Thomas Road Live - 11 am

Well, good morning Thomas Road. Hope you Well, good morning Thomas Road. Hope you guys are all doing amazing today and we guys are all doing amazing today and we guys are all doing amazing today and we got to celebrate Independence Day got to celebrate Independence Day got to celebrate Independence Day yesterday and what an amazing blessing yesterday and what an amazing blessing yesterday and what an amazing blessing it is that we live in a country where we it is that we live in a country where we it is that we live in a country where we can freely worship our Lord and Savior can freely worship our Lord and Savior can freely worship our Lord and Savior and we get to celebrate these things. and we get to celebrate these things. and we get to celebrate these things. So, I hopefully all of you guys still So, I hopefully all of you guys still So, I hopefully all of you guys still have all 10 fingers that you were have all 10 fingers that you were have all 10 fingers that you were setting off fireworks but you came in setting off fireworks but you came in setting off fireworks but you came in today. But again, we're celebrating 250 today. But again, we're celebrating 250 today. But again, we're celebrating 250 years of our country but then we've been years of our country but then we've been years of our country but then we've been celebrating 70 years of this church. So, celebrating 70 years of this church. So, celebrating 70 years of this church. So, if you guys have seen it on Main Street, if you guys have seen it on Main Street, if you guys have seen it on Main Street, we have t-shirts, sweatshirts, all kinds we have t-shirts, sweatshirts, all kinds we have t-shirts, sweatshirts, all kinds of merchandise celebrating that. So, if of merchandise celebrating that. So, if of merchandise celebrating that. So, if you guys have time, go out there and you guys have time, go out there and you guys have time, go out there and look at that. It's some really cool look at that. It's some really cool look at that. It's some really cool stuff that's just remembering and stuff that's just remembering and stuff that's just remembering and celebrating what God has done over these celebrating what God has done over these celebrating what God has done over these 70 years here at church. And then again, 70 years here at church. And then again, 70 years here at church. And then again, if you have been here for a while and if you have been here for a while and if you have been here for a while and you've not taken a next step with us, we you've not taken a next step with us, we you've not taken a next step with us, we have an amazing class called Connect TR. have an amazing class called Connect TR. have an amazing class called Connect TR. This is our membership class and our This is our membership class and our This is our membership class and our membership class is now completely membership class is now completely membership class is now completely online. So, if you're like, "When does online. So, if you're like, "When does online. So, if you're like, "When does this meet?" Anytime that you're this meet?" Anytime that you're this meet?" Anytime that you're available. So, when you're going through available. So, when you're going through available. So, when you're going through the membership class, you'll learn more the membership class, you'll learn more the membership class, you'll learn more about the church, more about how you about the church, more about how you about the church, more about how you become a member here and then once become a member here and then once become a member here and then once you're done with that, we all get you're done with that, we all get you're done with that, we all get together for a luncheon with all the new together for a luncheon with all the new together for a luncheon with all the new members and you guys get to sit down, we members and you guys get to sit down, we members and you guys get to sit down, we get to learn more of the church and you get to learn more of the church and you get to learn more of the church and you guys get to celebrate that together.

guys get to celebrate that together. guys get to celebrate that together. Next Sunday is our local serve missions Next Sunday is our local serve missions Next Sunday is our local serve missions day. So, what that means is there's day. So, what that means is there's day. So, what that means is there's going to be 14 of our local missions going to be 14 of our local missions going to be 14 of our local missions partners out in the lobby. And then this partners out in the lobby. And then this partners out in the lobby. And then this is the Sunday, if you guys remember, is the Sunday, if you guys remember, is the Sunday, if you guys remember, where we bring the teal bags out. So, where we bring the teal bags out. So, where we bring the teal bags out. So, next Sunday we'll be handing out those next Sunday we'll be handing out those next Sunday we'll be handing out those teal bags. Our goal is to get a thousand teal bags. Our goal is to get a thousand teal bags. Our goal is to get a thousand of those bags out. So, just start of those bags out. So, just start of those bags out. So, just start praying now. God, do you want me to be praying now. God, do you want me to be praying now. God, do you want me to be one of the people to take those teal one of the people to take those teal one of the people to take those teal bags and fill them back up. So, go ahead bags and fill them back up. So, go ahead bags and fill them back up. So, go ahead and start praying. And then the last and start praying. And then the last and start praying. And then the last thing for our young adults, who loves thing for our young adults, who loves thing for our young adults, who loves volleyball, soccer, spike ball? This volleyball, soccer, spike ball? This volleyball, soccer, spike ball? This Wednesday night at 6:30 on the lower LCA Wednesday night at 6:30 on the lower LCA Wednesday night at 6:30 on the lower LCA fields, we're doing our ministry. It's fields, we're doing our ministry. It's fields, we're doing our ministry. It's called huddle. So, if you see it on the called huddle. So, if you see it on the called huddle. So, if you see it on the website, or if you see it on our events website, or if you see it on our events website, or if you see it on our events page, that's what it is. It's a time of page, that's what it is. It's a time of page, that's what it is. It's a time of fellowship, time to get together and fellowship, time to get together and fellowship, time to get together and play sports and build Christian play sports and build Christian play sports and build Christian community. And then next Tuesday, July community. And then next Tuesday, July community. And then next Tuesday, July 14th, we'll be back for our summer 14th, we'll be back for our summer 14th, we'll be back for our summer nights. So, that's in the backyard. nights. So, that's in the backyard. nights. So, that's in the backyard. We'll have hamburgers, hot dogs, and We'll have hamburgers, hot dogs, and We'll have hamburgers, hot dogs, and we're continuing our series that we've we're continuing our series that we've we're continuing our series that we've been going through in spiritual warfare been going through in spiritual warfare been going through in spiritual warfare for all young adults. So, that's if for all young adults. So, that's if for all young adults. So, that's if you're in college, or if you're in your you're in college, or if you're in your you're in college, or if you're in your 20s and 30s. And again, we've been 20s and 30s. And again, we've been 20s and 30s. And again, we've been celebrating a lot of things this celebrating a lot of things this celebrating a lot of things this weekend, but the thing this morning we weekend, but the thing this morning we weekend, but the thing this morning we get to celebrate is that there were get to celebrate is that there were get to celebrate is that there were three baptisms this morning. So, go three baptisms this morning. So, go three baptisms this morning. So, go ahead and turn your attention to the ahead and turn your attention to the ahead and turn your attention to the screens to see what happened.

screens to see what happened. screens to see what happened. >> Oh, well, good morning, Thomas Road. My >> Oh, well, good morning, Thomas Road. My >> Oh, well, good morning, Thomas Road. My name is Caleb, and I am one of the name is Caleb, and I am one of the name is Caleb, and I am one of the student pastors around here. And I'm student pastors around here. And I'm student pastors around here. And I'm just so thankful that our church has the just so thankful that our church has the just so thankful that our church has the opportunity to baptize believers in opportunity to baptize believers in opportunity to baptize believers in Christ every week. Um, and today we have Christ every week. Um, and today we have Christ every week. Um, and today we have three people who have chosen to take three people who have chosen to take three people who have chosen to take this next step in their faith journey this next step in their faith journey this next step in their faith journey with Christ. So, I'm just going to pray with Christ. So, I'm just going to pray with Christ. So, I'm just going to pray over them, and then we're going to begin over them, and then we're going to begin over them, and then we're going to begin uh, baptisms this morning. Uh, God, uh, baptisms this morning. Uh, God, uh, baptisms this morning. Uh, God, thank you so much that the gospel still thank you so much that the gospel still thank you so much that the gospel still works, and that the gospel [music] works, and that the gospel [music] works, and that the gospel [music] is still changing lives. God, how is still changing lives. God, how is still changing lives. God, how amazing is it that we right here in amazing is it that we right here in amazing is it that we right here in Lynchburg, Virginia, get to be a part of Lynchburg, Virginia, get to be a part of Lynchburg, Virginia, get to be a part of your kingdom growing. And God, so I pray your kingdom growing. And God, so I pray your kingdom growing. And God, so I pray over these three individuals who have over these three individuals who have over these three individuals who have chosen [music] to follow you in baptism, chosen [music] to follow you in baptism, chosen [music] to follow you in baptism, that you would bless them and draw them that you would bless them and draw them that you would bless them and draw them closer to you as they seek to look and closer to you as they seek to look and closer to you as they seek to look and be more like Jesus every day. God, I be more like Jesus every day. God, I be more like Jesus every day. God, I pray all these things in [music] your pray all these things in [music] your pray all these things in [music] your son's precious name. Amen. Well, the son's precious name. Amen. Well, the son's precious name. Amen. Well, the first person that we get to baptize this first person that we get to baptize this first person that we get to baptize this morning is Harper Brown.

morning is Harper Brown. morning is Harper Brown. Um Harper is one of my middle school Um Harper is one of my middle school Um Harper is one of my middle school students, and she is a rockstar. Uh her students, and she is a rockstar. Uh her students, and she is a rockstar. Uh her and I, as well as middle school uh and I, as well as middle school uh and I, as well as middle school uh student ministry, we're going to be student ministry, we're going to be student ministry, we're going to be going to Charlotte, North Carolina on a going to Charlotte, North Carolina on a going to Charlotte, North Carolina on a mission trip soon. And Harper wanted to mission trip soon. And Harper wanted to mission trip soon. And Harper wanted to make sure that she was baptized before make sure that she was baptized before make sure that she was baptized before going on this trip. Um and so, Harper's going on this trip. Um and so, Harper's going on this trip. Um and so, Harper's amazing. Harper, have you chosen to amazing. Harper, have you chosen to amazing. Harper, have you chosen to follow Jesus with your life? follow Jesus with your life? follow Jesus with your life? >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Awesome. Well, because you have, I >> Awesome. Well, because you have, I >> Awesome. Well, because you have, I baptize you now in the name of the baptize you now in the name of the baptize you now in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Buried in the likeness of his death, Buried in the likeness of his death, Buried in the likeness of his death, raised to walk in the newness of life. raised to walk in the newness of life. raised to walk in the newness of life. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> Awesome. Well, I'm going to hand it over >> Awesome. Well, I'm going to hand it over >> Awesome. Well, I'm going to hand it over to Pastor Jonathan for the other two to Pastor Jonathan for the other two to Pastor Jonathan for the other two people. people. people. >> And we have Clint Church. Come on down, >> And we have Clint Church. Come on down, >> And we have Clint Church. Come on down, Clint, if you would. Clint, if you would. Clint, if you would. We're excited to be able to continue to We're excited to be able to continue to We're excited to be able to continue to celebrate what God has done in the lives celebrate what God has done in the lives celebrate what God has done in the lives of individuals, whether young or whether of individuals, whether young or whether of individuals, whether young or whether maybe a little bit older. But Clint, maybe a little bit older. But Clint, maybe a little bit older. But Clint, have you trusted Christ as your Lord and have you trusted Christ as your Lord and have you trusted Christ as your Lord and Savior? Savior? Savior? Well, [snorts] Clint, because you have, Well, [snorts] Clint, because you have, Well, [snorts] Clint, because you have, and in obedience to the Lord's command, and in obedience to the Lord's command, and in obedience to the Lord's command, I baptize you now in the name of the I baptize you now in the name of the I baptize you now in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Buried in the likeness of his Spirit. Buried in the likeness of his Spirit. Buried in the likeness of his death, death, death, raised in the likeness of his raised in the likeness of his raised in the likeness of his resurrection. Congratulations, buddy.

resurrection. Congratulations, buddy. resurrection. Congratulations, buddy. Awesome. And this is Victoria McGovern. Come on And this is Victoria McGovern. Come on down, if you would. down, if you would. down, if you would. Celebrate together. Come right on over, Celebrate together. Come right on over, Celebrate together. Come right on over, Victoria. Victoria. Victoria. And Victoria, have you trusted Christ as And Victoria, have you trusted Christ as And Victoria, have you trusted Christ as your Lord and Savior? your Lord and Savior? your Lord and Savior? Well, because you have, and in obedience Well, because you have, and in obedience Well, because you have, and in obedience to the Lord's command, I baptize you now to the Lord's command, I baptize you now to the Lord's command, I baptize you now in the name of the Father and of the Son in the name of the Father and of the Son in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Buried in the and of the Holy Spirit. Buried in the and of the Holy Spirit. Buried in the likeness of his death, likeness of his death, likeness of his death, raised in the likeness of his raised in the likeness of his raised in the likeness of his resurrection. Congratulations. resurrection. Congratulations. resurrection. Congratulations. That's awesome. Awesome. Again, it's a great, great thing to be a Again, it's a great, great thing to be a part of a church that every single week part of a church that every single week part of a church that every single week people are coming to know Christ, making people are coming to know Christ, making people are coming to know Christ, making that decision to follow Christ. And so, that decision to follow Christ. And so, that decision to follow Christ. And so, I encourage each and every one of you I encourage each and every one of you I encourage each and every one of you today as we're going to be talking about today as we're going to be talking about today as we're going to be talking about today from 2 Thessalonians chapter 3. today from 2 Thessalonians chapter 3. today from 2 Thessalonians chapter 3. Make sure that you continue to follow Make sure that you continue to follow Make sure that you continue to follow Christ. Christ. Christ. >> And then, will praise the Lord for the >> And then, will praise the Lord for the >> And then, will praise the Lord for the great things he's done in our life this great things he's done in our life this great things he's done in our life this week. Would you guys stand with us as we week. Would you guys stand with us as we week. Would you guys stand with us as we worship the king [music] today?

You're the glorious king. You're the glorious king. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> Glorious is your voice this morning. >> Glorious is your voice this morning. >> Glorious is your voice this morning. Oh, come let us [music] worship our Oh, come let us [music] worship our Oh, come let us [music] worship our king. king. king. Come let us bow at his feet. He has done Come let us bow at his feet. He has done Come let us bow at his feet. He has done great [singing] great [singing] great [singing] things. Yes, see what [music and singing] our Yes, see what [music and singing] our savior has done. savior has done. savior has done. See [music] how his [singing] love See [music] how his [singing] love See [music] how his [singing] love overcomes. overcomes. overcomes. He has done great things. [music] Yeah, he Yeah, he has done great things. has done great things. has done great things. >> [music] >> A hero >> A hero of heaven, of heaven, of heaven, you conquered [music] you conquered [music] you conquered [music] the grave. You freed every captive and the grave. You freed every captive and the grave. You freed every captive and broke every [music] chain, oh God. broke every [music] chain, oh God. broke every [music] chain, oh God. You have done great things. We dance in You have done great things. We dance in You have done great things. We dance in your freedom, oh ancient of your freedom, oh ancient of your freedom, oh ancient of days. days. days. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> Oh, Jesus, our savior, your name >> Oh, Jesus, our savior, your name >> Oh, Jesus, our savior, your name [singing] lifted high, [singing] lifted high, [singing] lifted high, oh God.

oh God. oh God. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> You >> You >> You have done have done have done great things. >> You have [music] been faithful through >> You have [music] been faithful through every [singing] storm. every [singing] storm. every [singing] storm. You'll be faithful [music] You'll be faithful [music] You'll be faithful [music] forevermore. forevermore. forevermore. You have done great things. You have done great things. You have done great things. My God, you [music] have. My God, you [music] have. My God, you [music] have. And I know you will do it again. And I know you will do it again. And I know you will do it again. All your [music] promises yesterday, All your [music] promises yesterday, All your [music] promises yesterday, man, you will do great things. man, you will do great things. man, you will do great things. Yes, you have. Yes, you have. Yes, you have. God, you have God, you have God, you have >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> done great things. >> done great things. >> done great things. So, we sing So, we sing So, we sing our hymn [music] of heaven. our hymn [music] of heaven. our hymn [music] of heaven. You conquered the You conquered the You conquered the grave. grave. grave. You freed You freed You freed >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> every captive, >> every captive, >> every captive, breaking breaking breaking every chain every chain every chain >> [singing] >> [singing] >> [singing] >> of pride. >> of pride. >> of pride. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> You have done great >> You have done great >> You have done great things.

things. things. We dance We dance We dance >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> in your freedom, >> in your freedom, >> in your freedom, awakened alive. awakened alive. awakened alive. Oh, Jesus, Oh, Jesus, Oh, Jesus, our savior, our savior, our savior, >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> your name >> your name >> your name lifted high, lifted high, lifted high, oh God. oh God. oh God. You have done great You have done great You have done great >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> things. >> things. >> things. Yes, you have. Yes, you have. Yes, you have. We sing We sing We sing Hallelujah, [music] Hallelujah, [music] Hallelujah, [music] God, above it all. Hallelujah, God, above it all. Hallelujah, God, above it all. Hallelujah, God, God, God, unshakeable. unshakeable. unshakeable. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> Hallelujah, you have done [music] great things. Oh, you have done [music] great things. Oh, he's done great things. he's done great things. he's done great things. So, we sing So, we sing So, we sing Hallelujah, [music] God, Hallelujah, [music] God, Hallelujah, [music] God, above it all. Hallelujah, above it all. Hallelujah, above it all. Hallelujah, God, God, God, unshakeable. Hallelujah, [music] you have done great things. you have done great things. You've have great things. You've have great things. You've have great things. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> Oh, healer of heaven, >> Oh, healer of heaven, >> Oh, healer of heaven, you conquered you conquered you conquered the grave.

the grave. the grave. You free every captive. [music] You You free every captive. [music] You You free every captive. [music] You break every chain. Oh break every chain. Oh break every chain. Oh God, God, God, you have done [music and singing] great you have done [music and singing] great you have done [music and singing] great things. things. things. We We We exalt your freedom exalt your freedom exalt your freedom >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> all day >> all day >> all day and all night. and all night. and all night. Oh Jesus, Oh Jesus, Oh Jesus, our shame our shame our shame you erase. You stand you erase. You stand you erase. You stand >> [music and singing] >> [music and singing] >> [music and singing] >> higher than all gods. >> higher than all gods. >> higher than all gods. You have done great things. [music] You have done great things. [music] You have done great things. [music] Oh, you have done Oh, you have done Oh, you have done great things. great things. great things. My God, My God, My God, >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> you did great >> you did great >> you did great things. You did [music] great things, You did [music] great things, God. Yeah. Yeah. Surely we praise [music] you, Lord. Surely we praise [music] you, Lord. Surely we praise [music] you, Lord. You're the same You're the same You're the same today today today and forever. >> [music] >> [music] >> You did great >> You did great >> You did great things. We praise [music] you. We praise [music] you. >> Oh, the Lord has done great things. He >> Oh, the Lord has done great things. He >> Oh, the Lord has done great things. He continues to do great [music] things.

continues to do great [music] things. continues to do great [music] things. One of the great things is that he saved One of the great things is that he saved One of the great things is that he saved us. Our sins are forgiven. We are a new us. Our sins are forgiven. We are a new us. Our sins are forgiven. We are a new creation. Sing it, church. [music] But it couldn't [music and singing] fill But it couldn't [music and singing] fill me. Man's [music] empty praise, treasures Man's [music] empty praise, treasures that fade, that fade, that fade, are never [singing] enough. Oh, then [singing] you came along. Oh, then [singing] you came along. [music] And every [music and singing] desire And every [music and singing] desire is now satisfied is now satisfied is now satisfied here [singing] in your love. here [singing] in your love. here [singing] in your love. Oh, we sing [music] Oh, we sing [music] Oh, we sing [music] it. it. it. Oh, there's nothing [singing] better than you. better than you. There's [music and singing] nothing better than you, better than you, Lord. There's nothing [music] Oh, Oh, I know I know I know >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> it's true.

to show you my [singing and music] to show you my [singing and music] weakness. My failures and flaws, My failures and flaws, >> [music and singing] >> [music and singing] >> [music and singing] >> Lord, you see them all >> Lord, you see them all >> Lord, you see them all and you still and you still and you still call me friend. [music] is the God of the is the God of the >> [singing] >> [singing] >> [singing] >> valley. And there's >> [music and singing] >> not a place >> not a place >> not a place your mercy your mercy your mercy and grace and grace and grace won't find [music and singing] me won't find [music and singing] me won't find [music and singing] me again. Oh, there's nothing Oh, there's nothing >> [music and singing] >> better than you. >> better than you. There's nothing There's nothing There's nothing >> [singing] >> better [music] than you, >> better [music] than you, Lord. There's nothing Lord. There's nothing Lord. There's nothing >> [singing] >> Nothing [music] is >> Nothing [music] is better than you. better than you.

better than you. There's nothing There's nothing There's nothing >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> better than you, >> better than you, >> better than you, Lord. [singing] There's nothing Nothing Nothing is better than you. is better than you. is better than you. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> Oh, oh, oh. >> You turn mourning [music] to dancing. >> You turn mourning [music] to dancing. [singing] You give beauty for ashes. You give beauty for ashes. >> [singing] >> You turn shame into [music] glory. >> You turn shame into [music] glory. You're the only one You're the only one You're the only one who cares. who cares. who cares. Oh, sing. Oh, sing. Oh, sing. You turn [music] mourning You turn [music] mourning You turn [music] mourning to dancing. to dancing. to dancing. >> Oh, hallelujah. >> Oh, hallelujah. >> Oh, hallelujah. >> You give [music] beauty for ashes. You turn shame [music] into glory. You turn shame [music] into glory. You're the You're the You're the >> [singing] >> [singing] >> [singing] >> only >> only >> only one who You turn You turn >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> nights into diamonds.

You turn seasons You turn seasons >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> into >> into >> into >> [singing] >> [singing] >> [singing] >> You're the >> You're the >> You're the only only only >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> one who >> one who >> one who You're the You're the You're the only only only one who one who one who >> [music] better than you. [singing and music] better than you. [singing and music] There's nothing There's nothing There's nothing better than you, [music and singing] better than you, [music and singing] better than you, [music and singing] Lord. There's nothing Lord. There's nothing Lord. There's nothing There's nothing is better There's nothing is better There's nothing is better than you. You turn [music] mourning You turn [music] mourning >> [singing] >> [singing] >> [singing] >> to dancing. >> [music] >> [music] >> You give beauty >> You give beauty >> You give beauty for ashes. You turn shame You turn shame >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> into glory. >> into glory. >> into glory. You're the You're the You're the only only only >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> one who You turn You turn >> [music and singing] >> [music and singing] >> [music and singing] >> nights into diamonds.

[music] [music] >> See >> See >> See on the hill of Calvary [singing] on the hill of Calvary [singing] on the hill of Calvary [singing] my savior bled for me. [music] my savior bled for me. [music] my savior bled for me. [music] My Jesus set [singing] me free. And [music] look And [music] look at the wounds that give me life. at the wounds that give me life. at the wounds that give me life. [singing] [singing] [singing] Grace flowing from his [music] side. Grace flowing from his [music] side. Grace flowing from his [music] side. No greater [singing] sacrifice. What he's done. What he's done. >> [singing] My future is heaven. My future is heaven. I praise [music] God >> Oh, >> Oh, sing sing sing for the freedom [music] for the freedom [music] for the freedom [music] he has won.

he has won. he has won. Even death is dead and [singing] done. Even death is dead and [singing] done. Even death is dead and [singing] done. His life [music] His life [music] His life [music] has overcome. Oh, Oh, >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> sing >> sing >> sing the name above all names. the name above all names. the name above all names. >> [singing] >> Over every [music] broken place. >> Over every [music] broken place. He is risen from the grave. He is risen from the grave. He is risen from the grave. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> What he's done. What he's done. What he's done. >> [singing] >> [singing] >> [singing] >> All the glory >> All the glory >> All the glory >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> and the honor to the Son. My sins [music] are forgiven. My sins [music] are forgiven. My future is heaven. My future is heaven. My future is heaven. >> [music and singing] >> [music and singing] >> [music and singing] >> I praise God Now, Now, on a throne of majesty, on a throne of majesty, on a throne of majesty, the Father's [singing] the Father's [singing] the Father's [singing] will [music] complete.

will [music] complete. will [music] complete. He reigns in victory. [singing] Oh, sing hallelujah to Oh, sing hallelujah to [music and singing] the King. [music and singing] the King. [music and singing] the King. He is worthy to receive He is worthy to receive He is worthy to receive all the worship we [singing] can bring. all the worship we [singing] can bring. all the worship we [singing] can bring. Oh, sing [music] hallelujah [singing] to the sing [music] hallelujah [singing] to the King. King. King. He is worthy He is worthy He is worthy to receive to receive to receive >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> all the >> all the >> all the worship we can worship we can worship we can bring. bring. bring. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> What he's done. All the glory All the glory >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> and the honor >> and the honor >> and the honor to the Son. to the Son. to the Son. >> [singing] >> [singing] >> [singing] >> My sins >> My sins >> My sins are forgiven. >> All [music] the glory >> All [music] the glory and the honor and the honor and the honor >> [singing] >> [singing] >> [singing] >> to the Son.

My sins My sins >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> are forgiven. I praise God I praise God >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> for what He has done. What He has done. What He has done. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> Oh, what He has done. >> [music] >> [music] >> to the Son. My future is heaven. My future is heaven. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> I praise God I praise God I praise God >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> for what He has done. >> What He has done for us.

>> What He has done for us. What has He done for you this past week? What has He done for you this past week? What has He done for you this past week? We come in here each week and you gather We come in here each week and you gather We come in here each week and you gather with us with us with us as the family of God, as the church. We as the family of God, as the church. We as the family of God, as the church. We are doing it to give praises to God, to are doing it to give praises to God, to are doing it to give praises to God, to to give a report [music] of how good God to give a report [music] of how good God to give a report [music] of how good God has been. has been. has been. So, what has God done for you? You may So, what has God done for you? You may So, what has God done for you? You may have had have had have had We celebrated uh 250 years this past We celebrated uh 250 years this past We celebrated uh 250 years this past week. He's been good to our country and week. He's been good to our country and week. He's been good to our country and he's been good to each of us he's been good to each of us he's been good to each of us individually. And so that's why we individually. And so that's why we individually. And so that's why we worship him. That's why we give money to worship him. That's why we give money to worship him. That's why we give money to the Lord. Uh not transactionally the Lord. Uh not transactionally the Lord. Uh not transactionally uh because he's been good, but uh the uh because he's been good, but uh the uh because he's been good, but uh the fact that we love God and he does do fact that we love God and he does do fact that we love God and he does do good things for us, we give money back good things for us, we give money back good things for us, we give money back to him. So thank you for being faithful to him. So thank you for being faithful to him. So thank you for being faithful in your giving online and in this room. in your giving online and in this room. in your giving online and in this room. We're able to continue to do the We're able to continue to do the We're able to continue to do the ministries uh like uh our uh ministries uh like uh our uh ministries uh like uh our uh celebrations that go on, Celebrate celebrations that go on, Celebrate celebrations that go on, Celebrate America, our camps, our missions trips, America, our camps, our missions trips, America, our camps, our missions trips, uh some of our ministry partners. You're uh some of our ministry partners. You're uh some of our ministry partners. You're able to give to places like Venezuela.

able to give to places like Venezuela. able to give to places like Venezuela. Keep praying [music] for the ministry Keep praying [music] for the ministry Keep praying [music] for the ministry there. Uh we have some of our ministry there. Uh we have some of our ministry there. Uh we have some of our ministry partners in this week uh in the partners in this week uh in the partners in this week uh in the services. We have uh the Nashes are in services. We have uh the Nashes are in services. We have uh the Nashes are in from Sierra Leone and uh the Lawlesses from Sierra Leone and uh the Lawlesses from Sierra Leone and uh the Lawlesses are in from Bethlehem. Now all we need are in from Bethlehem. Now all we need are in from Bethlehem. Now all we need is a soccer ball in the middle and we is a soccer ball in the middle and we is a soccer ball in the middle and we can do the World Cup. Wouldn't it be can do the World Cup. Wouldn't it be can do the World Cup. Wouldn't it be great to be part of a church that has great to be part of a church that has great to be part of a church that has such a worldwide outreach? And we have such a worldwide outreach? And we have such a worldwide outreach? And we have brothers and sisters everywhere. brothers and sisters everywhere. brothers and sisters everywhere. And that's a great thing to uh to know. And that's a great thing to uh to know. And that's a great thing to uh to know. Keep praying for our camps. A great Keep praying for our camps. A great Keep praying for our camps. A great thing to celebrate there. They're about thing to celebrate there. They're about thing to celebrate there. They're about halfway through the summer, another 5 halfway through the summer, another 5 halfway through the summer, another 5 weeks to go. [music] So keep praying for weeks to go. [music] So keep praying for weeks to go. [music] So keep praying for Tom Short Outpost and Camp Hideaway. All Tom Short Outpost and Camp Hideaway. All Tom Short Outpost and Camp Hideaway. All together this past week, those two together this past week, those two together this past week, those two camps, they had over 300 children and camps, they had over 300 children and camps, they had over 300 children and teenagers and 42 children and students teenagers and 42 children and students teenagers and 42 children and students gave their lives to Jesus Christ. And And so that's why we want to keep praying so that's why we want to keep praying so that's why we want to keep praying for that life change. And I keep praying for that life change. And I keep praying for that life change. And I keep praying [music] for your families and your [music] for your families and your [music] for your families and your neighbors and your groups as well.

neighbors and your groups as well. neighbors and your groups as well. Several people that are on the prayer Several people that are on the prayer Several people that are on the prayer list, let's lift them up. Uh they need list, let's lift them up. Uh they need list, let's lift them up. Uh they need that special touch. They need God to that special touch. They need God to that special touch. They need God to show up in their lives. Pray for Tracy show up in their lives. Pray for Tracy show up in their lives. Pray for Tracy England in the hospital. She's doing a England in the hospital. She's doing a England in the hospital. She's doing a little bit better. Pray for Cornelia little bit better. Pray for Cornelia little bit better. Pray for Cornelia Houton and Amanda Ledbetter, Ray Vinton. Houton and Amanda Ledbetter, Ray Vinton. Houton and Amanda Ledbetter, Ray Vinton. Ray has really been struggling and Ray, Ray has really been struggling and Ray, Ray has really been struggling and Ray, we're praying with you today. He's had a we're praying with you today. He's had a we're praying with you today. He's had a few up and down days. Pray for these few up and down days. Pray for these few up and down days. Pray for these people that are sick or just going people that are sick or just going people that are sick or just going through treatments, just that ongoing through treatments, just that ongoing through treatments, just that ongoing nagging illness or disease that they nagging illness or disease that they nagging illness or disease that they deal with. So, pray for Wally Alcazar deal with. So, pray for Wally Alcazar deal with. So, pray for Wally Alcazar and Gail Baker, for Dan Baranowsky, and Gail Baker, for Dan Baranowsky, and Gail Baker, for Dan Baranowsky, Patty Brooks, Michelle Brown, Jack Patty Brooks, Michelle Brown, Jack Patty Brooks, Michelle Brown, Jack Butler, Butler, Butler, for Bob [clears throat] Cates, Jonathan for Bob [clears throat] Cates, Jonathan for Bob [clears throat] Cates, Jonathan Francisco and Kevin Keeler, for Dan Francisco and Kevin Keeler, for Dan Francisco and Kevin Keeler, for Dan Lindsey and Britney Locke and Francis Lindsey and Britney Locke and Francis Lindsey and Britney Locke and Francis Love. Pray for Todd McDowell and Letty Love. Pray for Todd McDowell and Letty Love. Pray for Todd McDowell and Letty Munson and Mary Oliveras and Alan Reed Munson and Mary Oliveras and Alan Reed Munson and Mary Oliveras and Alan Reed and Nicole Roques. Pray for Cindy Tanzer and Nicole Roques. Pray for Cindy Tanzer and Nicole Roques. Pray for Cindy Tanzer and Cindy Torrance, Jody Walker and and Cindy Torrance, Jody Walker and and Cindy Torrance, Jody Walker and Angel Woods and Sandra Wright and Angel Woods and Sandra Wright and Angel Woods and Sandra Wright and Patricia Taylor.

Patricia Taylor. Patricia Taylor. And then pray for the family of Andrew And then pray for the family of Andrew And then pray for the family of Andrew Bell. The Bell family has been Bell. The Bell family has been Bell. The Bell family has been associated here at Thomas Road and associated here at Thomas Road and associated here at Thomas Road and Liberty for decades. Liberty for decades. Liberty for decades. Some [music] of you remember Coach Bell, Some [music] of you remember Coach Bell, Some [music] of you remember Coach Bell, but Andrew, in his 50s, went home to be but Andrew, in his 50s, went home to be but Andrew, in his 50s, went home to be with the Lord this past [music] week. with the Lord this past [music] week. with the Lord this past [music] week. LCA grad. LCA grad. LCA grad. Andrew just went went to be with the Andrew just went went to be with the Andrew just went went to be with the Lord and so pray for his wife, pray for Lord and so pray for his wife, pray for Lord and so pray for his wife, pray for Beth and for their children. Beth and for their children. Beth and for their children. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> That's just always a surprising thing >> That's just always a surprising thing >> That's just always a surprising thing when anybody goes home and yet and yet when anybody goes home and yet and yet when anybody goes home and yet and yet we know that the Bible says that all of we know that the Bible says that all of we know that the Bible says that all of us have an appointment, whether we're us have an appointment, whether we're us have an appointment, whether we're old or young, we're all going to see old or young, we're all going to see old or young, we're all going to see Jesus. Jesus. Jesus. And it's hard for the families. By the And it's hard for the families. By the And it's hard for the families. By the way, when you think about the fact that way, when you think about the fact that way, when you think about the fact that you're going to get to see Jesus, you're going to get to see Jesus, you're going to get to see Jesus, doesn't that encourage you today? And he doesn't that encourage you today? And he doesn't that encourage you today? And he will heal [music] everything on these will heal [music] everything on these will heal [music] everything on these lists. So, Andrew has been made whole, lists. So, Andrew has been made whole, lists. So, Andrew has been made whole, but pray for his family. God, thank you but pray for his family. God, thank you but pray for his family. God, thank you so much for the opportunity, so much for the opportunity, so much for the opportunity, the invitation every week the invitation every week the invitation every week to come into your throne room. You are to come into your throne room. You are to come into your throne room. You are our Father. We're not afraid of you.

our Father. We're not afraid of you. our Father. We're not afraid of you. Uh we don't have to grovel and we don't Uh we don't have to grovel and we don't Uh we don't have to grovel and we don't have to crawl in. We walk in boldly have to crawl in. We walk in boldly have to crawl in. We walk in boldly because we are sons and daughters. because we are sons and daughters. because we are sons and daughters. [music] [music] [music] And I pray everybody listening right now And I pray everybody listening right now And I pray everybody listening right now will feel like a son, a daughter, will will feel like a son, a daughter, will will feel like a son, a daughter, will act like a son and daughter this week. act like a son and daughter this week. act like a son and daughter this week. Jesus, thank you Jesus, thank you Jesus, thank you >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> for being our great savior and being the >> for being our great savior and being the >> for being our great savior and being the pastor of the church. pastor of the church. pastor of the church. Holy Spirit, we ask you to fill us up Holy Spirit, we ask you to fill us up Holy Spirit, we ask you to fill us up every day this week. Help us to walk every day this week. Help us to walk every day this week. Help us to walk with you. Holy Spirit, bring healing to with you. Holy Spirit, bring healing to with you. Holy Spirit, bring healing to these people and many others. these people and many others. these people and many others. Would you protect our camps, our Would you protect our camps, our Would you protect our camps, our missions trips, our ministries that are missions trips, our ministries that are missions trips, our ministries that are going on? Thank you for our country. going on? Thank you for our country. going on? Thank you for our country. Lord, help us to stand in the freedom Lord, help us to stand in the freedom Lord, help us to stand in the freedom you've given us. God bless America. you've given us. God bless America. you've given us. God bless America. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> God heal our land, forgive our sins, >> God heal our land, forgive our sins, >> God heal our land, forgive our sins, and make us a light and a blessing to and make us a light and a blessing to and make us a light and a blessing to the nations. the nations. the nations. God will do all these things because we God will do all these things because we God will do all these things because we love you and you are the sovereign king. love you and you are the sovereign king. love you and you are the sovereign king. It's in your name we pray. It's in your name we pray. It's in your name we pray. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> Amen. >> Thank you, Matt. Week after week, we >> Thank you, Matt. Week after week, we take time in our service. It's not a take time in our service. It's not a take time in our service. It's not a filler. It's not a transition. It's not filler. It's not a transition. It's not filler. It's not a transition. It's not something to do while the ushers take something to do while the ushers take something to do while the ushers take the offering. [music] the offering. [music] the offering. [music] When we spend time in intercessory When we spend time in intercessory When we spend time in intercessory prayer on behalf of our brothers and prayer on behalf of our brothers and prayer on behalf of our brothers and sisters, we're taking their needs before sisters, we're taking their needs before sisters, we're taking their needs before the Lord. And sometimes we you'll hear the Lord. And sometimes we you'll hear the Lord. And sometimes we you'll hear that we call the same name for weeks that we call the same name for weeks that we call the same name for weeks [music] and weeks and weeks. And over [music] and weeks and weeks. And over [music] and weeks and weeks. And over the years, we've seen God answer those the years, we've seen God answer those the years, we've seen God answer those prayers. Often times, exactly the way prayers. Often times, exactly the way prayers. Often times, exactly the way that we prayed that he would. And then that we prayed that he would. And then that we prayed that he would. And then sometimes the Lord will will answer it

sometimes the Lord will will answer it sometimes the Lord will will answer it in a different way. Sometimes that means in a different way. Sometimes that means in a different way. Sometimes that means taking a loved one home taking a loved one home taking a loved one home to be with the Lord. But let me tell to be with the Lord. But let me tell to be with the Lord. But let me tell you, when your name is on that prayer you, when your name is on that prayer you, when your name is on that prayer list, list, list, or when someone that you love dearly, or when someone that you love dearly, or when someone that you love dearly, their name is on that prayer list, their name is on that prayer list, their name is on that prayer list, >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> it kind of takes on a different meaning, >> it kind of takes on a different meaning, >> it kind of takes on a different meaning, doesn't it? Sure, it does. The scripture doesn't it? Sure, it does. The scripture doesn't it? Sure, it does. The scripture tells us that the Lord is near to the tells us that the Lord is near to the tells us that the Lord is near to the brokenhearted. Isaiah says this, thou brokenhearted. Isaiah says this, thou brokenhearted. Isaiah says this, thou will keep him in perfect peace will keep him in perfect peace will keep him in perfect peace whose mind [music] whose mind [music] whose mind [music] is stayed upon them, is stayed upon them, is stayed upon them, fixed upon fixed upon fixed upon >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> the Lord. Sometimes folks, that can a >> the Lord. Sometimes folks, that can a >> the Lord. Sometimes folks, that can a song can help us just [music] fix our song can help us just [music] fix our song can help us just [music] fix our mind on the truth of who God is, mind on the truth of who God is, mind on the truth of who God is, what he's capable of, the love that he what he's capable of, the love that he what he's capable of, the love that he has for us. has for us. has for us. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> And as Matt was calling out those lists, >> And as Matt was calling out those lists, >> And as Matt was calling out those lists, I was taken back. We're going to sing a I was taken back. We're going to sing a I was taken back. We're going to sing a song in just a moment. We probably song in just a moment. We probably song in just a moment. We probably haven't sung in a couple of years, but I haven't sung in a couple of years, but I haven't sung in a couple of years, but I remember about four or five years ago, remember about four or five years ago, remember about four or five years ago, um there was a young family in our um there was a young family in our um there was a young family in our church, beautiful family, three young church, beautiful family, three young church, beautiful family, three young young girls in the family, and young girls in the family, and young girls in the family, and uh they found out that that mom was uh they found out that that mom was uh they found out that that mom was diagnosed with cancer. And this is diagnosed with cancer. And this is diagnosed with cancer. And this is someone we know. This is someone we someone we know. This is someone we someone we know. This is someone we love, someone we prayed for time and love, someone we prayed for time and love, someone we prayed for time and time again, and ultimately time again, and ultimately time again, and ultimately uh the Lord took her to glory to be with uh the Lord took her to glory to be with uh the Lord took her to glory to be with him.

him. him. But I remember Amanda sharing on her But I remember Amanda sharing on her But I remember Amanda sharing on her social media about leaving the hospital social media about leaving the hospital social media about leaving the hospital and coming back thinking, "How in the and coming back thinking, "How in the and coming back thinking, "How in the world are we going to tell world are we going to tell world are we going to tell our young girls about this?" And the our young girls about this?" And the our young girls about this?" And the children were I'm going to say 11, 9, children were I'm going to say 11, 9, children were I'm going to say 11, 9, and 7. And she says, "I remember when we and 7. And she says, "I remember when we and 7. And she says, "I remember when we walked through that door that night walked through that door that night walked through that door that night dreading this conversation we were going dreading this conversation we were going dreading this conversation we were going to have to have have to have, to have to have have to have, to have to have have to have, >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> that we could hear our precious >> that we could hear our precious >> that we could hear our precious daughters upstairs daughters upstairs daughters upstairs singing the lyrics to this song." singing the lyrics to this song." singing the lyrics to this song." And I was just reminded that the Lord is And I was just reminded that the Lord is And I was just reminded that the Lord is sovereign. sovereign. sovereign. The Lord has got the whole world in his The Lord has got the whole world in his The Lord has got the whole world in his hands. So, this morning, [music] maybe hands. So, this morning, [music] maybe hands. So, this morning, [music] maybe you're here and we just called your you're here and we just called your you're here and we just called your name. name. name. Or we called the name of someone that Or we called the name of someone that Or we called the name of someone that you love. Will you just cling to the you love. Will you just cling to the you love. Will you just cling to the truth [music] truth [music] truth [music] of this lyric, that he reigns above all of this lyric, that he reigns above all of this lyric, that he reigns above all things? He's got you. He's got your things? He's got you. He's got your things? He's got you. He's got your problem in the palm of his [music] hand.

problem in the palm of his [music] hand. problem in the palm of his [music] hand. Will you stand together, church, and Will you stand together, church, and Will you stand together, church, and let's lift this song to the Lord. >> The reign of darkness [singing] >> The reign of darkness [singing] now is ended now is ended now is ended >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> in the kingdom [singing] of light. >> in the kingdom [singing] of light. >> in the kingdom [singing] of light. In the kingdom [music] In the kingdom [music] In the kingdom [music] of light. Forever under your dominion. Forever under your dominion. [music and singing] You're the king of my life. You're the king of my life. You're the king [music] of my [singing] You're the king [music] of my [singing] You're the king [music] of my [singing] life. You reign above [music and singing] it You reign above [music and singing] it all. You reign above it all. all. You reign above it all. all. You reign above it all. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> Over the >> Over the >> Over the universe and over every heart. universe and over every heart. universe and over every heart. There [music] is no higher [singing] There [music] is no higher [singing] There [music] is no higher [singing] name. name. name. Jesus, you reign Jesus, you reign Jesus, you reign above it all. above it all. above it all. >> [music] >> On the cross, [singing] >> On the cross, [singing] the work was finished.

the work was finished. the work was finished. God, you poured out [music] your life God, you poured out [music] your life God, you poured out [music] your life just to give us new life. just to give us new life. just to give us new life. >> [singing] >> [singing] >> [singing] >> Yes, you did. >> Yes, you did. >> Yes, you did. Now from [music] the lips Now from [music] the lips Now from [music] the lips of the forgiven here it [music] echoes here it [music] echoes and and and rises. Yes, Jesus, you're the You reign above it all. You reign above it all. You reign [music] above it all. You reign [music] above it all. You reign [music] above it all. >> [singing] >> Over the >> Over the universe and [music] over every heart. universe and [music] over every heart. universe and [music] over every heart. There is no [singing] higher name. There is no [singing] higher name. There is no [singing] higher name. Jesus, [music] you reign Jesus, [music] you reign Jesus, [music] you reign above it all. above it all. above it all. Let all of heaven Let all of heaven Let all of heaven and the and the and the earth erupt in [music and singing] song. Sing hallelujah to Sing hallelujah to >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> the everlasting >> the everlasting >> the everlasting [singing] one. [singing] one. [singing] one. There is no There is no There is no higher name. higher name. higher name. Jesus, [music] you reign Jesus, [music] you reign Jesus, [music] you reign above it all.

Yeah, you reign [music and singing] Yeah, you reign [music and singing] above above above it all. it all. it all. Hey, Hey, Hey, come on. Would you lift your [music] come on. Would you lift your [music] come on. Would you lift your [music] voice? voice? voice? You sent the darkness running You sent the darkness running You sent the darkness running out of an empty [music] grave. out of an empty [music] grave. out of an empty [music] grave. Now seated alone in glory, Now seated alone in glory, Now seated alone in glory, enthroned on [singing] the highest enthroned on [singing] the highest enthroned on [singing] the highest praise. praise. praise. You sent [music] the darkness running You sent [music] the darkness running You sent [music] the darkness running out of [singing] an empty grave. out of [singing] an empty grave. out of [singing] an empty grave. Now seated [music] alone in glory, Now seated [music] alone in glory, Now seated [music] alone in glory, enthroned on the [singing] highest enthroned on the [singing] highest enthroned on the [singing] highest praise. praise. praise. Yeah, [music] you sent the darkness Yeah, [music] you sent the darkness Yeah, [music] you sent the darkness running running running straight out of that empty grave. straight out of that empty grave. straight out of that empty grave. >> [music and singing] >> [music and singing] >> [music and singing] >> Now seated alone in glory, >> Now seated alone in glory, >> Now seated alone in glory, enthroned on the [singing] highest enthroned on the [singing] highest enthroned on the [singing] highest praise. praise. praise. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> You sent the darkness running >> You sent the darkness running >> You sent the darkness running out of that empty grave. out of that empty grave. out of that empty grave. Now seated [music] alone in glory, Now seated [music] alone in glory, Now seated [music] alone in glory, enthroned on the highest praise. enthroned on the highest praise. enthroned on the highest praise. You sent [music] the darkness running You sent [music] the darkness running You sent [music] the darkness running out of that out of that out of that empty grave.

empty grave. empty grave. Now seated alone [music] Now seated alone [music] Now seated alone [music] in glory, in glory, in glory, enthroned on the highest praise. enthroned on the highest praise. enthroned on the highest praise. You sent [music] the darkness running You sent [music] the darkness running You sent [music] the darkness running out of that empty grave. out of that empty grave. out of that empty grave. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> Now seated alone in glory, >> Now seated alone in glory, >> Now seated alone in glory, enthroned on the highest praise. enthroned on the highest praise. enthroned on the highest praise. >> [music] >> You reign above it all. You reign above >> You reign above it all. You reign above it all. it all. it all. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. You reign above You reign above You reign above >> [music] >> it all. >> it all. Hallelujah Hallelujah Hallelujah is your is your is your >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> higher name. [singing]

[singing] [music] [music] [music] [singing] [music] [music] [singing] [music] [music] >> Father today we are so grateful that you >> Father today we are so grateful that you >> Father today we are so grateful that you do reign above it all. do reign above it all. do reign above it all. People have walked into this room today People have walked into this room today People have walked into this room today carrying lots of different things and carrying lots of different things and carrying lots of different things and challenges and problems and heartaches. challenges and problems and heartaches. challenges and problems and heartaches. Walked into this room today with a lot Walked into this room today with a lot Walked into this room today with a lot of uncertainties and of uncertainties and of uncertainties and wondering what tomorrow might hold and wondering what tomorrow might hold and wondering what tomorrow might hold and yet a song like that reminds us yet a song like that reminds us yet a song like that reminds us as Scott shared with us with that sweet as Scott shared with us with that sweet as Scott shared with us with that sweet family's family's family's situation, God, that even when doctors situation, God, that even when doctors situation, God, that even when doctors have told us there's no hope have told us there's no hope have told us there's no hope that God, you still reign above it all.

that God, you still reign above it all. that God, you still reign above it all. So, God, today I pray that we would So, God, today I pray that we would So, God, today I pray that we would stand strong in that truth. stand strong in that truth. stand strong in that truth. That we would know That we would know That we would know and that we would be encouraged. and that we would be encouraged. and that we would be encouraged. God, that regardless of what today might God, that regardless of what today might God, that regardless of what today might hold, regardless of what tomorrow might hold, regardless of what tomorrow might hold, regardless of what tomorrow might hold, that we would remember hold, that we would remember hold, that we would remember your goodness and your grace and your your goodness and your grace and your your goodness and your grace and your mercy. mercy. mercy. And Father, we give you praise for it. And Father, we give you praise for it. And Father, we give you praise for it. God, I pray today as we open your word God, I pray today as we open your word God, I pray today as we open your word Lord, I pray that you would remind us of Lord, I pray that you would remind us of Lord, I pray that you would remind us of our our our opportunity and our responsibility opportunity and our responsibility opportunity and our responsibility to be who you've called us to be. to be who you've called us to be. to be who you've called us to be. And Father, if there is someone here or And Father, if there is someone here or And Father, if there is someone here or watching, listening who has never had watching, listening who has never had watching, listening who has never had the opportunity of making a decision the opportunity of making a decision the opportunity of making a decision through understanding, God, that you through understanding, God, that you through understanding, God, that you love them regardless of what their past love them regardless of what their past love them regardless of what their past might look like, that you sent your son might look like, that you sent your son might look like, that you sent your son Jesus to die on the cross for their Jesus to die on the cross for their Jesus to die on the cross for their sins. sins. sins. And that he was buried and rose again And that he was buried and rose again And that he was buried and rose again for their sins.

for their sins. for their sins. And that through trusting and believing And that through trusting and believing And that through trusting and believing in him in him in him that today they can find salvation. that today they can find salvation. that today they can find salvation. Father, if there is someone here Father, if there is someone here Father, if there is someone here watching or listening who has never made watching or listening who has never made watching or listening who has never made that decision, I pray that in this that decision, I pray that in this that decision, I pray that in this moment, in this time, through your word moment, in this time, through your word moment, in this time, through your word that you would point them directly to that you would point them directly to that you would point them directly to you. you. you. And that before our time is over that And that before our time is over that And that before our time is over that they would have made that decision to they would have made that decision to they would have made that decision to call on the name of the Lord and be call on the name of the Lord and be call on the name of the Lord and be saved. And Father, in advance we give saved. And Father, in advance we give saved. And Father, in advance we give you the praise. you the praise. you the praise. It's in Jesus' name we pray. It's in Jesus' name we pray. It's in Jesus' name we pray. Amen. Amen. Amen. He reigns above it all. No matter what He reigns above it all. No matter what He reigns above it all. No matter what it is that we are walking through, no it is that we are walking through, no it is that we are walking through, no matter what we might be experiencing, no matter what we might be experiencing, no matter what we might be experiencing, no matter what the journey might hold that matter what the journey might hold that matter what the journey might hold that we know that God is fully in control. we know that God is fully in control. we know that God is fully in control. Last night we had the opportunity a lot Last night we had the opportunity a lot Last night we had the opportunity a lot of people around the world gathered of people around the world gathered of people around the world gathered together and even though it was a little together and even though it was a little together and even though it was a little bit extended a little bit late because bit extended a little bit late because bit extended a little bit late because of the storms that went through of the storms that went through of the storms that went through Washington, D.C. we had the opportunity Washington, D.C. we had the opportunity Washington, D.C. we had the opportunity of of watching as our as our nation's of of watching as our as our nation's of of watching as our as our nation's capital celebrated our 250th year as a capital celebrated our 250th year as a capital celebrated our 250th year as a nation.

nation. nation. I don't know if you stayed up to watch I don't know if you stayed up to watch I don't know if you stayed up to watch the fireworks and had the opportunity of the fireworks and had the opportunity of the fireworks and had the opportunity of of seeing that incredible fireworks of seeing that incredible fireworks of seeing that incredible fireworks show. Even though I knew I was going to show. Even though I knew I was going to show. Even though I knew I was going to get up around 4:30 this morning, I get up around 4:30 this morning, I get up around 4:30 this morning, I stayed up all the way to about 1:00 a.m. stayed up all the way to about 1:00 a.m. stayed up all the way to about 1:00 a.m. watching those fireworks and and this watching those fireworks and and this watching those fireworks and and this morning I regretted it completely. morning I regretted it completely. morning I regretted it completely. Incredible fireworks show Incredible fireworks show Incredible fireworks show but I also know I could have watched it but I also know I could have watched it but I also know I could have watched it this afternoon on replay and it would this afternoon on replay and it would this afternoon on replay and it would have been just as fine, just as good. have been just as fine, just as good. have been just as fine, just as good. But still, I stayed up late to watch it. But still, I stayed up late to watch it. But still, I stayed up late to watch it. It was a day of celebration. It was a day of celebration. It was a day of celebration. But before today we jump into our But before today we jump into our But before today we jump into our passage in 2 Thessalonians chapter 3, passage in 2 Thessalonians chapter 3, passage in 2 Thessalonians chapter 3, there's also another celebration that there's also another celebration that there's also another celebration that today we have the opportunity of today we have the opportunity of today we have the opportunity of celebrating. There's not going to be any celebrating. There's not going to be any celebrating. There's not going to be any fireworks in the room. fireworks in the room. fireworks in the room. Uh we're not going to have any singers Uh we're not going to have any singers Uh we're not going to have any singers singing Italian. singing Italian. singing Italian. Um Um Um how many watched that? That nothing says how many watched that? That nothing says how many watched that? That nothing says America like an Italian song, right? I America like an Italian song, right? I America like an Italian song, right? I still doesn't make sense, but that's still doesn't make sense, but that's still doesn't make sense, but that's okay. Still, great fireworks. But we're okay. Still, great fireworks. But we're okay. Still, great fireworks. But we're not going to do that today, but today we not going to do that today, but today we not going to do that today, but today we do have the opportunity of celebrating do have the opportunity of celebrating do have the opportunity of celebrating with a young lady who has gathered with with a young lady who has gathered with with a young lady who has gathered with us today, come to church to celebrate us today, come to church to celebrate us today, come to church to celebrate today. She wanted to come here today for today. She wanted to come here today for today. She wanted to come here today for her birthday. She watches us often on her birthday. She watches us often on her birthday. She watches us often on television. She's not able to make it television. She's not able to make it television. She's not able to make it out as often as she would like, but uh out as often as she would like, but uh out as often as she would like, but uh today is her 100th birthday.

today is her 100th birthday. today is her 100th birthday. And she decided for her birthday present And she decided for her birthday present And she decided for her birthday present she wanted to come and join with us here she wanted to come and join with us here she wanted to come and join with us here at Thomas Road, which made it really at Thomas Road, which made it really at Thomas Road, which made it really cheap for her family cuz they live here. cheap for her family cuz they live here. cheap for her family cuz they live here. Uh and so this is Jean Garrison right Uh and so this is Jean Garrison right Uh and so this is Jean Garrison right here. here. here. And if we can get I don't know I don't And if we can get I don't know I don't And if we can get I don't know I don't know know know Gus if you can can can you stand up? Can Gus if you can can can you stand up? Can Gus if you can can can you stand up? Can you stand up? This is Jean Garrison. Can you stand up? This is Jean Garrison. Can you stand up? This is Jean Garrison. Can we say all happy birthday to Jean we say all happy birthday to Jean we say all happy birthday to Jean Garrison? Garrison? Garrison? >> [applause] >> [applause] >> [applause] >> 100 years old. >> 100 years old. >> 100 years old. 100 years young. How about that? Yeah, 100 years young. How about that? Yeah, 100 years young. How about that? Yeah, good. good. good. And it is so great to have you here and And it is so great to have you here and And it is so great to have you here and I know you've got your family with you I know you've got your family with you I know you've got your family with you that have come to be a part of this and that have come to be a part of this and that have come to be a part of this and we just want to celebrate with you and we just want to celebrate with you and we just want to celebrate with you and rejoice with you and and and we hope you rejoice with you and and and we hope you rejoice with you and and and we hope you have a lot of years left. On your 110th have a lot of years left. On your 110th have a lot of years left. On your 110th birthday I want you right here in the birthday I want you right here in the birthday I want you right here in the same seat. I'll save it for you, okay? same seat. I'll save it for you, okay? same seat. I'll save it for you, okay? All right. Happy birthday to you. God All right. Happy birthday to you. God All right. Happy birthday to you. God bless you so much. What a milestone. What a milestone. I What a milestone. What a milestone. I want you to turn in your Bibles today to want you to turn in your Bibles today to want you to turn in your Bibles today to 2 Thessalonians chapter 3. If you've got 2 Thessalonians chapter 3. If you've got 2 Thessalonians chapter 3. If you've got your Bible journal with you, it's uh your Bible journal with you, it's uh your Bible journal with you, it's uh page 24. I want you to turn in that page 24. I want you to turn in that page 24. I want you to turn in that passage and we're going to passage and we're going to passage and we're going to kind of wrap up these two letters that kind of wrap up these two letters that kind of wrap up these two letters that Paul writes to the church at Paul writes to the church at Paul writes to the church at Thessalonica. You know we've talked Thessalonica. You know we've talked Thessalonica. You know we've talked about it over the last few weeks that about it over the last few weeks that about it over the last few weeks that this is a church that he had the this is a church that he had the this is a church that he had the opportunity of starting on a second opportunity of starting on a second opportunity of starting on a second missionary journey. A church that he had missionary journey. A church that he had missionary journey. A church that he had a lot of influence and impact in leading a lot of influence and impact in leading a lot of influence and impact in leading the individuals there in that church to the individuals there in that church to the individuals there in that church to Christ and then had the opportunity of Christ and then had the opportunity of Christ and then had the opportunity of of continuing to help them grow,

of continuing to help them grow, of continuing to help them grow, teaching them how to plant a church and teaching them how to plant a church and teaching them how to plant a church and and was celebrating all the great things and was celebrating all the great things and was celebrating all the great things that God did in that church. But like that God did in that church. But like that God did in that church. But like Paul did so often, he writes these Paul did so often, he writes these Paul did so often, he writes these letters to the church letters to the church letters to the church to encourage them in their faith. Now to encourage them in their faith. Now to encourage them in their faith. Now they were doing a lot of great things. they were doing a lot of great things. they were doing a lot of great things. The church at Thessalonica was a strong The church at Thessalonica was a strong The church at Thessalonica was a strong church. It was a healthy church. It was church. It was a healthy church. It was church. It was a healthy church. It was a growing church and it was a in a city a growing church and it was a in a city a growing church and it was a in a city that had a lot of negative influences in that had a lot of negative influences in that had a lot of negative influences in it, but yet it's still doing the right it, but yet it's still doing the right it, but yet it's still doing the right stuff. And so, Paul writes this letter stuff. And so, Paul writes this letter stuff. And so, Paul writes this letter to the church to say, "Listen, what to the church to say, "Listen, what to the church to say, "Listen, what you're doing is awesome. What you're you're doing is awesome. What you're you're doing is awesome. What you're doing is great. And I am so thrilled to doing is great. And I am so thrilled to doing is great. And I am so thrilled to hear of all the amazing things that are hear of all the amazing things that are hear of all the amazing things that are taking place in that church. But But taking place in that church. But But taking place in that church. But But men, I want to make sure you keep on men, I want to make sure you keep on men, I want to make sure you keep on doing it." And so, he used some words doing it." And so, he used some words doing it." And so, he used some words that he gave under the inspiration of that he gave under the inspiration of that he gave under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit to encourage that the Holy Spirit to encourage that the Holy Spirit to encourage that church. Now, here's what I would say church. Now, here's what I would say church. Now, here's what I would say before we jump in to the passage today. before we jump in to the passage today. before we jump in to the passage today. There is never a word that is given in There is never a word that is given in There is never a word that is given in God's word that was spoken to writers God's word that was spoken to writers God's word that was spoken to writers 2,000 years ago or in the Old Testament 2,000 years ago or in the Old Testament 2,000 years ago or in the Old Testament even more than 2,000 years ago. There's even more than 2,000 years ago. There's even more than 2,000 years ago. There's not one word found in the scripture that not one word found in the scripture that not one word found in the scripture that when God breathed it out into the heart when God breathed it out into the heart when God breathed it out into the heart of that man that wrote 2,000 years ago, of that man that wrote 2,000 years ago, of that man that wrote 2,000 years ago, whichever man was writing at the time, whichever man was writing at the time, whichever man was writing at the time, uh there's not one word there that was uh there's not one word there that was uh there's not one word there that was not only relevant to the church that he not only relevant to the church that he not only relevant to the church that he was writing to in Thessalonica that is was writing to in Thessalonica that is was writing to in Thessalonica that is not also relevant to the church today.

not also relevant to the church today. not also relevant to the church today. God did not speak those words into the God did not speak those words into the God did not speak those words into the heart and the mind and the hand of Paul heart and the mind and the hand of Paul heart and the mind and the hand of Paul to simply help a group of people that to simply help a group of people that to simply help a group of people that lived 2,000 years ago in a long far-away lived 2,000 years ago in a long far-away lived 2,000 years ago in a long far-away city in a far-away time uh that were city in a far-away time uh that were city in a far-away time uh that were walking through a season in that church walking through a season in that church walking through a season in that church without also understanding that in 2026, without also understanding that in 2026, without also understanding that in 2026, you and I would need to hear these you and I would need to hear these you and I would need to hear these things. things. things. Like that is an absolute truth. Like that is an absolute truth. Like that is an absolute truth. And so, as we've been walking through And so, as we've been walking through And so, as we've been walking through this uh these two books, 1 Thessalonians this uh these two books, 1 Thessalonians this uh these two books, 1 Thessalonians and 2 Thessalonians, and 2 Thessalonians, and 2 Thessalonians, uh this summer we're we're continuing on uh this summer we're we're continuing on uh this summer we're we're continuing on next week through 1 Timothy and 2 next week through 1 Timothy and 2 next week through 1 Timothy and 2 Timothy and Titus and Philemon for the Timothy and Titus and Philemon for the Timothy and Titus and Philemon for the rest of the summer. All of these books rest of the summer. All of these books rest of the summer. All of these books were written to encourage you and me. were written to encourage you and me. were written to encourage you and me. And so, last week we were in chapter 1 And so, last week we were in chapter 1 And so, last week we were in chapter 1 and chapter 2 of 2 Thessalonians. And and chapter 2 of 2 Thessalonians. And and chapter 2 of 2 Thessalonians. And Charles did a a great job of helping us Charles did a a great job of helping us Charles did a a great job of helping us kind of focus on three things that we kind of focus on three things that we kind of focus on three things that we need to stand firm in or stand fast in need to stand firm in or stand fast in need to stand firm in or stand fast in as verse 15 of that passage says. And as verse 15 of that passage says. And as verse 15 of that passage says. And And the statement is this that Paul uh And the statement is this that Paul uh And the statement is this that Paul uh that Charles gave to us last last Paul's that Charles gave to us last last Paul's that Charles gave to us last last Paul's letter is that we need to stand firm in letter is that we need to stand firm in letter is that we need to stand firm in our tribulation. That no matter what it our tribulation. That no matter what it our tribulation. That no matter what it is that we're walking through, no matter is that we're walking through, no matter is that we're walking through, no matter how challenging today might be, that we how challenging today might be, that we how challenging today might be, that we stand firm in the tribulations of life.

stand firm in the tribulations of life. stand firm in the tribulations of life. When you get up in the morning and you When you get up in the morning and you When you get up in the morning and you feel like man, I don't know if I can feel like man, I don't know if I can feel like man, I don't know if I can keep doing this. I don't know if I can keep doing this. I don't know if I can keep doing this. I don't know if I can keep making it day by day. We got to keep making it day by day. We got to keep making it day by day. We got to remember people like Jean over here remember people like Jean over here remember people like Jean over here who's a 100 years old and she told me who's a 100 years old and she told me who's a 100 years old and she told me just a moment ago, I'll be there at 110 just a moment ago, I'll be there at 110 just a moment ago, I'll be there at 110 and I hope you are. You need to remember and I hope you are. You need to remember and I hope you are. You need to remember like man, we got to keep on keeping on like man, we got to keep on keeping on like man, we got to keep on keeping on standing firm in our tribulations. We've standing firm in our tribulations. We've standing firm in our tribulations. We've got to make sure secondly as Charles got to make sure secondly as Charles got to make sure secondly as Charles shared last night last week to stand shared last night last week to stand shared last night last week to stand firm in our testimony. That we firm in our testimony. That we firm in our testimony. That we understand that we have to make sure understand that we have to make sure understand that we have to make sure that we're living our lives as a that we're living our lives as a that we're living our lives as a representative of the gospel of Jesus representative of the gospel of Jesus representative of the gospel of Jesus Christ and then third and finally to Christ and then third and finally to Christ and then third and finally to stand firm in the truth. stand firm in the truth. stand firm in the truth. That we've often said it around here, we That we've often said it around here, we That we've often said it around here, we live in a time, we live in a culture live in a time, we live in a culture live in a time, we live in a culture where truth has been cast aside and where truth has been cast aside and where truth has been cast aside and truth has been redefined and and now truth has been redefined and and now truth has been redefined and and now we're pretty much at the point where we're pretty much at the point where we're pretty much at the point where where truth is not even something people where truth is not even something people where truth is not even something people want to even lean into. That we decided, want to even lean into. That we decided, want to even lean into. That we decided, you know what, we don't need truth you know what, we don't need truth you know what, we don't need truth because we can have our own truth. And because we can have our own truth. And because we can have our own truth. And so as Charles reminded us from 2 so as Charles reminded us from 2 so as Charles reminded us from 2 Thessalonians chapter 1 and 2, man, we Thessalonians chapter 1 and 2, man, we Thessalonians chapter 1 and 2, man, we got to stand firm in the truth.

got to stand firm in the truth. got to stand firm in the truth. And you can't stand firm in the truth And you can't stand firm in the truth And you can't stand firm in the truth unless you know the truth and there's unless you know the truth and there's unless you know the truth and there's only one place to find the truth and only one place to find the truth and only one place to find the truth and that is in the word of God. that is in the word of God. that is in the word of God. And so with that in mind today, we're And so with that in mind today, we're And so with that in mind today, we're going to read in chapter 3. going to read in chapter 3. going to read in chapter 3. And as Paul is bringing this second And as Paul is bringing this second And as Paul is bringing this second letter to the Thessalonian church, as letter to the Thessalonian church, as letter to the Thessalonian church, as he's bringing it to a close and he gives he's bringing it to a close and he gives he's bringing it to a close and he gives them some great reminders, he encourages them some great reminders, he encourages them some great reminders, he encourages them even more to make sure that they're them even more to make sure that they're them even more to make sure that they're standing firm, making sure that they're standing firm, making sure that they're standing firm, making sure that they're standing strong in their tribulations, standing strong in their tribulations, standing strong in their tribulations, testimony and the truth. And let's pick testimony and the truth. And let's pick testimony and the truth. And let's pick it up with verse one of chapter 3. it up with verse one of chapter 3. it up with verse one of chapter 3. Finally, brethren, pray for us, Paul Finally, brethren, pray for us, Paul Finally, brethren, pray for us, Paul writes. That the word of the Lord may writes. That the word of the Lord may writes. That the word of the Lord may run swiftly and be glorified just as it run swiftly and be glorified just as it run swiftly and be glorified just as it is with you and then we may be delivered is with you and then we may be delivered is with you and then we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men for not from unreasonable and wicked men for not from unreasonable and wicked men for not all have faith. all have faith. all have faith. Now, I think that two those two verses Now, I think that two those two verses Now, I think that two those two verses that I just read man, there's two verses that I just read man, there's two verses that I just read man, there's two verses that if I were you that if I were you that if I were you I think you ought to like in your Bible I think you ought to like in your Bible I think you ought to like in your Bible like highlight them as a great prayer like highlight them as a great prayer like highlight them as a great prayer that you can pray for yourself every that you can pray for yourself every that you can pray for yourself every single day.

single day. single day. Paul is reminding the church in Paul is reminding the church in Paul is reminding the church in Thessalonica, hey listen pray for us. Thessalonica, hey listen pray for us. Thessalonica, hey listen pray for us. As we're doing the work that God has As we're doing the work that God has As we're doing the work that God has called us to do. Like the prayer that we called us to do. Like the prayer that we called us to do. Like the prayer that we can apply in our own lives is God I pray can apply in our own lives is God I pray can apply in our own lives is God I pray that that the word of the Lord would run that that the word of the Lord would run that that the word of the Lord would run swiftly and be glorified in my life. swiftly and be glorified in my life. swiftly and be glorified in my life. That I would be delivered from That I would be delivered from That I would be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men in this unreasonable and wicked men in this unreasonable and wicked men in this world. We know we live in a world today world. We know we live in a world today world. We know we live in a world today that is full of challenge. that is full of challenge. that is full of challenge. We know we live in a world today there We know we live in a world today there We know we live in a world today there are people every turn that are trying to are people every turn that are trying to are people every turn that are trying to push against our faith, trying to stop push against our faith, trying to stop push against our faith, trying to stop us in what we believe, trying to stop us us in what we believe, trying to stop us us in what we believe, trying to stop us in what we preach and teach. And we know in what we preach and teach. And we know in what we preach and teach. And we know that's true. We know that's reality. that's true. We know that's reality. that's true. We know that's reality. And so we pray this prayer we can simply And so we pray this prayer we can simply And so we pray this prayer we can simply just simply say God, I pray that today just simply say God, I pray that today just simply say God, I pray that today that your word that your word would run that your word that your word would run that your word that your word would run swiftly swiftly swiftly through me. That that it would be a word through me. That that it would be a word through me. That that it would be a word that would would bring hope in this that would would bring hope in this that would would bring hope in this world and that you would protect me God world and that you would protect me God world and that you would protect me God against those who would try to stop me. against those who would try to stop me. against those who would try to stop me. I think that sounds like a pretty good I think that sounds like a pretty good I think that sounds like a pretty good prayer for us to pray. Verse three it prayer for us to pray. Verse three it prayer for us to pray. Verse three it goes on to say, but listen to this, the goes on to say, but listen to this, the goes on to say, but listen to this, the Lord is faithful. Who will establish you Lord is faithful. Who will establish you Lord is faithful. Who will establish you and guard you from the evil one.

and guard you from the evil one. and guard you from the evil one. And we have confidence in the Lord And we have confidence in the Lord And we have confidence in the Lord concerning you both that you do and will concerning you both that you do and will concerning you both that you do and will do the things that we command you. Now, do the things that we command you. Now, do the things that we command you. Now, may the Lord direct your hearts into the may the Lord direct your hearts into the may the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God and into the patience of love of God and into the patience of love of God and into the patience of Christ. Christ. Christ. But we command you brethren in the name But we command you brethren in the name But we command you brethren in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ that you of our Lord Jesus Christ that you of our Lord Jesus Christ that you withdraw from every brother who walks withdraw from every brother who walks withdraw from every brother who walks disorderly. That word disorderly we're disorderly. That word disorderly we're disorderly. That word disorderly we're going to get to it in a few moments the going to get to it in a few moments the going to get to it in a few moments the Greek word ataktos which is an Greek word ataktos which is an Greek word ataktos which is an interesting word we're going to spend a interesting word we're going to spend a interesting word we're going to spend a little bit of time looking at it in a little bit of time looking at it in a little bit of time looking at it in a few moments and not according to the few moments and not according to the few moments and not according to the tradition which you received from us. tradition which you received from us. tradition which you received from us. For you yourselves know how you ought to For you yourselves know how you ought to For you yourselves know how you ought to follow us for we were not disorderly follow us for we were not disorderly follow us for we were not disorderly among you, nor did we eat anyone's bread among you, nor did we eat anyone's bread among you, nor did we eat anyone's bread free of charge, but we worked with a free of charge, but we worked with a free of charge, but we worked with a labor and toil at night and day that we labor and toil at night and day that we labor and toil at night and day that we might not be a burden to any of you. Not might not be a burden to any of you. Not might not be a burden to any of you. Not because we did not have authority, but because we did not have authority, but because we did not have authority, but to make ourselves an example of how you to make ourselves an example of how you to make ourselves an example of how you should follow us. For even when we were should follow us. For even when we were should follow us. For even when we were with you, we commanded you this, "If with you, we commanded you this, "If with you, we commanded you this, "If anyone will not work, neither shall he anyone will not work, neither shall he anyone will not work, neither shall he eat." For we hear that there are some eat." For we hear that there are some eat." For we hear that there are some who walk among you uh in a disorderly who walk among you uh in a disorderly who walk among you uh in a disorderly manner, not working at all, but are manner, not working at all, but are manner, not working at all, but are busybodies. Those who are such we busybodies. Those who are such we busybodies. Those who are such we command and exhort through our Lord command and exhort through our Lord command and exhort through our Lord Jesus Christ that they work in quietness Jesus Christ that they work in quietness Jesus Christ that they work in quietness and eat their own bread. But as for you, and eat their own bread. But as for you, and eat their own bread. But as for you, brethren, do not grow weary in doing brethren, do not grow weary in doing brethren, do not grow weary in doing good. And if even anyone uh does not good. And if even anyone uh does not good. And if even anyone uh does not obey our word in this epistle, note that obey our word in this epistle, note that obey our word in this epistle, note that person and do not keep company with him person and do not keep company with him person and do not keep company with him that he may be ashamed. Yet do not count that he may be ashamed. Yet do not count that he may be ashamed. Yet do not count him as an enemy, but admonish him as a him as an enemy, but admonish him as a him as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother. Now, may the Lord of peace brother. Now, may the Lord of peace brother. Now, may the Lord of peace himself give you peace always and every himself give you peace always and every himself give you peace always and every way. The Lord be with you all. The way. The Lord be with you all. The way. The Lord be with you all. The salutation of Paul with my own hand, salutation of Paul with my own hand, salutation of Paul with my own hand, which is a sign in every epistle, so I

which is a sign in every epistle, so I which is a sign in every epistle, so I write. The grace of our Lord Jesus write. The grace of our Lord Jesus write. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Now, in these 18 Christ be with you all. Now, in these 18 Christ be with you all. Now, in these 18 verses, he gives us some really verses, he gives us some really verses, he gives us some really practical applications. Some practical practical applications. Some practical practical applications. Some practical lessons that today I want to share with lessons that today I want to share with lessons that today I want to share with you, and I've broken it down into three you, and I've broken it down into three you, and I've broken it down into three different points that I think Paul's different points that I think Paul's different points that I think Paul's trying to make here. And then at the trying to make here. And then at the trying to make here. And then at the end, I'm going to give you three end, I'm going to give you three end, I'm going to give you three questions that are going to be on the questions that are going to be on the questions that are going to be on the screen. We're not going to spend a lot screen. We're not going to spend a lot screen. We're not going to spend a lot of time talking through those questions of time talking through those questions of time talking through those questions or trying to put meat, if you will, on or trying to put meat, if you will, on or trying to put meat, if you will, on the bone of those three questions. What the bone of those three questions. What the bone of those three questions. What we're going to do is we're going to have we're going to do is we're going to have we're going to do is we're going to have those three questions on the screen, and those three questions on the screen, and those three questions on the screen, and then I want you to take them home with then I want you to take them home with then I want you to take them home with you this week. you this week. you this week. And every day in your quiet time, in And every day in your quiet time, in And every day in your quiet time, in your your private time in prayer and your your private time in prayer and your your private time in prayer and study of God's word, that you actually study of God's word, that you actually study of God's word, that you actually spend some time and ask yourself those spend some time and ask yourself those spend some time and ask yourself those questions in your quiet time every questions in your quiet time every questions in your quiet time every single day this week. single day this week. single day this week. To kind of see where you are. To kind of To kind of see where you are. To kind of To kind of see where you are. To kind of take a moment to take a moment to take a moment to to learn how you're doing in to learn how you're doing in to learn how you're doing in relationship to your walk with God. relationship to your walk with God. relationship to your walk with God. So, we go back to this chapter, chapter So, we go back to this chapter, chapter So, we go back to this chapter, chapter 3, and to really break down what chapter 3, and to really break down what chapter 3, and to really break down what chapter 3 speaks to, we have to kind of start in 3 speaks to, we have to kind of start in 3 speaks to, we have to kind of start in chapter 2. So, I told you I've got three chapter 2. So, I told you I've got three chapter 2. So, I told you I've got three different ideas that I think Paul is different ideas that I think Paul is different ideas that I think Paul is trying to give to us here, and the first trying to give to us here, and the first trying to give to us here, and the first one is this. Is I believe that Paul's one is this. Is I believe that Paul's one is this. Is I believe that Paul's trying to tell you that God has already trying to tell you that God has already trying to tell you that God has already given you everything that you need.

given you everything that you need. given you everything that you need. That God has already given you That God has already given you That God has already given you everything that you need. We go back to everything that you need. We go back to everything that you need. We go back to chapter 2 in the last part of that chapter 2 in the last part of that chapter 2 in the last part of that chapter in verses 16 and 17, and Paul chapter in verses 16 and 17, and Paul chapter in verses 16 and 17, and Paul writes, "Now, may our Lord Jesus Christ writes, "Now, may our Lord Jesus Christ writes, "Now, may our Lord Jesus Christ himself and our God and Father, who has himself and our God and Father, who has himself and our God and Father, who has loved us and given us everlasting loved us and given us everlasting loved us and given us everlasting everlasting consolation and good hope by everlasting consolation and good hope by everlasting consolation and good hope by grace, comfort your hearts and establish grace, comfort your hearts and establish grace, comfort your hearts and establish you in every good word and every good you in every good word and every good you in every good word and every good work." work." work." So, this passage tells us that our Lord So, this passage tells us that our Lord So, this passage tells us that our Lord Jesus Christ himself, God the Father, Jesus Christ himself, God the Father, Jesus Christ himself, God the Father, that Paul writes this, "Who has loved us that Paul writes this, "Who has loved us that Paul writes this, "Who has loved us and has given" I'll make it personal, and has given" I'll make it personal, and has given" I'll make it personal, "who has loved you and given you "who has loved you and given you "who has loved you and given you everlasting consolation." everlasting consolation." everlasting consolation." Everlasting consolation, you should Everlasting consolation, you should Everlasting consolation, you should circle those two words in your Bible. circle those two words in your Bible. circle those two words in your Bible. Now, that word consolation there is the Now, that word consolation there is the Now, that word consolation there is the Greek word paraklesis, and what that Greek word paraklesis, and what that Greek word paraklesis, and what that word really means, it's not consolation word really means, it's not consolation word really means, it's not consolation in the context of this idea of somebody in the context of this idea of somebody in the context of this idea of somebody who comes up and pats you on the back who comes up and pats you on the back who comes up and pats you on the back and tells you, "Hey, everything's going and tells you, "Hey, everything's going and tells you, "Hey, everything's going to be okay." What that word really to be okay." What that word really to be okay." What that word really speaks to is like a deep serious and speaks to is like a deep serious and speaks to is like a deep serious and personal comfort. And so, the idea that personal comfort. And so, the idea that personal comfort. And so, the idea that Paul is writing here is, "Listen, I want Paul is writing here is, "Listen, I want Paul is writing here is, "Listen, I want you to know that our Lord Jesus Christ you to know that our Lord Jesus Christ you to know that our Lord Jesus Christ and God the Father himself, that he has and God the Father himself, that he has and God the Father himself, that he has protected you, he has guided you, and he protected you, he has guided you, and he protected you, he has guided you, and he has given to you an everlasting has given to you an everlasting has given to you an everlasting consolation, or as we just read, he has consolation, or as we just read, he has consolation, or as we just read, he has given to you eternal given to you eternal given to you eternal comfort."

comfort." comfort." Now, think about that phrase for a Now, think about that phrase for a Now, think about that phrase for a moment in the midst of the difficult moment in the midst of the difficult moment in the midst of the difficult days that you experience in life. days that you experience in life. days that you experience in life. The challenges, like we heard a moment The challenges, like we heard a moment The challenges, like we heard a moment ago when Scott shared of that dear ago when Scott shared of that dear ago when Scott shared of that dear family family family who received a cancer diagnosis and they who received a cancer diagnosis and they who received a cancer diagnosis and they were wondering like how in the world do were wondering like how in the world do were wondering like how in the world do do we tell our three girls about what we do we tell our three girls about what we do we tell our three girls about what we are about to experience as a family? are about to experience as a family? are about to experience as a family? And what Scott shared with you is when And what Scott shared with you is when And what Scott shared with you is when they walked in the door in a very real they walked in the door in a very real they walked in the door in a very real and a practical and an obvious way God and a practical and an obvious way God and a practical and an obvious way God gave them eternal comfort. gave them eternal comfort. gave them eternal comfort. And that mom who would in just a short And that mom who would in just a short And that mom who would in just a short period of time be in heaven period of time be in heaven period of time be in heaven that mom was comforted in knowing that that mom was comforted in knowing that that mom was comforted in knowing that her daughters believed and were singing her daughters believed and were singing her daughters believed and were singing at the top of their lungs. at the top of their lungs. at the top of their lungs. God reigns above it all. God reigns above it all. God reigns above it all. See every person in this room there are See every person in this room there are See every person in this room there are times in life where you walk through times in life where you walk through times in life where you walk through those moments where you're like, man those moments where you're like, man those moments where you're like, man what do I do? Situation comes around where you're Situation comes around where you're like, I I don't know how to navigate like, I I don't know how to navigate like, I I don't know how to navigate this.

this. this. Man my heart is heavy Man my heart is heavy Man my heart is heavy and the hurt is too much and the pain is and the hurt is too much and the pain is and the hurt is too much and the pain is severe and the tears are are rolling severe and the tears are are rolling severe and the tears are are rolling down the cheeks and you're feeling maybe down the cheeks and you're feeling maybe down the cheeks and you're feeling maybe if you've been kind of abandoned by if you've been kind of abandoned by if you've been kind of abandoned by those that you care deeply for that those that you care deeply for that those that you care deeply for that maybe someone has turned their back on maybe someone has turned their back on maybe someone has turned their back on you and you're sitting there saying, you and you're sitting there saying, you and you're sitting there saying, what do I do now? Here's what you do what do I do now? Here's what you do what do I do now? Here's what you do now. You understand that God's word now. You understand that God's word now. You understand that God's word tells you tells you tells you that God has promised to give you that God has promised to give you that God has promised to give you eternal comfort. eternal comfort. eternal comfort. Not just comfort, that's great, eternal Not just comfort, that's great, eternal Not just comfort, that's great, eternal comfort. comfort. comfort. And what that means is it's not only And what that means is it's not only And what that means is it's not only comfort for the here and now. comfort for the here and now. comfort for the here and now. It's comfort for all time. It's comfort for all time. It's comfort for all time. That God has already given you That God has already given you That God has already given you everything that you need that no matter everything that you need that no matter everything that you need that no matter what you face that God has extended that what you face that God has extended that what you face that God has extended that gift to you. gift to you. gift to you. He has equipped us with not only the He has equipped us with not only the He has equipped us with not only the understanding that we can believe what understanding that we can believe what understanding that we can believe what God's word teaches but he's equipped us God's word teaches but he's equipped us God's word teaches but he's equipped us to actually do to actually do to actually do what God's word teaches us to do.

what God's word teaches us to do. what God's word teaches us to do. It gives us this idea, this It gives us this idea, this It gives us this idea, this understanding that we can stand strong. understanding that we can stand strong. understanding that we can stand strong. Warren Wiersbe said it this way, and I Warren Wiersbe said it this way, and I Warren Wiersbe said it this way, and I love this quote. I want you to hear love this quote. I want you to hear love this quote. I want you to hear these words. these words. these words. Paul here in this passage was concerned Paul here in this passage was concerned Paul here in this passage was concerned about two aspects of their Christian about two aspects of their Christian about two aspects of their Christian faith. Let me again pause and give you a faith. Let me again pause and give you a faith. Let me again pause and give you a personal application here. personal application here. personal application here. Paul was concerned about two aspects of Paul was concerned about two aspects of Paul was concerned about two aspects of your your your Christian faith. Christian faith. Christian faith. First, that their word and their work, First, that their word and their work, First, that their word and their work, their saying and their doing. their saying and their doing. their saying and their doing. If our walk contradicts our words, we If our walk contradicts our words, we If our walk contradicts our words, we lose our testimony. lose our testimony. lose our testimony. Our walk and our talk must agree. Good Our walk and our talk must agree. Good Our walk and our talk must agree. Good works and good words must come from the works and good words must come from the works and good words must come from the same yielded heart. same yielded heart. same yielded heart. You see what Paul is writing here You see what Paul is writing here You see what Paul is writing here in this passage that we just read in the in this passage that we just read in the in this passage that we just read in the last part of verse 17 is that God will last part of verse 17 is that God will last part of verse 17 is that God will comfort our hearts and will establish us comfort our hearts and will establish us comfort our hearts and will establish us in every good work and every good word. in every good work and every good word. in every good work and every good word. That God would allow us to experience That God would allow us to experience That God would allow us to experience and to see his word and his work at at and to see his word and his work at at and to see his word and his work at at work in our lives and we could actually work in our lives and we could actually work in our lives and we could actually carry that out. And then we have to make carry that out. And then we have to make carry that out. And then we have to make sure that our words match up with our sure that our words match up with our sure that our words match up with our work. That we make sure that our lives, work. That we make sure that our lives, work. That we make sure that our lives, what we say, matches up with what we what we say, matches up with what we what we say, matches up with what we believe. And so often that's a challenge believe. And so often that's a challenge believe. And so often that's a challenge that we that we that we can't really figure out how to navigate.

can't really figure out how to navigate. can't really figure out how to navigate. So yesterday, again, July 4th, So yesterday, again, July 4th, So yesterday, again, July 4th, celebrating this incredible milestone in celebrating this incredible milestone in celebrating this incredible milestone in our country's history, 250 years. So my our country's history, 250 years. So my our country's history, 250 years. So my family, most of my family was out of family, most of my family was out of family, most of my family was out of town yesterday. So Jonathan and Paige town yesterday. So Jonathan and Paige town yesterday. So Jonathan and Paige were up with Paige's family in Maryland were up with Paige's family in Maryland were up with Paige's family in Maryland and Jessica and Matt were up in northern and Jessica and Matt were up in northern and Jessica and Matt were up in northern Virginia with Matt's family. And Natalie Virginia with Matt's family. And Natalie Virginia with Matt's family. And Natalie and Caleb were up in in Washington. They and Caleb were up in in Washington. They and Caleb were up in in Washington. They were actually taking part in that event were actually taking part in that event were actually taking part in that event that was on the mall yesterday with the that was on the mall yesterday with the that was on the mall yesterday with the along with the worship collective and LU along with the worship collective and LU along with the worship collective and LU praise. And even though the program got praise. And even though the program got praise. And even though the program got moved around and their part didn't get moved around and their part didn't get moved around and their part didn't get connected there, they were still there connected there, they were still there connected there, they were still there watching the fireworks. So most of my watching the fireworks. So most of my watching the fireworks. So most of my family was out of town. But Sherry and family was out of town. But Sherry and family was out of town. But Sherry and Nicholas and Abby and their two Nicholas and Abby and their two Nicholas and Abby and their two children, Noah and Landon, Like we spent children, Noah and Landon, Like we spent children, Noah and Landon, Like we spent the whole day together yesterday. We had the whole day together yesterday. We had the whole day together yesterday. We had a great great day. a great great day. a great great day. I mean, we had a lot of fun. We went I mean, we had a lot of fun. We went I mean, we had a lot of fun. We went swimming. We did a lot of cool things swimming. We did a lot of cool things swimming. We did a lot of cool things and cool is the operative word cuz it and cool is the operative word cuz it and cool is the operative word cuz it was 185° yesterday. was 185° yesterday. was 185° yesterday. Cool things, you know. And so we did a Cool things, you know. And so we did a Cool things, you know. And so we did a lot of cool things yesterday. And so lot of cool things yesterday. And so lot of cool things yesterday. And so last night again, celebrating the 4th of last night again, celebrating the 4th of last night again, celebrating the 4th of July, we had the big fireworks last July, we had the big fireworks last July, we had the big fireworks last Sunday night celebrate America which Sunday night celebrate America which Sunday night celebrate America which were amazing but but but last night what were amazing but but but last night what were amazing but but but last night what we had the opportunity to do is we went we had the opportunity to do is we went we had the opportunity to do is we went to one of those little white tents that to one of those little white tents that to one of those little white tents that you find outside of a Kroger's or a gas you find outside of a Kroger's or a gas you find outside of a Kroger's or a gas station around town, right? And we went station around town, right? And we went station around town, right? And we went we bought some fireworks from that tent we bought some fireworks from that tent we bought some fireworks from that tent to put off to set off for Noah and to put off to set off for Noah and to put off to set off for Noah and Landon last night. Now you know when you Landon last night. Now you know when you Landon last night. Now you know when you buy fireworks in Virginia, they're buy fireworks in Virginia, they're buy fireworks in Virginia, they're fireworks that when you light them fireworks that when you light them fireworks that when you light them and they end up exploding and they end up exploding and they end up exploding they explode about this high.

they explode about this high. they explode about this high. Cuz we're in Virginia. Nothing says Cuz we're in Virginia. Nothing says Cuz we're in Virginia. Nothing says freedom like Virginia fireworks. They go freedom like Virginia fireworks. They go freedom like Virginia fireworks. They go about this high. about this high. about this high. You get those fireworks from San You get those fireworks from San You get those fireworks from San Francisco, you I mean from South Francisco, you I mean from South Francisco, you I mean from South Carolina, you blow up the whole world in Carolina, you blow up the whole world in Carolina, you blow up the whole world in South Carolina. Anybody ever bought South Carolina. Anybody ever bought South Carolina. Anybody ever bought fireworks in South Carolina? fireworks in South Carolina? fireworks in South Carolina? Like literally, you blow those things Like literally, you blow those things Like literally, you blow those things up, man. You you got to be careful. You up, man. You you got to be careful. You up, man. You you got to be careful. You you could set your house on fire those you could set your house on fire those you could set your house on fire those things. But you know, the ones here in things. But you know, the ones here in things. But you know, the ones here in Virginia, you know, you light them and Virginia, you know, you light them and Virginia, you know, you light them and they sparkle they sparkle they sparkle little lights little lights little lights and then the kicker. and then the kicker. and then the kicker. And a little whistle in there somewhere, And a little whistle in there somewhere, And a little whistle in there somewhere, you know. you know. you know. And so we we bought some of these And so we we bought some of these And so we we bought some of these fireworks for Noah and for Landon fireworks for Noah and for Landon fireworks for Noah and for Landon yesterday. And so uh last night uh yesterday. And so uh last night uh yesterday. And so uh last night uh Nicholas, we we got a lighter out and Nicholas, we we got a lighter out and Nicholas, we we got a lighter out and and and we went we we none of us had a and and we went we we none of us had a and and we went we we none of us had a lighter. We had to get Sherry's. And we lighter. We had to get Sherry's. And we lighter. We had to get Sherry's. And we went went went Sorry, that was Sorry, that was Sorry, that was a little joke. a little joke. a little joke. Not for you know, anyway, so so Nick Not for you know, anyway, so so Nick Not for you know, anyway, so so Nick gets the the fireworks out and so he gets the the fireworks out and so he gets the the fireworks out and so he sets the fireworks out and we're sitting sets the fireworks out and we're sitting sets the fireworks out and we're sitting there on the front porch. And so Abby is there on the front porch. And so Abby is there on the front porch. And so Abby is sitting there holding Landon and Noah is sitting there holding Landon and Noah is sitting there holding Landon and Noah is kind of hanging out and he's excited, kind of hanging out and he's excited, kind of hanging out and he's excited, not really sure exactly what we're not really sure exactly what we're not really sure exactly what we're getting ready to get into. And Sherry getting ready to get into. And Sherry getting ready to get into. And Sherry was sitting there and I was sitting was sitting there and I was sitting was sitting there and I was sitting there and Nicholas goes over and he there and Nicholas goes over and he there and Nicholas goes over and he lights that first firework. And when he lights that first firework. And when he lights that first firework. And when he lights that first firework, man, all of lights that first firework, man, all of lights that first firework, man, all of a sudden the you know, the sparkles a sudden the you know, the sparkles a sudden the you know, the sparkles start coming out and the lights start start coming out and the lights start start coming out and the lights start coming out and starts making a little coming out and starts making a little coming out and starts making a little bit of sound. And and Noah, who is bit of sound. And and Noah, who is bit of sound. And and Noah, who is seated or standing over here watching, seated or standing over here watching, seated or standing over here watching, he he then runs over to Abby and he he he then runs over to Abby and he he he then runs over to Abby and he wraps his arm around Abby's neck and wraps his arm around Abby's neck and wraps his arm around Abby's neck and he's holding tight to her and he's a he's holding tight to her and he's a he's holding tight to her and he's a little scared and and he even cries a little scared and and he even cries a little scared and and he even cries a little bit. No, no, you know, he's a little bit. No, no, you know, he's a little bit. No, no, you know, he's a little worried and and he's he's scared little worried and and he's he's scared little worried and and he's he's scared and concerned about this whole thing.

and concerned about this whole thing. and concerned about this whole thing. And the thing lasts for about, I don't And the thing lasts for about, I don't And the thing lasts for about, I don't know, 30 or 45 seconds and then the know, 30 or 45 seconds and then the know, 30 or 45 seconds and then the firework ends. firework ends. firework ends. And so then Nick says, "Hey, Noah, you And so then Nick says, "Hey, Noah, you And so then Nick says, "Hey, Noah, you want to do another one?" He's like, "No, want to do another one?" He's like, "No, want to do another one?" He's like, "No, no, all done. No more. No more." no, all done. No more. No more." no, all done. No more. No more." As he's walking over to the bag to pick As he's walking over to the bag to pick As he's walking over to the bag to pick another one out and bring it over to another one out and bring it over to another one out and bring it over to Nick. Nick. Nick. So he's saying, literally, as he's So he's saying, literally, as he's So he's saying, literally, as he's walking to the bag, "No, no, no, all walking to the bag, "No, no, no, all walking to the bag, "No, no, no, all done, all done." He gets another done, all done." He gets another done, all done." He gets another firework, takes it over to Nick, hands firework, takes it over to Nick, hands firework, takes it over to Nick, hands it to Nick, and goes back on the it to Nick, and goes back on the it to Nick, and goes back on the steps and just sits there and watches steps and just sits there and watches steps and just sits there and watches again. again. again. Tears still in his eyes saying no, but Tears still in his eyes saying no, but Tears still in his eyes saying no, but he wants Nick to light another one. So he wants Nick to light another one. So he wants Nick to light another one. So Nick goes ahead and lights a second one. Nick goes ahead and lights a second one. Nick goes ahead and lights a second one. And it does the exact same thing, you And it does the exact same thing, you And it does the exact same thing, you know, it's just a slow, you know, little know, it's just a slow, you know, little know, it's just a slow, you know, little buzzes there, little lights that'll pop buzzes there, little lights that'll pop buzzes there, little lights that'll pop up and little sparkles and all that kind up and little sparkles and all that kind up and little sparkles and all that kind of stuff. And again, Noah grabbing a of stuff. And again, Noah grabbing a of stuff. And again, Noah grabbing a hold of Abby. He would not get away from hold of Abby. He would not get away from hold of Abby. He would not get away from Abby and he was afraid, scared, actually Abby and he was afraid, scared, actually Abby and he was afraid, scared, actually no, and started crying a little bit. And no, and started crying a little bit. And no, and started crying a little bit. And then that one ends. then that one ends. then that one ends. And we said, "Noah, do you want to do And we said, "Noah, do you want to do And we said, "Noah, do you want to do another one?" And Noah says, "No, no another one?" And Noah says, "No, no another one?" And Noah says, "No, no more. All done, all done." As he's more. All done, all done." As he's more. All done, all done." As he's walking to get the third one out of the walking to get the third one out of the walking to get the third one out of the bag.

bag. bag. He gets another one. In fact, this went He gets another one. In fact, this went He gets another one. In fact, this went on and on and on. on and on and on. on and on and on. Finally, we ran out of all the ones that Finally, we ran out of all the ones that Finally, we ran out of all the ones that we had had bought to to shoot off last we had had bought to to shoot off last we had had bought to to shoot off last night and Noah wanted more even though night and Noah wanted more even though night and Noah wanted more even though he was still crying saying no more. And he was still crying saying no more. And he was still crying saying no more. And so I went to the garage and I I found a so I went to the garage and I I found a so I went to the garage and I I found a trash bag in the garage that I thought trash bag in the garage that I thought trash bag in the garage that I thought we had some more fireworks and I went we had some more fireworks and I went we had some more fireworks and I went and found another one and and we had a and found another one and and we had a and found another one and and we had a whole big bag of fireworks and some of whole big bag of fireworks and some of whole big bag of fireworks and some of them were the South Carolina fireworks. them were the South Carolina fireworks. them were the South Carolina fireworks. And we brought them back and we had this And we brought them back and we had this And we brought them back and we had this one and I don't even know what it's one and I don't even know what it's one and I don't even know what it's called, but it's one of those ones that called, but it's one of those ones that called, but it's one of those ones that you shoot up in the air, it goes way up you shoot up in the air, it goes way up you shoot up in the air, it goes way up in the air, it explodes and blows up in the air, it explodes and blows up in the air, it explodes and blows up like crazy. And but we didn't have the like crazy. And but we didn't have the like crazy. And but we didn't have the tube for it. Now, for those of you who tube for it. Now, for those of you who tube for it. Now, for those of you who know anything about fireworks, if you know anything about fireworks, if you know anything about fireworks, if you have one of those big mortars and you have one of those big mortars and you have one of those big mortars and you don't have the tube, you really don't have the tube, you really don't have the tube, you really shouldn't light it, right? So, Nicholas shouldn't light it, right? So, Nicholas shouldn't light it, right? So, Nicholas is like, "No, we can't do that one. is like, "No, we can't do that one. is like, "No, we can't do that one. That's the dangerous. You can't do it." That's the dangerous. You can't do it." That's the dangerous. You can't do it." I said, "Nah, it'll be fine. It'll be I said, "Nah, it'll be fine. It'll be I said, "Nah, it'll be fine. It'll be fine." And so, you know, I actually go fine." And so, you know, I actually go fine." And so, you know, I actually go in and get another set of matches cuz in and get another set of matches cuz in and get another set of matches cuz I'm going to do this on my own, you I'm going to do this on my own, you I'm going to do this on my own, you know? And then I went out in the garage know? And then I went out in the garage know? And then I went out in the garage and I found a cardboard mailing tube. I and I found a cardboard mailing tube. I and I found a cardboard mailing tube. I thought, "This will work." And so, I got thought, "This will work." And so, I got thought, "This will work." And so, I got a cardboard mailing tube and I brought a cardboard mailing tube and I brought a cardboard mailing tube and I brought it back and and I showed Nick and Nick it back and and I showed Nick and Nick it back and and I showed Nick and Nick said, "No, Dad, you cannot do that. It said, "No, Dad, you cannot do that. It said, "No, Dad, you cannot do that. It It's dangerous." So, I said, "It's going It's dangerous." So, I said, "It's going It's dangerous." So, I said, "It's going to be fine. It's all good. It's all to be fine. It's all good. It's all to be fine. It's all good. It's all good." And so, I get that big tube and I good." And so, I get that big tube and I good." And so, I get that big tube and I drop that one down in there and I'm drop that one down in there and I'm drop that one down in there and I'm about to light it and he said, "Well, about to light it and he said, "Well, about to light it and he said, "Well, no, no, you did you did Dad, you no, no, you did you did Dad, you no, no, you did you did Dad, you seriously you can't do it." I said, "Oh, seriously you can't do it." I said, "Oh, seriously you can't do it." I said, "Oh, come on." And so, I did what anybody come on." And so, I did what anybody come on." And so, I did what anybody does. I went on Google to find out if does. I went on Google to find out if does. I went on Google to find out if this is safe.

this is safe. this is safe. It is not safe. It is not safe. It is not safe. And so, we just kept lighting off the And so, we just kept lighting off the And so, we just kept lighting off the little small ones, you know? And Noah little small ones, you know? And Noah little small ones, you know? And Noah was like, "No, no, no." all along with was like, "No, no, no." all along with was like, "No, no, no." all along with tears in his eyes. He wants the next one tears in his eyes. He wants the next one tears in his eyes. He wants the next one and the next one. Listen, that's exactly and the next one. Listen, that's exactly and the next one. Listen, that's exactly what Paul is writing about here. what Paul is writing about here. what Paul is writing about here. Because here's what we do. Listen to me. Because here's what we do. Listen to me. Because here's what we do. Listen to me. What we do so often in the Christian What we do so often in the Christian What we do so often in the Christian life is we say, "Man, I want to follow life is we say, "Man, I want to follow life is we say, "Man, I want to follow Christ. I want to walk with Christ. I Christ. I want to walk with Christ. I Christ. I want to walk with Christ. I want to do this. I want to serve him." want to do this. I want to serve him." want to do this. I want to serve him." And all along while we're saying it, And all along while we're saying it, And all along while we're saying it, we're acting completely different. we're acting completely different. we're acting completely different. You see, what we do just as Noah did You see, what we do just as Noah did You see, what we do just as Noah did yesterday, yesterday, yesterday, this idea of like he's saying one thing this idea of like he's saying one thing this idea of like he's saying one thing with his words, but with his actions, with his words, but with his actions, with his words, but with his actions, he's doing completely opposite. Man, we he's doing completely opposite. Man, we he's doing completely opposite. Man, we do the same kind of stuff. do the same kind of stuff. do the same kind of stuff. Man, we'll walk through life saying, Man, we'll walk through life saying, Man, we'll walk through life saying, "Man, I want to serve God." all along "Man, I want to serve God." all along "Man, I want to serve God." all along with with trepidation and with tears and with with trepidation and with tears and with with trepidation and with tears and with fear. with fear. with fear. Man, I want to serve God all along while Man, I want to serve God all along while Man, I want to serve God all along while trying to go and to climb up in the trying to go and to climb up in the trying to go and to climb up in the proverbial lap of our moms and our dads proverbial lap of our moms and our dads proverbial lap of our moms and our dads because we're afraid of what might be because we're afraid of what might be because we're afraid of what might be out there. And you know what Paul says out there. And you know what Paul says out there. And you know what Paul says here in this passage is, "Guys, here in this passage is, "Guys, here in this passage is, "Guys, God has already given you everything God has already given you everything God has already given you everything that you need. He has strengthened you.

that you need. He has strengthened you. that you need. He has strengthened you. He has given you everything that you He has given you everything that you He has given you everything that you need. He has loved you. And he's given need. He has loved you. And he's given need. He has loved you. And he's given you an eternal comfort, everlasting you an eternal comfort, everlasting you an eternal comfort, everlasting consolation, and good hope by grace, and consolation, and good hope by grace, and consolation, and good hope by grace, and he's comforted your hearts, and he's he's comforted your hearts, and he's he's comforted your hearts, and he's established you in every good work and established you in every good work and established you in every good work and every good word. And so, what Paul is every good word. And so, what Paul is every good word. And so, what Paul is saying is, man, he's already given you saying is, man, he's already given you saying is, man, he's already given you everything that you need, which is what everything that you need, which is what everything that you need, which is what verse 3 of chapter 3 goes on to say, verse 3 of chapter 3 goes on to say, verse 3 of chapter 3 goes on to say, "But the Lord is faithful." "But the Lord is faithful." "But the Lord is faithful." But the Lord is faithful. If you've got But the Lord is faithful. If you've got But the Lord is faithful. If you've got your Bible again, still open to that your Bible again, still open to that your Bible again, still open to that journal open, man, I would highlight, journal open, man, I would highlight, journal open, man, I would highlight, underline, circle. Get your phone open, underline, circle. Get your phone open, underline, circle. Get your phone open, I would highlight it, whatever it takes, I would highlight it, whatever it takes, I would highlight it, whatever it takes, those five words, "But the Lord is those five words, "But the Lord is those five words, "But the Lord is faithful." faithful." faithful." Cuz here's what I know. Cuz here's what I know. Cuz here's what I know. If you could get up every morning If you could get up every morning If you could get up every morning with an absolute confidence in those with an absolute confidence in those with an absolute confidence in those five words in your life, it will change five words in your life, it will change five words in your life, it will change your life. your life. your life. If you could get up every single day of If you could get up every single day of If you could get up every single day of your life and declare with your life and your life and declare with your life and your life and declare with your life and your hearts, "But the Lord is faithful." your hearts, "But the Lord is faithful." your hearts, "But the Lord is faithful." It'll change your outlook. It'll change your outlook. It'll change your outlook. It'll change everything that you do. It'll change everything that you do. It'll change everything that you do. It'll change how you live, it'll change It'll change how you live, it'll change It'll change how you live, it'll change how you act, it'll change where you go, how you act, it'll change where you go, how you act, it'll change where you go, but the Lord is faithful. It goes on to but the Lord is faithful. It goes on to but the Lord is faithful. It goes on to say, "Who will establish you and guard say, "Who will establish you and guard say, "Who will establish you and guard you from the evil one." You see what God you from the evil one." You see what God you from the evil one." You see what God gives to us in that verse, in verse 3 of gives to us in that verse, in verse 3 of gives to us in that verse, in verse 3 of chapter 3 is this, God will give you the chapter 3 is this, God will give you the chapter 3 is this, God will give you the confidence you need to keep on keeping confidence you need to keep on keeping confidence you need to keep on keeping on.

on. on. Why? Why? Why? Because he reigns above it all. Because he reigns above it all. Because he reigns above it all. You see, that's the picture. God's You see, that's the picture. God's You see, that's the picture. God's already given you everything that you already given you everything that you already given you everything that you need. So, second point. First one, he's need. So, second point. First one, he's need. So, second point. First one, he's given you everything that you need. given you everything that you need. given you everything that you need. Second point, so, be strong and be sure. Second point, so, be strong and be sure. Second point, so, be strong and be sure. Be strong Be strong Be strong and be sure. Look what it says in verse and be sure. Look what it says in verse and be sure. Look what it says in verse 4. 4. 4. Verse 4, "And we have confidence in the Verse 4, "And we have confidence in the Verse 4, "And we have confidence in the Lord concerning you, both that you do Lord concerning you, both that you do Lord concerning you, both that you do and will do the things we command you. and will do the things we command you. and will do the things we command you. Now, may the the Lord direct your hearts Now, may the the Lord direct your hearts Now, may the the Lord direct your hearts from the love of God and into the from the love of God and into the from the love of God and into the patience of Christ. But we command you, patience of Christ. But we command you, patience of Christ. But we command you, brethren, in the name of the Lord Jesus brethren, in the name of the Lord Jesus brethren, in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, that you withdraw from every Christ, that you withdraw from every Christ, that you withdraw from every brother who walks disorderly and not brother who walks disorderly and not brother who walks disorderly and not according to the tradition which he according to the tradition which he according to the tradition which he received from us. Now, there's two ideas received from us. Now, there's two ideas received from us. Now, there's two ideas here in the statement of being strong here in the statement of being strong here in the statement of being strong and being sure that are found in these and being sure that are found in these and being sure that are found in these words. It starts with hey, we have words. It starts with hey, we have words. It starts with hey, we have confidence. You can walk with confidence. You can walk with confidence. You can walk with confidence. We just talked about this. confidence. We just talked about this. confidence. We just talked about this. But then it says this, that God will But then it says this, that God will But then it says this, that God will direct your hearts into the love of God direct your hearts into the love of God direct your hearts into the love of God and into the patience of Christ.

and into the patience of Christ. and into the patience of Christ. Into the patience of Christ. Now, here's Into the patience of Christ. Now, here's Into the patience of Christ. Now, here's what that word patience means. We think what that word patience means. We think what that word patience means. We think of patience of like, you know, that of patience of like, you know, that of patience of like, you know, that we're actually able to sit back and wait we're actually able to sit back and wait we're actually able to sit back and wait for something. for something. for something. We think of patience is this idea of We think of patience is this idea of We think of patience is this idea of like maybe like, you know, I I can like maybe like, you know, I I can like maybe like, you know, I I can actually I don't I don't get anxious and actually I don't I don't get anxious and actually I don't I don't get anxious and I'm not not worried like like I I'm not not worried like like I I'm not not worried like like I literally can like wait a little bit of literally can like wait a little bit of literally can like wait a little bit of time. It's not going to be I'm not going time. It's not going to be I'm not going time. It's not going to be I'm not going to get all hyper. I'm not going to get to get all hyper. I'm not going to get to get all hyper. I'm not going to get upset. I can wait. I can wait. That's upset. I can wait. I can wait. That's upset. I can wait. I can wait. That's not what that word means here in the not what that word means here in the not what that word means here in the context of this verse. context of this verse. context of this verse. In fact, the word patience there is a In fact, the word patience there is a In fact, the word patience there is a Greek word hypomone. And what that word Greek word hypomone. And what that word Greek word hypomone. And what that word really is translated, what it really really is translated, what it really really is translated, what it really means is this, endurance. means is this, endurance. means is this, endurance. And there's a big difference between And there's a big difference between And there's a big difference between endurance and patience. Patience is I endurance and patience. Patience is I endurance and patience. Patience is I can wait. Endurance is I can make it can wait. Endurance is I can make it can wait. Endurance is I can make it through. through. through. Do you see the difference? Do you see the difference? Do you see the difference? And so here, what Paul is writing to the And so here, what Paul is writing to the And so here, what Paul is writing to the church is man, we've got confidence in church is man, we've got confidence in church is man, we've got confidence in the Lord. Man, we can do what God has the Lord. Man, we can do what God has the Lord. Man, we can do what God has called us to do and we will do what God called us to do and we will do what God called us to do and we will do what God has called us to do. Why? Because the has called us to do. Why? Because the has called us to do. Why? Because the Lord has directed our hearts into the Lord has directed our hearts into the Lord has directed our hearts into the love of God, his everlasting love which love of God, his everlasting love which love of God, his everlasting love which was on display when he sent his son was on display when he sent his son was on display when he sent his son Jesus to die on the cross for our sins, Jesus to die on the cross for our sins, Jesus to die on the cross for our sins, was buried and rose again 3 days later.

was buried and rose again 3 days later. was buried and rose again 3 days later. Like that was love on display. But also, Like that was love on display. But also, Like that was love on display. But also, not only the love of God, but the not only the love of God, but the not only the love of God, but the endurance of Christ. endurance of Christ. endurance of Christ. That Christ will give you what it what That Christ will give you what it what That Christ will give you what it what you need in order to make it through you need in order to make it through you need in order to make it through what you face. what you face. what you face. That is a lesson that Paul wants the That is a lesson that Paul wants the That is a lesson that Paul wants the church to know. church to know. church to know. That church, That church, That church, this church. this church. this church. Yes, we're strong. Yes, we're strong. Yes, we're strong. Because God loves us with an everlasting Because God loves us with an everlasting Because God loves us with an everlasting love and we have confidence in that love and we have confidence in that love and we have confidence in that love. love. love. We can be strong, but we can be sure. We can be strong, but we can be sure. We can be strong, but we can be sure. Why? Because we know that God's going to Why? Because we know that God's going to Why? Because we know that God's going to give us everything we need give us everything we need give us everything we need to make it through. to make it through. to make it through. The endurance The endurance The endurance that the tribulations that are ahead that the tribulations that are ahead that the tribulations that are ahead that the trials that we might face, the that the trials that we might face, the that the trials that we might face, the heartaches that are sure to come heartaches that are sure to come heartaches that are sure to come that we can endure. that we can endure. that we can endure. He goes on to tell us in verse He goes on to tell us in verse He goes on to tell us in verse six. six. six. Again, practical application, practical Again, practical application, practical Again, practical application, practical advice, but listen, I'm telling you, advice, but listen, I'm telling you, advice, but listen, I'm telling you, Paul says, Paul says, Paul says, man, in the name of the Lord, man, in the name of the Lord, man, in the name of the Lord, that you get away from, that you that you get away from, that you that you get away from, that you withdraw from every brother who walks withdraw from every brother who walks withdraw from every brother who walks disorderly disorderly disorderly and not according to his tradition which and not according to his tradition which and not according to his tradition which he received from us.

he received from us. he received from us. Now, you remember I mentioned that word Now, you remember I mentioned that word Now, you remember I mentioned that word disorderly a few moments ago. disorderly a few moments ago. disorderly a few moments ago. That word disorderly, there's the Greek That word disorderly, there's the Greek That word disorderly, there's the Greek word ataktos which which literally means word ataktos which which literally means word ataktos which which literally means this kind of idea is it's this kind of idea is it's this kind of idea is it's it's a person that is kind of like like it's a person that is kind of like like it's a person that is kind of like like causing all kinds of issues and all causing all kinds of issues and all causing all kinds of issues and all kinds of problems. In fact, here is what kinds of problems. In fact, here is what kinds of problems. In fact, here is what Doug Magnum said in this idea, this Doug Magnum said in this idea, this Doug Magnum said in this idea, this translation of this word. And the reason translation of this word. And the reason translation of this word. And the reason it's such a difficult challenge to it's such a difficult challenge to it's such a difficult challenge to translate this word is because it's only translate this word is because it's only translate this word is because it's only found in the books of first and second found in the books of first and second found in the books of first and second Thessalonians and nowhere else in the Thessalonians and nowhere else in the Thessalonians and nowhere else in the Bible. There's no other biblical Bible. There's no other biblical Bible. There's no other biblical context. And that word is something that context. And that word is something that context. And that word is something that in order to translate it, the in order to translate it, the in order to translate it, the translators many years ago had to translators many years ago had to translators many years ago had to actually go outside of the Bible and go actually go outside of the Bible and go actually go outside of the Bible and go to contemporary literature of the time to contemporary literature of the time to contemporary literature of the time to try to figure out what it was that to try to figure out what it was that to try to figure out what it was that Paul was trying to say. And there are Paul was trying to say. And there are Paul was trying to say. And there are two schools of thought and both are two schools of thought and both are two schools of thought and both are important. And here's what Doug Magnum important. And here's what Doug Magnum important. And here's what Doug Magnum says about it. There are two main groups says about it. There are two main groups says about it. There are two main groups of interpretations of ataktos. Ataktos. of interpretations of ataktos. Ataktos. of interpretations of ataktos. Ataktos. Uh some believe that Paul was Uh some believe that Paul was Uh some believe that Paul was confronting a faction of believers in confronting a faction of believers in confronting a faction of believers in Thessalonica, in the church there, who Thessalonica, in the church there, who Thessalonica, in the church there, who were refusing to work and consequently were refusing to work and consequently were refusing to work and consequently the English translations of these terms the English translations of these terms the English translations of these terms should be uh and should cover the idea should be uh and should cover the idea should be uh and should cover the idea of laziness.

of laziness. of laziness. Other translations maintain that the Other translations maintain that the Other translations maintain that the group which Paul was talking about was group which Paul was talking about was group which Paul was talking about was concerned uh they were active and they concerned uh they were active and they concerned uh they were active and they were working, but were working, but were working, but excuse [clears throat] me, but they were excuse [clears throat] me, but they were excuse [clears throat] me, but they were disruptive or disorderly in their disruptive or disorderly in their disruptive or disorderly in their behavior. So, two different ideas there. behavior. So, two different ideas there. behavior. So, two different ideas there. One One group was lazy, uh the other One One group was lazy, uh the other One One group was lazy, uh the other group was disruptive. group was disruptive. group was disruptive. One group was doing nothing. One group One group was doing nothing. One group One group was doing nothing. One group was actually doing something, but they was actually doing something, but they was actually doing something, but they were sticking their nose in everywhere were sticking their nose in everywhere were sticking their nose in everywhere where they did not belong, and they were where they did not belong, and they were where they did not belong, and they were causing dissensions, they were causing causing dissensions, they were causing causing dissensions, they were causing factions, they were talking bad, they factions, they were talking bad, they factions, they were talking bad, they were gossiping about others, and they were gossiping about others, and they were gossiping about others, and they were creating and stirring up conflict were creating and stirring up conflict were creating and stirring up conflict within the church. within the church. within the church. Now, here's what I would say, regardless Now, here's what I would say, regardless Now, here's what I would say, regardless of what Paul was really meaning in his of what Paul was really meaning in his of what Paul was really meaning in his use of that word attacked us, the idea use of that word attacked us, the idea use of that word attacked us, the idea is this, he's saying to all of us, like, is this, he's saying to all of us, like, is this, he's saying to all of us, like, you need to come away from them. You you need to come away from them. You you need to come away from them. You need to to move away from them. Now, need to to move away from them. Now, need to to move away from them. Now, he's not telling us this, he's not he's not telling us this, he's not he's not telling us this, he's not telling us to kick them out, he's not telling us to kick them out, he's not telling us to kick them out, he's not telling us to kick them to the curb, telling us to kick them to the curb, telling us to kick them to the curb, he's not telling us to treat them badly he's not telling us to treat them badly he's not telling us to treat them badly or to get rid of them in the church. or to get rid of them in the church. or to get rid of them in the church. Here's what really basically he's Here's what really basically he's Here's what really basically he's saying, he's saying this, saying, he's saying this, saying, he's saying this, ignore them ignore them ignore them and just keep doing what God has called and just keep doing what God has called and just keep doing what God has called you to do.

you to do. you to do. Keep moving forward. As he says this, Keep moving forward. As he says this, Keep moving forward. As he says this, I'm telling you, I'm begging you, that I'm telling you, I'm begging you, that I'm telling you, I'm begging you, that whatever you do, just make sure you whatever you do, just make sure you whatever you do, just make sure you continue continue continue to to avoid those kinds of people, to to to avoid those kinds of people, to to to avoid those kinds of people, to come away from those kinds of people. come away from those kinds of people. come away from those kinds of people. That verse says it this way, to withdraw That verse says it this way, to withdraw That verse says it this way, to withdraw from every brother who walks disorderly from every brother who walks disorderly from every brother who walks disorderly and not according to the tradition which and not according to the tradition which and not according to the tradition which you received from us. In other words, to you received from us. In other words, to you received from us. In other words, to be strong, to recognize God's going to be strong, to recognize God's going to be strong, to recognize God's going to give you endurance, and God is going to give you endurance, and God is going to give you endurance, and God is going to give you strength because of the the give you strength because of the the give you strength because of the the love of Christ, like, be strong, be love of Christ, like, be strong, be love of Christ, like, be strong, be sure, keep moving forward, and don't let sure, keep moving forward, and don't let sure, keep moving forward, and don't let other people keep you from doing what other people keep you from doing what other people keep you from doing what God has called you to do. And that is God has called you to do. And that is God has called you to do. And that is really the idea. Either definition leads really the idea. Either definition leads really the idea. Either definition leads to one conclusion, we're to be active to one conclusion, we're to be active to one conclusion, we're to be active and productive in our ministries within and productive in our ministries within and productive in our ministries within the church, regardless of what someone the church, regardless of what someone the church, regardless of what someone else might be doing. else might be doing. else might be doing. Cuz here's what I know, the church of Cuz here's what I know, the church of Cuz here's what I know, the church of Thessalonica and the church right here Thessalonica and the church right here Thessalonica and the church right here in Lynchburg, in Lynchburg, in Lynchburg, there are people in every church there are people in every church there are people in every church that by their actions, that by their actions, that by their actions, by either their laziness or by their by either their laziness or by their by either their laziness or by their disruptions, disruptions, disruptions, what they will do, whether intentionally what they will do, whether intentionally what they will do, whether intentionally or not intentionally, or not intentionally, or not intentionally, is they will end up stopping the work of is they will end up stopping the work of is they will end up stopping the work of the church. And what Paul is saying is, the church. And what Paul is saying is, the church. And what Paul is saying is, don't let that happen. You don't let that happen. You don't let that happen. You simply do what God has called you to do.

simply do what God has called you to do. simply do what God has called you to do. So, the first So, the first So, the first point of the sermon, point of the sermon, point of the sermon, God has given you everything that you God has given you everything that you God has given you everything that you need. need. need. The second, The second, The second, man, be strong and be sure. man, be strong and be sure. man, be strong and be sure. The final point of this sermon, so don't The final point of this sermon, so don't The final point of this sermon, so don't give up give up give up and don't give in. and don't give in. and don't give in. Don't give up Don't give up Don't give up and don't give in. and don't give in. and don't give in. Paul makes this very clear in verse 10. Paul makes this very clear in verse 10. Paul makes this very clear in verse 10. For even when we were with you, we For even when we were with you, we For even when we were with you, we commanded you this, if anyone will not commanded you this, if anyone will not commanded you this, if anyone will not work, neither shall he eat. In other work, neither shall he eat. In other work, neither shall he eat. In other words, don't be lazy. For we hear that words, don't be lazy. For we hear that words, don't be lazy. For we hear that there are some who walk among you in a there are some who walk among you in a there are some who walk among you in a disorderly manner. There's that word disorderly manner. There's that word disorderly manner. There's that word again, not working at all, but are again, not working at all, but are again, not working at all, but are busybodies. Now, those who are such we busybodies. Now, those who are such we busybodies. Now, those who are such we command and exhort through our Lord command and exhort through our Lord command and exhort through our Lord Jesus Christ that they work in quietness Jesus Christ that they work in quietness Jesus Christ that they work in quietness and eat their own bread. But as for you, and eat their own bread. But as for you, and eat their own bread. But as for you, brethren, do not grow weary in doing brethren, do not grow weary in doing brethren, do not grow weary in doing good. And if anyone does not good. And if anyone does not good. And if anyone does not obey our word in this epistle, note that obey our word in this epistle, note that obey our word in this epistle, note that person and do not keep company with them person and do not keep company with them person and do not keep company with them that he may be ashamed. Yet, do not that he may be ashamed. Yet, do not that he may be ashamed. Yet, do not count him as an enemy, but admonish him count him as an enemy, but admonish him count him as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother.

as a brother. as a brother. And so, the passage here, it gives us a And so, the passage here, it gives us a And so, the passage here, it gives us a statement. Man, man, make sure you keep statement. Man, man, make sure you keep statement. Man, man, make sure you keep on doing what God has called you to do. on doing what God has called you to do. on doing what God has called you to do. Yes, you keep remaining faithful. But Yes, you keep remaining faithful. But Yes, you keep remaining faithful. But understand this, I know there are people understand this, I know there are people understand this, I know there are people among you like we just talked about that among you like we just talked about that among you like we just talked about that are disorderly. And it goes on to are disorderly. And it goes on to are disorderly. And it goes on to actually use a different word here, and actually use a different word here, and actually use a different word here, and the word that's used here is the word the word that's used here is the word the word that's used here is the word the busybodies. the busybodies. the busybodies. The busybodies. Now, that statement The busybodies. Now, that statement The busybodies. Now, that statement there is the Greek word periogosamai, there is the Greek word periogosamai, there is the Greek word periogosamai, which literally means the people who which literally means the people who which literally means the people who meddle. meddle. meddle. The people who are like putting their The people who are like putting their The people who are like putting their nose in everyone's business. Like nose in everyone's business. Like nose in everyone's business. Like sticking their nose in where it does not sticking their nose in where it does not sticking their nose in where it does not belong. That they're constantly creating belong. That they're constantly creating belong. That they're constantly creating conflict. They're constantly creating conflict. They're constantly creating conflict. They're constantly creating problems. Like they want to know about problems. Like they want to know about problems. Like they want to know about everything. They want to gossip about everything. They want to gossip about everything. They want to gossip about everyone. That they want to have a word everyone. That they want to have a word everyone. That they want to have a word in every conversation. That that when in every conversation. That that when in every conversation. That that when you know, when someone is talking about you know, when someone is talking about you know, when someone is talking about something that they want to say, "Hey, something that they want to say, "Hey, something that they want to say, "Hey, what what did you say? Like what did you what what did you say? Like what did you what what did you say? Like what did you like what does that mean? Like what are like what does that mean? Like what are like what does that mean? Like what are you talking about? What did they do? you talking about? What did they do? you talking about? What did they do? What did Like those kinds of people. What did Like those kinds of people. What did Like those kinds of people. The people who are busybodies that are The people who are busybodies that are The people who are busybodies that are constantly meddling in every situation.

constantly meddling in every situation. constantly meddling in every situation. Now, this week again, America 250. Now, this week again, America 250. Now, this week again, America 250. So, Sherry and I decided So, Sherry and I decided So, Sherry and I decided for a couple days this week, we got away for a couple days this week, we got away for a couple days this week, we got away for 2 days and we went on a camping trip for 2 days and we went on a camping trip for 2 days and we went on a camping trip to Galax, Virginia. to Galax, Virginia. to Galax, Virginia. And we went down to Galax, about 2 and And we went down to Galax, about 2 and And we went down to Galax, about 2 and 1/2 hours from here. And on Thursday, we 1/2 hours from here. And on Thursday, we 1/2 hours from here. And on Thursday, we decided we drove down to Mount Airy, decided we drove down to Mount Airy, decided we drove down to Mount Airy, North Carolina, or better known as North Carolina, or better known as North Carolina, or better known as Mayberry. Mayberry. Mayberry. It's where Andy Griffith was born. And It's where Andy Griffith was born. And It's where Andy Griffith was born. And so, we went down there and we actually so, we went down there and we actually so, we went down there and we actually kind of lived the 85-year-old kind of lived the 85-year-old kind of lived the 85-year-old retired life for 2 days. We went down to retired life for 2 days. We went down to retired life for 2 days. We went down to May- Mount Airy and we went to the Andy May- Mount Airy and we went to the Andy May- Mount Airy and we went to the Andy Griffith Museum. Griffith Museum. Griffith Museum. Hear me when I tell you, nothing says Hear me when I tell you, nothing says Hear me when I tell you, nothing says America like going to the Andy Griffith America like going to the Andy Griffith America like going to the Andy Griffith Museum. Museum. Museum. We went down to the Andy Griffith We went down to the Andy Griffith We went down to the Andy Griffith Museum, man, and we walked through and Museum, man, and we walked through and Museum, man, and we walked through and saw all the displays and all the things saw all the displays and all the things saw all the displays and all the things about his life and about the show, the about his life and about the show, the about his life and about the show, the Andy Griffith Show. And we saw all the Andy Griffith Show. And we saw all the Andy Griffith Show. And we saw all the things from him and Goober and Gomer and things from him and Goober and Gomer and things from him and Goober and Gomer and and and Barney Fife and Aunt Bee and and and and Barney Fife and Aunt Bee and and and and Barney Fife and Aunt Bee and and and and Opie, man, we did it all. We and and Opie, man, we did it all. We and and Opie, man, we did it all. We went to Opie's Candy Store. We went to went to Opie's Candy Store. We went to went to Opie's Candy Store. We went to Snappy's Lunch and we saw the pork chop Snappy's Lunch and we saw the pork chop Snappy's Lunch and we saw the pork chop sandwich. I did not eat one, but we saw sandwich. I did not eat one, but we saw sandwich. I did not eat one, but we saw what it was like. We walked those what it was like. We walked those what it was like. We walked those streets and we saw the, you know, the streets and we saw the, you know, the streets and we saw the, you know, the Barney Fife police cars going down the Barney Fife police cars going down the Barney Fife police cars going down the road. We even went over to the to the road. We even went over to the to the road. We even went over to the to the courthouse and to the the the police courthouse and to the the the police courthouse and to the the the police station there. And we went in. In fact, station there. And we went in. In fact, station there. And we went in. In fact, I got a picture. I'll just show it to I got a picture. I'll just show it to I got a picture. I'll just show it to you really quick. I like There it is.

you really quick. I like There it is. you really quick. I like There it is. Sherry and I in the Mayberry jail. Sherry and I in the Mayberry jail. Sherry and I in the Mayberry jail. And I'm not going to tell you like like And I'm not going to tell you like like And I'm not going to tell you like like that I'm there in the jail with Otis, that I'm there in the jail with Otis, that I'm there in the jail with Otis, the drunk the town drunk, you know, the the drunk the town drunk, you know, the the drunk the town drunk, you know, the You remember Otis? How many remember You remember Otis? How many remember You remember Otis? How many remember Otis? Otis? Otis? Yeah. All right, yeah. So, I don't know Yeah. All right, yeah. So, I don't know Yeah. All right, yeah. So, I don't know which one's Otis in this picture, but which one's Otis in this picture, but which one's Otis in this picture, but you know, you can see the key hanging you know, you can see the key hanging you know, you can see the key hanging right there in the middle, but we got right there in the middle, but we got right there in the middle, but we got the picture there. So, we we did all the picture there. So, we we did all the picture there. So, we we did all this stuff. But while we were there, you this stuff. But while we were there, you this stuff. But while we were there, you know, it kind of reminded me of the Andy know, it kind of reminded me of the Andy know, it kind of reminded me of the Andy Griffith Show. And Andy Griffith Show Griffith Show. And Andy Griffith Show Griffith Show. And Andy Griffith Show has two kind of competing characters in has two kind of competing characters in has two kind of competing characters in that show. There's Andy Griffith who's that show. There's Andy Griffith who's that show. There's Andy Griffith who's the cool, the calm, the collected. And the cool, the calm, the collected. And the cool, the calm, the collected. And then there's Barney Fife. then there's Barney Fife. then there's Barney Fife. And Barney Fife is the epitome of what And Barney Fife is the epitome of what And Barney Fife is the epitome of what Paul's talking about here, the busybody, Paul's talking about here, the busybody, Paul's talking about here, the busybody, the meddler. the meddler. the meddler. Cuz you know, Barney, man, he was Cuz you know, Barney, man, he was Cuz you know, Barney, man, he was sticking his nose in everybody's sticking his nose in everybody's sticking his nose in everybody's business. Man, he was hyper, and he was business. Man, he was hyper, and he was business. Man, he was hyper, and he was like one-bullet Barney. I mean, he was like one-bullet Barney. I mean, he was like one-bullet Barney. I mean, he was in everybody's business, and he wanted in everybody's business, and he wanted in everybody's business, and he wanted to get everybody arrested. He wanted to to get everybody arrested. He wanted to to get everybody arrested. He wanted to get everybody in trouble. While Andy's get everybody in trouble. While Andy's get everybody in trouble. While Andy's over here like, "Man, it's okay. It's over here like, "Man, it's okay. It's over here like, "Man, it's okay. It's all going to be good." And man, we can all going to be good." And man, we can all going to be good." And man, we can just talk to them. We can help them. And just talk to them. We can help them. And just talk to them. We can help them. And Barney's like, "But but what are you Barney's like, "But but what are you Barney's like, "But but what are you reaching for his gun, you know, shooting reaching for his gun, you know, shooting reaching for his gun, you know, shooting his leg off?" All that kind of stuff. his leg off?" All that kind of stuff. his leg off?" All that kind of stuff. Like that is the picture that Paul is Like that is the picture that Paul is Like that is the picture that Paul is painting here.

painting here. painting here. Is you've got the Andy Griffith idea, Is you've got the Andy Griffith idea, Is you've got the Andy Griffith idea, then you've got the Barney Fife idea. then you've got the Barney Fife idea. then you've got the Barney Fife idea. And what Paul is saying is here, "Don't And what Paul is saying is here, "Don't And what Paul is saying is here, "Don't be a Barney Fife." be a Barney Fife." be a Barney Fife." Make sure that you are living your life Make sure that you are living your life Make sure that you are living your life in a different way. in a different way. in a different way. Don't be the busybody. Don't be the busybody. Don't be the busybody. Make sure that you are living your life. Make sure that you are living your life. Make sure that you are living your life. And it says here in this verse that you And it says here in this verse that you And it says here in this verse that you work in quietness and eat your own work in quietness and eat your own work in quietness and eat your own bread. What that really means, it's not bread. What that really means, it's not bread. What that really means, it's not talking about like don't say words and talking about like don't say words and talking about like don't say words and and bring your own bread to work. That's and bring your own bread to work. That's and bring your own bread to work. That's not what it's saying. not what it's saying. not what it's saying. What it's saying is this, What it's saying is this, What it's saying is this, mind your own business mind your own business mind your own business and keep doing the work that God's and keep doing the work that God's and keep doing the work that God's called you to do. called you to do. called you to do. And don't worry about what someone else And don't worry about what someone else And don't worry about what someone else is doing. is doing. is doing. Don't worry about someone else who might Don't worry about someone else who might Don't worry about someone else who might not be doing the right stuff. not be doing the right stuff. not be doing the right stuff. Don't be complaining about everybody and Don't be complaining about everybody and Don't be complaining about everybody and don't be trying to stick your nose in don't be trying to stick your nose in don't be trying to stick your nose in everybody's business. Man, just put your everybody's business. Man, just put your everybody's business. Man, just put your your your head forward and your eyes your your head forward and your eyes your your head forward and your eyes forward and do what God has called you forward and do what God has called you forward and do what God has called you to do. Don't give up and don't give in, to do. Don't give up and don't give in, to do. Don't give up and don't give in, which is what this verse goes on to say.

If anyone does not obey our word of this If anyone does not obey our word of this epistle, note that person. Do not keep epistle, note that person. Do not keep epistle, note that person. Do not keep company with him that he may be ashamed. company with him that he may be ashamed. company with him that he may be ashamed. Yet, do not count him as an enemy, but Yet, do not count him as an enemy, but Yet, do not count him as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother. In other admonish him as a brother. In other admonish him as a brother. In other words, don't give up and don't give in. words, don't give up and don't give in. words, don't give up and don't give in. We have a responsibility to stand for We have a responsibility to stand for We have a responsibility to stand for truth, truth, truth, to stay away from compromise, to stay away from compromise, to stay away from compromise, to stay away from the things that that to stay away from the things that that to stay away from the things that that will lead us to that point where we can will lead us to that point where we can will lead us to that point where we can get nothing accomplished. So, it's get nothing accomplished. So, it's get nothing accomplished. So, it's basically this, a faith that is built to basically this, a faith that is built to basically this, a faith that is built to last is one which refuses to compromise last is one which refuses to compromise last is one which refuses to compromise and refuses to delegate. and refuses to delegate. and refuses to delegate. We're not going to compromise in what we We're not going to compromise in what we We're not going to compromise in what we believe. believe. believe. And we are going to do the work God has And we are going to do the work God has And we are going to do the work God has called us to do and not sit back and let called us to do and not sit back and let called us to do and not sit back and let someone else do it. someone else do it. someone else do it. It is dependent on the faithfulness of It is dependent on the faithfulness of It is dependent on the faithfulness of Christ. Christ. Christ. Now, let me give you these three quick Now, let me give you these three quick Now, let me give you these three quick questions and then we're done. questions and then we're done. questions and then we're done. And remember before I give these And remember before I give these And remember before I give these questions to you, the statement is this, questions to you, the statement is this, questions to you, the statement is this, I want you to write them down or take a I want you to write them down or take a I want you to write them down or take a picture of them on the screen and I want picture of them on the screen and I want picture of them on the screen and I want you this week to pray these questions you this week to pray these questions you this week to pray these questions and ask yourself these questions and ask yourself these questions and ask yourself these questions throughout the week and ask yourself throughout the week and ask yourself throughout the week and ask yourself like, how do these apply in my life like, how do these apply in my life like, how do these apply in my life based on this chapter? The first one is based on this chapter? The first one is based on this chapter? The first one is this, this, this, does your life match his word?

does your life match his word? does your life match his word? Does your life match his word? Does your life match his word? Does your life match his word? Now, here's what it basically means. If Now, here's what it basically means. If Now, here's what it basically means. If there's anything in your life there's anything in your life there's anything in your life that runs counter to what the word of that runs counter to what the word of that runs counter to what the word of God teaches, that is sin God teaches, that is sin God teaches, that is sin and you need to get it out of your life. and you need to get it out of your life. and you need to get it out of your life. Does my life life match his word? The Does my life life match his word? The Does my life life match his word? The second question, does our work match his second question, does our work match his second question, does our work match his command? command? command? In other words, in what I do and what In other words, in what I do and what In other words, in what I do and what I'm doing, am I doing what God has I'm doing, am I doing what God has I'm doing, am I doing what God has called me to do? called me to do? called me to do? Am I being faithful in living my life Am I being faithful in living my life Am I being faithful in living my life according to God's word? Am I walking according to God's word? Am I walking according to God's word? Am I walking the path that God has called me to walk? the path that God has called me to walk? the path that God has called me to walk? Does my work match his command? And then Does my work match his command? And then Does my work match his command? And then the third one, the third one, the third one, does your action does your action does your action match his heart? match his heart? match his heart? Or are you a busybody? Or are you a busybody? Or are you a busybody? We could put it this way. We could put it this way. We could put it this way. Does your action match his heart? Does your action match his heart? Does your action match his heart? Or are you a Barney Fife?

Or are you a Barney Fife? Or are you a Barney Fife? Both work. Both work. Both work. In other words, In other words, In other words, everything that I do, does it line up everything that I do, does it line up everything that I do, does it line up with the heart of God? And here's what with the heart of God? And here's what with the heart of God? And here's what the heart of God is. the heart of God is. the heart of God is. That we would walk according to his word That we would walk according to his word That we would walk according to his word and that we would point people to and that we would point people to and that we would point people to Christ. Christ. Christ. So, these three questions, they're on So, these three questions, they're on So, these three questions, they're on the screen. Man, I encourage you to the screen. Man, I encourage you to the screen. Man, I encourage you to write them down, take a picture of it. write them down, take a picture of it. write them down, take a picture of it. And I want you this week, during your And I want you this week, during your And I want you this week, during your own private quiet time, every day this own private quiet time, every day this own private quiet time, every day this week, I want you to ask yourself those week, I want you to ask yourself those week, I want you to ask yourself those questions. questions. questions. Because if you can get these questions Because if you can get these questions Because if you can get these questions right, your life will radically transform. your life will radically transform. And you will begin to see exactly what And you will begin to see exactly what And you will begin to see exactly what it is that God wants you to do, to be a it is that God wants you to do, to be a it is that God wants you to do, to be a faithful, contributing member of the faithful, contributing member of the faithful, contributing member of the body of Christ. And if you sit back and body of Christ. And if you sit back and body of Christ. And if you sit back and say, "Oh man, I don't know if I can do say, "Oh man, I don't know if I can do say, "Oh man, I don't know if I can do that." Remember those five words that I that." Remember those five words that I that." Remember those five words that I told you to highlight in your Bible, but told you to highlight in your Bible, but told you to highlight in your Bible, but the Lord is faithful. the Lord is faithful. the Lord is faithful. There's nothing that God will ever call There's nothing that God will ever call There's nothing that God will ever call you to you to you to that God will also not equip you that God will also not equip you that God will also not equip you to do it well.

to do it well. to do it well. That That That is God's is God's is God's will will will for your life. for your life. for your life. Let's pray. Let's pray. Let's pray. God, thank you for the clarity that your God, thank you for the clarity that your God, thank you for the clarity that your word provides. word provides. word provides. Lord, I pray that for all of us gathered Lord, I pray that for all of us gathered Lord, I pray that for all of us gathered in this room, Lord, that you would give in this room, Lord, that you would give in this room, Lord, that you would give us the encouragement, the strength that us the encouragement, the strength that us the encouragement, the strength that we need we need we need to walk according to your word, to live to walk according to your word, to live to walk according to your word, to live according to your way. according to your way. according to your way. God, that we would make sure that in God, that we would make sure that in God, that we would make sure that in what we do every single day that it what we do every single day that it what we do every single day that it lines up with your path. lines up with your path. lines up with your path. That our actions line up with your That our actions line up with your That our actions line up with your heart. heart. heart. That what we do lines up with the word That what we do lines up with the word That what we do lines up with the word of God. God, I pray that's who we would of God. God, I pray that's who we would of God. God, I pray that's who we would be. be. be. Lord, don't let us be busybodies. Don't Lord, don't let us be busybodies. Don't Lord, don't let us be busybodies. Don't let us be meddlers. let us be meddlers. let us be meddlers. God, let us be focused. Let us be God, let us be focused. Let us be God, let us be focused. Let us be deliberate. deliberate. deliberate. Let us keep on keeping on. Let us keep on keeping on. Let us keep on keeping on. Let us know without any doubt, without Let us know without any doubt, without Let us know without any doubt, without any question, God, you've given us any question, God, you've given us any question, God, you've given us everything that we need. So, we're going everything that we need. So, we're going everything that we need. So, we're going to be strong and we're going to be sure to be strong and we're going to be sure to be strong and we're going to be sure and we're not going to give up and we're and we're not going to give up and we're and we're not going to give up and we're not going to give in. That we are going not going to give in. That we are going not going to give in. That we are going to do what you have told us to do. to do what you have told us to do. to do what you have told us to do. God, for that we give you the praise.

God, for that we give you the praise. God, for that we give you the praise. With our heads bowed, with our eyes With our heads bowed, with our eyes With our heads bowed, with our eyes closed, our team is gathered here. closed, our team is gathered here. closed, our team is gathered here. We're going to sing through just one We're going to sing through just one We're going to sing through just one song. Zach's going to lead us in a song. Zach's going to lead us in a song. Zach's going to lead us in a moment. Altar's going to be open. If moment. Altar's going to be open. If moment. Altar's going to be open. If you're here today and you don't know you're here today and you don't know you're here today and you don't know Christ, Christ, Christ, man, everything we've talked about today man, everything we've talked about today man, everything we've talked about today is is is started by it's it's stands on is is is started by it's it's stands on is is is started by it's it's stands on it it it can only happen by your it it it can only happen by your it it it can only happen by your relationship with with [music] with relationship with with [music] with relationship with with [music] with Jesus Christ. Of understanding that God Jesus Christ. Of understanding that God Jesus Christ. Of understanding that God loves you and that Christ died for you, loves you and that Christ died for you, loves you and that Christ died for you, that he rose again. And if you don't that he rose again. And if you don't that he rose again. And if you don't have that kind of relationship, if have that kind of relationship, if have that kind of relationship, if you've never called on him for you've never called on him for you've never called on him for salvation, man, I would encourage you salvation, man, I would encourage you salvation, man, I would encourage you today. Our team is here. We'd love to today. Our team is here. We'd love to today. Our team is here. We'd love to talk with you and pray with you about talk with you and pray with you about talk with you and pray with you about that very thing. that very thing. that very thing. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> And I encourage you to come down and >> And I encourage you to come down and >> And I encourage you to come down and make a decision today to follow Christ. make a decision today to follow Christ. make a decision today to follow Christ. Maybe you want to come and kneel here Maybe you want to come and kneel here Maybe you want to come and kneel here and pray about some other need. Maybe and pray about some other need. Maybe and pray about some other need. Maybe you want to come with a family member to you want to come with a family member to you want to come with a family member to pray. Maybe to come to join our church pray. Maybe to come to join our church pray. Maybe to come to join our church or to come for baptism. or to come for baptism. or to come for baptism. As we stand and as we sing these words, As we stand and as we sing these words, As we stand and as we sing these words, as Zach leads us today, this altar's as Zach leads us today, this altar's as Zach leads us today, this altar's open. And what I would say is, open. And what I would say is, open. And what I would say is, man, making sure that we're walking man, making sure that we're walking man, making sure that we're walking according to the way God wants us to according to the way God wants us to according to the way God wants us to walk, it starts walk, it starts walk, it starts with doing what God has called us to do. with doing what God has called us to do. with doing what God has called us to do. And if today God is calling you to take And if today God is calling you to take And if today God is calling you to take a step [music] a step [music] a step [music] and to get something right with him, I and to get something right with him, I and to get something right with him, I encourage you to do it right here, right encourage you to do it right here, right encourage you to do it right here, right now, today. Let's stand together. And now, today. Let's stand together. And now, today. Let's stand together. And Zach's going to [music] lead us through Zach's going to [music] lead us through Zach's going to [music] lead us through one time.

one time. one time. >> You're You're way, the truth, and the >> You're You're way, the truth, and the >> You're You're way, the truth, and the life. life. life. >> [singing] >> [singing] >> [singing] >> You're the well that never runs dry. >> You're the well that never runs dry. >> You're the well that never runs dry. I'm the branch [music] I'm the branch [music] I'm the branch [music] and you [singing] are the vine. and you [singing] are the vine. and you [singing] are the vine. Draw me close and teach me to abide. Be Draw me close and teach me to abide. Be Draw me close and teach me to abide. Be my strength, my [music] song in the my strength, my [music] song in the my strength, my [music] song in the [singing] night. [singing] night. [singing] night. Be my all, my treasure, my [music] Be my all, my treasure, my [music] Be my all, my treasure, my [music] bride. [singing] bride. [singing] bride. [singing] I am yours I am yours I am yours forever, you're mine. forever, you're mine. forever, you're mine. Draw me close and teach [music] Draw me close and teach [music] Draw me close and teach [music] me to [singing] me to [singing] me to [singing] abide. abide. abide. >> God, today I pray that we would be >> God, today I pray that we would be >> God, today I pray that we would be people who understand people who understand people who understand Lord, that you reign above it all. Lord, that you reign above it all. Lord, that you reign above it all. And so we remain in you. We abide in And so we remain in you. We abide in And so we remain in you. We abide in you. Day in and day out, we stand on you. Day in and day out, we stand on you. Day in and day out, we stand on your word. We walk in your truth. your word. We walk in your truth. your word. We walk in your truth. We do what you have commanded. We do what you have commanded. We do what you have commanded. And God, we will give you the praise And God, we will give you the praise And God, we will give you the praise because we know that you are faithful.

because we know that you are faithful. because we know that you are faithful. [music] [music] [music] Thank you, God, Thank you, God, Thank you, God, for all that you do. for all that you do. for all that you do. Lead us today [music] Lead us today [music] Lead us today [music] as we leave this place. In Jesus' name as we leave this place. In Jesus' name as we leave this place. In Jesus' name we pray. we pray. we pray. Amen. Before you leave, the altar Amen. Before you leave, the altar Amen. Before you leave, the altar remains open. remains open. remains open. And as we walk out today, one thing I And as we walk out today, one thing I And as we walk out today, one thing I want you to remember about this sermon want you to remember about this sermon want you to remember about this sermon is this: [music] Don't be is this: [music] Don't be is this: [music] Don't be a Barney Fife. God bless you and have a a Barney Fife. God bless you and have a a Barney Fife. God bless you and have a great day. >> Thank [music] you for worshipping with >> Thank [music] you for worshipping with us today. We're so glad that you joined us today. We're so glad that you joined us today. We're so glad that you joined us. us. us. If you prayed to receive Christ [music] If you prayed to receive Christ [music] If you prayed to receive Christ [music] today, we'd love to hear from you. today, we'd love to hear from you. today, we'd love to hear from you. We want to help you as you begin your We want to help you as you begin your We want to help you as you begin your new faith journey in Christ. Simply send new faith journey in Christ. Simply send new faith journey in Christ. Simply send an email to [email protected]. [music] an email to [email protected]. [music] an email to [email protected]. [music] If you've never accepted God's free gift If you've never accepted God's free gift If you've never accepted God's free gift of salvation, the forgiveness of sins of salvation, the forgiveness of sins of salvation, the forgiveness of sins made possible by the death and made possible by the death and made possible by the death and resurrection of Jesus, resurrection of Jesus, resurrection of Jesus, >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> you can do that today by simply asking >> you can do that today by simply asking >> you can do that today by simply asking him to save you. him to save you. him to save you. If you'd like to know more, we're here If you'd like to know more, we're here If you'd like to know more, we're here to help you. Just reach out to us and to help you. Just reach out to us and to help you. Just reach out to us and we'll provide [music] you with some next we'll provide [music] you with some next we'll provide [music] you with some next steps.

steps. steps. Here at Thomas Road, our mission is to Here at Thomas Road, our mission is to Here at Thomas Road, our mission is to change our world by developing Christ change our world by developing Christ change our world by developing Christ followers who love God and love [music] followers who love God and love [music] followers who love God and love [music] people. If you'd like to help us fulfill people. If you'd like to help us fulfill people. If you'd like to help us fulfill that mission by giving to our ministry, that mission by giving to our ministry, that mission by giving to our ministry, go to trbc.org go to trbc.org go to trbc.org and [music] make your contribution and [music] make your contribution and [music] make your contribution today. Your gifts make it possible for today. Your gifts make it possible for today. Your gifts make it possible for us to share the life-changing message of us to share the life-changing message of us to share the life-changing message of God's love.