for a long time. I don't want to get off on that rabbit trail Deborah told me not on that rabbit trail Deborah told me not on that rabbit trail Deborah told me not to get off on. So, I'll leave it at to get off on. So, I'll leave it at to get off on. So, I'll leave it at that. All right.

Many see the crowd as a means to Many see the crowd as a means to increase their status as an influencer increase their status as an influencer increase their status as an influencer or others as a means of building their or others as a means of building their or others as a means of building their brand. Jesus was not dependent nor brand. Jesus was not dependent nor brand. Jesus was not dependent nor frustrated or irritated by the crowd. frustrated or irritated by the crowd. frustrated or irritated by the crowd. I can't say that of myself. this past I can't say that of myself. this past I can't say that of myself. this past January. You know, HB where he brother January. You know, HB where he brother January. You know, HB where he brother Clarence, he's out there somewhere, an Clarence, he's out there somewhere, an Clarence, he's out there somewhere, an employee of HB. Sorry to give you that employee of HB. Sorry to give you that employee of HB. Sorry to give you that shout out, brother. But I I love HB, the shout out, brother. But I I love HB, the shout out, brother. But I I love HB, the grocery store. I love HB. And we're grocery store. I love HB. And we're grocery store. I love HB. And we're getting commercial after commercial getting commercial after commercial getting commercial after commercial because they're fastly moving into this because they're fastly moving into this because they're fastly moving into this area. So, I decided and when we lived in area. So, I decided and when we lived in area. So, I decided and when we lived in South Texas, that was pretty much our South Texas, that was pretty much our South Texas, that was pretty much our only option. I decided I told Deborah, I only option. I decided I told Deborah, I only option. I decided I told Deborah, I think I'm going to go and shop at HB think I'm going to go and shop at HB think I'm going to go and shop at HB today. It was a Friday afternoon. I today. It was a Friday afternoon. I today. It was a Friday afternoon. I walked in HB over in Fris about 15 miles walked in HB over in Fris about 15 miles walked in HB over in Fris about 15 miles from the house and man there were so from the house and man there were so from the house and man there were so many people there. many people there. many people there. I said I got to get out of here.

I said I got to get out of here. I said I got to get out of here. Don't laugh at me. You got your crowd Don't laugh at me. You got your crowd Don't laugh at me. You got your crowd stories, too. All right. I want I want stories, too. All right. I want I want stories, too. All right. I want I want to talk about when that barista messes to talk about when that barista messes to talk about when that barista messes up your order, how you see the crowd. up your order, how you see the crowd. up your order, how you see the crowd. All right. Jesus again, he was not All right. Jesus again, he was not All right. Jesus again, he was not frustrated. uh by the crowd. Jesus saw frustrated. uh by the crowd. Jesus saw frustrated. uh by the crowd. Jesus saw the crowd as a family that had lost its the crowd as a family that had lost its the crowd as a family that had lost its way home. He does not look at your life way home. He does not look at your life way home. He does not look at your life today with judgment or condemnation, but today with judgment or condemnation, but today with judgment or condemnation, but with deep gut aching sympathy and with deep gut aching sympathy and with deep gut aching sympathy and empathy. You know a lot of people heard it was You know a lot of people heard it was Mahatma Gandhi says uh your Jesus I love Mahatma Gandhi says uh your Jesus I love Mahatma Gandhi says uh your Jesus I love that his people that his people that his people because he receives so much condemnation because he receives so much condemnation because he receives so much condemnation and judgment from it. But that's not the and judgment from it. But that's not the and judgment from it. But that's not the way Jesus sees people. He sees them way Jesus sees people. He sees them way Jesus sees people. He sees them through the eyes of compassion.

through the eyes of compassion. through the eyes of compassion. It says Jesus was moved It says Jesus was moved It says Jesus was moved in the depths of his being with profound in the depths of his being with profound in the depths of his being with profound visceral compassion. The New Testament visceral compassion. The New Testament visceral compassion. The New Testament word for compassion means to be moved word for compassion means to be moved word for compassion means to be moved deep within one's gut. We would say deep deep within one's gut. We would say deep deep within one's gut. We would say deep within our hearts but in their day it within our hearts but in their day it within our hearts but in their day it was in their guts that they felt and was in their guts that they felt and was in their guts that they felt and sensed various emotions. The word is not sensed various emotions. The word is not sensed various emotions. The word is not found in any classical Greek writings of found in any classical Greek writings of found in any classical Greek writings of the day nor the septuagen. It is only the day nor the septuagen. It is only the day nor the septuagen. It is only found in the four gospels. The word for found in the four gospels. The word for found in the four gospels. The word for compassion that's in this passage. compassion that's in this passage. compassion that's in this passage. Many theologians believe that that word Many theologians believe that that word Many theologians believe that that word was coined by the gospel writers. Listen was coined by the gospel writers. Listen was coined by the gospel writers. Listen to what Charles Spurgeon, the prince of to what Charles Spurgeon, the prince of to what Charles Spurgeon, the prince of pre preachers had to say about the word. pre preachers had to say about the word. pre preachers had to say about the word. He says, "It is expressive of the He says, "It is expressive of the He says, "It is expressive of the deepest emotion, a striving of the deepest emotion, a striving of the deepest emotion, a striving of the heart, a yearning of the innermost heart, a yearning of the innermost heart, a yearning of the innermost nature with pity. Those who watched him nature with pity. Those who watched him nature with pity. Those who watched him closely perceive that his internal closely perceive that his internal closely perceive that his internal agitation was very great. His emotions agitation was very great. His emotions agitation was very great. His emotions were very deep. And then his face were very deep. And then his face were very deep. And then his face betrayed what he was feeling. His eyes betrayed what he was feeling. His eyes betrayed what he was feeling. His eyes gushed like fountains with tears. And gushed like fountains with tears. And gushed like fountains with tears. And you saw his big heart was ready to burst you saw his big heart was ready to burst you saw his big heart was ready to burst with pity for the sorrow and suffering with pity for the sorrow and suffering with pity for the sorrow and suffering upon which his eyes were gazing.

upon which his eyes were gazing. upon which his eyes were gazing. That's what Jesus saw when he saw the That's what Jesus saw when he saw the That's what Jesus saw when he saw the crowds. Someone has put it like this. crowds. Someone has put it like this. crowds. Someone has put it like this. The compassion of Jesus was our hurts in The compassion of Jesus was our hurts in The compassion of Jesus was our hurts in his heart. Let me say that again. The his heart. Let me say that again. The his heart. Let me say that again. The compassion of Jesus was our hurts, our compassion of Jesus was our hurts, our compassion of Jesus was our hurts, our suffering in his heart. Most of us know suffering in his heart. Most of us know suffering in his heart. Most of us know that shortest verse in the Bible, one of that shortest verse in the Bible, one of that shortest verse in the Bible, one of the first ones I could remember. the first ones I could remember. the first ones I could remember. Jesus went Jesus went Jesus went and it was at the tomb of Lazarus and it was at the tomb of Lazarus and it was at the tomb of Lazarus standing there with his sisters that the standing there with his sisters that the standing there with his sisters that the full humanity of Jesus came out and he full humanity of Jesus came out and he full humanity of Jesus came out and he identified with the sorrow and sadness identified with the sorrow and sadness identified with the sorrow and sadness and the aching of those two sisters soul and the aching of those two sisters soul and the aching of those two sisters soul at the loss of their brother. But beyond at the loss of their brother. But beyond at the loss of their brother. But beyond that, Jesus knew that this was not the that, Jesus knew that this was not the that, Jesus knew that this was not the father's plan from the very beginning. father's plan from the very beginning. father's plan from the very beginning. And in his gut he longed for all And in his gut he longed for all And in his gut he longed for all humanity to be set free, to be made humanity to be set free, to be made humanity to be set free, to be made whole, to walk in the fullness of life whole, to walk in the fullness of life whole, to walk in the fullness of life that God intended in the very garden of that God intended in the very garden of that God intended in the very garden of Eden.

Eden. Eden. I think that was a part of his weeping. I think that was a part of his weeping. I think that was a part of his weeping. On another occasion when Jesus literally On another occasion when Jesus literally On another occasion when Jesus literally wept, it says that he was making his wept, it says that he was making his wept, it says that he was making his triumphant entry into Jerusalem and he triumphant entry into Jerusalem and he triumphant entry into Jerusalem and he paused outside the city looking out over paused outside the city looking out over paused outside the city looking out over the city and he wept and cried, "Oh the city and he wept and cried, "Oh the city and he wept and cried, "Oh Jerusalem, Jerusalem, how often did I Jerusalem, Jerusalem, how often did I Jerusalem, Jerusalem, how often did I come to you and I would have gathered come to you and I would have gathered come to you and I would have gathered you under my wings just like the hen you under my wings just like the hen you under my wings just like the hen gathers her baby chicks and protects gathers her baby chicks and protects gathers her baby chicks and protects them and loves them. I would have done them and loves them. I would have done them and loves them. I would have done that for you, but you did not know the that for you, but you did not know the that for you, but you did not know the time of your visitation. Oh my God. I time of your visitation. Oh my God. I time of your visitation. Oh my God. I pray that there are many sitting here pray that there are many sitting here pray that there are many sitting here today. Jesus is calling says, "Hey, I today. Jesus is calling says, "Hey, I today. Jesus is calling says, "Hey, I want you. I love you. I can do something want you. I love you. I can do something want you. I love you. I can do something about that aching, that hurting, that about that aching, that hurting, that about that aching, that hurting, that longing in your soul. You don't have to longing in your soul. You don't have to longing in your soul. You don't have to live that way." live that way." live that way." Jesus loved you so much that he wept. Jesus loved you so much that he wept. Jesus loved you so much that he wept. Not just for Jerusalem, Not just for Jerusalem, Not just for Jerusalem, the Flower Mount the Flower Mount the Flower Mount DFW DFW DFW for you as an individual.

for you as an individual. for you as an individual. That's the Jesus I love and serve. Why did Jesus weep Why did Jesus weep and why did he feel such deep and why did he feel such deep and why did he feel such deep compassion? compassion? compassion? The next part of the verse says because The next part of the verse says because The next part of the verse says because they were harassed and helpless like they were harassed and helpless like they were harassed and helpless like sheep without a shepherd. sheep without a shepherd. sheep without a shepherd. Jesus looked past the mask of outward Jesus looked past the mask of outward Jesus looked past the mask of outward success. He looks past the shame of success. He looks past the shame of success. He looks past the shame of failures and any other outward failures and any other outward failures and any other outward appearance and accurately diagnosed appearance and accurately diagnosed appearance and accurately diagnosed their condition. Then as he is their condition. Then as he is their condition. Then as he is diagnosing your condition and my diagnosing your condition and my diagnosing your condition and my condition today we are been harassed and condition today we are been harassed and condition today we are been harassed and we are helpless. That word harass That word harass the Greek word means to mangle or to be the Greek word means to mangle or to be the Greek word means to mangle or to be torn. It's and and it's a reference to the It's and and it's a reference to the shearing of the sheep. The hirling would shearing of the sheep. The hirling would shearing of the sheep. The hirling would often come along because he was hired to often come along because he was hired to often come along because he was hired to do a job. it didn't. He didn't care what do a job. it didn't. He didn't care what do a job. it didn't. He didn't care what happened. And often they would skin the happened. And often they would skin the happened. And often they would skin the sheep beyond taking the wool off the sheep beyond taking the wool off the sheep beyond taking the wool off the sheep sheep sheep and they were left hurt, bruised, and they were left hurt, bruised, and they were left hurt, bruised, wounded.

Man, we have been Man, we have been handled handled handled by many harlings. by many harlings. by many harlings. And I'm not just talking about church And I'm not just talking about church And I'm not just talking about church hirelings, even though there have been hirelings, even though there have been hirelings, even though there have been some of those. Thank God, man. What a some of those. Thank God, man. What a some of those. Thank God, man. What a joy to serve along broadside brothers joy to serve along broadside brothers joy to serve along broadside brothers who love the sheep, who love the sheep, who love the sheep, who care about the sheep. who care about the sheep. who care about the sheep. But there are many that are not in the But there are many that are not in the But there are many that are not in the condition or situation that God has condition or situation that God has condition or situation that God has placed us in. But we've had other placed us in. But we've had other placed us in. But we've had other things. It wasn't just the the shepherd. things. It wasn't just the the shepherd. things. It wasn't just the the shepherd. Sometime and there talked about in Sometime and there talked about in Sometime and there talked about in Ezekiel 34. If you want to read about Ezekiel 34. If you want to read about Ezekiel 34. If you want to read about how God brings an accusation against how God brings an accusation against how God brings an accusation against shepherd, you can go ahead and do that. shepherd, you can go ahead and do that. shepherd, you can go ahead and do that. But there are other situations. There But there are other situations. There But there are other situations. There were predators out there after the were predators out there after the were predators out there after the sheep. sheep. sheep. And you know the sheep that they love And you know the sheep that they love And you know the sheep that they love that one who would wander off by that one who would wander off by that one who would wander off by himself. I got this. I can handle this. himself. I got this. I can handle this. himself. I got this. I can handle this. Living in isolation. Living in isolation. Living in isolation. Man, if God's called you to be a part of Man, if God's called you to be a part of Man, if God's called you to be a part of a body, it's for a reason. There are a body, it's for a reason. There are a body, it's for a reason. There are predators out there. There's a thief out predators out there. There's a thief out predators out there. There's a thief out there. And not only that, but sometimes there. And not only that, but sometimes there. And not only that, but sometimes it's of our own doing. The sheep would it's of our own doing. The sheep would it's of our own doing. The sheep would often wander away and they'd get into a often wander away and they'd get into a often wander away and they'd get into a bramble bush or some other danger bramble bush or some other danger bramble bush or some other danger and they would be wounded deeply. There and they would be wounded deeply. There and they would be wounded deeply. There were times too, I learned in in in in were times too, I learned in in in in were times too, I learned in in in in preparation, there were time when preparation, there were time when preparation, there were time when stronger sheep would attack some of the stronger sheep would attack some of the stronger sheep would attack some of the weaker sheep.

weaker sheep. weaker sheep. Kind of sounds like church hurt. Kind of sounds like church hurt. Kind of sounds like church hurt. Yeah. Yeah. Nevertheless, the fact is Yeah. Yeah. Nevertheless, the fact is Yeah. Yeah. Nevertheless, the fact is and it remains that at the source of all and it remains that at the source of all and it remains that at the source of all of our hurts, all of our wounds, and of our hurts, all of our wounds, and of our hurts, all of our wounds, and often we look at other people and we often we look at other people and we often we look at other people and we want to point the finger at them and want to point the finger at them and want to point the finger at them and surely they may have been used by the surely they may have been used by the surely they may have been used by the enemy to bring some of that hurt and enemy to bring some of that hurt and enemy to bring some of that hurt and pain in our lives. pain in our lives. pain in our lives. But at the source of all the hurt and But at the source of all the hurt and But at the source of all the hurt and pain that we experience wasn't mama, it pain that we experience wasn't mama, it pain that we experience wasn't mama, it wasn't daddy. It was Satan. It was that wasn't daddy. It was Satan. It was that wasn't daddy. It was Satan. It was that thief that comes to rob, to kill, to thief that comes to rob, to kill, to thief that comes to rob, to kill, to steal, and to destroy. In a specific steal, and to destroy. In a specific steal, and to destroy. In a specific contextual sense, Jesus is addressing contextual sense, Jesus is addressing contextual sense, Jesus is addressing the situation of all the Jewish people the situation of all the Jewish people the situation of all the Jewish people of his day and the people living in of his day and the people living in of his day and the people living in Galilee and specifically during his Galilee and specifically during his Galilee and specifically during his time. In a general sense, he is time. In a general sense, he is time. In a general sense, he is addressing all of us because of the addressing all of us because of the addressing all of us because of the disobedience of Adam and Eve in the disobedience of Adam and Eve in the disobedience of Adam and Eve in the garden, also known as the fall. And we garden, also known as the fall. And we garden, also known as the fall. And we have become subject to the harassment of have become subject to the harassment of have become subject to the harassment of Satan, helpless to change our spirit Satan, helpless to change our spirit Satan, helpless to change our spirit condition on our own. Instead, we resort condition on our own. Instead, we resort condition on our own. Instead, we resort to trying to suppress and hide our inner to trying to suppress and hide our inner to trying to suppress and hide our inner turmoil.

turmoil. turmoil. By the way, again, Satan is the not only By the way, again, Satan is the not only By the way, again, Satan is the not only the root of our afflictions, bruises, the root of our afflictions, bruises, the root of our afflictions, bruises, and wounds, but he remains at the ready and wounds, but he remains at the ready and wounds, but he remains at the ready to exasperate those to exasperate those to exasperate those wounds and bruises by his lies. wounds and bruises by his lies. wounds and bruises by his lies. I won't ask you to raise your hand, but I won't ask you to raise your hand, but I won't ask you to raise your hand, but I can surely attest that all of us have I can surely attest that all of us have I can surely attest that all of us have heard the lies of Satan that tells us, heard the lies of Satan that tells us, heard the lies of Satan that tells us, "Hey, you're the only one they're "Hey, you're the only one they're "Hey, you're the only one they're treating this way. treating this way. treating this way. You're always you will always have to You're always you will always have to You're always you will always have to deal with this pain and this suffering. deal with this pain and this suffering. deal with this pain and this suffering. You will always have to deal with this You will always have to deal with this You will always have to deal with this addiction. You will never be free from addiction. You will never be free from addiction. You will never be free from what you're feeling, the turmoil in your what you're feeling, the turmoil in your what you're feeling, the turmoil in your soul. soul. soul. Or what will they think of you if they Or what will they think of you if they Or what will they think of you if they know this about you? Those are the lies know this about you? Those are the lies know this about you? Those are the lies of Satan that Jesus came with the truth of Satan that Jesus came with the truth of Satan that Jesus came with the truth and he taught to uh dissipate. and he taught to uh dissipate. and he taught to uh dissipate. After the fall, Adam and Eve hid from After the fall, Adam and Eve hid from After the fall, Adam and Eve hid from God. Their attempt to hide illustrates God. Their attempt to hide illustrates God. Their attempt to hide illustrates the human instinct to cover up our shame the human instinct to cover up our shame the human instinct to cover up our shame and internal brokenness rather than to and internal brokenness rather than to and internal brokenness rather than to confess it and expose it and allow the confess it and expose it and allow the confess it and expose it and allow the Lord to heal it. You know, we just Lord to heal it. You know, we just Lord to heal it. You know, we just celebrated our 55th My Class class celebrated our 55th My Class class celebrated our 55th My Class class reunion reunion reunion two weekends ago, and I I thought about two weekends ago, and I I thought about two weekends ago, and I I thought about one of the songs that was popular.

one of the songs that was popular. one of the songs that was popular. Actually, it became a one- hit wonder in Actually, it became a one- hit wonder in Actually, it became a one- hit wonder in 1971 by a group called The Undisputed 1971 by a group called The Undisputed 1971 by a group called The Undisputed Truth. I don't know where they got that Truth. I don't know where they got that Truth. I don't know where they got that name, but what they had to say was name, but what they had to say was name, but what they had to say was truth. They sang this song, smiling truth. They sang this song, smiling truth. They sang this song, smiling faces sometimes. How many of you heard faces sometimes. How many of you heard faces sometimes. How many of you heard that song before? You just told your age that song before? You just told your age that song before? You just told your age some. Smiling faces, it says, uh, what some. Smiling faces, it says, uh, what some. Smiling faces, it says, uh, what does it say about smiling faces? does it say about smiling faces? does it say about smiling faces? Sometimes they don't tell the truth. Sometimes they don't tell the truth. Sometimes they don't tell the truth. Smiling faces, smiling faces tell lies. Smiling faces, smiling faces tell lies. Smiling faces, smiling faces tell lies. We could all I would venture to say We could all I would venture to say We could all I would venture to say almost every one of us in this room almost every one of us in this room almost every one of us in this room could teach a master class on how to put could teach a master class on how to put could teach a master class on how to put that smile on our face to hide the hurt that smile on our face to hide the hurt that smile on our face to hide the hurt pain in our hearts. pain in our hearts. pain in our hearts. Smiling faces they tell lies. Smiling faces they tell lies. Smiling faces they tell lies. In an attempt to conceal his In an attempt to conceal his In an attempt to conceal his transgressions and his pain, King David transgressions and his pain, King David transgressions and his pain, King David described his physical and emotional described his physical and emotional described his physical and emotional toil by saying, "When I kept silent, my toil by saying, "When I kept silent, my toil by saying, "When I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groanings."

bones wasted away through my groanings." bones wasted away through my groanings." Oh, how many nights on our bed have we Oh, how many nights on our bed have we Oh, how many nights on our bed have we groaned because whether inwardly or groaned because whether inwardly or groaned because whether inwardly or outwardly because of what was going on outwardly because of what was going on outwardly because of what was going on in our hearts. Let me speak to to the in our hearts. Let me speak to to the in our hearts. Let me speak to to the descendants of Adam in the room today. descendants of Adam in the room today. descendants of Adam in the room today. All of those of you are not, you can All of those of you are not, you can All of those of you are not, you can close your ears. Okay? close your ears. Okay? close your ears. Okay? We live in the same broken world as We live in the same broken world as We live in the same broken world as David lived in. The apple doesn't fall David lived in. The apple doesn't fall David lived in. The apple doesn't fall far from the tree. We too in our shame far from the tree. We too in our shame far from the tree. We too in our shame and brokenness do the same two things and brokenness do the same two things and brokenness do the same two things that Adam and Eve try tried and that was that Adam and Eve try tried and that was that Adam and Eve try tried and that was to avoid our creator and to seek to hide to avoid our creator and to seek to hide to avoid our creator and to seek to hide our nakedness. our nakedness. our nakedness. We can do neither We can do neither We can do neither for God knows and God sees everything. for God knows and God sees everything. for God knows and God sees everything. He sees that you've been bruised, He sees that you've been bruised, He sees that you've been bruised, busted, beaten down, dispirited, busted, beaten down, dispirited, busted, beaten down, dispirited, dejected, distressed, weary, and dejected, distressed, weary, and dejected, distressed, weary, and wounded. wounded. wounded. David, let's look at what David did David, let's look at what David did David, let's look at what David did about the pain in his heart that he about the pain in his heart that he about the pain in his heart that he tried to conceal.

tried to conceal. tried to conceal. Let's just drop down to that second part Let's just drop down to that second part Let's just drop down to that second part of that. He said, "I acknowledge my sin of that. He said, "I acknowledge my sin of that. He said, "I acknowledge my sin to you and I did not cover my iniquity. to you and I did not cover my iniquity. to you and I did not cover my iniquity. I said, I will confess my transgressions I said, I will confess my transgressions I said, I will confess my transgressions to the Lord, and you forgave the to the Lord, and you forgave the to the Lord, and you forgave the iniquity of my sin. David in another iniquity of my sin. David in another iniquity of my sin. David in another place said, "Blessed is the man whose place said, "Blessed is the man whose place said, "Blessed is the man whose sins have been forgiven." Any of you sins have been forgiven." Any of you sins have been forgiven." Any of you know the joy of having your sins know the joy of having your sins know the joy of having your sins forgiven? Any of you know the the joy of forgiven? Any of you know the the joy of forgiven? Any of you know the the joy of having the shame taken away from your having the shame taken away from your having the shame taken away from your life? The freedom of having that addiction The freedom of having that addiction broken over your life. Anybody know broken over your life. Anybody know broken over your life. Anybody know that? Well, David says, "Hey, when I that? Well, David says, "Hey, when I that? Well, David says, "Hey, when I confessed it, I laid it all out before confessed it, I laid it all out before confessed it, I laid it all out before the Lord, he forgave it all." David also says something about what David also says something about what it's like to have all of that stuff it's like to have all of that stuff it's like to have all of that stuff taken out of his life in Psalms 23. Oh, taken out of his life in Psalms 23. Oh, taken out of his life in Psalms 23. Oh, you know the verse, the passage. He you know the verse, the passage. He you know the verse, the passage. He said, "The Lord is my shepherd. I shall said, "The Lord is my shepherd. I shall said, "The Lord is my shepherd. I shall not want. I'm satisfied on my innermost not want. I'm satisfied on my innermost not want. I'm satisfied on my innermost being. Why? Because he leads me lie down being. Why? Because he leads me lie down being. Why? Because he leads me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside in green pastures. He leads me beside in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He still waters. He restores my soul. He still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me along the right path of leads me along the right path of leads me along the right path of righteousness for his name's sakes. Even righteousness for his name's sakes. Even righteousness for his name's sakes. Even when I go through the darkest valley, he when I go through the darkest valley, he when I go through the darkest valley, he says, "I fear no danger because the Lord

says, "I fear no danger because the Lord says, "I fear no danger because the Lord is with me. His rod and his staff, they is with me. His rod and his staff, they is with me. His rod and his staff, they comfort me. He prepares a table before comfort me. He prepares a table before comfort me. He prepares a table before me in the presence of my enemies. He me in the presence of my enemies. He me in the presence of my enemies. He anoints my head with oil. My cup anoints my head with oil. My cup anoints my head with oil. My cup overflows. overflows. overflows. Surely, he said, goodness and mercy will Surely, he said, goodness and mercy will Surely, he said, goodness and mercy will be tagging along with me everywhere I be tagging along with me everywhere I be tagging along with me everywhere I go, and I'll dwell in the house of the go, and I'll dwell in the house of the go, and I'll dwell in the house of the Lord forever. You know, I know there are Lord forever. You know, I know there are Lord forever. You know, I know there are some Gen Z's in the house today. So, let some Gen Z's in the house today. So, let some Gen Z's in the house today. So, let me let me just put it in their words me let me just put it in their words me let me just put it in their words what David said. what David said. what David said. He said, "The Lord is my CEO. He said, "The Lord is my CEO. He said, "The Lord is my CEO. I am fully funded. I am fully funded. I am fully funded. He tells me to do go touch grass and He tells me to do go touch grass and He tells me to do go touch grass and stay hydrated by the main character stay hydrated by the main character stay hydrated by the main character streams. He completely resets my mental streams. He completely resets my mental streams. He completely resets my mental health. He keeps me on my grind for the health. He keeps me on my grind for the health. He keeps me on my grind for the plot and his brand image, even when the plot and his brand image, even when the plot and his brand image, even when the vibe is completely ruined and I'm vibe is completely ruined and I'm vibe is completely ruined and I'm walking through a literal horror movie.

walking through a literal horror movie. walking through a literal horror movie. David says, "I lost my place. I'm not David says, "I lost my place. I'm not David says, "I lost my place. I'm not sweating it sweating it sweating it because you are on Maine with me. Your because you are on Maine with me. Your because you are on Maine with me. Your security detail keeps me safe and security detail keeps me safe and security detail keeps me safe and validated. You set up a whole fivestar validated. You set up a whole fivestar validated. You set up a whole fivestar buffet right in front of the haters. You buffet right in front of the haters. You buffet right in front of the haters. You give me the main character glow up. My give me the main character glow up. My give me the main character glow up. My cup is literally throwing up blessing. cup is literally throwing up blessing. cup is literally throwing up blessing. Honestly, pure good vibes and Honestly, pure good vibes and Honestly, pure good vibes and unconditional energy and chasing are unconditional energy and chasing are unconditional energy and chasing are chasing me down 24/7. chasing me down 24/7. chasing me down 24/7. And I'm staying booked and busy in the And I'm staying booked and busy in the And I'm staying booked and busy in the Lord's house for eternity. No cap. For some of you who need an interpreter, For some of you who need an interpreter, talk to one Gen Z around us. talk to one Gen Z around us. talk to one Gen Z around us. That's what the Lord has in store for That's what the Lord has in store for That's what the Lord has in store for us. You can be healed.

You can be healed. And I I'm gonna close this out here in And I I'm gonna close this out here in And I I'm gonna close this out here in just a few. Okay. David in Psalm 34 just a few. Okay. David in Psalm 34 just a few. Okay. David in Psalm 34 says, "The Lord is near to the says, "The Lord is near to the says, "The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and save those who've been brokenhearted and save those who've been brokenhearted and save those who've been crushed in spirit." God does not demand crushed in spirit." God does not demand crushed in spirit." God does not demand that we look strong. He promises to make that we look strong. He promises to make that we look strong. He promises to make us exactly in our to meet us exactly in us exactly in our to meet us exactly in us exactly in our to meet us exactly in our uh brokenness. Psalms 142, the our uh brokenness. Psalms 142, the our uh brokenness. Psalms 142, the psalmist says, "I cried out to the Lord psalmist says, "I cried out to the Lord psalmist says, "I cried out to the Lord with my voice. I make my supplication. I with my voice. I make my supplication. I with my voice. I make my supplication. I pour out my complaint before him. I pour out my complaint before him. I pour out my complaint before him. I declare before him my trouble." This declare before him my trouble." This declare before him my trouble." This this psalm serves as a biblical model this psalm serves as a biblical model this psalm serves as a biblical model for full transparency. If you haven't and if you don't know If you haven't and if you don't know how, you can open up and you can tell how, you can open up and you can tell how, you can open up and you can tell the Lord anything. the Lord anything. the Lord anything. Guess what? He already knows it. It also Guess what? He already knows it. It also Guess what? He already knows it. It also provides an an example of raw honesty provides an an example of raw honesty provides an an example of raw honesty before the Lord.

before the Lord. before the Lord. I love it when new believers uh come to I love it when new believers uh come to I love it when new believers uh come to Christ. They don't know all of our Christ. They don't know all of our Christ. They don't know all of our Christian ease and they use words like Christian ease and they use words like Christian ease and they use words like Lord, that really sucks. Lord, that really sucks. Lord, that really sucks. And other words that I can't use up And other words that I can't use up And other words that I can't use up here, here, here, but I mean, they're just honest. They're but I mean, they're just honest. They're but I mean, they're just honest. They're raw. Hey, the Lord can handle it. As a raw. Hey, the Lord can handle it. As a raw. Hey, the Lord can handle it. As a matter of fact, do you realize one of matter of fact, do you realize one of matter of fact, do you realize one of his disciples had a cussing problem? Yeah. He called Peter to be a disciple. Yeah. He called Peter to be a disciple. Peter got under pressure. What did Peter Peter got under pressure. What did Peter Peter got under pressure. What did Peter do? Peter went to cussing. do? Peter went to cussing. do? Peter went to cussing. Okay, the Lord can handle it. Now, I Okay, the Lord can handle it. Now, I Okay, the Lord can handle it. Now, I believe he'll clean up your potty mouth, believe he'll clean up your potty mouth, believe he'll clean up your potty mouth, but but but he's not bothered. He's not bothered by he's not bothered. He's not bothered by he's not bothered. He's not bothered by it. it. it. The last verse, The last verse, The last verse, two verses. Then he said to his two verses. Then he said to his two verses. Then he said to his disciples, "The harvest is abundant, but disciples, "The harvest is abundant, but disciples, "The harvest is abundant, but the workers are few. Therefore, pray the workers are few. Therefore, pray the workers are few. Therefore, pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out workers into his harvest."

send out workers into his harvest." send out workers into his harvest." Jesus shift his disciples perspective Jesus shift his disciples perspective Jesus shift his disciples perspective from the problem to the broken people to from the problem to the broken people to from the problem to the broken people to the potential of the harvest. the potential of the harvest. the potential of the harvest. My prayer this morning is that My prayer this morning is that My prayer this morning is that as believers in the Lord Jesus Christ, as believers in the Lord Jesus Christ, as believers in the Lord Jesus Christ, we not be, as Matt would say, so we not be, as Matt would say, so we not be, as Matt would say, so involved in naval gazing that we miss involved in naval gazing that we miss involved in naval gazing that we miss those around us who are hurting, who are those around us who are hurting, who are those around us who are hurting, who are wounded, who are mangled, who need to wounded, who are mangled, who need to wounded, who are mangled, who need to know the Savior. One writer said that the harvest One writer said that the harvest is far greater than the labors. And so is far greater than the labors. And so is far greater than the labors. And so as his disciples, he tells us to pray. as his disciples, he tells us to pray. as his disciples, he tells us to pray. He didn't say, you know, write out a He didn't say, you know, write out a He didn't say, you know, write out a plan, you know, a strategy. Sure, that's plan, you know, a strategy. Sure, that's plan, you know, a strategy. Sure, that's important and we need to do those important and we need to do those important and we need to do those things. But the first thing he calls us things. But the first thing he calls us things. But the first thing he calls us to do is to pray earnestly. Not just one to do is to pray earnestly. Not just one to do is to pray earnestly. Not just one of those now I lay me down to sleep of those now I lay me down to sleep of those now I lay me down to sleep prayers, but a prayer prayers, but a prayer prayers, but a prayer that gets after God. Lord, there are that gets after God. Lord, there are that gets after God. Lord, there are people who are headed for a Christless people who are headed for a Christless people who are headed for a Christless eternity unless you do something in eternity unless you do something in eternity unless you do something in their lives.

Three things I want to put on the screen Three things I want to put on the screen here. Questions. here. Questions. here. Questions. Where in your life right now do you feel Where in your life right now do you feel Where in your life right now do you feel the most weight of being harassed and the most weight of being harassed and the most weight of being harassed and helpless? you're not a believer or even helpless? you're not a believer or even helpless? you're not a believer or even if you're a believer, we can be in that if you're a believer, we can be in that if you're a believer, we can be in that place. The Lord wants to meet you in place. The Lord wants to meet you in place. The Lord wants to meet you in that place. When you look at the hurting that place. When you look at the hurting that place. When you look at the hurting world around you, do you find yourself world around you, do you find yourself world around you, do you find yourself reacting with judgment? I might add, reacting with judgment? I might add, reacting with judgment? I might add, criticism, skepticism, criticism, skepticism, criticism, skepticism, cynicism, or indifference, or the active cynicism, or indifference, or the active cynicism, or indifference, or the active compassion of Jesus? compassion of Jesus? compassion of Jesus? And lastly, are you willing to step out And lastly, are you willing to step out And lastly, are you willing to step out of your comfort zone to be a part of the of your comfort zone to be a part of the of your comfort zone to be a part of the solution to someone else's pains? solution to someone else's pains? solution to someone else's pains? Father, we bless you tonight with this Father, we bless you tonight with this Father, we bless you tonight with this morning, this afternoon. Now, we thank morning, this afternoon. Now, we thank morning, this afternoon. Now, we thank you for your word. Your word is life. you for your word. Your word is life. you for your word. Your word is life. Your word changes us. And I thank you, Your word changes us. And I thank you, Your word changes us. And I thank you, Father, that you have spoken to your Father, that you have spoken to your Father, that you have spoken to your people this morning. Not because of me, people this morning. Not because of me, people this morning. Not because of me, but because of you and your love for but because of you and your love for but because of you and your love for your people. and not just your love for your people. and not just your love for your people. and not just your love for your people, but your love for the lost.

your people, but your love for the lost. your people, but your love for the lost. Would you help us to hide this word in Would you help us to hide this word in Would you help us to hide this word in our heart that we might walk obedient to our heart that we might walk obedient to our heart that we might walk obedient to you, seeing the harvest as you seeing you, seeing the harvest as you seeing you, seeing the harvest as you seeing see them and responding as you respond see them and responding as you respond see them and responding as you respond to them. We ask this in Jesus name. to them. We ask this in Jesus name. to them. We ask this in Jesus name. We're going to ask that our prayer team We're going to ask that our prayer team We're going to ask that our prayer team come and if God has moved upon your come and if God has moved upon your come and if God has moved upon your heart in any way, whether you're heart in any way, whether you're heart in any way, whether you're wounded, and there are things that need wounded, and there are things that need wounded, and there are things that need to be healed, to be healed, to be healed, there's distress, there's turmoil of there's distress, there's turmoil of there's distress, there's turmoil of soul, come let one of these men and soul, come let one of these men and soul, come let one of these men and women pray for you. God wants to meet women pray for you. God wants to meet women pray for you. God wants to meet you right where you are. It doesn't you right where you are. It doesn't you right where you are. It doesn't matter what you've done in life. matter what you've done in life. matter what you've done in life. He loves you and he gave himself for He loves you and he gave himself for He loves you and he gave himself for you. you. you. God bless you. God bless you. God bless you. We thank Pastor Michael. We thank Pastor Michael. We thank Pastor Michael. Would you all stand as we respond? We Would you all stand as we respond? We Would you all stand as we respond? We pray this to be what's true of our pray this to be what's true of our pray this to be what's true of our hearts. That we receive the love of the hearts. That we receive the love of the hearts. That we receive the love of the Lord and give that love back to others.

Lord and give that love back to others. Lord and give that love back to others. He change us in that way. that he lead He change us in that way. that he lead He change us in that way. that he lead us in that way. us in that way. us in that way. Pray this. Lord, send us into the Pray this. Lord, send us into the Pray this. Lord, send us into the harvest. harvest. harvest. Be your hands and feet. If it's bandaging the broken If it's bandaging the broken or washing filthy feet, or washing filthy feet, or washing filthy feet, >> here I >> here I >> here I >> Here I am, Lord. >> Here I am, Lord. >> Here I am, Lord. Send me. If it's loving one another Send me. If it's loving one another Send me. If it's loving one another even when we don't agree. even when we don't agree. even when we don't agree. >> Here I am. >> Here I am. >> Here I am. >> Here I am. Lord, >> Here I am. Lord, >> Here I am. Lord, send me. >> Every season we find ourselves in. If >> Every season we find ourselves in. If I'm poor, if I'm wealthy, I'll serve you I'm poor, if I'm wealthy, I'll serve you I'm poor, if I'm wealthy, I'll serve you just the same. just the same. just the same. Here I am, Lord. Here I am, Lord. Here I am, Lord. Send me on the mountain or the valley.

Send me on the mountain or the valley. Send me on the mountain or the valley. I will choose to praise. I will choose to praise. I will choose to praise. Here I am, Lord. Here I am, Lord. Here I am, Lord. Send me. If I'm known by how I love, Send me. If I'm known by how I love, Send me. If I'm known by how I love, then my life reflects how much I love. then my life reflects how much I love. then my life reflects how much I love. Love you. I love Love you. I love Love you. I love you. And before you even ask, oh, my you. And before you even ask, oh, my you. And before you even ask, oh, my answer will be yes. I love answer will be yes. I love answer will be yes. I love you. I love you. you. Whatever the cost. And if the truth cuts like an arrow, I And if the truth cuts like an arrow, I will say it anywhere will say it anywhere will say it anywhere I am. Cuz here I am, Lord, I am. Cuz here I am, Lord, I am. Cuz here I am, Lord, send me if it means that they'll reject send me if it means that they'll reject send me if it means that they'll reject me. Lord, I will still oy me. Lord, I will still oy me. Lord, I will still oy cuz here I am. Lord, cuz here I am. Lord, cuz here I am. Lord, send me. If I known by how I love and my send me. If I known by how I love and my send me. If I known by how I love and my life reflects how much I love life reflects how much I love life reflects how much I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you. And before you even ask, oh my

you. And before you even ask, oh my you. And before you even ask, oh my answer will be asked. Cuz I love answer will be asked. Cuz I love answer will be asked. Cuz I love you. you. you. I love And when I'm standing in your glory, And when I'm standing in your glory, I'll be glad I chose to say, I'll be glad I chose to say, I'll be glad I chose to say, "And here I am, Lord, "And here I am, Lord, "And here I am, Lord, send me." send me." send me." And well done, good and faithful. And well done, good and faithful. And well done, good and faithful. I live to hear you say, I live to hear you say, I live to hear you say, "Here I am, Lord. "Here I am, Lord. "Here I am, Lord. Send me. Here I am. Here I am, Lord. Send me. Here I am. Here I am, Lord. Send me. Here I am. Here I am, Lord. Send me. Here I am. Send me. Here I am. Send me. Here I am. Here I am, Lord. Here I am, Lord. Here I am, Lord. Send by how I love. And my life reflects how by how I love. And my life reflects how much I love much I love much I love you. Oh, I love you. Oh, I love you. Oh, I love you. And before you even ask, oh, my you. And before you even ask, oh, my you. And before you even ask, oh, my answer will be yes, cuz I love answer will be yes, cuz I love answer will be yes, cuz I love you. I love. If I know, if I know by how

you. I love. If I know, if I know by how you. I love. If I know, if I know by how I love, then my life reflects how much I love, then my life reflects how much I love, then my life reflects how much he's loved us first. he's loved us first. he's loved us first. He's loved us first. And before you even ask, oh my answer, And before you even ask, oh my answer, I love I love I love you. I say it one more time. If I'm you. I say it one more time. If I'm you. I say it one more time. If I'm known, known, known, >> if I'm known by how I love, let my life >> if I'm known by how I love, let my life >> if I'm known by how I love, let my life reflect how much I love. reflect how much I love. reflect how much I love. >> He's loved us first. >> He's loved us first. >> He's loved us first. >> So this is our posture. >> Oh, my answer will be yes. >> Oh, my answer will be yes. I love I love I love you. you. you. I love you.

you. >> Yeah. Amen. Why don't you go ahead and >> Yeah. Amen. Why don't you go ahead and >> Yeah. Amen. Why don't you go ahead and have a seat? I know there are men and have a seat? I know there are men and have a seat? I know there are men and women up here uh still being cared for. women up here uh still being cared for. women up here uh still being cared for. Uh we're going to end our service the Uh we're going to end our service the Uh we're going to end our service the way we always do in a celebration of the way we always do in a celebration of the way we always do in a celebration of the most visible act of Christ's compassion most visible act of Christ's compassion most visible act of Christ's compassion towards us in uh the cross. And so if towards us in uh the cross. And so if towards us in uh the cross. And so if you're a guest with us this morning, uh you're a guest with us this morning, uh you're a guest with us this morning, uh we provide communion primarily for our we provide communion primarily for our we provide communion primarily for our members. But if you're a believer in members. But if you're a believer in members. But if you're a believer in Christ in good standing with the church Christ in good standing with the church Christ in good standing with the church you're visiting us from, join us at the you're visiting us from, join us at the you're visiting us from, join us at the table. That's a good right thing. If table. That's a good right thing. If table. That's a good right thing. If you're here this morning, not a you're here this morning, not a you're here this morning, not a believer, not quite sure what to make of believer, not quite sure what to make of believer, not quite sure what to make of all of this yet, we love that you're all of this yet, we love that you're all of this yet, we love that you're here. You're so welcomed and wanted in here. You're so welcomed and wanted in here. You're so welcomed and wanted in this place, but communion belongs to the this place, but communion belongs to the this place, but communion belongs to the saints. It's our celebration of union saints. It's our celebration of union saints. It's our celebration of union with Christ. We believe he's with us in with Christ. We believe he's with us in with Christ. We believe he's with us in a mysterious way as we celebrate this. a mysterious way as we celebrate this. a mysterious way as we celebrate this. Uh and so we want you to join us at the Uh and so we want you to join us at the Uh and so we want you to join us at the table eventually. But if that's not table eventually. But if that's not table eventually. But if that's not where you are yet, man, just keep asking where you are yet, man, just keep asking where you are yet, man, just keep asking questions, keep coming, keep asking God questions, keep coming, keep asking God questions, keep coming, keep asking God to show you he's real. Uh and then one to show you he's real. Uh and then one to show you he's real. Uh and then one day, we would love for you to celebrate day, we would love for you to celebrate day, we would love for you to celebrate with us. The Bible says that on the with us. The Bible says that on the with us. The Bible says that on the night that Jesus was arrested that he night that Jesus was arrested that he night that Jesus was arrested that he took bread and he broke it, saying, took bread and he broke it, saying, took bread and he broke it, saying, "This is my body broken for you. Do this "This is my body broken for you. Do this "This is my body broken for you. Do this in remembrance of me."

Then at the end of the meal, he took the Then at the end of the meal, he took the cup, blessed it, said, "As long as we cup, blessed it, said, "As long as we cup, blessed it, said, "As long as we gathered in his name and until he gathered in his name and until he gathered in his name and until he returned, we should drink and remember." returned, we should drink and remember." returned, we should drink and remember." Let's remember, saints. had another weekend full of baptisms. had another weekend full of baptisms. Seven last night in the four. We've got Seven last night in the four. We've got Seven last night in the four. We've got a couple this morning. So, if you want a couple this morning. So, if you want a couple this morning. So, if you want to turn your attention to the waters. to turn your attention to the waters. to turn your attention to the waters. Good morning, family. My name is Good morning, family. My name is Good morning, family. My name is Shenaniah. Shenaniah. Shenaniah. And this is my friend Phelise and my And this is my friend Phelise and my And this is my friend Phelise and my cousin Joo. And they want to say a few cousin Joo. And they want to say a few cousin Joo. And they want to say a few words. words. words. I truly want to thank the Lord this I truly want to thank the Lord this I truly want to thank the Lord this morning for saving me from everything morning for saving me from everything morning for saving me from everything could possibly s be saved from could possibly s be saved from could possibly s be saved from abandonment, abuse, abandonment, abuse, abandonment, abuse, um sin, rebellion, backsliding. um sin, rebellion, backsliding. um sin, rebellion, backsliding. Thank you, Jesus. And never letting go Thank you, Jesus. And never letting go Thank you, Jesus. And never letting go of me when I even when I let go of him. of me when I even when I let go of him. of me when I even when I let go of him. Thank you, heavenly father.

There was a time in my life was marked There was a time in my life was marked by addiction, incarceration, shame, and by addiction, incarceration, shame, and by addiction, incarceration, shame, and guilt. I was constantly striving for the guilt. I was constantly striving for the guilt. I was constantly striving for the approval of man. But now, because of my approval of man. But now, because of my approval of man. But now, because of my King, Jesus, the chains of addiction King, Jesus, the chains of addiction King, Jesus, the chains of addiction have been broken. The prison walls have been broken. The prison walls have been broken. The prison walls knocked down. The shame of my lawless knocked down. The shame of my lawless knocked down. The shame of my lawless and sinful lifestyle I once lived has and sinful lifestyle I once lived has and sinful lifestyle I once lived has been dragged from the darkness into the been dragged from the darkness into the been dragged from the darkness into the light and put to death. Today, I walk light and put to death. Today, I walk light and put to death. Today, I walk hand in hand with my Lord and Savior hand in hand with my Lord and Savior hand in hand with my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. And no power on earth or Jesus Christ. And no power on earth or Jesus Christ. And no power on earth or demon in hell will ever be able to demon in hell will ever be able to demon in hell will ever be able to separate separate me from his love. separate separate me from his love. separate separate me from his love. >> I am a son of the most high forever >> I am a son of the most high forever >> I am a son of the most high forever grateful for my adoption into the family grateful for my adoption into the family grateful for my adoption into the family of God. of God. of God. >> All praise, honor, and glory to King >> All praise, honor, and glory to King >> All praise, honor, and glory to King Jesus. Proverbs 24:16 tells us, "Though Jesus. Proverbs 24:16 tells us, "Though Jesus. Proverbs 24:16 tells us, "Though a righteous man falls seven times, he a righteous man falls seven times, he a righteous man falls seven times, he will get back up, will get back up, will get back up, >> but the wicked will stumble into ruin." >> but the wicked will stumble into ruin." >> but the wicked will stumble into ruin." >> Amen. Amen. Police, do you confess and believe that Police, do you confess and believe that Jesus Christ is your Lord and Savior? Jesus Christ is your Lord and Savior? Jesus Christ is your Lord and Savior? >> Yes, I do. >> Yes, I do. >> Yes, I do. >> Then it is my privilege and joy to >> Then it is my privilege and joy to >> Then it is my privilege and joy to baptize you in the name of the Father, baptize you in the name of the Father, baptize you in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost.

the Son, and the Holy Ghost. the Son, and the Holy Ghost. Yeah. >> Joo, >> Joo, do you confess and believe that Jesus do you confess and believe that Jesus do you confess and believe that Jesus Christ is your Lord and Savior? Christ is your Lord and Savior? Christ is your Lord and Savior? >> Yes, sir. >> Yes, sir. >> Yes, sir. >> Then it is my honor, joy, privilege, and >> Then it is my honor, joy, privilege, and >> Then it is my honor, joy, privilege, and blessing to bless you in the name of the blessing to bless you in the name of the blessing to bless you in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Man, I wish y'all could see across Man, I wish y'all could see across services. Last night we had an services. Last night we had an services. Last night we had an 80year-old woman and an eight-year-old 80year-old woman and an eight-year-old 80year-old woman and an eight-year-old and former, you know, incarcerated and, and former, you know, incarcerated and, and former, you know, incarcerated and, you know, good kid their whole life, you know, good kid their whole life, you know, good kid their whole life, never really, you know, fully said yes never really, you know, fully said yes never really, you know, fully said yes to Jesus. It's just the gospel is the to Jesus. It's just the gospel is the to Jesus. It's just the gospel is the answer. Whatever the backstory, whatever answer. Whatever the backstory, whatever answer. Whatever the backstory, whatever the current struggle, whatever the thing the current struggle, whatever the thing the current struggle, whatever the thing is, uh the good news of the gospel of is, uh the good news of the gospel of is, uh the good news of the gospel of Jesus Christ is the medicine. Would you Jesus Christ is the medicine. Would you Jesus Christ is the medicine. Would you do me a favor? Would you stand with me?

do me a favor? Would you stand with me? do me a favor? Would you stand with me? Uh we're going to sing the doxology Uh we're going to sing the doxology Uh we're going to sing the doxology together and then head out uh into what together and then head out uh into what together and then head out uh into what might be another record setting day. And might be another record setting day. And might be another record setting day. And that's exciting. So, hey, you are loved that's exciting. So, hey, you are loved that's exciting. So, hey, you are loved by the creator God of the universe. You by the creator God of the universe. You by the creator God of the universe. You are loved by the leaders and ministers are loved by the leaders and ministers are loved by the leaders and ministers of this church. Uh, I pray you head of this church. Uh, I pray you head of this church. Uh, I pray you head outside these walls and the gospel isn't outside these walls and the gospel isn't outside these walls and the gospel isn't something that you've combi confined to something that you've combi confined to something that you've combi confined to an hour and a half of your week, but an hour and a half of your week, but an hour and a half of your week, but it's the driving force behind your life. it's the driving force behind your life. it's the driving force behind your life. Uh, I think you'll be bored out of your Uh, I think you'll be bored out of your Uh, I think you'll be bored out of your mind and you'll become a moralist if you mind and you'll become a moralist if you mind and you'll become a moralist if you see it any other way. And so, let's sing see it any other way. And so, let's sing see it any other way. And so, let's sing glory to God. He's deserving of it. And glory to God. He's deserving of it. And glory to God. He's deserving of it. And then we'll head out into this day. God then we'll head out into this day. God then we'll head out into this day. God bless you. I love you. bless you. I love you. bless you. I love you. Praise God from whom all blessings Praise God from whom all blessings Praise God from whom all blessings flow. Praise him all creatures Praise him all creatures here below.

Praise him above Praise him above ye heavenly ye heavenly ye heavenly host. host. host. raise father, raise father, raise father, son, and holy son, and holy son, and holy ghost. Go in peace, church family. There are Go in peace, church family. There are men and women up front to serve you and men and women up front to serve you and men and women up front to serve you and pray with you if you need any. You reign above it all. You reign above You reign above it all. You reign above it all. Over the universe, Over the universe, over every heart, there is no higher over every heart, there is no higher over every heart, there is no higher name.

name. name. Jesus, you reign Jesus, you reign Jesus, you reign above it all. Let all of heaven and the above it all. Let all of heaven and the above it all. Let all of heaven and the earth erupt in song. earth erupt in song. earth erupt in song. >> Sing hallelujah >> Sing hallelujah >> Sing hallelujah to the everlasting one. There is no to the everlasting one. There is no to the everlasting one. There is no higher name. higher name. higher name. >> Jesus, you reign >> Jesus, you reign >> Jesus, you reign above it all. reign above it all. You reign above it reign above it all. You reign above it all. Over the universe and over every heart. Over the universe and over every heart. There is no higher name. There is no higher name. There is no higher name. Jesus, she reign Jesus, she reign Jesus, she reign above it all. Let all of heaven and the above it all. Let all of heaven and the above it all. Let all of heaven and the earth erupt in song.

earth erupt in song. earth erupt in song. >> Sing hallelujah to the everlasting one. >> Sing hallelujah to the everlasting one. >> Sing hallelujah to the everlasting one. There is no higher name. There is no higher name. There is no higher name. Jesus, you reign Jesus, you reign Jesus, you reign above it all. You sent the darkness. You sent the darkness. You sent the darkness. Running You sent the darkness. Running You sent the darkness. Running out of an empty grave. out of an empty grave. out of an empty grave. Seated alone in glory. Seated alone in glory. Seated alone in glory. Thrown on the highest praise. Thrown on the highest praise. Thrown on the highest praise. You sent the darkness running You sent the darkness running You sent the darkness running out of an empty grave. out of an empty grave. out of an empty grave. alone in glory alone in glory alone in glory and bronest and bronest and bronest praise. praise. praise. You sent the darkness ready You sent the darkness ready You sent the darkness ready out of an empty grave out of an empty grave out of an empty grave and sitted alone in glory and sitted alone in glory and sitted alone in glory and thrown on the highest praise.

and thrown on the highest praise. and thrown on the highest praise. You sent the darkness running You sent the darkness running You sent the darkness running out of an empty grave, out of an empty grave, out of an empty grave, seated alone in glory, seated alone in glory, seated alone in glory, thrown on the highest praise. You reign above it all. You reign above You reign above it all. You reign above it all. Over the universe, over every heart. Over the universe, over every heart. There is no higher name There is no higher name There is no higher name Jesus should reign Jesus should reign Jesus should reign above it all. So let all of heaven and above it all. So let all of heaven and above it all. So let all of heaven and the earth erupt in song. the earth erupt in song. the earth erupt in song. Sing hallelujah to the everlasting Sing hallelujah to the everlasting Sing hallelujah to the everlasting one. There is no higher name. one. There is no higher name. one. There is no higher name. Jesus, you reign Jesus, you reign Jesus, you reign above it all.

You reign above it all. You reign above it all. You rain So you reign above it all. You reign So you reign above it all. You reign above it all. above it all. above it all. Over the universe, Over the universe, Over the universe, over every heart. There is no higher over every heart. There is no higher over every heart. There is no higher name. name. name. Jesus, you reign Jesus, you reign Jesus, you reign above it all. So let all of heaven and above it all. So let all of heaven and above it all. So let all of heaven and the earth erupt in song the earth erupt in song the earth erupt in song sing hallelujah to the everlasting one. sing hallelujah to the everlasting one. sing hallelujah to the everlasting one. There is no higher name. There is no higher name. There is no higher name. Jesus you reign Jesus you reign Jesus you reign above it all. You reign above You reign above it all.