The Marks of the Mission - Pastor Jonathan Falwell

Bless the Lord, oh my soul, and all Bless the Lord, oh my soul, and all that's within me. Bless His holy name. that's within me. Bless His holy name. that's within me. Bless His holy name. Come on, church, [music] stand together Come on, church, [music] stand together Come on, church, [music] stand together as we worship Him. >> He's coming on the clouds. [music] >> He's coming on the clouds. [music] Kings and kingdoms will Kings and kingdoms will Kings and kingdoms will bow bow bow down. And every chain [music] will break And every chain [music] will break as broken [singing] hearts declare as broken [singing] hearts declare as broken [singing] hearts declare His praise. His praise. His praise. For who can stop [music] the Lord For who can stop [music] the Lord For who can stop [music] the Lord almighty? almighty? almighty? Our God [music] is [singing] the lion, Our God [music] is [singing] the lion, Our God [music] is [singing] the lion, the lion the lion the lion of Judah. of Judah. of Judah. He's roaring [music and singing] with He's roaring [music and singing] with He's roaring [music and singing] with power power power and fighting and fighting and fighting our battles. our battles. our battles. Every knee will [music] bow Every knee will [music] bow Every knee will [music] bow >> [singing] >> [singing] >> [singing] >> before >> before >> before Him.

Him. Him. And our God is the lamb, And our God is the lamb, And our God is the lamb, the the the lamb [music and singing] that was slain lamb [music and singing] that was slain lamb [music and singing] that was slain for the sin of for the sin of for the sin of the world. the world. the world. His blood [music and singing] erases His blood [music and singing] erases His blood [music and singing] erases shame. shame. shame. And every knee will bow before the lion And every knee will bow before the lion And every knee will bow before the lion and the lamb. and the lamb. and the lamb. Oh, Oh, Oh, >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> every knee >> every knee >> every knee will bow will bow will bow >> [singing] >> [singing] >> [singing] >> before >> before >> before Him. So, >> [music] >> open up the gates. >> open up the gates. >> open up the gates. Make way before the King Make way before the King Make way before the King of kings. Our God [music] who comes [singing] to Our God [music] who comes [singing] to save. save. save. He's here He's here He's here to set the to set the to set the captives captives captives free. free. free. For who can stop the Lord For who can stop the Lord For who can stop the Lord >> [music and singing] >> [music and singing] >> [music and singing] >> almighty? >> almighty? >> almighty? And our God And our God And our God is alive, is alive, is alive, the lion the lion the lion >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> of Judah. >> of Judah. >> of Judah. He's roaring with power He's roaring with power He's roaring with power and fighting and fighting and fighting our battles.

our battles. our battles. Every knee will [music] Every knee will [music] Every knee will [music] bow before him. Our God him. Our God >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> is the lamb, >> is the lamb, >> is the lamb, the lamb the lamb the lamb that was slain that was slain that was slain for the sins for the sins for the sins of the world. of the world. of the world. His blood His blood His blood >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> breaks the chains. Every knee will >> breaks the chains. Every knee will >> breaks the chains. Every knee will bow before the lion the lion and the lamb. and the lamb. and the lamb. Oh, Oh, Oh, >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> every knee will bow >> every knee will bow >> every knee will bow before him. And who [music] can stop the Lord And who [music] can stop the Lord almighty? [singing] Who can [music] stop the Lord almighty? Who can [music] stop the Lord almighty? No one. No one. No one. Who can [music] stop the Lord [singing] Who can [music] stop the Lord [singing] Who can [music] stop the Lord [singing] almighty? Who can stop the Lord Who can stop the Lord [music and singing] [music and singing] [music and singing] almighty?

almighty? Our God almighty? Our God >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> is alive, >> is alive, >> is alive, the lion the lion the lion of Judah. of Judah. of Judah. He's [music] roaring He's [music] roaring He's [music] roaring with power with power with power and fighting and fighting and fighting >> [singing] >> [singing] >> [singing] >> our battles. >> our battles. >> our battles. Every knee will bow before Every knee will bow before Every knee will bow before >> [music] >> him. >> him. Our God Our God Our God >> [singing] >> [singing] >> [singing] >> is the lamb, >> is the lamb, >> is the lamb, the lamb the lamb the lamb that was slain that was slain that was slain >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> for the sins >> for the sins >> for the sins of the world. of the world. of the world. His blood breaks [music] the chains. and His blood breaks [music] the chains. and His blood breaks [music] the chains. and the lamb. Oh, everything will bow before >> [music] >> [music] >> him. >> For >> [music] >> all that >> all that >> all that is the is the is the poor and poor and poor and the rich the rich the rich for his glory our hearts >> [singing] >> [singing] >> magnify >> magnify >> magnify >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> the Lord.

He brings [music and singing] low He brings [music and singing] low and exalts, and exalts, and exalts, lifts us [music and singing] up lifts us [music and singing] up lifts us [music and singing] up from our from our from our mourning our souls mourning our souls mourning our souls magnify the Lord. the Lord. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> Yes, our >> Yes, our >> Yes, our souls souls souls magnify [singing] the Lord. the Lord. >> [music] >> For there's [singing] no one >> For there's [singing] no one beside this beside this beside this firm foundation. firm foundation. firm foundation. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> He guards >> He guards >> He guards >> [singing] >> [singing] >> [singing] >> our feet >> our feet >> our feet when evil comes. when evil comes. when evil comes. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> The solid >> The solid >> The solid one restores. one restores. one restores. >> [singing] >> [singing] >> [singing] >> Yes, we rest >> Yes, we rest >> Yes, we rest and rejoice and rejoice and rejoice in our salvation. in our salvation. in our salvation. >> [music and singing] >> We cry >> We cry from from from every mountaintop. [singing] every mountaintop. [singing] every mountaintop. [singing] Who can [music] stop Who can [music] stop Who can [music] stop the the the Lord? Lord? Lord? For no one [singing] is holy like our For no one [singing] is holy like our For no one [singing] is holy like our God. God. God. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> No one >> No one >> No one >> [singing] >> [singing] >> [singing] >> is holy >> is holy >> is holy like our like our God.

like our God. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> By his [singing] might >> By his [singing] might >> By his [singing] might are we saved, for the Lord are we saved, for the Lord are we saved, for the Lord has delivered our has delivered our has delivered our >> [music and singing] >> hearts. Our souls rest upon >> hearts. Our souls rest upon >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] [singing] [singing] [singing] >> the Lord. He has gone >> the Lord. He has gone >> the Lord. He has gone forth before, forth before, forth before, >> [singing] >> [singing] >> [singing] >> breaking >> breaking >> breaking >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> the >> the >> the bones of the wicked bones of the wicked bones of the wicked of our souls. of our souls. of our souls. Rest upon the Lord. Rest upon the Lord. Rest upon the Lord. Yes, our Yes, our Yes, our >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> souls >> souls >> souls rest upon upon the Lord. the Lord. the Lord. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] [singing] [singing] [singing] >> For the Lord is our strength. >> For the Lord is our strength. >> For the Lord is our strength. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> He will be our silence >> He will be our silence >> He will be our silence when when when >> [singing] >> [singing] >> [singing] >> the nation falls. God's falls. God's >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> our shield >> our shield >> our shield when evil when evil when evil comes. comes. comes. The sovereign The sovereign The sovereign one restores. one restores. one restores. Yes, we Yes, we Yes, we >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> rest >> rest >> rest and rejoice in our salvation. our salvation. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> We cry >> We cry >> We cry from every from every from every mountaintop, mountaintop, mountaintop, "Who "Who "Who can stop can stop can stop the Lord?"

the Lord?" the Lord?" For no one For no one For no one >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> is holy >> is holy >> is holy like our like our like our God. God. God. No one No one No one is holy is holy is holy >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> like our And we will sing, And we will sing, >> [music and singing] >> [music and singing] >> [music and singing] >> "Our God >> "Our God >> "Our God is with is with is with us. us. us. He's faithful [singing] He's faithful [singing] He's faithful [singing] to provide. to provide. to provide. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> Every Every he breathes upon >> Every Every he breathes upon >> Every Every he breathes upon >> [singing] >> us, our souls he saves." satisfies. >> us, our souls he saves." satisfies. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> We will >> We will >> We will sing sing sing our God is our God is our God is >> [singing] >> with us. He's faithful >> with us. He's faithful >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> to provide. >> to provide. >> to provide. Every Every Every breath he breathes breath he breathes breath he breathes >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> upon us, >> upon us, >> upon us, >> [singing] >> [singing] >> [singing] >> our souls he >> our souls he >> our souls he satisfies. satisfies. satisfies. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> We will >> We will >> We will sing our God is sing our God is sing our God is >> [singing] >> [singing] >> [singing] >> with us. >> with us. >> with us. He's faithful to provide. He's faithful to provide. He's faithful to provide. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> Every breath he breathes >> Every breath he breathes >> Every breath he breathes >> [singing] >> [singing] >> [singing] >> upon us, >> upon us, >> upon us, our [music] souls he our [music] souls he our [music] souls he satisfies.

>> [music] >> [music] >> For there's >> For there's >> For there's no one no one no one >> [singing] >> [singing] >> [singing] >> beside >> beside >> beside this foundation. this foundation. this foundation. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> Because of the >> Because of the >> Because of the iniquity iniquity iniquity of the of the of the >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> swallowed >> swallowed >> swallowed one he one he one he swallowed. swallowed. swallowed. Yes, we Yes, we >> [music] >> rejoice >> rejoice >> rejoice in our in our in our salvation. salvation. salvation. He cries He cries He cries >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> from every >> from every >> from every nation and tongue. Who can and tongue. Who can stop the stop the stop the Lord? Lord? Lord? >> [singing and music] >> [singing and music] >> [singing and music] >> For no >> For no >> For no one is holy like one is holy like one is holy like our God. our God. our God. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> No one >> No one >> No one is holy is holy is holy like our God. God. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> For no >> For no >> For no one is holy like one is holy like one is holy like our God. our God. our God. >> [singing] >> [singing] >> [singing] [music] >> Holy >> Holy like you. like you. like you. >> [music] >> May all creation >> May all creation >> [music]

>> [music] >> [music] >> suddenly [singing] >> suddenly [singing] >> suddenly [singing] articulate articulate articulate with a with a with a >> [music and singing] >> [music and singing] >> [music and singing] >> thousand tongues lift one cry. >> thousand tongues lift one cry. >> thousand tongues lift one cry. Then from north Then from north Then from north to south to south to south and and and >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> east to west, >> east to west, >> east to west, we decry, we decry, we decry, "Christ be magnified." [singing] May all May all >> [music and singing] >> the galaxies >> the galaxies and and and infinite infinite infinite his name [music] would burst from sea his name [music] would burst from sea his name [music] would burst from sea and sky. and sky. and sky. From rivers From rivers From rivers to to to the mountaintops, [music] we decry, we decry, "Christ be magnified." [singing] "Christ be magnified." [singing] "Christ be magnified." [singing] >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> Be lifted high. >> Be lifted high. >> Be lifted high. >> [singing and music] >> [singing and music] >> [singing and music] >> And >> And >> And oh, Christ be magnified.

oh, Christ be magnified. oh, Christ be magnified. And let his [music and singing] praise And let his [music and singing] praise And let his [music and singing] praise arise. arise. arise. Christ be magnified Christ be magnified Christ be magnified in in in me. me. me. And oh, And oh, And oh, Christ be [music and singing] magnified Christ be [music and singing] magnified Christ be [music and singing] magnified from the altar of my life. from the altar of my life. from the altar of my life. Christ [music and singing] be magnified Christ [music and singing] be magnified Christ [music and singing] be magnified in in in me. me. me. >> [music] >> When [music] every creature >> When [music] every creature finds its [singing] innermost melody, finds its [singing] innermost melody, finds its [singing] innermost melody, and every and every and every heart [music] heart [music] heart [music] its native cry. its native cry. its native cry. Oh, then [music and singing] in one Oh, then [music and singing] in one Oh, then [music and singing] in one in raptured praise, praise, we'll sing Christ [music] we'll sing Christ [music] we'll sing Christ [music] be magnified. be magnified. be magnified. >> [singing] >> Oh, we lift [music] you high, Jesus. >> Oh, we lift [music] you high, Jesus. >> [singing] >> [singing] >> [singing] >> Sing it >> Sing it >> Sing it >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> all, Christ be magnified.

>> all, Christ be magnified. >> all, Christ be magnified. And let And let And let >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> his praise arise. >> his praise arise. >> his praise arise. Christ be [singing] magnified Christ be [singing] magnified Christ be [singing] magnified in me. And me. And >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> oh, Christ be [singing] magnified >> oh, Christ be [singing] magnified >> oh, Christ be [singing] magnified from the altar [music] from the altar [music] from the altar [music] of my life. of my life. of my life. Christ be [singing] magnified Christ be [singing] magnified Christ be [singing] magnified in me. in me. in me. >> [music] >> Oh, be magnified >> Oh, be magnified today. >> [music] >> [music] >> Know who [singing] I won't bow to idols. >> Know who [singing] I won't bow to idols. >> Know who [singing] I won't bow to idols. I'll stand strong [music] I'll stand strong [music] I'll stand strong [music] and worship you. And if that puts me in and worship you. And if that puts me in and worship you. And if that puts me in [singing] the fire, I'll rejoice cuz [singing] the fire, I'll rejoice cuz [singing] the fire, I'll rejoice cuz you're there, too. you're there, too. you're there, too. I [music] won't be fooled by feelings. I [music] won't be fooled by feelings. I [music] won't be fooled by feelings. [singing] [singing] [singing] I'll hold fast to what is true. And if I'll hold fast to what is true. And if I'll hold fast to what is true. And if the [music] cross brings transformation, the [music] cross brings transformation, the [music] cross brings transformation, then I'll be crucified then I'll be crucified then I'll be crucified with you.

with you. with you. Cuz death [music] is just the doorway Cuz death [music] is just the doorway Cuz death [music] is just the doorway into resurrection [singing] into resurrection [singing] into resurrection [singing] life. And if I join [music] you in your life. And if I join [music] you in your life. And if I join [music] you in your suffering, then I'll join [singing] you suffering, then I'll join [singing] you suffering, then I'll join [singing] you when you rise. And when you return in when you rise. And when you return in when you rise. And when you return in [music and singing] glory with all the [music and singing] glory with all the [music and singing] glory with all the angels and angels and angels and the saints, my [music] heart will the saints, my [music] heart will the saints, my [music] heart will [singing] still be singing. My Our [singing] still be singing. My Our [singing] still be singing. My Our will be will be will be the same the same the same Oh. Oh. Oh. >> [music and singing] >> [music and singing] >> [music and singing] >> oh, Christ be magnified >> oh, Christ be magnified >> oh, Christ be magnified and let and let and let His praise [music] arise. His praise [music] arise. His praise [music] arise. Christ be magnified Christ be magnified Christ be magnified in in in me me me >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> and oh, >> and oh, >> and oh, Christ be magnified Christ be magnified Christ be magnified from the altar from the altar from the altar >> [music and singing] >> [music and singing] >> [music and singing] >> of my life. >> of my life. >> of my life. Christ be magnified Christ be magnified Christ be magnified in in in me. Sing it me. Sing it me. Sing it >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> oh, Christ be [singing] magnified >> oh, Christ be [singing] magnified >> oh, Christ be [singing] magnified and let and let and let His [music] praise arise.

His [music] praise arise. His [music] praise arise. Christ be magnified Christ be magnified Christ be magnified >> [singing] >> [singing] >> [singing] >> in >> in >> in >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> me >> me >> me and oh, and oh, and oh, Christ be [singing] magnified Christ be [singing] magnified Christ be [singing] magnified from the [music] altar from the [music] altar from the [music] altar of my life. of my life. of my life. >> [singing] >> [singing] >> [singing] >> Christ be magnified >> Christ be magnified >> Christ be magnified in in in me. >> Amen. You can [music] be seated. >> Amen. You can [music] be seated. What a compelling lyric. Really a song What a compelling lyric. Really a song What a compelling lyric. Really a song of a song of confession, a song of of a song of confession, a song of of a song of confession, a song of repentance, a song of commitment. I'm repentance, a song of commitment. I'm repentance, a song of commitment. I'm not so sure if there's a more not so sure if there's a more not so sure if there's a more a more convicting bridge than I won't a more convicting bridge than I won't a more convicting bridge than I won't bow to idols. bow to idols. bow to idols. I'll stand strong and worship you. We I'll stand strong and worship you. We I'll stand strong and worship you. We live in a society where idols are all live in a society where idols are all live in a society where idols are all around us just drawing us in. I won't be around us just drawing us in. I won't be around us just drawing us in. I won't be formed by feelings. How often are we formed by feelings. How often are we formed by feelings. How often are we influenced and our decision making is influenced and our decision making is influenced and our decision making is influenced by our feelings, but I'll influenced by our feelings, but I'll influenced by our feelings, but I'll stand firm on the truth of the word of stand firm on the truth of the word of stand firm on the truth of the word of God. We're so glad God. We're so glad God. We're so glad that you're here worshipping with us that you're here worshipping with us that you're here worshipping with us today. We're going to continue today. We're going to continue today. We're going to continue worshipping now with giving of our worshipping now with giving of our worshipping now with giving of our tithes and our offerings.

tithes and our offerings. tithes and our offerings. Um, this is this is a part of our Um, this is this is a part of our Um, this is this is a part of our worship and the Lord tells us in His worship and the Lord tells us in His worship and the Lord tells us in His word to be faithful givers. He loves a word to be faithful givers. He loves a word to be faithful givers. He loves a cheerful giver, so thank you for your cheerful giver, so thank you for your cheerful giver, so thank you for your continued faithfulness to give to the continued faithfulness to give to the continued faithfulness to give to the work of the Lord. Because of that, we're work of the Lord. Because of that, we're work of the Lord. Because of that, we're able to be involved in ministry not only able to be involved in ministry not only able to be involved in ministry not only locally through things like Vacation locally through things like Vacation locally through things like Vacation Bible School, but literally around the Bible School, but literally around the Bible School, but literally around the world as we send teams world as we send teams world as we send teams every week throughout the summer to to every week throughout the summer to to every week throughout the summer to to around the world to share the gospel. around the world to share the gospel. around the world to share the gospel. Also, through our camp ministry, we have Also, through our camp ministry, we have Also, through our camp ministry, we have Camp Hideaway just up the road here. And Camp Hideaway just up the road here. And Camp Hideaway just up the road here. And then TRO, Thomas Road Outpost. This past then TRO, Thomas Road Outpost. This past then TRO, Thomas Road Outpost. This past week we had 230 week we had 230 week we had 230 campers, but the best news is 51 of them campers, but the best news is 51 of them campers, but the best news is 51 of them gave their life to Jesus. So, can we gave their life to Jesus. So, can we gave their life to Jesus. So, can we just thank the Lord together? just thank the Lord together? just thank the Lord together? Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Thank the Lord for the work that's being Thank the Lord for the work that's being Thank the Lord for the work that's being done through our prayer ministry. We done through our prayer ministry. We done through our prayer ministry. We have several on our prayer list that we have several on our prayer list that we have several on our prayer list that we want to to mention today. And so, if want to to mention today. And so, if want to to mention today. And so, if you'll join me in praying for these for you'll join me in praying for these for you'll join me in praying for these for Larry Thompson at Lynchburg General, for Larry Thompson at Lynchburg General, for Larry Thompson at Lynchburg General, for Sylvia Burnett at Roanoke Memorial.

Sylvia Burnett at Roanoke Memorial. Sylvia Burnett at Roanoke Memorial. Continue to pray for Junior Lloyd who is Continue to pray for Junior Lloyd who is Continue to pray for Junior Lloyd who is still there at Duke. And then we've been still there at Duke. And then we've been still there at Duke. And then we've been praying for these for a while. Continue praying for these for a while. Continue praying for these for a while. Continue to do so. Wally Alcazar, Gail Baker, Dan to do so. Wally Alcazar, Gail Baker, Dan to do so. Wally Alcazar, Gail Baker, Dan Baranowsky, Baranowsky, Baranowsky, Deborah Bobbitt, Patty Brooks, Michelle Deborah Bobbitt, Patty Brooks, Michelle Deborah Bobbitt, Patty Brooks, Michelle Brown, Jack Butler, Bob Cates, Jonathan Brown, Jack Butler, Bob Cates, Jonathan Brown, Jack Butler, Bob Cates, Jonathan Francisco, Lavon Hall, Dan Lindsey, Francisco, Lavon Hall, Dan Lindsey, Francisco, Lavon Hall, Dan Lindsey, Brittany Luck. Brittany Luck. Brittany Luck. And continue to pray for our dear friend And continue to pray for our dear friend And continue to pray for our dear friend Todd McDowell struggling and battling Todd McDowell struggling and battling Todd McDowell struggling and battling cancer. cancer. cancer. Letty Munson, Riley Muse, Mary Alvares, Letty Munson, Riley Muse, Mary Alvares, Letty Munson, Riley Muse, Mary Alvares, Alan Reed, Nicole Roark, Cindy Tanzar. Alan Reed, Nicole Roark, Cindy Tanzar. Alan Reed, Nicole Roark, Cindy Tanzar. Continue to pray for Cindy. Cindy Continue to pray for Cindy. Cindy Continue to pray for Cindy. Cindy Torrence, for Jody Walker, Angel Woods, Torrence, for Jody Walker, Angel Woods, Torrence, for Jody Walker, Angel Woods, Sandra Wright. And we had two in our Sandra Wright. And we had two in our Sandra Wright. And we had two in our church family that went home to be with church family that went home to be with church family that went home to be with the Lord this week. And we ask that you the Lord this week. And we ask that you the Lord this week. And we ask that you pray for the family of Janet Johnson and pray for the family of Janet Johnson and pray for the family of Janet Johnson and Trudy Lamar. Trudy Lamar. Trudy Lamar. Uh this is our anniversary Sunday as Uh this is our anniversary Sunday as Uh this is our anniversary Sunday as Adam mentioned earlier and we just want Adam mentioned earlier and we just want Adam mentioned earlier and we just want to give the Lord thanks. As on my way in to give the Lord thanks. As on my way in to give the Lord thanks. As on my way in this morning uh praying on the way in this morning uh praying on the way in this morning uh praying on the way in and just uh thanking the Lord that as and just uh thanking the Lord that as and just uh thanking the Lord that as Dr. Falwell used to say from right here Dr. Falwell used to say from right here Dr. Falwell used to say from right here in the little old Lynchburg, Virginia, in the little old Lynchburg, Virginia, in the little old Lynchburg, Virginia, uh God used this place as a light, as a uh God used this place as a light, as a uh God used this place as a light, as a beacon to take the gospel literally beacon to take the gospel literally beacon to take the gospel literally around the world. And thousands upon around the world. And thousands upon around the world. And thousands upon thousands have been impacted for the thousands have been impacted for the thousands have been impacted for the kingdom because of the work of Thomas kingdom because of the work of Thomas kingdom because of the work of Thomas Road Baptist Church. And so we're Road Baptist Church. And so we're Road Baptist Church. And so we're grateful for the 70 years uh that that grateful for the 70 years uh that that grateful for the 70 years uh that that we've had together, but it's with much we've had together, but it's with much we've had together, but it's with much excitement and anticipation that we look

excitement and anticipation that we look excitement and anticipation that we look forward to what is next. The torch has forward to what is next. The torch has forward to what is next. The torch has been passed to us. Now it's our our time been passed to us. Now it's our our time been passed to us. Now it's our our time uh to be faithful stewards of the gospel uh to be faithful stewards of the gospel uh to be faithful stewards of the gospel of Jesus. Let's pray together. Lord, we of Jesus. Let's pray together. Lord, we of Jesus. Let's pray together. Lord, we come to you in the strong name of Jesus. come to you in the strong name of Jesus. come to you in the strong name of Jesus. Thanksgiving in our hearts, Lord, for Thanksgiving in our hearts, Lord, for Thanksgiving in our hearts, Lord, for your goodness, your mercy to us. Lord, your goodness, your mercy to us. Lord, your goodness, your mercy to us. Lord, we come together and we sing uh Lord we come together and we sing uh Lord we come together and we sing uh Lord lyrics that I won't bow down to idols, lyrics that I won't bow down to idols, lyrics that I won't bow down to idols, but I'll stand strong and worship you. but I'll stand strong and worship you. but I'll stand strong and worship you. We won't be formed by our feelings, but We won't be formed by our feelings, but We won't be formed by our feelings, but Lord, we're going to stand upon the Lord, we're going to stand upon the Lord, we're going to stand upon the truth of the word of God. And your word truth of the word of God. And your word truth of the word of God. And your word tells us that we can bring our needs tells us that we can bring our needs tells us that we can bring our needs boldly to you. So we do so today on boldly to you. So we do so today on boldly to you. So we do so today on behalf of these that are on our prayer behalf of these that are on our prayer behalf of these that are on our prayer list. And and Lord, the hundreds others list. And and Lord, the hundreds others list. And and Lord, the hundreds others that are not on the list that I called that are not on the list that I called that are not on the list that I called out today, Lord, that just need a touch out today, Lord, that just need a touch out today, Lord, that just need a touch from you. They need physical healing. from you. They need physical healing. from you. They need physical healing. And we know that you're able. You're And we know that you're able. You're And we know that you're able. You're able to do far more than we could ever able to do far more than we could ever able to do far more than we could ever think or imagine. So Lord, we're just think or imagine. So Lord, we're just think or imagine. So Lord, we're just going to keep keep on praying. We're going to keep keep on praying. We're going to keep keep on praying. We're going to be faithful going to be faithful going to be faithful >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> to lift up our brothers and sisters to >> to lift up our brothers and sisters to >> to lift up our brothers and sisters to you. And for these uh two, Lord, that you. And for these uh two, Lord, that you. And for these uh two, Lord, that their faith is now sight, Lord, I pray their faith is now sight, Lord, I pray their faith is now sight, Lord, I pray for their families as they grieve the for their families as they grieve the for their families as they grieve the loss of their loved one. Lord, that you loss of their loved one. Lord, that you loss of their loved one. Lord, that you will just uh wrap your loving arms will just uh wrap your loving arms will just uh wrap your loving arms around them. Lord, may they sense your around them. Lord, may they sense your around them. Lord, may they sense your presence in such a way, Lord, that goes presence in such a way, Lord, that goes presence in such a way, Lord, that goes beyond their understanding. Lord, we are beyond their understanding. Lord, we are beyond their understanding. Lord, we are so grateful that for 70 years you have so grateful that for 70 years you have so grateful that for 70 years you have used the ministry of Thomas Road Baptist used the ministry of Thomas Road Baptist used the ministry of Thomas Road Baptist Church to carry the gospel to this Church to carry the gospel to this Church to carry the gospel to this community, to this state, community, to this state, community, to this state, Lord, literally around the world. And

Lord, literally around the world. And Lord, literally around the world. And Lord, we hear the call, we accept the Lord, we hear the call, we accept the Lord, we hear the call, we accept the call, we receive the torch. The torch is call, we receive the torch. The torch is call, we receive the torch. The torch is now in our hands, Lord, as we carry the now in our hands, Lord, as we carry the now in our hands, Lord, as we carry the gospel gospel gospel beyond these 70 years. But Lord, we're beyond these 70 years. But Lord, we're beyond these 70 years. But Lord, we're grateful for how you have used Dr. grateful for how you have used Dr. grateful for how you have used Dr. Falwell, Falwell, Falwell, Pastor Jonathan, the faithful members of Pastor Jonathan, the faithful members of Pastor Jonathan, the faithful members of this church, Lord, to this church, Lord, to this church, Lord, to to steward the [music] gospel. And we to steward the [music] gospel. And we to steward the [music] gospel. And we ask, Lord, that that what you've done in ask, Lord, that that what you've done in ask, Lord, that that what you've done in the past, God, that you would do again. the past, God, that you would do again. the past, God, that you would do again. And it's in the name of Jesus we pray. And it's in the name of Jesus we pray. And it's in the name of Jesus we pray. Amen. >> In 1956, >> In 1956, a handful of believers gathered in an a handful of believers gathered in an a handful of believers gathered in an elementary school classroom with a bold elementary school classroom with a bold elementary school classroom with a bold vision to reach their neighbors, their vision to reach their neighbors, their vision to reach their neighbors, their city, and the nations with the gospel. city, and the nations with the gospel. city, and the nations with the gospel. >> 22 years and 3 months ago, God led me >> 22 years and 3 months ago, God led me >> 22 years and 3 months ago, God led me with a little group of 35 adults to with a little group of 35 adults to with a little group of 35 adults to start [music] what is now the Thomas start [music] what is now the Thomas start [music] what is now the Thomas Road Church. Road Church. Road Church. Now some 16,000 people are in that Now some 16,000 people are in that Now some 16,000 people are in that congregation. [music] It's been a congregation. [music] It's been a congregation. [music] It's been a miracle story. miracle story. miracle story. >> As the church grew, God kept opening >> As the church grew, God kept opening >> As the church grew, God kept opening doors.

doors. doors. New spaces were built, not just for more New spaces were built, not just for more New spaces were built, not just for more crowds, but for more stories of His crowds, but for more stories of His crowds, but for more stories of His grace. In time, the world began to take grace. In time, the world began to take grace. In time, the world began to take notice. notice. notice. What God was doing here couldn't be What God was doing here couldn't be What God was doing here couldn't be contained. contained. contained. >> We've come this far by faith. >> We've come this far by faith. >> We've come this far by faith. Without faith, it's impossible to please Without faith, it's impossible to please Without faith, it's impossible to please God. God. God. With faith, nothing is impossible. With faith, nothing is impossible. With faith, nothing is impossible. >> This was only the beginning. From this >> This was only the beginning. From this >> This was only the beginning. From this church, schools were launched. A church, schools were launched. A church, schools were launched. A generation of young people were equipped generation of young people were equipped generation of young people were equipped to live out their faith to live out their faith to live out their faith and take the gospel wherever God would and take the gospel wherever God would and take the gospel wherever God would send them. send them. send them. In this very place, In this very place, In this very place, God has stirred movements of worship, of God has stirred movements of worship, of God has stirred movements of worship, of discipleship, of surrender. discipleship, of surrender. discipleship, of surrender. He's raised up leaders, He's raised up leaders, He's raised up leaders, called people into missions, healed called people into missions, healed called people into missions, healed hearts, and rewritten stories. Not just hearts, and rewritten stories. Not just hearts, and rewritten stories. Not just years [music] ago, but right now. And right [music] now, the mission And right [music] now, the mission continues. Every service, every life continues. Every service, every life continues. Every service, every life group, every outreach is another chapter group, every outreach is another chapter group, every outreach is another chapter in a story God is still writing.

This is legacy. This is legacy. A testimony that's [music] alive and A testimony that's [music] alive and A testimony that's [music] alive and growing. Because the same God who moved then Because the same God who moved then is moving now. is moving now. is moving now. The same spirit that awakened [music] The same spirit that awakened [music] The same spirit that awakened [music] revival is awakening hearts today. revival is awakening hearts today. revival is awakening hearts today. We were made for this moment, this We were made for this moment, this We were made for this moment, this generation, this calling. generation, this calling. generation, this calling. >> To win people to [music] Christ, to grow >> To win people to [music] Christ, to grow >> To win people to [music] Christ, to grow them in Christ, to send them out for them in Christ, to send them out for them in Christ, to send them out for Christ. That is encompasses everything Christ. That is encompasses everything Christ. That is encompasses everything that [music] we do here at Thomas Road that [music] we do here at Thomas Road that [music] we do here at Thomas Road Baptist Church. >> And we believe now, more than ever, that >> And we believe now, more than ever, that God is just getting God is just getting God is just getting started. >> [applause] >> [applause] >> So, June 17th of 1956, it was a Sunday. >> So, June 17th of 1956, it was a Sunday. >> So, June 17th of 1956, it was a Sunday. June 17th, they got together on a Sunday June 17th, they got together on a Sunday June 17th, they got together on a Sunday morning at the old Mountain View morning at the old Mountain View morning at the old Mountain View Elementary School, and they had like a Elementary School, and they had like a Elementary School, and they had like a Bible study. Uh a group of people just Bible study. Uh a group of people just Bible study. Uh a group of people just gathered together right up the road from gathered together right up the road from gathered together right up the road from where my dad grew up and where he lived where my dad grew up and where he lived where my dad grew up and where he lived at that time, 22 years old, and he at that time, 22 years old, and he at that time, 22 years old, and he gathered together a few people, they had gathered together a few people, they had gathered together a few people, they had prayer together, they opened prayer together, they opened prayer together, they opened this Bible together, this actual Bible.

this Bible together, this actual Bible. this Bible together, this actual Bible. This is my dad's first Bible that he got This is my dad's first Bible that he got This is my dad's first Bible that he got the day after he got saved. They the day after he got saved. They the day after he got saved. They gathered together there and kind of in a gathered together there and kind of in a gathered together there and kind of in a way they were checking out to see way they were checking out to see way they were checking out to see do we really want to start a church with do we really want to start a church with do we really want to start a church with this guy? 22 years old. How many 22 year this guy? 22 years old. How many 22 year this guy? 22 years old. How many 22 year olds that you would leave your church to olds that you would leave your church to olds that you would leave your church to go start another church with? You see, go start another church with? You see, go start another church with? You see, that's what they were thinking. that's what they were thinking. that's what they were thinking. And then a few days later on June the And then a few days later on June the And then a few days later on June the 21st, Thursday night, they gathered 21st, Thursday night, they gathered 21st, Thursday night, they gathered together. Guys, if you could turn the together. Guys, if you could turn the together. Guys, if you could turn the monitors on here, that'd be great. June monitors on here, that'd be great. June monitors on here, that'd be great. June 21st, Thursday night, they got together 21st, Thursday night, they got together 21st, Thursday night, they got together and they gathered together and they made and they gathered together and they made and they gathered together and they made the decision that night after prayer, the decision that night after prayer, the decision that night after prayer, and they prayed, yes, we want to start a and they prayed, yes, we want to start a and they prayed, yes, we want to start a brand new church here in Lynchburg. And brand new church here in Lynchburg. And brand new church here in Lynchburg. And so they made the decision June 21st, 70 so they made the decision June 21st, 70 so they made the decision June 21st, 70 years ago today, years ago today, years ago today, and they got together, they had that out and they got together, they had that out and they got together, they had that out conversation, they had that idea. And conversation, they had that idea. And conversation, they had that idea. And what's really cool is that when they what's really cool is that when they what's really cool is that when they gathered together that night, there were gathered together that night, there were gathered together that night, there were a group of people that gathered together a group of people that gathered together a group of people that gathered together in times of prayer and Bible study, and in times of prayer and Bible study, and in times of prayer and Bible study, and some of that group, of course, most of some of that group, of course, most of some of that group, of course, most of that group are in heaven today, but some that group are in heaven today, but some that group are in heaven today, but some of that group are right here down the of that group are right here down the of that group are right here down the front. And I'm going to have all of you front. And I'm going to have all of you front. And I'm going to have all of you guys stand if you would, those of you guys stand if you would, those of you guys stand if you would, those of you who are the charter members.

And And >> [applause] >> many of the ones that you see standing >> many of the ones that you see standing before you were kids at that time. In before you were kids at that time. In before you were kids at that time. In fact, I was talking with George Brooks fact, I was talking with George Brooks fact, I was talking with George Brooks this morning, and this is actually the this morning, and this is actually the this morning, and this is actually the the roll book that was my mom got the roll book that was my mom got the roll book that was my mom got together that night. They weren't together that night. They weren't together that night. They weren't married yet, my mom and my dad. My mom married yet, my mom and my dad. My mom married yet, my mom and my dad. My mom got this little piece of paper, this got this little piece of paper, this got this little piece of paper, this little book out and got some piece of little book out and got some piece of little book out and got some piece of paper, she started writing down the paper, she started writing down the paper, she started writing down the names, and I showed George this morning names, and I showed George this morning names, and I showed George this morning where this is George Brooks, where his where this is George Brooks, where his where this is George Brooks, where his name is listed right here among that name is listed right here among that name is listed right here among that group of people that decided on that group of people that decided on that group of people that decided on that June 21st day to start that church, and June 21st day to start that church, and June 21st day to start that church, and all of those who gathered here today, all of those who gathered here today, all of those who gathered here today, your names are in that that book as your names are in that that book as your names are in that that book as well. As you gathered together, some of well. As you gathered together, some of well. As you gathered together, some of you were kids like this guy right here. you were kids like this guy right here. you were kids like this guy right here. Tony was a kid, and Alan was a kid, but Tony was a kid, and Alan was a kid, but Tony was a kid, and Alan was a kid, but they're still here. Few were not they're still here. Few were not they're still here. Few were not children. So, my uncle Eugene Ferris uh children. So, my uncle Eugene Ferris uh children. So, my uncle Eugene Ferris uh is 95 years old. Your mom, who's up at is 95 years old. Your mom, who's up at is 95 years old. Your mom, who's up at Liberty Health and Rehab, I went to see Liberty Health and Rehab, I went to see Liberty Health and Rehab, I went to see her not long ago, and she's she's still her not long ago, and she's she's still her not long ago, and she's she's still living. So, there's a few like that. But living. So, there's a few like that. But living. So, there's a few like that. But man, they were there for that night when man, they were there for that night when man, they were there for that night when they started, 70 years ago today, they started, 70 years ago today, they started, 70 years ago today, starting this church.

starting this church. starting this church. Now, you guys can go ahead and have a Now, you guys can go ahead and have a Now, you guys can go ahead and have a seat. Thank you for being here today. In seat. Thank you for being here today. In seat. Thank you for being here today. In fact, we're going to get a picture fact, we're going to get a picture fact, we're going to get a picture together right after the service. Okay? together right after the service. Okay? together right after the service. Okay? But But But what they did what they did what they did >> [applause] >> [applause] >> [applause] >> what they did is in the weeks following >> what they did is in the weeks following >> what they did is in the weeks following they started driving around. I've told they started driving around. I've told they started driving around. I've told you this story before. Percy Hall and my you this story before. Percy Hall and my you this story before. Percy Hall and my dad started driving around Lynchburg dad started driving around Lynchburg dad started driving around Lynchburg trying to find a place for them to meet trying to find a place for them to meet trying to find a place for them to meet permanently. And they went down the permanently. And they went down the permanently. And they went down the street, they went down Thomas Road and street, they went down Thomas Road and street, they went down Thomas Road and they found this old defunct building. they found this old defunct building. they found this old defunct building. You saw a picture of it there that was You saw a picture of it there that was You saw a picture of it there that was on the beginning of that video, and it on the beginning of that video, and it on the beginning of that video, and it was been the the Donald Duck Bottling was been the the Donald Duck Bottling was been the the Donald Duck Bottling Company for many, many years. And that Company for many, many years. And that Company for many, many years. And that Donald Duck Bottling Company had gone Donald Duck Bottling Company had gone Donald Duck Bottling Company had gone out of business. It was an empty out of business. It was an empty out of business. It was an empty building. It was falling down. It was uh building. It was falling down. It was uh building. It was falling down. It was uh you know, decrepit and all grown up. you know, decrepit and all grown up. you know, decrepit and all grown up. Dad pulled into the parking lot, that Dad pulled into the parking lot, that Dad pulled into the parking lot, that gravel lot with the grass that was all gravel lot with the grass that was all gravel lot with the grass that was all grown up around that building. He went grown up around that building. He went grown up around that building. He went up uh to the side of that building, to up uh to the side of that building, to up uh to the side of that building, to the window of that building, and he took the window of that building, and he took the window of that building, and he took a handkerchief out, and he wiped the a handkerchief out, and he wiped the a handkerchief out, and he wiped the dirt from the the window of that dirt from the the window of that dirt from the the window of that building, and here's what he said. building, and here's what he said. building, and here's what he said. We're going to change the world from We're going to change the world from We're going to change the world from this place.

this place. this place. Now, here we are 70 years later. Now, here we are 70 years later. Now, here we are 70 years later. And I think without a shadow of a doubt, And I think without a shadow of a doubt, And I think without a shadow of a doubt, the world has been changed as a result the world has been changed as a result the world has been changed as a result of that kind of faith. of that kind of faith. of that kind of faith. And the faith of these individuals who And the faith of these individuals who And the faith of these individuals who gathered together with that 22-year-old gathered together with that 22-year-old gathered together with that 22-year-old kid and decided to plant a new church. kid and decided to plant a new church. kid and decided to plant a new church. What an incredible story. What an What an incredible story. What an What an incredible story. What an incredible journey. What an incredible incredible journey. What an incredible incredible journey. What an incredible thing that God has done. But here's what thing that God has done. But here's what thing that God has done. But here's what I will tell you today as we continue in I will tell you today as we continue in I will tell you today as we continue in 1 Thessalonians. I'm going to put this 1 Thessalonians. I'm going to put this 1 Thessalonians. I'm going to put this down so it does not break. down so it does not break. down so it does not break. From 1 Thessalonians, we're going to From 1 Thessalonians, we're going to From 1 Thessalonians, we're going to continue today in our series called continue today in our series called continue today in our series called Built to Last because here's the point. Built to Last because here's the point. Built to Last because here's the point. The same God that did that The same God that did that The same God that did that is the same God that today is working in is the same God that today is working in is the same God that today is working in our midst and working in our lives. our midst and working in our lives. our midst and working in our lives. And that's what 1 Thessalonians chapter And that's what 1 Thessalonians chapter And that's what 1 Thessalonians chapter 4 and verses 5 uh chapters 5 is all 4 and verses 5 uh chapters 5 is all 4 and verses 5 uh chapters 5 is all about. And we're going to look at those about. And we're going to look at those about. And we're going to look at those two different chapters. If you have your two different chapters. If you have your two different chapters. If you have your Bible journal with you, it's on page 10. Bible journal with you, it's on page 10. Bible journal with you, it's on page 10. Uh you can turn there. Uh take some Uh you can turn there. Uh take some Uh you can turn there. Uh take some notes as we walk through. Today, what notes as we walk through. Today, what notes as we walk through. Today, what I'm going to give you is I'm going to I'm going to give you is I'm going to I'm going to give you is I'm going to give you give you give you the four markers the four markers the four markers of the believer, the marks of the of the believer, the marks of the of the believer, the marks of the mission. Last week we talked about the mission. Last week we talked about the mission. Last week we talked about the mission of the believer, what it is that mission of the believer, what it is that mission of the believer, what it is that we're supposed to be doing. We talked we're supposed to be doing. We talked we're supposed to be doing. We talked about how we were to to make sure that about how we were to to make sure that about how we were to to make sure that we were continuing to live out the we were continuing to live out the we were continuing to live out the gospel, serving in the gospel, and gospel, serving in the gospel, and gospel, serving in the gospel, and standing in the power of the gospel.

standing in the power of the gospel. standing in the power of the gospel. And today we're going to talk about the And today we're going to talk about the And today we're going to talk about the marks of the mission. What should our marks of the mission. What should our marks of the mission. What should our lives look like if we're going to be lives look like if we're going to be lives look like if we're going to be built to last? This church has been here built to last? This church has been here built to last? This church has been here for 70 years. These individuals that are for 70 years. These individuals that are for 70 years. These individuals that are seated here before us gathered together seated here before us gathered together seated here before us gathered together in a very small room 70 years ago having in a very small room 70 years ago having in a very small room 70 years ago having no idea and no thought whatsoever no idea and no thought whatsoever no idea and no thought whatsoever that one day God would use this church that one day God would use this church that one day God would use this church to reach millions of people around the to reach millions of people around the to reach millions of people around the world. Be honest, you had no idea that world. Be honest, you had no idea that world. Be honest, you had no idea that was going to happen. was going to happen. was going to happen. And probably if Dad said something like And probably if Dad said something like And probably if Dad said something like that, you probably thought, "That guy's that, you probably thought, "That guy's that, you probably thought, "That guy's a little crazy." You probably thought a little crazy." You probably thought a little crazy." You probably thought that. that. that. But that God has used this place to But that God has used this place to But that God has used this place to change the world. There's no doubt, change the world. There's no doubt, change the world. There's no doubt, reaching millions of people around the reaching millions of people around the reaching millions of people around the world. But here's the key. It wasn't world. But here's the key. It wasn't world. But here's the key. It wasn't because of Dad, and it wasn't even because of Dad, and it wasn't even because of Dad, and it wasn't even because of these individuals gathered because of these individuals gathered because of these individuals gathered here. It wasn't really because of Thomas here. It wasn't really because of Thomas here. It wasn't really because of Thomas Road Baptist Church, the that Road Baptist Church, the that Road Baptist Church, the that institution that was raised up 70 years institution that was raised up 70 years institution that was raised up 70 years ago. It's because of individuals ago. It's because of individuals ago. It's because of individuals throughout all of the years decided that throughout all of the years decided that throughout all of the years decided that they wanted to make sure that their they wanted to make sure that their they wanted to make sure that their lives were marked by what it is that God lives were marked by what it is that God lives were marked by what it is that God wanted to do in and through them.

wanted to do in and through them. wanted to do in and through them. And so today I'm going to give you four And so today I'm going to give you four And so today I'm going to give you four markers markers markers that should be present in every single that should be present in every single that should be present in every single one of your lives. one of your lives. one of your lives. Four words that I'm going to give to you Four words that I'm going to give to you Four words that I'm going to give to you that we're going to walk through this that we're going to walk through this that we're going to walk through this passage and see how Paul, the Apostle passage and see how Paul, the Apostle passage and see how Paul, the Apostle Paul, wrote that to the church at Paul, wrote that to the church at Paul, wrote that to the church at Thessalonica and also to us to make sure Thessalonica and also to us to make sure Thessalonica and also to us to make sure that that is where we are walking. Four that that is where we are walking. Four that that is where we are walking. Four words. It's purity, it's passion, it's words. It's purity, it's passion, it's words. It's purity, it's passion, it's perspective, and it's preparation. Four perspective, and it's preparation. Four perspective, and it's preparation. Four words, four thoughts, four markers words, four thoughts, four markers words, four thoughts, four markers that if we have those present in our that if we have those present in our that if we have those present in our lives, lives, lives, then not only will we will we be built then not only will we will we be built then not only will we will we be built to last, but that we can also change the to last, but that we can also change the to last, but that we can also change the world. Cuz I firmly believe today world. Cuz I firmly believe today world. Cuz I firmly believe today that what God has done over the last 70 that what God has done over the last 70 that what God has done over the last 70 years is just the beginning of what God years is just the beginning of what God years is just the beginning of what God can and do can do and will do in the can and do can do and will do in the can and do can do and will do in the years to come. I believe God has years to come. I believe God has years to come. I believe God has incredible things in store for this incredible things in store for this incredible things in store for this church. And as we're going to talk about church. And as we're going to talk about church. And as we're going to talk about today, we know that one day today, we know that one day today, we know that one day Christ is going to rapture the church. Christ is going to rapture the church. Christ is going to rapture the church. He's going to take us up to heaven. I've He's going to take us up to heaven. I've He's going to take us up to heaven. I've no idea when that's going to be. Here's no idea when that's going to be. Here's no idea when that's going to be. Here's what I do know, we're closer today than what I do know, we're closer today than what I do know, we're closer today than we've ever been. I don't know when it's we've ever been. I don't know when it's we've ever been. I don't know when it's going to be, but what I know is until we going to be, but what I know is until we going to be, but what I know is until we get there, get there, get there, we better be about the Father's we better be about the Father's we better be about the Father's business. And again, guys, if you could business. And again, guys, if you could business. And again, guys, if you could turn these on, that would be very turn these on, that would be very turn these on, that would be very helpful to me if y'all are awake. All helpful to me if y'all are awake. All helpful to me if y'all are awake. All right, so let's dig into right, so let's dig into right, so let's dig into this passage. And the first thing we're this passage. And the first thing we're this passage. And the first thing we're going to talk about is four markers: going to talk about is four markers: going to talk about is four markers: purity, passion, perspective, and purity, passion, perspective, and purity, passion, perspective, and preparation. The first one is purity. 1 preparation. The first one is purity. 1 preparation. The first one is purity. 1 Thessalonians chapter 4 beginning with Thessalonians chapter 4 beginning with Thessalonians chapter 4 beginning with verse 1. Finally, then, brethren, we verse 1. Finally, then, brethren, we verse 1. Finally, then, brethren, we urge and exhort in the Lord Jesus that urge and exhort in the Lord Jesus that urge and exhort in the Lord Jesus that you should abound more and more, just as

you should abound more and more, just as you should abound more and more, just as you received from us how you ought to you received from us how you ought to you received from us how you ought to walk and to please God. For you know walk and to please God. For you know walk and to please God. For you know what commandments we gave you through what commandments we gave you through what commandments we gave you through the Lord Jesus. For this is the will of the Lord Jesus. For this is the will of the Lord Jesus. For this is the will of God, your sanctification, that you God, your sanctification, that you God, your sanctification, that you should abstain from sexual immorality, should abstain from sexual immorality, should abstain from sexual immorality, that each of you should know how to that each of you should know how to that each of you should know how to possess his own vessel in sanctification possess his own vessel in sanctification possess his own vessel in sanctification and honor, not in passion or lust like and honor, not in passion or lust like and honor, not in passion or lust like the Gentiles who do not know God, that the Gentiles who do not know God, that the Gentiles who do not know God, that no one should take advantage of and no one should take advantage of and no one should take advantage of and defraud his brother in this manner, defraud his brother in this manner, defraud his brother in this manner, because the Lord is the avenger of all because the Lord is the avenger of all because the Lord is the avenger of all such as we also forewarned you and such as we also forewarned you and such as we also forewarned you and testified. For God did not call us to testified. For God did not call us to testified. For God did not call us to uncleanness, but in holiness. Therefore, uncleanness, but in holiness. Therefore, uncleanness, but in holiness. Therefore, he who rejects this does not reject man, he who rejects this does not reject man, he who rejects this does not reject man, but God, who has also given us his Holy but God, who has also given us his Holy but God, who has also given us his Holy Spirit. Now, in this first verse, it Spirit. Now, in this first verse, it Spirit. Now, in this first verse, it tells us this. Guys, he writes, Paul's tells us this. Guys, he writes, Paul's tells us this. Guys, he writes, Paul's writing to the church, writing to us. He writing to the church, writing to us. He writing to the church, writing to us. He says, "Man, I'm begging you. I'm says, "Man, I'm begging you. I'm says, "Man, I'm begging you. I'm encouraging you. I'm challenging you in encouraging you. I'm challenging you in encouraging you. I'm challenging you in the Lord Jesus, that you should abound the Lord Jesus, that you should abound the Lord Jesus, that you should abound more and more." more and more." more and more." Now, we've already talked about it the Now, we've already talked about it the Now, we've already talked about it the last couple of weeks. The church at last couple of weeks. The church at last couple of weeks. The church at Thessalonica was a very healthy church.

Thessalonica was a very healthy church. Thessalonica was a very healthy church. God was doing some incredible things in God was doing some incredible things in God was doing some incredible things in that church. They were growing in their that church. They were growing in their that church. They were growing in their faith. And they were seeing God at work faith. And they were seeing God at work faith. And they were seeing God at work in their lives, and they were faithful in their lives, and they were faithful in their lives, and they were faithful to do everything that they needed to do. to do everything that they needed to do. to do everything that they needed to do. They were working hard, they were loving They were working hard, they were loving They were working hard, they were loving each other, they were serving in any way each other, they were serving in any way each other, they were serving in any way that they possibly could. But yet here, that they possibly could. But yet here, that they possibly could. But yet here, in chapter four, in the first verse, he in chapter four, in the first verse, he in chapter four, in the first verse, he says, "But I want you guys, I'm urging says, "But I want you guys, I'm urging says, "But I want you guys, I'm urging you guys you guys you guys to abound more and more." Now, that word to abound more and more." Now, that word to abound more and more." Now, that word abound there, the Greek word perisseuo, abound there, the Greek word perisseuo, abound there, the Greek word perisseuo, is the same root word that's also used is the same root word that's also used is the same root word that's also used in John 10:10, where it says the thief in John 10:10, where it says the thief in John 10:10, where it says the thief comes to steal, and to kill, and to comes to steal, and to kill, and to comes to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. But Jesus said, "I have come destroy. But Jesus said, "I have come destroy. But Jesus said, "I have come that you might have life, and have it that you might have life, and have it that you might have life, and have it more what?" more what?" more what?" abundantly. abundantly. abundantly. The definition of that word, that Greek The definition of that word, that Greek The definition of that word, that Greek word, literally is like over the top. word, literally is like over the top. word, literally is like over the top. Like more than you could ever imagine. Like more than you could ever imagine. Like more than you could ever imagine. Like overflowing. Like overflowing. Like overflowing. And so, that's what Jesus said that he And so, that's what Jesus said that he And so, that's what Jesus said that he came to give to us. But here, Paul is came to give to us. But here, Paul is came to give to us. But here, Paul is challenging the church. "Hey, I want you challenging the church. "Hey, I want you challenging the church. "Hey, I want you to live out your faith in abundance. to live out your faith in abundance. to live out your faith in abundance. I want you to live out your faith where I want you to live out your faith where I want you to live out your faith where it is overflowing."

it is overflowing." it is overflowing." Now, that is an important distinction. Now, that is an important distinction. Now, that is an important distinction. Because as we talk about this first mark Because as we talk about this first mark Because as we talk about this first mark of the believer, what we must recognize of the believer, what we must recognize of the believer, what we must recognize and understand that if we're truly going and understand that if we're truly going and understand that if we're truly going to be about what God has called us to be to be about what God has called us to be to be about what God has called us to be about, then we have to make sure that about, then we have to make sure that about, then we have to make sure that our faith is not something that we hide. our faith is not something that we hide. our faith is not something that we hide. That it's not something that we kind of That it's not something that we kind of That it's not something that we kind of keep in our pocket. It's not something keep in our pocket. It's not something keep in our pocket. It's not something that we do on a Sunday morning when we that we do on a Sunday morning when we that we do on a Sunday morning when we walk in this room, but if we were to go walk in this room, but if we were to go walk in this room, but if we were to go out of this room and leave here at out of this room and leave here at out of this room and leave here at Sunday afternoon at 12:00 and we go out Sunday afternoon at 12:00 and we go out Sunday afternoon at 12:00 and we go out to lunch and we go out and do all the to lunch and we go out and do all the to lunch and we go out and do all the things that we do throughout the week, things that we do throughout the week, things that we do throughout the week, that if people saw us and talked to us that if people saw us and talked to us that if people saw us and talked to us and watched us, that they would have no and watched us, that they would have no and watched us, that they would have no idea that we were followers of Christ or idea that we were followers of Christ or idea that we were followers of Christ or believers. You see, that is not what the believers. You see, that is not what the believers. You see, that is not what the mark of the believer is. mark of the believer is. mark of the believer is. That we are to abound, overflowing in That we are to abound, overflowing in That we are to abound, overflowing in our lives, that our faith is to be so our lives, that our faith is to be so our lives, that our faith is to be so evident and so obvious. evident and so obvious. evident and so obvious. He goes on to write in this passage, He goes on to write in this passage, He goes on to write in this passage, "Just as you received from us how you "Just as you received from us how you "Just as you received from us how you should walk to please God." should walk to please God." should walk to please God." That you should walk to please God. Take That you should walk to please God. Take That you should walk to please God. Take a little mental inventory, checklist if a little mental inventory, checklist if a little mental inventory, checklist if you will, in your own life right now and you will, in your own life right now and you will, in your own life right now and just ask yourself the question, just ask yourself the question, just ask yourself the question, "In my life, am I walking "In my life, am I walking "In my life, am I walking to please God?

to please God? to please God? In what I do and how I live and how I In what I do and how I live and how I In what I do and how I live and how I treat others and how I treat people at treat others and how I treat people at treat others and how I treat people at work and how I carry out my business and work and how I carry out my business and work and how I carry out my business and how I how I how I pay my taxes and how I treat people that pay my taxes and how I treat people that pay my taxes and how I treat people that I am friends with or treat my neighbors I am friends with or treat my neighbors I am friends with or treat my neighbors or treat the guy who cuts you off on the or treat the guy who cuts you off on the or treat the guy who cuts you off on the road or the person who is not doing what road or the person who is not doing what road or the person who is not doing what you asked them to do at a local you asked them to do at a local you asked them to do at a local restaurant when they are serving you, restaurant when they are serving you, restaurant when they are serving you, am I walking to please God?" am I walking to please God?" am I walking to please God?" Now, if that is a constant check in your Now, if that is a constant check in your Now, if that is a constant check in your spirit, a constant check in your heart, spirit, a constant check in your heart, spirit, a constant check in your heart, man, it'll actually begin to do some man, it'll actually begin to do some man, it'll actually begin to do some pretty big work. If you allow that pretty big work. If you allow that pretty big work. If you allow that statement to be something that you that statement to be something that you that statement to be something that you that you use regularly to ask yourself the you use regularly to ask yourself the you use regularly to ask yourself the question, "Am I walking to please God?" question, "Am I walking to please God?" question, "Am I walking to please God?" Here's what Paul said, "Hey, if you want Here's what Paul said, "Hey, if you want Here's what Paul said, "Hey, if you want to do what you're supposed to do, to do what you're supposed to do, to do what you're supposed to do, man, you're supposed to be overflowing man, you're supposed to be overflowing man, you're supposed to be overflowing with walking and pleasing God." And then with walking and pleasing God." And then with walking and pleasing God." And then he goes on to say, just to kind of, you he goes on to say, just to kind of, you he goes on to say, just to kind of, you know, to to nail it home, to make sure know, to to nail it home, to make sure know, to to nail it home, to make sure that we get it, to understand, in verse that we get it, to understand, in verse that we get it, to understand, in verse three, "For this is the will of God, three, "For this is the will of God, three, "For this is the will of God, your sanctification."

your sanctification." your sanctification." Let me say that again. Let me say that again. Let me say that again. The will of God is your sanctification. The will of God is your sanctification. The will of God is your sanctification. In other words, what this passage tells In other words, what this passage tells In other words, what this passage tells us is this, God's will for your life is us is this, God's will for your life is us is this, God's will for your life is for you to be different. for you to be different. for you to be different. God's will for your life God's will for your life God's will for your life is for you to be set apart from this is for you to be set apart from this is for you to be set apart from this world. We are not to look like this world. We are not to look like this world. We are not to look like this world. We're not to act like this world. world. We're not to act like this world. world. We're not to act like this world. We're not to react like this world. We We're not to react like this world. We We're not to react like this world. We are to be markedly different as are to be markedly different as are to be markedly different as believers, as followers of Jesus Christ. believers, as followers of Jesus Christ. believers, as followers of Jesus Christ. We are not to look like the rest of the We are not to look like the rest of the We are not to look like the rest of the world. Again, ask yourself the question, world. Again, ask yourself the question, world. Again, ask yourself the question, do I look like my unbelieving friends? do I look like my unbelieving friends? do I look like my unbelieving friends? Do I look like what the world is looking Do I look like what the world is looking Do I look like what the world is looking like? Do I look like those that I see like? Do I look like those that I see like? Do I look like those that I see online or maybe those in in the culture online or maybe those in in the culture online or maybe those in in the culture today and out of Hollywood or whatever today and out of Hollywood or whatever today and out of Hollywood or whatever my Do I look like that? Or do I look my Do I look like that? Or do I look my Do I look like that? Or do I look different? different? different? Now, some of you're saying, "Yeah, but Now, some of you're saying, "Yeah, but Now, some of you're saying, "Yeah, but man, I don't want to be an oddball." If man, I don't want to be an oddball." If man, I don't want to be an oddball." If you're a follower of Jesus Christ, you you're a follower of Jesus Christ, you you're a follower of Jesus Christ, you are called to be an oddball. I was are called to be an oddball. I was are called to be an oddball. I was actually thinking about getting some actually thinking about getting some actually thinking about getting some t-shirts made today that we could give t-shirts made today that we could give t-shirts made today that we could give out to every I'm an oddball.

out to every I'm an oddball. out to every I'm an oddball. As some of us could wear them and people As some of us could wear them and people As some of us could wear them and people would say, "Well, we knew that." would say, "Well, we knew that." would say, "Well, we knew that." Like like that's what we're supposed to Like like that's what we're supposed to Like like that's what we're supposed to do. We're supposed to be different. do. We're supposed to be different. do. We're supposed to be different. We're supposed to be marked. We're We're supposed to be marked. We're We're supposed to be marked. We're supposed to be completely separate, supposed to be completely separate, supposed to be completely separate, different from this idea and this different from this idea and this different from this idea and this picture of what the world has for us. picture of what the world has for us. picture of what the world has for us. And this is what Paul writes here. And this is what Paul writes here. And this is what Paul writes here. This is the will of God. This is the will of God. This is the will of God. So, there's no wondering, there's no So, there's no wondering, there's no So, there's no wondering, there's no questioning, there's no, you know, like questioning, there's no, you know, like questioning, there's no, you know, like I'm not quite sure exactly what it is I'm not quite sure exactly what it is I'm not quite sure exactly what it is that God wants to do in my life. I am that God wants to do in my life. I am that God wants to do in my life. I am often asked the question often asked the question often asked the question uh by young people and older people uh by young people and older people uh by young people and older people alike will ask me like, "How do I find alike will ask me like, "How do I find alike will ask me like, "How do I find the will of God?" the will of God?" the will of God?" It's in the word of God. It's in the word of God. It's in the word of God. And the will of God found in the word of And the will of God found in the word of And the will of God found in the word of God simply says this, God simply says this, God simply says this, God's will for your life is that you are God's will for your life is that you are God's will for your life is that you are to be to be to be different, different, different, set apart, sanctified. set apart, sanctified. set apart, sanctified. Goes on to say down in verse 7, "For God Goes on to say down in verse 7, "For God Goes on to say down in verse 7, "For God did not call us to uncleanness, did not call us to uncleanness, did not call us to uncleanness, but in holiness." but in holiness." but in holiness." So, the picture is this. So, the picture is this. So, the picture is this. We live today in a culture We live today in a culture We live today in a culture that has more pressure on us than in that has more pressure on us than in that has more pressure on us than in history ever before. Even when Paul was history ever before. Even when Paul was history ever before. Even when Paul was writing this, the the pressure that we writing this, the the pressure that we writing this, the the pressure that we have from the culture to live impure have from the culture to live impure have from the culture to live impure lives, to look at impure things, to lives, to look at impure things, to lives, to look at impure things, to watch impure things, to speak impure watch impure things, to speak impure watch impure things, to speak impure things, it has never been stronger than things, it has never been stronger than things, it has never been stronger than it is today. The pressure on us today, it is today. The pressure on us today, it is today. The pressure on us today, the pressure on young people today, the the pressure on young people today, the the pressure on young people today, the pressure online today, whatever it is pressure online today, whatever it is pressure online today, whatever it is that you you know, whatever you find that you you know, whatever you find that you you know, whatever you find your entertainment, wherever you find your entertainment, wherever you find your entertainment, wherever you find your media, whatever social media you

your media, whatever social media you your media, whatever social media you know, outlets that you spend time on, know, outlets that you spend time on, know, outlets that you spend time on, the pressure is constant from the the pressure is constant from the the pressure is constant from the culture for you to live according to culture for you to live according to culture for you to live according to what they say is normal and what they what they say is normal and what they what they say is normal and what they say is normal is to live a sinful, say is normal is to live a sinful, say is normal is to live a sinful, sex-filled, impure life. sex-filled, impure life. sex-filled, impure life. That's what the world says. That's what the world says. That's what the world says. But here Paul says, "You know, God did But here Paul says, "You know, God did But here Paul says, "You know, God did not call us to uncleanness. not call us to uncleanness. not call us to uncleanness. God did not call you to impurity. God did not call you to impurity. God did not call you to impurity. God did not call you to fit in." God did not call you to fit in." God did not call you to fit in." Ladies in the room, young girls in the Ladies in the room, young girls in the Ladies in the room, young girls in the room, God did not call you to give in to room, God did not call you to give in to room, God did not call you to give in to the pressure of some boyfriend. the pressure of some boyfriend. the pressure of some boyfriend. God did not call you to do the things God did not call you to do the things God did not call you to do the things that the world says are normal. God that the world says are normal. God that the world says are normal. God called you to be different because God called you to be different because God called you to be different because God did not call us to uncleanness, he did not call us to uncleanness, he did not call us to uncleanness, he called us to holiness. J. Vernon McGee called us to holiness. J. Vernon McGee called us to holiness. J. Vernon McGee said this, and I love this quote, and I said this, and I love this quote, and I said this, and I love this quote, and I could just see him in his country hick could just see him in his country hick could just see him in his country hick voice saying this. voice saying this. voice saying this. And J. Vernon McGee said this, And J. Vernon McGee said this, And J. Vernon McGee said this, "A child of God cannot continue in sin. "A child of God cannot continue in sin. "A child of God cannot continue in sin. The prodigal son may get into the pigpen The prodigal son may get into the pigpen The prodigal son may get into the pigpen for a time, for a time, for a time, but he's not going to live there."

but he's not going to live there." but he's not going to live there." When you think of the story of the When you think of the story of the When you think of the story of the prodigal son, you know that he found prodigal son, you know that he found prodigal son, you know that he found himself finally feeding the pigs, and he himself finally feeding the pigs, and he himself finally feeding the pigs, and he was in there amongst the the mud and the was in there amongst the the mud and the was in there amongst the the mud and the the disgusting stuff that all is in that the disgusting stuff that all is in that the disgusting stuff that all is in that pig pen. He found himself there. pig pen. He found himself there. pig pen. He found himself there. But he got himself out of that pig pen But he got himself out of that pig pen But he got himself out of that pig pen and he made his way back home. J. Vernon and he made his way back home. J. Vernon and he made his way back home. J. Vernon McGee's point is this, as a follower of McGee's point is this, as a follower of McGee's point is this, as a follower of Jesus Christ, yes, we still have a Jesus Christ, yes, we still have a Jesus Christ, yes, we still have a sinful nature. Yes, there are going to sinful nature. Yes, there are going to sinful nature. Yes, there are going to be times when we mess up. Yes, there are be times when we mess up. Yes, there are be times when we mess up. Yes, there are going to be times when we blow it. But going to be times when we blow it. But going to be times when we blow it. But here's the key. We don't stay there. We here's the key. We don't stay there. We here's the key. We don't stay there. We get out of there. get out of there. get out of there. We don't continue to live in that place. We don't continue to live in that place. We don't continue to live in that place. We don't continue to walk that path. In We don't continue to walk that path. In We don't continue to walk that path. In fact, some theologians would say that J. fact, some theologians would say that J. fact, some theologians would say that J. Vernon McGee would say it is if you Vernon McGee would say it is if you Vernon McGee would say it is if you continue to live and wallow in the sin continue to live and wallow in the sin continue to live and wallow in the sin of this world, the biggest question you of this world, the biggest question you of this world, the biggest question you should ask yourself is am I really a should ask yourself is am I really a should ask yourself is am I really a believer and follower of Jesus Christ? believer and follower of Jesus Christ? believer and follower of Jesus Christ? Am I really saved? Am I really saved? Am I really saved? Because a saint, a person who's been Because a saint, a person who's been Because a saint, a person who's been made new, a new creation in Christ, is a made new, a new creation in Christ, is a made new, a new creation in Christ, is a person that's not going to stay in the person that's not going to stay in the person that's not going to stay in the pig pen.

pig pen. pig pen. They're going to get out of the pig pen They're going to get out of the pig pen They're going to get out of the pig pen and they're going to walk right back to and they're going to walk right back to and they're going to walk right back to Christ. Verse 7 teaches us that we're to Christ. Verse 7 teaches us that we're to Christ. Verse 7 teaches us that we're to live in purity. And if we don't, live in purity. And if we don't, live in purity. And if we don't, we're not rejecting things of man. We're we're not rejecting things of man. We're we're not rejecting things of man. We're rejecting God himself. rejecting God himself. rejecting God himself. So, the first marker of a believer, So, the first marker of a believer, So, the first marker of a believer, the first mark of the mission is purity. the first mark of the mission is purity. the first mark of the mission is purity. The next one is passion. The next one is passion. The next one is passion. Passion. We talked a little bit about Passion. We talked a little bit about Passion. We talked a little bit about this last week, but here Paul again this last week, but here Paul again this last week, but here Paul again underscores it. Verse 9, here's what he underscores it. Verse 9, here's what he underscores it. Verse 9, here's what he says. "But concerning brotherly love, says. "But concerning brotherly love, says. "But concerning brotherly love, you have no need that I should write to you have no need that I should write to you have no need that I should write to you." In other words, you guys are you." In other words, you guys are you." In other words, you guys are loving one another really well. You're loving one another really well. You're loving one another really well. You're doing a good job. You're loving and doing a good job. You're loving and doing a good job. You're loving and you're serving one another. You're you're serving one another. You're you're serving one another. You're encouraging one another. Like what encouraging one another. Like what encouraging one another. Like what you're doing I'm hearing is like you're doing I'm hearing is like you're doing I'm hearing is like wonderful. You're doing great great wonderful. You're doing great great wonderful. You're doing great great stuff. So, you have no need for me to stuff. So, you have no need for me to stuff. So, you have no need for me to tell you to do that cuz you're doing it. tell you to do that cuz you're doing it. tell you to do that cuz you're doing it. But then he goes on to say, "For you But then he goes on to say, "For you But then he goes on to say, "For you yourselves are taught by God to love one yourselves are taught by God to love one yourselves are taught by God to love one another. And indeed you do so towards another. And indeed you do so towards another. And indeed you do so towards all the brethren who are in all or all all the brethren who are in all or all all the brethren who are in all or all in Macedonia." in Macedonia." in Macedonia." Now, that passage is an important Now, that passage is an important Now, that passage is an important statement because what he's saying is, statement because what he's saying is, statement because what he's saying is, "Hey, you're not just loving one "Hey, you're not just loving one "Hey, you're not just loving one another. You're loving everybody in your another. You're loving everybody in your another. You're loving everybody in your area. You're loving all the people who area. You're loving all the people who area. You're loving all the people who live around you, people who are part of live around you, people who are part of live around you, people who are part of your church and people who are not. A your church and people who are not. A your church and people who are not. A great lesson for us as believers. Here's great lesson for us as believers. Here's great lesson for us as believers. Here's a mark of the mission, a mark of the a mark of the mission, a mark of the a mark of the mission, a mark of the believer is this, is it if you're a believer is this, is it if you're a believer is this, is it if you're a follower of Jesus Christ, you better follower of Jesus Christ, you better follower of Jesus Christ, you better love the people in this room and you love the people in this room and you love the people in this room and you better love the people who are not in better love the people who are not in better love the people who are not in this room.

this room. this room. You better love the people who think You better love the people who think You better love the people who think like you and talk like you and act like like you and talk like you and act like like you and talk like you and act like you and believe like you, but you also you and believe like you, but you also you and believe like you, but you also better love the people who don't. better love the people who don't. better love the people who don't. You ought to love the people who are You ought to love the people who are You ought to love the people who are doing the complete opposite of what doing the complete opposite of what doing the complete opposite of what you're doing. It doesn't mean to you're doing. It doesn't mean to you're doing. It doesn't mean to compromise. compromise. compromise. It doesn't mean you jump in there and It doesn't mean you jump in there and It doesn't mean you jump in there and start doing those things with them, but start doing those things with them, but start doing those things with them, but it does say that you are to love them. it does say that you are to love them. it does say that you are to love them. And so Paul says, "You're doing all the And so Paul says, "You're doing all the And so Paul says, "You're doing all the right stuff. You're loving everybody in right stuff. You're loving everybody in right stuff. You're loving everybody in that area." that area." that area." But he goes on to say, "But we urge you, But he goes on to say, "But we urge you, But he goes on to say, "But we urge you, brethren, brethren, brethren, that you increase more and more." Again, that you increase more and more." Again, that you increase more and more." Again, that statement, that you will abound. that statement, that you will abound. that statement, that you will abound. In other words, you're doing it well, In other words, you're doing it well, In other words, you're doing it well, do it better. do it better. do it better. You're doing a good job, You're doing a good job, You're doing a good job, do more of it. do more of it. do more of it. This idea of passion. This idea of passion. This idea of passion. Now, why is it that Paul is writing to Now, why is it that Paul is writing to Now, why is it that Paul is writing to the church at Thessalonica saying, "Man, the church at Thessalonica saying, "Man, the church at Thessalonica saying, "Man, you you need to love people and you're you you need to love people and you're you you need to love people and you're doing a good job, but man, you need to doing a good job, but man, you need to doing a good job, but man, you need to love them more." Now, when he talks love them more." Now, when he talks love them more." Now, when he talks about loving them more, the idea of about loving them more, the idea of about loving them more, the idea of loving them more is not just say, "Oh loving them more is not just say, "Oh loving them more is not just say, "Oh man, I love you, brother." man, I love you, brother." man, I love you, brother." Now, I'm going to give you a big hug. Now, I'm going to give you a big hug. Now, I'm going to give you a big hug. It's that you love them so much that you It's that you love them so much that you It's that you love them so much that you want them to know the same God that you want them to know the same God that you want them to know the same God that you know.

know. know. That you love them so much that you want That you love them so much that you want That you love them so much that you want them to experience the power of the them to experience the power of the them to experience the power of the gospel of Jesus Christ as you have gospel of Jesus Christ as you have gospel of Jesus Christ as you have experienced. In other words, you show experienced. In other words, you show experienced. In other words, you show your love by making sure you're doing your love by making sure you're doing your love by making sure you're doing everything you possibly can to bring everything you possibly can to bring everything you possibly can to bring them to Christ. them to Christ. them to Christ. He goes on to write that you also aspire He goes on to write that you also aspire He goes on to write that you also aspire to lead a quiet life, to mind your own to lead a quiet life, to mind your own to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business, business, business, and to work with your own hands. Let's and to work with your own hands. Let's and to work with your own hands. Let's go back to mind your own business for a go back to mind your own business for a go back to mind your own business for a moment. moment. moment. And let's talk about social media. And let's talk about social media. And let's talk about social media. Mind your own business Mind your own business Mind your own business and social media. and social media. and social media. How many of you, just be honest, how How many of you, just be honest, how How many of you, just be honest, how many you have been online on some social many you have been online on some social many you have been online on some social media platform media platform media platform and you've seen arguments that have and you've seen arguments that have and you've seen arguments that have started and people who are, you know, started and people who are, you know, started and people who are, you know, ranting and raving online about this ranting and raving online about this ranting and raving online about this issue or that issue and people begin to issue or that issue and people begin to issue or that issue and people begin to comment below and they start adding comment below and they start adding comment below and they start adding their two cents worth and their three their two cents worth and their three their two cents worth and their three cents worth and that's giving them a lot cents worth and that's giving them a lot cents worth and that's giving them a lot of credit that is actually worth three of credit that is actually worth three of credit that is actually worth three cents, but they're adding a lot of their cents, but they're adding a lot of their cents, but they're adding a lot of their ideas and they go and they're fighting ideas and they go and they're fighting ideas and they go and they're fighting back and forth and back and back and, back and forth and back and back and, back and forth and back and back and, you know, backbiting and and then you know, backbiting and and then you know, backbiting and and then actually showing hatred for one another actually showing hatred for one another actually showing hatred for one another because somebody might think differently because somebody might think differently because somebody might think differently than they do.

than they do. than they do. How does that jive with this statement How does that jive with this statement How does that jive with this statement that you mind your own business? that you mind your own business? that you mind your own business? Here's Listen, this is a freebie and I Here's Listen, this is a freebie and I Here's Listen, this is a freebie and I Paul did not write it here because Paul did not write it here because Paul did not write it here because social media did not exist at this time, social media did not exist at this time, social media did not exist at this time, but here I'll give you a freebie. but here I'll give you a freebie. but here I'll give you a freebie. If you truly want to live out the life If you truly want to live out the life If you truly want to live out the life of a believer, if you want to follow of a believer, if you want to follow of a believer, if you want to follow Christ not only in what you do and how Christ not only in what you do and how Christ not only in what you do and how you walk, but in also what you do you walk, but in also what you do you walk, but in also what you do online, online, online, when you see somebody ranting and raving when you see somebody ranting and raving when you see somebody ranting and raving about something, when you see somebody about something, when you see somebody about something, when you see somebody posting something that just makes you posting something that just makes you posting something that just makes you mad, mad, mad, do what a person in our church, I'm not do what a person in our church, I'm not do what a person in our church, I'm not going to use his name, but he texted me going to use his name, but he texted me going to use his name, but he texted me last night. He sent me a screenshot of last night. He sent me a screenshot of last night. He sent me a screenshot of somebody online. He said, "Man, I it's somebody online. He said, "Man, I it's somebody online. He said, "Man, I it's taken everything inside of me not to taken everything inside of me not to taken everything inside of me not to respond to this guy." And I wrote him respond to this guy." And I wrote him respond to this guy." And I wrote him back. I said, "Just, you know, let it back. I said, "Just, you know, let it back. I said, "Just, you know, let it go. Let it go." go. Let it go." go. Let it go." That sounds like a Disney movie. Let it That sounds like a Disney movie. Let it That sounds like a Disney movie. Let it go. Yeah. Okay. So, let it go, people. go. Yeah. Okay. So, let it go, people. go. Yeah. Okay. So, let it go, people. Like, get to the place where you Like, get to the place where you Like, get to the place where you recognize and understand Paul says this, recognize and understand Paul says this, recognize and understand Paul says this, you want to live out the life of a you want to live out the life of a you want to live out the life of a believer, never say anything, do believer, never say anything, do believer, never say anything, do anything, I'll add the addendum, post anything, I'll add the addendum, post anything, I'll add the addendum, post anything that then would take away your anything that then would take away your anything that then would take away your opportunity and your ability to impact opportunity and your ability to impact opportunity and your ability to impact those people with the gospel of Jesus those people with the gospel of Jesus those people with the gospel of Jesus Christ. I believe there are many people Christ. I believe there are many people Christ. I believe there are many people within the the church today within the the church today within the the church today who have lost their ability to reach the who have lost their ability to reach the who have lost their ability to reach the lost because how they have treated the lost because how they have treated the lost because how they have treated the lost by what they post.

lost by what they post. lost by what they post. And so, when Paul says, "Just mind your And so, when Paul says, "Just mind your And so, when Paul says, "Just mind your own business. Live a quiet life." own business. Live a quiet life." own business. Live a quiet life." Not only will it keep you to be able to Not only will it keep you to be able to Not only will it keep you to be able to actually minister to them, it'll also actually minister to them, it'll also actually minister to them, it'll also make your life better. make your life better. make your life better. You actually will enjoy life a little You actually will enjoy life a little You actually will enjoy life a little bit more if you're not sitting there and bit more if you're not sitting there and bit more if you're not sitting there and watching all of the the mayhem that watching all of the the mayhem that watching all of the the mayhem that takes place online. That has nothing to takes place online. That has nothing to takes place online. That has nothing to do with the sermon. That's a freebie. do with the sermon. That's a freebie. do with the sermon. That's a freebie. I'll throw that in there. Take Take it I'll throw that in there. Take Take it I'll throw that in there. Take Take it and do with it what you like. and do with it what you like. and do with it what you like. But just do what I tell you. Okay, but But just do what I tell you. Okay, but But just do what I tell you. Okay, but but still, do with it what you like. but still, do with it what you like. but still, do with it what you like. Okay, so that you aspire to live a quiet Okay, so that you aspire to live a quiet Okay, so that you aspire to live a quiet life, mind your own business, and to life, mind your own business, and to life, mind your own business, and to work with your own hands as we commanded work with your own hands as we commanded work with your own hands as we commanded you, that you may walk properly towards you, that you may walk properly towards you, that you may walk properly towards those who are outside. In other words, those who are outside. In other words, those who are outside. In other words, so that you will have a good testimony so that you will have a good testimony so that you will have a good testimony to the people outside of the church, and to the people outside of the church, and to the people outside of the church, and that you may lack nothing. that you may lack nothing. that you may lack nothing. We are called to live differently, but We are called to live differently, but We are called to live differently, but we're also called to make sure that we we're also called to make sure that we we're also called to make sure that we have a good testimony with the world, so have a good testimony with the world, so have a good testimony with the world, so that we can reach people with the gospel that we can reach people with the gospel that we can reach people with the gospel of Jesus Christ. That we do not of Jesus Christ. That we do not of Jesus Christ. That we do not sacrifice our ability to reach the lost sacrifice our ability to reach the lost sacrifice our ability to reach the lost by how we live.

by how we live. by how we live. Timothy George said this, "The result of Timothy George said this, "The result of Timothy George said this, "The result of the transforming sanctifying ministry of the transforming sanctifying ministry of the transforming sanctifying ministry of the Holy Spirit in our lives is just the Holy Spirit in our lives is just the Holy Spirit in our lives is just this, that we are enabled to love one this, that we are enabled to love one this, that we are enabled to love one another with the same kind of love that another with the same kind of love that another with the same kind of love that God loves us." God loves us." God loves us." Now, here's a little exercise. Now, here's a little exercise. Now, here's a little exercise. Think about the person in your life, and Think about the person in your life, and Think about the person in your life, and we all have them. we all have them. we all have them. You know exactly who they are when I'm You know exactly who they are when I'm You know exactly who they are when I'm about to say what I'm about to say here. about to say what I'm about to say here. about to say what I'm about to say here. Think about that person in your life Think about that person in your life Think about that person in your life that gets on your last nerve. that gets on your last nerve. that gets on your last nerve. That person that drives you nuts. That person that drives you nuts. That person that drives you nuts. That person that when you see them That person that when you see them That person that when you see them coming, you take a different route. coming, you take a different route. coming, you take a different route. That person when they call you on the That person when they call you on the That person when they call you on the phone, you act like you're not there. phone, you act like you're not there. phone, you act like you're not there. You either hit send to voicemail or, you You either hit send to voicemail or, you You either hit send to voicemail or, you know, hit the button to turn it off or know, hit the button to turn it off or know, hit the button to turn it off or whatever it might be. You know what whatever it might be. You know what whatever it might be. You know what person I'm talking about. In fact, I person I'm talking about. In fact, I person I'm talking about. In fact, I want you to be honest with me. I'm not want you to be honest with me. I'm not want you to be honest with me. I'm not going to ask for names, but if you have going to ask for names, but if you have going to ask for names, but if you have a person like that in your life right a person like that in your life right a person like that in your life right now, and you're thinking of that name now, and you're thinking of that name now, and you're thinking of that name right now, would you just nod your head right now, would you just nod your head right now, would you just nod your head yes, like I know who that person is? yes, like I know who that person is? yes, like I know who that person is? I see a lot of There's a lot of people I see a lot of There's a lot of people I see a lot of There's a lot of people lying in the room right now. lying in the room right now. lying in the room right now. Cuz if you don't have a person like Cuz if you don't have a person like Cuz if you don't have a person like that, you're probably like hiding in the that, you're probably like hiding in the that, you're probably like hiding in the woods all of your life. Cuz we all have woods all of your life. Cuz we all have woods all of your life. Cuz we all have people like that in our lives.

people like that in our lives. people like that in our lives. And here's what Paul says that we're to And here's what Paul says that we're to And here's what Paul says that we're to do in response to those people. Make do in response to those people. Make do in response to those people. Make sure that in your life that you are sure that in your life that you are sure that in your life that you are loving them the same way that God loves loving them the same way that God loves loving them the same way that God loves them. them. them. Now, that person that you're thinking Now, that person that you're thinking Now, that person that you're thinking of, of, of, do you think God loves that person? do you think God loves that person? do you think God loves that person? Be honest. Be honest. Be honest. Do you think God loves that person? The Do you think God loves that person? The Do you think God loves that person? The answer is absolutely answer is absolutely answer is absolutely yes. yes. yes. And so, when Paul writes in this passage And so, when Paul writes in this passage And so, when Paul writes in this passage the statement, "Walk properly towards the statement, "Walk properly towards the statement, "Walk properly towards those who are outside, so that you may those who are outside, so that you may those who are outside, so that you may lack nothing." Our responsibility, lack nothing." Our responsibility, lack nothing." Our responsibility, according to the word of God, is live according to the word of God, is live according to the word of God, is live our lives so that we will love those our lives so that we will love those our lives so that we will love those people people people that get on our last nerve the same way that get on our last nerve the same way that get on our last nerve the same way that God loves them. Now, you're seeing that God loves them. Now, you're seeing that God loves them. Now, you're seeing why the oddball shirt makes sense. why the oddball shirt makes sense. why the oddball shirt makes sense. Because according to the world, that Because according to the world, that Because according to the world, that doesn't make sense. doesn't make sense. doesn't make sense. So, we're to have a passion for them. So, we're to have a passion for them. So, we're to have a passion for them. And that passion is a passion that is And that passion is a passion that is And that passion is a passion that is exhibited and shown through love, but it exhibited and shown through love, but it exhibited and shown through love, but it is shown through love in the idea that is shown through love in the idea that is shown through love in the idea that they're a person for whom Jesus died, they're a person for whom Jesus died, they're a person for whom Jesus died, and we want to get the message of the and we want to get the message of the and we want to get the message of the gospel to them.

gospel to them. gospel to them. That's the picture. Leon Morris said That's the picture. Leon Morris said That's the picture. Leon Morris said this way, this way, this way, "Two things in particular mark off the "Two things in particular mark off the "Two things in particular mark off the Christian of New Testament days from Christian of New Testament days from Christian of New Testament days from contemporary society. The purity of contemporary society. The purity of contemporary society. The purity of their lives, because that was unusual, their lives, because that was unusual, their lives, because that was unusual, and the love that they practiced so and the love that they practiced so and the love that they practiced so fully. fully. fully. It is to be exercised by the Christian It is to be exercised by the Christian It is to be exercised by the Christian towards all people, irrespective of towards all people, irrespective of towards all people, irrespective of their merit their merit their merit or their reverse." or their reverse." or their reverse." In other words, we have a responsibility In other words, we have a responsibility In other words, we have a responsibility to love people, to have a passion for to love people, to have a passion for to love people, to have a passion for people, a passion for the gospel, to people, a passion for the gospel, to people, a passion for the gospel, to point them to Christ, to show them what point them to Christ, to show them what point them to Christ, to show them what Jesus did for them. And that is what Jesus did for them. And that is what Jesus did for them. And that is what should mark us as different than the should mark us as different than the should mark us as different than the world. world. world. So, you've got purity and you've got So, you've got purity and you've got So, you've got purity and you've got passion. passion. passion. The third word is the word perspective. The third word is the word perspective. The third word is the word perspective. And the perspective is this, why do we And the perspective is this, why do we And the perspective is this, why do we want to live a pure lives? Why do we want to live a pure lives? Why do we want to live a pure lives? Why do we want to walk in holiness? Why should we want to walk in holiness? Why should we want to walk in holiness? Why should we love others and why should we have a love others and why should we have a love others and why should we have a passion to bring people to the cross? passion to bring people to the cross? passion to bring people to the cross? Here's why, because verse 13 says these Here's why, because verse 13 says these Here's why, because verse 13 says these words.

words. words. But I do not want you to be ignorant, But I do not want you to be ignorant, But I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have brethren, concerning those who have brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep, lest you sorrow as others fallen asleep, lest you sorrow as others fallen asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope. For if we believe that who have no hope. For if we believe that who have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, God Jesus died and rose again, even so, God Jesus died and rose again, even so, God will bring with him those who sleep in will bring with him those who sleep in will bring with him those who sleep in Jesus. Jesus. Jesus. For this we say to you by the word of For this we say to you by the word of For this we say to you by the word of the Lord that we who are alive and the Lord that we who are alive and the Lord that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord will remain until the coming of the Lord will remain until the coming of the Lord will by no means precede those who are by no means precede those who are by no means precede those who are asleep. asleep. asleep. For the Lord himself For the Lord himself For the Lord himself it goes on to say, will descend from it goes on to say, will descend from it goes on to say, will descend from heaven with a shout, with a voice of an heaven with a shout, with a voice of an heaven with a shout, with a voice of an archangel, the trumpet of God, and the archangel, the trumpet of God, and the archangel, the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ shall rise first, and dead in Christ shall rise first, and dead in Christ shall rise first, and then we who are alive and remain shall then we who are alive and remain shall then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the be caught up together with them in the be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and thus we shall always be with the Lord. thus we shall always be with the Lord. thus we shall always be with the Lord. Therefore, comfort one another with Therefore, comfort one another with Therefore, comfort one another with these words. these words. these words. Now, this passage, to be honest with Now, this passage, to be honest with Now, this passage, to be honest with you, is one of my favorite passages in you, is one of my favorite passages in you, is one of my favorite passages in all of scripture. all of scripture. all of scripture. And if you've ever been to a funeral And if you've ever been to a funeral And if you've ever been to a funeral service service service where I have conducted the funeral where I have conducted the funeral where I have conducted the funeral likely you've heard me quote that likely you've heard me quote that likely you've heard me quote that passage. In fact, if you've been to a passage. In fact, if you've been to a passage. In fact, if you've been to a funeral and you've heard me use that funeral and you've heard me use that funeral and you've heard me use that passage, just raise raise your hand.

passage, just raise raise your hand. passage, just raise raise your hand. People all across the room. People all across the room. People all across the room. Because I use that often when I'm Because I use that often when I'm Because I use that often when I'm standing in a funeral service. Because, standing in a funeral service. Because, standing in a funeral service. Because, man, think about the hope that that man, think about the hope that that man, think about the hope that that passage gives you. passage gives you. passage gives you. Here's the hope that it gives you. It Here's the hope that it gives you. It Here's the hope that it gives you. It gives you the hope that if you trust and gives you the hope that if you trust and gives you the hope that if you trust and believe that Jesus Christ is Lord, that believe that Jesus Christ is Lord, that believe that Jesus Christ is Lord, that he died and that he rose again, one day he died and that he rose again, one day he died and that he rose again, one day you're going to see those who have gone you're going to see those who have gone you're going to see those who have gone before you, those who passed away. before you, those who passed away. before you, those who passed away. You're going to see them again. You're going to see them again. You're going to see them again. I'm going to see my mom and dad again. I'm going to see my mom and dad again. I'm going to see my mom and dad again. Today I'm wearing a tie that was my Today I'm wearing a tie that was my Today I'm wearing a tie that was my dad's from the 1970s. I'm wearing his dad's from the 1970s. I'm wearing his dad's from the 1970s. I'm wearing his tie, I'm wearing his watch, I've got his tie, I'm wearing his watch, I've got his tie, I'm wearing his watch, I've got his Bible up here. I've got my mom's little Bible up here. I've got my mom's little Bible up here. I've got my mom's little notebook and all of her perfect notebook and all of her perfect notebook and all of her perfect handwriting, which really drives me handwriting, which really drives me handwriting, which really drives me nuts. And I I've got I've got all the nuts. And I I've got I've got all the nuts. And I I've got I've got all the big men and I love these things. These big men and I love these things. These big men and I love these things. These these these items that that that are these these items that that that are these these items that that that are really really old, the things that go really really old, the things that go really really old, the things that go all the way back to my dad and my mom all the way back to my dad and my mom all the way back to my dad and my mom and I I cherish these things. and I I cherish these things. and I I cherish these things. And And And if that's the only thing that I had to if that's the only thing that I had to if that's the only thing that I had to hold on to hold on to hold on to were those memories of my mom and dad. were those memories of my mom and dad. were those memories of my mom and dad. Let's be honest, that's not a very Let's be honest, that's not a very Let's be honest, that's not a very hopeful position.

hopeful position. hopeful position. That's not something that would bring That's not something that would bring That's not something that would bring you a lot of joy. you a lot of joy. you a lot of joy. If all that I ever had to think about is If all that I ever had to think about is If all that I ever had to think about is the fact the fact the fact that I can hold up this Bible from that I can hold up this Bible from that I can hold up this Bible from uh from 1952, from January 21st of 1952, uh from 1952, from January 21st of 1952, uh from 1952, from January 21st of 1952, the day after my dad got saved and he the day after my dad got saved and he the day after my dad got saved and he went out and bought this went out and bought this went out and bought this uh this Bible the next day and and this uh this Bible the next day and and this uh this Bible the next day and and this is like the only thing that I had is like the only thing that I had is like the only thing that I had connected to him uh like I mean it's connected to him uh like I mean it's connected to him uh like I mean it's great, it's the word of God, but let's great, it's the word of God, but let's great, it's the word of God, but let's be honest, if that's all that I had to be honest, if that's all that I had to be honest, if that's all that I had to look forward to that I'd ever see my dad look forward to that I'd ever see my dad look forward to that I'd ever see my dad like would be this, that's not a lot of like would be this, that's not a lot of like would be this, that's not a lot of great news. great news. great news. If this tie If this tie If this tie if this tie was the only thing I had to if this tie was the only thing I had to if this tie was the only thing I had to cling to cling to cling to about the hope of uh of kind of about the hope of uh of kind of about the hope of uh of kind of connecting with my dad ever again was connecting with my dad ever again was connecting with my dad ever again was just this tie. Let's be honest, it's not just this tie. Let's be honest, it's not just this tie. Let's be honest, it's not that nice of a tie. It's not that that nice of a tie. It's not that that nice of a tie. It's not that pretty. pretty. pretty. But if this is all that there was, like But if this is all that there was, like But if this is all that there was, like man, that's not not like a lot of hope. man, that's not not like a lot of hope. man, that's not not like a lot of hope. If this watch that I'm wearing If this watch that I'm wearing If this watch that I'm wearing his watch his watch his watch if this is all that I had to really kind if this is all that I had to really kind if this is all that I had to really kind of remember him and to connect with him, of remember him and to connect with him, of remember him and to connect with him, like that that's not a lot of good news. like that that's not a lot of good news. like that that's not a lot of good news. But here's what this passage says.

But here's what this passage says. But here's what this passage says. That one day, for the Lord himself will That one day, for the Lord himself will That one day, for the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with a descend from heaven with a shout, with a descend from heaven with a shout, with a voice of an archangel and the trumpet of voice of an archangel and the trumpet of voice of an archangel and the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ shall rise God, and the dead in Christ shall rise God, and the dead in Christ shall rise first, and then we who are alive and first, and then we who are alive and first, and then we who are alive and remain, that's you and me, shall be remain, that's you and me, shall be remain, that's you and me, shall be caught up together with them. caught up together with them. caught up together with them. And that word them gives me all the hope And that word them gives me all the hope And that word them gives me all the hope that I need. that I need. that I need. Because who are them? Because who are them? Because who are them? The people who've gone before. The people who've gone before. The people who've gone before. I'm going to see my mom and dad again. I'm going to see my mom and dad again. I'm going to see my mom and dad again. One day One day One day Melody, you're going to hear heavenly Melody, you're going to hear heavenly Melody, you're going to hear heavenly sunshine again sunshine again sunshine again as your dad, who's been in heaven for as your dad, who's been in heaven for as your dad, who's been in heaven for many, many years, as he leads that. many, many years, as he leads that. many, many years, as he leads that. You're going to have the opportunity of You're going to have the opportunity of You're going to have the opportunity of seeing the people that that have meant seeing the people that that have meant seeing the people that that have meant so much to you in in your lifetime, so much to you in in your lifetime, so much to you in in your lifetime, people of faith that have encouraged people of faith that have encouraged people of faith that have encouraged you, fathers and mothers and you, fathers and mothers and you, fathers and mothers and grandfathers and grandmothers and grandfathers and grandmothers and grandfathers and grandmothers and great-grandfathers and great-grandfathers and great-grandfathers and great-grandmothers who have lived their great-grandmothers who have lived their great-grandmothers who have lived their life for Christ that meant so much to life for Christ that meant so much to life for Christ that meant so much to you and they have long since been gone. you and they have long since been gone. you and they have long since been gone. You will see them again. You will see them again. You will see them again. Not because of what you do, but because Not because of what you do, but because Not because of what you do, but because of what Christ has done.

of what Christ has done. of what Christ has done. And so, the perspective we have is this, And so, the perspective we have is this, And so, the perspective we have is this, like, this world is not all we have to like, this world is not all we have to like, this world is not all we have to look forward to. look forward to. look forward to. And thank God it's not. And thank God it's not. And thank God it's not. Thank God that we have something better Thank God that we have something better Thank God that we have something better in store. in store. in store. Thank God that through trusting and Thank God that through trusting and Thank God that through trusting and believing that Jesus is God's son, that believing that Jesus is God's son, that believing that Jesus is God's son, that he died and that he rose again, he died and that he rose again, he died and that he rose again, according to verse 14 of this passage, according to verse 14 of this passage, according to verse 14 of this passage, thank God that because we believe that thank God that because we believe that thank God that because we believe that one day we will see him again. one day we will see him again. one day we will see him again. This passage says This passage says This passage says for the Lord himself will descend from for the Lord himself will descend from for the Lord himself will descend from heaven heaven heaven with a shout. with a shout. with a shout. Hey! Hey! Hey! That's scary? That's scary? That's scary? Little bit? Little bit? Little bit? I've been looking forward to that. I've been looking forward to that. I've been looking forward to that. I actually, true story. I actually, true story. I actually, true story. I have it written down in my notes, I have it written down in my notes, I have it written down in my notes, shout loud right when I get to that shout loud right when I get to that shout loud right when I get to that passage. passage. passage. Cuz here's the thing, Cuz here's the thing, Cuz here's the thing, it scares us, it surprises us, but the it scares us, it surprises us, but the it scares us, it surprises us, but the perspective that we're to have is that perspective that we're to have is that perspective that we're to have is that we will not be surprised when he comes we will not be surprised when he comes we will not be surprised when he comes back. We're going to read in just a back. We're going to read in just a back. We're going to read in just a moment how he's going to come like a moment how he's going to come like a moment how he's going to come like a thief in the night. That he's going to thief in the night. That he's going to thief in the night. That he's going to come when we don't expect it. He's going come when we don't expect it. He's going come when we don't expect it. He's going to come when we least expect it, but to come when we least expect it, but to come when we least expect it, but man, if we're living our lives, again, man, if we're living our lives, again, man, if we're living our lives, again, marked by our faith, marked by trusting marked by our faith, marked by trusting marked by our faith, marked by trusting and believing in him, while we may not and believing in him, while we may not and believing in him, while we may not know the day or the hour, we will will know the day or the hour, we will will know the day or the hour, we will will be caught off guard. We will not be be caught off guard. We will not be be caught off guard. We will not be surprised. We will not be shocked. More surprised. We will not be shocked. More surprised. We will not be shocked. More importantly, importantly, importantly, we will not be caught doing what we we will not be caught doing what we we will not be caught doing what we should not do should not do should not do in that moment.

in that moment. in that moment. If we are living with the proper If we are living with the proper If we are living with the proper perspective, perspective, perspective, if we're living with purity in our if we're living with purity in our if we're living with purity in our hearts, if we're living with the passion hearts, if we're living with the passion hearts, if we're living with the passion and love for others, that perspective and love for others, that perspective and love for others, that perspective changes everything. Walter Elwell said changes everything. Walter Elwell said changes everything. Walter Elwell said this, "The reference to the trumpet call this, "The reference to the trumpet call this, "The reference to the trumpet call of God has a rich Old Testament of God has a rich Old Testament of God has a rich Old Testament background. At Sinai, the trumpets blew background. At Sinai, the trumpets blew background. At Sinai, the trumpets blew and Moses led the people out of the camp and Moses led the people out of the camp and Moses led the people out of the camp to meet God. to meet God. to meet God. Similar Similarly, Similar Similarly, Similar Similarly, at the parousia, which is the Greek word at the parousia, which is the Greek word at the parousia, which is the Greek word there meaning the coming or the there meaning the coming or the there meaning the coming or the presence. In other words, when Christ presence. In other words, when Christ presence. In other words, when Christ returns, returns, returns, the trumpet will sound and God's people the trumpet will sound and God's people the trumpet will sound and God's people will go out to meet the Lord. will go out to meet the Lord. will go out to meet the Lord. That same thread has gone all the way That same thread has gone all the way That same thread has gone all the way through the Old Testament into the New through the Old Testament into the New through the Old Testament into the New Testament and it's still yet to come. Testament and it's still yet to come. Testament and it's still yet to come. That there will be coming this shout. That there will be coming this shout. That there will be coming this shout. There'll be coming this trumpet. And There'll be coming this trumpet. And There'll be coming this trumpet. And when it happens and when we hear it, when it happens and when we hear it, when it happens and when we hear it, in an instant, in an instant, in an instant, we will leave this broken, decrepit, we will leave this broken, decrepit, we will leave this broken, decrepit, des- desperate, discouraging world des- desperate, discouraging world des- desperate, discouraging world behind. behind. behind. And in an instant and in a moment, we And in an instant and in a moment, we And in an instant and in a moment, we will be standing in the presence will be standing in the presence will be standing in the presence of God.

of God. of God. And the people that we have loved here And the people that we have loved here And the people that we have loved here that have gone before us, that have gone before us, that have gone before us, that they will be standing there waiting that they will be standing there waiting that they will be standing there waiting for us. for us. for us. And there will be a great reunion that And there will be a great reunion that And there will be a great reunion that takes place as the church is gathered takes place as the church is gathered takes place as the church is gathered together, together, together, the bride of Christ. the bride of Christ. the bride of Christ. You see, that's the perspective that God You see, that's the perspective that God You see, that's the perspective that God wants us to have. wants us to have. wants us to have. That's the perspective that Paul was That's the perspective that Paul was That's the perspective that Paul was writing to the church that this must be writing to the church that this must be writing to the church that this must be present. And then this last word, the present. And then this last word, the present. And then this last word, the fourth word, preparation. fourth word, preparation. fourth word, preparation. So, if we're going to live in purity, if So, if we're going to live in purity, if So, if we're going to live in purity, if we're going to live with passion, if we're going to live with passion, if we're going to live with passion, if we're going to live in the right we're going to live in the right we're going to live in the right perspective, perspective, perspective, then what that leads us to understand is then what that leads us to understand is then what that leads us to understand is there has to be preparation. there has to be preparation. there has to be preparation. Look in verse Look in verse Look in verse two, 1 Thessalonians chapter 5. two, 1 Thessalonians chapter 5. two, 1 Thessalonians chapter 5. For you yourselves know For you yourselves know For you yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so perfectly that the day of the Lord so perfectly that the day of the Lord so comes as a thief in the night. comes as a thief in the night. comes as a thief in the night. For when they say peace and safety, then For when they say peace and safety, then For when they say peace and safety, then sudden destruction comes upon them as sudden destruction comes upon them as sudden destruction comes upon them as labor pains upon a pregnant woman. labor pains upon a pregnant woman. labor pains upon a pregnant woman. And they shall not escape, but you, And they shall not escape, but you, And they shall not escape, but you, brethren, are not in darkness so that brethren, are not in darkness so that brethren, are not in darkness so that this day should overtake you as a thief. this day should overtake you as a thief. this day should overtake you as a thief. You are all sons of light and sons of You are all sons of light and sons of You are all sons of light and sons of the day. We are not of the night nor of the day. We are not of the night nor of the day. We are not of the night nor of darkness. Therefore, let us not sleep as darkness. Therefore, let us not sleep as darkness. Therefore, let us not sleep as others do, but let us watch and be others do, but let us watch and be others do, but let us watch and be sober.

sober. sober. That idea, that picture That idea, that picture That idea, that picture that because we are followers of Jesus that because we are followers of Jesus that because we are followers of Jesus Christ, we don't need to fear that Christ, we don't need to fear that Christ, we don't need to fear that moment. That we don't need to sit back moment. That we don't need to sit back moment. That we don't need to sit back like as it's going to come with a thief like as it's going to come with a thief like as it's going to come with a thief in the night. That we don't have to sit in the night. That we don't have to sit in the night. That we don't have to sit back and worry and fear. That we are back and worry and fear. That we are back and worry and fear. That we are sons and daughters of light. sons and daughters of light. sons and daughters of light. That we have been transformed by the That we have been transformed by the That we have been transformed by the gospel of Jesus Christ and therefore in gospel of Jesus Christ and therefore in gospel of Jesus Christ and therefore in our lives, the preparation we must do is our lives, the preparation we must do is our lives, the preparation we must do is to simply just be watching and waiting to simply just be watching and waiting to simply just be watching and waiting with hearts that are expectant of what with hearts that are expectant of what with hearts that are expectant of what God is going to do. God is going to do. God is going to do. As a pastor, I get to conduct a lot of As a pastor, I get to conduct a lot of As a pastor, I get to conduct a lot of weddings. A lot of weddings. I did one weddings. A lot of weddings. I did one weddings. A lot of weddings. I did one last night. last night. last night. I did one for for James and Berkeley. I did one for for James and Berkeley. I did one for for James and Berkeley. I had the opportunity of standing there I had the opportunity of standing there I had the opportunity of standing there at the at the altar and James was at the at the altar and James was at the at the altar and James was standing right by my side. James standing right by my side. James standing right by my side. James Estillman, he was waiting for Berkeley Estillman, he was waiting for Berkeley Estillman, he was waiting for Berkeley Thomas to to walk down the the aisle and Thomas to to walk down the the aisle and Thomas to to walk down the the aisle and to come and meet him there. to come and meet him there. to come and meet him there. And he's standing there and and all the And he's standing there and and all the And he's standing there and and all the bridesmaids were coming in, the bridesmaids were coming in, the bridesmaids were coming in, the groomsmen were coming in and and next he groomsmen were coming in and and next he groomsmen were coming in and and next he knew he knew that next the bride was knew he knew that next the bride was knew he knew that next the bride was going to be coming through those doors going to be coming through those doors going to be coming through those doors in the back.

in the back. in the back. And the bridesmaid that was to my right And the bridesmaid that was to my right And the bridesmaid that was to my right as soon as as she saw that that the door as soon as as she saw that that the door as soon as as she saw that that the door was about to open, her first words were was about to open, her first words were was about to open, her first words were this as I said, "James, look down. Don't this as I said, "James, look down. Don't this as I said, "James, look down. Don't look." look." look." And so James put his head down cuz the And so James put his head down cuz the And so James put his head down cuz the idea was that they he they wanted like idea was that they he they wanted like idea was that they he they wanted like some remarkable moment the first time some remarkable moment the first time some remarkable moment the first time that he saw her. So he was looking down that he saw her. So he was looking down that he saw her. So he was looking down at the ground and and I was sitting at the ground and and I was sitting at the ground and and I was sitting there watching him and you know, he's there watching him and you know, he's there watching him and you know, he's sitting with his eyes down and all of a sitting with his eyes down and all of a sitting with his eyes down and all of a sudden the doors open, the music played, sudden the doors open, the music played, sudden the doors open, the music played, and she started making her way down and and she started making her way down and and she started making her way down and and he looks up. and he looks up. and he looks up. And here's this guy that going all the And here's this guy that going all the And here's this guy that going all the way back to 10th grade, he has been way back to 10th grade, he has been way back to 10th grade, he has been dating this girl and excited about the dating this girl and excited about the dating this girl and excited about the opportunity of one day he was going to opportunity of one day he was going to opportunity of one day he was going to marry this girl years and years later. marry this girl years and years later. marry this girl years and years later. And he looks up and he sees her for the And he looks up and he sees her for the And he looks up and he sees her for the very first time in her wedding dress. He very first time in her wedding dress. He very first time in her wedding dress. He sees her for the very first time as sees her for the very first time as sees her for the very first time as she's making her way to the altar. she's making her way to the altar. she's making her way to the altar. And man, you could see tears begin to And man, you could see tears begin to And man, you could see tears begin to well up in his eyes. The excitement that well up in his eyes. The excitement that well up in his eyes. The excitement that he felt that that this this woman that he felt that that this this woman that he felt that that this this woman that he loved so very much was now going to he loved so very much was now going to he loved so very much was now going to be made his wife. be made his wife. be made his wife. That's the same exact picture That's the same exact picture That's the same exact picture of how we need to feel.

of how we need to feel. of how we need to feel. That we are literally with expectant That we are literally with expectant That we are literally with expectant hearts hearts hearts excited about the fact that one day we excited about the fact that one day we excited about the fact that one day we are going to have the opportunity are going to have the opportunity are going to have the opportunity of standing before him. of standing before him. of standing before him. And that we just can't wait, that we are And that we just can't wait, that we are And that we just can't wait, that we are prepared, that we are ready, that we're prepared, that we are ready, that we're prepared, that we are ready, that we're looking forward to that moment. looking forward to that moment. looking forward to that moment. John MacArthur said this, "Being John MacArthur said this, "Being John MacArthur said this, "Being spiritually prepared for the return of spiritually prepared for the return of spiritually prepared for the return of Christ does not involve date setting or Christ does not involve date setting or Christ does not involve date setting or clock watching or sign seeking. God has clock watching or sign seeking. God has clock watching or sign seeking. God has chosen not to reveal the specific time chosen not to reveal the specific time chosen not to reveal the specific time of end-time events so that all believers of end-time events so that all believers of end-time events so that all believers will live in constant anticipation will live in constant anticipation will live in constant anticipation of that moment." of that moment." of that moment." I know this, James was living the last I know this, James was living the last I know this, James was living the last several weeks in constant anticipation several weeks in constant anticipation several weeks in constant anticipation for that moment. for that moment. for that moment. And that's how we're to live our lives. And that's how we're to live our lives. And that's how we're to live our lives. Verse 14, it goes on to say, "Now we Verse 14, it goes on to say, "Now we Verse 14, it goes on to say, "Now we exhort you, brethren, exhort you, brethren, exhort you, brethren, warn those who are unruly, comfort the warn those who are unruly, comfort the warn those who are unruly, comfort the fainthearted, uphold the weak, be fainthearted, uphold the weak, be fainthearted, uphold the weak, be patient with all. See that no one patient with all. See that no one patient with all. See that no one renders evil for evil to anyone, but renders evil for evil to anyone, but renders evil for evil to anyone, but always pursue what is good both for always pursue what is good both for always pursue what is good both for yourselves and for all. Rejoice always, yourselves and for all. Rejoice always, yourselves and for all. Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give pray without ceasing, in everything give pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in thanks, for this is the will of God in thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. Do not quench the Christ Jesus for you. Do not quench the Christ Jesus for you. Do not quench the spirit. Do not despise prophecies, test spirit. Do not despise prophecies, test spirit. Do not despise prophecies, test all things, hold fast what is good.

all things, hold fast what is good. all things, hold fast what is good. Abstain from every form of evil. Now, Abstain from every form of evil. Now, Abstain from every form of evil. Now, may the God of peace himself sanctify may the God of peace himself sanctify may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole you completely, and may your whole you completely, and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved spirit, soul, and body be preserved spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord blameless at the coming of our Lord blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. What this last part of 1 Jesus Christ. What this last part of 1 Jesus Christ. What this last part of 1 Thessalonians chapter 5 does, this Thessalonians chapter 5 does, this Thessalonians chapter 5 does, this letter that he writes to the church at letter that he writes to the church at letter that he writes to the church at Thessalonica, that he writes to us, he Thessalonica, that he writes to us, he Thessalonica, that he writes to us, he gives us a a a quick checklist for the gives us a a a quick checklist for the gives us a a a quick checklist for the believer. A checklist for the waiting, a believer. A checklist for the waiting, a believer. A checklist for the waiting, a checklist for our lives. And it's going checklist for our lives. And it's going checklist for our lives. And it's going to be on the screen, and and I'm just to be on the screen, and and I'm just to be on the screen, and and I'm just going to read these through just quickly going to read these through just quickly going to read these through just quickly of what this passage says. The first one of what this passage says. The first one of what this passage says. The first one is this. It says, "Do good." is this. It says, "Do good." is this. It says, "Do good." Do good. Do good. Do good. We read a moment ago We read a moment ago We read a moment ago that we are not to to be unruly. We're that we are not to to be unruly. We're that we are not to to be unruly. We're to comfort the faint-hearted to comfort the faint-hearted to comfort the faint-hearted faint-hearted, uphold the weak, be faint-hearted, uphold the weak, be faint-hearted, uphold the weak, be patient with all, and see that no one patient with all, and see that no one patient with all, and see that no one renders evil for evil to anyone, and renders evil for evil to anyone, and renders evil for evil to anyone, and always pursue what is good. We are always pursue what is good. We are always pursue what is good. We are called to do good. The second one, live called to do good. The second one, live called to do good. The second one, live with joy. with joy. with joy. It says, "Rejoice always." It says, "Rejoice always." It says, "Rejoice always." That's a tough thing to do.

That's a tough thing to do. That's a tough thing to do. Because a lot of times life is Because a lot of times life is Because a lot of times life is difficult. A lot of times life throws difficult. A lot of times life throws difficult. A lot of times life throws you curveballs. A lot of times you're you curveballs. A lot of times you're you curveballs. A lot of times you're sitting there, and you're brokenhearted. sitting there, and you're brokenhearted. sitting there, and you're brokenhearted. But here's what God's word says, and I But here's what God's word says, and I But here's what God's word says, and I want you to hear this. want you to hear this. want you to hear this. Even in the midst of your darkest, most Even in the midst of your darkest, most Even in the midst of your darkest, most difficult day, difficult day, difficult day, even when you are experiencing loss in a even when you are experiencing loss in a even when you are experiencing loss in a way that you never thought possible, way that you never thought possible, way that you never thought possible, the greatest thing that God has given to the greatest thing that God has given to the greatest thing that God has given to us outside of the gift of salvation is us outside of the gift of salvation is us outside of the gift of salvation is this, that we can still face those this, that we can still face those this, that we can still face those moments in joy. moments in joy. moments in joy. Not happiness, that's a different thing. Not happiness, that's a different thing. Not happiness, that's a different thing. But we can face them in joy. Why? But we can face them in joy. Why? But we can face them in joy. Why? Because we have the proper perspective. Because we have the proper perspective. Because we have the proper perspective. Because we know what's next. We know Because we know what's next. We know Because we know what's next. We know what's coming. So, live with joy. The what's coming. So, live with joy. The what's coming. So, live with joy. The next one, it says, "Pray without next one, it says, "Pray without next one, it says, "Pray without ceasing." So, pray about everything. ceasing." So, pray about everything. ceasing." So, pray about everything. Be a person who recognizes the power of Be a person who recognizes the power of Be a person who recognizes the power of prayer. The next one, be thankful. prayer. The next one, be thankful. prayer. The next one, be thankful. Be Be about what you have the Be Be about what you have the Be Be about what you have the opportunity of doing. Be thankful for opportunity of doing. Be thankful for opportunity of doing. Be thankful for your family and your friends. Be your family and your friends. Be your family and your friends. Be thankful for all that God has allowed thankful for all that God has allowed thankful for all that God has allowed you to do. Be thankful this day. Be you to do. Be thankful this day. Be you to do. Be thankful this day. Be thankful for your dads.

thankful for your dads. thankful for your dads. For the ministry that they have poured For the ministry that they have poured For the ministry that they have poured into you. into you. into you. Be thankful a month ago for your moms. Be thankful a month ago for your moms. Be thankful a month ago for your moms. Be thankful for what God has done. Be thankful for what God has done. Be thankful for what God has done. The next one, let the Holy Spirit guide The next one, let the Holy Spirit guide The next one, let the Holy Spirit guide your steps. your steps. your steps. Then every day of your life, seek the Then every day of your life, seek the Then every day of your life, seek the Holy Spirit's guiding in what you do. Holy Spirit's guiding in what you do. Holy Spirit's guiding in what you do. And how do we do that? Through prayer And how do we do that? Through prayer And how do we do that? Through prayer and through the word. You do that, it'll and through the word. You do that, it'll and through the word. You do that, it'll change how you walk through life. change how you walk through life. change how you walk through life. The next one, seek truth. The next one, seek truth. The next one, seek truth. How do we seek truth? How do we seek truth? How do we seek truth? We spend time in the word of God. We spend time in the word of God. We spend time in the word of God. We don't let the world tell us what's We don't let the world tell us what's We don't let the world tell us what's right and what's true and what's what's right and what's true and what's what's right and what's true and what's what's honest and what's real. honest and what's real. honest and what's real. We let God tell us what is true. We let God tell us what is true. We let God tell us what is true. And the last one is to be holy. And the last one is to be holy. And the last one is to be holy. We've talked about that already. We've talked about that already. We've talked about that already. Man, I want to be more like Christ today Man, I want to be more like Christ today Man, I want to be more like Christ today than I was yesterday. than I was yesterday. than I was yesterday. Here's the thing we need to understand, Here's the thing we need to understand, Here's the thing we need to understand, like we're never going to be exactly like we're never going to be exactly like we're never going to be exactly like Christ cuz that's impossible. like Christ cuz that's impossible. like Christ cuz that's impossible. But, we are called to be holy. And here But, we are called to be holy. And here But, we are called to be holy. And here Paul writes in verse 24, Paul writes in verse 24, Paul writes in verse 24, the great encouragement that every the great encouragement that every the great encouragement that every person in this room that listened to person in this room that listened to person in this room that listened to everything that I've said today.

everything that I've said today. everything that I've said today. You said, "Man, that sounds easy, but You said, "Man, that sounds easy, but You said, "Man, that sounds easy, but there's just no way I can do that." there's just no way I can do that." there's just no way I can do that." Here's what God's word says. Here's what God's word says. Here's what God's word says. He who calls you He who calls you He who calls you is faithful. is faithful. is faithful. Who also Who also Who also will do it. will do it. will do it. God has called you God has called you God has called you to be sanctified. What is the will of to be sanctified. What is the will of to be sanctified. What is the will of God? God? God? Your sanctification. Your sanctification. Your sanctification. God has called you to be separate. God God has called you to be separate. God God has called you to be separate. God has called you to be different. has called you to be different. has called you to be different. God has called you to be holy. God has called you to be holy. God has called you to be holy. And we live in a world today where it's And we live in a world today where it's And we live in a world today where it's very difficult to do that outside of very difficult to do that outside of very difficult to do that outside of trusting the promise of God. trusting the promise of God. trusting the promise of God. He who has called you He who has called you He who has called you is is is is is is And he And he And he will will will do it. do it. do it. So, trust him today. So, trust him today. So, trust him today. Those are the four marks Those are the four marks Those are the four marks of the mission. of the mission. of the mission. Those are the four markers that as Those are the four markers that as Those are the four markers that as followers of Christ had better be followers of Christ had better be followers of Christ had better be present in our lives. And if you can present in our lives. And if you can present in our lives. And if you can focus your day on doing these, focus your day on doing these, focus your day on doing these, I can promise you I can promise you I can promise you your day is going to look a whole lot your day is going to look a whole lot your day is going to look a whole lot better better better than you could possibly imagine.

I wish that you'd bow your heads and I wish that you'd bow your heads and close your eyes. close your eyes. close your eyes. In a moment, Scott's going to come out In a moment, Scott's going to come out In a moment, Scott's going to come out and we're going to end our service today and we're going to end our service today and we're going to end our service today with our altar. Our team is going to be with our altar. Our team is going to be with our altar. Our team is going to be here. The altar is going to be open. here. The altar is going to be open. here. The altar is going to be open. We're going to have the opportunity of We're going to have the opportunity of We're going to have the opportunity of uh of ministering to you. If you're here uh of ministering to you. If you're here uh of ministering to you. If you're here today and you don't know Christ, man, today and you don't know Christ, man, today and you don't know Christ, man, incredible incredible gift that God has incredible incredible gift that God has incredible incredible gift that God has given to you in the gift of salvation. given to you in the gift of salvation. given to you in the gift of salvation. And I want to encourage you today if you And I want to encourage you today if you And I want to encourage you today if you don't know him. Our team is here. We'd don't know him. Our team is here. We'd don't know him. Our team is here. We'd love to talk with you about who Christ love to talk with you about who Christ love to talk with you about who Christ is. is. is. You want to come today and seek God's You want to come today and seek God's You want to come today and seek God's direction? Man, our team is here. We'd direction? Man, our team is here. We'd direction? Man, our team is here. We'd love to talk with you about that. love to talk with you about that. love to talk with you about that. You want to come today and join our You want to come today and join our You want to come today and join our church? church? church? You can't be a charter member. Only this You can't be a charter member. Only this You can't be a charter member. Only this group down here can do that. But 70 group down here can do that. But 70 group down here can do that. But 70 years later, you can be the one of the years later, you can be the one of the years later, you can be the one of the people who joined today, which is pretty people who joined today, which is pretty people who joined today, which is pretty cool. cool. cool. Maybe you want to come for baptism. Maybe you want to come for baptism. Maybe you want to come for baptism. Maybe you want to come and talk about Maybe you want to come and talk about Maybe you want to come and talk about some other issue. We're going to do some other issue. We're going to do some other issue. We're going to do that. But But as we do that and as the that. But But as we do that and as the that. But But as we do that and as the altar is open, altar is open, altar is open, Scott's going to lead us in an old Scott's going to lead us in an old Scott's going to lead us in an old familiar hymn. familiar hymn. familiar hymn. Probably a hymn that I don't know if it Probably a hymn that I don't know if it Probably a hymn that I don't know if it was on the first Sunday. You guys may was on the first Sunday. You guys may was on the first Sunday. You guys may know this. I don't know. know this. I don't know. know this. I don't know. It It might have been sung on the first It It might have been sung on the first It It might have been sung on the first Sunday. But my guess is it definitely Sunday. But my guess is it definitely Sunday. But my guess is it definitely was sung within the first year of was sung within the first year of was sung within the first year of [music] the church starting 70 years [music] the church starting 70 years [music] the church starting 70 years ago.

ago. ago. And it's this song, Great Is [music] Thy And it's this song, Great Is [music] Thy And it's this song, Great Is [music] Thy Faithfulness. Faithfulness. Faithfulness. God has been faithful to this church for God has been faithful to this church for God has been faithful to this church for 70 years. 70 years. 70 years. But God's also been faithful to you. But God's also been faithful to you. But God's also been faithful to you. God's been faithful in doing a lot of God's been faithful in doing a lot of God's been faithful in doing a lot of incredible things [music] through the incredible things [music] through the incredible things [music] through the years, through history, of reaching the years, through history, of reaching the years, through history, of reaching the world through this church that has given world through this church that has given world through this church that has given birth to LCA [music] and to Liberty and birth to LCA [music] and to Liberty and birth to LCA [music] and to Liberty and Elim Home, and the Godparent Home, and Elim Home, and the Godparent Home, and Elim Home, and the Godparent Home, and so many other outreaches and ministries. so many other outreaches and ministries. so many other outreaches and ministries. God's been faithful. God's been faithful. God's been faithful. But, I want you to know today But, I want you to know today But, I want you to know today the same [music] God who was faithful the same [music] God who was faithful the same [music] God who was faithful there is the same God who will be there is the same God who will be there is the same God who will be faithful in your life. faithful in your life. faithful in your life. And remember what God's word says, not a And remember what God's word says, not a And remember what God's word says, not a preacher. preacher. preacher. He who calls you He who calls you He who calls you is faithful. is faithful. is faithful. Who also Who also Who also will do it. will do it. will do it. In other words, [music] In other words, [music] In other words, [music] God has promised that he will be with God has promised that he will be with God has promised that he will be with you. God has promised that he'll bring you. God has promised that he'll bring you. God has promised that he'll bring you through. you through. you through. And if God has made that promise, And if God has made that promise, And if God has made that promise, I can guarantee you today I can guarantee you today I can guarantee you today God will always fulfill [music] God will always fulfill [music] God will always fulfill [music] his promises.

his promises. his promises. So, let's stand together. So, let's stand together. So, let's stand together. Scott's going to lead us in this Scott's going to lead us in this Scott's going to lead us in this familiar hymn. familiar hymn. familiar hymn. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> The altar is open. >> The altar is open. >> The altar is open. And let's today celebrate in these last And let's today celebrate in these last And let's today celebrate in these last few moments few moments few moments the faithfulness the faithfulness the faithfulness of our God. Scott. of our God. Scott. of our God. Scott. >> Great [singing] is thy faithfulness, >> Great [singing] is thy faithfulness, >> Great [singing] is thy faithfulness, O God, [music] my Father. O God, [music] my Father. O God, [music] my Father. There [singing] is no [music] shadow There [singing] is no [music] shadow There [singing] is no [music] shadow of turning of turning of turning with [singing] thee. Thou changest [music] Thou changest [music] [singing] not. Thy compassions, [singing] not. Thy compassions, [singing] not. Thy compassions, they fail [music and singing] they fail [music and singing] they fail [music and singing] not. not. not. As thou hast As thou hast As thou hast been, thou [music] forever been, thou [music] forever been, thou [music] forever wilt be. Great [music] Great [music] is thy [singing] faithfulness. is thy [singing] faithfulness. is thy [singing] faithfulness. Great is thy faithfulness.

Great is thy faithfulness. Great is thy faithfulness. Morning [singing] Morning [singing] Morning [singing] [music] by morning, [music] by morning, [music] by morning, new mercies [singing] new mercies [singing] new mercies [singing] I see. All I All I have have needed [music and singing] thy have have needed [music and singing] thy have have needed [music and singing] thy hand hand hand hath provided. Great is thy [music and singing] Great is thy [music and singing] faithfulness, faithfulness, faithfulness, Lord, Lord, Lord, unto me. unto me. unto me. >> God again, >> God again, >> God again, for your faithfulness, God, we thank you for your faithfulness, God, we thank you for your faithfulness, God, we thank you for what you have done. We thank you for for what you have done. We thank you for for what you have done. We thank you for your goodness. your goodness. your goodness. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> We thank you for the gift of your son >> We thank you for the gift of your son >> We thank you for the gift of your son Jesus, who came, who died, and who rose Jesus, who came, who died, and who rose Jesus, who came, who died, and who rose again. again. again. And Lord, we thank you that today And Lord, we thank you that today And Lord, we thank you that today that we can walk in expectation that we can walk in expectation that we can walk in expectation of what you have in store for us. That of what you have in store for us. That of what you have in store for us. That heaven is just around the corner. That heaven is just around the corner. That heaven is just around the corner. That we have nothing to fear, nothing to we have nothing to fear, nothing to we have nothing to fear, nothing to worry about. worry about. worry about. God, because you have us firmly in your God, because you have us firmly in your God, because you have us firmly in your grip. grip. grip. And so God, today [music] we do And so God, today [music] we do And so God, today [music] we do corporately gather together today and corporately gather together today and corporately gather together today and just simply say, "Great is the just simply say, "Great is the just simply say, "Great is the faithfulness of God."

faithfulness of God." faithfulness of God." Thank you for what you've done. Thank Thank you for what you've done. Thank Thank you for what you've done. Thank you for what you are yet to do. you for what you are yet to do. you for what you are yet to do. And God, [music] we look forward to that And God, [music] we look forward to that And God, [music] we look forward to that day. day. day. And it's in Jesus' name we pray. And it's in Jesus' name we pray. And it's in Jesus' name we pray. Amen. Before you leave today, Amen. Before you leave today, Amen. Before you leave today, the altar remains open. We'd love to the altar remains open. We'd love to the altar remains open. We'd love to talk with you. Don't forget those four talk with you. Don't forget those four talk with you. Don't forget those four words. I want you to figure out, pray words. I want you to figure out, pray words. I want you to figure out, pray about how you can incorporate those into about how you can incorporate those into about how you can incorporate those into your life. Purity, passion, perspective, your life. Purity, passion, perspective, your life. Purity, passion, perspective, [music] [music] [music] preparation. Make sure you figure out preparation. Make sure you figure out preparation. Make sure you figure out like, how is it that I can lean in to like, how is it that I can lean in to like, how is it that I can lean in to that every single day. For the charter that every single day. For the charter that every single day. For the charter members, I'm going to ask you to make members, I'm going to ask you to make members, I'm going to ask you to make your way right down here to the front, your way right down here to the front, your way right down here to the front, and [music] we're going to take a photo and [music] we're going to take a photo and [music] we're going to take a photo together, okay? So, make your way on together, okay? So, make your way on together, okay? So, make your way on down. God bless you. Next week, 2 down. God bless you. Next week, 2 down. God bless you. Next week, 2 Thessalonians [music] chapter 1 and 2. >> Thank you for worshipping with us today. >> Thank you for worshipping with us today. We're so glad that [music] you've joined We're so glad that [music] you've joined We're so glad that [music] you've joined us. If you prayed to receive Christ us. If you prayed to receive Christ us. If you prayed to receive Christ today, we'd love to hear from you. today, we'd love to hear from you. today, we'd love to hear from you. >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> 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 pastor at trbc.org. [music] an email to pastor at trbc.org. [music] an email to pastor at trbc.org. [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, you can do that resurrection of Jesus, you can do that resurrection of Jesus, you can do that today by simply [music] asking him to today by simply [music] asking him to today by simply [music] asking him to save you.

save you. 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 to help you. Just reach out to us to help you. Just reach out to us [music] and we'll provide you with some [music] and we'll provide you with some [music] and we'll provide you with some next steps. next steps. next 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 [music] by developing change our world [music] by developing change our world [music] by developing Christ followers who love God and love Christ followers who love God and love Christ followers who love God and love 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 [music] by giving to our that mission [music] by giving to our that mission [music] by giving to our ministry, go to trbc.org ministry, go to trbc.org ministry, go to trbc.org and make [music] your contribution and make [music] your contribution and make [music] 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 [music] love.