Living Missionally // Acts 17:16-34 // Watermark Community Church

Well, good morning watermark. How are we Well, good morning watermark. How are we doing today? [cheering] doing today? [cheering] doing today? [cheering] [applause] [applause] [applause] >> All right. Hey, uh, good to see you. I >> All right. Hey, uh, good to see you. I >> All right. Hey, uh, good to see you. I want to give a special hello to everyone want to give a special hello to everyone want to give a special hello to everyone sitting in overflow in the loft and the sitting in overflow in the loft and the sitting in overflow in the loft and the chapel. We're in different rooms, but chapel. We're in different rooms, but chapel. We're in different rooms, but we're all here together. If this is your we're all here together. If this is your we're all here together. If this is your first time ever at Watermark, thanks for first time ever at Watermark, thanks for first time ever at Watermark, thanks for trusting us with your Sunday. Look, we trusting us with your Sunday. Look, we trusting us with your Sunday. Look, we want to be a place where every person in want to be a place where every person in want to be a place where every person in this room can either take their first or this room can either take their first or this room can either take their first or their next step with Jesus Christ. And their next step with Jesus Christ. And their next step with Jesus Christ. And we gather every Sunday as the people of we gather every Sunday as the people of we gather every Sunday as the people of God. And this is really a family reunion God. And this is really a family reunion God. And this is really a family reunion where we come together and we get to where we come together and we get to where we come together and we get to hear from God and meet with God hear from God and meet with God hear from God and meet with God collectively. collectively. collectively. And we study the Bible every week. Uh And we study the Bible every week. Uh And we study the Bible every week. Uh because we believe it's not just a an because we believe it's not just a an because we believe it's not just a an ancient textbook. We believe that God ancient textbook. We believe that God ancient textbook. We believe that God has gone to great lengths to speak to us has gone to great lengths to speak to us has gone to great lengths to speak to us through his word. So when we open it, through his word. So when we open it, through his word. So when we open it, it's like we're opening his mouth. So, I it's like we're opening his mouth. So, I it's like we're opening his mouth. So, I just want to give us a moment to prepare just want to give us a moment to prepare just want to give us a moment to prepare our hearts to hear from God. So, I want our hearts to hear from God. So, I want our hearts to hear from God. So, I want to invite you to close your eyes. And to invite you to close your eyes. And to invite you to close your eyes. And here's what I want you to think about.

here's what I want you to think about. here's what I want you to think about. Is there anything going on right now Is there anything going on right now Is there anything going on right now that would hinder you from hearing about that would hinder you from hearing about that would hinder you from hearing about God, hearing from God? So, if there's God, hearing from God? So, if there's God, hearing from God? So, if there's anything you need to talk to him about anything you need to talk to him about anything you need to talk to him about real quick, anything causing you real quick, anything causing you real quick, anything causing you anxiety, anxiety, anxiety, anything distracting you, just bring anything distracting you, just bring anything distracting you, just bring that to him. And then if you're willing, I want to And then if you're willing, I want to just invite you to open up your hands. just invite you to open up your hands. just invite you to open up your hands. Just putting yourself in a posture ready Just putting yourself in a posture ready Just putting yourself in a posture ready to receive. to receive. to receive. And I want to invite you to just pray. And I want to invite you to just pray. And I want to invite you to just pray. Say, "God, would you speak to me this Say, "God, would you speak to me this Say, "God, would you speak to me this morning?" Whether you're spiritually morning?" Whether you're spiritually morning?" Whether you're spiritually skeptical or spiritually strong, I skeptical or spiritually strong, I skeptical or spiritually strong, I encourage you to pray that. God, speak encourage you to pray that. God, speak encourage you to pray that. God, speak to me this morning. And then would you pray for the people And then would you pray for the people around you and ask God to speak to them around you and ask God to speak to them around you and ask God to speak to them as well? And then would you pray for me and ask And then would you pray for me and ask God to speak through me to you?

Well, Lord, would you speak straight to Well, Lord, would you speak straight to our hearts this morning? I pray that our hearts this morning? I pray that our hearts this morning? I pray that every single one of us would leave every single one of us would leave every single one of us would leave changed changed changed not because of my words but because of not because of my words but because of not because of my words but because of your words to our hearts today. We love your words to our hearts today. We love your words to our hearts today. We love you Lord. We give this time to you. Be you Lord. We give this time to you. Be you Lord. We give this time to you. Be glorified here at Watermark in Jesus glorified here at Watermark in Jesus glorified here at Watermark in Jesus name. Amen. Well, I shared with y'all name. Amen. Well, I shared with y'all name. Amen. Well, I shared with y'all last week that uh over the summer uh we last week that uh over the summer uh we last week that uh over the summer uh we took a family trip to Park City, Utah. took a family trip to Park City, Utah. took a family trip to Park City, Utah. And while we were there, we decided to And while we were there, we decided to And while we were there, we decided to go uh whitewater rafting as a family. We go uh whitewater rafting as a family. We go uh whitewater rafting as a family. We hadn't been before, so we figured we'd hadn't been before, so we figured we'd hadn't been before, so we figured we'd give it a try. give it a try. give it a try. And here's what I learned. Theique And here's what I learned. Theique And here's what I learned. Theique family is terrible at whitewater family is terrible at whitewater family is terrible at whitewater rafting. We're just not good at it. rafting. We're just not good at it. rafting. We're just not good at it. Like, we got in the raft and the Like, we got in the raft and the Like, we got in the raft and the instructor put me at the front left. She instructor put me at the front left. She instructor put me at the front left. She said, "Okay, you're our leader." I was said, "Okay, you're our leader." I was said, "Okay, you're our leader." I was like, "Makes sense. like, "Makes sense. like, "Makes sense. I understand why you chose me." I understand why you chose me." I understand why you chose me." So, thank you. So, thank you. So, thank you. and she put us in different places in and she put us in different places in and she put us in different places in the raft. And so what she told our the raft. And so what she told our the raft. And so what she told our family is she said, she looked at me and family is she said, she looked at me and family is she said, she looked at me and she said, "Okay, y'all follow his lead."

she said, "Okay, y'all follow his lead." she said, "Okay, y'all follow his lead." Well, that just didn't Well, that just didn't Well, that just didn't happen happen happen cuz I was trying to follow her. She cuz I was trying to follow her. She cuz I was trying to follow her. She might say like forward two, one, two, might say like forward two, one, two, might say like forward two, one, two, and I'm trying to row when she says one, and I'm trying to row when she says one, and I'm trying to row when she says one, two. But then Cat's sitting next to me, two. But then Cat's sitting next to me, two. But then Cat's sitting next to me, she's like, "I need you to slow down. she's like, "I need you to slow down. she's like, "I need you to slow down. You're you're rowing too fast for And You're you're rowing too fast for And You're you're rowing too fast for And I'm like I'm in this tension of like do I'm like I'm in this tension of like do I'm like I'm in this tension of like do I want to wait for my wife but she's I want to wait for my wife but she's I want to wait for my wife but she's saying one two so I want to row with her saying one two so I want to row with her saying one two so I want to row with her but I also don't want to lose cat. So but I also don't want to lose cat. So but I also don't want to lose cat. So that dynamic is happening and then one that dynamic is happening and then one that dynamic is happening and then one of my sons is sitting right behind me. of my sons is sitting right behind me. of my sons is sitting right behind me. So I can see his paddle in my periphery So I can see his paddle in my periphery So I can see his paddle in my periphery and I'm like this and when I'm like this and I'm like this and when I'm like this and I'm like this and when I'm like this a second later I see his paddle. a second later I see his paddle. a second later I see his paddle. And then another son of mine, he just And then another son of mine, he just And then another son of mine, he just has his ore on his lap looking for has his ore on his lap looking for has his ore on his lap looking for wildlife. And then my other son wasn't even given And then my other son wasn't even given an ore. He's just sitting in between us.

an ore. He's just sitting in between us. an ore. He's just sitting in between us. And I knew we weren't any good at rowing And I knew we weren't any good at rowing And I knew we weren't any good at rowing because the instructor, because the instructor, because the instructor, this is how I mean, she's kind, she's this is how I mean, she's kind, she's this is how I mean, she's kind, she's gentle, but the communication, what gentle, but the communication, what gentle, but the communication, what she's really communicating is, "Y'all she's really communicating is, "Y'all she's really communicating is, "Y'all are terrible at this." because she would are terrible at this." because she would are terrible at this." because she would say forward two, we'd go one, two, and say forward two, we'd go one, two, and say forward two, we'd go one, two, and she'd go and one more time. That's her she'd go and one more time. That's her she'd go and one more time. That's her way of saying you didn't do it. We way of saying you didn't do it. We way of saying you didn't do it. We didn't accomplish what we needed to didn't accomplish what we needed to didn't accomplish what we needed to accomplish. So, we got to keep going. accomplish. So, we got to keep going. accomplish. So, we got to keep going. And when I think about that experience, And when I think about that experience, And when I think about that experience, here's the reality. We did not move here's the reality. We did not move here's the reality. We did not move effectively because we were not rowing effectively because we were not rowing effectively because we were not rowing together. We were not in sync. I tell together. We were not in sync. I tell together. We were not in sync. I tell you that because as we step into Acts you that because as we step into Acts you that because as we step into Acts 17, this is a passage that invites us to 17, this is a passage that invites us to 17, this is a passage that invites us to row together. row together. row together. This is a passage about us being This is a passage about us being This is a passage about us being effective witnesses for the sake of the effective witnesses for the sake of the effective witnesses for the sake of the gospel. But if we are going to be an gospel. But if we are going to be an gospel. But if we are going to be an effective church for the sake of the effective church for the sake of the effective church for the sake of the gospel, we've got to be synced up. We gospel, we've got to be synced up. We gospel, we've got to be synced up. We have to row together.

have to row together. have to row together. During my time away, I just sensed During my time away, I just sensed During my time away, I just sensed like a genuine desire in me to grow like a genuine desire in me to grow like a genuine desire in me to grow in living missionally. in living missionally. in living missionally. Like I want to be more effective. I want Like I want to be more effective. I want Like I want to be more effective. I want to become a more effective witness to become a more effective witness to become a more effective witness uh for the gospel of Jesus Christ. uh for the gospel of Jesus Christ. uh for the gospel of Jesus Christ. And as I thought about our church, we And as I thought about our church, we And as I thought about our church, we we've been in the book of Acts all year we've been in the book of Acts all year we've been in the book of Acts all year so far. And some of you are like, "And so far. And some of you are like, "And so far. And some of you are like, "And when is it going to be done?" Middle of when is it going to be done?" Middle of when is it going to be done?" Middle of November, just so you know. November, just so you know. November, just so you know. But we've been in the book of Acts so But we've been in the book of Acts so But we've been in the book of Acts so that we as a church can grow in living that we as a church can grow in living that we as a church can grow in living missionally. And we've been in this book missionally. And we've been in this book missionally. And we've been in this book for several months. And yet, my sense is for several months. And yet, my sense is for several months. And yet, my sense is that we still have room to grow as a that we still have room to grow as a that we still have room to grow as a church. I I look at the light display, church. I I look at the light display, church. I I look at the light display, the Jesus is Lord light display. We have the Jesus is Lord light display. We have the Jesus is Lord light display. We have that there so that anytime someone that there so that anytime someone that there so that anytime someone trusts Christ, they can screw in a light trusts Christ, they can screw in a light trusts Christ, they can screw in a light bulb just indicating that the light of bulb just indicating that the light of bulb just indicating that the light of Christ has flooded their hearts and now Christ has flooded their hearts and now Christ has flooded their hearts and now they are light in the world. But that they are light in the world. But that they are light in the world. But that light display has just grown stagnant.

light display has just grown stagnant. light display has just grown stagnant. Uh my hope would have been that by now Uh my hope would have been that by now Uh my hope would have been that by now we would have seen that thing filled up we would have seen that thing filled up we would have seen that thing filled up two, three times over. And so I just two, three times over. And so I just two, three times over. And so I just want to say I think we've got room to want to say I think we've got room to want to say I think we've got room to grow. grow. grow. My hope is that a day would come where My hope is that a day would come where My hope is that a day would come where every single Sunday we're celebrating every single Sunday we're celebrating every single Sunday we're celebrating dozens of baptisms just because people dozens of baptisms just because people dozens of baptisms just because people are trusting Christ and then publicly are trusting Christ and then publicly are trusting Christ and then publicly identifying with Christ through identifying with Christ through identifying with Christ through baptism. baptism. baptism. I want us to be light in this dark city. I want us to be light in this dark city. I want us to be light in this dark city. And I want God to use us to push back And I want God to use us to push back And I want God to use us to push back the darkness in Richardson and Plano and the darkness in Richardson and Plano and the darkness in Richardson and Plano and Lake Highlands and the Park Cities and Lake Highlands and the Park Cities and Lake Highlands and the Park Cities and the Village Apartments and Preston the Village Apartments and Preston the Village Apartments and Preston Hollow and Frisco and Garland and on and Hollow and Frisco and Garland and on and Hollow and Frisco and Garland and on and on. You just yell out your area of town. on. You just yell out your area of town. on. You just yell out your area of town. What is it? What is it? What is it? >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. Thank you for the 30 people who just Thank you for the 30 people who just Thank you for the 30 people who just participated. Yeah. We want to be light there. We want Yeah. We want to be light there. We want to push back the darkness there. So this to push back the darkness there. So this to push back the darkness there. So this is a passage is a passage is a passage where we need to get synced up. We want where we need to get synced up. We want where we need to get synced up. We want to row together so that we can move to row together so that we can move to row together so that we can move effectively as a church. Just think effectively as a church. Just think effectively as a church. Just think internally. Answer this question.

internally. Answer this question. internally. Answer this question. Do you want to grow Do you want to grow Do you want to grow in living missionally? in living missionally? in living missionally? Do you want to be more a more effective Do you want to be more a more effective Do you want to be more a more effective witness for Jesus? If so, I want to witness for Jesus? If so, I want to witness for Jesus? If so, I want to invite you to turn with me to Acts 17. invite you to turn with me to Acts 17. invite you to turn with me to Acts 17. Acts 17 is where we're going to be Acts 17 is where we're going to be Acts 17 is where we're going to be today. And if you're sitting there today. And if you're sitting there today. And if you're sitting there saying, "Look, I I'm I'm just visiting saying, "Look, I I'm I'm just visiting saying, "Look, I I'm I'm just visiting like you're spiritually skeptical, like you're spiritually skeptical, like you're spiritually skeptical, spiritually searching, you you don't spiritually searching, you you don't spiritually searching, you you don't know what we're talking about when we're know what we're talking about when we're know what we're talking about when we're talking about being a witness for talking about being a witness for talking about being a witness for Jesus." Look, here's what I want you to Jesus." Look, here's what I want you to Jesus." Look, here's what I want you to know. The message today is just as much know. The message today is just as much know. The message today is just as much for you. The truth that we're going to for you. The truth that we're going to for you. The truth that we're going to talk about is something that both talk about is something that both talk about is something that both believers and unbelievers believers and unbelievers believers and unbelievers need. If you've been tracking with us, need. If you've been tracking with us, need. If you've been tracking with us, then I just want to remind you in the then I just want to remind you in the then I just want to remind you in the book of Acts, Paul goes on three book of Acts, Paul goes on three book of Acts, Paul goes on three different missionary journeys. We're in different missionary journeys. We're in different missionary journeys. We're in the middle of his second missionary the middle of his second missionary the middle of his second missionary journey. In Acts 17, which is known as journey. In Acts 17, which is known as journey. In Acts 17, which is known as Paul at Mars Hill, it is one of the most Paul at Mars Hill, it is one of the most Paul at Mars Hill, it is one of the most famous passages in the book of Acts famous passages in the book of Acts famous passages in the book of Acts specifically because of how effective specifically because of how effective specifically because of how effective Paul is in reaching and engaging with Paul is in reaching and engaging with Paul is in reaching and engaging with unbelievers. So, we're going to learn unbelievers. So, we're going to learn unbelievers. So, we're going to learn from him today.

Here's how it starts. It says, "Now Here's how it starts. It says, "Now while Paul was waiting for them at while Paul was waiting for them at while Paul was waiting for them at Athens, Athens, Athens, his spirit was provoked within him as he his spirit was provoked within him as he his spirit was provoked within him as he saw the city that was full of idols." So saw the city that was full of idols." So saw the city that was full of idols." So here's what you need to understand. Paul here's what you need to understand. Paul here's what you need to understand. Paul is waiting for his friend in Athens. is waiting for his friend in Athens. is waiting for his friend in Athens. Athens was the cultural and intellectual Athens was the cultural and intellectual Athens was the cultural and intellectual center of the Roman Empire. It was center of the Roman Empire. It was center of the Roman Empire. It was famous. famous. famous. It's famous for its architecture and It's famous for its architecture and It's famous for its architecture and art. And so because Paul has time to art. And so because Paul has time to art. And so because Paul has time to kill, he hops on one of those scooters kill, he hops on one of those scooters kill, he hops on one of those scooters that's in every downtown area and he that's in every downtown area and he that's in every downtown area and he just begins to scooter around Athens. just begins to scooter around Athens. just begins to scooter around Athens. And as he is kind of sightseeing, taking And as he is kind of sightseeing, taking And as he is kind of sightseeing, taking a tour around the city, you know what he a tour around the city, you know what he a tour around the city, you know what he sees? He sees that all the architecture sees? He sees that all the architecture sees? He sees that all the architecture and art is actually devoted to the Greek and art is actually devoted to the Greek and art is actually devoted to the Greek pantheon. What he sees is countless pantheon. What he sees is countless pantheon. What he sees is countless temples and shrines and statues and temples and shrines and statues and temples and shrines and statues and altars all dedicated to the gods of altars all dedicated to the gods of altars all dedicated to the gods of Olympus. Olympus. Olympus. Scholar John Stodd, he described Scholar John Stodd, he described Scholar John Stodd, he described the city, the city, the city, Paul sees it full of idols. He portrays Paul sees it full of idols. He portrays Paul sees it full of idols. He portrays it as being under idols, meaning swamped it as being under idols, meaning swamped it as being under idols, meaning swamped or saturated, inundated by idols. A or saturated, inundated by idols. A or saturated, inundated by idols. A Roman satist said it was easier to find Roman satist said it was easier to find Roman satist said it was easier to find a god in Athens than a man.

a god in Athens than a man. a god in Athens than a man. So this is where we have to get synced So this is where we have to get synced So this is where we have to get synced up in rowing together. The the first way up in rowing together. The the first way up in rowing together. The the first way we need to get synced up is we have to we need to get synced up is we have to we need to get synced up is we have to make sure that we are understanding make sure that we are understanding make sure that we are understanding reality in the same way because what we reality in the same way because what we reality in the same way because what we see happening in Athens reminds us of a see happening in Athens reminds us of a see happening in Athens reminds us of a very important truth and here it is. We very important truth and here it is. We very important truth and here it is. We have been made to worship. As Paul looks have been made to worship. As Paul looks have been made to worship. As Paul looks out into the Athens and he sees all the out into the Athens and he sees all the out into the Athens and he sees all the idolatry, this is a reminder that we idolatry, this is a reminder that we idolatry, this is a reminder that we have been made to worship. Every human have been made to worship. Every human have been made to worship. Every human being, this is no matter who you are in being, this is no matter who you are in being, this is no matter who you are in the room, you've been made to worship. the room, you've been made to worship. the room, you've been made to worship. So, every human being worships someone So, every human being worships someone So, every human being worships someone or something. You don't have to learn to or something. You don't have to learn to or something. You don't have to learn to worship. Everyone does it instinctively. worship. Everyone does it instinctively. worship. Everyone does it instinctively. We instinctively give extreme amounts of We instinctively give extreme amounts of We instinctively give extreme amounts of attention, affection and devotion to attention, affection and devotion to attention, affection and devotion to people, places, things and deities. people, places, things and deities. people, places, things and deities. We look to people, places, objects or We look to people, places, objects or We look to people, places, objects or deities for our joy, satisfaction deities for our joy, satisfaction deities for our joy, satisfaction and security. We, every person in this and security. We, every person in this and security. We, every person in this room and in the town center and in the room and in the town center and in the room and in the town center and in the loft and in the chapel, everyone is loft and in the chapel, everyone is loft and in the chapel, everyone is worshiping someone or something.

worshiping someone or something. worshiping someone or something. You see it happen at the earliest age. You see it happen at the earliest age. You see it happen at the earliest age. Like I remember one of my kids, we we we Like I remember one of my kids, we we we Like I remember one of my kids, we we we were phasing out the pacifier. were phasing out the pacifier. were phasing out the pacifier. We got rid of every pacifier we could We got rid of every pacifier we could We got rid of every pacifier we could find in the house. find in the house. find in the house. And then one day we found our son And then one day we found our son And then one day we found our son buried in his stuffed animals, sweating, buried in his stuffed animals, sweating, buried in his stuffed animals, sweating, taking a drag of that pacifier that he taking a drag of that pacifier that he taking a drag of that pacifier that he had found that we had missed. You know what that is? That's worship. You know what that is? That's worship. It's worship. It's worship. It's worship. You ever seen old videos um of the You ever seen old videos um of the You ever seen old videos um of the crowds at Beatles concerts? Some of you crowds at Beatles concerts? Some of you crowds at Beatles concerts? Some of you are like, "Who who are the Beatles?" are like, "Who who are the Beatles?" are like, "Who who are the Beatles?" Okay, you you need to figure that out. Okay, you you need to figure that out. Okay, you you need to figure that out. But go watch just look up some old But go watch just look up some old But go watch just look up some old videos. What you see is you see uh girls videos. What you see is you see uh girls videos. What you see is you see uh girls screaming and running and fainting screaming and running and fainting screaming and running and fainting just at the side of the Beatles. What is just at the side of the Beatles. What is just at the side of the Beatles. What is that? That's worship.

that? That's worship. that? That's worship. What's it called when there's a group of What's it called when there's a group of What's it called when there's a group of high school or college students that are high school or college students that are high school or college students that are all hanging out with each other? Like all hanging out with each other? Like all hanging out with each other? Like all of their friends are right there all of their friends are right there all of their friends are right there with them and yet every single one of with them and yet every single one of with them and yet every single one of them is just sitting on their phone them is just sitting on their phone them is just sitting on their phone right next to each other just scrolling right next to each other just scrolling right next to each other just scrolling social media endlessly. Do you know what social media endlessly. Do you know what social media endlessly. Do you know what that's called? That's called worship. that's called? That's called worship. that's called? That's called worship. It's worship. It's worship. It's worship. You don't have to teach worship. We do You don't have to teach worship. We do You don't have to teach worship. We do it instinctively. Why? because we've it instinctively. Why? because we've it instinctively. Why? because we've been made to worship. We talked about been made to worship. We talked about been made to worship. We talked about this last week. this last week. this last week. But Colossians 1:15-16 But Colossians 1:15-16 But Colossians 1:15-16 tells us this is about Jesus. He is the tells us this is about Jesus. He is the tells us this is about Jesus. He is the image of the invisible God, the image of the invisible God, the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. Watch this. firstborn of all creation. Watch this. firstborn of all creation. Watch this. For by him all things were created in For by him all things were created in For by him all things were created in heaven and on earth, visible and heaven and on earth, visible and heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions invisible, whether thrones or dominions invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities. All things or rulers or authorities. All things or rulers or authorities. All things were created through him and for him. were created through him and for him. were created through him and for him. We have been made through Jesus and we We have been made through Jesus and we We have been made through Jesus and we have been made for Jesus. Jesus is God.

have been made for Jesus. Jesus is God. have been made for Jesus. Jesus is God. The right way to respond to God is The right way to respond to God is The right way to respond to God is worship. Therefore, because we have been worship. Therefore, because we have been worship. Therefore, because we have been made for Jesus, we have been made to made for Jesus, we have been made to made for Jesus, we have been made to worship. We've been made to give extreme worship. We've been made to give extreme worship. We've been made to give extreme amounts of attention, affection, and amounts of attention, affection, and amounts of attention, affection, and devotion to Jesus. We've been made to devotion to Jesus. We've been made to devotion to Jesus. We've been made to find our joy, find our joy, find our joy, security, security, security, significance, all in significance, all in significance, all in Jesus. Jesus. Jesus. We've been made for him. I've I've used We've been made for him. I've I've used We've been made for him. I've I've used this illustration before, but I'll share this illustration before, but I'll share this illustration before, but I'll share it again. Why does the iPhone exist? it again. Why does the iPhone exist? it again. Why does the iPhone exist? The iPhone exists to put the world at The iPhone exists to put the world at The iPhone exists to put the world at your fingertips. your fingertips. your fingertips. Now, you can live like the iPhone exists Now, you can live like the iPhone exists Now, you can live like the iPhone exists for a different reason. You can flip it for a different reason. You can flip it for a different reason. You can flip it upside down, put your drink on it and upside down, put your drink on it and upside down, put your drink on it and say, "Man, have you seen this coaster say, "Man, have you seen this coaster say, "Man, have you seen this coaster that I have? that I have? that I have? It costs me hundreds of dollars, but It costs me hundreds of dollars, but It costs me hundreds of dollars, but this is an incredible coaster." Or if this is an incredible coaster." Or if this is an incredible coaster." Or if there's a wobbly table, I can jam it there's a wobbly table, I can jam it there's a wobbly table, I can jam it under there and be like, "Man, this under there and be like, "Man, this under there and be like, "Man, this thing levels things so well." thing levels things so well." thing levels things so well." You might be like, "That's ridiculous."

You might be like, "That's ridiculous." You might be like, "That's ridiculous." Yeah, cuz that's not what it's been made Yeah, cuz that's not what it's been made Yeah, cuz that's not what it's been made for. for. for. You can live like you've been made to You can live like you've been made to You can live like you've been made to worship someone or something else, but worship someone or something else, but worship someone or something else, but it doesn't change the fact that you have it doesn't change the fact that you have it doesn't change the fact that you have been made for Jesus. You will be most been made for Jesus. You will be most been made for Jesus. You will be most fully alive, most fully satisfied fully alive, most fully satisfied fully alive, most fully satisfied when all of your attention, affection, when all of your attention, affection, when all of your attention, affection, and devotion go towards Jesus. When you and devotion go towards Jesus. When you and devotion go towards Jesus. When you find your joy, satisfaction, and find your joy, satisfaction, and find your joy, satisfaction, and security in Jesus, that's the one you've security in Jesus, that's the one you've security in Jesus, that's the one you've been made for. We have been made to been made for. We have been made to been made for. We have been made to worship. Bla1 Pascal put it this way. worship. Bla1 Pascal put it this way. worship. Bla1 Pascal put it this way. There is a God-shaped vacuum in the There is a God-shaped vacuum in the There is a God-shaped vacuum in the heart of each man, which cannot be heart of each man, which cannot be heart of each man, which cannot be satisfied by any created thing, satisfied by any created thing, satisfied by any created thing, but only by God the creator, made known but only by God the creator, made known but only by God the creator, made known through Jesus Christ. through Jesus Christ. through Jesus Christ. If we're going to row together, If we're going to row together, If we're going to row together, we have to start there and just remind we have to start there and just remind we have to start there and just remind ourselves ourselves ourselves that we have been made to worship. The that we have been made to worship. The that we have been made to worship. The second truth that we need to be synced second truth that we need to be synced second truth that we need to be synced up on is this. Idolatry is giving to up on is this. Idolatry is giving to up on is this. Idolatry is giving to others the worship that belongs to others the worship that belongs to others the worship that belongs to Jesus. That's what idolatry is. If we Jesus. That's what idolatry is. If we Jesus. That's what idolatry is. If we don't give our worship to Jesus, we'll don't give our worship to Jesus, we'll don't give our worship to Jesus, we'll give it to someone or something else.

give it to someone or something else. give it to someone or something else. That's called idolatry. This is what is That's called idolatry. This is what is That's called idolatry. This is what is happening in Athens. It's idolatry. Tim happening in Athens. It's idolatry. Tim happening in Athens. It's idolatry. Tim Keller defines idolatry this way. He Keller defines idolatry this way. He Keller defines idolatry this way. He says, "What is an idol? It's anything says, "What is an idol? It's anything says, "What is an idol? It's anything more important to you than God. more important to you than God. more important to you than God. Anything that absorbs your heart and Anything that absorbs your heart and Anything that absorbs your heart and imagination more than God. Anything you imagination more than God. Anything you imagination more than God. Anything you seek to give you what only God can give. seek to give you what only God can give. seek to give you what only God can give. John Calvin said, "Man's nature, so to John Calvin said, "Man's nature, so to John Calvin said, "Man's nature, so to speak, is a perpetual factory of idols. speak, is a perpetual factory of idols. speak, is a perpetual factory of idols. What's the point? Human beings What's the point? Human beings What's the point? Human beings consistently give to others consistently give to others consistently give to others the worship that belongs to Jesus." the worship that belongs to Jesus." the worship that belongs to Jesus." Paul Paul Paul goes sightseeing in Athens and what does goes sightseeing in Athens and what does goes sightseeing in Athens and what does he see? He sees the entire city giving he see? He sees the entire city giving he see? He sees the entire city giving to others what only belongs to Jesus. to others what only belongs to Jesus. to others what only belongs to Jesus. And we're talking about living And we're talking about living And we're talking about living missionally. So the natural question out missionally. So the natural question out missionally. So the natural question out of this text right now is to just say, of this text right now is to just say, of this text right now is to just say, okay, when we look at our city, how do okay, when we look at our city, how do okay, when we look at our city, how do we see people giving to other people and we see people giving to other people and we see people giving to other people and things the worship that only belongs to things the worship that only belongs to things the worship that only belongs to Jesus? But we're not there yet. That Jesus? But we're not there yet. That Jesus? But we're not there yet. That might be the natural question, but it's might be the natural question, but it's might be the natural question, but it's not the next question. The next question not the next question. The next question not the next question. The next question is is is how are we giving our worship to other people or giving our worship to other people or other things? The worship that belongs other things? The worship that belongs other things? The worship that belongs to Jesus, to Jesus, to Jesus, how are we giving it to other people and how are we giving it to other people and how are we giving it to other people and other things? Before we look at our other things? Before we look at our other things? Before we look at our city, we have to look at our lives.

city, we have to look at our lives. city, we have to look at our lives. Do we give extreme amounts of attention, Do we give extreme amounts of attention, Do we give extreme amounts of attention, affection, and devotion to other people affection, and devotion to other people affection, and devotion to other people or things? Do we look to other people or or things? Do we look to other people or or things? Do we look to other people or things for our joy, satisfaction, and things for our joy, satisfaction, and things for our joy, satisfaction, and security? security? security? If we're going to be effective, we've If we're going to be effective, we've If we're going to be effective, we've all got a road together in the same all got a road together in the same all got a road together in the same direction. We all have to destroy our direction. We all have to destroy our direction. We all have to destroy our idols and return our worship to the one idols and return our worship to the one idols and return our worship to the one it was made for, Jesus Christ. So, even it was made for, Jesus Christ. So, even it was made for, Jesus Christ. So, even right now, let me just invite you to right now, let me just invite you to right now, let me just invite you to pray with me and let's just give a pray with me and let's just give a pray with me and let's just give a moment moment moment Holy Spirit, would you show us Holy Spirit, would you show us Holy Spirit, would you show us who or what has our hearts? who or what has our hearts? who or what has our hearts? Would you show us the idols in our Would you show us the idols in our Would you show us the idols in our lives? Is it money, Is it money, success, success, success, is it stuff? is it stuff? is it stuff? Is it your phone? Is it your phone? Is it your phone? Is it lavish vacations? Is it lavish vacations? Is it lavish vacations? The youth sports, The youth sports, The youth sports, the politics, the politics, the politics, food, food, food, sex, sex, sex, alcohol, a boyfriend, a girlfriend, a boyfriend, a girlfriend, drugs?

drugs? drugs? Is it bingeworthy shows? Is it comfort? Is it bingeworthy shows? Is it comfort? Is it bingeworthy shows? Is it comfort? Is it astrology? Is it astrology? Is it astrology? Is it spirituality that has no Is it spirituality that has no Is it spirituality that has no connection to Jesus? you can open your eyes. you can open your eyes. Look, if we're not truly worshiping Look, if we're not truly worshiping Look, if we're not truly worshiping Jesus, we can't expect unbelievers to. Jesus, we can't expect unbelievers to. Jesus, we can't expect unbelievers to. So, the third thing we need to be synced So, the third thing we need to be synced So, the third thing we need to be synced up on, rowing together on is this. The up on, rowing together on is this. The up on, rowing together on is this. The right response to idolatry is anger. right response to idolatry is anger. right response to idolatry is anger. The right response to idolatry is anger. The right response to idolatry is anger. The right response to idolatry is anger. Here's where I get that from. Look back Here's where I get that from. Look back Here's where I get that from. Look back at verse 16. We're still just on verse at verse 16. We're still just on verse at verse 16. We're still just on verse 16, people. 16, people. 16, people. Luke's Luke the author says, "Now, while Luke's Luke the author says, "Now, while Luke's Luke the author says, "Now, while Paul was waiting for them at Athens, his Paul was waiting for them at Athens, his Paul was waiting for them at Athens, his spirit was provoked within him as he saw spirit was provoked within him as he saw spirit was provoked within him as he saw the city was full of idols." He uses the the city was full of idols." He uses the the city was full of idols." He uses the Greek word paroxo.

Greek word paroxo. Greek word paroxo. And parak zuno was originally a verb And parak zuno was originally a verb And parak zuno was originally a verb that had medical associations that had medical associations that had medical associations uh used of a seizure or an epileptic uh used of a seizure or an epileptic uh used of a seizure or an epileptic fit. So here it means that Paul is like fit. So here it means that Paul is like fit. So here it means that Paul is like stirred up in anger. He's infuriated as stirred up in anger. He's infuriated as stirred up in anger. He's infuriated as he sees the idols. And what's he sees the idols. And what's he sees the idols. And what's interesting to note is that Paul's interesting to note is that Paul's interesting to note is that Paul's response to the idolatry in Athens is response to the idolatry in Athens is response to the idolatry in Athens is the same response that God had to the the same response that God had to the the same response that God had to the golden calf at Mount Si. golden calf at Mount Si. golden calf at Mount Si. So what that means is that Paul is So what that means is that Paul is So what that means is that Paul is responding responding responding to the Athenians idolatry the same way to the Athenians idolatry the same way to the Athenians idolatry the same way that God is responding to their that God is responding to their that God is responding to their idolatry. idolatry. idolatry. Here's why the right response to Here's why the right response to Here's why the right response to idolatry is anger. idolatry is anger. idolatry is anger. It's because that's God's response to It's because that's God's response to It's because that's God's response to idolatry. Think about it this way. Okay? idolatry. Think about it this way. Okay? idolatry. Think about it this way. Okay? We if Colossians 1 is right and we have We if Colossians 1 is right and we have We if Colossians 1 is right and we have been made through Jesus and for Jesus, been made through Jesus and for Jesus, been made through Jesus and for Jesus, that means that we have been custom made that means that we have been custom made that means that we have been custom made for Jesus Christ.

for Jesus Christ. for Jesus Christ. Have you ever had something custommade Have you ever had something custommade Have you ever had something custommade for you? for you? for you? Let me ask by show of hands, who here Let me ask by show of hands, who here Let me ask by show of hands, who here has a retainer? has a retainer? has a retainer? Anyone here have a retainer? Yeah, that Anyone here have a retainer? Yeah, that Anyone here have a retainer? Yeah, that retainer. retainer. retainer. Anyone have one but not wear it? Yeah. Anyone have one but not wear it? Yeah. Anyone have one but not wear it? Yeah. Yeah, that's a problem. Yeah, that's a problem. Yeah, that's a problem. That's my reality. That's my reality. That's my reality. Um, that retainer was custom made for Um, that retainer was custom made for Um, that retainer was custom made for you. It was molded for your mouth and you. It was molded for your mouth and you. It was molded for your mouth and your teeth. your teeth. your teeth. Now, let me ask you, show of hands, who Now, let me ask you, show of hands, who Now, let me ask you, show of hands, who here has tried wearing someone else's here has tried wearing someone else's here has tried wearing someone else's retainer? No. No. Why not? Why not? Why not? I think I heard someone down here say I think I heard someone down here say I think I heard someone down here say that's disgusting. that's disgusting. that's disgusting. Yeah, it's gross. Right. It It's gross. Yeah, it's gross. Right. It It's gross. Yeah, it's gross. Right. It It's gross. That that retainer, someone else's That that retainer, someone else's That that retainer, someone else's retainer. It's not for your mouth. It's retainer. It's not for your mouth. It's retainer. It's not for your mouth. It's for their mouth.

for their mouth. for their mouth. Exactly. Exactly. Exactly. You have been so custom made for Jesus You have been so custom made for Jesus You have been so custom made for Jesus Christ. Your mind has been made for Christ. Your mind has been made for Christ. Your mind has been made for Jesus. Your soul has been made for Jesus. Your soul has been made for Jesus. Your soul has been made for Jesus. Your body has been made for Jesus. Your body has been made for Jesus. Your body has been made for Jesus. To give your mind, soul, and body Jesus. To give your mind, soul, and body Jesus. To give your mind, soul, and body to someone else or something else is to someone else or something else is to someone else or something else is gross gross gross to God. to God. to God. It's disgusting. Because here here's what we have to Because here here's what we have to understand. understand. understand. Ultimately, what idolatry declares to Ultimately, what idolatry declares to Ultimately, what idolatry declares to Jesus, the King of Kings and Lord of Jesus, the King of Kings and Lord of Jesus, the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, what idolatry declares to the one Lords, what idolatry declares to the one Lords, what idolatry declares to the one who left heaven, came to earth to rescue who left heaven, came to earth to rescue who left heaven, came to earth to rescue us from slavery to sin, the one who laid us from slavery to sin, the one who laid us from slavery to sin, the one who laid down his life for us, was punished in down his life for us, was punished in down his life for us, was punished in our place. The one who rose and our place. The one who rose and our place. The one who rose and conquered the grave. The one who secured conquered the grave. The one who secured conquered the grave. The one who secured complete forgiveness for us. The one complete forgiveness for us. The one complete forgiveness for us. The one who has made us new. The one who who has made us new. The one who who has made us new. The one who comforts us, protects us, leads us, comforts us, protects us, leads us, comforts us, protects us, leads us, heals us, provides for us, sustains us, heals us, provides for us, sustains us, heals us, provides for us, sustains us, lifts us up when we fall. The one who lifts us up when we fall. The one who lifts us up when we fall. The one who keeps us company on the most lonely of keeps us company on the most lonely of keeps us company on the most lonely of nights. The one who has secured our nights. The one who has secured our nights. The one who has secured our eternity. The one whose goodness and eternity. The one whose goodness and eternity. The one whose goodness and beauty is meant to satisfy us at the beauty is meant to satisfy us at the beauty is meant to satisfy us at the deepest level. To this Jesus, our deepest level. To this Jesus, our deepest level. To this Jesus, our idolatry declares, "You really aren't

idolatry declares, "You really aren't idolatry declares, "You really aren't that great. that great. that great. What it declares is this person or thing What it declares is this person or thing What it declares is this person or thing is actually better than you, more worthy is actually better than you, more worthy is actually better than you, more worthy than you, more satisfying than you, more satisfying than you, more satisfying than you. I need this person or thing than you. I need this person or thing than you. I need this person or thing more than I need you. more than I need you. more than I need you. You know why our idolatry should make us You know why our idolatry should make us You know why our idolatry should make us angry? It should make us angry because angry? It should make us angry because angry? It should make us angry because in the end, we've been duped. in the end, we've been duped. in the end, we've been duped. When we give ourselves to idolatry, When we give ourselves to idolatry, When we give ourselves to idolatry, we've been duped. What I mean by that is we've been duped. What I mean by that is we've been duped. What I mean by that is we've got the wrong Jesus. Because the we've got the wrong Jesus. Because the we've got the wrong Jesus. Because the Jesus we're responding to when we're Jesus we're responding to when we're Jesus we're responding to when we're giving our worship that belongs to Jesus giving our worship that belongs to Jesus giving our worship that belongs to Jesus to some other person or thing, the Jesus to some other person or thing, the Jesus to some other person or thing, the Jesus we're responding to doesn't even exist. we're responding to doesn't even exist. we're responding to doesn't even exist. That Jesus we're responding to is some That Jesus we're responding to is some That Jesus we're responding to is some incompetent, uninteresting, incompetent, uninteresting, incompetent, uninteresting, unimpressive, madeup Jesus sold to us by the father of madeup Jesus sold to us by the father of lies, the devil.

And so, let me just give us another And so, let me just give us another moment to pray. moment to pray. moment to pray. And uh if if the Lord's identifying any And uh if if the Lord's identifying any And uh if if the Lord's identifying any idolatry in your life, I just want to idolatry in your life, I just want to idolatry in your life, I just want to let's row together. Let's get synced up. let's row together. Let's get synced up. let's row together. Let's get synced up. This is a moment for you to just go This is a moment for you to just go This is a moment for you to just go before the Lord and say, "Jesus, I've before the Lord and say, "Jesus, I've before the Lord and say, "Jesus, I've been duped and I repent. and I repent. I repent of the madeup version of you I repent of the madeup version of you I repent of the madeup version of you and I worship you. Just give your attention and affection Just give your attention and affection and devotion back to Jesus. Repent of and devotion back to Jesus. Repent of and devotion back to Jesus. Repent of any idolatry in your life right now, Lord. even Lord. even to the things that we want to just cling to the things that we want to just cling to the things that we want to just cling to right now that we're afraid to let go to right now that we're afraid to let go to right now that we're afraid to let go of because we're still not convinced of because we're still not convinced of because we're still not convinced that you're better than them.

that you're better than them. that you're better than them. Lord, would you just help us open up our Lord, would you just help us open up our Lord, would you just help us open up our hands and release the things that cannot give us what you can that cannot give us what you can only worthy of our worship in Jesus only worthy of our worship in Jesus only worthy of our worship in Jesus name. Amen. We've still only made it through one We've still only made it through one verse. So now finally verse. So now finally verse. So now finally we're going to dial into the point of we're going to dial into the point of we're going to dial into the point of this passage which is living this passage which is living this passage which is living missionally. So the next point we need to get synced So the next point we need to get synced up on so we can row together is this and up on so we can row together is this and up on so we can row together is this and it's a long one. For those who are it's a long one. For those who are it's a long one. For those who are wordsmiths and points people your your wordsmiths and points people your your wordsmiths and points people your your hands going to be exhausted after you hands going to be exhausted after you hands going to be exhausted after you write out this point but here it is. write out this point but here it is. write out this point but here it is. Living missionally Living missionally Living missionally is about Jesus getting the worship that is about Jesus getting the worship that is about Jesus getting the worship that belongs to him from others. That's what belongs to him from others. That's what belongs to him from others. That's what living missionally is. Living living missionally is. Living living missionally is. Living missionally is about Jesus getting the missionally is about Jesus getting the missionally is about Jesus getting the worship that belongs to him from others. worship that belongs to him from others. worship that belongs to him from others. It's us wanting others to give to Jesus It's us wanting others to give to Jesus It's us wanting others to give to Jesus what rightfully what rightfully what rightfully belongs to him. So, if we're going to belongs to him. So, if we're going to belongs to him. So, if we're going to live missionally, there's a few things live missionally, there's a few things live missionally, there's a few things we really need to be synced up on to get we really need to be synced up on to get we really need to be synced up on to get it right to live effectively. Number it right to live effectively. Number it right to live effectively. Number one, we need to have the right feeling one, we need to have the right feeling one, we need to have the right feeling when we look out into our city and we when we look out into our city and we when we look out into our city and we see the idolatry. By the way, the see the idolatry. By the way, the see the idolatry. By the way, the idolatry that you're going to see at idolatry that you're going to see at idolatry that you're going to see at your work or at your gym or in your your work or at your gym or in your your work or at your gym or in your neighborhood, it's the same idolatry neighborhood, it's the same idolatry neighborhood, it's the same idolatry that is existing in this room right now.

that is existing in this room right now. that is existing in this room right now. But the hope is that as we look inside But the hope is that as we look inside But the hope is that as we look inside of us, we would be angered by it and we of us, we would be angered by it and we of us, we would be angered by it and we would repent. And the hope is that we would repent. And the hope is that we would repent. And the hope is that we would look out into the city and we would look out into the city and we would look out into the city and we would be angered by it and we would call would be angered by it and we would call would be angered by it and we would call others to repentance. So let's talk others to repentance. So let's talk others to repentance. So let's talk about the right feeling. If we're going about the right feeling. If we're going about the right feeling. If we're going to live missionally, let's talk about to live missionally, let's talk about to live missionally, let's talk about the right feeling as we live the right feeling as we live the right feeling as we live missionally. missionally. missionally. It goes back to the fact that Paul's It goes back to the fact that Paul's It goes back to the fact that Paul's spirit was provoked. He was infuriated. spirit was provoked. He was infuriated. spirit was provoked. He was infuriated. Why was Paul infuriated as he looked at Why was Paul infuriated as he looked at Why was Paul infuriated as he looked at the idolatry the idolatry the idolatry in Athens? Paul was angered for two in Athens? Paul was angered for two in Athens? Paul was angered for two reasons. The first reason that Paul was reasons. The first reason that Paul was reasons. The first reason that Paul was angered was he was he was angry. He angered was he was he was angry. He angered was he was he was angry. He hated to see people duped. hated to see people duped. hated to see people duped. He hated to see people duped. Think He hated to see people duped. Think He hated to see people duped. Think about um about um about um my favorite Christmas movie, Elf. my favorite Christmas movie, Elf. my favorite Christmas movie, Elf. You know that scene with the fake Santa?

You know that scene with the fake Santa? You know that scene with the fake Santa? I love that scene. What does Buddy the I love that scene. What does Buddy the I love that scene. What does Buddy the Elf confront him and say? He says, "You Elf confront him and say? He says, "You Elf confront him and say? He says, "You sit on a throne of lies." sit on a throne of lies." sit on a throne of lies." He says, "You smell like beef and He says, "You smell like beef and He says, "You smell like beef and cheese." cheese." cheese." What What's the deal? What you see in What What's the deal? What you see in What What's the deal? What you see in Buddy the Elf is a passion and zeal and Buddy the Elf is a passion and zeal and Buddy the Elf is a passion and zeal and an anger that any child would be led an anger that any child would be led an anger that any child would be led astray by a fake Santa. And I'm going to astray by a fake Santa. And I'm going to astray by a fake Santa. And I'm going to tell you to look out for something the tell you to look out for something the tell you to look out for something the next time you watch the movie because next time you watch the movie because next time you watch the movie because this is my favorite moment in Elf. And this is my favorite moment in Elf. And this is my favorite moment in Elf. And it's so subtle. You won't see it if it's so subtle. You won't see it if it's so subtle. You won't see it if you're not looking for it. But now that you're not looking for it. But now that you're not looking for it. But now that I tell you about it, you won't be able I tell you about it, you won't be able I tell you about it, you won't be able to not see it. to not see it. to not see it. There's a kid right there with Santa There's a kid right there with Santa There's a kid right there with Santa and Buddy looks at him and says, "He's a and Buddy looks at him and says, "He's a and Buddy looks at him and says, "He's a fake." And then if you watch the kid's fake." And then if you watch the kid's fake." And then if you watch the kid's face, it's my favorite part, but you see face, it's my favorite part, but you see face, it's my favorite part, but you see the kid mouth fake. the kid mouth fake. the kid mouth fake. Just watch it. Go back and look it. Just watch it. Go back and look it. Just watch it. Go back and look it. It'll it'll bless your heart. But he It'll it'll bless your heart. But he It'll it'll bless your heart. But he says, "He's a fake." And the kid's like, says, "He's a fake." And the kid's like, says, "He's a fake." And the kid's like, "Fake."

"Fake." "Fake." And the reason I draw your attention to And the reason I draw your attention to And the reason I draw your attention to that that that is that's what living missionally is, is that's what living missionally is, is that's what living missionally is, it's us moving into people's lives and it's us moving into people's lives and it's us moving into people's lives and saying the thing that you're giving your saying the thing that you're giving your saying the thing that you're giving your worship to, it's a fake. And our worship to, it's a fake. And our worship to, it's a fake. And our greatest desire is to see them get it greatest desire is to see them get it greatest desire is to see them get it and say fake. It's a fake. And that begins a process of them And that begins a process of them finding the one for whom they've been finding the one for whom they've been finding the one for whom they've been made. Paul's angered because he can't made. Paul's angered because he can't made. Paul's angered because he can't stand the thought of people stand the thought of people stand the thought of people being duped. But the second reason and maybe the primary reason that Paul and maybe the primary reason that Paul is angered by the idolatry is angered by the idolatry is angered by the idolatry is because he can't stand the idea of is because he can't stand the idea of is because he can't stand the idea of someone or something else getting the someone or something else getting the someone or something else getting the worship that belongs to Jesus. worship that belongs to Jesus. worship that belongs to Jesus. John Sto put it this way. By the way, John Sto put it this way. By the way, John Sto put it this way. By the way, his commentary is just fantastic.

his commentary is just fantastic. his commentary is just fantastic. John Sto said, "Whenever he Jesus is John Sto said, "Whenever he Jesus is John Sto said, "Whenever he Jesus is denied his rightful place in people's denied his rightful place in people's denied his rightful place in people's lives, therefore we should feel inwardly lives, therefore we should feel inwardly lives, therefore we should feel inwardly wounded wounded wounded and jealous for his name." and jealous for his name." and jealous for his name." Henry Martin who lived at the Henry Martin who lived at the Henry Martin who lived at the was born in 1781, died in 1812, Anglican was born in 1781, died in 1812, Anglican was born in 1781, died in 1812, Anglican missionary. He was a guest of a Muslim missionary. He was a guest of a Muslim missionary. He was a guest of a Muslim friend for dinner and his host described friend for dinner and his host described friend for dinner and his host described for him a painting he had seen of Jesus for him a painting he had seen of Jesus for him a painting he had seen of Jesus bowing down before Muhammad. bowing down before Muhammad. bowing down before Muhammad. And this was Henry Martin's response. And this was Henry Martin's response. And this was Henry Martin's response. Here's what he said. He said, "I was cut Here's what he said. He said, "I was cut Here's what he said. He said, "I was cut to the soul at this blasphemy. I could to the soul at this blasphemy. I could to the soul at this blasphemy. I could not endure existence if Jesus was not not endure existence if Jesus was not not endure existence if Jesus was not glorified. It would be hell to me if he glorified. It would be hell to me if he glorified. It would be hell to me if he were to be always thus dishonored. It is were to be always thus dishonored. It is were to be always thus dishonored. It is because I am one with Christ that I'm because I am one with Christ that I'm because I am one with Christ that I'm that I am thus dreadfully wounded.

that I am thus dreadfully wounded. that I am thus dreadfully wounded. We have to remember that. Just think We have to remember that. Just think We have to remember that. Just think about those tubs. about those tubs. about those tubs. Y'all want me to drag those tubs back Y'all want me to drag those tubs back Y'all want me to drag those tubs back out? It's about that time. out? It's about that time. out? It's about that time. What was the point of the tubs? We're What was the point of the tubs? We're What was the point of the tubs? We're We're in Christ. We've been united with We're in Christ. We've been united with We're in Christ. We've been united with Christ. We we've been united with in Christ. We we've been united with in Christ. We we've been united with in Christ's death. We've died with Christ. Christ's death. We've died with Christ. Christ's death. We've died with Christ. We've been buried with Christ. We've We've been buried with Christ. We've We've been buried with Christ. We've been raised with Christ. We live in been raised with Christ. We live in been raised with Christ. We live in Christ. So when people dishonor Christ, Christ. So when people dishonor Christ, Christ. So when people dishonor Christ, we should feel it. we should feel it. we should feel it. When the worship that belongs to him is When the worship that belongs to him is When the worship that belongs to him is given to something else, it should great given to something else, it should great given to something else, it should great on us the way that it does God. on us the way that it does God. on us the way that it does God. During my time away, I went to Austin on During my time away, I went to Austin on During my time away, I went to Austin on a study trip and I was staying on this a study trip and I was staying on this a study trip and I was staying on this street, which is like a it's a it's a street, which is like a it's a it's a street, which is like a it's a it's a different area of town than really the different area of town than really the different area of town than really the rest of the city. It's just concentrated with idolatry. with idolatry. And as I looked and as I walked around And as I looked and as I walked around And as I looked and as I walked around the street, I was I felt like I was the street, I was I felt like I was the street, I was I felt like I was provoked provoked provoked because it was just so clear the the because it was just so clear the the because it was just so clear the the gods of this street, the gods of this gods of this street, the gods of this gods of this street, the gods of this street were sexuality.

street were sexuality. street were sexuality. It was It was It was it was nature. It was people's pets. it was nature. It was people's pets. it was nature. It was people's pets. And it was, you look at people's dark And it was, you look at people's dark And it was, you look at people's dark jewelry and their tattoos, they're jewelry and their tattoos, they're jewelry and their tattoos, they're spiritual, but it's a spirituality that spiritual, but it's a spirituality that spiritual, but it's a spirituality that has nothing to do with Jesus. And it was has nothing to do with Jesus. And it was has nothing to do with Jesus. And it was just in this concentrated area. And I just in this concentrated area. And I just in this concentrated area. And I felt convicted. And the reason I felt felt convicted. And the reason I felt felt convicted. And the reason I felt convicted is is I left my city and in convicted is is I left my city and in convicted is is I left my city and in going to a different city, my spirit was going to a different city, my spirit was going to a different city, my spirit was provoked. provoked. provoked. And yet there are days in my own city And yet there are days in my own city And yet there are days in my own city that I'm not. that I'm not. that I'm not. And that just tells me that I've I've And that just tells me that I've I've And that just tells me that I've I've grown calloused in some ways grown calloused in some ways grown calloused in some ways to the idolatry all around. So I just to the idolatry all around. So I just to the idolatry all around. So I just want to invite you just think see the want to invite you just think see the want to invite you just think see the idols. idols. idols. See the idols of people. Just think See the idols of people. Just think See the idols of people. Just think about them right now. What are the idols about them right now. What are the idols about them right now. What are the idols in your neighborhood, at your workplace, in your neighborhood, at your workplace, in your neighborhood, at your workplace, at the gym? at the gym? at the gym? see the things getting the worship that see the things getting the worship that see the things getting the worship that belongs to Jesus and allow yourself to belongs to Jesus and allow yourself to belongs to Jesus and allow yourself to be stirred by it. That's the right be stirred by it. That's the right be stirred by it. That's the right feeling. Now, let's talk about the right feeling. Now, let's talk about the right feeling. Now, let's talk about the right action.

action. action. What do you do with that anger? What do you do with that anger? What do you do with that anger? Watch how Paul responds. We're finally Watch how Paul responds. We're finally Watch how Paul responds. We're finally moving on to the next verse. moving on to the next verse. moving on to the next verse. So, what did he do? It says, "So, or So, what did he do? It says, "So, or So, what did he do? It says, "So, or therefore, this is the result of him therefore, this is the result of him therefore, this is the result of him being provoked. So he reasoned in the being provoked. So he reasoned in the being provoked. So he reasoned in the synagogue with the Jews and the devout synagogue with the Jews and the devout synagogue with the Jews and the devout persons and in the marketplace every day persons and in the marketplace every day persons and in the marketplace every day with those who happened with those who happened with those who happened to be there. This is this is to be there. This is this is to be there. This is this is interesting. How did Paul wage war on interesting. How did Paul wage war on interesting. How did Paul wage war on the idolatry? He actually reasoned. He the idolatry? He actually reasoned. He the idolatry? He actually reasoned. He entered into conversation and entered into conversation and entered into conversation and discussions. He didn't uh get in an echo discussions. He didn't uh get in an echo discussions. He didn't uh get in an echo chamber with his buddies and just start chamber with his buddies and just start chamber with his buddies and just start ranting. ranting. ranting. He didn't hop on social media and rant He didn't hop on social media and rant He didn't hop on social media and rant about how the world is going to hell. No, he he reasoned. He also didn't No, he he reasoned. He also didn't retreat. He didn't cocoon himself in a retreat. He didn't cocoon himself in a retreat. He didn't cocoon himself in a Christian bubble so that nothing in the Christian bubble so that nothing in the Christian bubble so that nothing in the world would harm him. No, he moved world would harm him. No, he moved world would harm him. No, he moved forward. He engaged and he reasoned. So forward. He engaged and he reasoned. So forward. He engaged and he reasoned. So just think when it comes to living just think when it comes to living just think when it comes to living missionally, what best describes you, missionally, what best describes you, missionally, what best describes you, ranting, retreating, or reasoning?

ranting, retreating, or reasoning? ranting, retreating, or reasoning? And then notice who Paul engages. And then notice who Paul engages. And then notice who Paul engages. It says that he he reasoned with the It says that he he reasoned with the It says that he he reasoned with the Jews and the devout persons. This is a Jews and the devout persons. This is a Jews and the devout persons. This is a religious people. Do you know anyone religious people. Do you know anyone religious people. Do you know anyone who's religious? who's religious? who's religious? And yet their religion is more like it's And yet their religion is more like it's And yet their religion is more like it's religion. It's not relationship. They religion. It's not relationship. They religion. It's not relationship. They kind of know about Jesus. They're kind of know about Jesus. They're kind of know about Jesus. They're seeking to do things that appease Jesus, seeking to do things that appease Jesus, seeking to do things that appease Jesus, but they don't know Jesus. but they don't know Jesus. but they don't know Jesus. Maybe God put you in their life for a Maybe God put you in their life for a Maybe God put you in their life for a reason, for you to reason with them. reason, for you to reason with them. reason, for you to reason with them. And then Paul reasoned in the And then Paul reasoned in the And then Paul reasoned in the marketplace. This was where everyone marketplace. This was where everyone marketplace. This was where everyone came to hang out or or to shop. For us, came to hang out or or to shop. For us, came to hang out or or to shop. For us, this would be at work or in coffee shops this would be at work or in coffee shops this would be at work or in coffee shops or at the gym or on the sidelines of or at the gym or on the sidelines of or at the gym or on the sidelines of sports games. sports games. sports games. And then he engaged with the Epicurans And then he engaged with the Epicurans And then he engaged with the Epicurans and the Stoic philosophers like he and the Stoic philosophers like he and the Stoic philosophers like he engages with the intellectuals. He is engages with the intellectuals. He is engages with the intellectuals. He is he's engaging everyone. he's engaging everyone. he's engaging everyone. Just a side note, look, this is one of Just a side note, look, this is one of Just a side note, look, this is one of the reasons I love our ministry, great the reasons I love our ministry, great the reasons I love our ministry, great questions, questions, questions, is because there's a lot of smart people is because there's a lot of smart people is because there's a lot of smart people in the world that believe you have to in the world that believe you have to in the world that believe you have to commit intellectual suicide to believe commit intellectual suicide to believe commit intellectual suicide to believe in Christianity. They would say that in Christianity. They would say that in Christianity. They would say that Christianity is for the gullible or the Christianity is for the gullible or the Christianity is for the gullible or the simple-minded. And the reality simple-minded. And the reality simple-minded. And the reality is that our faith isn't blind. It is is that our faith isn't blind. It is is that our faith isn't blind. It is deeply informed.

deeply informed. deeply informed. And I'm so thankful for people in our And I'm so thankful for people in our And I'm so thankful for people in our body who have brilliant minds. If you body who have brilliant minds. If you body who have brilliant minds. If you have a brilliant mind, and that's not to have a brilliant mind, and that's not to have a brilliant mind, and that's not to say some of you don't, but I some have say some of you don't, but I some have say some of you don't, but I some have just been wired in different ways. just been wired in different ways. just been wired in different ways. And man, if God has given you that And man, if God has given you that And man, if God has given you that ability to think critically, we need you ability to think critically, we need you ability to think critically, we need you because there's people in this world who because there's people in this world who because there's people in this world who need to be engaged on such an need to be engaged on such an need to be engaged on such an intellectual level intellectual level intellectual level that we need you. that we need you. that we need you. But let me just ask you, who But let me just ask you, who But let me just ask you, who who are the religious, who are the who are the religious, who are the who are the religious, who are the passer buyers, the people in the passer buyers, the people in the passer buyers, the people in the marketplace, who are the intellectuals marketplace, who are the intellectuals marketplace, who are the intellectuals that you're engaging with? I just want that you're engaging with? I just want that you're engaging with? I just want to call us to take a step in mission. As to call us to take a step in mission. As to call us to take a step in mission. As I was preparing for this, I was just I was preparing for this, I was just I was preparing for this, I was just reminded of of something that Watermark reminded of of something that Watermark reminded of of something that Watermark members members members did from the earliest of days in this did from the earliest of days in this did from the earliest of days in this church. Anyone here remember a top 10 church. Anyone here remember a top 10 church. Anyone here remember a top 10 list? like your top 10 list. Anyone list? like your top 10 list. Anyone list? like your top 10 list. Anyone still got a top 10 list?

still got a top 10 list? still got a top 10 list? Top 10 list is simply the 10 people who Top 10 list is simply the 10 people who Top 10 list is simply the 10 people who don't know the Lord that you're praying don't know the Lord that you're praying don't know the Lord that you're praying for and seeking to engage. So, let's for and seeking to engage. So, let's for and seeking to engage. So, let's bring that back. bring that back. bring that back. Just encourage all of you to create your Just encourage all of you to create your Just encourage all of you to create your top 10 list of unbelievers who who you top 10 list of unbelievers who who you top 10 list of unbelievers who who you want to pray for in pursuit. And you want to pray for in pursuit. And you want to pray for in pursuit. And you might be like, I don't know 10 might be like, I don't know 10 might be like, I don't know 10 unbelievers. Okay, well, let's work on unbelievers. Okay, well, let's work on unbelievers. Okay, well, let's work on that. that. that. But like pray for as many as you. You But like pray for as many as you. You But like pray for as many as you. You got three. Start with three. Get your got three. Start with three. Get your got three. Start with three. Get your top three. Get your top five. Get your top three. Get your top five. Get your top three. Get your top five. Get your top one. But pray. top one. But pray. top one. But pray. And then there's four words that I'm And then there's four words that I'm And then there's four words that I'm going to be harping on over the next few going to be harping on over the next few going to be harping on over the next few months while we're still in Acts. Just months while we're still in Acts. Just months while we're still in Acts. Just want to invite every watermark, everyone want to invite every watermark, everyone want to invite every watermark, everyone who calls this place home who calls this place home who calls this place home to every week be committed to to praying to every week be committed to to praying to every week be committed to to praying for unbelievers. So I'm talking praying. for unbelievers. So I'm talking praying. for unbelievers. So I'm talking praying. Number two, Number two, Number two, to be commit to befriending unbelievers. to be commit to befriending unbelievers. to be commit to befriending unbelievers. Like know their names, know their needs, Like know their names, know their needs, Like know their names, know their needs, share a meal with them, befriend them.

share a meal with them, befriend them. share a meal with them, befriend them. Who are you befriending? Number three, Who are you befriending? Number three, Who are you befriending? Number three, to invite unbelievers, invite to invite unbelievers, invite to invite unbelievers, invite unbelievers to church. I'm excited about unbelievers to church. I'm excited about unbelievers to church. I'm excited about what's coming. Like I'll tell you from what's coming. Like I'll tell you from what's coming. Like I'll tell you from now for our Advent series, it is going now for our Advent series, it is going now for our Advent series, it is going to be apologetic series where we're to be apologetic series where we're to be apologetic series where we're going to talk about these important going to talk about these important going to talk about these important aspects of the faith. These things that aspects of the faith. These things that aspects of the faith. These things that keep people from the faith. We're going keep people from the faith. We're going keep people from the faith. We're going to spend all of December talking about to spend all of December talking about to spend all of December talking about it. You should prepare from now. Start it. You should prepare from now. Start it. You should prepare from now. Start inviting people from now. Every single inviting people from now. Every single inviting people from now. Every single Sunday, this is a time in the year when Sunday, this is a time in the year when Sunday, this is a time in the year when people are trying to get back into people are trying to get back into people are trying to get back into healthy rhythms. healthy rhythms. healthy rhythms. Invite people to church and then share. Invite people to church and then share. Invite people to church and then share. Share the gospel. Share the gospel. Share the gospel. Share your testimony. Share your testimony. Share your testimony. Like this is one way you can challenge Like this is one way you can challenge Like this is one way you can challenge one another in your community groups. one another in your community groups. one another in your community groups. Don't let your community group just turn Don't let your community group just turn Don't let your community group just turn into a fellowship time. That's so important. fellowship time. That's so important. But challenge each other to pray, But challenge each other to pray, But challenge each other to pray, befriend, invite, and share. befriend, invite, and share. befriend, invite, and share. The final thing we want to get synced up The final thing we want to get synced up The final thing we want to get synced up on so we can row together is the right on so we can row together is the right on so we can row together is the right mechanics.

mechanics. mechanics. What are the right mechanics of living What are the right mechanics of living What are the right mechanics of living missionally? What are some tools you can missionally? What are some tools you can missionally? What are some tools you can put in your tool belt? What are some put in your tool belt? What are some put in your tool belt? What are some ways that you can operate that will just ways that you can operate that will just ways that you can operate that will just be helpful to unbelievers? be helpful to unbelievers? be helpful to unbelievers? I'm going to show you. So, what happens I'm going to show you. So, what happens I'm going to show you. So, what happens is is you've got the Epicurans and is is you've got the Epicurans and is is you've got the Epicurans and Stoics and they're they're amused by Stoics and they're they're amused by Stoics and they're they're amused by what Paul is sharing. They don't agree what Paul is sharing. They don't agree what Paul is sharing. They don't agree with it, but they want to hear more. So with it, but they want to hear more. So with it, but they want to hear more. So they invite Paul to basically give an they invite Paul to basically give an they invite Paul to basically give an give a defense give a defense give a defense at the Aropagus which is known as Mars at the Aropagus which is known as Mars at the Aropagus which is known as Mars Hill. So I want to look at what he Hill. So I want to look at what he Hill. So I want to look at what he shares. Look, we're going to leave so shares. Look, we're going to leave so shares. Look, we're going to leave so much meat on the bone. There's no way we much meat on the bone. There's no way we much meat on the bone. There's no way we can unpack all of this. can unpack all of this. can unpack all of this. I'm going to be looking less at I'm going to be looking less at I'm going to be looking less at the particulars of what Paul said and the particulars of what Paul said and the particulars of what Paul said and I'm looking more at at how Paul engaged. I'm looking more at at how Paul engaged. I'm looking more at at how Paul engaged. and I think it'll be helpful. So, I'm going to give you a list of the So, I'm going to give you a list of the right mechanics. Here we go. And I'm right mechanics. Here we go. And I'm right mechanics. Here we go. And I'm going to move quickly. Number one, let going to move quickly. Number one, let going to move quickly. Number one, let me just encourage you. Connect before me just encourage you. Connect before me just encourage you. Connect before you convict.

you convict. you convict. Connect before you convict. Here's what Connect before you convict. Here's what Connect before you convict. Here's what it says in verse 22. It says, "So Paul, it says in verse 22. It says, "So Paul, it says in verse 22. It says, "So Paul, standing in the midst of the Aropagus standing in the midst of the Aropagus standing in the midst of the Aropagus said, men of Athens, I perceive that in said, men of Athens, I perceive that in said, men of Athens, I perceive that in every way you're very religious. every way you're very religious. every way you're very religious. For as I passed along and observed the For as I passed along and observed the For as I passed along and observed the objects of your worship, I found also an objects of your worship, I found also an objects of your worship, I found also an altar with this inscription to the altar with this inscription to the altar with this inscription to the unknown God. What therefore you worship unknown God. What therefore you worship unknown God. What therefore you worship is unknown. This I proclaim to you. Do is unknown. This I proclaim to you. Do is unknown. This I proclaim to you. Do you see how strategic Paul is? He you see how strategic Paul is? He you see how strategic Paul is? He doesn't come right out of the gate doesn't come right out of the gate doesn't come right out of the gate trying to convict them of their trying to convict them of their trying to convict them of their idolatry. No, he builds a connection. idolatry. No, he builds a connection. idolatry. No, he builds a connection. What's the connection? The connection is What's the connection? The connection is What's the connection? The connection is worship. worship. worship. Let me just encourage you, get people Let me just encourage you, get people Let me just encourage you, get people talking about the things they worship. talking about the things they worship. talking about the things they worship. If you want to see someone come alive, If you want to see someone come alive, If you want to see someone come alive, if you want to get um access to if you want to get um access to if you want to get um access to someone's heart and mind, just invite someone's heart and mind, just invite someone's heart and mind, just invite them to share about what they worship. Number two, find the right starting Number two, find the right starting [snorts] place. [snorts] place. [snorts] place. Verse 24, the God who made the world and Verse 24, the God who made the world and Verse 24, the God who made the world and everything in it, being Lord of heaven everything in it, being Lord of heaven everything in it, being Lord of heaven and earth. Do you see where Paul starts and earth. Do you see where Paul starts and earth. Do you see where Paul starts with people who have never heard about with people who have never heard about with people who have never heard about Jesus?

Jesus? Jesus? He doesn't start with Jesus dying on the He doesn't start with Jesus dying on the He doesn't start with Jesus dying on the cross. Where does he start? He starts cross. Where does he start? He starts cross. Where does he start? He starts Genesis 1:1. He goes all the way back to Genesis 1:1. He goes all the way back to Genesis 1:1. He goes all the way back to the creation of the world. Why? Because the creation of the world. Why? Because the creation of the world. Why? Because he's talking to people uh who are he's talking to people uh who are he's talking to people uh who are pantheists who who believe that they pantheists who who believe that they pantheists who who believe that they that God is in nature. that God is in nature. that God is in nature. He's trying to make the point God isn't He's trying to make the point God isn't He's trying to make the point God isn't in creation. He stands over it. He's the in creation. He stands over it. He's the in creation. He stands over it. He's the Lord of heaven and earth. Lord of heaven and earth. Lord of heaven and earth. But he finds the right starting place But he finds the right starting place But he finds the right starting place for these people. That's why I like to for these people. That's why I like to for these people. That's why I like to ask people the question if we get into a ask people the question if we get into a ask people the question if we get into a spiritual conversation. The question spiritual conversation. The question spiritual conversation. The question that I bridge with is, is faith that I bridge with is, is faith that I bridge with is, is faith something that is important to you? something that is important to you? something that is important to you? Because when I ask someone, is faith Because when I ask someone, is faith Because when I ask someone, is faith something that's important to you? Then something that's important to you? Then something that's important to you? Then what that does is it opens them up to what that does is it opens them up to what that does is it opens them up to share with me what faith looks like for share with me what faith looks like for share with me what faith looks like for them. them. them. And that tells me what the starting And that tells me what the starting And that tells me what the starting point should be. Number three, build a point should be. Number three, build a point should be. Number three, build a case for how Jesus is different. Because case for how Jesus is different. Because case for how Jesus is different. Because Paul says, "The God who made the world Paul says, "The God who made the world Paul says, "The God who made the world and everything in it, being Lord of and everything in it, being Lord of and everything in it, being Lord of heaven and earth, he doesn't live in heaven and earth, he doesn't live in heaven and earth, he doesn't live in temples made by man. Their their gods temples made by man. Their their gods temples made by man. Their their gods lived in temples. Nor is he served by lived in temples. Nor is he served by lived in temples. Nor is he served by human hands as though he needed anything human hands as though he needed anything human hands as though he needed anything since he himself gives to all mankind since he himself gives to all mankind since he himself gives to all mankind life and breath and everything." He's life and breath and everything." He's life and breath and everything." He's building a case for how Jesus was building a case for how Jesus was building a case for how Jesus was different. The the Athenians think that different. The the Athenians think that different. The the Athenians think that Paul is just trying to add another god Paul is just trying to add another god Paul is just trying to add another god to the Greek pantheon.

to the Greek pantheon. to the Greek pantheon. And Jesus is saying, "No, he's different And Jesus is saying, "No, he's different And Jesus is saying, "No, he's different altogether. In fact, he's the only true altogether. In fact, he's the only true altogether. In fact, he's the only true one." one." one." What does this look like for us today? What does this look like for us today? What does this look like for us today? What this looks like for us today is I What this looks like for us today is I What this looks like for us today is I believe we live in a good for you believe we live in a good for you believe we live in a good for you culture. culture. culture. Good for you. Have you ever shared with Good for you. Have you ever shared with Good for you. Have you ever shared with someone how Jesus has changed your life someone how Jesus has changed your life someone how Jesus has changed your life and their response is, "Well, man, good and their response is, "Well, man, good and their response is, "Well, man, good for you." for you." for you." Kind of like, "Man, I'm glad you found a Kind of like, "Man, I'm glad you found a Kind of like, "Man, I'm glad you found a God that works for you." God that works for you." God that works for you." Kind of the underlying underlying Kind of the underlying underlying Kind of the underlying underlying assumption is like, "Man, there's a assumption is like, "Man, there's a assumption is like, "Man, there's a buffet of gods. You just need to find buffet of gods. You just need to find buffet of gods. You just need to find the the one that is most satisfying to the the one that is most satisfying to the the one that is most satisfying to you. It might be different for me than you. It might be different for me than you. It might be different for me than it is for you, but just find the God it is for you, but just find the God it is for you, but just find the God that works for you." that works for you." that works for you." But there is no God like Jesus. Build a But there is no God like Jesus. Build a But there is no God like Jesus. Build a case for how he's different. case for how he's different. case for how he's different. [clears throat] I mean, Jesus [clears throat] I mean, Jesus [clears throat] I mean, Jesus was God who left heaven and came to was God who left heaven and came to was God who left heaven and came to earth. earth. earth. Our God died in our place. Our God rose Our God died in our place. Our God rose Our God died in our place. Our God rose and conquered the grave. Our God and conquered the grave. Our God and conquered the grave. Our God ascended and now is seated at the right ascended and now is seated at the right ascended and now is seated at the right hand of God, ruling and reigning. Our hand of God, ruling and reigning. Our hand of God, ruling and reigning. Our God has sent his spirit who lives inside God has sent his spirit who lives inside God has sent his spirit who lives inside of us. Our God has secured our eternity.

of us. Our God has secured our eternity. of us. Our God has secured our eternity. And it's not based upon our works, but And it's not based upon our works, but And it's not based upon our works, but solely based upon his work, perfect work solely based upon his work, perfect work solely based upon his work, perfect work on the cross. That's different. Every on the cross. That's different. Every on the cross. That's different. Every other religion says, "Here's what you other religion says, "Here's what you other religion says, "Here's what you need to do to get to God." Christianity need to do to get to God." Christianity need to do to get to God." Christianity says, "You couldn't do it, so he came to says, "You couldn't do it, so he came to says, "You couldn't do it, so he came to us." >> Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Amen. It's okay to be verbal in church It's okay to be verbal in church sometimes. That's that's good. It shows sometimes. That's that's good. It shows sometimes. That's that's good. It shows like we're alive here. Next, appeal to purpose. Appeal to Next, appeal to purpose. Appeal to purpose. Look at what he says. Verse 26 purpose. Look at what he says. Verse 26 purpose. Look at what he says. Verse 26 says, "He made from one man every nation says, "He made from one man every nation says, "He made from one man every nation of mankind to live in all the face of of mankind to live in all the face of of mankind to live in all the face of the earth, having determined allotted the earth, having determined allotted the earth, having determined allotted periods in the boundaries of their periods in the boundaries of their periods in the boundaries of their dwelling place that they should seek God dwelling place that they should seek God dwelling place that they should seek God and perhaps feel their way toward him and perhaps feel their way toward him and perhaps feel their way toward him and find him. Yet, he's actually not far and find him. Yet, he's actually not far and find him. Yet, he's actually not far from each one of us." Everyone in this from each one of us." Everyone in this from each one of us." Everyone in this world wants to know, "Why am I here? Why world wants to know, "Why am I here? Why world wants to know, "Why am I here? Why do I exist?" So many people spend their do I exist?" So many people spend their do I exist?" So many people spend their entire lives still trying to answer the entire lives still trying to answer the entire lives still trying to answer the question, "What was I made for?

question, "What was I made for? question, "What was I made for? You were made for Jesus. That's what You were made for Jesus. That's what You were made for Jesus. That's what Paul is saying. He's saying you have Paul is saying. He's saying you have Paul is saying. He's saying you have been put here. Every it doesn't matter been put here. Every it doesn't matter been put here. Every it doesn't matter where you're from, your background, where you're from, your background, where you're from, your background, nationality. Everyone here has been put nationality. Everyone here has been put nationality. Everyone here has been put here for the purpose of seeking God, to here for the purpose of seeking God, to here for the purpose of seeking God, to know God. And good news, he's not far know God. And good news, he's not far know God. And good news, he's not far off. off. off. He can be known. He can be known. He can be known. Next, use culture. Verse 28 he says for Next, use culture. Verse 28 he says for Next, use culture. Verse 28 he says for in him we live and move and have our in him we live and move and have our in him we live and move and have our being as even some of your own poets being as even some of your own poets being as even some of your own poets have said for we are indeed his have said for we are indeed his have said for we are indeed his offspring. You can use culture to engage offspring. You can use culture to engage offspring. You can use culture to engage in conversations like I think every in conversations like I think every in conversations like I think every country singer is contractually country singer is contractually country singer is contractually obligated to mention Jesus in their obligated to mention Jesus in their obligated to mention Jesus in their songs Jesus their dog and the alcohol songs Jesus their dog and the alcohol songs Jesus their dog and the alcohol that they like to drink. that they like to drink. that they like to drink. There are movies that portray There are movies that portray There are movies that portray good and evil so clearly. good and evil so clearly. good and evil so clearly. There are songs that wrestle with the There are songs that wrestle with the There are songs that wrestle with the meaning of life. Use them. meaning of life. Use them. meaning of life. Use them. Next, I've got two more for you. Next, Next, I've got two more for you. Next, Next, I've got two more for you. Next, call them to repentance. Verse 29.

call them to repentance. Verse 29. call them to repentance. Verse 29. Being then God's offspring, we not ought Being then God's offspring, we not ought Being then God's offspring, we not ought to think that the divine being is like to think that the divine being is like to think that the divine being is like gold or silver or stone, an image formed gold or silver or stone, an image formed gold or silver or stone, an image formed by the art and imagination of man. The by the art and imagination of man. The by the art and imagination of man. The times of ignorance got overlooked. But times of ignorance got overlooked. But times of ignorance got overlooked. But now he commands all people everywhere to now he commands all people everywhere to now he commands all people everywhere to repent. repent. repent. We have to be clear with people. What is We have to be clear with people. What is We have to be clear with people. What is the right response to Jesus Christ? It the right response to Jesus Christ? It the right response to Jesus Christ? It is to repent. What does that mean? It is to repent. What does that mean? It is to repent. What does that mean? It means to turn from every rival object of means to turn from every rival object of means to turn from every rival object of worship. worship. worship. It is taking our worship back from the It is taking our worship back from the It is taking our worship back from the people and things we've given it to. And people and things we've given it to. And people and things we've given it to. And it is to give our worship solely to it is to give our worship solely to it is to give our worship solely to Jesus Christ. in them. Finally, Jesus Christ. in them. Finally, Jesus Christ. in them. Finally, put them in front of Jesus for judgment. put them in front of Jesus for judgment. put them in front of Jesus for judgment. Here's what I mean by that. Put them in Here's what I mean by that. Put them in Here's what I mean by that. Put them in front of Jesus for judgment now before front of Jesus for judgment now before front of Jesus for judgment now before they stand before Jesus in judgment at they stand before Jesus in judgment at they stand before Jesus in judgment at the end. the end. the end. >> Verse 31, because he, that's God, has >> Verse 31, because he, that's God, has >> Verse 31, because he, that's God, has fixed a day on which he will judge the fixed a day on which he will judge the fixed a day on which he will judge the world in righteousness by a man, that's world in righteousness by a man, that's world in righteousness by a man, that's Jesus, whom he has appointed. And of Jesus, whom he has appointed. And of Jesus, whom he has appointed. And of this, he has given assurance to all by this, he has given assurance to all by this, he has given assurance to all by raising him from the dead.

raising him from the dead. raising him from the dead. The fact that Jesus Christ rose and The fact that Jesus Christ rose and The fact that Jesus Christ rose and conquered the grave means that he's the conquered the grave means that he's the conquered the grave means that he's the king of kings and lord of lords and king of kings and lord of lords and king of kings and lord of lords and every single person on the planet will every single person on the planet will every single person on the planet will stand before him and give an account one stand before him and give an account one stand before him and give an account one day. You can put people before Jesus now day. You can put people before Jesus now day. You can put people before Jesus now before they stand before Jesus, what before they stand before Jesus, what before they stand before Jesus, what does that look like? That's why it's so does that look like? That's why it's so does that look like? That's why it's so good sometimes to ask people the good sometimes to ask people the good sometimes to ask people the question, if you were to die tonight question, if you were to die tonight question, if you were to die tonight and you were to stand before Jesus and you were to stand before Jesus and you were to stand before Jesus Christ and he were to ask you, why Christ and he were to ask you, why Christ and he were to ask you, why should I let you into heaven? What would should I let you into heaven? What would should I let you into heaven? What would you say? you say? you say? put them before Jesus for judgment now. put them before Jesus for judgment now. put them before Jesus for judgment now. Let them figure that out now Let them figure that out now Let them figure that out now so that when they actually do stand so that when they actually do stand so that when they actually do stand before him one day, they can hear, "Well done, good and they can hear, "Well done, good and faithful servant." faithful servant." faithful servant." When you stand before Jesus one day, the When you stand before Jesus one day, the When you stand before Jesus one day, the question won't be, "What have you done question won't be, "What have you done question won't be, "What have you done to earn your way in here?" The question to earn your way in here?" The question to earn your way in here?" The question will be, "What did you do with Jesus will be, "What did you do with Jesus will be, "What did you do with Jesus when you knew who he was?" when you knew who he was?" when you knew who he was?" That's it. I'll close just by encouraging you to I'll close just by encouraging you to trust God with the results.

trust God with the results. trust God with the results. If you were to read the rest of the If you were to read the rest of the If you were to read the rest of the passage, I mean, Paul gives it all he passage, I mean, Paul gives it all he passage, I mean, Paul gives it all he has. And how do people respond? Some has. And how do people respond? Some has. And how do people respond? Some people mocked. Some people mocked him people mocked. Some people mocked him people mocked. Some people mocked him and Jesus. Some people said, "I want to and Jesus. Some people said, "I want to and Jesus. Some people said, "I want to learn more." And then others trusted. learn more." And then others trusted. learn more." And then others trusted. Leave the results to God. I just want to Leave the results to God. I just want to Leave the results to God. I just want to invite you right now to respond. If you're here this morning and you If you're here this morning and you don't have a relationship with Jesus don't have a relationship with Jesus don't have a relationship with Jesus Christ, let me just ask you. If you were Christ, let me just ask you. If you were Christ, let me just ask you. If you were to die and stand before Jesus Christ to die and stand before Jesus Christ to die and stand before Jesus Christ tonight and he were to ask you, "Why tonight and he were to ask you, "Why tonight and he were to ask you, "Why should I let you into heaven?" What should I let you into heaven?" What should I let you into heaven?" What would you say? The only answer is The only answer is I believe that Jesus Christ died on the I believe that Jesus Christ died on the I believe that Jesus Christ died on the cross and rose from the dead to save me. cross and rose from the dead to save me. cross and rose from the dead to save me. I bring nothing. You've done everything. So maybe you want to put your trust in So maybe you want to put your trust in Jesus Christ today. I invite you right Jesus Christ today. I invite you right Jesus Christ today. I invite you right now to just say, "Lord Jesus, would you now to just say, "Lord Jesus, would you now to just say, "Lord Jesus, would you come into my life?

come into my life? come into my life? Thank you that you died on the cross for Thank you that you died on the cross for Thank you that you died on the cross for me. me. me. Thank you that you rose from the dead Thank you that you rose from the dead Thank you that you rose from the dead for me. for me. for me. Would you come into my life? Would you come into my life? Would you come into my life? Would you forgive me of my sins? Would you forgive me of my sins? Would you forgive me of my sins? And would you lead me in a new life? Lord, would you have your way in our Lord, would you have your way in our church? Would you purify us, Lord? church? Would you purify us, Lord? church? Would you purify us, Lord? Would you reveal our idolatry? Would you reveal our idolatry? Would you reveal our idolatry? And then, would you reclaim the worship And then, would you reclaim the worship And then, would you reclaim the worship that belongs solely to yourself? that belongs solely to yourself? that belongs solely to yourself? You're a good King, Jesus, and we You're a good King, Jesus, and we You're a good King, Jesus, and we worship you. We love you, and it's in worship you. We love you, and it's in worship you. We love you, and it's in your name we pray. Amen.