Sunday 9 AM Service LIVE // August 23, 2026 // Watermark Community Church

feel. feel. [music] >> Heat. Heat.

>> Heat. Heat. [music] >> Good morning, Watermark. So glad you're >> Good morning, Watermark. So glad you're [music] with us today.

[music] with us today. [music] with us today. We're excited to worship with you and We're excited to worship with you and We're excited to worship with you and and we're going to sing [music] together and we're going to sing [music] together and we're going to sing [music] together in just a moment. in just a moment. in just a moment. Before we do, Before we do, Before we do, just want [music] to remind us all just want [music] to remind us all just want [music] to remind us all that God is here. Believe he's here and that God is here. Believe he's here and that God is here. Believe he's here and that he wants to speak to us today. that he wants to speak to us today. that he wants to speak to us today. [music] [music] [music] And I want to encourage you to to just And I want to encourage you to to just And I want to encourage you to to just ask him to make himself known to you. ask him to make himself known to you. ask him to make himself known to you. So I'm going to give you a moment. Um, So I'm going to give you a moment. Um, So I'm going to give you a moment. Um, sometimes it's crazy even just getting sometimes it's crazy even just getting sometimes it's crazy even just getting into this room and I know in a room this into this room and I know in a room this into this room and I know in a room this size there's a lot of uh stories [music] size there's a lot of uh stories [music] size there's a lot of uh stories [music] and situations and things you're going and situations and things you're going and situations and things you're going through. And so just want to encourage through. And so just want to encourage through. And so just want to encourage you to you to you to um just take a moment, maybe [music] um just take a moment, maybe [music] um just take a moment, maybe [music] even close your eyes if you need to and even close your eyes if you need to and even close your eyes if you need to and just give whatever might [music] be just give whatever might [music] be just give whatever might [music] be distracting you in these moments over to distracting you in these moments over to distracting you in these moments over to the Lord. And I'm going to read just the Lord. And I'm going to read just the Lord. And I'm going to read just some verses out of Lamentations chapter some verses out of Lamentations chapter some verses out of Lamentations chapter [music] 3. I'm going to read them over [music] 3. I'm going to read them over [music] 3. I'm going to read them over us and then we're going to sing and us and then we're going to sing and us and then we're going to sing and worship together. It says this, [snorts] worship together. It says this, [snorts] worship together. It says this, [snorts] "But this I call to mind and therefore I "But this I call to mind and therefore I "But this I call to mind and therefore I have hope. [music] have hope. [music] have hope. [music] The steadfast love of the Lord never The steadfast love of the Lord never The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases. His mercies [music] never come ceases. His mercies [music] never come ceases. His mercies [music] never come to an end. They are new every morning.

to an end. They are new every morning. to an end. They are new every morning. Great is your faithfulness. [music] Great is your faithfulness. [music] Great is your faithfulness. [music] The Lord is my portion, says my soul. The Lord is my portion, says my soul. The Lord is my portion, says my soul. Therefore, I will hope in him. The Lord Therefore, I will hope in him. The Lord Therefore, I will hope in him. The Lord is good to those who wait for him, to is good to those who wait for him, to is good to those who wait for him, to the soul who seeks him. It is good the soul who seeks him. It is good the soul who seeks him. It is good [music] that one should wait quietly for [music] that one should wait quietly for [music] that one should wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord. Let's worship the salvation of the Lord. Let's worship the salvation of the Lord. Let's worship together. [music] [music] See, I'm calling See, I'm calling See, I'm calling I'm calling on the [singing and music] I'm calling on the [singing and music] I'm calling on the [singing and music] God of Jacob, whose [music] love [singing] endures whose [music] love [singing] endures through generations. through generations. through generations. [music] [music] [music] And I know that he will keep you And I know that he will keep you And I know that he will keep you [singing] covered. I'm [music] calling [singing] on the God I'm [music] calling [singing] on the God of Moses, of Moses, of Moses, [music] [music] [music] the one who open [singing] the one who open [singing] the one who open [singing] the ocean. [music] And I need you now to do the same thing And I need you now to do the same thing [music and singing] for me, [music and singing] for me, [music and singing] for me, for me.

for me. for me. [music] Oh [singing] God, my God, I need you. Oh Oh [singing] God, my God, I need you. Oh God, my God, [music] I need you now. How God, my God, [music] I need you now. How God, my God, [music] I need you now. How I [singing] need you now. Oh rock [music and singing] or rock of Oh rock [music and singing] or rock of ages. I'm standing on your [music] ages. I'm standing on your [music] ages. I'm standing on your [music] faithfulness. faithfulness. faithfulness. [singing] [singing] [singing] on your faithfulness. [music] I'm calling I'm calling and I'm calling [music and singing] on and I'm calling [music and singing] on and I'm calling [music and singing] on the God of Mary whose favor [music and singing] whose favor [music and singing] is upon the lonely. I know [music and singing] with you all I know [music and singing] with you all things are possible.

I'm calling [music] I'm calling [music] on the God of David Oh [music] God, my God, I need you. Oh Oh [music] God, my God, I need you. Oh God, my God, I need you now. [music] God, my God, I need you now. [music] God, my God, I need you now. [music] How I need you now for [music and singing] a rock of ages. for [music and singing] a rock of ages. I'm sing on your faithfulness, [singing] Oh God, my God, I need you. [singing] Oh God, my God, I need you. [singing] Oh God, my God, [music] I need you now. Oh God, my God, [music] I need you now. Oh God, my God, [music] I need you now. How I need you now. For our [music] For our [music] pages, I'm sending [singing] pages, I'm sending [singing] pages, I'm sending [singing] all your faithfulness You heard your children.

You heard your children. You hear your children. You hear your children. You hear your children. You are the same God. You are the You are the same God. You are the You are the same God. You are the [music] same God. You answer prayers [music] same God. You answer prayers [music] same God. You answer prayers badly and you will answer. Now you are badly and you will answer. Now you are badly and you will answer. Now you are the same [music] God. You are the same the same [music] God. You are the same the same [music] God. You are the same God. You [music] are providing. God. You [music] are providing. God. You [music] are providing. You are providing now. You are the same You are providing now. You are the same You are providing now. You are the same [music] God. You are the same God. You [music] God. You are the same God. You [music] God. You are the same God. You move in [music and singing] power. Then move in [music and singing] power. Then move in [music and singing] power. Then God move in power. Now [music] God move in power. Now [music] God move in power. Now [music] you are [singing] the same God. You are you are [singing] the same God. You are you are [singing] the same God. You are the same God. You are [music] a healer. the same God. You are [music] a healer. the same God. You are [music] a healer. You are a healer [singing] now. You are You are a healer [singing] now. You are You are a healer [singing] now. You are the same [music] God. You are the the same [music] God. You are the the same [music] God. You are the [singing] same.

[singing] same. [singing] same. You are a savior. [music] You are a savior. [music] You are a savior. [music] Then you are savior now. You are the Then you are savior now. You are the Then you are savior now. You are the same God. [music] same God. [music] same God. [music] You are the same God. Oh God, my God, I You are the same God. Oh God, my God, I You are the same God. Oh God, my God, I need you. [music] need you. [music] need you. [music] Oh God, my God, I need you now. How I Oh God, my God, I need you now. How I Oh God, my God, I need you now. How I need you [music] now for for aes. Oh God, my God, I need [music] you. Oh, Oh God, my God, I need [music] you. Oh, I need you now. I need you now. I need you now. [music] I need you now. on your faithfulness.

on your faithfulness. [music] In Christ alone, In Christ alone, my hope [music] is [singing] found. my hope [music] is [singing] found. my hope [music] is [singing] found. He is my light, my strength, my song. He is my light, my strength, my song. He is my light, my strength, my song. This corner [music] stone, This corner [music] stone, This corner [music] stone, this solid ground [singing] this solid ground [singing] this solid ground [singing] firm through the fiercest [music] firm through the fiercest [music] firm through the fiercest [music] drought drought drought and storm. and storm. and storm. What heights of love? What heights of love? What heights of love? What depths [music] What depths [music] What depths [music] of peace? of peace? of peace? When fears are still, when striving When fears are still, when striving When fears are still, when striving [music] seas, [music] seas, [music] seas, my comforter, my comforter, my comforter, my all in [singing] all, my all in [singing] all, my all in [singing] all, here in the love of [music] Christ here in the love of [music] Christ here in the love of [music] Christ I stand in Christ alone.

in Christ alone. who took on flesh, who took on flesh, who took on flesh, fullness [music] of God in [singing] fullness [music] of God in [singing] fullness [music] of God in [singing] helpless helpless helpless pain. pain. pain. This gift of love [music] This gift of love [music] This gift of love [music] and righteousness, and righteousness, and righteousness, scorned by [music] the ones he came scorned by [music] the ones he came scorned by [music] the ones he came to save. to save. to save. Still on the [music and singing] cross Still on the [music and singing] cross Still on the [music and singing] cross as Jesus died. as Jesus died. as Jesus died. The wrath of God [music and singing] The wrath of God [music and singing] The wrath of God [music and singing] was sisfied was sisfied was sisfied for every [music] sin for every [music] sin for every [music] sin on him was [singing] laid. on him was [singing] laid. on him was [singing] laid. Here in [music] the death of Christ Here in [music] the death of Christ Here in [music] the death of Christ I live. [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> There in the ground >> There in the ground >> There in the ground his body lay. his body lay. his body lay. Light of the Lord by darkness Light of the Lord by darkness Light of the Lord by darkness laid laid laid in bursting [music] in bursting [music] in bursting [music] for in glorious day.

for in glorious day. for in glorious day. Up from the grave he rose [music] Up from the grave he rose [music] Up from the grave he rose [music] again. again. again. as he as he as he [music] is is [music] No guilt [music] in life, No guilt [music] in life, no fear in death. no fear in death. no fear in death. This [music] is the power of Christ in This [music] is the power of Christ in This [music] is the power of Christ in me.

me. me. From life's first cry to final breath. From life's first cry to final breath. From life's first cry to final breath. Jesus commands my destiny. [music] Jesus commands my destiny. [music] Jesus commands my destiny. [music] No power of hell, [singing] No power of hell, [singing] No power of hell, [singing] no [music] skin of man no [music] skin of man no [music] skin of man can ever pluck [singing] me from his can ever pluck [singing] me from his can ever pluck [singing] me from his hand till he [music] hand till he [music] hand till he [music] returns [singing] returns [singing] returns [singing] who calls me home. who calls me home. who calls me home. Here in the power of Christ Here in the power of Christ Here in the power of Christ I'll stand. [music] Oh, praise the name of the [singing] Oh, praise the name of the [singing] Lord our God. Lord our God. Lord our God. Oh, praise [music] his [singing] name Oh, praise [music] his [singing] name Oh, praise [music] his [singing] name forever forever forever more and for endless [music and singing] more and for endless [music and singing] more and for endless [music and singing] days we will sing your praise, days we will sing your praise, days we will sing your praise, [music] oh Lord. [singing] [music] oh Lord. [singing] [music] oh Lord. [singing] Oh Lord our God, [music] we sing, we Oh Lord our God, [music] we sing, we Oh Lord our God, [music] we sing, we sing. Oh praise [singing] the name of sing. Oh praise [singing] the name of sing. Oh praise [singing] the name of the Lord our [music] God.

the Lord our [music] God. the Lord our [music] God. Oh, praise his [singing] name. We praise Oh, praise his [singing] name. We praise Oh, praise his [singing] name. We praise you forever you forever you forever more and [music] for [singing] endless more and [music] for [singing] endless more and [music] for [singing] endless days. We will sing your praise, days. We will sing your praise, days. We will sing your praise, oh [music and singing] Lord. Oh Lord our oh [music and singing] Lord. Oh Lord our oh [music and singing] Lord. Oh Lord our God, [singing] God, [singing] God, [singing] [music] praise the Lord our God. praise the Lord our God. [music and singing] [music and singing] [music and singing] all praise. all praise. all praise. I cast my mind [singing] I cast my mind [singing] I cast my mind [singing] to Calary [music] where Jesus bled [music] where Jesus bled [music] and died for me. and died for me. and died for me. And I see his wounds, [music] And I see his wounds, [music] And I see his wounds, [music] his hands, his feet. his hands, his feet. his hands, his feet. My savior on that cursed tree.

His body bound [music and singing] His body bound [music and singing] and drenched in tears. and drenched in tears. and drenched in tears. They [singing] laid him down They [singing] laid him down They [singing] laid him down in [music] Joseph's tomb. The entrance in [music] Joseph's tomb. The entrance in [music] Joseph's tomb. The entrance [singing] [singing] [singing] [music] sealed [music] sealed [music] sealed by heavy stone. by heavy stone. by heavy stone. the side is still the side is still the side is still and [music] all. and [music] all. and [music] all. Come on, we exalt the name of Jesus. We Come on, we exalt the name of Jesus. We Come on, we exalt the name of Jesus. We love [music] you, Lord. And oh, praise love [music] you, Lord. And oh, praise love [music] you, Lord. And oh, praise the [singing] name of the Lord [music] the [singing] name of the Lord [music] the [singing] name of the Lord [music] our God. Oh, praise his name forever our God. Oh, praise his name forever our God. Oh, praise his name forever [singing] [singing] [singing] more. [music] more. [music] more. [music] For endless days we [music] will sing For endless days we [music] will sing For endless days we [music] will sing Jesus praise. Oh Lord, [singing] Jesus praise. Oh Lord, [singing] Jesus praise. Oh Lord, [singing] oh Lord [music] our God. On the [singing] third On the [singing] third at breakart, at breakart, at breakart, the [music] son of heaven the [music] son of heaven the [music] son of heaven rose again. [singing] rose again. [singing] rose again. [singing] Oh, [music] tremble.

Oh, [music] tremble. Oh, [music] tremble. Where is your sing? Where is your sing? Where is your sing? Cuz the angels [music] Cuz the angels [music] Cuz the angels [music] roar roar roar for Christ. for Christ. for Christ. We join in the way of praise We join in the way of praise We join in the way of praise [music and singing] [music and singing] [music and singing] and don't praise the church of the Lord and don't praise the church of the Lord and don't praise the church of the Lord our [music] God. Just praise his name our [music] God. Just praise his name our [music] God. Just praise his name forever [music] forever [music] forever [music] more. [singing] more. [singing] more. [singing] For endless days we will [music] sing For endless days we will [music] sing For endless days we will [music] sing Jesus praise. Oh Jesus praise. Oh Jesus praise. Oh [music] praise the name and all [music] praise praise the name and all [music] praise [singing] [singing] [singing] of the Lord our God. [music] of the Lord our God. [music] of the Lord our God. [music] Oh praise. We are the sing praise Oh praise. We are the sing praise Oh praise. We are the sing praise forever forever forever more. more. more. For in [music and singing] this days we For in [music and singing] this days we For in [music and singing] this days we will sing Jesus praise. Oh will sing Jesus praise. Oh will sing Jesus praise. Oh [music and singing] Lord, oh Lord our [music and singing] Lord, oh Lord our [music and singing] Lord, oh Lord our God. [singing] Oh we praise you. Praise [music] you.

Oh we praise you. Praise [music] you. Praise you Jesus. [singing] He shall return He shall return [music] [music] [music] in robes [singing] in robes [singing] in robes [singing] of white. of white. of white. The blazing sun [music] The blazing sun [music] The blazing sun [music] will pierce the darkest night. [singing] And I will [music] rise And I will [music] rise among [singing] among [singing] among [singing] the saints. the saints. the saints. My gaze [music] My gaze [music] My gaze [music] transfixed transfixed transfixed on Jesus face. on Jesus face. on Jesus face. I'm going to see [music] the glorious I'm going to see [music] the glorious I'm going to see [music] the glorious face, face, face, the face of my savior [music] the face of my savior [music] the face of my savior [music] and praise you forever and praise you forever and praise you forever and ever and ever. [music] I'll see the and ever and ever. [music] I'll see the and ever and ever. [music] I'll see the face of my savior. [singing] face of my savior. [singing] face of my savior. [singing] With all the saints, [music] we'll sing With all the saints, [music] we'll sing With all the saints, [music] we'll sing out, "Oh, praise the name." We sing. out, "Oh, praise the name." We sing. out, "Oh, praise the name." We sing. [singing] [singing] [singing] Oh, praise [music] the name of the Lord Oh, praise [music] the name of the Lord Oh, praise [music] the name of the Lord our God. Oh, [music] praise his name our God. Oh, [music] praise his name our God. Oh, [music] praise his name forever forever forever more.

more. more. For [music and singing] endless days we For [music and singing] endless days we For [music and singing] endless days we will sing your praise, [music] oh Lord. will sing your praise, [music] oh Lord. will sing your praise, [music] oh Lord. Lord our God Lord our God Lord our God [music] [music] [music] praise the Lord our God [music] the Lord our God [music] praise praise praise your name forever for [music] for [music] this [singing] day we will sing your this [singing] day we will sing your this [singing] day we will sing your praise [music] >> Death could [music] not hold you. Great >> Death could [music] not hold you. Great before you s the praise [music] of your the praise [music] of your for you are for you are for you are to rise [music] again to rise [music] again to rise [music] again and you have no right and you have no right and you have no right and you have no equal [music] and you have no equal [music] and you have no equal [music] Now and forever [music] [music] yours is the king.

yours is the king. yours is the king. Yours [music] is the glory. Yours [music] is the glory. Yours [music] is the glory. Yours is the name. [music] What a beautiful name. What a beautiful What a beautiful name. What a beautiful name [music] it is. What a beautiful name [music] it is. What a beautiful name [music] it is. What a beautiful name it is. [music] name it is. [music] name it is. [music] The name of Jesus. [music] [music] What a beautiful name it is. What a beautiful name it is. What a beautiful name it is. Oh, nothing compares to [music] this. Oh, nothing compares to [music] this. Oh, nothing compares to [music] this. What a beautiful name it is. The name of What a beautiful name it is. The name of What a beautiful name it is. The name of Jesus. Jesus. Jesus. What a beautiful [music] name it is. The What a beautiful [music] name it is. The What a beautiful [music] name it is. The name of Jesus. [music] What a beautiful name of Jesus. [music] What a beautiful name of Jesus. [music] What a beautiful name it is. The name of Jesus. [music] And oh, praise none [music and singing] And oh, praise none [music and singing] of the Lord. Oh, praise his name Oh, praise his name forever [music] and ever and ever more.

forever [music] and ever and ever more. forever [music] and ever and ever more. For Oh [music] Lord. Oh [music] Lord. Oh Lord. Ohord. Ohord. Oh Lord. >> [music] >> [music] >> We worship the King of Kings >> We worship the King of Kings >> We worship the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords, [music] and the Lord of Lords, [music] and the Lord of Lords, [music] the one before whom every knee will bow the one before whom every knee will bow the one before whom every knee will bow and every tongue will confess. and every tongue will confess. and every tongue will confess. In every place [music] in every nation, In every place [music] in every nation, In every place [music] in every nation, in every corner of the earth, every eye in every corner of the earth, every eye in every corner of the earth, every eye will behold this King. [music] will behold this King. [music] will behold this King. [music] Lord, right now you're in this moment. Lord, right now you're in this moment. Lord, right now you're in this moment. We join We join We join in and with the adoration of heaven and in and with the adoration of heaven and in and with the adoration of heaven and all creation to tell you that you are all creation to tell you that you are all creation to tell you that you are Lord. And we stand in awe of you. And Lord. And we stand in awe of you. And Lord. And we stand in awe of you. And what [music] a privilege to even utter what [music] a privilege to even utter what [music] a privilege to even utter your name, Jesus.

your name, Jesus. your name, Jesus. All the power that that name holds. All the power that that name holds. All the power that that name holds. [music] [music] [music] The power to save us. The power to save us. The power to save us. The power to rescue us from our [music] The power to rescue us from our [music] The power to rescue us from our [music] depravity and brokenness. depravity and brokenness. depravity and brokenness. The power to pull us from the deepest The power to pull us from the deepest The power to pull us from the deepest pit. pit. pit. The power to heal us when we're broken. The power to deliver us when we're in The power to deliver us when we're in bondage. bondage. bondage. The power to encourage us when we're The power to encourage us when we're The power to encourage us when we're depressed and anxious [music] and depressed and anxious [music] and depressed and anxious [music] and afraid. afraid. afraid. The power to carry us The power to carry us The power to carry us through trial after trial after trial through trial after trial after trial through trial after trial after trial and suffering. and suffering. and suffering. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> the power to sustain us for all of our >> the power to sustain us for all of our >> the power to sustain us for all of our days. And so we do worship the name of Jesus. And so we do worship the name of Jesus. And Lord, we put you in your rightful And Lord, we put you in your rightful And Lord, we put you in your rightful place, place, place, [music] seated on the throne of our hearts, seated on the throne of our hearts, worthy of everything we have to offer worthy of everything we have to offer worthy of everything we have to offer you this morning you this morning you this morning and for all of our days.

and for all of our days. and for all of our days. Let Jesus be exalted [music] in us and Let Jesus be exalted [music] in us and Let Jesus be exalted [music] in us and by us and through us, by us and through us, by us and through us, because of us. because of us. because of us. In his name I pray. Amen. [music] In his name I pray. Amen. [music] In his name I pray. Amen. [music] Amen. Church, as we continue on in Amen. Church, as we continue on in Amen. Church, as we continue on in worship together, [music] would you just worship together, [music] would you just worship together, [music] would you just take a few moments to turn and meet a take a few moments to turn and meet a take a few moments to turn and meet a few folks standing around you? >> Well, good morning watermark. How are we

>> Well, good morning watermark. How are we doing today? [cheering] doing today? [cheering] doing today? [cheering] >> Okay. Well, uh, good to see you. Hope >> Okay. Well, uh, good to see you. Hope >> Okay. Well, uh, good to see you. Hope all is well. I know that this is a time all is well. I know that this is a time all is well. I know that this is a time of year when many people are just trying of year when many people are just trying of year when many people are just trying to get into new healthy rhythms. So, if to get into new healthy rhythms. So, if to get into new healthy rhythms. So, if you're visiting for the first time, uh, you're visiting for the first time, uh, you're visiting for the first time, uh, whether you're spiritually searching, whether you're spiritually searching, whether you're spiritually searching, spiritually skeptical, or spiritually spiritually skeptical, or spiritually spiritually skeptical, or spiritually strong, we're glad you made it. And my strong, we're glad you made it. And my strong, we're glad you made it. And my hope is that you can take either a first hope is that you can take either a first hope is that you can take either a first or your next step with Jesus Christ. or your next step with Jesus Christ. or your next step with Jesus Christ. today. Uh we're going to step into today. Uh we're going to step into today. Uh we're going to step into studying God's word and we hope to hear studying God's word and we hope to hear studying God's word and we hope to hear from him today. Just want to give you a from him today. Just want to give you a from him today. Just want to give you a moment to pray and ask God to speak to moment to pray and ask God to speak to moment to pray and ask God to speak to you. Would you pray that for yourself? you. Would you pray that for yourself? you. Would you pray that for yourself? Just say, "God, would you speak to me Just say, "God, would you speak to me Just say, "God, would you 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, I pray that that this time Well, Lord, I pray that that this time this morning would be a defining moment this morning would be a defining moment this morning would be a defining moment for so many people in the room. for so many people in the room. for so many people in the room. I'm just asking and praying, Lord, that I'm just asking and praying, Lord, that I'm just asking and praying, Lord, that there would be nothing routine about there would be nothing routine about there would be nothing routine about this Sunday. this Sunday. this Sunday. Holy Spirit, would you move and work in Holy Spirit, would you move and work in Holy Spirit, would you move and work in our minds and hearts in a way that would our minds and hearts in a way that would our minds and hearts in a way that would ripple forth throughout the rest of this ripple forth throughout the rest of this ripple forth throughout the rest of this week? week? week? So, we just come before you, Lord. If So, we just come before you, Lord. If So, we just come before you, Lord. If there's anyone's heart that is hard there's anyone's heart that is hard there's anyone's heart that is hard toward you right now, would you soften toward you right now, would you soften toward you right now, would you soften it? there's anyone in the room who does it? there's anyone in the room who does it? there's anyone in the room who does not have a genuine relationship with not have a genuine relationship with not have a genuine relationship with you, then Jesus, would you introduce you, then Jesus, would you introduce you, then Jesus, would you introduce yourself to them in the kindest of way yourself to them in the kindest of way yourself to them in the kindest of way this morning and call them to this morning and call them to this morning and call them to repentance? repentance? repentance? For anyone in the room who just needs a For anyone in the room who just needs a For anyone in the room who just needs a fresh touch from you, would you give it fresh touch from you, would you give it fresh touch from you, would you give it to them today? We love you. We're here to them today? We love you. We're here to them today? We love you. We're here to meet with you, God. Would you meet to meet with you, God. Would you meet to meet with you, God. Would you meet with us in Jesus name? Amen.

with us in Jesus name? Amen. with us in Jesus name? Amen. Well, I shared with you guys last week Well, I shared with you guys last week Well, I shared with you guys last week uh just that a goal of mine was to uh just that a goal of mine was to uh just that a goal of mine was to preach preach preach in a sweater vest with no undershirt. in a sweater vest with no undershirt. in a sweater vest with no undershirt. And by 1:15 p.m. last Sunday, I was And by 1:15 p.m. last Sunday, I was And by 1:15 p.m. last Sunday, I was receiving pictures. Let me just show you receiving pictures. Let me just show you receiving pictures. Let me just show you what I received. Here's Here's [laughter] why it's funny. why it's funny. It's funny because it's so far from It's funny because it's so far from It's funny because it's so far from reality. reality. reality. What's hurtful is that when I've showed What's hurtful is that when I've showed What's hurtful is that when I've showed this picture to people, no one's like this picture to people, no one's like this picture to people, no one's like paused and been like, "Wait, is this paused and been like, "Wait, is this paused and been like, "Wait, is this real?" real?" real?" No one's asked that. No one's asked that. No one's asked that. Everyone's just laughed Everyone's just laughed Everyone's just laughed because they know it's AI generated. because they know it's AI generated. because they know it's AI generated. They know it's fake. Why? Because it's They know it's fake. Why? Because it's They know it's fake. Why? Because it's so far from reality. Why do I show that so far from reality. Why do I show that so far from reality. Why do I show that to you this morning?

to you this morning? to you this morning? Here's why I show it to you. Okay. Last Here's why I show it to you. Okay. Last Here's why I show it to you. Okay. Last Sunday, we drew a distinction between Sunday, we drew a distinction between Sunday, we drew a distinction between the normal Christian life and the the normal Christian life and the the normal Christian life and the American Christian life. We drew a American Christian life. We drew a American Christian life. We drew a distinction between biblical distinction between biblical distinction between biblical Christianity and American Christianity. Christianity and American Christianity. Christianity and American Christianity. As we step into Acts chapter 19 today, As we step into Acts chapter 19 today, As we step into Acts chapter 19 today, Acts chapter 19 is basically going to Acts chapter 19 is basically going to Acts chapter 19 is basically going to generate another image of what the generate another image of what the generate another image of what the normal Christian life looks like. The normal Christian life looks like. The normal Christian life looks like. The life that Jesus Christ went to the life that Jesus Christ went to the life that Jesus Christ went to the cross, conquered the grave to save us cross, conquered the grave to save us cross, conquered the grave to save us into. This is the life that the Holy into. This is the life that the Holy into. This is the life that the Holy Spirit is seeking to cultivate in us. Spirit is seeking to cultivate in us. Spirit is seeking to cultivate in us. The question that you need to answer The question that you need to answer The question that you need to answer this morning this morning this morning is, is the picture of the normal is, is the picture of the normal is, is the picture of the normal Christian life that we're going to see, Christian life that we're going to see, Christian life that we're going to see, is it kind of like the AI sweater vest is it kind of like the AI sweater vest is it kind of like the AI sweater vest ta? ta? ta? Is it so far from your reality? Is it so far from your reality? Is it so far from your reality? That's what I want you to answer this That's what I want you to answer this That's what I want you to answer this morning. Is the picture of the normal morning. Is the picture of the normal morning. Is the picture of the normal Christian life that scripture generates Christian life that scripture generates Christian life that scripture generates for us? Is it so far from your reality?

for us? Is it so far from your reality? for us? Is it so far from your reality? Here's the good news. Okay, the bad news Here's the good news. Okay, the bad news Here's the good news. Okay, the bad news for me is that the TA in that picture for me is that the TA in that picture for me is that the TA in that picture is not possible. is not possible. is not possible. I don't think it doesn't matter how hard I don't think it doesn't matter how hard I don't think it doesn't matter how hard I try. Like I I don't think it's a I try. Like I I don't think it's a I try. Like I I don't think it's a possibility. possibility. possibility. But the picture of the normal Christian But the picture of the normal Christian But the picture of the normal Christian life that we're going to see painted life that we're going to see painted life that we're going to see painted today, it's possible for you today. You today, it's possible for you today. You today, it's possible for you today. You can experience it today. The joy that is can experience it today. The joy that is can experience it today. The joy that is waiting for you in Jesus is available to waiting for you in Jesus is available to waiting for you in Jesus is available to you today. Why? Because the spirit of you today. Why? Because the spirit of you today. Why? Because the spirit of the living God is seeking to lead you to the living God is seeking to lead you to the living God is seeking to lead you to fullness of joy and the abundant life fullness of joy and the abundant life fullness of joy and the abundant life that is found in Jesus. when we step out that is found in Jesus. when we step out that is found in Jesus. when we step out of American Christianity and into of American Christianity and into of American Christianity and into biblical Christianity. biblical Christianity. biblical Christianity. But in order for us to experience that But in order for us to experience that But in order for us to experience that joy and that life, what is going to have joy and that life, what is going to have joy and that life, what is going to have to happen is is many of us here today to happen is is many of us here today to happen is is many of us here today are going to need a defining moment are going to need a defining moment are going to need a defining moment where we truly abandon American where we truly abandon American where we truly abandon American Christianity.

Christianity. Christianity. And so I'm just going to let you know And so I'm just going to let you know And so I'm just going to let you know from the top today. I'm going to speak from the top today. I'm going to speak from the top today. I'm going to speak to three different groups of to three different groups of to three different groups of American Christians American Christians American Christians and it's for your joy. But I'll tell you and it's for your joy. But I'll tell you and it's for your joy. But I'll tell you the three groups. The the three groups the three groups. The the three groups the three groups. The the three groups that I want to speak to today from Acts that I want to speak to today from Acts that I want to speak to today from Acts 19. I want to speak to the almost 19. I want to speak to the almost 19. I want to speak to the almost Christians in the room. I want to speak Christians in the room. I want to speak Christians in the room. I want to speak to the unbaptized Christians in the to the unbaptized Christians in the to the unbaptized Christians in the room. And then I want to speak to the room. And then I want to speak to the room. And then I want to speak to the unspiritual Christians in the room and unspiritual Christians in the room and unspiritual Christians in the room and unspiritual unspiritual unspiritual spirit. spirit. spirit. those who are not led by the spirit. I those who are not led by the spirit. I those who are not led by the spirit. I want to speak to those three groups of want to speak to those three groups of want to speak to those three groups of people. But the ultimate goal is people. But the ultimate goal is people. But the ultimate goal is fullness of joy found in the normal fullness of joy found in the normal fullness of joy found in the normal Christian life. So if you have a Bible, Christian life. So if you have a Bible, Christian life. So if you have a Bible, I want to invite you to turn with me to I want to invite you to turn with me to I want to invite you to turn with me to Acts chapter 19. Acts chapter 19. Acts chapter 19. Acts 19 is where we're going to be. If Acts 19 is where we're going to be. If Acts 19 is where we're going to be. If you've been journeying through the book you've been journeying through the book you've been journeying through the book of Acts with us, we are now into Paul's of Acts with us, we are now into Paul's of Acts with us, we are now into Paul's third missionary journey.

third missionary journey. third missionary journey. And Paul has landed at Ephesus, which is And Paul has landed at Ephesus, which is And Paul has landed at Ephesus, which is his major stop on his third missionary his major stop on his third missionary his major stop on his third missionary journey. Great ministry happens through journey. Great ministry happens through journey. Great ministry happens through Paul at Ephesus. But Paul's going to Paul at Ephesus. But Paul's going to Paul at Ephesus. But Paul's going to come across a group of about 12 men. And come across a group of about 12 men. And come across a group of about 12 men. And what is true of these 12 men is that what is true of these 12 men is that what is true of these 12 men is that they have a deficient understanding of they have a deficient understanding of they have a deficient understanding of Jesus Christ. And they're going to put Jesus Christ. And they're going to put Jesus Christ. And they're going to put their trust in Jesus. That's going to their trust in Jesus. That's going to their trust in Jesus. That's going to allow me to speak to the almost allow me to speak to the almost allow me to speak to the almost Christians in the room. And once they Christians in the room. And once they Christians in the room. And once they trust in Christ, they're immediately trust in Christ, they're immediately trust in Christ, they're immediately going to get baptized. That's going to going to get baptized. That's going to going to get baptized. That's going to allow me to talk to the unbaptized allow me to talk to the unbaptized allow me to talk to the unbaptized Christians in the room. And then Christians in the room. And then Christians in the room. And then immediately following that, what you see immediately following that, what you see immediately following that, what you see is them have unmistakable displays of is them have unmistakable displays of is them have unmistakable displays of the Holy Spirit in their lives. And the Holy Spirit in their lives. And the Holy Spirit in their lives. And that's going to allow me to talk to the that's going to allow me to talk to the that's going to allow me to talk to the unspiritual Christians in the room. So unspiritual Christians in the room. So unspiritual Christians in the room. So here we go. Acts 19. I want to start by here we go. Acts 19. I want to start by here we go. Acts 19. I want to start by talking to the almost Christians in the talking to the almost Christians in the talking to the almost Christians in the room. If I were to ask you, who here is room. If I were to ask you, who here is room. If I were to ask you, who here is an almost Christian? I don't think an almost Christian? I don't think an almost Christian? I don't think anyone would raise their hand. Because anyone would raise their hand. Because anyone would raise their hand. Because people are here thinking, no, I'm a people are here thinking, no, I'm a people are here thinking, no, I'm a Christian. And others are like, I'm not.

Christian. And others are like, I'm not. Christian. And others are like, I'm not. I was dragged here. You're in one of two I was dragged here. You're in one of two I was dragged here. You're in one of two places. But there's actually a third places. But there's actually a third places. But there's actually a third category. There's the almost Christian. category. There's the almost Christian. category. There's the almost Christian. Some of you don't know you're an almost Some of you don't know you're an almost Some of you don't know you're an almost Christian. I'm going to help you realize Christian. I'm going to help you realize Christian. I'm going to help you realize it so that you can move from being an it so that you can move from being an it so that you can move from being an almost Christian to being a Christian. almost Christian to being a Christian. almost Christian to being a Christian. Acts 19, look at verses 1-4. It says, Acts 19, look at verses 1-4. It says, Acts 19, look at verses 1-4. It says, "And it happened "And it happened "And it happened that while Apollos was at Corenth, Paul that while Apollos was at Corenth, Paul that while Apollos was at Corenth, Paul passed through the inland country and passed through the inland country and passed through the inland country and came to Ephesus. came to Ephesus. came to Ephesus. There he found some disciples." There he found some disciples." There he found some disciples." And he said to them, "Did you receive And he said to them, "Did you receive And he said to them, "Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?" the Holy Spirit when you believed?" the Holy Spirit when you believed?" And they said, "No, we have not even And they said, "No, we have not even And they said, "No, we have not even heard that there is a Holy Spirit." And heard that there is a Holy Spirit." And heard that there is a Holy Spirit." And he said, "Into what then were you he said, "Into what then were you he said, "Into what then were you baptized?" They said, "Into John's baptized?" They said, "Into John's baptized?" They said, "Into John's baptism." And Paul said, "John baptized baptism." And Paul said, "John baptized baptism." And Paul said, "John baptized with the baptism of repentance, with the baptism of repentance, with the baptism of repentance, telling the people to believe in the one telling the people to believe in the one telling the people to believe in the one who was to come after him, that is who was to come after him, that is who was to come after him, that is Jesus." Alistister Beg refers to these Jesus." Alistister Beg refers to these Jesus." Alistister Beg refers to these 12 people as almost Christians. I like 12 people as almost Christians. I like 12 people as almost Christians. I like that. I think it's a good label for the that. I think it's a good label for the that. I think it's a good label for the 12 men that Paul is encountering right 12 men that Paul is encountering right 12 men that Paul is encountering right now. What we know about them is that now. What we know about them is that now. What we know about them is that they were religious.

they were religious. they were religious. Luke refers to them as disciples and we Luke refers to them as disciples and we Luke refers to them as disciples and we know that they've been baptized, but we know that they've been baptized, but we know that they've been baptized, but we also know that their faith stalled out also know that their faith stalled out also know that their faith stalled out with John the Baptist. If you're not with John the Baptist. If you're not with John the Baptist. If you're not familiar with John the Baptist, familiar with John the Baptist, familiar with John the Baptist, John the Baptist came to prepare the way John the Baptist came to prepare the way John the Baptist came to prepare the way for Jesus. His message was basically for Jesus. His message was basically for Jesus. His message was basically repent because the Messiah is coming. So repent because the Messiah is coming. So repent because the Messiah is coming. So these 12 people have been baptized by these 12 people have been baptized by these 12 people have been baptized by John the Baptist. John the Baptism, John John the Baptist. John the Baptism, John John the Baptist. John the Baptism, John the Baptist's baptism the Baptist's baptism the Baptist's baptism was a baptism of repentance. Basically, was a baptism of repentance. Basically, was a baptism of repentance. Basically, when people got baptized by John the when people got baptized by John the when people got baptized by John the Baptist, they were basically saying, Baptist, they were basically saying, Baptist, they were basically saying, "Look, I've had a change of mind. I've "Look, I've had a change of mind. I've "Look, I've had a change of mind. I've had a change of heart, and now I'm had a change of heart, and now I'm had a change of heart, and now I'm waiting and I'm ready for God's coming waiting and I'm ready for God's coming waiting and I'm ready for God's coming kingdom. I'm waiting for the Messiah to kingdom. I'm waiting for the Messiah to kingdom. I'm waiting for the Messiah to come. I'm ready for God's king to come." come. I'm ready for God's king to come." come. I'm ready for God's king to come." The the way that we know that these 12 The the way that we know that these 12 The the way that we know that these 12 men aren't Christians men aren't Christians men aren't Christians is because of Paul's question and their is because of Paul's question and their is because of Paul's question and their answer. Paul asks them answer. Paul asks them answer. Paul asks them if they had ever um if they had ever um if they had ever um he asked them, "Did you receive the Holy he asked them, "Did you receive the Holy he asked them, "Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?" And what was Spirit when you believed?" And what was Spirit when you believed?" And what was their response? Their response was, "We their response? Their response was, "We their response? Their response was, "We haven't even heard that there is a Holy haven't even heard that there is a Holy haven't even heard that there is a Holy Spirit." Now, when they say we haven't Spirit." Now, when they say we haven't Spirit." Now, when they say we haven't even heard that there is a Holy Spirit, even heard that there is a Holy Spirit, even heard that there is a Holy Spirit, uh scholars agree what they're not uh scholars agree what they're not uh scholars agree what they're not saying is that they've never actually saying is that they've never actually saying is that they've never actually ever heard of the person of the Holy ever heard of the person of the Holy ever heard of the person of the Holy Spirit. That's not what they're saying

Spirit. That's not what they're saying Spirit. That's not what they're saying because the Holy Spirit is talked about because the Holy Spirit is talked about because the Holy Spirit is talked about all throughout the Old Testament. In all throughout the Old Testament. In all throughout the Old Testament. In John the Baptist would have told them John the Baptist would have told them John the Baptist would have told them about the Holy Spirit. We know that about the Holy Spirit. We know that about the Holy Spirit. We know that because in Matthew because in Matthew because in Matthew 3:11, John the Baptist says, "I baptize 3:11, John the Baptist says, "I baptize 3:11, John the Baptist says, "I baptize you with water for repentance, but he you with water for repentance, but he you with water for repentance, but he who is coming after me is mightier than who is coming after me is mightier than who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I'm not worthy to I, whose sandals I'm not worthy to I, whose sandals I'm not worthy to carry." He will baptize you with the carry." He will baptize you with the carry." He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. Holy Spirit and fire. Holy Spirit and fire. When these people say that they have not When these people say that they have not When these people say that they have not even heard of the Holy Spirit, what even heard of the Holy Spirit, what even heard of the Holy Spirit, what they're saying is that they have not they're saying is that they have not they're saying is that they have not heard that the Holy Spirit has actually heard that the Holy Spirit has actually heard that the Holy Spirit has actually already come. They had no clue about already come. They had no clue about already come. They had no clue about Pentecost. And that answer actually Pentecost. And that answer actually Pentecost. And that answer actually tells us that they don't truly tells us that they don't truly tells us that they don't truly understand Jesus. They don't realize understand Jesus. They don't realize understand Jesus. They don't realize that John the Baptist promised that one that John the Baptist promised that one that John the Baptist promised that one is coming after him. The Messiah is is coming after him. The Messiah is is coming after him. The Messiah is coming. And these people never made the coming. And these people never made the coming. And these people never made the connection that Jesus Christ was in fact connection that Jesus Christ was in fact connection that Jesus Christ was in fact the Messiah who has come. And because the Messiah who has come. And because the Messiah who has come. And because Jesus Christ has come and conquered Jesus Christ has come and conquered Jesus Christ has come and conquered death, he's also asked the father, the death, he's also asked the father, the death, he's also asked the father, the son, the spirit, and the spirit has come son, the spirit, and the spirit has come son, the spirit, and the spirit has come and gives new life to all who trust in and gives new life to all who trust in and gives new life to all who trust in Jesus Christ. These 12 men have never Jesus Christ. These 12 men have never Jesus Christ. These 12 men have never experienced who Jesus is truly, and experienced who Jesus is truly, and experienced who Jesus is truly, and they've never received him. And thus, they've never received him. And thus, they've never received him. And thus, they've never received the Holy Spirit they've never received the Holy Spirit they've never received the Holy Spirit and the new life that comes with him.

and the new life that comes with him. and the new life that comes with him. They're almost Christians. They're almost Christians. They're almost Christians. And after they encounter Paul, they put And after they encounter Paul, they put And after they encounter Paul, they put their trust in Jesus Christ and they their trust in Jesus Christ and they their trust in Jesus Christ and they move from being almost Christians to move from being almost Christians to move from being almost Christians to being real Christians. And my hope is being real Christians. And my hope is being real Christians. And my hope is that that transition might happen for that that transition might happen for that that transition might happen for some of you today. But we need to some of you today. But we need to some of you today. But we need to identify what does an almost Christian identify what does an almost Christian identify what does an almost Christian look like in Dallas, Texas in 2026. look like in Dallas, Texas in 2026. look like in Dallas, Texas in 2026. Let me just paint a few pictures of Let me just paint a few pictures of Let me just paint a few pictures of almost Christians. almost Christians. almost Christians. An almost Christian is a Christian by An almost Christian is a Christian by An almost Christian is a Christian by affiliation. affiliation. affiliation. So maybe you're a Christian by So maybe you're a Christian by So maybe you're a Christian by affiliation. Any time in your life when affiliation. Any time in your life when affiliation. Any time in your life when you've been asked, "What religion are you've been asked, "What religion are you've been asked, "What religion are you?" You've said Christian. I'm a you?" You've said Christian. I'm a you?" You've said Christian. I'm a Christian. Or you've checked the box Christian. Or you've checked the box Christian. Or you've checked the box Christian. Because that's how your Christian. Because that's how your Christian. Because that's how your family family family identified. It's the one that seems most identified. It's the one that seems most identified. It's the one that seems most like the one that you can identify with like the one that you can identify with like the one that you can identify with easiest.

easiest. easiest. But Jesus is simply the figurehead of But Jesus is simply the figurehead of But Jesus is simply the figurehead of that religion. that religion. that religion. There's no relationship with Jesus. You There's no relationship with Jesus. You There's no relationship with Jesus. You just affiliate just affiliate just affiliate with Christianity. That's an almost with Christianity. That's an almost with Christianity. That's an almost Christian. Christian. Christian. Another type of almost Christian is a Another type of almost Christian is a Another type of almost Christian is a Christian by religious activity. Christian by religious activity. Christian by religious activity. Maybe you were baptized as an infant or Maybe you were baptized as an infant or Maybe you were baptized as an infant or you went through confirmation. Maybe you you went through confirmation. Maybe you you went through confirmation. Maybe you grew up going to church or mass and grew up going to church or mass and grew up going to church or mass and you're a Christian because of religious you're a Christian because of religious you're a Christian because of religious activity. activity. activity. Here's the way that this shows up. I Here's the way that this shows up. I Here's the way that this shows up. I think about recently when when I was think about recently when when I was think about recently when when I was talking to someone, I asked them a talking to someone, I asked them a talking to someone, I asked them a question I like to ask people is, is question I like to ask people is, is question I like to ask people is, is faith something that's important to you? faith something that's important to you? faith something that's important to you? And how people respond to that? give me And how people respond to that? give me And how people respond to that? give me a good indication of just where they're a good indication of just where they're a good indication of just where they're at with Jesus. And sometimes when I ask at with Jesus. And sometimes when I ask at with Jesus. And sometimes when I ask people, is faith something that's people, is faith something that's people, is faith something that's important to you? People tell me about important to you? People tell me about important to you? People tell me about their relationship to church instead of their relationship to church instead of their relationship to church instead of their relationship to Jesus. So I talked their relationship to Jesus. So I talked their relationship to Jesus. So I talked to a guy recently who's like, "Well, you to a guy recently who's like, "Well, you to a guy recently who's like, "Well, you know, I grew up in in this church know, I grew up in in this church know, I grew up in in this church and so sometimes I go to this church. I and so sometimes I go to this church. I and so sometimes I go to this church. I probably should go more."

probably should go more." probably should go more." They're telling me about their They're telling me about their They're telling me about their relationship to church, relationship to church, relationship to church, not a relationship with Jesus. And maybe not a relationship with Jesus. And maybe not a relationship with Jesus. And maybe that describes you. If I were to ask you that describes you. If I were to ask you that describes you. If I were to ask you is face something that's important to is face something that's important to is face something that's important to you, what you would tell me about is you, what you would tell me about is you, what you would tell me about is your history with church. But there's a your history with church. But there's a your history with church. But there's a difference. It's possible to have a difference. It's possible to have a difference. It's possible to have a relationship with church and not have a relationship with church and not have a relationship with church and not have a relationship with Jesus. relationship with Jesus. relationship with Jesus. Another type of almost Christian is a Another type of almost Christian is a Another type of almost Christian is a Christian by ticket. Christian by ticket. Christian by ticket. A Christian by ticket. At some point, A Christian by ticket. At some point, A Christian by ticket. At some point, someone maybe scared you that you're someone maybe scared you that you're someone maybe scared you that you're going to hell. going to hell. going to hell. And so, if you pray this prayer, then And so, if you pray this prayer, then And so, if you pray this prayer, then Jesus will be your ticket and you don't Jesus will be your ticket and you don't Jesus will be your ticket and you don't have to worry about going to hell. You have to worry about going to hell. You have to worry about going to hell. You can know that you'll go to heaven. And can know that you'll go to heaven. And can know that you'll go to heaven. And so, you prayed the prayer and you got so, you prayed the prayer and you got so, you prayed the prayer and you got your ticket. The reason I say that this your ticket. The reason I say that this your ticket. The reason I say that this is an almost Christian, this is one is an almost Christian, this is one is an almost Christian, this is one where people begin to get nervous where people begin to get nervous where people begin to get nervous because you think, well, am I telling because you think, well, am I telling because you think, well, am I telling you you're not saved? Well, only God you you're not saved? Well, only God you you're not saved? Well, only God knows who's saved in this room.

knows who's saved in this room. knows who's saved in this room. But here's what I want you to think But here's what I want you to think But here's what I want you to think about. Think about a ticket. A ticket is about. Think about a ticket. A ticket is about. Think about a ticket. A ticket is only useful for one second. It's only only useful for one second. It's only only useful for one second. It's only useful for the one second that you are useful for the one second that you are useful for the one second that you are being scanned into a an arena. That being scanned into a an arena. That being scanned into a an arena. That ticket is useless to you before and it ticket is useless to you before and it ticket is useless to you before and it is useless to you after. It is only is useless to you after. It is only is useless to you after. It is only useful to you for the sake of entrance. useful to you for the sake of entrance. useful to you for the sake of entrance. A Christian by ticket A Christian by ticket A Christian by ticket is someone who doesn't need Jesus for is someone who doesn't need Jesus for is someone who doesn't need Jesus for anything else anything else anything else except getting into heaven and out of except getting into heaven and out of except getting into heaven and out of hell. hell. hell. The reason that that's an almost The reason that that's an almost The reason that that's an almost Christian is that Jesus to receive Jesus Christian is that Jesus to receive Jesus Christian is that Jesus to receive Jesus is to receive all of Jesus. is to receive all of Jesus. is to receive all of Jesus. Jesus isn't just a ticket. Jesus isn't just a ticket. Jesus isn't just a ticket. He is savior, but he's more than that. He is savior, but he's more than that. He is savior, but he's more than that. He's savior and king in friend in healer He's savior and king in friend in healer He's savior and king in friend in healer in leader in comforter. To receive Jesus in leader in comforter. To receive Jesus in leader in comforter. To receive Jesus is to receive all of Jesus.

is to receive all of Jesus. is to receive all of Jesus. To be a Christian by ticket is to just To be a Christian by ticket is to just To be a Christian by ticket is to just want an aspect of Jesus, but you don't want an aspect of Jesus, but you don't want an aspect of Jesus, but you don't really want Jesus. really want Jesus. really want Jesus. The last almost Christian I would The last almost Christian I would The last almost Christian I would identify as a Christian by spirituality. identify as a Christian by spirituality. identify as a Christian by spirituality. Maybe you're a spiritual person person Maybe you're a spiritual person person Maybe you're a spiritual person person and Christianity has a lot to offer you. and Christianity has a lot to offer you. and Christianity has a lot to offer you. Reading the Bible is good for you. Reading the Bible is good for you. Reading the Bible is good for you. Praying to God, praying to Jesus is good Praying to God, praying to Jesus is good Praying to God, praying to Jesus is good for you. Singing worship songs is good for you. Singing worship songs is good for you. Singing worship songs is good for you. Listening to encouraging for you. Listening to encouraging for you. Listening to encouraging sermons is good for you. Coming to sermons is good for you. Coming to sermons is good for you. Coming to church with others is good for you. But church with others is good for you. But church with others is good for you. But you also want to benefit from other you also want to benefit from other you also want to benefit from other lanes of spirituality. lanes of spirituality. lanes of spirituality. So maybe it's astrology, divination, So maybe it's astrology, divination, So maybe it's astrology, divination, tarot cards, crystals, meditation, tarot cards, crystals, meditation, tarot cards, crystals, meditation, praying to ancestors, or even to other praying to ancestors, or even to other praying to ancestors, or even to other deities. That's an almost Christian because you haven't come to realize that because you haven't come to realize that to have Jesus is to have everything. And it's never Jesus plus anything else.

And it's never Jesus plus anything else. If you have Jesus, you have everything. If you have Jesus, you have everything. If you have Jesus, you have everything. To not have Jesus is to have nothing. To not have Jesus is to have nothing. To not have Jesus is to have nothing. If you're here today and you feel like If you're here today and you feel like If you're here today and you feel like you're realizing that you're an almost you're realizing that you're an almost you're realizing that you're an almost Christian, here's what I want to do. I Christian, here's what I want to do. I Christian, here's what I want to do. I just want to help you become a real just want to help you become a real just want to help you become a real Christian right now. Like you might have Christian right now. Like you might have Christian right now. Like you might have walked in here an almost Christian. You walked in here an almost Christian. You walked in here an almost Christian. You can leave a real Christian. can leave a real Christian. can leave a real Christian. Biblical Christianity, Biblical Christianity, Biblical Christianity, real Christianity is about seeing real Christianity is about seeing real Christianity is about seeing reality clearly. reality clearly. reality clearly. For those of you who grew up in the 80s For those of you who grew up in the 80s For those of you who grew up in the 80s and 90s and you're familiar with the and 90s and you're familiar with the and 90s and you're familiar with the Matrix, Matrix, Matrix, you remember that moment where Neo is you remember that moment where Neo is you remember that moment where Neo is sitting with Morpheus and what does sitting with Morpheus and what does sitting with Morpheus and what does Morpheus do? He offers him two pills. Morpheus do? He offers him two pills. Morpheus do? He offers him two pills. There's blue pill and the red pill. There's blue pill and the red pill. There's blue pill and the red pill. If he takes the blue pill, what will be If he takes the blue pill, what will be If he takes the blue pill, what will be true? true? true? You can go back to believing whatever You can go back to believing whatever You can go back to believing whatever you want to believe. Like we live in a you want to believe. Like we live in a you want to believe. Like we live in a blue pill world where people want to blue pill world where people want to blue pill world where people want to believe whatever they want to believe. believe whatever they want to believe. believe whatever they want to believe. It doesn't matter if it's reality.

It doesn't matter if it's reality. It doesn't matter if it's reality. People want to choose reality, but you People want to choose reality, but you People want to choose reality, but you don't get to choose reality. Reality is don't get to choose reality. Reality is don't get to choose reality. Reality is reality. reality. reality. You can ignore reality, You can ignore reality, You can ignore reality, but reality is reality. but reality is reality. but reality is reality. Some people just want to take the blue Some people just want to take the blue Some people just want to take the blue pill and just believe whatever they want pill and just believe whatever they want pill and just believe whatever they want to believe. But then the other option to believe. But then the other option to believe. But then the other option was the red pill. And what's the offer was the red pill. And what's the offer was the red pill. And what's the offer of the red pill? Morpheus says, "All I'm of the red pill? Morpheus says, "All I'm of the red pill? Morpheus says, "All I'm offering you is the truth. That's it. offering you is the truth. That's it. offering you is the truth. That's it. All I'm offering you is the truth. All I'm offering you is the truth. All I'm offering you is the truth. You're gonna see how deep the rabbit You're gonna see how deep the rabbit You're gonna see how deep the rabbit hole really goes. So, what I want to do hole really goes. So, what I want to do hole really goes. So, what I want to do is I want to offer you the the red pill is I want to offer you the the red pill is I want to offer you the the red pill reality, the truth. Here's the reality. reality, the truth. Here's the reality. reality, the truth. Here's the reality. The reality is the world we live in is a The reality is the world we live in is a The reality is the world we live in is a broken world. Hopefully, we can all broken world. Hopefully, we can all broken world. Hopefully, we can all agree to that. War, sickness, disease, agree to that. War, sickness, disease, agree to that. War, sickness, disease, terrorism, this world is broken. But terrorism, this world is broken. But terrorism, this world is broken. But it's not just the world out there that's it's not just the world out there that's it's not just the world out there that's broken. Every single one of us is broken. Every single one of us is broken. Every single one of us is broken. broken. broken. anger, jealousy, selfishness, lying, anger, jealousy, selfishness, lying, anger, jealousy, selfishness, lying, telling halftruths, manipulating others, telling halftruths, manipulating others, telling halftruths, manipulating others, doing things for our own advantage even doing things for our own advantage even doing things for our own advantage even though it might negatively affect though it might negatively affect though it might negatively affect someone else. Unforgiveness, all of that someone else. Unforgiveness, all of that someone else. Unforgiveness, all of that is signs that there's something broken.

is signs that there's something broken. is signs that there's something broken. We're broken because our relationships We're broken because our relationships We're broken because our relationships with God are broken. with God are broken. with God are broken. That's reality. The world is broken. That's reality. The world is broken. That's reality. The world is broken. We're broken. and our relationships with We're broken. and our relationships with We're broken. and our relationships with God are broken. God is perfect. Heaven God are broken. God is perfect. Heaven God are broken. God is perfect. Heaven is perfect. God's standard is is perfect. God's standard is is perfect. God's standard is perfection. We are not perfect. So perfection. We are not perfect. So perfection. We are not perfect. So here's the question. here's the question. here's the question. How do our broken relationships with God How do our broken relationships with God How do our broken relationships with God get healed? Because here's the thing. get healed? Because here's the thing. get healed? Because here's the thing. Here's reality. God has created us for Here's reality. God has created us for Here's reality. God has created us for relationship. relationship. relationship. Like real relationship. God created us Like real relationship. God created us Like real relationship. God created us to be with him, to know him, to walk to be with him, to know him, to walk to be with him, to know him, to walk with him, to hear from him. Real with him, to hear from him. Real with him, to hear from him. Real intimate relationship intimate relationship intimate relationship closer than a husband and wife. That's closer than a husband and wife. That's closer than a husband and wife. That's what he's made us for. Nothing less. what he's made us for. Nothing less. what he's made us for. Nothing less. He's made us for relationship. How does He's made us for relationship. How does He's made us for relationship. How does a broken relationship with God get a broken relationship with God get a broken relationship with God get healed? healed? healed? Is it just by saying you're a Christian, Is it just by saying you're a Christian, Is it just by saying you're a Christian, checking a box on a form that you checking a box on a form that you checking a box on a form that you identify as Christian? Does that heal a identify as Christian? Does that heal a identify as Christian? Does that heal a broken relationship?

broken relationship? broken relationship? Going through religious motions, does Going through religious motions, does Going through religious motions, does that heal a relationship? What about by just praying a prayer to What about by just praying a prayer to get a ticket and then doing whatever you get a ticket and then doing whatever you get a ticket and then doing whatever you want? Does that heal a broken want? Does that heal a broken want? Does that heal a broken relationship? relationship? relationship? What about engaging in forms of What about engaging in forms of What about engaging in forms of spirituality that are actually spirituality that are actually spirituality that are actually connecting you to forces that are anti- connecting you to forces that are anti- connecting you to forces that are anti- good? Does that heal a broken good? Does that heal a broken good? Does that heal a broken relationship? No. relationship? No. relationship? No. How does our broken relationships with How does our broken relationships with How does our broken relationships with God get healed? Here's how. God get healed? Here's how. God get healed? Here's how. The only way that our broken The only way that our broken The only way that our broken relationships with God get healed is by relationships with God get healed is by relationships with God get healed is by us first understanding that our us first understanding that our us first understanding that our relationships with God are broken. relationships with God are broken. relationships with God are broken. And number two, because we're imperfect, And number two, because we're imperfect, And number two, because we're imperfect, there's nothing that we can do to heal there's nothing that we can do to heal there's nothing that we can do to heal our broken relationships with a perfect our broken relationships with a perfect our broken relationships with a perfect God. But the good news is number three, God. But the good news is number three, God. But the good news is number three, God has done everything. Jesus Christ is God has done everything. Jesus Christ is God has done everything. Jesus Christ is God put on flesh. The God of the God put on flesh. The God of the God put on flesh. The God of the universe left heaven and came to earth universe left heaven and came to earth universe left heaven and came to earth in the person of Jesus Christ. Jesus in the person of Jesus Christ. Jesus in the person of Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ, the reason he died was to die Christ, the reason he died was to die Christ, the reason he died was to die for all of our failures, to die for all for all of our failures, to die for all for all of our failures, to die for all of our brokenness. He lived a perfect of our brokenness. He lived a perfect of our brokenness. He lived a perfect life because we couldn't. But on the life because we couldn't. But on the life because we couldn't. But on the third day, he rose from the dead as a third day, he rose from the dead as a third day, he rose from the dead as a display that he had conquered our sin.

display that he had conquered our sin. display that he had conquered our sin. He had conquered our brokenness. In He had conquered our brokenness. In He had conquered our brokenness. In anyone who receives Jesus Christ, turns anyone who receives Jesus Christ, turns anyone who receives Jesus Christ, turns from their life of sin and brokenness, from their life of sin and brokenness, from their life of sin and brokenness, turns and embraces Jesus Christ as Lord turns and embraces Jesus Christ as Lord turns and embraces Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, you know what happens is God and Savior, you know what happens is God and Savior, you know what happens is God makes you new in your relationship with makes you new in your relationship with makes you new in your relationship with a God, the God of the universe, a holy, a God, the God of the universe, a holy, a God, the God of the universe, a holy, perfect God is renewed and restored for perfect God is renewed and restored for perfect God is renewed and restored for all all all of eternity. of eternity. of eternity. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. [applause] Are you an almost Christian? Are you an almost Christian? And if you are, do you want to become a And if you are, do you want to become a And if you are, do you want to become a real Christian? real Christian? real Christian? If so, let's just pray right now. If so, let's just pray right now. If so, let's just pray right now. If that's you, you can just say right If that's you, you can just say right If that's you, you can just say right now, this isn't a magic rabbit's foot now, this isn't a magic rabbit's foot now, this isn't a magic rabbit's foot prayer. This is just I'm trying to give prayer. This is just I'm trying to give prayer. This is just I'm trying to give you words to articulate what you now you words to articulate what you now you words to articulate what you now believe to be true. Just say, "Jesus believe to be true. Just say, "Jesus believe to be true. Just say, "Jesus Christ, I'm realizing I've been an Christ, I'm realizing I've been an Christ, I'm realizing I've been an almost Christian I believe I'm a sinner in need of a I believe I'm a sinner in need of a savior.

savior. savior. 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 forgive me of all of my sins? Would you forgive me of all of my sins? Would you forgive me of all of my sins? Would Would Would you heal my broken relationship with you heal my broken relationship with you heal my broken relationship with God? God? God? And would you lead me in a new life with And would you lead me in a new life with And would you lead me in a new life with you as my savior and king forever more you as my savior and king forever more you as my savior and king forever more in Jesus name. Amen. in Jesus name. Amen. in Jesus name. Amen. If you just prayed that prayer, welcome If you just prayed that prayer, welcome If you just prayed that prayer, welcome to the family of God. to the family of God. to the family of God. [applause] The second group of Christians I want to The second group of Christians I want to talk to today are the unbaptized talk to today are the unbaptized talk to today are the unbaptized Christians. Okay. So look at what Christians. Okay. So look at what Christians. Okay. So look at what happens. Verse 5, look at what it says happens. Verse 5, look at what it says happens. Verse 5, look at what it says is now true of these men. It says on is now true of these men. It says on is now true of these men. It says on hearing this, they were baptized in the hearing this, they were baptized in the hearing this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. So they believed name of the Lord Jesus. So they believed name of the Lord Jesus. So they believed in Jesus and then immediately got in Jesus and then immediately got in Jesus and then immediately got baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. So baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. So baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. So this is where this is where this is where I just want to spend some time unpacking I just want to spend some time unpacking I just want to spend some time unpacking for you the significance and the for you the significance and the for you the significance and the importance of baptism. So if you're here importance of baptism. So if you're here importance of baptism. So if you're here today and you are a follower of Jesus today and you are a follower of Jesus today and you are a follower of Jesus Christ, you've received Christ as your Christ, you've received Christ as your Christ, you've received Christ as your Lord and Savior but you have uh never Lord and Savior but you have uh never Lord and Savior but you have uh never been baptized or you've been baptized been baptized or you've been baptized been baptized or you've been baptized but it wasn't your decision to get but it wasn't your decision to get but it wasn't your decision to get baptized. So maybe you got baptized as baptized. So maybe you got baptized as baptized. So maybe you got baptized as an infant or at some point your parents

an infant or at some point your parents an infant or at some point your parents kind of forced you to get baptized, but kind of forced you to get baptized, but kind of forced you to get baptized, but it was honestly it wasn't your decision it was honestly it wasn't your decision it was honestly it wasn't your decision and and you don't know that you even and and you don't know that you even and and you don't know that you even understood the gospel at the time. If understood the gospel at the time. If understood the gospel at the time. If that's you, my hope is that you might that's you, my hope is that you might that's you, my hope is that you might take a step towards baptism today. So take a step towards baptism today. So take a step towards baptism today. So here's what I want to do. I just want to here's what I want to do. I just want to here's what I want to do. I just want to answer some very important questions answer some very important questions answer some very important questions today about baptism. The first question today about baptism. The first question today about baptism. The first question I want to answer is this. What is I want to answer is this. What is I want to answer is this. What is baptism? Let's just make sure we're all baptism? Let's just make sure we're all baptism? Let's just make sure we're all clear on what baptism truly is. Baptism clear on what baptism truly is. Baptism clear on what baptism truly is. Baptism is a physical expression of our is a physical expression of our is a physical expression of our spiritual union with Christ. spiritual union with Christ. spiritual union with Christ. That's what baptism is. It's a physical That's what baptism is. It's a physical That's what baptism is. It's a physical expression of our spiritual union with expression of our spiritual union with expression of our spiritual union with Christ. Romans 6:4 puts it this way. We Christ. Romans 6:4 puts it this way. We Christ. Romans 6:4 puts it this way. We were buried therefore with him by were buried therefore with him by were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that just baptism into death, in order that just baptism into death, in order that just as Christ was raised from the dead by as Christ was raised from the dead by as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the father, we too might the glory of the father, we too might the glory of the father, we too might walk in newness of life. walk in newness of life. walk in newness of life. So I want you to think about those tubs.

So I want you to think about those tubs. So I want you to think about those tubs. I'm going to bring them back one of I'm going to bring them back one of I'm going to bring them back one of these days. It's not today. But the these days. It's not today. But the these days. It's not today. But the whole point of the tubs is that you have whole point of the tubs is that you have whole point of the tubs is that you have been united with Christ. The scriptures been united with Christ. The scriptures been united with Christ. The scriptures paint a picture that we have been united paint a picture that we have been united paint a picture that we have been united with Christ, we've been united with him with Christ, we've been united with him with Christ, we've been united with him in in his death. So when Christ died in in his death. So when Christ died in in his death. So when Christ died through faith in Jesus, the old you through faith in Jesus, the old you through faith in Jesus, the old you died. The old you, the you of sin, the died. The old you, the you of sin, the died. The old you, the you of sin, the the you that was living contrary to God, the you that was living contrary to God, the you that was living contrary to God, that you died. that you died. that you died. But you've also been united with Christ But you've also been united with Christ But you've also been united with Christ in his resurrection. Not only have you in his resurrection. Not only have you in his resurrection. Not only have you died, but you've been raised to new died, but you've been raised to new died, but you've been raised to new life. You're completely washed clean of life. You're completely washed clean of life. You're completely washed clean of sin. You're permanently forgiven. And sin. You're permanently forgiven. And sin. You're permanently forgiven. And you have been made new. You have been you have been made new. You have been you have been made new. You have been united with Christ in his death, his united with Christ in his death, his united with Christ in his death, his burial, and his resurrection. Okay? burial, and his resurrection. Okay? burial, and his resurrection. Okay? Baptism Baptism Baptism symbolizes that. When you go under the symbolizes that. When you go under the symbolizes that. When you go under the water, it symbolizes dying with Christ. water, it symbolizes dying with Christ. water, it symbolizes dying with Christ. When you come out of the water, it When you come out of the water, it When you come out of the water, it symbolizes being raised to a new life symbolizes being raised to a new life symbolizes being raised to a new life with Christ. Baptism isn't what saves with Christ. Baptism isn't what saves with Christ. Baptism isn't what saves you. When you go under the water, you're you. When you go under the water, you're you. When you go under the water, you're not that's not the moment that you are not that's not the moment that you are not that's not the moment that you are dying with Christ. When you come out of dying with Christ. When you come out of dying with Christ. When you come out of the water, that's not the moment you're the water, that's not the moment you're the water, that's not the moment you're being raised to new life. It's already being raised to new life. It's already being raised to new life. It's already happened. Baptism is just a physical happened. Baptism is just a physical happened. Baptism is just a physical expression expression expression of that already existing spiritual of that already existing spiritual of that already existing spiritual union.

union. union. Think about it this way. Think about it this way. Think about it this way. And for the single people in the room, I And for the single people in the room, I And for the single people in the room, I don't always want to use marriage don't always want to use marriage don't always want to use marriage examples because but in this case, examples because but in this case, examples because but in this case, marriage is the closest picture that's marriage is the closest picture that's marriage is the closest picture that's helpful helpful helpful because when you come to Christ, a union because when you come to Christ, a union because when you come to Christ, a union has taken place. So, I want you to think has taken place. So, I want you to think has taken place. So, I want you to think about this. If if you're married, think about this. If if you're married, think about this. If if you're married, think back to your wedding ceremony. Anyone back to your wedding ceremony. Anyone back to your wedding ceremony. Anyone here light a unity candle? here light a unity candle? here light a unity candle? Anyone do that? Some people don't want Anyone do that? Some people don't want Anyone do that? Some people don't want to raise their hand. They're you're like to raise their hand. They're you're like to raise their hand. They're you're like ashamed that you lit the unity candle. ashamed that you lit the unity candle. ashamed that you lit the unity candle. It's okay. It's fine. It's okay. It's fine. It's okay. It's fine. But a unity candle, at the beginning of But a unity candle, at the beginning of But a unity candle, at the beginning of the service, you each go up and you the service, you each go up and you the service, you each go up and you light an individual candle. And then at light an individual candle. And then at light an individual candle. And then at some point, you both take your some point, you both take your some point, you both take your individual candles and then you light individual candles and then you light individual candles and then you light one candle together, one candle together, one candle together, signifying signifying signifying you've become one. Now, you've become one. Now, you've become one. Now, did are you married because you lit that did are you married because you lit that did are you married because you lit that unity candle? unity candle? unity candle? No.

No. No. It's just a expression It's just a expression It's just a expression of your union. Anyone here go crazy at of your union. Anyone here go crazy at of your union. Anyone here go crazy at their wedding ceremony and do the unity their wedding ceremony and do the unity their wedding ceremony and do the unity sand? I know some of y'all did the sand. If I know some of y'all did the sand. If you don't know what unity sand is, you don't know what unity sand is, you don't know what unity sand is, you got two different you got two different you got two different vials of sand, different colors, and vials of sand, different colors, and vials of sand, different colors, and then you pour the sand together then you pour the sand together then you pour the sand together >> and it all gets mixed together. And what >> and it all gets mixed together. And what >> and it all gets mixed together. And what does it mean? It means like you would does it mean? It means like you would does it mean? It means like you would never go through and pick each never go through and pick each never go through and pick each individual grain of sand to separate. It individual grain of sand to separate. It individual grain of sand to separate. It can't be separated. You're one. Are you can't be separated. You're one. Are you can't be separated. You're one. Are you one? Are you married because you poured one? Are you married because you poured one? Are you married because you poured sand into the same bottle? No, it's just sand into the same bottle? No, it's just sand into the same bottle? No, it's just an expression of what's already true. If an expression of what's already true. If an expression of what's already true. If you're married, just hold up your ring you're married, just hold up your ring you're married, just hold up your ring finger real quick. Are you married finger real quick. Are you married finger real quick. Are you married because you have a ring on your finger? because you have a ring on your finger? because you have a ring on your finger? No. It's just a physical public display. No. It's just a physical public display. No. It's just a physical public display. That's what it is. Is it is a public That's what it is. Is it is a public That's what it is. Is it is a public display. Unity sand and unity candle.

display. Unity sand and unity candle. display. Unity sand and unity candle. It's a public display. That's what It's a public display. That's what It's a public display. That's what baptism is. Baptism is a public baptism is. Baptism is a public baptism is. Baptism is a public declaration to your church family. You declaration to your church family. You declaration to your church family. You have been united with Christ. That's have been united with Christ. That's have been united with Christ. That's what baptism is. what baptism is. what baptism is. Who should get baptized? Who should get baptized? Who should get baptized? Anyone and everyone who has turned from Anyone and everyone who has turned from Anyone and everyone who has turned from their sin and embrace Jesus as Savior their sin and embrace Jesus as Savior their sin and embrace Jesus as Savior and Lord. Children should get baptized, and Lord. Children should get baptized, and Lord. Children should get baptized, who know Jesus. Teenagers, young adults, who know Jesus. Teenagers, young adults, who know Jesus. Teenagers, young adults, middle-aged adults, elderly adults who middle-aged adults, elderly adults who middle-aged adults, elderly adults who have never been baptized or never made have never been baptized or never made have never been baptized or never made their own decision to get baptized but their own decision to get baptized but their own decision to get baptized but who have trusted in Christ should get who have trusted in Christ should get who have trusted in Christ should get baptized. every single Christian should baptized. every single Christian should baptized. every single Christian should get baptized. get baptized. get baptized. Why should you get baptized? Why should you get baptized? Why should you get baptized? Well, again, it's a public declaration Well, again, it's a public declaration Well, again, it's a public declaration to your church family. to your church family. to your church family. But But But God's word, this is what we need to get God's word, this is what we need to get God's word, this is what we need to get clear on. This is where we need to clear on. This is where we need to clear on. This is where we need to abandon American Christianity because abandon American Christianity because abandon American Christianity because American Christianity has created some American Christianity has created some American Christianity has created some category where baptism is it's totally category where baptism is it's totally category where baptism is it's totally preference. If you want to, great. If preference. If you want to, great. If preference. If you want to, great. If you don't want to, no big deal. Baptism you don't want to, no big deal. Baptism you don't want to, no big deal. Baptism doesn't save you. But the Bible doesn't save you. But the Bible doesn't save you. But the Bible absolutely positions baptism as an act absolutely positions baptism as an act absolutely positions baptism as an act of obedience to God. The scriptures of obedience to God. The scriptures of obedience to God. The scriptures present baptism as the expectation present baptism as the expectation present baptism as the expectation for every genuine Christian. Let me let for every genuine Christian. Let me let for every genuine Christian. Let me let me show you where I get this from. In me show you where I get this from. In me show you where I get this from. In scripture, scripture, scripture, Matthew 28:19, the great commission says

Matthew 28:19, the great commission says Matthew 28:19, the great commission says this. Go therefore and make disciples of this. Go therefore and make disciples of this. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name all nations, baptizing them in the name all nations, baptizing them in the name of the father and the son and the holy of the father and the son and the holy of the father and the son and the holy spirit. The expectation Jesus is is spirit. The expectation Jesus is is spirit. The expectation Jesus is is concluding for his friends. You're going concluding for his friends. You're going concluding for his friends. You're going to go out and you're going to make to go out and you're going to make to go out and you're going to make disciples. And as you're making disciples. And as you're making disciples. And as you're making disciples, you baptize them. disciples, you baptize them. disciples, you baptize them. Like belief in baptism. You believe, you Like belief in baptism. You believe, you Like belief in baptism. You believe, you get baptized. That's the way it goes. get baptized. That's the way it goes. get baptized. That's the way it goes. You believe, you get baptized. You believe, you get baptized. You believe, you get baptized. Baptism is a next step. It's an next Baptism is a next step. It's an next Baptism is a next step. It's an next step of obedience as a Christian. We've step of obedience as a Christian. We've step of obedience as a Christian. We've been in the book of Acts all year and been in the book of Acts all year and been in the book of Acts all year and there are no unbaptized Christians in there are no unbaptized Christians in there are no unbaptized Christians in the book of Acts. the book of Acts. the book of Acts. Just remember what we've seen. Acts Just remember what we've seen. Acts Just remember what we've seen. Acts chapter 2, Peter gives chapter 2, Peter gives chapter 2, Peter gives his first sermon. And here's the result. his first sermon. And here's the result. his first sermon. And here's the result. So those who received his word were So those who received his word were So those who received his word were baptized. baptized. baptized. And there were added that day about And there were added that day about And there were added that day about 3,000 souls. They had baptism service 3,000 souls. They had baptism service 3,000 souls. They had baptism service with 3,000 people. They believed and got with 3,000 people. They believed and got with 3,000 people. They believed and got baptized. baptized. baptized. Acts 8:12 But when they believed Acts 8:12 But when they believed Acts 8:12 But when they believed Philillip as he preached good news about Philillip as he preached good news about Philillip as he preached good news about the kingdom of God in the name of Jesus the kingdom of God in the name of Jesus the kingdom of God in the name of Jesus Christ they were baptized Christ they were baptized Christ they were baptized both men and women both men and women both men and women acts 8:35-38 this is Philip in the Ethiopian unic this is Philip in the Ethiopian unic philip opened his mouth and beginning philip opened his mouth and beginning philip opened his mouth and beginning with this scripture he told him the good with this scripture he told him the good with this scripture he told him the good news about Jesus and as they were going news about Jesus and as they were going news about Jesus and as they were going along the road they came to some water along the road they came to some water along the road they came to some water and the unic said see here is water and the unic said see here is water and the unic said see here is water prevents me from being baptized prevents me from being baptized prevents me from being baptized And he commanded the chariot to stop and And he commanded the chariot to stop and And he commanded the chariot to stop and they both went down into the water and they both went down into the water and they both went down into the water and the youth the unicapt

30-33. Then he brought them out and 30-33. Then he brought them out and said, this is Paul and Silas in jail. said, this is Paul and Silas in jail. said, this is Paul and Silas in jail. The jailer says, "Sers, what must I do The jailer says, "Sers, what must I do The jailer says, "Sers, what must I do to be saved?" And they said, "Believe in to be saved?" And they said, "Believe in to be saved?" And they said, "Believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved, the Lord Jesus and you will be saved, the Lord Jesus and you will be saved, you and your household." And they spoke you and your household." And they spoke you and your household." And they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all the word of the Lord to him and to all the word of the Lord to him and to all who were in his house. And he took them who were in his house. And he took them who were in his house. And he took them the same hour of the night and washed the same hour of the night and washed the same hour of the night and washed their wounds. And he was baptized. their wounds. And he was baptized. their wounds. And he was baptized. What's the next wording What's the next wording What's the next wording at once? at once? at once? He and all his family. Why should you get baptized? Because Why should you get baptized? Because it's the next step of obedience. There it's the next step of obedience. There it's the next step of obedience. There there are the the New Testament, the there are the the New Testament, the there are the the New Testament, the book of Acts, you don't find unbaptized book of Acts, you don't find unbaptized book of Acts, you don't find unbaptized Christians. Christians. Christians. When should you get baptized? When should you get baptized? When should you get baptized? As soon as you have trusted in Jesus and As soon as you have trusted in Jesus and As soon as you have trusted in Jesus and are ready to declare it publicly to the are ready to declare it publicly to the are ready to declare it publicly to the people of God, I would just encourage people of God, I would just encourage people of God, I would just encourage you, you should get baptized when you're you, you should get baptized when you're you, you should get baptized when you're with the people of God. Baptism isn't with the people of God. Baptism isn't with the people of God. Baptism isn't meant to be private. It's public. It's meant to be private. It's public. It's meant to be private. It's public. It's how we as the family of God celebrate how we as the family of God celebrate how we as the family of God celebrate new life. It's how you identify yourself new life. It's how you identify yourself new life. It's how you identify yourself with Jesus and with the people of God.

with Jesus and with the people of God. with Jesus and with the people of God. Some of you here might be waiting to get Some of you here might be waiting to get Some of you here might be waiting to get baptized until you feel worthy to get baptized until you feel worthy to get baptized until you feel worthy to get baptized. If that's you, can I just baptized. If that's you, can I just baptized. If that's you, can I just remind you that baptism is a celebration remind you that baptism is a celebration remind you that baptism is a celebration in declaration of what God has already in declaration of what God has already in declaration of what God has already done for you in in you. Don't wait to done for you in in you. Don't wait to done for you in in you. Don't wait to get baptized. Let your baptism be a get baptized. Let your baptism be a get baptized. Let your baptism be a declaration to your church family. I am declaration to your church family. I am declaration to your church family. I am so unworthy that Jesus even saved me. so unworthy that Jesus even saved me. so unworthy that Jesus even saved me. And then let me say a word to parents. And then let me say a word to parents. And then let me say a word to parents. parents, our tendency is to either rush parents, our tendency is to either rush parents, our tendency is to either rush kids into getting baptized too soon or kids into getting baptized too soon or kids into getting baptized too soon or delaying kids from getting baptized too delaying kids from getting baptized too delaying kids from getting baptized too long. long. long. So, let me just encourage you, talk So, let me just encourage you, talk So, let me just encourage you, talk about baptism and the importance of about baptism and the importance of about baptism and the importance of baptism with your kids, but let it be baptism with your kids, but let it be baptism with your kids, but let it be their decision. their decision. their decision. And when they express a desire to be And when they express a desire to be And when they express a desire to be baptized, no matter what their age is, baptized, no matter what their age is, baptized, no matter what their age is, if they have a clear understanding of if they have a clear understanding of if they have a clear understanding of the gospel and have prayed to receive the gospel and have prayed to receive the gospel and have prayed to receive Christ, then let them get baptized.

Christ, then let them get baptized. Christ, then let them get baptized. If you keep holding out If you keep holding out If you keep holding out until you see all the right things that until you see all the right things that until you see all the right things that you have decided you need to see, you you have decided you need to see, you you have decided you need to see, you might be communicating something to your might be communicating something to your might be communicating something to your child that is actually tacking on child that is actually tacking on child that is actually tacking on requirements that the scriptures don't requirements that the scriptures don't requirements that the scriptures don't put on baptism. put on baptism. put on baptism. So, let me say this. If you're a So, let me say this. If you're a So, let me say this. If you're a follower of Jesus and you've never been follower of Jesus and you've never been follower of Jesus and you've never been baptized baptized baptized or you weren't baptized or when you were or you weren't baptized or when you were or you weren't baptized or when you were it wasn't your choice and you hadn't it wasn't your choice and you hadn't it wasn't your choice and you hadn't personally put your trust in Jesus yet, personally put your trust in Jesus yet, personally put your trust in Jesus yet, I want to give you two options. Here's I want to give you two options. Here's I want to give you two options. Here's the first option. The first option is to the first option. The first option is to the first option. The first option is to go to watermark.org/baptism and to get signed up to get baptized on and to get signed up to get baptized on a Sunday. This way you can plan ahead. a Sunday. This way you can plan ahead. a Sunday. This way you can plan ahead. You can invite your family and friends. You can invite your family and friends. You can invite your family and friends. Here's the second option. Here's the second option. Here's the second option. The second option is just to go out to The second option is just to go out to The second option is just to go out to the pond after the service today and get the pond after the service today and get the pond after the service today and get baptized. baptized. baptized. [applause and cheering] [applause and cheering] [applause and cheering] >> Let's not wait. Just go out to the pond >> Let's not wait. Just go out to the pond >> Let's not wait. Just go out to the pond and get baptized if you don't mind and get baptized if you don't mind and get baptized if you don't mind driving home wet.

driving home wet. driving home wet. We've got towels, but you can take that We've got towels, but you can take that We've got towels, but you can take that step of obedience today. There'll be step of obedience today. There'll be step of obedience today. There'll be someone out at the pond. They'll be someone out at the pond. They'll be someone out at the pond. They'll be standing on that big rock out there to standing on that big rock out there to standing on that big rock out there to meet you. And your church family will meet you. And your church family will meet you. And your church family will love celebrating with you. If you're an unbaptized Christian, If you're an unbaptized Christian, abandon American Christianity for the abandon American Christianity for the abandon American Christianity for the normal Christian life. normal Christian life. normal Christian life. The final group I want to talk to this The final group I want to talk to this The final group I want to talk to this morning is the unspiritual Christians. Verse six says, "And when Paul had laid Verse six says, "And when Paul had laid his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them on them on them and they began speaking in tongues and and they began speaking in tongues and and they began speaking in tongues and prophesying." There were about 12 men in prophesying." There were about 12 men in prophesying." There were about 12 men in all. So when you read this, you know all. So when you read this, you know all. So when you read this, you know what it's so tempting to do? It's so what it's so tempting to do? It's so what it's so tempting to do? It's so tempting to say, okay, what are all the tempting to say, okay, what are all the tempting to say, okay, what are all the controversies around tongues and controversies around tongues and controversies around tongues and prophecy? Let's just jump to that. Let's prophecy? Let's just jump to that. Let's prophecy? Let's just jump to that. Let's talk about that. And for us to do that, talk about that. And for us to do that, talk about that. And for us to do that, in my opinion, would be such a miss from in my opinion, would be such a miss from in my opinion, would be such a miss from this passage. Look, if you're interested this passage. Look, if you're interested this passage. Look, if you're interested in the topic topics of tongues and in the topic topics of tongues and in the topic topics of tongues and prophecy, I did a whole talk on tongues prophecy, I did a whole talk on tongues prophecy, I did a whole talk on tongues and prophecy couple years ago during our and prophecy couple years ago during our and prophecy couple years ago during our spiritled church series. We're going to spiritled church series. We're going to spiritled church series. We're going to put a link to it in the current this put a link to it in the current this put a link to it in the current this week. So, if you want to go back and week. So, if you want to go back and week. So, if you want to go back and listen to that and kind of hear our listen to that and kind of hear our listen to that and kind of hear our thoughts on tongues and prophecy, you thoughts on tongues and prophecy, you thoughts on tongues and prophecy, you can do that.

can do that. can do that. But I don't want you to miss the point But I don't want you to miss the point But I don't want you to miss the point of the passage. The point is this. of the passage. The point is this. of the passage. The point is this. Think about it. There's a reason why Think about it. There's a reason why Think about it. There's a reason why Paul asked these 12 men if they had ever Paul asked these 12 men if they had ever Paul asked these 12 men if they had ever received the Holy Spirit. Why did he ask received the Holy Spirit. Why did he ask received the Holy Spirit. Why did he ask them that? because most likely there was them that? because most likely there was them that? because most likely there was something Paul was or wasn't seeing or something Paul was or wasn't seeing or something Paul was or wasn't seeing or hearing in the way they talked or acted hearing in the way they talked or acted hearing in the way they talked or acted which caused him to question or doubt if which caused him to question or doubt if which caused him to question or doubt if they actually had received the Holy they actually had received the Holy they actually had received the Holy Spirit. Spirit. Spirit. And so when they trust in Christ, And so when they trust in Christ, And so when they trust in Christ, they receive the Holy Spirit. And you they receive the Holy Spirit. And you they receive the Holy Spirit. And you know what is true? It becomes obvious know what is true? It becomes obvious know what is true? It becomes obvious that they've received the Holy Spirit. that they've received the Holy Spirit. that they've received the Holy Spirit. They kind of have their own mini They kind of have their own mini They kind of have their own mini Pentecost, Pentecost, Pentecost, but it's obvious that they've trusted in but it's obvious that they've trusted in but it's obvious that they've trusted in Jesus. Look, here's where I want to Jesus. Look, here's where I want to Jesus. Look, here's where I want to land. Okay, this is where I want to go land. Okay, this is where I want to go land. Okay, this is where I want to go in this uh unspiritual Christians in this uh unspiritual Christians in this uh unspiritual Christians category. category. category. When you trust in Jesus Christ, yes, When you trust in Jesus Christ, yes, When you trust in Jesus Christ, yes, you're completely forgiven of all of you're completely forgiven of all of you're completely forgiven of all of your sins. Yes, your eternity is your sins. Yes, your eternity is your sins. Yes, your eternity is secured. But let's not forget the secured. But let's not forget the secured. But let's not forget the reality that God immediately comes and reality that God immediately comes and reality that God immediately comes and lives inside of you through the presence lives inside of you through the presence lives inside of you through the presence of his spirit. And his spirit's presence of his spirit. And his spirit's presence of his spirit. And his spirit's presence is never passive.

is never passive. is never passive. It should be normal. The normal It should be normal. The normal It should be normal. The normal Christian life is a life where it is Christian life is a life where it is Christian life is a life where it is evident evident evident that the Holy Spirit is at work in you. that the Holy Spirit is at work in you. that the Holy Spirit is at work in you. So, this is where I'm just gently asking So, this is where I'm just gently asking So, this is where I'm just gently asking like, is the Holy Spirit at work in your like, is the Holy Spirit at work in your like, is the Holy Spirit at work in your life? life? life? Let me just remind you what the Holy Let me just remind you what the Holy Let me just remind you what the Holy Spirit does. And look, I don't have Spirit does. And look, I don't have Spirit does. And look, I don't have time. We We talked about it back in Acts time. We We talked about it back in Acts time. We We talked about it back in Acts 8. I gave you more of an exhaustive list 8. I gave you more of an exhaustive list 8. I gave you more of an exhaustive list of what the It wasn't exhaustive, but we of what the It wasn't exhaustive, but we of what the It wasn't exhaustive, but we talked a lot more about what the Spirit talked a lot more about what the Spirit talked a lot more about what the Spirit does. But let me just remind you of a does. But let me just remind you of a does. But let me just remind you of a few things for you to evaluate. few things for you to evaluate. few things for you to evaluate. Number one, the Spirit convicts. The Number one, the Spirit convicts. The Number one, the Spirit convicts. The spirit convicts of sin. Do you have a spirit convicts of sin. Do you have a spirit convicts of sin. Do you have a sensitivity to the spirit's conviction? sensitivity to the spirit's conviction? sensitivity to the spirit's conviction? When's the last time you were convicted When's the last time you were convicted When's the last time you were convicted by sin? John 16:8. And when he comes, he by sin? John 16:8. And when he comes, he by sin? John 16:8. And when he comes, he will convict the world concerning sin will convict the world concerning sin will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment. There's times where Christians can get There's times where Christians can get to a point where God's word is very to a point where God's word is very to a point where God's word is very clear.

clear. clear. God is not for this. God is not for this. God is not for this. And yet Christians can read that in the And yet Christians can read that in the And yet Christians can read that in the scriptures and then say, "Well, I don't scriptures and then say, "Well, I don't scriptures and then say, "Well, I don't feel convicted about that." feel convicted about that." feel convicted about that." Like, that's an issue. That's an issue Like, that's an issue. That's an issue Like, that's an issue. That's an issue when Christians can look at what God has when Christians can look at what God has when Christians can look at what God has been clear about and say, "I'm not been clear about and say, "I'm not been clear about and say, "I'm not convicted about that." convicted about that." convicted about that." So, I just want you to evaluate. Has So, I just want you to evaluate. Has So, I just want you to evaluate. Has your heart grown hardened to the your heart grown hardened to the your heart grown hardened to the conviction of the spirit? Let me just conviction of the spirit? Let me just conviction of the spirit? Let me just remind you of some things that scripture remind you of some things that scripture remind you of some things that scripture has been clear on. Being harsh with your has been clear on. Being harsh with your has been clear on. Being harsh with your spouse or your kids, having too much to spouse or your kids, having too much to spouse or your kids, having too much to drink, racking up debt, gossiping about drink, racking up debt, gossiping about drink, racking up debt, gossiping about others, refusing to forgive, lying, others, refusing to forgive, lying, others, refusing to forgive, lying, bending the truth, using foul language, bending the truth, using foul language, bending the truth, using foul language, being lazy, gluttony, looking at being lazy, gluttony, looking at being lazy, gluttony, looking at pornography at all, having sex before pornography at all, having sex before pornography at all, having sex before marriage, committing adultery. The Bible marriage, committing adultery. The Bible marriage, committing adultery. The Bible has been clear on all of these things has been clear on all of these things has been clear on all of these things explicitly. explicitly. explicitly. And yet so many Christians And yet so many Christians And yet so many Christians read that or hear that even right now read that or hear that even right now read that or hear that even right now you heard that list and one of those you heard that list and one of those you heard that list and one of those things applies to you and something in things applies to you and something in things applies to you and something in you is like I just don't feel convicted you is like I just don't feel convicted you is like I just don't feel convicted about that.

about that. about that. Just because you don't feel convicted Just because you don't feel convicted Just because you don't feel convicted doesn't mean you shouldn't be convicted. doesn't mean you shouldn't be convicted. doesn't mean you shouldn't be convicted. The issue isn't that the the spirit is The issue isn't that the the spirit is The issue isn't that the the spirit is giving you a pass. No. The issue is that giving you a pass. No. The issue is that giving you a pass. No. The issue is that your heart has been hardened to the your heart has been hardened to the your heart has been hardened to the conviction conviction conviction of the spirit. The Bible says we can of the spirit. The Bible says we can of the spirit. The Bible says we can resist the spirit, quench the spirit, resist the spirit, quench the spirit, resist the spirit, quench the spirit, and grieve the spirit. and grieve the spirit. and grieve the spirit. And one of the reasons that Christians And one of the reasons that Christians And one of the reasons that Christians look no different than unbelievers is look no different than unbelievers is look no different than unbelievers is because of a lack of sensitivity because of a lack of sensitivity because of a lack of sensitivity to the conviction of the Holy Spirit. to the conviction of the Holy Spirit. to the conviction of the Holy Spirit. Um, if you grew up in the 80s and 90s, Um, if you grew up in the 80s and 90s, Um, if you grew up in the 80s and 90s, um, here's the experience I've had when um, here's the experience I've had when um, here's the experience I've had when I've talked to other parents who have I've talked to other parents who have I've talked to other parents who have shown their kids like the the classics, shown their kids like the the classics, shown their kids like the the classics, the the classic movies. I feel like we the the classic movies. I feel like we the the classic movies. I feel like we always have the same conversation always have the same conversation always have the same conversation whether I mean, it's some of the whether I mean, it's some of the whether I mean, it's some of the greatest movies. What I hear parents say greatest movies. What I hear parents say greatest movies. What I hear parents say is, "I don't I didn't remember there was is, "I don't I didn't remember there was is, "I don't I didn't remember there was that much cussing." that much cussing." that much cussing." are like, "Oh man, there's some there's are like, "Oh man, there's some there's are like, "Oh man, there's some there's some stuff in there you kind of have to some stuff in there you kind of have to some stuff in there you kind of have to forward through." Like, inevitably forward through." Like, inevitably forward through." Like, inevitably there's a kid with a pornographic there's a kid with a pornographic there's a kid with a pornographic magazine or a poster on the wall of girl magazine or a poster on the wall of girl magazine or a poster on the wall of girl in a swimsuit. There's like some awkward in a swimsuit. There's like some awkward in a swimsuit. There's like some awkward stuff. It's not that you don't remember stuff. It's not that you don't remember stuff. It's not that you don't remember it.

it. it. It's that you're seeing things through a It's that you're seeing things through a It's that you're seeing things through a different lens now different lens now different lens now and it hits you differently. You have a and it hits you differently. You have a and it hits you differently. You have a heightened sensitivity to it that you heightened sensitivity to it that you heightened sensitivity to it that you didn't have when you used to see it. didn't have when you used to see it. didn't have when you used to see it. That's how our relationship with the That's how our relationship with the That's how our relationship with the spirit should be. Like small compromises spirit should be. Like small compromises spirit should be. Like small compromises should become bigger deals because we're should become bigger deals because we're should become bigger deals because we're seeing life through a different lens. seeing life through a different lens. seeing life through a different lens. We're seeing life through the lens of We're seeing life through the lens of We're seeing life through the lens of the spirit. And when we see things or we the spirit. And when we see things or we the spirit. And when we see things or we say things or we do things that are say things or we do things that are say things or we do things that are contrary to the scripture, even in the contrary to the scripture, even in the contrary to the scripture, even in the smallest way like the spirit, we have a smallest way like the spirit, we have a smallest way like the spirit, we have a sensitivity to the spirit just saying, sensitivity to the spirit just saying, sensitivity to the spirit just saying, "Yeah, that's not it. "Yeah, that's not it. "Yeah, that's not it. Yeah, that was not right." Yeah, that was not right." Yeah, that was not right." Is there a sensitivity to the conviction Is there a sensitivity to the conviction Is there a sensitivity to the conviction of the spirit? If not, then just ask God of the spirit? If not, then just ask God of the spirit? If not, then just ask God to strip the calluses off your heart. to strip the calluses off your heart. to strip the calluses off your heart. Second thing I want to remind you of is Second thing I want to remind you of is Second thing I want to remind you of is that the spirit fills. Ephesians 5:18, that the spirit fills. Ephesians 5:18, that the spirit fills. Ephesians 5:18, don't get drunk with wine, for that's don't get drunk with wine, for that's don't get drunk with wine, for that's debauchery, but be filled with the debauchery, but be filled with the debauchery, but be filled with the spirit. Paul gives us an illustration.

spirit. Paul gives us an illustration. spirit. Paul gives us an illustration. He says, look, if you want to know what He says, look, if you want to know what He says, look, if you want to know what it's like to be spiritled, spiritfilled, it's like to be spiritled, spiritfilled, it's like to be spiritled, spiritfilled, think of someone who's inebriated. think of someone who's inebriated. think of someone who's inebriated. Because when you're drunk, what's true Because when you're drunk, what's true Because when you're drunk, what's true of you? of you? of you? When you're full of alcohol, it impacts When you're full of alcohol, it impacts When you're full of alcohol, it impacts the way you think. It impacts the way the way you think. It impacts the way the way you think. It impacts the way that you see. It impacts the way that that you see. It impacts the way that that you see. It impacts the way that you feel. It impacts the way that you you feel. It impacts the way that you you feel. It impacts the way that you talk. It impacts the way that you walk talk. It impacts the way that you walk talk. It impacts the way that you walk and the way that you act. Paul's saying and the way that you act. Paul's saying and the way that you act. Paul's saying exactly. exactly. exactly. When you're full of the spirit, it When you're full of the spirit, it When you're full of the spirit, it affects everything. It changes the way affects everything. It changes the way affects everything. It changes the way that you think, the way that you talk, that you think, the way that you talk, that you think, the way that you talk, the way that you act, the way that you the way that you act, the way that you the way that you act, the way that you treat others, the things that you do. It treat others, the things that you do. It treat others, the things that you do. It impacts everything. So think about that. When the spirit has So think about that. When the spirit has his way in your life, then you get the his way in your life, then you get the his way in your life, then you get the fruit of the spirit. Galatians 5:22, the fruit of the spirit. Galatians 5:22, the fruit of the spirit. Galatians 5:22, the fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, patience, kindness, goodness, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.

faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. So I just want you to think back So I just want you to think back So I just want you to think back over the past week. Can you pinpoint any over the past week. Can you pinpoint any over the past week. Can you pinpoint any moments where you were so clearly filled moments where you were so clearly filled moments where you were so clearly filled with the spirit or not filled with the with the spirit or not filled with the with the spirit or not filled with the spirit? spirit? spirit? Like I think about on my own life. Last Like I think about on my own life. Last Like I think about on my own life. Last Monday I was trying to get a title Monday I was trying to get a title Monday I was trying to get a title transferred on the car. I had to go to transferred on the car. I had to go to transferred on the car. I had to go to the Dallas County tax office three times the Dallas County tax office three times the Dallas County tax office three times in the same day. And on the second time in the same day. And on the second time in the same day. And on the second time when they were telling me again that when they were telling me again that when they were telling me again that more things needed to be done, you know more things needed to be done, you know more things needed to be done, you know when you like you feel that frustration when you like you feel that frustration when you like you feel that frustration rising rising rising and you're like oh it was like it was like in a moment in it was like it was like in a moment in time where I just felt it like this is time where I just felt it like this is time where I just felt it like this is changing my entire day and I could feel changing my entire day and I could feel changing my entire day and I could feel that frustration rising from here and it that frustration rising from here and it that frustration rising from here and it was about to come out here and the was about to come out here and the was about to come out here and the spirit was like, "Nope." spirit was like, "Nope." spirit was like, "Nope." Spirit was like, "No, like just take a Spirit was like, "No, like just take a Spirit was like, "No, like just take a deep breath." deep breath." deep breath." And it was like in a moment in time like And it was like in a moment in time like And it was like in a moment in time like I could feel things inside of me shift I could feel things inside of me shift I could feel things inside of me shift to where I was like, "Okay, yeah, that to where I was like, "Okay, yeah, that to where I was like, "Okay, yeah, that sound I Okay, thank you so much for your sound I Okay, thank you so much for your sound I Okay, thank you so much for your help today."

But there was restraint. But there was restraint. It's cuz the spirit was controlling or It's cuz the spirit was controlling or It's cuz the spirit was controlling or restraining. But then I think about restraining. But then I think about restraining. But then I think about Friday night and I was harsh with a Friday night and I was harsh with a Friday night and I was harsh with a couple of my kids. And when I think back couple of my kids. And when I think back couple of my kids. And when I think back over on that moment, it it was so clear over on that moment, it it was so clear over on that moment, it it was so clear that it was all me and none of the that it was all me and none of the that it was all me and none of the spirit in that moment. And I was just spirit in that moment. And I was just spirit in that moment. And I was just saying, "Look, I'm going to do things my saying, "Look, I'm going to do things my saying, "Look, I'm going to do things my own way." Can you look back over the own way." Can you look back over the own way." Can you look back over the last week and identify times where last week and identify times where last week and identify times where you've been filled with the spirit or you've been filled with the spirit or you've been filled with the spirit or not? not? not? We want to move from unspiritual to We want to move from unspiritual to We want to move from unspiritual to spiritual. We want to be spiritled. spiritual. We want to be spiritled. spiritual. We want to be spiritled. Couple more things and then I'm done. I Couple more things and then I'm done. I Couple more things and then I'm done. I just want to remind you that the spirit just want to remind you that the spirit just want to remind you that the spirit empowers us for witness. Acts 18, you'll empowers us for witness. Acts 18, you'll empowers us for witness. Acts 18, you'll receive power when the Holy Spirit has receive power when the Holy Spirit has receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you. You'll be my witnesses in come upon you. You'll be my witnesses in come upon you. You'll be my witnesses in Jerusalem and all Judea and Samaria to Jerusalem and all Judea and Samaria to Jerusalem and all Judea and Samaria to the end of the earth. Is fear holding the end of the earth. Is fear holding the end of the earth. Is fear holding you back from sharing your faith. you back from sharing your faith. you back from sharing your faith. Let me just encourage you. The spirit of Let me just encourage you. The spirit of Let me just encourage you. The spirit of the living God is in you the living God is in you the living God is in you this week. spirit wants to this week. spirit wants to this week. spirit wants to encourage you to pray for the lost and encourage you to pray for the lost and encourage you to pray for the lost and befriend the lost and invite the lost befriend the lost and invite the lost befriend the lost and invite the lost and share the gospel with the lost. He and share the gospel with the lost. He and share the gospel with the lost. He wants to use you and empower you. He wants to use you and empower you. He wants to use you and empower you. He wants to do the same with me. Let's let wants to do the same with me. Let's let wants to do the same with me. Let's let go of fear. Christ has saved us and go of fear. Christ has saved us and go of fear. Christ has saved us and given us his spirit so we can move given us his spirit so we can move given us his spirit so we can move forward in power.

forward in power. forward in power. And then finally, let me just remind you And then finally, let me just remind you And then finally, let me just remind you that the spirit gifts you. The spirit that the spirit gifts you. The spirit that the spirit gifts you. The spirit has given you at least one gift. 1 has given you at least one gift. 1 has given you at least one gift. 1 Corinthians 12:70. Each is given the Corinthians 12:70. Each is given the Corinthians 12:70. Each is given the manifestation of the spirit for the manifestation of the spirit for the manifestation of the spirit for the common good. common good. common good. So, you've been given the gift of So, you've been given the gift of So, you've been given the gift of leadership or administration or teaching leadership or administration or teaching leadership or administration or teaching or knowledge or wisdom or discernment or or knowledge or wisdom or discernment or or knowledge or wisdom or discernment or encouragement or shephering or faith or encouragement or shephering or faith or encouragement or shephering or faith or evangelism or service or mercy or give evangelism or service or mercy or give evangelism or service or mercy or give giving. You've been given at least one giving. You've been given at least one giving. You've been given at least one of those gifts for the purpose of of those gifts for the purpose of of those gifts for the purpose of serving the church. And yet so many people have been given a And yet so many people have been given a gift that you've never unwrapped. gift that you've never unwrapped. gift that you've never unwrapped. It's just sitting on the shelf. I shared It's just sitting on the shelf. I shared It's just sitting on the shelf. I shared with you months ago about my sousi with you months ago about my sousi with you months ago about my sousi journey. You remember that? journey. You remember that? journey. You remember that? Hey, you know what the good news is? Is Hey, you know what the good news is? Is Hey, you know what the good news is? Is I finally opened up that sousvie and I finally opened up that sousvie and I finally opened up that sousvie and started using it. I started using it started using it. I started using it started using it. I started using it enough that it actually broke. And when enough that it actually broke. And when enough that it actually broke. And when it broke, I had to make a decision. Am I it broke, I had to make a decision. Am I it broke, I had to make a decision. Am I a SUV guy? I purchased a new SUV just a SUV guy? I purchased a new SUV just a SUV guy? I purchased a new SUV just like that. Why? Cuz I opened the gift like that. Why? Cuz I opened the gift like that. Why? Cuz I opened the gift and I used the gift and now it's kind of and I used the gift and now it's kind of and I used the gift and now it's kind of unlocked some things. Let me just say, unlocked some things. Let me just say, unlocked some things. Let me just say, look, some of you guys have been given a look, some of you guys have been given a look, some of you guys have been given a gift. You're just sitting on the gift. You're just sitting on the gift. You're just sitting on the sideline. you're leaving it in the shelf sideline. you're leaving it in the shelf sideline. you're leaving it in the shelf and you've never unwrapped the gift to and you've never unwrapped the gift to and you've never unwrapped the gift to serve the church. And some of you heard serve the church. And some of you heard serve the church. And some of you heard my call to serving kids last week and my call to serving kids last week and my call to serving kids last week and you're like, "Look, I'm not called to you're like, "Look, I'm not called to you're like, "Look, I'm not called to kids." Fine. Where are you called to?

kids." Fine. Where are you called to? kids." Fine. Where are you called to? And you're like, "Well, I don't know. I And you're like, "Well, I don't know. I And you're like, "Well, I don't know. I don't know what my gift is." Okay. Well, don't know what my gift is." Okay. Well, don't know what my gift is." Okay. Well, look, you can get online and take a look, you can get online and take a look, you can get online and take a spiritual gifts assessment. We have on spiritual gifts assessment. We have on spiritual gifts assessment. We have on one on our website. But you know how one on our website. But you know how one on our website. But you know how you're probably best going to discover you're probably best going to discover you're probably best going to discover your gifts? Just jump in and serve. your gifts? Just jump in and serve. your gifts? Just jump in and serve. just jump in and start serving and God just jump in and start serving and God just jump in and start serving and God will make it clear. Let me just ask will make it clear. Let me just ask will make it clear. Let me just ask every person that calls this place home. every person that calls this place home. every person that calls this place home. Look, you've been given a gift to serve Look, you've been given a gift to serve Look, you've been given a gift to serve the church. Don't leave it on the shelf. the church. Don't leave it on the shelf. the church. Don't leave it on the shelf. You're missing out on joy. Go to You're missing out on joy. Go to You're missing out on joy. Go to watermark.org/serve watermark.org/serve watermark.org/serve and jump in. and jump in. and jump in. Look, I just think about that AI Look, I just think about that AI Look, I just think about that AI generated sweatervest ta. generated sweatervest ta. generated sweatervest ta. That's a long shot. That's a long shot. That's a long shot. It is a long shot at best. It's probably It is a long shot at best. It's probably It is a long shot at best. It's probably not possible. not possible. not possible. Let me just say it's not possible. Let me just say it's not possible. Let me just say it's not possible. Okay, let me just own it in front of you Okay, let me just own it in front of you Okay, let me just own it in front of you right here. right here. right here. But the normal Christian life is But the normal Christian life is But the normal Christian life is possible today. possible today. possible today. You don't have to be an almost Christian You don't have to be an almost Christian You don't have to be an almost Christian any longer. You can be a Christian any longer. You can be a Christian any longer. You can be a Christian today. You don't have to be an today. You don't have to be an today. You don't have to be an unbaptized Christian any longer. You can unbaptized Christian any longer. You can unbaptized Christian any longer. You can be a baptized Christian today. You don't be a baptized Christian today. You don't be a baptized Christian today. You don't have to be an unspiritual Christian any have to be an unspiritual Christian any have to be an unspiritual Christian any longer. You can be a spiritfilled, longer. You can be a spiritfilled, longer. You can be a spiritfilled, spirit-led Christian today. And I'm just spirit-led Christian today. And I'm just spirit-led Christian today. And I'm just telling you, the normal Christian life telling you, the normal Christian life telling you, the normal Christian life is the life that Jesus came to save us is the life that Jesus came to save us is the life that Jesus came to save us into. It's an abundant life. That's into. It's an abundant life. That's into. It's an abundant life. That's where fullness of joy is found.

where fullness of joy is found. where fullness of joy is found. So, would you take your first or your So, would you take your first or your So, would you take your first or your next step with Jesus Christ today? Let's next step with Jesus Christ today? Let's next step with Jesus Christ today? Let's pray together. Well Lord, I'm just asking you to have Well Lord, I'm just asking you to have your way in your people. I ask and pray that if there is anyone I ask and pray that if there is anyone here today who doesn't have a saving here today who doesn't have a saving here today who doesn't have a saving faith, I pray that right now they would faith, I pray that right now they would faith, I pray that right now they would trust in you. trust in you. trust in you. Lord, if someone hasn't been baptized, I Lord, if someone hasn't been baptized, I Lord, if someone hasn't been baptized, I don't want them to don't want them to don't want them to react react react out of guilt or emotion, out of guilt or emotion, out of guilt or emotion, but I pray that they would respond in a but I pray that they would respond in a but I pray that they would respond in a genu genuine conviction that genu genuine conviction that genu genuine conviction that it's just the right next step of it's just the right next step of it's just the right next step of obedience. obedience. obedience. And Lord, we all have a step to take And Lord, we all have a step to take And Lord, we all have a step to take with your spirit. Holy Spirit, would you with your spirit. Holy Spirit, would you with your spirit. Holy Spirit, would you just have your way in our lives? We want just have your way in our lives? We want just have your way in our lives? We want to be filled by you. We want to be to be filled by you. We want to be to be filled by you. We want to be sensitive to you. We want to be sensitive to you. We want to be sensitive to you. We want to be empowered by you.

empowered by you. empowered by you. We want to serve with your strength and We want to serve with your strength and We want to serve with your strength and power. So would you just unleash your power. So would you just unleash your power. So would you just unleash your church for the sake of the glory of church for the sake of the glory of church for the sake of the glory of Jesus Christ? I pray. Jesus Christ? I pray. Jesus Christ? I pray. Amen. Would you stand and respond with us in Would you stand and respond with us in worship? I'm [singing] coming back to the heart I'm [singing] coming back to the heart of worship. of worship. of worship. And it's all [singing] about you. And it's all [singing] about you. And it's all [singing] about you. It's all about you, [singing] Jesus. It's all about you, [singing] Jesus. It's all about you, [singing] Jesus. I'm sorry, Lord, for the thing I've I'm sorry, Lord, for the thing I've I'm sorry, Lord, for the thing I've [singing] made it. When it's all about [singing] made it. When it's all about [singing] made it. When it's all about you, you, you, oh it's [singing] all about you, Jesus. oh it's [singing] all about you, Jesus. oh it's [singing] all about you, Jesus. I'm coming back to the heart [singing] I'm coming back to the heart [singing] I'm coming back to the heart [singing] of worship [music] of worship [music] of worship [music] and it's all about you.

and it's all about you. and it's all about you. Oh, it's all [music and singing] about Oh, it's all [music and singing] about Oh, it's all [music and singing] about you, Jesus. you, Jesus. you, Jesus. I'm sorry, [music] Lord, for the thing I'm sorry, [music] Lord, for the thing I'm sorry, [music] Lord, for the thing [singing] I'm waiting [singing] I'm waiting [singing] I'm waiting when it's [music] all about you. when it's [music] all about you. when it's [music] all about you. Oh, [singing] it's all about you, Jesus. Oh, [singing] it's all about you, Jesus. Oh, [singing] it's all about you, Jesus. [music] [music] [music] It's all about It's all [music] It's all [music] about you. Let's just keep singing that. about you. Let's just keep singing that. about you. Let's just keep singing that. Coming back. Coming back. Coming back. I'm coming [music and singing] back to I'm coming [music and singing] back to I'm coming [music and singing] back to the heart of worship. the heart of worship. the heart of worship. And it's all [singing and music] about And it's all [singing and music] about And it's all [singing and music] about you. you. you. Oh, it's all about you, Jesus. Oh, it's all about you, Jesus. Oh, it's all about you, Jesus. I'm sorry, [music and singing] I'm sorry, [music and singing] I'm sorry, [music and singing] Lord, for the thing I made it. And it's Lord, for the thing I made it. And it's Lord, for the thing I made it. And it's all about [singing] all about [singing] all about [singing] you. you. you. Oh, it's [music] all about you, Jesus.

Oh, it's [music] all about you, Jesus. Oh, it's [music] all about you, Jesus. I'm coming [singing] I'm coming [singing] I'm coming [singing] back to the [music] heart of worship. back to the [music] heart of worship. back to the [music] heart of worship. And it's all [singing] about you. And it's all [singing] about you. And it's all [singing] about you. [music] [music] [music] It's all about you, Jesus. It's all about you, Jesus. It's all about you, Jesus. I'm sorry you want to be I [singing] I'm sorry you want to be I [singing] I'm sorry you want to be I [singing] made it when it's all [music] about you. made it when it's all [music] about you. made it when it's all [music] about you. It's all about [singing] you. Cuz it's It's all about [singing] you. Cuz it's It's all about [singing] you. Cuz it's all about you. all about you. all about you. Oh, [music] it's all about you. Oh, [music] it's all about you. Oh, [music] it's all about you. Yes, it's all about you. Yes, it's all about you. Yes, it's all about you. It's all about you. It's all about you. It's all about you. I'm coming back to [music] I'm coming back to [music] I'm coming back to [music] heartship. It's all about you. It's all about you. [music] It's all about you, Jesus. [music] It's all about you, Jesus. [music] It's all about you, Jesus. I'm sorry, [music and singing] love.

It [music] is all about you. It [music] is all about you. Oh, it's all about you. Oh, it's all about you. Oh, it's all about you. This is all about [music and singing] This is all about [music and singing] This is all about [music and singing] you. you. you. Oh, it's all about you. This is [music] Oh, it's all about you. This is [music] Oh, it's all about you. This is [music] all about you. all about you. all about you. It's all about you, Jesus. Sometimes when we sing a chorus like Sometimes when we sing a chorus like that to [music] end a service, uh that to [music] end a service, uh that to [music] end a service, uh there's something stirring inside of you there's something stirring inside of you there's something stirring inside of you and you're singing those words, but and you're singing those words, but and you're singing those words, but they're they're moving inside you they're they're moving inside you they're they're moving inside you differently. [music] And so if you're differently. [music] And so if you're differently. [music] And so if you're saying, "I'm coming back to the heart of saying, "I'm coming back to the heart of saying, "I'm coming back to the heart of worship and God is drawing you back into worship and God is drawing you back into worship and God is drawing you back into something, to a closer walk with him, to something, to a closer walk with him, to something, to a closer walk with him, to a surrender to him, [music] to a need a surrender to him, [music] to a need a surrender to him, [music] to a need for him, let me encourage you to tell for him, let me encourage you to tell for him, let me encourage you to tell somebody. And if you don't know who to somebody. And if you don't know who to somebody. And if you don't know who to tell, there's always a group of people. tell, there's always a group of people. tell, there's always a group of people. They wear white lanyards and they stand They wear white lanyards and they stand They wear white lanyards and they stand in front of the stage after the service.

in front of the stage after the service. in front of the stage after the service. They're here to talk to you about what They're here to talk to you about what They're here to talk to you about what God is doing in your life. If you're God is doing in your life. If you're God is doing in your life. If you're carrying a burden and you need someone carrying a burden and you need someone carrying a burden and you need someone to bring it to the Lord in prayer, to bring it to the Lord in prayer, to bring it to the Lord in prayer, they're here to pray for you. If you they're here to pray for you. If you they're here to pray for you. If you don't own a Bible, they would love to don't own a Bible, they would love to don't own a Bible, they would love to give you one, too. [music] So, please give you one, too. [music] So, please give you one, too. [music] So, please come forward after the service. If you come forward after the service. If you come forward after the service. If you need someone to follow up with you this need someone to follow up with you this need someone to follow up with you this week or you're looking for more week or you're looking for more week or you're looking for more information or to provide feedback, information or to provide feedback, information or to provide feedback, there's always a tear off section in there's always a tear off section in there's always a tear off section in your watermark news, and you can read your watermark news, and you can read your watermark news, and you can read through that and leave whatever through that and leave whatever through that and leave whatever information you want to leave, and we'll information you want to leave, and we'll information you want to leave, and we'll follow up with you. Uh, after you read follow up with you. Uh, after you read follow up with you. Uh, after you read Joe and Alli's story, make sure you look Joe and Alli's story, make sure you look Joe and Alli's story, make sure you look through the watermark news to find out through the watermark news to find out through the watermark news to find out what your next step could be as growing what your next step could be as growing what your next step could be as growing as a disciple or making disciples. There as a disciple or making disciples. There as a disciple or making disciples. There is one thing I want to tell you about is one thing I want to tell you about is one thing I want to tell you about before we go out and celebrate these before we go out and celebrate these before we go out and celebrate these baptisms at the pond today. Uh, and that baptisms at the pond today. Uh, and that baptisms at the pond today. Uh, and that is uh in two weeks we are hosting a is uh in two weeks we are hosting a is uh in two weeks we are hosting a national gathering for young adults national gathering for young adults national gathering for young adults called Awaken. And I want to invite you called Awaken. And I want to invite you called Awaken. And I want to invite you to get out your phone, everyone, whether to get out your phone, everyone, whether to get out your phone, everyone, whether you're a young adult or not, and scan you're a young adult or not, and scan you're a young adult or not, and scan this QR code because I found out this this QR code because I found out this this QR code because I found out this week that there are literally dozens of week that there are literally dozens of week that there are literally dozens of young adults who would love to young adults who would love to young adults who would love to participate in this Labor Day weekend participate in this Labor Day weekend participate in this Labor Day weekend gathering, uh, but they cannot afford gathering, uh, but they cannot afford gathering, uh, but they cannot afford it. And I just thought, man, the body of it. And I just thought, man, the body of it. And I just thought, man, the body of Christ at Watermark would love to know Christ at Watermark would love to know Christ at Watermark would love to know about that and have the opportunity to about that and have the opportunity to about that and have the opportunity to sponsor an attendee to Awaken. So, if sponsor an attendee to Awaken. So, if sponsor an attendee to Awaken. So, if you scan this code and you tap the you scan this code and you tap the you scan this code and you tap the register button, you can scroll down and register button, you can scroll down and register button, you can scroll down and there's an opportunity for you to there's an opportunity for you to there's an opportunity for you to sponsor someone to come to awaken this sponsor someone to come to awaken this sponsor someone to come to awaken this year. So, I hope everybody will scan year. So, I hope everybody will scan year. So, I hope everybody will scan this and go to that and prayerfully this and go to that and prayerfully this and go to that and prayerfully consider, [music] consider, [music] consider, [music] hey, how could I support a young adult hey, how could I support a young adult hey, how could I support a young adult who is seeking God and seeking to

who is seeking God and seeking to who is seeking God and seeking to connect with God's people right now in connect with God's people right now in connect with God's people right now in their life? Uh, and a reminder coming up their life? Uh, and a reminder coming up their life? Uh, and a reminder coming up in two weeks, [music] we are having a in two weeks, [music] we are having a in two weeks, [music] we are having a special Thursday night service for special Thursday night service for special Thursday night service for Watermark. And we want to invite as many Watermark. And we want to invite as many Watermark. And we want to invite as many people as possible to worship with us on people as possible to worship with us on people as possible to worship with us on Thursday, Labor Day weekend to make room Thursday, Labor Day weekend to make room Thursday, Labor Day weekend to make room for Awaken attendees to worship with us for Awaken attendees to worship with us for Awaken attendees to worship with us at [music] our normal services that at [music] our normal services that at [music] our normal services that Sunday morning. All right, guys. We've Sunday morning. All right, guys. We've Sunday morning. All right, guys. We've already got three people, Lily, Riley, already got three people, Lily, Riley, already got three people, Lily, Riley, and Gabrielle, who have said yes to and Gabrielle, who have said yes to and Gabrielle, who have said yes to Jesus, and they want to make that public Jesus, and they want to make that public Jesus, and they want to make that public proclamation of faith in him. But proclamation of faith in him. But proclamation of faith in him. But reminder, you're invited to join them. reminder, you're invited to join them. reminder, you're invited to join them. So, let's go out to the pond. Let's So, let's go out to the pond. Let's So, let's go out to the pond. Let's celebrate with them. And then let's go celebrate with them. And then let's go celebrate with them. And then let's go and have a great week of worship. Heat. Heat.

Heat. Heat. [music] >> Heat. Heat. >> Heat. Heat. [music] >> [music]

>> [music] >> Everything